CORNELL UNIVEHSITY LIBBABiK, 3 l"9"24 097 286 300 The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924097286300 In compliance with current copyright law, Cornell University Library produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. 2003 HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF BERKS COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA EMBRACING zA Concise History of the County and a Genealogical and BioGRAPHiJAL Record of Representative Families COMPILED BY MORTON L. MONTGOMERY In T'wo Volumes ILLUSTRATED VOLUME I. CHICAGO J. H. BEERS & CO. 1909 Hi PREFACE THE first attempt at the compilation of local history in Berks County was made in 1841 by William Stahle, a storekeeper at Reading. Fie published a small volume of 68 pages in two editions, one in the English language and the other in the German, entitled "A Description of the Borough of Reading," and it related chiefly to the business affairs of Reading. The book was prepared for him by Jackson H. Sherman, a young lawyer, who had shortly before been admitted to practice in the Courts of Berks County. The next attempt was made in 1844 by I. Daniel Rupp, of Lancaster. For some years before, he ha'd been engaged in collecting information relating to a number of counties in Pennsylvania which were situated to the east and west of the Susquehanna River, and the re- sult of his persevering industry was published in separate volumes, entitled after the several counties. One of them was the "History of Berks and Lebanon Counties," an octavo volume of 504 pages. In 1859, Amos K. Strunk, of Boyertown, published a small book of 134 pages, embracing the names of the county representatives and officials who served from 1752 to 1860; and he issued it in two editions, one in the English language and the other in the German, for use as a convenient book of reference. In 1883, the author of the present work published the "Po- litical Hand-Book of Berks County," an octavo volume of 104 pages, which was an enlarge- ment of Strunk's idea, embracing census information of the county, the names of the repre- sentatives and officials of Reading, and also census information of Reading, besides the names of the county officials, from 1753 to 1883. In 1881, Prof. David B. Brunner, a school teacher at Reading for many years, published "The Indians of Berks County," an octavo volume of 177 pages; which related to the aborig- ines of the county and included many cuts (176), made by himself, of the various relics found in the county; and a revised edition (257 pages) was issued by him in 1897. The author compiled the following works on local history : In 1886, the "History of Berks County," a royal octavo volume of 1204 pages, for the publishers, Messrs. Everts, Peck & Richards, of Philadelphia, which embraced a comprehensive description and tabulated state- ments of local affairs, besides numerous biographical sketches of men who were prominent in the industrial, financial, political and professional matters of the county; in 1889, the "School History of Berks County," a duodecimo volume of 300 pages, for use in the public schools of the county as a supplementary reader, which has been used in the local schools since that time; in 1894, "Berks County in the Revolution," an octavo volume of 295 pages, for the purpose of showing what services the people of the county rendered the national gov- ernment in the establishment of independence ; and in 1898, the "Sesqui-Centennial History of Reading," an octavo volume of 298 pages, which embraced a concise narrative of local events and industrial affairs for 150 years, and a comprehensive description of the anniversary pro- ceedings, as an appropriate memorial of the extraordinary occasion. The volumes mentioned are the works of a general historical nature which have been published of the county. After the lapse of more than twenty years from the time of, pub- lishing the large county history of 1886, the author was encouraged by many persons to re- vise that work by bringing the historical details down to the present time. Arrangements were accordingly made with the publishers of this work to publish it under the title of "His- torical and Biographical Annals of Berks County," so as to embrace, besides general history, local biography and genealogy, which in that time had become very important in the estima- tion of many historical societies throughout the State of Pennsylvania, and their publication in a convenient and permanent form was encouraged by those societies. Much time has been devoted to the careful preparation of this work in order to pro- duce a compilation which should be recognized for its thoroughness in covering every section of the county. The table of contents relating to the historical annals is comprehensive, and the long list of personal sketches evidences patient inquiry in securing the biographical and genea- logical annals; and these taken together will be appreciated by the public generally, as well as by the patrons of the work, as of incalculable value to the people of the county and to the numerous descendants of the First Families who were located in the county before the Revolution. Many of the sketches contain items of history which would not be preserved in any other way. In nearly every instance the data were submitted to those immediately inter- ested for revision and correction. "Family Reunions" has been a subject of importance to many persons of the county for upward of ten years, and descendants of different families have assembled at certain pe- riods in different places of the county to show respect for their ancestors and to collect bio- graphical and genealogical data. Some of them have been very successful. A chapter on the subject (XIII) has been included in this work, and it is the first attempt in the collection of this particular kind of information. It is to be regretted that many others of the "First Families," of equal prominence, have not also in this time formed reunions and held meet- ings so as to increase their beneficent social influence in the county and to assist in preserving distinct family records and genealogies. November, 1909. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I — Erection of County Page Physical Geography 1-4 Mountains, 1 -^ Relative Elevations, 4 Valleys, 2 ^ Iron Ore, t Streams, 3 Copper Ore, 4 Schuylkill, 3 Minerals, 4 Latitude and Longitude, 4 Geology, 4 Conditions of Territory 4-6 Petitions for County 6-16 Districts at Erection, 7 First Assessment, 8 Boundaries of County, 7 First Taxables, Names of in 26 Townships, 8-16 Nationalities 16-20 Swedes, 16 Welsh, 19 Germans, 17 Irish, 19 Hugiuenots, 17 Hebrews, 19 French, 18 Negroes, 19 English, 18 First Occupants, Indians 20-23 Origin, 20 Retreat of Indians, 22 Delaware Tribes, 20 Indian Names, 22 Ganawese, 21 Villages, 23 Manners and Customs, 21 Indian Relics, 28 PtntcHASE OF Territory 23-24 Reductions of Territory 24 Northumberland County, 24 Other Counties Proposed, 24 Schuylkill County, 24 Chapter II — Industry of County Agriculture 25-26 General Condition and Agricultural Society, 26 Progress, 25 Farmers' Union, 26 Iron Industries 27-38 Furnaces and Forges, 27 General Industries, 28 Industrial Statistics, 27 Memorial for National Iron-masters, 27 Foundry, 28 Internal Improvements 28-44 Schuylkill River, 28 Canals, 34 Fishing and Navigation, 28 Railways, 36 Freshets, 29 Post-OiBces, 40 Bridges, 29 Telegraph, 43 Roads and Turnpikes, 31 Telephone, 43 State Highways, 33 Oil Pipe Lines, 44 Stages, 33 Political Sentiment 68-71 Political Parties, 68 Vote for Prohibition, 69 Vote for Governor, 68 Election of 1876, 69 Vote for President, 69 State Conventions at Read- Vote for Constitutional ing, 69 Amendments, 69 Mass-Meetings, 70 Political Festivals 71-72 Hiester Festival of 1820, 71 Tilden Festival of 1876, 72 Harrison Festival of 1840, Cleveland Festivals, 72 71 Offices by Special Legislation 72-73 National Representatives 73-74 Congressmen, 73 U. S. Commissioners, 74 Foreign Ministers, 74 Registers in Bankruptcy, 74 Foreign Consuls, 74 State Representati\'es 74-75 Delegates to Conventions, 74-75 State Officials 75 Senators 75 Assemblymen 75-77 County Officers 77-87 Commissioners, 77 Surveyors, 82 Auditors, 78 Poor Directors, 82 Controllers, 79 Stewards, 83 Treasurers, 79 Prison Inspectors, 83 Sheriffs, 79 Prison Wardens, 85 Coroners, 80 Jury Commissioners, 85 Prothonotaries, 80 Mercantile Appraisers, 85 Recorders, 81 License Commissioners, 86 Registers, 81 Oil Inspectors, 86 Orphans' Court Clerks, 81 Sealers of Weights and Quarter Sessions' Clerks, 81 Measures, 86 District Attorneys, 82 Superintendents of Common Special Detectives, 82 Schools, 87 County Buildings 87-90 Court-Houses, 87 State-House, 89 Prisons, 89 Poor-House, 90 Chapter III — Education in County Religion 45-54 Denominations Described, 45 Sunday Schools of Berks Pastors Long in Service, 48 County, 51 Churches in "Townships, 49 Sunday Mails, 53 General Education 54-58 Early Encouragement, 54 Tabular Statement of 1908, Teachers Before 1752, 64 56 Charity Schools, 54 Lecture on Conrad Weiser, Common Schools, 55 ^ 57 System Accepted by Dis- Purpose of Lecture, 58 tricts, 55 Teachers' Institutes, 58 Newspapers 59-61 Weekly Newspapers, 69 Daily Newspapers, 60 Language, Manners and Customs 61-65 Chapter IV — Government and Officials Election Districts 65-66 Prominent Representative Men 66-68 Chapter V — Bench and Bar Judges — 1752 to 1790 91-92 Judges — 1790 to 1909 92-93 President Judges, 92 Orphans' Court Judges, 92 Additional Law Judges, 92* Associate Judges, 92 Attorneys at Law 93-95 Chapter VI — Medical Profession Medical Faculty of Berks County 96-105 Berks County Medical So- Reading, 98 ciety, 96 _ Boroughs, 100 Reading Medical Associa- Manatawny Section, 100 tion, 98 Ontelaunee Section, 101 Allopathic Practitioners, 98- Tulpehocken Section, 101 101 Schuylkill Section, 101 Homoeopathy 101-103 Homoeopathic Practitioners Homoeopathic Medical and Association of Reading, Surgical Hospital of 102 Reading, 103 Homoeopathic Practitioners, 102 Osteopathy 103 Osteopathic Practitioners, 103 Dentistry 103 Dental Practitioners, 103 Veterinary 104 Veterinary Practitioners, 104 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter VII — Public Charities State Institutions. 105 Wernersville State Asylum, 106 State Hospital, 106 Glen Mills Reformatory, 106 Eastern State Peniten- tiary, 106 Huntingdon Reformatory, 106 County Institutions .■ 106-107 Hospitals, 106 Homes, 106 Schools, 106 Chapter VIII — War Periods French and Indian Was 107-110 Cause of War, 107 Peace Declared, 109 Troops in County, 107 Murdered and Captured, Forts in County, 108 109 Premium for Scalps, 109 Revolution— 1775-83 110-120 Cause, 110 Colonels in Service, 116 Meeting at Reading, 111 Captains in Service, 116 Lexington Awakens County, Army Supplies from Coun- 112 ty, 116 First Officers from Coun- Store House at Read- ty, 112 ing, 116 Germans to Rescue, 112 Lotz Receipt Book, 116 Associators, 112 Iron , Industries, 116 Recommendations for Com- Ironmasters, 117 panics, 113 Continental Paper Money, County Colonels, 113 117 Declaration Read in Coun- Incumbents of Positions, ty, 113 117 Population of County in Peace Declared, 119 1776, 113 Return of Soldiers, 120 Companies in Service, 113 Whiskey Insurrection, 1794 120 Cause, 120 Washington at Reading, 120 Troops from County, 120 House-Tax and Liberty- Poles, 1799 120-121 Cause of Insurrection, 120 Keim's Company Compli- Excitement at Reading, 121 mented, 121 Embargo of 1807 121 English War of 1812-15 121-122 Cause of War, 121 Companies from Coun- Families from Philadelphia, ty, 122 12? Peace Declared, 122 Mexican War of 1846-48 122-123 Cause of War, 122 Battles of Company, 123 Reading Artillerists, 183 Return of Company, 123 Departure of Company for Mexico, 123 Civil War of 1861-65 123-139 Cause of War, 123 Ringgold Light Artillery, Call for Troops, 124 129 Patriotism of County, 124 Three Years' Service — War Meetings at Reading, 1861-64, 131 125 RingROld Band, 134 Appropriations for Boun- Durell's Battery, 135 ties, etc., 126 Nine Months' Service, 1862- Ladies' Aid Society, 126 63, 135 Reading Hospital, 126 Volunteer Militia of 1862, Drafts and Quotas of Coun- 136 ty, 126 Drafted Militia of 1862, 138 Northern Men in Service, Emergency Troops of 1863, 127 137 Summary of Battles, 127 One Hundred Days' Serv- Paper Money, 127 ice, 138 Companies from County, 128 One Year's Service of 1864- Surgeons from County, 129 65, 138 'Three Months' Service — Miscellaneous Enlistments, 1861, 129 139 Military Associations, 139 Spanish War of 1898 139-140 Militia System— 1776-1909 140-145 Returns for 1775, 140 System Since Revolution, Returns for 1776, 141 142 Returns for 1777, 141 State National Guard, 143 New Svstem Provided, State Police, 144 1777, 141 Property Valuation of Districts — 1885, 1908 148 Money at Interest, by Districts — 1885, 1908 149 Registered Voters, by Districts — 1908 149 Presidential Vote of 1908 150 State Appropriations to County — 1904,1908 150 Banking in Berks County — 1909 151 Land and Live Stock of County — 1908 152 Chapter IX — Census First Enumeration 146 Census Table of County, 1800 to 1900 147 Taxables of County, by Districts — 1885,1908 148 Chapter X — Reading Town, 1748 to 1783 153-156 First Grant to Penn, 153 First Store at Reading, 155 First Patents, 153 Public Buildings, 155 Town Laid Out, 153 Oldest Buildings, 155 Lots Sold, 153 Educational AfEairs, 155 First Patentees, 153 Nationality of Inhabit- Ground Rent, 154 ants, 155 Reading made County- French and Indian Seat, 154 War, 155 Town District Established, Revolution, 156 155 Borough, 1783 to 1847 156-159 Borough Erected, 156 Churches and Schools, 157 Surrounding Towns, 156 Industrial Affairs, 157 Post-Office, 156 Water and Light, 158 Stage-Coach, 157 Fire Companies. 158 Bridges, 167 Street Names Changed, 168 Turnpikes, 157 Early Exhibitions. 158 Public Buildings, 157 Distinguished Visitors, 158 Canals, 167 Liberty-Poles of 1799, 159 Railroads. 157 English War of 1812-15, 159 Banks, 157 Mexican War of 1846-48, Panic of 1837, 157 159 Newspapers, 167 City, 1847 to 1909 159-166 Reading in 1847, 159 Decade, 1887-97, 162 Decade, 1847-57, 160 " 1897-1909, 163 1857-67, 161 Riot in 1877, 164 " 1867-77, 161 Sesqui-Centennial of 1898, " 1877-87, 162 166 Industries 167-193 Early Employments Before Industrial Development, 1783, 167 1783-1847, 168 Industrial Character of Industries in 1847, 168 Inhabitants, 167 Indu.qtrial Development Early Traffic, 167 Since 1847, 169 Warehouse in 1826. 167 Statement of Industries, Employments and Factories 170-193 in 1840, 168 Internal Improvements 193-200 Market-Houses, 1%3 Stage-Coaches, 197 Waterworks. 193 Canals, 197 Public Roads, 194 Steam Railroads, 197 Sewers, 194 Street Railways, 197 Subway, 194 Mountain Railroads, 198 Ferries and Bridges, 195 Telegraph, 198 Freshets, 195 Telephone, 199 Fire Company Buildings, Gas Light, 199 195 Electric Light dnd Power, Public Parks, 195 199 Post-Office, 195 Steam Heat, 200 City Hall, 196 Halls, 200 Cemeteries, 196 Location of City. 200 Turnpikes, 196 Elevation above Sea Level 200 Religion and Education 200-204 Churches, 200 Statement of School Build- Church Attendance, 201 ings, 202 Schools, 202 Private Schools, 203 Newspapers 204 Associations 204-216 Government and Officials 216-234 State Representatives, 216 Select Councilmen, 220-231 Burgesses, 217 Presidents of Select Coun- Mayors, 217 cil, 221 Chiefs of Police, 218 Clerks of Select Council, Treasurers, 218 221 Auditors, 218 Common Councilmen, 221- ControUers, 218 226 Water Commissioners, 218 Presidents of Common Water Superintendents, 219 Council, 226 Park Commissioners, 219 Clerks of Common Council, Park Superintendents, 219 226 Citv Assessors, 219 City Clerks, 227 Building Inspectors. 219 City Solicitors, 227 Commissioners of Public City Engineers, 227 Works, 219 TABLE OF CONTENTS vn Market Commissioners, 227 Board of Public Health. 827 Members of Board, 227 Health Commissioners, 227 Plumbing Inspectors, 227 Trustees of Public Library, 228 Justices of the Peace, 228 Aldermen, 229 Constables, 229 Census Census Table — 1S50-1900, 234 Sexes of Population, 234 Population North and South of Penn Street, 234 Colored Population, 234 Comparative Statistics, 234 Assessment for 1898, 234 School Controllers, 230 Presidents of School Board, 23S Secretaries of School Board, 233 Treasurers of School Board, 233 City Superintendents, 234 Meat and Milk Inspectors, 234 334-237 Assessment for 1908, 235 Presidential Vote, 1908, 235 Comparative Statement, 236 Number of Buildings, 236 Liquor Licenses for 1909, 236 Table of Industries in 1900, 237 Chapter XI — Boroughs Erection Comparative Table Industries Statement of Banks Mercantile Licenses Liquor Licenses Churches Schools Statement of I. O. O. F Statement of P. O. S. of A ; East of Schuylkill Kutztown, 240 Topton, 261 Hamburg, 247 Lenhartsville, 263 Boyertown, 252 Bechtelsville, 264 Fleetwood, 259 Mount Penn, 266 West of Schuylkill Womelsdorf, 268 , Wyomissing, 281 Bernville, 271 Mohnton, 285 Birdsboro, 274 West Reading, 288 Centreport, 278 Shillington, 293 West Leesport, 280 Chapter XII — Townships Four Sections Erection of Townships Development of Sections Government Railway and Telegraph Industrial Situation '. Religion and Education Statistics 238 238 238 239 239 239 239 240 240 240 296 296 296 297 297 297 297 298 Towns 298 Mercantile Licenses 298 Liquor Licenses 298 P. O. S. OF A. Camps 298 Manatawny Section 298-303 Names of Townships, 298 Iron Ore Mines, 301 Derivation of Names, 299 Highways, 301 Boroughs, 299 Additional Taxables (Doug- Names of Towns, 300 lass, Rockland, and First Settlers, 300 District), 301 Industrial Prominence, 300 Noteworthy Enterprises, 302 Ontelaunee Section 303-306 Names of Townships, 303 Blue Rocks, 304 Derivation of Names, 303 Iron Ore Mines, 304 Boroughs, 304 Highways, 304 Names of Towns, 304 Early Iron Works, 305 First Settlers, 304 Noteworthy Enterprises, 305 Indian Atrocities, 304 TULPEHOCKEN SECTION 306-308 Names of Townships, 306 First Settlers, 306 Derivation of Names, 306 Highways, 306 Boroughs, 306 Noteworthy Enterprises, 307 Names of Towns, 306 Berkshire Country Club, 307 Schuylkill Section 308-311 Names of Townships, 308 Highways, 309 Derivation of Names, 308 Early Industries, 309 Boroughs, 309 Suburban Towns, 309 Names of Towns, 309 Noteworthy Enterprises. 310 First Settlers, 309 Chapter XIII — Family Reunions First Families of County. Reunions Baer, 313 Bertolet, 313 Boyer, 314 Croll, 314 De Long, 314 Dierolf, 315 Dietrich, 315 Dries, 315 Fisher- Hartman Furry, 316 Gery, 316 Grim, 316 Hafer, 317 Hartman-Fisher, 316 HefEner, 317 Heinly, 317 Kistler, 318 316 Kline, 318 Krick, 318 Levengood, 318 Ludwig, 319 Lutz, 319 Reedy, 319 Ritter, 319 Rohrbach, 320 Saul, 320 Schaeffer, 320 Seaman, 321 Schneider, 321 Strauss, 321 Trexler, 321 Wamsher, 322 Yeich, 322 311-313 Biographical 323 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Addams, Isaac 633 Addams, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac 633 Addams, Rufus 633 Addams, Wellington 1 632r Althouse, Wilson D 968 Ancona, Sydenham E 376 Baer, George F 344 Barbey, John 585 Barbey, Peter 584 Bauscher, Henry and Sarah 1288 Beck, George S 840 Behne, Gustavus A 713 Beidler, Isaac Y 856 Benson, David E 688 Benson, Dr. Lot. 688 Berks County Prison 105 Bissinger, Philip 760 Bittner, Daniel F 1257 Bland, Judge H. Willis 400 Blimline, Sebastian 1560 Bobst, WilHam J 1368 Boone's . (Daniel) Birthplace 299 Bornemann, Rev. George 564 Breneis-er, Charles 736 Brooke, Edward 338 Brooke, George 336 Bruckman, Judge George W 752 Burkey, Peter 1080 Clymer, William H 360 County Map 1 Court-House, New 88 Court-House, Old 87 Crystal Cave — "Prairie Dogs" 822 Dechert, Adam 888 Dechert, Henry M 904 Deisher. Henry K. 1160 Dick, Henry D 744 Early Patents, Reading 153 Eckenroad, Francis H 1544 Eckert, George B 797 Esser, Jacob B 872 Fahrbach, John A 1448 Federal Inn 155 Fire Engine 205 First Church in County 45 First Defenders, Monument 196 First House in County (Old Swede Building) 17 First Public School at Reading 202 First School-house at Reading 202 Flax Brake 64 Gan-sho-han-ne — Poem 3 G. A. R. Monument 196 Gittelman, John J. K 1592 Gnau, Jacob 1384 Grim, Daniel P 1304 Griscom, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel 393 Griscom, William M 392 Gundry, Prof. G. Harel 1480 Guss, Samuel M 1433 Haak, George E 624 Hafer, Edward E 1176 Harbster, Matthan 536 Harbster, William 52S Harrisburg (Penn Street) Bridge, Old 29 Hartraan, Harrison E 938 Hawley, Jesse G ^"^^ Haws, John W 1576 Heckler, Charles T 1464 Heckman, Harry A 1112 Heizmann, Albert A 664 Heizmann, Charles R 665 Heller, F. P 953 Hendel, Daniel J 648 Hendel, Edwin F 649 Henninger, Hunter 1191 Herbein, Rev. M. L. 984 High, Ezra 785 High, Brig.-Gen. William 785 Hoffeditz, John C 1128 Huntzinger, Benjamin K 1000 Huntzinger, Rev. Franklin K 488 Irwin, William J 1337 Jacobs, J. Howard 616 Jail, New 105 Jail, Old 89 Jones, J. Glancy 323 Jones, Jonathan 352 Jones, Richmond L 384 Keim, George deB 496 Keim, Gen. George M 328 Keystone State Normal School 245 Kissinger, John M 1224 Kistler, Rev. Charles E 1144 Kline, Mahlon N 776 Knabb, Jacob 568 Kremp, Joseph P 1241 Kohler's (Crystal) Cave 822 Lancaster Bridge 29 Lauer, Franklin P 783 Lauer, Frederick and Mary 783 Lauer Monument 784 Lauter, Gerhard 1512 Leinbach, George A 593 Leinbach, Jonathan G 720 Leippe, Charles E 681 Levan, Abraham 1084 Lincolns, Early Home of 299 Luden, William H 768 Marks, Dr. William F 1400 Mauger, David F 527 McKinley Monument 196 McKnight, Capt. James 129 Merritt, Thomas P 480 Miller, Jonathan B 1352 Miller, Lewis 1240 Mishler, John D 696 Mohn, Jeremiah G 728 Montgomery, Mbrton L Frontispiece Monuments, First Defenders G. A. R McKinley Volunteer Firemen 196 Mould, Jonathan 704 Muhlenberg, Henry A 440 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS NicoUs, Giistavus A 520 Klolan, Edwari C 576 J^olan, James 456 J^olan, William 448 JNolan, William, Jr 576 J^Iolde, Jacob 600 Old Swede Building (First House in County) 17 •Otto, Henry M 920 JPatents, Early, Reading 153 Peifer, Peter 1528 Penn Hardware Company 666 .Penn Street (Harrisburg) Bridge, Old 29 Pioneer Homesteads, Tulpehocken Valley, 1733, Map 306 Printz, Daniel F 640 .Prutzman, Asaph 808 ^Reading, Administration Building of School Dis- trict 55 Reading, Boys' High School 202 City Hall 196 Early Patents 153 Federal Inn 155 First Public School 202 " First School-house 203 "' Free Library 55 Girls' High School 203 "" Home for Friendless Children 314 " " " " Play Grounds 314 Hospital 312 " Penn Square, looking east from 5th St. . . 192 " Penn Square, looking west from 5th St. . . 193 " Penn Square, looking east from 4th St. . . 193 " Penn Square, North Side, looking east from 5th St 200 ■Reading, Penn Square, North Side, looking west from 5th St 200 IReading, Penn Square, South Side, looking west from 5th St 193 Reading, Penn Square, South Side, looking west from 6th St 198 Reading, Plan of Roads to 32 Post-Office 195 " Public School Building, 5th and Spring Sts 203 Reading, Public School Building, 11th and Pike Sts. 203 " Sesqui-Centennial, Executive Committee 166 " Sesqui-Centennial, Head of Civic Parade 167 Sesqui-Centennial, Division of Industrial Parade .167 Reading, Town Plan 154 View of City from West 153 Widows' Home 213 Rhoads, Henry W 1336 Richards, Louis 513 Rick, Cyrus 544 Rick, George A 608 Rick, William 552 Ritter, Louis 657 Rocks of Rockland 300 Rothermel, Abraham H 441 Rothermel Coat of Arms 441 Saylor, Benjamin 672 Schaeflfer, Charles H 368 Schall, David 786 Schall William A 786 Schofer, Christopher Henry 1308 Seidel, Franklin 1416 Seiders, Henry 1496 Seltzer. Jonathan R 824 Smink, F. C 432 Smith, Frederick L 464 Smith, Levi B 416 Smith, William D 424 Spatz, ■ Isaac S 1048 Spatz, John G 1048 Speidel, John G 1064 Spinning Wheel 63 Stage Coach 197 State Asylum (Wernersville) 105 State House 90 State Normal School (Kutztown) 245 Staufer, William M 1033 Strunk, John M 1016 Tulpehocken Valley, Pioneer Homesteads, 1733. Map .' . 306 Turner, Newton R 1372 Volunteer Firemen, Monument 196 Walter, Dr. Robert 504 Wanner, Peter D 1096 Weiser, Conrad, Grave of 331 Weiser, Conrad, Store of 155 Whitner, Calvin K 408 Willson, Gile J 680 Wool Wheel 63 Wunder, W. W 1320 HISTORICAL INDEX Additional Law Judges 93 Agricultural Societies of County 26 Agriculture of County 25 Albany, First Taxables of 8 Albany Township 303 Aldermen of Reading 229 Allopathic Practitioners ...98-101 Alsace, First Taxables of 8 Alsace Township S'gS Amish Denomination in County 47 Amity, First Taxables of 9 Amity Township 298 Area of County 7 Armory at Hamburg 252 Armory at Reading ..205 Army Supplies from County in Revolution 116 Assemblymen from County... 75 Assessment of County, First 8 Assessment of Reading, 1898, 1908 235 Assessors of Reading 219 Associate Judges 92 Associations at Reading 204 Associators in Revolution ....112 Attorneys at Law 93 Auditors of County 78 Auditors of Reading 218 Baer Family Reunion 313 Bands at Rpadircr 211 Bank at Birdsboro 277 Bank at Fleetwood S61 Bank at Leesnort 305 Bank at Mohnton 287 Bank at Topton 263 Banking in Berks County ...151 Bankruptcy, Registers in, from County 74 Barks at Boroughs, Statement of 239 Banks at Bovertown 256 Banks at Hamburg 250 Banks at Kutztown 243 Banks at Reading 209 Baptist Denomination in County 46 Battles. Summary of, in Civil War 127 BediteUv'I'c. Bnrnup-h nf 264-266 Belt Line 'n Schuylkill Section 310 Belt Line of P. & R. R 39 Bench and Bar of County 91 Berks and Dauphin Turnpike... 32 Berks County Law Library 210 Berks Cr unty Medical Society 96, 210 Berkshire Country Club 307 E?.n. F'r-rvi"e. Pnroi' .' 1393 Spiess Ref. and Luth. Union Church 984 Spohn, Evan M 885 Spohn Family 884 Spohn, Lewis E 885 Sponagle, James W 1430 Sponagle, John 1013 Spotts. Mrs. Emma 1099 Spotts. John J 1099 Sprecher, Jesse M 1113 Sproesser, William H 1537 Spuhler, George M 886 Spuhler, John M 868 St. James Luth. Church. Read- ing 1709 St. John's Evan. Luth. Church, Boyertown 1391 St. John's Evan. Luth Church, Hamburg 1378 St. Luke's Evan. Luth. Church 1381 St. Paul's Church, Windsor Township 1379 St. Paul's Memorial R'ef. Church 1393 Stahl, Edwin C 1220 Stahl, Otto J 1110 Stamm, Adam S 543 Stamm, Cornelius S 542 Stamm, Mrs. Emma Mi 543 Stamm Family 541 Stamm, Rev. James C 542 Stamm, Levi S 541 Stamm, William J Stamm, William W. B Stangier, Charles E Stapleton, John P Stark, John Staudt, Aaron L Staudt (Stoudt, Stout) Fam- ilies 505, 804. 1419, 1432, 1461, 1463, 1484, Staudt, Franklin H Staudt, Henry L Staudt, William B Stauf er Family Staufer, William M Stauffer, Abner K Stauffer, Elmer E Stauffer Family Stauffer, Judge John Steckler, David H Steckler, Mrs. Theresa Steckline, George L Steckline. Mrs. Kate M Steffe, C. Gilbert Steffy, Benjamin Franklin Steffy, Joseph K Steffy Families 1013, 1385, Steffy, John Steffy, John H Steffy, Pierce K Steffy, Rudolph Stehraan, D. W Stehman. Mrs. Mary V. R.... . Steiger, Samuel S Steigerwald. Thomas Stein, Jacob D Steiner, Frank P Steininger, Walter G Steinman Family Steinman, George H Steinman, John F Stephan, David Stephan, Mrs. Julia A Sterley, Mrs. Amanda R Sterley Family Sterley, John B Sternbergh, Herbert M Stembergh, James H Sterrett, Jacob K. Stetson, Capt. Prince R Stetson, Mrs. Rebecca H Stetzler, Jeremiah W Stevens Family Stevens. Garrett B Stevens, J. B Stevens, William K Stewart, Mrs. Angeline Stewart, Lemuel, M. D Stiely, Adam S Stimmel, Elton, D. D. S Stimmel Family Stimmel, William F Stirl, George S Stitzel, Ephraim H Stocker, John G Stocker, J. George Stoltzfus. Christian U Stoner, John H Stoner, Solomon Stoudt, Edwin B Stoudt Csee Staudt, Stout) Fam ilies 804, Stoudt, George B Stoudt, George W Stoudt, Rev. John B ,. . . btoudt, John B '. . . , Stoudt, Joseph Stoudt, Lewis B Stoudt, Lucian Stoudt, Nathaniel P 542 Stout, David E 5fl5 543 Stout, Edward H 505 1655 Stout (Stoudt, Staudt) Families 1150 505, 804. 1093 1663 1419, 1423, 1461, 1462, 1484, 1683 1094 Stoyer Family 493 Stoyer, Henry 493 1093 Strasser, Cornelius H 1083 1682 Strasser Families 586, 1082 1484 Strasser, Robert E., M'. D 589 1094 Strasser, Dr. Thomas A 588 1422 Strasser, Wilson H 1083 1032 Strauser. Thomas 1703 1033 Strauss, B. Morris 386 390 Strauss, Cameron E 1057 413 Strauss Family 386 414 Strauss, James 1108 390 Strohecker. Albert J 1449 1044 Strohecker, John A 1390 1044 Strohecker, Sarah L 1524 1106 Strong, William 343 1106 Stroud. Edward 1681 532 Stroud, Mrs! Susan 1681 1049 Stroup, John 1050 1013 Strouse, Jonathan M 1468 1545 Strunk, Ammon S 477 96'2 Strunk (Strunck) Families 476, 1016 1545 Strunk. Henry S 477 1385 Strunk. Jacob S 477 962 Strunk, John M 1016 436 Strunk, Milton R 956 436 Stump, Adam G 1134 962 Stump, Calvin S 679 1234 Stump Families 1475 419, 679, 1076, 1137, 1133 1146 Stump. Franklin S 1127 1304 btump, Henry L 1076 1364 Stump, Jacob H 679 13'55 Stump, John B (Oley Tp.)....1077 1365. Stump. John B 1133 1513 Stump, Milton L 1134 1513 Stump, William B 1134 585 Stupp, Aaron S 1443 585 Suender, George C 610 585 Suender, James W 1064 515 Sullenberger Family 858 341 Sullenberger. Henry M 858 1628 Summons, Edwin S 1173 16S9 Sunday, Elias B 860 1639 Sunday Families 860, 977, 1630 1252 Sunday, John A 1620 543 Sunday, William 977 782 Swavely Families.. 1533, 1556. 1558 782 Swavely, Frank S lEo8 543 Swavely. John L 1556 493 Swavely, Wellington G 1532 493 Sweitzer, Abraham' 989 944 sweitzer, Edward E 988 998 Sweitzer, Harry K 1536 997 Sweney, Mrs. Pamelia C 696 997 Sweney, Thomas W 695 1099 S wope, Jacob 1250 1569 Swope, Jonathan -...1350 1447 Swoyer, Albert M 1377 1447 Swoyer. Eli H 876 1526 Swoyer. Jacob ■ S 1069 447 Swoyer, Walter D 1069 909 Symons, William S 1557 1419 Talley, James F 1327 1093 Tavlor, S. Banks, M. D 1307 1430 Teel. Rev. Warren F 383 739 Templin, James 1562 804 Templin, William 1563 1042 Thiry, Oden F 1224 1461 Thompson. John S 370 1419 Thompson, Nicholas 370 1682 Thompson, William D IS'13 1462' Thornburg, William C 1515 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX XXXI Thun. Ferdinand 433 Tobias, Albert H 1556 Tobias, Charles H 1555 Tobias, Charles L 1487 Tobias Families 1487, 15i54 Tobias. Herman R 1555 Tobias; James R 1487 Tobias, Solomon H 1555 Todd, C. W. B 481 Tomlinson, Lewis K 966 Townsend, Frank A 524 Townsend, Prof. R. A 452 Trate, James 1470 Trate. Mrs. Sarah 1470 Treat, Albert 1583 Treat Family 387 Treat. Isaac G 387 Treichler, David G 1375 Treichler Families 483, 1375 Treichler, James G 482 Trethewey. Richard 730 Trexler Families 529, 1604 Trexler, Benjamin K 1607 Trexler. Charles L 1606 Trexler; Joel 1607 Trexler, Jonas 1607 Trexler. Jonathan D 1606 Trexler, Mrs. Leanda S 1606 Trexler, Levi B 1607 Trexler, Nathan D 1606 Trexler, Richard G 1607 Trexler. Col. William 529 Trickel,' Joseph 671 Trinity Lutheran Church 1385 Trinity Reformed Church 985 Troop, Mrs. Magdalena 1534 Trestle Families 704, 888 Trostle. Henry F 704 Troup, Theodore 1637 Trout, Daniel M 1465 Trout, James R 676 Troutman Family 1359 Troutman. Frank W 135i9 Troutman, John M 1360 Troxel, John E 1247 Turner, Amos 1272' Turner, Newton R 1373 Ubil. James G 1023 Udree, Col. Daniel 353 Ulle, Francis A 1118 Ulrich, Morris J 1330 Umbenhauer Family 818 Umbenhauer, Isaac S 818 Umble,' Joseph D. C. 533 UndercuflSer, Harvey B 1316 Unger, Allen S 1538 Unger, Alue F 1354 Unger, Calvin A 1477 Unger, Charles W 891 Unger Families 466, 891, 1355, 1477, 1538 Unger, George W 466 Unger, Isaac 465 Unger, Mrs. Syria 466 Unterkofler, Daniel 1538 Urich, Ellsworth P 993 Van Buskirk. Ephraim 1420 Van Denberg, J. E. Delner 1531 Van Reed Families 471. 479, 681 Van Reed, George R 479 Van Reed, Henry 359 Van Reed, S. J 681 Van Reed, Wellington 471 Vath, Leonard A., Jr 1517 Verrendo, Leonardo 1127 Voelker, Charles 401 Voelker. Charles T 401 Vogel, Mrs. Annie E -.1530 Vogel, Francis F 1520 Von Nieda, Rev. J. Heller 1685 Wagenhorst Brothers 1304 Wagenhorst, Llewellyn 1305 Wagenhorst, Mahlon Ig05 Wagener, Samuel B 1472 Wagner, Aaron S 745 Wagner, Mrs. Catharine 685 Wagner, Mrs. Catherine M 724 Wagner Families ..458, 579, 745, 1315, 1470, 1559 Wagner, Frank 135.0 Wagner, Frank K 1469 Wagner, George W 1177 Wagner, Henry T 579 Wagner, James H 458 Wagner, Dr. John R 1314 Wagner, John S 724 Wagner. Julius 685 Wagner^ Levi F., M. D 1559 Wagner, Moses H 1568 Wagner, William H 1143 Wahl, Dr. J. H 740 Walbert, Levi A 918 Walley, Sam^uel N 1065 Walter, Dr. Robert 504 Walter, Robert F 1159 Walter, William A 1318 Walter, Col. William F 1318 Wanner, Abram K., M. D 1557 Wanner, Charles A 613 Wanner, Daniel R 1563 Wanner, Elmer E 684 Wanner Families 426, 612, 907, 925, 1096, 1453, 1557 Wanner, Frank R 907 Wanner, Jacob 1453 Wanrrer, Jacob S 925 Wanner, J. Edward 426 Wanner, Peter D 1096 Wanner, Solon A 613 Warner, Aaron R 470 Warren, John 1245 Wartman, George W 1052 Wartman, Lewis M 1199 Wartman, Mrs. Mary A 105<3 Wartzenluft, Daniel L 836 Wartzenluft Family 836 Weand, Harry B 1403 Weand, O. M 1677 Weasner, Harvey K 751 Weaver Families 817, 965, 1335 Weaver, Henry G 9'55 Weaver. William 1335 Weaver, William B 817 Webber, William W 1137 Weber, Fidel 462 Weber FamiHes 463, 966, 1556 Weber, Albert S 1557 Weber, Harry C 1635 Weber, Herman G 1673 Weber. Paul 577 Weber, Rudolph S 1556 Weber, William F 462 Weber, W. Wayne 462' Weida, George W 1472 Weidenhammer Family 1648 Weidenhammer, George S 1648 Weidraan Families 960, 1571 Weidman, Joel K 960 Weidman, Marion D 1573 Weidman, William M.. M. D.. .1571 Weidner, Caleb 394 Weidner, Daniel H 10:33 Weidner Families 395, 565, 903, 1211, 1348, 1414, 1437, 1649 Weidner, George A 1414 Weidner, George L 1211 Weidner, Harry J 1348 Weidner, John 1437 Weidner, John Y 1649 Weidner, Mahlon E 5.65 Weidner, Milton N 903 Weidner, William R 1062 Weigley Family 813 Weigley, Miss Lizzie R 813 Vv eigley, Jonathan W 813 Weil, Morris 1654 Weiler, John 519 / Weis- Family 603 l^ Weis, Samuel S 60S Weiser. Alvin 911 Weiser, Conrad 330 Weisner Family 1691 Weisner, Jonathan A 1691 Weller. Emanuel M 1403 Weiler Families 509, 1403, 1421 Weller, Harvey H 1431 Weiler, Joel H 509 Weller, Nathan N 1403 Wells, Mrs. Anna S. . . .' 834 Wells, Llewellyn U 761 Wells, Wesley H 834 Wendler. Harry J 1041 Wendling. Frank R 1147 Wenger, Leroy J., M. D 800 Wenrich, Albert D 901 Wenrich, Ezra S 1049 Wenrich Families 400, 508, 981, 1074 Wenrich, Mart H 981 Wenrich. Nathan M 1074 Wenrich; Paul A 1163 Wenrich, Dr. Reuben D 508 Wentzel, Augustus L 855 Wentzel, David S 1459 Wentzel Families 855, 1459 Werley, Dr. Charles D 1179 Werley, Cyrus E 938 Werley, Thomas G 852 Werner, Ephraim G 647 Werner Family 963 Werner, John G 989 Werner, William G 963 Werner, William W 747 Wert, Mrs. Amelia 743 Wert, Daniel R 1632 Wert Family 1632 Wert, George 742' Wertz, Edward S 378 Wertz Family. . . .' 839 Wertz, George W 839 Wertz, Samuel 378 Wesley, John H 740 Wessner, Jerry M 1418 Westley Family 1009 Westley, John L 1009 Weyman, William A 1135 Wharton, Hon. Thomas 325 Wharton. Susan F 325 White, John R 1694 White, Josep'h A 706 Whitman, Abraham S 607 Whitman, Joel W. D 763 Whitman, Richard M 607 Whitner, Calvin K 408 Whitner Family 408 Wieand, Rev. Daniel 1663 Wieand, Mrs. Matilda 166&' Wilder, O. B. S 670 Wilgeroth, John 1406 Wilhelm, Mrs. Catherine 1490 Wilhelm, Henry A 1457 Wilhelm, William H 1490 Williams, Jacob N 1319 Wilsion, Gile J 680 Willson, M. Elizabeth 680 Wilson, Chalkley 1203 xxxii BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX Wilson, John B 807 Windbigler, Charles 1468 Winings, Howard K 1073 Winter, Ferdinand 1513 Winter, Mahlon D 1099 Winters. John M. S 927 Wise (Weiss) Family 1101 Wise, Harvey L 1101 Wise, Warren L 1534 Wise, Wellington L 1101 Wisser, Stephen S 1458 Withers, Eh M 864 Withers, Mts. Emeline 723 Withers Family 864 Withers, Martin- M 723 Witman, Ephraim 841 Witman Family 841 Witman, John F 1115 Witman, William A 1699 Witmoyer, Mrs. Elizabeth 1220 Witmoyer, John 1S'20 Wittich, Arthur 531 Wittich, John D 531 Woerner, Oscar L 1433 Wolf, James G 980 Wolfe, David S 1683 Wolfers.berger, Richard A 1109 Wolff Family 536 Wolff, Oliver M 526 Woodward, Warren J 348 Wootten, John 1443 Wootten, Mrs. Margaret A 1443 Worley, Ellis M 1343 Worley Family 1474 Worley, Henry H 1475 Worley, Levi 683 Worley, Mrs. Mary M 684 Worley, W. M 1343 Wrede, Mrs. Barbara 1523 Wrede, Christian 1523 Wren, William W 1325 Wunder, William L 1198 Wunder, W. W 1320 Xander, John G 438 Y'arnelli Family 1366 Yarnell, Jared G 1366 Yarrington Family 356 Yeager, Edward 1493 Yeag'er Families 606, 1263, 1493 Yeager, Hiram P ises Yeager, William B 606 Yeagley, George W 1037 Yeakel, Dr. Isaac B 1639 Yeakel, Joseph B 1642 Yerger Families 604, 1465 Yerger, James M 604 Yerger, John 1465 Yetter, Charles M IS'44 Yetzer, Joseph 1160 Yocom, Albert S 935 Yocom, Charles S 1351 Yocom Famihes . . .' 935, 1350 Yocom, Harry Y 1350 Yocomi, William S 1717 Yocum, Mrs. Agnes G 342 Yocurti, James W 342 Yocum, Valeria 1634 Yocumv William 1633 Yoder, Absalom S 623 Yoder, Adam 1088 Yoder, Amos 1088 Yoder, Amos S 1433 Yoder, Augustus K 1325 Yoder, Daniel B 62S Yoder, David S 623 Yoder Families 620, 995, 1325, 1395, 1404, 1433, 1485 Yoder, Frank D 1395 Yoder, Frederick F 1485 Yoder, Frederick S 995 Yoder, Henry H 621 Yoder, John S 1423 Yoder, Kensie N 995 Yoder, Mabry K 623 Yoder, Mary B 623 Yoder, Nathan R , 1404 Yoder, Samuel D 1395 Yoder, S. Herbert 1063 Yoder, Solomon R 1439 Yorgey, Alfred B 1339 Yorgey Family 1339 Yost, Albert R ii03 Yost Families 708, 1102, 1494 Yost, Heber Y 1494 Yost, Henry H 909 Yost, James F. R 709 Yost, Rufus R 709 Young Families 641, 1315 Young, Henry G '641 Young, Mrs. Hettie A 643 Young, Walter S 1315 Young, William J 811 Young, William S 642 \ ouse, Abraham H 1381 Youse, Charles H 840 Youse, Edwin S 1173 Youse Families : 841, 1382' Yundt Family 837 Yundt, Horace A 827 Zable, Harry 1524 Zacharias, Daniel K 1483- Zacharias, iarah 1483 Zeller. George M 752 Zeller, Wilson B 754 Zellers, John 116S Zellers, William F 1168 Zerbe (Zerby) Families 717, 866, 988; Zerbe, Levi M 717 Zerbe, Reily 98S Zerby. Thomas J 866- Zerby, William A '. . . 717 Zerr Family 77T Zerr. John H 783 Zerr, Ben H 777 Zerr, Samuel 778 Zieber, Philip S 544 Zieber, William E 921 Ziegler, Capt. Aaron 417 Ziegler, Jarius W 765 Ziegler, J. F 1361 Ziegler, Mrs. Sarah A 551 Ziegler, Dr. Philip M 550 Zimmerman, Eldridge 438 Zimmerman Families 438, 668 Zimmerman, Mrs. Sarah B 547 Zimmerman, Thomas C 363 Zion's Church, Perry Township 1379 Zion's (Spiess) Ref. and Luth. Church 984 Zook, Christian 1071 Zook Family 1071 Zook, Mrs. Susan 1071 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER I- ERECTION OF COUNTY PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Mountains. — The Appalachian chain of moun- tains extends through the eastern territory of the United States from the St. Lawrence river on the north to the State of Georgia on thfe south. The greatest heights are in North Carolina. There they are between 6,000 and 6,800 feet above the sea. This conspicuous chain includes all the ridges ; and two ridges extend through Berks county. They are the Blue Mountain and the South Mountain. The Blue Mountain, in its course south twenty- five degrees west from the Delaware at Easton to flie Susquehanna at Harrisburg, forms the present northern boundary line of Berks county. It was a barrier to migration in the earliest settlements of this section of the State, and it was the limit of the earliest surveys which were made northwest- wardly from the Delaware river. The earliest map of surveys, which was prepared by Lewis Evans, and published by him in 1749, is in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at Phila- delphia. Several drafts of earlier dates appear in the first two volumes of the Pennsylvania Archives, and relate to purchases of land from the Indians. The apex of this mountain undulates. Its aver- age height above the sea is about 1,200 feet. The distinguishing peculiarities in the formation of the mountain in Berks county are the "Pinnacle," the "Schuylkill Gap," the "Round Head," and numerous ravines which were washed out in the mountain- side by rolling waters in the course of time, and came to be useful to man in having marked out for him easy passes over the mountain. From a distance, the mountain has a bluish ap- pearance. Hence it was and is called Blue Ridge. On one of the early maps it is called the "Kittatinny Mountain," corrupted from the Indian word Kau- ta-tin-chunk, meaning endless. It is also sometimes called North Mountain. The South Mountain extends through the county southeastwardly. It enters about the middle of the western boundary, near the corner-stone of the dividing line between Lancaster and Lebanon coun- ties. At this point it is distant from the Bliie Mountain about fifteen miles. It is called South Mountain because it lies south of the Blue Moun- tain. The distance between them increases as they diverge eastwardly. At Reading it is about twenty- three miles. The highest point in this mountain is near the county line in Lebanon county, on a spur extending several miles southwestwardly. Its height is about twelve hundred feet. In the southern section of the county, this moun- tain has a greater width. It includes a succession of rolling hills, almost entirely covered with grow- ing trees. Some portions have been cleared and converted into farming lands. This district, being thus covered and having the appearance of a forest, is called "The Forest." The "Welsh Mountain" and the "Flying Hills" are included in this range. The "Flying Hills" extend along the southerly side of the Schuylkill river for several miles. They comprise a small ridge broken by gorges, and were given this name by the early settlers because num- erous grouse were seen flying there. They aj^ in- dicated on an early map of 1743, and from that time till now they have been so known and called. They can be seen and identified for forty miles down the Schuylkill Valley. From afar they re- semble great monuments, and they were famous for game until about 1860. Of the gorges men- tioned, the "Gibraltar" is the most remarkable and picturesque. Numerous hills are scattered throughout the cotinty, which subserve the agricultural districts admirably in respect to wood and water. Their natural arrangement and distribution are wonderful. The cupidity of man is, however, gradually break- ing up this harmony of nature by cutting down the trees and tilling the land. In the western section, the most conspicuous hills are "Stoudt's Hill," located at the great bend of the Schuylkill, about six miles north of Reading (named after the owner of the land), and "Scull's Hill," distant about five miles farther to the north (named after Nicholas Scull, the surveyor-general of the province from 1748 till 1761). HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In the eastern section, the county is consider- ably broken by intersecting hills which extend in different directions, mostly, however, to the north and south. The "Oley Hills" are most conspicuous in a historic aspect. They are mentioned in patents and deeds of lands before 1720. Since 1783 the most prominent hill in that vicinity has been called "Earl Mountain," because it was cut from Oley and included in a new township of that name then erected. The "Monocacy Hill," cone-shaped, is situated several miles southwardly, near the river. The "Reading Hills" are the most conspicuous in the central section in a natural aspect. They were included in the "Manor of Penn's Mount," a large tract which was set apart for the use of the Penns before the erection of the county, and included about twelve thousand acres. The hill known by the citizens of Reading as "Penn's Mount" adjoins the city on the east. To the north and west its elevated top commands a magnificent view of the Schuylkill and Lebanon Valleys, which are especially rich in agriculture, manufactures and internal improvements ; and it overlooks an area of territory including about five hundred square miles. It has two conspicuous spots at the apex, facing the west, which are called "White Spot" and "Black Spot." They are visible to the naked eye for a distance of thirty miles, and were so called by the first inhabitants of Reading. Their general appear- ance does not seem to change ; they are bare spots on the hillside, composed of stones and rocks. The "White Spot" is the nearer and more accessible. It has been for many years, and is still, resorted to for stones for building purposes ; and it is fre- quently visited also by resident and stranger for the view it commands. The removal of the stones gives the spot a white appearance. Time and the weather are not given an opportunity to darken the surface of the stones. The "Black Spot" was not disturbed till 1889, when the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad was constructed, and the "Tower" erected on the top; hence its black appearance. Their ele- vation above the Schuylkill river at the foot of Penn street is as follows: White Spot, 7fi7.64 feet: Black Spot, 879.78 feet. The elevation of the higher point above the sea is about 1,100 feet. The hill known as the "Neversink" adjoins the city on the south. Its highest point is somewhat lower than Mt. Penn. It commands a magnificent view of the Schuylkill Valley to the southeast for forty miles, and of "The Forest" to the south and southwest for upward of ten miles. It overlooks the double bend in the river, which forms a large S, both projections being mostly farming land: the one extending northwardly being known as "Lewis's Neck" (from the first settler there), and the other southwardly as "Poplar Neck" (from the great poplar trees) for more than one hundred and fifty years. This hill lies east and west and forms, with Mt. Penn, a large T. Its northern declivity is rather gentle, but the southern steep and rugged. It has been known bv the name of "Neversink" for many years. It is mentioned in surveys of ad- joining land which were made as early as 1714. An interesting, though ridiculous, tradition is connected with its origin. It was said by early settlers that an Indian had devised a flying ma- chine, by which he proposed to fly from the one hill (Flying Hill at Poplar Neck) to the other and "never sink." His efforts proved a failure. In- stead of flying into fame he sank into shame. The word is of Indian origin, "Navesink," and means fishing-ground. The Schuylkill river in this vicin- ity was formerly a famous fishing-ground for shad. Fisheries were carried on successfully until the con- struction of the canal about 1820. "Schwartzwald" is situated several miles to the east. It was included in the "Manor lands." The woods are dark and like a forest. This name was given by the early settlers in commemoration of their native place. "Irish Mountain" is near the center of the county. It is prominent and overlooks the Schuyl- kill Valley from the Blue Mountain to the South Mountain, especially the fertile lands which adjoin the Maiden creek and its tributaries. The early settlers round about were mostly Germans. They named the hill after English settlers who had lo- cated or rather "squatted" there. The language and manners of the latter were more or less objec- tionable to them, and they among themselves en- tertained contempt for the intruders, and in con- versation called them the "Irish." "Spitzenberg" is a cone-shaped hill near by the Pinnacle. Its peculiar shape makes it conspicuous. It is not as elevated as the mountain to the north. Valleys. — Nature has arranged the earth's sur- face within the borders of Berks county in a super- ior manner. Its rolling character, interspersed with hills and mountains, and intersected by num- erous irrigating rivulets and streams, renders it most admirable for successful cultivation with or- dinary labor. The well-directed energy and enter- prise of the farmers have enriched and improved it to a wonderful degree. A depression in the central portion of the county extends from the Blue Mountain on the north to the boundary line on the southeast, a distance of thirty-two miles. It resembles an L irregularly drawn. It is called "Schuylkill A'alley," and take's its name from the meandering river that flows through its bosom. It is not distinguished for width. Above Reading it is rather open, below rather confined. Valleys enter it on the east and on the west. The most conspicuous of the eastern valleys are the Maiden-creek, the Antietam, the Monocacy and the Manatawny : and of the western, the Tulpehocken, the Wyomissing, the Allegheny, and the Hay-creek. All take their names from the streams which flow through them. On both sides they begin at the extreme limits of the county, ex- cepting the Antietam and the Monocacy, which be- gin in the central portion. NOTE. — Gan'-sho-han'-ne, meaning "the mother of waters," is the Indian name for the Schuylkill river. The Dutch name, Schuylkill, means hidden stream, the outlet of the Schuylkill flowing into the Delaware river being so wide as not to be observable. The Schuylkill is the principal stream of Berks county, with important branches — Onte- launee and Manatawny, flowing into it from the east, and Tulpehocken and Allegheny from the west. They together flow into the Delaware river below Philadelphia, and thence into the Atlantic ocean. ERECTION OF COUNTY Together these valleys present a remarkable con- formation. They distribute the water supply equal- ly. Their depression is from the limits of the county toward the center, with a southerly inclination. The principal valley has the lowest points of the county from the northern limit to the southern. The limits on the east, west and south are water- sheds to a great degree; inside the waters flow inwardly, but at the lines and outside they flow outwardly — on the east into the Lehigh river and Perkiomen creek, and on the west and south into the Swatara creek and Conestoga creek, which empty into the Susquehanna river. These valleys, therefore, gather all the waters within the county and direct them into and through its territory for the great benefit of its industrious inhabitants be- fore they allow them to depart. Berks county occupies the central portion of the large district, in area forty-six hundred square miles, which lies between the Delaware and Sus- quehanna rivers. The plan of distribution of val- leys and waters between these rivers is marvelous, and the leaders in the mdvement for the erection of the county in this large body of land displayed remarkable foresight and knowledge in obtainirig such boundary lines. The Tulpehocken Valley forms the eastern sec- tion of the Lebanon Valley, the Swatara Valley (which extends westwardly through Lebanon and Dauphin counties) the western section. These two valleys together are about fifty-four miles long, and they take the name of Lebanon Valley from the town which occupies the highest point midway. There are other valleys, but they have only a local character and take their names from the re- spective streams which flow through them. There are several gaps in the county, but the Schuylkill Gap in the Blue Mountain, where the Schuylkill river enters, possesses the most marked features. Streams. — Springs are the great sources of all streams. They arise mostly in the mountains and elevated portions of country, and supply all the streams in Berks county, almost the entire quan- tity flowing from numerous springs which are sit- uated within its borders. This is exceptional; for comparatively little water is drained from the ad- joining counties into Berks county, but a great quantity is drained from Berks county into all .he adjoining counties, excepting Schuylkill countv on the north. This indicates that the borders of Berks county are higher than the surrounding territory. Bethel township, in the northwest, is e;itirely drained by the Little Swatara creek into the Swa- tara, and the waters pass through Lebanon and Dauphin counties into the Susquehanna river. Caernarvon township, on the south, is entirely drained by the Little Conestoga and Muddy creeks, into the Conestoga, and the waters pass through Lancaster county into the Susquehanna nyer. A part of Union township, on the southeast, is drained by French creek, and the waters pass through Chester county into the Schuylkill river. Consid- erable parts of the eastern townships (Colebrook- dale, Washington and Hereford) are drained by Perkiomen creek, and the waters pass through Montgomery county into the Schuylkill. And the greater part of Longswamp township on the north- east, and the remaining part of Hereford, are drained by the Little Lehigh into Lehigh river, and the waters pass through Lehigh county into the Delaware river. The streams of the county are numerous. They irrigate every section and contribute much to the natural fertility of the soil. The most conspicuous feature of the water system is the Schuylkill river. Streams flow into it from the east and from the west, and the territory on each side, thus supplied, is about equal in area. On the eastern side, begin- ning in the upper section, they are 1, Windsor; 2, Perry; 3, Maiden creek (which has two principal tributaries flowing into it, both on the east — Mose- lem and Sacony) ; 4, Laurel Run ; 5, Bernhart Run ; 6, Rose 'Valley run; 7, Antietam; 8, Monocacy; and 9, Manatawny (which has two principal tribu- taries flowing into it — the Ironstone from the east, and the Little Manatawny from the west). Of these, the Maiden creek and Manatawny are espe- cially large. The Bernhart, run and the Antietam (formerly, for a time, known as Ohlinger creek) have been.entirely appropriated by the city of Read- ing for a municipal water supply. On the western side they are 1, Mill creek; 2, Irish creek; 3, Tulpehocken; 4, Wyomissing; 5, AngeHca; 6, Allegheny; 7, Hay creek; 8, Sixpenny; and 9, Mill creek. Of these, the Tulpehocken, Wy- omissing and Hay creek are especially large. All the streams mentioned afford valuable water- power. They attracted the attention of the early settlers of the county and their inexhaustible sup- ply was fully appreciated, having been appropriated immediately by the settlers, and turned to account in running gristmills and iron forges. Many of the early deeds on record relate to this. Schuylkill.— The word Schuylkill is of Dutch or- igin and means Hidden creek, or Skulk creek. The Dutch named the river when they took possession of the land about its mouth. The outlet is very wide and deceiving, and appears to be a part of the Delaware river instead of being a tributary. By some persons it is said to be of Indian origin, but this is not correct. The name given to it by the Indians was "Ganshowehanne," which means a roaring or falling stream. Rupp says they called it "Manajung," which means mother. The river rises in Schuylkill county. It flows generally in a southeasterly direction and traverses the State for a distance of one hundred and twenty-five miles, until it empties into the Delaware river at Phila- delphia. It has many important branches which flow into it on the east and on the west, from its source to its. mouth. These contribute much to the physical and productive welfare of the southeastern section of the State. Together they drain a very- large area of territory. 4 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The important branches are the following: On the east, beginning in the north: 1, Main Branch; 2, Little Schuylkill (formerly called Tamaqua) ; 3, Maiden creek; 4, Manatawny; 5, Perkiomen; and 6, Wissahickon; and on the west: 1, West Branch ; 2, Bear creek ; 3, Tulpehocken ; 4, Wyo- missing; 5, French creek; and 6, Pickering. Each is conspicuous for length and large flow of water; and in a general way they are about equal in these respects. This harmony in their proportions is wonderful. The earliest drafts show the Maiden creek, Manatawny and Tulpehocken, which indi- cates that the surveyors regarded them of more than ordinary importance. The Schuylkill is not only the grand trunk of this system of water, but it occupies the central line of the territory in which this system is arranged. Latitude and Longitude. — The county of Berks lies in the lower central portion of the North Tem- perate Zone, between 40° and 41° North Latitude, and between ^° and 1|° East Longitude, reck- oning from Washington. Relative Elevations. — The following state- ment exhibits the elevation, above mean ocean tide, at Philadelphia, of the several places in Berks coun- ty, and other places out of the county, as compared with Reading, in different directions. The figures to the left of the places indicate the distance in miles from Reading, and those to the right, the elevation in feet. Reading Seventh .and Penn Streets 265 feet Foot of Penn Street 198 feet I.riles NoRl H Feet 17 Hamburg 372 35 Pottsvillc 611 Tamaqua 800 Northeast 18,.-, Topton 482 36 Allentown 254 East M'anatawny 189 Boyertown 386 Barto 466 Southeast 9 Eirdsboro 170 18 Pottstown 147 41 Norristown 72 58 Philadelphia 25 South 13,0 White Bear 346 19.2 Joanna 624 Southwest 8.5 Fritztown 469 10 Deep-Cut 570 35 Lancaster 369 45 Columbia 261 West 15 Womelsdor 453 28 Lebanon 463 54 Harrisburg 318 Iron Ore. — The mining of different ores was carried on quite extensively from the beginning of the settlements in Berks county, particularly iron and copper. The former of these was mined in connection with the manufacture of charcoal iron. Rich deposits were found at many places within the limits of the county, and became a great source of profit to miners and manufacturers. These de- posits were mostly in the townships of Cumru, Al- sace, Oley, Ruscombmanor, Colebrookdale and Caernarvon, and along the East Penn Valley. In 1880 the Census Report placed Berks county third in the list of ore-producing counties in Penn- sylvania, and seventh in the United States. The iron ore produced in that year was :352,940 tons and over one hundred mines were in successful opera- tion. The character of the ore was primitive and hematite. Copper Ore.- — It is believed that copper ore was found in the southern section of the county before 1700. Subsequently, a tract of one thousand acres of land came to be owned and occupied by David Jones, in 1735, and he mined large quantities of copper ore, causing the locality to be known from that time uii'til.now as the "Jones Mines." No st.:i- tistics have been published relating to it. It was operated at different times afterward for nearly one hundred and fifty years. Clays. — A number of beds of clay have been found and worked in recent yearb, which are de- scribed in the several townships where the opera- tions have been carried on. Minerals. — Prof. David B. Brunner (prominent educator of Berks county for many years) tabu- lated a list of the minerals found in the county and this list comprises seventy different kinds. Geology. — A geological survey of Pennsylvania was made from 1836 to 1857 by the State, and this immediate section, including Berks county, was found to contain four principal strata, which extend through the county from northeast to south- west. By a published map it appears that the jflaie formation covered nearly the upper half of the county, or four-tenths ; the limcstouc, the central section, or three-tenths; the white sandstone, the lower central, or one-tenth; and the red sandstone, the lower, or two-tenths. CONDITIONS OF TERRITORY When the province of Pennsylvania was granted to" William Penn by Charles II., King of Great Britain, in 1681, no township or county organiza- tion.s existed within its limits. But the arrival of Pent was the dawn of government, progress and civilisation, and within a month afterward he caused three counties to be laid out — Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia. County government then began, and county representation in the Provincial As- sembly was inaugurated. Durinji^ this period, thousands of immigrants came into the province and effected permanent set- tlements ■ and each succeeding 3'ear found them farther r'lmoved from the county-seats of the coun- ties named. They proceeded up the courses of streams .nostly. Very few followed the streams from their sources to their outlets. Onlv one col- ERECTION OF COUNTY ony came from New York overland, and this was nearly fifty years after the settlements had begun, and the government had been given a fixed charac- ter. Nearly all landed at Philadelphia; and thence the great majority proceeded toward the interior districts and the head-waters of streams. This is particularly the case with the Schuylkill river and all its tributaries. The settlements between the Schuylkill and Del- aware rivers were numerous before 1700. Every decade thereafter found them farther northward from the Wissahickon to the Perkiomen, from the Perkiomen to the Manatawny, and from the Man- atawny to the Maiden creek. And so they pro- ■ceeded between the Schuylkill and Susquehanna rivers. Gradually those who had settled in the interior districts toward the mountains began to feel the inconvenience and expense incident to their location. They were compelled to travel, regardless of roads or weather, to the county-seat far removed from their settlements, and to haul their goods many miles to the market before they could realize any value for the products of their hard manual labor. Naturally they felt inclined to improve their condi- tion. A county organization was the first step toward accomplishing this object, as well to bring the county-seat into their midst as to create a mar- ket near by for the disposition of their produce. But, notwithstanding the numerous settlements and the large population in the great district of territory east of the Schuylkill and south of the Blue Mountain, no additional counties were erected hefore 1750. It was different to the west of the Schuylkill. The tide of immigration seems to have "been greater in that direction. They did not have the natural facilities to enable them to reach their county seat in Chester county, as the settlers had in the districts to the east of them, which lay in Philadelphia and Bucks counties. In 1739 they induced the Executive Council to separate them from Chester county and erect their settlements into a new county, which they called Lancaster. During the first quarter of the eighteenth century many immigrants proceeded to the right into Per- kiomen Valley along the West Branch, and into Oley Valley along the Manatawny and its tribu- tarie's. These were mostly Germans; some were English, and others Swedes. Other immigrants, mostly Welsh, proceeded to the left into Conestoga Valley. The settlements for miles on both sides of the river were mostly confined to the south of the succession of hills commonly called South Mountain. This was especially the case to the right. In this district of territory the settlements were then known by the names "Amity," "Oley" and "Colebrookdale." But to the left, a small settle- ment of Germans had taken place in the Tulpe- hocken Valley, the enterprising settlers having come down the Susquehanna river from New York, and migrated eastwardly to the head-waters of the Tul- •pehocken creek ; and another settlement, of English (commonly called "Friends") and Welsh, had taken place along the Allegheny and Wyomissing creeks. These settlements were known by tne names "Tul- pehocken" and "Robeson." An earher settlement to the south was called "Caernarvon." Accord- ingly, during the first quarter of that century, six distinct settlements in this vicinity had come to be formed and recognized. During the second quarter, the way for settle- ments north of the South Mountain was opened by the purchase of the territory from the Indians- The Friends were the first to enter the new dis- trict to the right of the river. They took up large tracts of land along the Ontelaunee, called by them Maiden creek. Many Germans followed imme- diately afterward. And to the left, many Germans, Friends, and Welsh were added to the settlements along the Tulpehocken, Wyomissing and Allegheny creeks. Improvements were carried on with great energy and success throughout the greats valleys which lay between the South Mountain and the Kittatinny Mountain (sometimes called "North," but com- monly "Blue Ridge"). New districts were formed to encourage local government and to facilitate intercourse. To the right they were called Doug- lass, Exeter, Ruscombmanor, Alsace, Maxatawny, Maiden-creek, Richmond, - Longswamp and Alle- mengle; and to the left, Heidelberg, Bern, Cumru, Bethel and Brecknock. Altogether, till 1750, the districts were twenty in number. This was the territorial situation of the settlements in this sec- tion of the province toward the close of the second quarter of the eighteenth century. The settlers had provided themselves with meetr ing-houses and schools for their religious and secu- lar education. In this respect they had exhibited commendable zeal. The German population pre- dominated; consequently, the preaching and teach- ing were mostly done in the German language. But the Friends were not backward. They were prom- inent in Oley, Exeter, Robeson and Maiden-creek; and their schools were distinguished for excel- lence. Manufactures were carried on everywhere; spin- ning was a common, if not a necessary employ- ment in every household. Wearing apparel was home-made; carpenters, masons, blacksmiths and shoemakers were in every locality; and iron ore mines and furnaces and forges were in operation to the north, south, east and west. The great highways were comparatively few, the most prominent public road being the Tulpe- hocken. It extended from the Tulpehocken settle- ment in the west, in a southeasterly .direction, via the ford across the Schuylkill (now the site of the Penn street bridge at Reading) and Pine Iron Works, to Phila:lelphia. From this ford a prom- inent road extended to the north, on the eastern Fide of the river, called ATaiden-creek road ;" and another to the south, on the western side, called Schuylkill road. HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA This point of concentration naturally attracted attention toward this locality as a practicable place for a town-site. Elsewhere, for many miles round about, there was no town, not even a village ; and there were then apparently no steps toward founding either. But just as the settlers had labored for years to establish a county out of the surround- ing territory, similar efforts were expended for a town here. PETITIONS FOR COUNTY The first efforts for the establishment of a new county out of the upper sections of Philadelphia and Lancaster counties, adjoining the Schuylkill, were made in the latter part of 1738. On Jan. 13th, of that year, the Lieutenant-Governor of the province laid before the Council two petitions ad- dressed to him — one from the inhabitants of Prov- idence, Limerick, etc., in Philadelphia county; and the other from the inhabitants of the northeast side of the county of Lancaster (with a map of the Province of Pennsylvania) — praying that a new county may be bounded as by the dividing lines in the said map, for that they labor under great inconveniences and damage by reason of their distance from the courts held at Philadelphia and Lancaster, and for many other reasons in the said petition mentioned ; which were read and ordered to lie on the table for further consideration. The first petition has not been found ; but a copy of the other is in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and it includes the names of 172 subscribers, of which the first 61 were Welsh, the others Germans. In May, 1739, the Lieutenant-Governor addressed a message to the Assembly, in which he referred to these petitions, but the Assembly took no action. The petitioners waited patiently for six years with- out any progress in the matter ; then they forwarded another petition, renewing their request for a new county. It was read to the Council, "and their case being thought proper to be recommended to the Assembly, the same was done," in a message sim- ilar to the first. The Assembly ordered it to lie on the table. It was signed by John Potts, Henry Harry, William Bird, Francis Parvin and num- erous other inhabitants. On Jan. 14, 1745, a similar petition was pre- sented, in which the petitioners (the persons named "in behalf of themselves and a great many other inhabitants") prayed "that their former petition might now be considered." It was read and or- dered to lie on the table. The next day (15th) it was again read, but referred for further con- sideration. In two weeks afterward (on the 30th), another "petition from a considerable number of inhabitants of Philadelphia and Lancaster counties, praying to be set off into a new county," was pre- sented, read and ordered to lie on the table. On Feb. 28, 1745, sundry persons appeared before the House and urged the matter of the erection of this new county, but the matter was dropped for five years more. In the mean time settlements had been extended westwardly and northwestwardly beyond the Sus- quehanna river. York county was erected on Aug. 19, 1749, and Cumberland county on Jan. 27, 1750, both out of the westerly part of Lancaster county. This successful action on the part of the German settlers west of the Susquehanna awakened a new interest in behalf of the new county between the Susquehanna and the Delaware; for, some months afterward (May 7, 1750), a petition was presented and read, but again it was not effective. If they were then disappointed, they were not discouraged. Their determination prepared them for another effort. A year afterward, they tried it again. They caused their petition to be brought up before the Assembly Aug. 16, 1751, and read a second time; but it was "referred to the consideration of the next Assembly." When the next Assembly met, these earnest petitioners were on hand. They prepared the way by presenting still another petition, Feb. 4, 1752, which represented — ■ That they were inhabitants of Reading-town, upon the Schuylkill. That they had settled in the said town, expecting that it would be a great place of trade and business, and had put themselves to vast expenses in building and removing thither with their families, several of whom had left tolerably good plantations; that though the said town had not above one house in it about two years ago (1750), yet it now consisted of one hundred and thirty dwelling-houses, besides forty-one stables and other out-houses; and that there were one hundred and sixty families, consisting of three hundred and seventy- eight persons, settled therein; that they had good reason to believe that in another summer they would be much increased, as the chief part of the province that could be settled was already taken up, and the settling oi the town would be of great benefit to tradesmen and others who are not able to purchase tracts of land to live on; that they humbly conceived it their interest, to the hon- orable proprietaries as well as to themselves, and that unless this House would be pleased to erect part of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster into a separate county, they should be entirely disappointed in their expectations, notwithstanding all the cost and trouble they had been at; they therefore prayed that this House would take their case into consideration and grant them relief by erecting such parts of said counties as they should think most proper into a new county, with the same privileges that the other counties of this prov- ince enjoyed; and that the seat of judicature should be fixed within the said town of Reading. And on the following day (5th) another petition was presented, in which they stated that Although their grievances were laid before the As- semblies of this Province several years past, and their petition again renewed at the last sitting of the Assembly, yet as they find the causes of their complaint still grow- ing, they humbly beg leave further to represent that they are settled at a very great distance from the place of judicature, many of them not less than one hundred miles, which is a real hardship upon those who are so unhappy as to be sued for debts, their charges in long journeys, and sometimes in severe weather, with the officers' fees, amounting to near as much, if not more, than the debts; that the hardships on jurymen, consta- ERECTION OF COUNTY bles, etc., in being^ obliged to attend when required, is also very great; that now there is a new town laid out by the Proprietaries' Order, within fifteen perches of the division line between Philadelphia and Lancaster coun- ties, and above one hundred and thirty houses built, and near as many families living therein; it is very easy for rogues and others to escape justice by crossing the Schuylkill, which has already been their practice for some years; that, thotigh their grievances when laid before the Assembly some years past were not redressed, because of other weighty affairs being at that time under consideration, yet the prayer of their petition was thought reasonable, and the number of petitioners being since doubled by the increase of the back inhabitants; they therefore pray that this House would grant relief in the premises, by erecting them into a separate county, bounded as to the wisdom of the House shall seem best. In pvirsuance of the reference, the petition was read on the 5th, and referred for the next day. The 6th arrived and it was read again and referred. , On the 12th, the same proceedings were had. And finally, on the 13th, the monotony of reading and reference was broken; for then the House, after having considered the petition, and , also the petitions from Reading, "Resolved, that the petitioners have leave to bring in a bill pursuant to the prayer of their petition." On that day, some of the petitioners presented themselves before the House and desired leave to be heard respecting the bounds which they under- stood the House proposed for a new county in case it should be granted. Their objections were heard; and, after answering such questions as were put to them, they withdrew. On the 18th, the bill was read the first time and ordered to lie on the table. On the 19th, it was read a second time, considered paragraph by paragraph, and, after some debate, ordered to be transcribed for a third reading. On the 20th, it was read a third time, and, upon the ques- tion that the bill do pass it was ordered to be given the ■ Governor for his concurrence. After some consideration and amendments, the Act was finally passed on March 11, 1752. So, after the lapse of fourteen years, the zeal and persistent efforts of the petitioners were at last crowned with success. The Act specified the name of the county to be "Berks," fixed the boundary lines, authorized the erection of county buildings for tfte public serv- ice, and gave the inhabitants the customary powers of local. government, etc. . Surveying Commissioners, appointed in the Act (Edward Scull of Philadelphia county, Benjamin Lightfoot of Chester county, and Thomas Cook- son of Lancaster county), made a survey of the boundary lines of the new county extending them as far as the Susquehanna river, which was then the limit of settlements. The settlers, soon ascertaining that the lines were run, then extended their settlements rapidly farther on; which caused complaints to arise, be- cause the adjoining counties claimed and exer- cised the right of levying taxes on the inhabi- tants and their property along the lines. An Act was therefore passed on February 18, 1769, which authorized three commissioners to run the lines between Lancaster, Cumberland and Berks counties on the west, and between Northampton and Berks counties on the northeast, by actual sur- vey, and extend them in a northwestwardly course as far as the lands extended which were purchased from the Indians by the Proprietaries in 1768. The territory to the east of the Schuylkill river was taken from Philadelphia county, and that to the west from Lancaster and Chester counties. The estimated area of the county, as at present bounded, from each of them is as follows: Acres Philadelphia county 280,000 Lancaster county 238,500 Chester county 7,500 526,000 Districts at Erection. — At the time of the erection of the county there were twenty districts or townships, and taking the river as the natural dividing line, they were as follows: EASTERN DIVISION Albany Alsace Amity Colebrookdale Douglass Exeter Bern Bethel Brecknock Caernarvon Longswamp Maiden-creek Maxatawny Oley Richmond Ruscombmanor WESTERN DIVISION Cumru Heidelberg Robeson Tulpehocken Boundaries of County. — The county is bound- ed on. the northwest by Schuylkill county, the Blue Mountain forming a natural boundary line in 'length about thirty-six miles; on the northeast by Lehigh county, the line extending S. 49 degrees E., twenty- four miles ; on the southeast by Montgomery county and Chester county, the line along the former ex- lending S. 33i degrees W., sixteen and one-fifth miles, and the line along the latter, S., 53 degrees W., eleven and a half miles; and on the southwest by Lancaster county and Lebanon county, the entire line extending N. 49^ degrees W., thirty-nine miles, along the former county nineteen miles, and along the latter twenty miles. The population of the new couniy at the time of its erection cannot be approximately estimated. It may have been about twelve thousand. HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA First Assessment, 1754 EASTERN DIVISION Districts Albany Alsace Amity Colebrookdale . . Douglass Exeter Greenwich Hereford Longswamp .... Maiden-creek. . . Maxatawny Oley Reading Richmond Ruscombmanor. Windsor Tax Levied Tax- ables £ 18 Is. 6d. 63 17 14 6 59 45 9 139 23 4 6 81 31 3 6 85 23 3 75 34 15 6 69 25 6 82 21 5 6 56 31 6 82 50 6 115 36 16 6 140 18 19 6 56 14 10 6 53 28 16 6 101 Collectors Cornelius Treiss John Webb Nicholas Isch Jacob Wiler Frederick Mayer Benedic Leeser Frederick Helwig Paul Rodarmell Andrew Hauck John Hill Christopher Witman Abram Kiefer i Anthony Peck Leonard Reever 409 6 1.256 WESTERN DIVISION Bern Bethel Brecknock . . Caernarvon. Cumru Heidelberg. . Robeson. . . . Tulpehocken Union £52 lOs. 6d. 168 17 14 6 69 6 3 6 27 5 18 6 23 27 10 94 44 13 137 17 11 6 73 84 ' 3 6 284 14 4 41 Jacob Reeser Nicholas Wolf Henry Brandle 'John Morris Leonard Grow Ephraim Jackson Christopher Weiser Thomas Pratt 70 9 906 BEYOND BLUE MOUNTAIN Brunswick. . Pine Grove. . |£l0|l8s. I 3|16 56|Francis Yarnall 29 Nicholas Long 14 14 6 85 Total 694 9 .247 Explanations Alsace. — Tax collector same as Reading. Caernarvon. — Tax collector same as Union. Douglass.— Established in 1736, included with Amity. Brunswick and Pine Grove had not yet been established as Districts, but the taxable inhabitants there were as- sessed. Assessment made after erection of the county, tl-e additional districts having been established and recog- nized in the meantime. First Taxables. — The following- lists show the names of the taxables as they appear in a record recently found. It is believed that the Assessment was made in the year 1752 or shortly afterward by direction of the Commissioners for the pin-pose of levying the necessary tax to carrv on the local government; but 1754 has been set in 'at the head of the preceding table as the year when it was probably prepared, the Commissioners having in the mean- time _ doubtless taken the assessment made of the districts in the original counties as a guide until they were enabled to put the legal machinery in proper motion. It will be noticed that seven ad- ditional districts came to be recognized since the erection of the county (Greenwich, Herefori.1, Reading, Windsor, Union, Brunswick and Pine- Grove). This is the first time that the names of these tax!ables were published, and no attempt was made to correct the improper spelling in many in- stances as reported by the several assessors. Albany Anthony Adam John Baily Arnold Bittick Adam Boose Geo. Orchard Bomgartner Andrew Haigh Bug John Creeker Christopher Celphack George Cleanman Philip Coogler John Michael Corker Jacob Cuntz Adam Drum Nicholas Emrich William Farmer Julius Flack Casper Foolweiler George Corner Jacob Hacker George Hard Christian Heffeler Christian Henrick Michael Herbester Fredrick Hower Jacob Jarkmer Martin Keffer John Kesler Peter Kistner Jacob Lantz George Lember George Lentz Fredrick Mensel John Miller Jacob Backer Henry Baker Peter Bingaman Detrick Bittleman Dewalt Boom George Born John Close Herman Dehaven Jacob Dehaven Mathias Drenkle Simon Drisebogh John Eabling Michael Fether •Mjichael Fisher' Adam Garrett Henry Garrett Rudolph Garrett Leonard Glaser Fredrick Goodhart John Haberacker Philip Haflick Jacob Heidelshoe George Heir Samuel High Barnard Keller Conrad Keller Christian Kinsey George Kline Mathias Knip John Kulp Michael Mowner Casper Nigh Valentine Peter Anthony Petershiminer Michael Proabst Martin Probst Felty Probst Nicholas Ratick Henry Reifeldorfer Fredrick Rickelderfor Henry Ritter Jacob Stam William Smader William Stamp Philip Stampack Tobias Stapleton Nicholas Strawser Daniel Smith Christopher Swing Peter Treese Henry Treese Simon Treese Cornelius Treiss Andreas Wenner Nicholas Wenner John Witt Henry Zimmerman Single Men Nicholas Milderberger Solomon Packerman Adam Staler Alsace John Lamer Jacob Lansiscus George Lorah Casper Millhouse Baltser Moon Christian Morian George Nees Peter Norgong William Null Conrad Pop Philip Reaser Adam ReifTel Rinehard Rorebaugh Christopher Spangler Adam Swasbogh Jonas Seely Esq. Ernst Seydel John Smeck Bolser Swenck Peter Smith Henry Snider Victor Spice George Sowerbeir Stephen Shlunacker Adam Wagoner Lawrence Winsel Henry Wolf Francis Yost Nicholas Yost ERECTION OF COUNTY Rinehard Abershan Abram Andrew Daniel Andrew Mary Antis Jacob Arly Philip Jacob Bakel Thomas Banfield Thomas Barnard Joseph Boone Moses Bower John Boyer John Boyer Nicholas Boyer Thomas Bromfield James Burn Andrew Busserd Samuel Busserd David Cambell John Campbell Godfrey Cassebe Derick Cleaver Balster Creesman John Child Michael Cogel John Colter Lawrence Cooper John Close Jacob Crust Bridget Davis Cornelius Dehart Marg't Dehart Edward Doughty Edward Drury Francis Eckerman Aaron Eppler Lodwic Eisey Morris Ellis Daniel Fraley John Fretz Lodwic Filinger George Adam Fisher John Fye Francis Gibson Ellis Griffith John Griner Lodwic Gowger John Hammer George Hansleman Rowland Harris Adam Hatfield Joseph Holoway Martha Howard Michael Hufman Andrew Huling John Hulings Marcus Huling Jonas Jones Nicholas Jones Peter Jones Felty Keely John Kerlin Peter Kerlin John Klinger Simon Lightner Peter Livergood Daniel Lodwick Jacob Long , John Lowrow George Lutts William Macky Patrick Magw.ire John Abler ChristiPTi A'brecht Amity Stin Mayberry Hugh McCaffery Michael Messinger Hugh Mitchell Mathias Moudv Jacob Naugle Philip Near Martin Peker Walter Price John Potts John Powell Adam Reed Andrew Reingberry Jacob Roads Leonard Rodermel Barnabas Rhoads John Rutter Abijah Sands John Sands Balster Stas George Shedler John Ralph Snider George Stinger George Swiger John Taylor Joseph Thomas Michael Trump Henry Vanreed Jacob Waren James Waren John Waren Jacob Weaver Peter Weaver John Webb George Adam Weidner Isaac Weisman Stophel Wigel Daniel Will Elisabeth Williams William Winters Fredrick Wombach Daniel Womeldorff Peter Yoacam John Yocam Jonas Yocam Single Men Michael Berfenstone Jeremiah Boone Solomon Bromfield - Hugh Caain Solomon Davids William Davis Adam Drinkout Joshua Evars Alexander Gey Tames Hickley Samuel Hughes Mountz Jones Valentine Liffhtner Henry Martin Nicholas Meissner Peter Jesse Minker Valentine Morte Fredrick Stone ■"■oseph Wallick Daniel Walter ^rmpoh Williams William Williams Bern 'icob Albrecht Jacob Appier Valentine Appier Jacob Allwine Christian Althouse John Althouse Ulrick Bakenstove Jacob Bayler George Belloman George Benter Christian Berger David Brecht Adam Boone Philip Boyer John Bugs Jacob Buikey Jacob Burkee Jun'r Christian Byler Nicholas Clay Jacob Conrad Hans Curtz Titus Denning Jacob Dilman Mathias Dombach Benedic Domma John Ebbert John Eleman Adam Filer John Faust Christian Fight John Fight Christian Fisher Hieronimus Fisher Philip Foust Jacob Fox Fredrick Frum Christian Furry George Gernant Eberhard Geshwind Jacob Gicker David Grim Jacob Grim Jacob Grim Jacob Good Abram Haas John Haas Jacob Hackley Lawrence Hansel Peter Harpine Jacob Hartzler William Hatrick Yost Heck Jacob Heek Hieronimus Henning John Hester Yost Hester Valentine Himmelberger Jacob Hochstutlar Peter Hofman Nicholas Holler John Holly John Hufman Jacob Jeis Paul Junger Christian Kaufman Isaac Kaufman Jacob Kaufman Jacob Kaufman John Reabert Benedic Keprer George Kershner Martain Kershner Christian Kershberger Henry Ketner Peter Krebiel Henry Kicker Christian King Samuel King Peter Kline Stephen Kurtz Hans Lantz Widow Leib Michael Lindemoth George Loose Valentine Long William Lymister George Magner Jacob Mayer Philip Magemer Jacob Mast John Meat John Megemer Fredrick Meyjer George Miller Jacob Miller John Miller Nicholas 'Miller Simon Mink Valentine M/ogel Jacob Neis Lodwic Nicholas Joseph Obald Casper Philips Peter Radinbach Ulrich Radmacker Jacob Reeser Adam Rickenbach Nicholas Rime Philip Jacob Rode John Runkle Nicholas Runcle Sebastian Rutt Barnard Shartly Henry Staly Jacob Stain Adam Stam George Schall Albright Strauss Lodwic Seaman Martain Specht John Sieber Conrad Snider John Snider John Snider Samuel Spilbert Nicholas Souder John Shock Yost Shoemaker Philip Strouse Adam Stoudt John Stout Martha Stoudt Michael Stout Christian Stutzman Jacob Stutzman John Tomlinson WiUiam Tomlinson George Tripner Baltas Ifrbehaviour George Wagoner Herman Weaver Mathias Weaver Jacob Weidman George Weidman Andrew Weiler Jacob Wetzler Christian Kurtz Willets James Williamson Andrew Winter Samuel Wollason Barnhard Wommer Nicholas Womm«r Christian Yoder Christian Yoder Jun'r Jacob Yoder John Yoder 10 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John Young Roland Young Joseph ZoUberger Christian Zoog Moritz Zoog Hans Zimmerman John Apple Christian Bartorf John Adam Bartorf George Berger Henry Berger George Besehore Thomas Bover Adam Daniel Jacob Dene Peter Detrick John Eichgelberger Martin Eichgelberger Martin Eisenhocker Balster Emrich' John Emrich Jacob Emrich George Emrich Leonard Emrich John France Conrath Further Nicholas Gebhart George Groff Michael Groff Michael Groseman Lorentz Haucks Christopher Herold Martin Kapler Christopher Knebel Andrew Kremer Henry Kowbel John Kuncle Adam Kussel Francis Leyenberger Jacob Leyniner David Marks Nicholas Marks Michael Zuber Single Men Henry Reeser Peter Suefcr Christopher Winter Bethel Peter Mayer Rudy Moyer Chrissel Newcomer Wiilliam Parsons Esq. Peter Pickler Nicholas Poncious Wendel Reeger George Reninger Christopher Rier Nicholas Seaman Martin Speck Werich Selher Jacob Seirer Casper Sneavely Daniel Sneider Ulrick Spice Wendel Sivert Detrich Sixth Andreas Smith Baltser Smith Charles Smith Jacob Smith Bastian Stone Henry Shuhin John Shuy Fredrick Trester Martin Trester John Adam Walborn Michael Weiland Nicholas Wolf Jacob Zerbe Single Men Teeter Marcle Peter Leening Brecknock John Ahtonberry Henry Brandle Adam Behmer Christian Betz Daniel Comer Daniel Cuper John France Adam Fellbon Jacob Fry Valentine Fry John Hemick Lodwick Herman Peter Holler Charles Hornbery Adam Housh John Loy Lawrence Lyfred. Francis Marshall William Moore Adam Niduc Henry Ourwaser David Pealer Peter Sharman Baltser Snider Michael Slougy Leopold Yost Jeremiah Zemer Brunswick John Adams Burgoon Bird Valentine Bomgartner Abram Bowlebaugh John Bushe Tohn Costnets Stephen Coufman George Crowl John Clouser Peter Conrad Michael Dewer Thomas Ellas John Fincher George Fitchime Jacob Fudge John Green Adolph Henry George Honsinger Michael Humble Paul Hyme John Jones Joseph Jordan Philip Kinder Henry Kitner Daniel Ladee Nicholas Miller Henry Miller Adam Miller Daniel Milberger George Mock Polser Nifong Michael Platner Barnabas Purtese John Rersh Sylvenus Robinson Moses Robeson Joseph Rue Jacob Rust Jacob Shafer John Starrett Richard Stevens George Sheffer John Brackin Michael Close John Davis John Dobbins Robert Ellis John Farn Francis Fisher James Fisher Nicholas Hudson James James Daniel Jones David Jones Valentine Kirby Andrew Asshenbach John Backer Jeremiah Bacon Francis Beally Conrad Beam Fredrick Bettenman Casper Brocke David Bookert Casper Bowman Jacob Buckwalter jVIichael Cline Peter Clingersmith Jacob Cunez Michael Deiner Peter Erett Fredrick Erne Philip Fissel Adam Gerber John Gerber Frederick Goss John Goulden Harpine Jacob Haucke Stephen Hauck Herp Rudolph Hover Nicholas Isch George Joseph Fredrick Kclilcr David Kepler Peter Kill Jacob Klodz Conrad Leachlider Hans Adam Link Deobalt Long Peter Lubber Nicholas Mathias Jacob Mattis Jacob Miller Cunrad More Paul Moser Tobias Mouck Jacob Shearman Peter Smelker Barnabas Sidle Hanteeter Switese Nicholas Timmerman George Webb Thomas Willits George Widener Francis Yarnall Single Men Wm. Anderson Conrad Creebaura Joseph Lodwic John Sheaver John Willits Caernarvon Jacob Light John Light Christian Long William Low Ruth Morgan Mark Pealor Aaron Ratow William Robinson John Witson Free Men \ Christian Longs COLEBROOKDALE Emanuel Pifer Thomas Potts Widow Potts Peter Pyfer John Adam Reidener Casper Rickert Mathias Rode Conrad Roude Paul Rutter Thomas Rutter Thomas Sehone John Sleagle George Schwinharth Hermanus Sossamanhous Michael Spots Daniel Stover Lawrence Shuller Jacob Tongler Rudolph Totterolph Mathias Tutrow Wagoner Bernhard Wanmacker John Werstler Thomas Willson Charles Wise Single Men George Church John WoUrick Duniari Henry Eagle John George Eagle Erasemus — (tailor) Francis Gerleck Jacob Machline Valentine Machline John Negrom John Pile Anthony Spaez Peter Shene Thomas Walker ERECTION OF COUNTY 11 CUMRU Jacob Ashman John Best Martin Briner Christian Bowman Jacob Bowman Francis Creek Jacob Cloward Michael Crowl Nicholas Cour Martin Colber John Davis James Davis Sen'r Wm. David James Davis Elisabeth Davis John Dealy John Dealy David Edwards Joseph Evans David Evans David Evans Nathan Evans George Englehart John Englebrown Jacob Ecoy Sam"! Emry Henry Freyley Jacob Frymire Geo. Hague Conrad Hart Henry Harry Esq. Andrew Hicman Adam Household Tho's James Wra. Jones Michael Laph James Lewis Geo. Lewis' Rich'd Lewis Eleanor Lewis John Little Widow Loyd George Mawra Geo. Minder Lodwick Moon Werner iMoon John Moon Martin Alstatt Nicholas Alstatt Jacob Bacly Fred'k Baker John Bishop Adam Bouman Joseph Boone Jun'r James Boone William Boone Benjamin Boone Jacob Boyer Christopher Boyer Joseph Browne Peter Cime James Cooper Paul Durst Rowland Ellis Enoch Flower Martin Gerich George Henton John Heeler Rudick Heeler George Hest Jacob Hesterly John Morris Morgan Morgan Peter Munich Tho's Nicholas Henry Olsloff Jno. Geo. Pak Tho's Paine Evan Price John Pinclay John Pugh Michael Rood Geo. Roleman Peter Rood Jacob Rood Matis Ryton Henry Staupher Francis Steal Jacob Stealy Jonathan Stephen Casper Stever Adam Sigler Mich'l Shoemaker Peter Shoup John Stole Wm. Thomas Evan Thomas Peter Weidner John White Sam'l Wilkinson Warner Wisel Casper Wineman Jacob Worst Philip Worstloff Isaac Young Single Men Evan Evans James Goudye Peter Hause Wm. Howell Thomas James Jun'r Nicholas Kilion Daniel Murphoy Thomas Perkins Peter Penon Thomas Weaver Exeter Peter Hewett Ellis Hughes Samuel Hughes John Hughes Edward Hughes Leonard Hye Henry Kerner Henry Kersten Michael Keister Nicholas Kime John Lark Isaac Levan John Lebo Michael Lodwic William Maugridge Valentine Messersmith Martin Moll John More Ulrick Moore Michael Mure John Ourhawn Benjamin Parks Robert Patterson George Ritter Ferdenand Rutter Francis Rutter George Rutter William Russel Widow Sadler , Peter Sneider John Stitzel Mathias Teetler Henry Thompson James Thompson Michael Turlings Martin Walls Peter Waffer Widow Wagoner Venal Wawl John Webb Jacob Wiler Christian Wicks Adins Williams Henry Wolf Paul Zerleafel Single Men Peter Beckley John Boone George Cross Nicholas Herner Fredrick Keller George Keller William Kirbe Joseph Kirbe Jacob Koop Abram Levan Mordecai Lincoln George Messersmith Peter Nol John Stadwiller Henry Shlieg John Thompson Martin Vesner John Wainright Greenwich Henry Aspbach Lawrence Beaver Jacob Beel Melchior Beele Geo. Bouman Fredrick Bower Adam Bower Widow Buzzard Rudy Buzzard Philip Callback George Creamer Fredrick Cremer Godfrid Cremer Simon Derek John Duncle Philip Foust Jacob Foust Leonard Fox Jacob Grenoble Nicholas Gotshall Fredrick Hairn Peter Haucke Simon Isenberager Gabriel Isenberger Peter Kardenginger John Keller Mathias Keffer- John Keel Philip Kerker Daniel Kline George Komp George Koser John Kooler Mathias Lay Peter Lenard Michael Lesher Fredrick Levey's Widow Geo. Mich'l Liver Jacob Liver John Long Daniel iManusmith Fredrick Mayer George Miller Charla Palmer Henry Polender Mathias Reamer Geo. Wm. Reel Conrad Reigleman Anthony Starren Adam Staup Fred'k Shallaberager John Seseman Henry Sheafver Rudolph Slear John Sweedner Jacob Sittlemier Michael Smith Nicholas Shoemaker George Spone Peter Suttes Daniel Teer And'w Unaugust Mich'l Undercuffeler Jacob Wery Single Men Jacob Adam Christian "-Baum Martin Beeker Abraham Clease Conrad Dennis Adam Foust Conrad Kefner George Keller Henry Miller Jacob Sheffer George Swinger Heidelberg John Arts Nicholas Bachtle John Blank Abram Besler Simon Bennet Peter Betz George Brindle John Boyer Andreas Boyer Henry Boyer Sen'r Henry Boyer Jun'r Adam Bonevitz Adam Brown Michael Bush Frantz Brustman Nicholas Clat John Cowbel Fredrick Cowbel Andrew Croff Thomas Davis Christian Deby George Derr 13 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John Desler John Henry Dickert John Ditter Casper Durst Eleazor Evans John Echard Peter Eberly Conrad Ernst Christ Frantz Peter Feg Leonard Feg WiHiam Fisher John Jacob Fisher Henry Fidler Philip Fitzmier Peter Fitzer Conrad Finck Yost Fox Peter Foust Anthony Foust Henry Fry Fredrick Gerrard Leonard Grow Henry Haines Fredrick Haines Hans Christian Haines George Haines Peter Haines Casper Haines Adam Haines Peter Haus Henry Hetterick Martin Hehdorn Yost Hederick William Johnson Jacob Kern Valentine Keyser John Keller John Klinger Peter Knop Jacob Kuhl Henry Kruber Casper Lerg Martin Link Paul Lingle John Martin Long George Louck Michael Lower Nicholas M&rtin Dietrick Marshall Melchor Mehl Ulrich Michael Christian Miller Fredrick Miller Hans Moyer Catherine Mountz George Nagle Peter Newman John Melchor Norr Bastian Obaldt Michael Oberhauser Martin Pattinger Tobias Pickle Henry Printz Peter Pricker Gabriel Razar William Reeser Nicholas Reed Peter Reedly Ulrich Richard Nicholas Rool Conrad Sharp Detrick Shall Casper Shaffer Nicholas Shaffer Jacob Sencebach Michael Smell Thomas Stierns Adam Shorf Philip Stort Catherine Stronekin Michael Shower Adam Shower John George Shock Adam Spohn Henry Spohn William Spotz Henry Sturt John Surby Henry Sugar John Stump Peter Werner Balser Wendrick Mathias Wendrick Philip Weiser Conrad Weiser Esq. Lazarus Winnert Nicholas Weinhart Single Men Lodwick Durr Jacob Fox Peter Fry Henry Klasner Rudolph Henry Stort Peter Werlau Hereford Thomas Bansfield Abram Beightle George Beightell John Beightle Michael Bower Abram Bower Samuel Bower Martin Craden Valentine Crasmore David Coley George Cones Valentine Delinger Jacob Evener Nicholas Fink Jacob Fisher Christian Gamman John Gregory Richard Gregory Philip Heiney Francis Latchor Benedic Leeser & Brother Fredrick Mason David Masters Gregories Master Sophia Mayberry George Mercle Jacob Miller White Miller Adam Moser Peter Mull Fredric Nesler Andrew Oldman Conrad Pope Conrad Popp William Rickert John Ridenour George Rorebach Jacob Rosman George Sailer Michael Shell Theodore Schneider Widow Stoneman Daniel Stover Jacob Stover John Stopp Benedic Stroam Christopher Shultz Melchor Shutts Martin Sturtsman Mason Tark Peter Teddrolfe Melchor Wagoner Jacob Walter John Walters Peter Weller Jacob Welssel Valentine Wibell Single Men George Bawer Leonard Crasemer Jacob Creesmer Richard Gregory Jun'r John Godfrey , John Latcher Philip Lawr John Meene Casper Meyers Henry Routh Philip Routh LONGSWAMP Christian Abenshen Jacob Bard Michael Beeber Jacob Beery Nicholas Beringer Frederick Boffenmoyer Henry Bollinger Martin Boger Jacob Buger Samuel Burgher Philip Burgher Baltus Cleaber , George Cumb Jacob Danner Henry Delong John Diehl Mathias Eigener John Egg Philip Emert George Falk Barnard Fegely Jacob Fenstermacher Philip Fenstermacher John Flamer Samuel Fogel Frederick Helwig Christian Henry John Hess Jacob Huffman Martin Hurcher Jacob Hum Nicholas Jacoby Dewalt Karl George Keplinger Jacob Kieffer Frederick Kieffer Nicholas Kintz Bernhart Klein Dewalt Klein Henry Knoblich Lorentz Lofer Jacob Long Jacob Long Nicholas Long Nicholas Martz Peter Martz Joast Mertz Henry Mentz Andreas Milshlegel Mathias Morell Michael Mothstein Michael Nederaur Inias Noel Peter Putser Peter Redler George Severt George Shaffer Andreas Sharley Frederick Sheffer Christian Shick George Shroder Michael Shroder Henry Strickler Nicholas Swartz Henry Tear Conrad Treiss Frederick Ulry Jacob Wimer Single Men Anthony Abal John Agner John Cline Melchoir Danner Jacob Drollinger Adam Gary Philip Heesner Adam Helwig Philip Hen Martin Ibert Michael Jacobe Elias Klenler Peter Kline Michael Long ]\L\IDEN-CREEK John Barger Stephen Barnett Anthony Brest Alelchor Clinefelter Jacob Dipra George Flagly Pheliz Franfelter Michael Feller Philip Fitzsimons Rudy Hoy John Hutton James Hutton James Jordan James Kays Thomas Kirby Jacob Lightfoot Leonard Mire Edward Moran Godtred Orby Francis Parvin Esq. Thomas Pearson Richard Penrose Joseph Penrose William Penrose Elias Read John Reeser Jacob Richard Paul Rodarmell Moses Star Moses Star Jun'r ERECTION OF COUNTY 13 Merick Starr Urban Shettle John Sook Philip Wax NuUy Whee Henry Willits John Wily John Wily Single Men Peter Ax Simon Barger Thomas Barger Fredrick Christian Barnabas Curree Robert Dicky Martin Houesman Jacob Housman Owen Hughes Peter Kirby B. Parvin Francis Parvin Jun'r Jeremiah Starr James Starr John Starr George Seere Casper Stroal Benjamin Wiley Maxatawny Conrad Bader Christopher Bader Christian Bawn Peter Braun Dewalt Beever John Beever John Beever George Beever Dieter Benier Anthony Bensinger Rudolph Bergy Abram Berling John Bost Lodwick Buss Michael Creasman Michael Cline Henry Christ Widow Cuttz (Kutz) Fredrick Delaplank John Delong Peter Dick Peter Delong Anthony Fisher Urbon Fribell Henry GrauU Jacob GrauU Jacob Gireadin (Sharaden) Lorentz Groin WilUam Groff William Gross Nicholas Harmony John Hartman Andrew Hauck Conrad Heniner Michael Henninger John Hergenroeder John Hill John Hostader Widow Huttenstein Dewalt Kemp Julius Kerper Casper Killrain Jacob King Dorst Kursner George Kutz Jacob Kutz Daniel Levan / Jacob Levan / Sebastian Levan Henry Lukenbill Conrad Manusmith Nicholas MuflBy Casper Reap Christopher Ruth George Sassman Andrew Sassman Casper Smack Martin Sick Joseph Sickfred John Sigfred Jacob Sigfred Jost Henry Sossamanhous Henry Wetzstone Peter Will Casper Wink Sabastian Zimmerman Single Men George Bauder Joseph Bridle Ulrick Bruner Phillip Croul Nicholas Dehoe Andrew Fridle Peter Fock Jacob Floher William Hauck Philip Hen Henry King Jacob Kumerer Michael Man Michael Steinborn George Shriber Peter Weiler Oley Conrad Arnold John Barto Abram Bartolet Fredrick Bartolet John Bartolet John Bechtold George de Benneville Gabriel Boyer George Brown Nicholas Clemmons Casper Creesmer Jacob Deplank John Dorke Mordecai Ellis Jacob Engle John Fredrick Conrad Fisher William Foulk John Gelbach Casper Gregory Fredrick Gulden Saniuel Gulden Peter Harpel Jonathan Harpine Peter Herpifle Samuel High John High Jacob Hill Michael Hiller Henry Hose Benjamin Hufnail Valentine Hufnail John Hunter Nicholas Hunter Adam Ingboden George Katesen Jacob Kaufman Simon Kraus John Kegle John Keplinger , Widow Kersten Jacob Kime Widow Kime Samuel Lee Thomas Lee Anthony Lee John Lee John Lesher Nicholas Lesher Abram Levan Fredrick Limebach Henry Limebach John Limebach Peter Lobach Benjamin Longworthy Jacob Loutz Nicholas Matery Peter Mathew Jacob Miller Henry Neunkerch (New- kirk) George Oyster Abram Peter Peter Priel William Pott Jun'r Conrad Reif Stephen Report Valentine Rice Widow Richard dliristian Riple Leonard Shaffer John Stapleton William Stapleton Henry Shefer Jacob Selser Jacob Sneider Martin Shinkle George Shitz Nicholas Shlichter Jacob Stover Dehecus Weidner Lazarus Weidner George Windbegler David Weiser Anthony Yager John Yoder John Yoder Jun'r Samuel Yoder John Yoder Yost Jacob Young Valentine Young Widow Younkam Single Men William Collins John Fredrick Samuel Gulden Jacob Hart Christopher Harple John Hercher John Hill , Daniel Hoch John Hoch John Hoof Elias Hufnail Michael Knap John Mertz Henry Musk Degenhart Pott John Pott Peter Reed Philip Reiff John Schneider Nicholas Smith Jacob Stutz Jacob Yoder John Yoder Yost Pine-Grove Jacob Barger John Bresler Mathias Brickie Christopher Bollinger Willpart Compart Leonard Conrad John Donder Nicholas Eshway Philip Graver Michael Gimberle Christopher Hedrick Henry Kline Andrew Kockendorfer Lodwick Kornmer William Armon William Armald Peter Baum Marks Beek James Biddle Peter Bingaman Joseoh Brintlinger Jacob Boldee Earhard Bomgartner Jacob Boocher Conrad Bower Henry Boyle Abram Brosius Nicholas Long Jacob Miller George Miney Peter Miney John Mozt Casper Newfong Martin Potaker George Rith Philip Smell Jacob Stealy George Six Peter Smith Jacob Shope Philip Summer Nicholas Youngblood Reading Fredrick Brown Samuel Cays Martin Craft John Curtz John Crul Conrad Deboy Fredrick Degohard' George Devil George Dom George Douglass Ludwic Emian Andrew Engle Hieronimus Eigelberger 14 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Peter Feather Michael Figthorn Lawrence Fix Charles Friken Fredrick Poland George Gisler Henry Goodhart Christopher Gotschall Bastian Growser Joseph Hank Philip Hart Peter Haus Henry Hawn Craft Heinier Moses Heyraan Michael HoUich Peter Holtzseider Samuel Hude William Huttenstone William Iddings Paul Iselore Israel Jacobs Evan Jones Casper Kepperlin Jacob Kern Abrara Kerper Christian Kimro Alexander Klinger Peter Klinger Peter Kooch Peter Kop Martin Kost John Knorr Paul Lebo Jacob Leibrook Christopher Lemon Benjamin Lightfoot, Esq. John Margen George Marks William Marks Everhard Martin Jacob Masoner Henry Medcalf Baltser Meyerly David Meyerly William Miller Jacob Morgan Jacob Moyer Philip Nagle Tidrick Parlet Benjamin Pearson Paul Perlet Michael Prest Nicholas Pick Jacob Pick Derst Pister John Philippi Evan Popkins Jacob Rabolt James Read, Esq. John Ream Josiah Rees Henry Reidmeyer Michael Renner John Richards Earhard Roade Michael Rouch Leonard Rupert Philip Sailer Joseph Shamo Nicholas Seysinger Adam Sheck Adam Slegel George Steel Henry Shier Abram Smith John Smith Peter Smith George Sowerpry Nicholas Shofart Michael Spot George Shuler George Shulf Tobias Wagner Peter Weiser Isaac Wickersham Fredrick Windish Adam Witman John Witman Lodwic Witman Christopher Witman George Wonder Adam Wordenberger Jacob Yager George Yoe Nicholas Yost Single Men Christian Busse David Fox William Graff James Gibbins Stephen Haveracker George Isenbeis Peter Momah Christian Mourer Lyon Nathan , John Readinger David Rine John Rose Conrad Sigtor Bernhard Shisser Mathias Souermilk Michael Shun Andrew Wolf Martin Young Richmond Michael Adam Peter Adolph Jacob Breon Peter Biel Henrick Burget William Cowwood Jacob Dreblepiss Henry Dilbon Christopher Disher Henrich Edle David Ely Abram Ely Conrad Fogelfender John Glas Peter Grenewald Henry Heffner Michael Hesler Michael Hessely Daniel Hoy Jacob Huttenstone Henrick Kelkner George Kern Abram Kiefer Peter Merkle Nicholas Merckel George Merckle Conrad Miller George Nutes George dinger Baltas Reim Michael Revert John Riel Peter Roder John Rodermell Christian Rotermel George Sheffer Jun'r Michael Steinbumer Christopher Shlegel Peter Spim Philip Suntz Martin Wanner Michael Weiman Fredrick Zirr Single Men George Mijchael Derr James Bird Josiah Boone Walter Burk Jacob Bychle John Cadwallader France Colony Jacob Cough Henry Cough Garrett Dewese Cornelius Dewese Stephen Douty George Dycass Felty Eamse Isaac Edwards Christopher Ergate Enos Ellis Christopher Freat David Garrad Richard George Christopher Giger John Griffith Philip Hart Marg't Harris William Harvot Michael Hewet David Howel John Howman Widow Hoyle Hudson Hughes Owen Humphrey Ephram Jackson Evan Jones Thomas Lewis Peter Liking Robert Long Samuel Mooney John Moore Richard More Peter Dilbone Paul Hboimaii David Kamb Martin Kamb John Kamber Jacob Lupfer Christian Merkle Casper Merckle John Rany Jacob Shoemaker Christopher Wanner Conrad Wolf Robeson Jenkins Morris James Nox Jacob Overdear Thomas Pew Elias Redkey Jacob Redkey Griffith Rees Israel Robeson John Scarlet Adam Shaver Samuel Seely Robert Stewart William Sowers George Sowers Fredrick Stoner Willetrick Stoner William Talman Thomas Thomas Thomas Thomas John Thomas David Thomas Benjamin Williams George Windle Henry Winterberry Single Men Andrew Allen James Cadwalader Joseph Dowdle Thomas Emry , George Hart Jonas Likins Owen Nicholas Jacob Overdear Samuel Robinson James Thomas Jacob Wilkler RUSCOMEMANOR Adam Ahar George Angstat George Angstat Julius Bauhman PhiHp Berninger Peter Breifogel John Rudolph Camber Peter Colb Mathias Colb Jacob Diser Jacob Ely Titer Fohl Jacob Fox Bastian Gernant Nicholas Guliard Peter Guidleman George Hefnor Caspar Hoofman Ludwic Hospelhorn Christian Hufnail Philip Keller Peter Kulter Henry Long Jacob Libbert Philip Lining Jacob Michael John Miller Godlick Nolick Conrad Price Anthony Peck Casper Piking John Reel Peter Reif George Rock Casper Routzhorn George Swartz Christian Shoemaker Adam Shurel John Sowers Yost Wagner John Wickenhammer IMichael Widower ERECTION OF COUIS'TY 15 John William John Yon Jacob Zanger Single Men Fredrick Bla Stophel Colb ' Jost Faall Teetor Folb George Kilver John Kohl Michael Miller Henry Rincer TULPEHOCKEN John Ansbach Leonard Ansbach Peter Ansbach Michael Albert William Albert George Bachtel John Bachter Jeremiah Barr Adam Crick-Bawm WiUiam Crick-Bawm Jacob Beck George Beel Felty Bensel Christian Bergke (Burkey) George Bleistein Philip Bleistein Jacob Breck Jacob Bizman Simon Boreiff Fish Bornen George Boyer Henry Boyer Jacob Brown Philip Brown Sen'r Philip Brown Jun'r Jacob Buhz Capwright Jacob Casser Fredrick Clasbrener George Christ Stephen Conrad Peter Grouser Nicholas Deck Adam Deiffebach Barthel Deisinger George Dollinger Jacob Donder Melchor Dotweiler Mathias Dubeler Andrew Eber John Eder Jacob Ezberger . Jacob Eichler Adam Emrich Bastian Eruth Nicholas Ely George Faurs Nicholas Framer Christian France George Fenikle Widow Fidler Jacob Fisher Ulrick Fisher George Folk Jacob Fomler John Force Adam Fox George Gardner Peter Gebhart Philip Gebhart George Goodman Leonard Grow Jacob Grub Henry Haine Michael Hambarger John Hartman Michael' Hartman Jacob Hartman George Hauck John Haveler Peter Hecman Samuel Herman Jacob Hofman Fredrick Hoffener Thomas Hon Adam James David Kaderman Jacob Kaderman John Kaler John Kaufman Michael Keal David Keisler George Klein Mathias Kemp Daniel Kremer Rudolph Kendel Thomas Kern Daniel Kenzner William Kesran Peter Kreyer Michael Keyser William Keyser George Kinter & Son Nicholas Kinser Peter Kissener Michael Kitner Christian Krugar Jacob Kubeller Christian Kurtz George Kutner John Kofp Jacob Konner Michael Kope Thomas Knorr Fredrick Koufman Nicholas Kouger Christian Lawferweller Abram Lebo Peter Lebo George Lechner Jacob Lederman George Lehman Adam Lesh William Lightner Jacob Livergood & Son George, Lodwic Casper Long John Long Nicholas Long Jacob Lost Christian Lower Daniel Lucas Abram Luke Abram Luke Jun'r Peter Luke Jacob Lux Francis May & Son Daniel Mayer Philip Meat Jacob Miller Jacob Miller Nicholas Miller Wendel Miller Jacob Milleisin Jatob Ming Michael Moser John George Moule Daniel Moushavner Bernhard Mounti Christian Moyer John Moyer Rudy Moyer Jacob Moz Valentine New John Nokle George Noll Mathias Noxser John Oberle Andrew Oleback George Paffenberger Christian Pens John Poncious Jacob Portner George Procias and two married sons Michael Rice ~ John Rigelmiller Zacharias Rockroch Henry Rodebach George Rool Joseph Rozs Mathias Rozs Michael Runcle Adam Ryal Casper Read John Ream George Read Conrad Reber Casper Reed Casper Reed Fredrick Reed Jacob Reed Leonard Reed Leonard Reed Peter Reed Widow Reed Christopher Reeser Andrew Reger Godfred Rehrer Jacob Rehrer Abram Reiber Daniel Reigel John Repman Andrew Shafer George Shaffer John Shaffer Michael Shaffer Michael Shaffer Jun'r Fredrick Shaffer Peter Shaffer Michael Sauser John Snably Jacob Swanger Lodwick Swartz John Swartz Henry Seller George Seller Jacob Seiber Philip Seiper Philip Shearman Widow Shell Adam Stein Jun'r Adam Stein Sen'r Peter Stein Bastian Sweyger George Shireman Adam Smith George Smith Mathias Smith Abram Snider Benjamin Spicker Peter Spicker Nicholas Swingel Adam Sholter Bernhard Shoon Adam Sonday John Shop George Stock Jacob Stock Henry Stoll Fredrick Stop Martin Stoup John Snow Michael Summay Casper Stump Melchor Tabler Adam Team John Theam Melchor Ticeler William Ticeler Oly Tonkleberger John Troutman George Ulrick Valentine Unrow Christopher Urns Christopher Ury Peter Wagoner Mathias Wagoner Widow Walborn George Weber Adam Weeber Jacob Welhelm Christopher Weiser David Weiser John Weiser France Wenrich Henry Wilberger Conrad Wirth Fredrick Winter Jacob Wolf Jacob. Wolf George Wolf George Wolf Michael Wolffart John WoUeben John Wombledorf John Zerbe Peter Zerbe Peter Zerbe Jun'r John Zellot Oley Zoleberger John Zollete Single Men Fredrick Anters Jacob Arbs Peter Carbrigh Godfret Carkert Henry Cuns Valentine Grasey Jacob Gessler Geo. Goodman Jun'r Adam Haverle Little Jacob Fredrick Miller Jacob Precias William Resman John Roster Nicholas Sneider Lorentz Simple John Strosneider John Unrue IG HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Union Thomas Banfield Jacob Bashance William Bird Jenkin Davis Evan Evans John German John Godfrey Mordecai Harris John Harrison Caleb Harrison John Hans Andrew Hoffman John Hollowav Mathew Hopkin Edward Hugh Mounce Jones Steven Lewis Morgan Lewis John Lincorn Charles Magrew Jonathan Millard Joseph Millard Benjamin Millard Timothy Millard Thomas Pratt Christian Standly John Stone Henry Sudlar Conrad Walter Abram Wanger Andrew Wolf Daniel Yoder Single Men Fennel Evans Fredrick Hause Obediah Jerman Jeremiah Jerman Faul Ryley Andrew Smith Charles Terdman George Tishler George Trustle Windsor Reyhard Alsboch Mathias Alspoch Daniel Baily Peter Barteymay Isaac Bartolet Christopher Brening William Bresler Christopher Bickel George Bowman George Craine W'endel Cooper Mathias Dear Michael Dewald Qementz Doncleberger Peter Donkleberger Michael Dunkle Martin Fell Nicholas Fey Patrick Finley John Garver Jacob Grave George Godtchall ]\Iichael Hansel John Hart Fredrick Hershe Fredrick Hess Daniel Hill Daniel Hill Jun'r John Daniel Hill Jacob Hill John Hill Philip Flingel Valentine Hoof John Hossinger John Houser Christian Housgneit Conrad Hoiisman Jacob Hower Wendel Flowers Widow Flughes Philip FInmel Jacob Hummel Michael Iseman Daniel Kamb Michael Iveisher Leonard Keplinger Conrad Kersner George Kersner Henry Kime Adam Kline John Koch Christopher Kosner Michael Kower Widow Kuhn Peter Kluke Valentine Kyme George Lindermood Adam Lookinbill George Miller Hans Moyer Jacob Petery George Potist Henry Proabst (Brobst) Leonard Reever (Reber) Barnard Rend George Resler Lawrence Rodermell Peter Rodermell Jacob Rouse Martin Rouse Nicholas Roust Michael Sleer Elias Stein Andreas Sidle Henry Shiera George Shnider Jeremiah Shoppel ALathias Trayer George Adam Wagner Theobald Warner Peter Weaver Philip Wensil Caret Will Jacob Winger Nicholas Winger Nicholas Winger Thomas Wright Jonathan Worral Single Men Lips Adam William Anderson William Andlemon Peter Cratsler Jacob Dewald Jacob Hill George Hower Andrew Humel Leonard Ketz George Lusher James Mai one Jacob Meyer John Mingel NATIONALITIES Swedes. — The first permanent settlement along the Delaware in Pennsylvania was effected by a small colony of Swedes in 1638. Ten years before this, the subject of encouraging Swedes to settle in Pennsylvania, for purposes of trade, had been discussed by the King of Sweden ; but his warfare with the Germans about that time, and his sudden death, ended the matter, till it was reconsidered and revised by his lord chancellor under the patronage of his daughter, the young Swedish Queen Chris- tina. The whole number of settlers then in the new country (which they called New Sweden) did not exceed fifty. The Swedes effected the most of their settlements on the western side of the Delaware river, and extended them along this river and its prominent tributary, the Schuylkill. In ten years, their number did not increase to one hun- dred. Notwithstanding their success in carrying on trade, they could not acquire such a firm hold upon the country as to continue their government a score of years. In 1655, their Governor surrendered to the Dutch, and this ended the rule of the Swedes in Pennsylvania. But those who had settled and taken up lands along the Delaware and Schuylkill did not abandon their settlements. Penn, upon his arrival nearly thirty years afterward, encouraged them to move toward the interior. The English settlers multiplied rapidly after Penn had given a fixed government to the province, and toward the close of the seventeenth century the Swedes began to consider the propriety of accept- ing Penn's ofifer. A small colony, under the lead- ership of Andrew Rudman, found suitable land along the Schuylkill, several miles above the mouth of the Manatawny creek, and they in 1701 petitioned for ten thousand acres. Immediately afterward, in pursuance of warrants issued, certain tracts, aggre- gating 10,500 acres, were surveyed and laid off for them. The names of these Swedes were Andrew Rudman, Andrew Bankson, Benjamin Burden, Peter Boon, Benjamin Boon, Mounce Jones, Justa Justason, Mounce Justice, John Cock, Peter Cock,. Otto Ernest Cock, Jacob Culinn, Matthias Holston, Morton Morton, Richard Roads and Jonas Yocum. All of these, excepting Rudman, remained and made permanent settlements. A building erected by one of them, in 1716, is still standing though somewhat altered. It is the oldest building in the county. Descendants of some of them are still in the township (called Amity shortly afterward), notably the Joneses and Yocums. This was the only colony of Swedes which came into the county, and the only section of the county in which they took up lands ; and they did not wander away, re- maining in the township almost entirely. They were the first settlers who erected a build- ing for religious worship in this county. They were members of the Lutheran denomination, and they possessed admirable characteristics to take up and develop a new country. They remained more ERECTION OF COUNTY 17 immediately together than any other subsequent class of settlers. The Indians must have appfe- ciated their virtues in suffering them to remain unmolested before the land was released. Hence OLD SWEDE BUILDING they were a peaceable people. There was amity be- tween them, and so the township came to be named in 1720. Germans. — The German immigrants were the second to enter this section of territory. The first settlement by them was effected in 1710, along the Manatawny, in Oley. Many arrived within the next decade. To the east of the Schuylkill river they proceeded northwardly from Philadelphia. To the west, however, the first colony of Germans, be- fore 1730, entered from the west, proceeding from New York southwardly and from the Susquehanna river eastwardly into Tulpehocken Valley. The total number of Germans who settled in the county previous to 1752 cannot be estimated, but they were certainly more numerous than all the other nationalities taken together. In 1747 Governor Thomas stated that the Germans of Pennsylvania comprised three-fifths of the whole population, or about one hundred and twenty thousand. Many of them were redemptioners, or persons who had bound themselves or one or more of their children to the masters of vessels, upon their ar- rival, for a term of years, to pay for their passage across the ocean. The usual terms of sale depended upon the age, strength and health of the persons sold. Boys and girls generally served from five to ten years, till they attained the age of twenty- one years. Many parents were compelled to sell the service of their own children in order to sat- isfy their passage-money, so that they might be released from the vessel upon which they were brought to this country. Children under five years of age could not be sold to service. They were disposed of gratuitously to persons who agreed to raise them and give them their freedom when they attained the age of twenty-one years. In this man- ner the redemptioners came to occupy a very hum- ble position ; but "from this class there have sprung some of the most reputable and wealthy inhabit- ants of the province." 2 Prior to 1727, most of them brought considerable means, but afterwards, many of them were poor, and they came to be redemptioners on that account. The years in which they arrived were 1728, 1729, 1737, 1741, 1750 and 1751. The principal part of them were farmers ; but many were mechanics who brought with them a knowledge of those arts which are necessary and useful in all countries, com- prising carpenters and builders, weavers, tailors, tanners, shoemakers (cordwainers), comb-makers, smiths of all kinds, butchers, paper-makers and clock-makers. They became perfect, mechanics and- workmen through a custom of "Peregrination" (Wanderschaft)j which, as young men, just after the close of their apprenticeship, they carried on for one or more years in order to make themselves more proficient in their several trades. This was required of young mechanics before they were per- mitted to set up for themselves. By this course, they were afforded opportunities of acquiring much useful knowledge which books could not supply, besides proficiency in their trade. They were called "Traveling Journeymen" (Handwerks-Bursch). This was the class of Germans which settled the country along the Schuylkill and its tributaries. They were a valuable acquisition to Penn and his sons in the development of their great province. They were just what a new country needed to start it grandly in the march of material progress. Their labor, economy, perseverance and stability added great and increasing wealth to the country. In this manner they prepared the way for the erec- tion of a new county, and having thus fitted the settlements for a separate political organization they proceeded earnestly in behalf of its establish- ment. The Germans were along every stream except- ing the Wyomissing, Allegheny, and Hay creek in the southern section. They were in the valleys and on the hills rather than along the Schuylkill. This selection of localities was not accidental, for thev found the best quality of land away from the Schuyl- kill. The best farms in productiveness and ap- pearance are in the localities where they settled — in Oley, in Maxatawny, and in Heidelberg. And in these respective localities we still find the grand- children and great-grandchildren of the first Ger- man patentees. And the Germans were extreme Revolutionists, having encouraged the war for Independence to the utmost of their ability. Their conduct was admir- able through the whole trying period, and when the great struggle was successfullv ended, with the acquisition of increased power to the people, they naturally asserted their rights and took elect- ive offices to t'hemselves. Huguenots.— Many of the earlier immigrants were Huguenots, who had been encouraged by Penn and the English goveirnment to emigrate to Penn- sylvania and New York. In France, this name was used as a term of reproach for those who aimed at a reform of religion according to the principles 18 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA enunciated by Calvin. The name attached itself to these reformers when they broke off all connec- tion with Lutheranism and began to organize them- selves both as a church and as a political body. Their churches sprang up with wonderful quick- ness during the middle of the sixteenth century; but they became very unpopular. After the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day, in 1572, the subordination of their religious interests to their political interests became inevitable, and having become followers of Henry of Navarre, heir to the French crown, their subsequent discon- tent obtained from him, as King Henry IV., in 1598 (April 13th) J the famous Edict of Nantes. But the provisions of this Edict were found as help- ful for Catholics as for Protestants, and they were so modified as to show a decreasing favor of the Calvinists, who had dreamed of dominance and had hoped for equality, but were put off with tol- erance. This situation caused them to become dis- satisfied with the Edict; and the King then deter- mined to reduce them to nothing. About 1590, the Huguenots carried on worship in about thirty-five hundred chateaux and two hun- dred towns, which were situated chiefly in the south and west of France. When Louis XIV took U)) his reign, the tranquility of the Huguenots began to pass away. In 1657, they were forbidden to hold colloquies, lest they might take- to politics; and in 1659, they were told to hold no more synods. Soon the court went further and conversions were undertaken. Wherever a pastor could be bribed, converted or got rid of, his temple was torn down. Their worship then became almost impossible in towns. As the King's conscience ^tcw morbid, he became more eager to expiate his own crimes by punishing heretics. Within twenty years seven hundred churches were destroyed. Throughout that tr)'ing period, whilst thousands of them yielded to oppression or bribery, thousands ot others fled the land. The emigration began in 1666, and contin- ued for fifty years. It is ):)robable that, in 1660, there were over two millions of Pluguenots who were regarded as the best and most thrifty citizens in that country; and of these it is said fully a mil- lion escaped from their inhospitable fatherland. At last, the King revoked the Edict of Nantes, because he thought that the Huguenots were suppressed. This was on Oct. 15, 1685, and it was the sentence of civil death on all Huguenots. It crushed more than half of the commercial and manufacturing in- dustry of the kingdom. French. — Among the Huguenots, there were many settlers with French names, which may be found in the lists of the first taxables to the east of the Schuylkill. The spelling has been changed so much that they can hardly be recognized, this having been done by the assessors to conform to the English or the German pronunciation. Some of these names and changes will be enumerated : Bardo or Barto was Bardeau ; Bushong. Beau- champ ; Bushour, Boucher or Buchat ; Bertolet, Berthollet ; Bast, Baste ; Deisher, Duchere ; Deturck, De Turcq; Dippery, Duprez; Dilplain, Delaplaine ; Lessig, Lesecq; Lorah, Larue; Monyer, Monnier ; Plank, De la Plank; Sharadin, Girardin; Shappel, Chapelle; Shomo, Chaumont. Several of the un- changed names are Boyer, Delcamp, De Long, Le- van. English. — The English entered this territory and took up lands shortly before 1720. They were, accordingly, the third class of settlers. Their first families were the Boones, Ellises, Lees and Lin- colns. They settled in Oley, — the Ellises and Lees in the eastern section, along the Manatawny, and the Boones and Lincolns in the central and western sections along the Monocacy and the Schuylkill. Within ten years after their permanent settlement, they established a meeting-house for religious wor- ship. This was about 1726, at a point where the Exeter meeting-house stood until recently, in an elevated position near the northwestern limit of the Swedes' tracts, then called Amity township. Shortly after 1730, they also settled along and about Hay creek and Allegheny creek, to the west of the Schuylkill, and also farther north, along and about the Maiden creek, immediately after the In- dians had released their rights to the territory. The first families in the former settlements were the Embrees, Lewises, Humphreys, Scarlets, Har- rys, Prices, Webbs, Hughes, Moores, Williamses and Thomases ; and in the latter settlements the Parvins, Lightfoots, Pluttons, Starrs, Davises, Pen- roses, Pearsons, AVileys, Wrights, Willits, Plarveys and Reeds ; and these respective families also es- tablished meeting-houses in the midst of their set- tlements, about the year 1736 — the one at the cross-roads near the center of Robeson township, and the other near the center of Maiden-creek. All these families were connected with the Friends. They exerted a strong influence in these three sections of the county. The numerous Eng- lish names given to the townships east of the Schuyl- kill were suggested by them. George Boone was particularly prominent in the lower section, and Benjamin Lightfoot in the upper section, in res- pect to proceedings for setting apart new townships. They were surveyors and men of more than ordi- nary ability. And just as these two men were prom- inent in their branch of service, Anthony Lee and Francis Parvin were equally, if not more, prom- inent in these respective sections as justices of the several courts of the county. Indeed, until the Rev- olution, the Friends exerted the most influence in directing political affairs here notwithstanding their number was far less than the Germans. But dur- ing the Revolution and immediately afterward, the natural energy of the Germans carried them forward in political matters, just as it had carried them forward in agriculture and manufactures be- fore it ; and Independence having elevated them into political rights, they exercised these by placing themselves into power. So the Friends lost their ERECTION OF COUNTY 19 qfficial positions and consequently their public influ- ence. Before the Revolution, their number was strofig and their religious meetings were active and suc- cessful, but since that time they have gradually de- creased. There were English people here besides the Friends. At first, between 1735 and 1740, before the erection of the county, they were in the south- ern and southeastern sections, the one body in Caer- narvon township, and the other in Amity. They were members of the Established Church of Eng- land, here called Episcopalians. Afterward, when the county was erected, they also appeared in Read- ing, though without sufficient strength to cause the erection of a church for themselves until 1824. Welsh. — ^Just as the Swedes settled in the coun- ty on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill, so the Welsh settled in the county to the west of this river. They migrated through Chester county till they crossed the South Mountain, and though some of them reached a point beyond the mountain before the purchase of the territory from the Indians in 1732, yet the most of them entered this district im- mediately afterward. The Swedes did riot have a township named after any of their places, but the Welsh were earnest in this behalf, having named three townships, Caernarvon, Cumru and Brecknock. The Welsh had purchased from Penn in England, before 1700, a large body of land, aggregating 40,- 000 acres, to be selected in Pennsylvania ; and these acres they located to the west ot the Schuylkill. They settled the country so numerously that, before 1698, they had named six townships in the county of Chester. Rowland Ellis was a prominent Welshman who induced a large emig'ration from Wales to this coun- try. After having persuaded Thomas Owen and his family to emigrate and settle in Chester county, he, himself, in 1686, embarked with 109 Welshmen. Some of the settlers were named Thomas Evans, Robert Evans, Owen Evans, Cadwallader Evans, William Jones, Robert Jones, Hugh Grfffith, Ed- ward Foulke and John Humphrey. The territory which lay to the south of the South Mountain and west of the Schuylkill was gradually settled by these Welsh people, and they migrated farther and farth- er up the river during the next fifty years. Before 1740, several hundred of them had settled in the district beyond this mountain. They were adher- ents of the Baptist denomination. Their lands were taken up mostly along and in the vicinity of the Wyomissing and Cacoosing creeks, and there they were most thickly settled, the many tracts they took up aggregating 20,000 acres, before 1752. They were enterprising, having a gristmill along the Wy- omissing before 1740. This flowing stream was appreciated by them for its superior water-power, and they accordingly erected dififerent factories along its banks for the manufacture of gun-barrels, files, etc. Agriculture was the principal employ- ment. Like the Swedes, they remamed in their first settlement, southward of the Schuylkill and Cacoos- ing. They co-operated earnestly with the Germans in obtaining a new county out of the upper sections of Lancaster and Philadelphia counties. Irish. — Persons of Irish nativity did not settle in Pennsylvania for nearly forty years after Penn had obtained the province. Penn visited Germany in this behalf, kindling a strong interest in the prov- ince ; but it would seem that he did not care for the Scotch or Irish, not having encouraged them to emi- grate. Accordingly, neither of these came until after his death ; and when they did arrive, they set- tled that portion of the province which lay mostly along the southern borders, adjoining Maryland. Though some of them followed the course of the Susquehanna and settled in Lancaster county, the great body of them migrated into the country which lay west of the river. Very few proceeded up the Schuylkill Valley. Doubtless the German element in this direction was not agreeable to them. Hence, they directed their way to the westward from Philadelphia, im- mediately after landing, rather than to the north- ward. No settlement was effected by them in any of the districts which are now included in Berks county. Hebrews. — The same can be said of the Hebrews in this respect. Their immigration was so limited and so quiet that no notice was taken of them. Some of them have been in the county for many years, but almost entirely at Reading. A number of them settled along the head-waters of the Tulpe- hocken at or in the vicinity of Myerstown. Single individuals wandered to Womelsdorf, and even to Reading. In 1836 there were six of them at Read- ing — Abraham Speier, John Siegel, Mayer Siegel, Mayer Arnold, Alexander Heyman and Bernard Dreifoos. The Hebrews here have been engaged almost ex- clusively in trading, and used the German language amongst themselves for many years. Through their children and local education, however, the English language has become prevalent among them. In 1864 the following were in Reading : Bernard Dreifoos, Solomon Hirsch, Abraham Speier, Mayer Einstein, Aaron Henlein, Solomon Weil, Marcus Lyons, Isaac Mann, Isaac Hirschland, Joseph Loeb, Jacob Levy, Ralph .Austrian, Abraham Arnold, Aaron Einstein and Isaac Schwerin. Negroes. — The negro is also worthy of mention. Slavery existed here to a very limited extent. The slaves of which any notice was found were owned al- most entirely by early ironmasters, but they were few in number. This condition of servitude was in- compatible with the notions of our early settlers ; hence it was not encouraged. The farmers had no' slaves. Pennsylvania instituted an early movement for the gradual abolition of slavery. An Act of Assembly was passed on March 1, 1780, to this end. The Act required the owner of slaves to file a statemerit in the Quarter Sessions' office, giving age, surname, 20 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA etc., of each slave. A statement of this kind could not be found in the office. Colored people were at Reading soon after it was founded. It was not, however, till after 1820 that they became sufficiently strong to form a society for religious purposes. Some of them owned real estate before 1800, and long before their enfran- chisement in 1863, they were orderly, industrious and progressive. Descendants of many of the first settlers are still flourishing in numbers, industry, wealth and social, religious and political influence in the county, and they have continued persistently engaged in agriculture upon or in the vicinity of the original settlements. Some moved to other districts of the county ; others to Reading. Many sons and daugh- ters migrated to the West and settled particularly in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wis- consin, Kansas and Colorado. Some of the sons •turned to the professions, and others to trades and manufactures, in which they realized rich rewards for their industry and well-directed energy. In tracing down all the pursuits of life carried on in the county, it is only occasionally that a complete stranger appears and identifies himself with her onward movement for any considerable length of time. This is especially the case in our politics. The names of the old families are continually on the surface. Not particularly demonstrative, they are like expert swimmers in deep water and float on majestically in the great stream of time, their heads always visible, their endurance prevailing. FIRST OCCUPANTS, INDIANS Oeighst. — Where the Indians of this vicinity came from and when they settled in this immediate sec- tion of country no one has yet determined. It has been generally conceded that they migrated east- wardly hundreds of years ago till they reached the large body of water which we call the Atlantic Ocean. As a nation, they were known as the Lenni Lcnapc (original people). This general name comprehended numerous distinct tribes which spoke dialects of a common language — the Algonquin. According to the traditions of their ancestors, the Lcnni Lcnapc were an unmixed and unchanged race, residing many centuries ago toward the set- ting of the sun, somewhere in the western part of this continent. For some reasons not explained, they determined to migrate toward the rising of the sun. After journeying for a time they arrived at the Mississippi river {Namasi Sipu^ meaning Fish River). There they fell in with another nation of Indians, who were also in quest of a new home to the eastward. Those were the Mengzi'c, or, as they have been named by the French, the Iroquois. At that river both nations united their forces, because they anticipated opposition to the east of the river from the Anigezm, who were a populous race of gigantic form. Shortly after their union, and before they had advanced any distance, they realized their anticipations, for they were compelled to fight many severe battles in carrying out their determination to march onward. At last their enemy, the Alligewi, to escape extermination, abandoned the country, fled far southward and never returned. The victors then divided the country between themselves — the Iroquois choosing the country to the north along the great lakes and their tributary streams, and the Lenape taking possession of the country to the south of them, from the river eastward to the ocean. The Lcnapc, on their way hither, became divided into three separate bodies. One body settled along the Atlantic ocean and the country adjacent for some hundreds of miles, comprising, it was sup- posed, one-half of the nation ; and the other bodies settled to the east and to the west of the Mississippi river. That part of the body which was situated in Pennsylvania became known as the "Delawares." The word "Delaware" is unknown in the Indian language. At first the Indians thought that the white people had given this name to them in deri- sion, but when they were informed that they were named after a great white chief — Lord de la Ware — they were satisfied. Delaware Tribes. — The Delawares divided themselves into three tribes — the Unamis or Turtle, the Unalachtgo or Turkey, and the Minsi (some- times called Monseys) or Wolf. The first two were settled on the territory which lay nearest to the ocean, between the coast and the high mountains, and, as they increased in numbers, the}' extended their settlements from the Hudson river to the Po- tomac. The Minsi lived back of the other tribes, to form, as it were, a bulwark for their protection and to watch the actions of the Mengtve. Their settle- ments extended from Minisink, on the Hudson (a place named after them where they had their coun- cil-seat) , to the west, far beyond the Susquehanna. Their noi'thern boundaries were supposed to be along the head-waters of the great rivers, Delaware and Susquehanna, which flowed through their ter- ritory, and their southern boundaries along that ridge of hills known in Pennsylvania by the name of Lehigh. Man\' clans sprang from these tribes. They se- lected distant spots as places of settlement, and gave themselves names or received names from other tribes. Their names were generally taken after simple natural objects or something striking or extraordinary. Though they formed separate and distinct clans, yet they did not deny their ori- gin, retaining their aflfection for the parent tribe, of which they were proud to be called grandchildren. M!any families, with their connections, lived bv themselves. They were settled along the stream's throughout the country. They had towns and vil- lages, in which they lived in separate clans, with a chief in each clan ruling over them. These chiefs were subordinate to the council which comprised the great chiefs of the nation. ERECTION OF COUNTY 21 Minsi Clans. — Tiie clans of the Minsi Indians were the Schuylkills, Susquehannas, Neshamines, ConestogaSj Assunpinks, Rankakos, Andastakas and Shackmaxons. They were regarded as the most warlike of all the Indians in these tribes. Each clan had a chief to control its actions. The chief of the Schuylkill clan, which was settled along the Schuylkill and its tributaries, was, for a time, Man- angy; and each chief was under the command of a Grand Sachem. . Ganawese. — The Ganawese (sometimes called the Shawnees, or Piscataway) were also one of the tribes of the Lenni Lenape. They had lived for- merly along the Potomac river, and were permitted by the governor of Pennsylvania to locate among the Schuylkill Indians, near Tulpehocken-, in pur- suance of a request from Manangy (the Indian •chief in this section) with a guaranty of their friendship by the Conestoga Indians. This request was made in 1705, because the Ganawese had been reduced by sickness to a small number, and had expressed a desire to settle here. It is not known whether they came immediately or not ; but four jears afterward they were classed with the Indians in this vicinity. In 1728 they were represented at Philadelphia by their king, Manawkyhickon, who was called Shekellamy, also Win jack; and he was appointed then by the "Five Nations." It is sup- -posed that he lived at Shamokin, his tribe having by this time removed thither beyond the Blue Moun- tain. After Conrad Weiser had settled in Tulpehocken, in 1729, an intimacy was cultivated between him and Shekellamy. In 1732 these two were appointed to travel between the Indians and the settlers, "in order to speak the minds of each other truly and freely, and to avoid misunderstandings" ; and as such agents they performed invaluable services in our early history by the satisfactory and amicable adjustment of disputes. "They were universally re- spected for their wisdom in council, their dignity •of manner, and their conscientious administration •of public affairs." Grand Sachems. — The sachems of the Lenni Lenape, from the time of the first English settle- ments till the Indians retreated before the onward march of civilization and eventually disappeared en- tirely from this part of our country, were, in suc- cession, Kekerappan, Opekasset, Taminent, Allum- apees^ (who was afterward also called Sassoonan) and Teedyuscung. They had their headquarters at Minisink, on the Delaware river, some miles above the Blue Mountain (now in Pike county), and also at Shamokin, on Shamokin creek (in Berks county for a period of twenty years, and since 1772 in the eastern part' of Northumberland county) . Manners and Customs. — The early settlers of Pennsylvania found the Indians possessed of a kindly disposition and inclined to share with them the comforts of their rude dwelling-places. When they were guests of the Indians, their persons were regarded as sacred. Penn said that they excelled in liberality; that they never had much, for they never wanted much; that their wealth circulated like the blood; that none wished for the property of another; and that they were exact observers of the rights of property. "They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange," said he, "nor perplexed with chancery suits and exchequer reck- onings. We sweat and toil to live ; they take pleas- ure in hunting, fishing and fowling, which feeds them. They spread their table on the ground any- where, and eat twice a day, morning and evening. They care for little for they want but little. If they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are free from our pains." The Indians, in their peculiar savage life, pos- sessed, on the one hand, certain personal virtues — a high sense of honor (according to their concep- tions of duty), mutual fidelity among individuals, fortitude that mocked the most cruel torments and devotion to their own tribe, for whose welfare they were ready to make any sacrifice; but, on the other hand, they had no appreciation of domestic virtues, for they treated their wives with cruelty and their children with indifference. They were gloomy, stern and severe, and strangers to mirth and laugh- ter. They permitted no outward expression of pain. Remarkable indifference to the good or ill of life was one of the peculiar elements of their character ; and they exhibited no pleasure in anything, save boisterous joy in the moment of victory. They had a great aversion to regular labor, and yet they were capable of enduring the greatest possible exertions during the chase or times of war. They were ex- tremely improvident. When they had an abundance of food and liquor they ate and drank great quan- tities, not thinking of the morrow and the famine they might have to endure. They recognized po- lygamy. They believed in the existence of a Supreme Being, and of a Being in a subordinate position. The former was the Great Spirit to them which did not require prayers for aid and protection, but the latter was looked upon as hostile to them, and to this they addressed their worship. And they also believed in a future state, where the souls of brave warriors and chaste wives enjoyed a happy exist- ence with their ancestors and friends. Their fun- erals were conducted with great decorum. They dressed the deceased persons in their best clothes, and disposed of their bodies in various ways and in different places, some in the air on scaffolds, some in the water, and some in the earth. They also practised cremation. The general dress of the Indian in the temperate and cold parts of the country, previous to the ar- rival of the Europeans, consisted of three articles — a cloak of buffalo skin (which hung from the shoulders), a piece of skin used as an apron, and a pair of moccasins or loose boots, manufactured out of undressed skin. The women wore a long robe of buffalo skin which was fastened around the waist. 22 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Their habitations were huts or cabins, generally of a circular form, constructed of poles fixed in the ground and tied together at the top. The outer covering consisted of the bark of trees. A hole was left open at the top for ventilation or the es- cape of smoke. Beds and seats were made out of skins. The diameter of some huts was thirty feet, and even forty. The painting of their bodies was a universal cus- tom. Tattooing was practised. Some painted only their arms; others both arms and legs. Those who had attained the summit of renown in suc- cessful warfare had their bodies painted from the waist upward. This was the heraldry of the In- dians. Besides this ornamentation, the warriors also carried plumes of feathers on their heads. Their weapons consisted of the tomahawk, knife, club, and bow and arrow. When the Dutch arrived the rifle was introduced to them ; and then the In- dians became as expert in the use of this weapon as they had been in the use of the tomahawk and bow and arrow. They subsisted chiefly on wild game and fish. They were great hunters and fishers. In the use of the spear in fishing they were very successful. They carried on agriculture to a limited extent in raising maize, beans and pumpkins. But the labor was performed entirely by their women. Each tribe was governed by an elected chief and council. In matters of great importance all the warriors were consulted. In their deliberations, questions were decided by the consent of all, not by a majority. Their assemblies were conducted with great formality. Their debates were carried on by set speeches which abounded in bold figures and bursts of impassioned eloquence. The oldest chief always commenced the discussion. The young men were permitted to attend, but not to speak. They conducted their warfare in a particular and peculiar manner. They declared war by sending a slave with a hatchet (the handle of which was painted red) to the offending party. In taking the field for action, the)' proceeded in small squads ; and from the time of entering the enemy's territory they killed no game, they lighted no fires, they made no disturbance of any kind ; but they advanced with the utmost caution, not even speaking to one an- other, only communicating by signs and motions. In making an attack, they would first lie flat a whole night, and at the break of day, upon the signal of the chief, rush upon the enemy. If they succeeded ("as they generally did succeed in such a quiet but deliberate mode of warfare) their horrifying deeds baffled description. Retee.\t of Indians. — The Indians having moved north of the Blue Mountain in 1732, the Friends then entered and took up large tracts of land in the Maiden-creek A'alley (Ontelaunee Sec- tion). Within the previous decade, a small colony of Germans had settled in the Tulpehocken Valley, having migrated thither from New York against the complaints and protests of the Indians. Before 1750, these settlers had even occupied tracts of land beyond the mountain, reaching as far north as the sources of the Schuylkill river. And thus it appears, as the settlers pressed forward, the In- dians retreated westward. In 1749, the Delaware Indians left the great region beyond the Blue Mountain for thousands of square miles, and they departed with the firm intention of remaining away. But shortly after- ward, having been deceived by misrepresentations of the French, they returned, not to retake pos- session, but to murder the settlers. In this mali- cious invasion, they were very successful, and they kept the country in an unsettled condition for eight years. Then they fled, never to return. In 1789, the general government placed them on a large reservation of land in the State of Ohio. In 1818, they were located in Missouri. Numerous removals followed during the next fifty years, when, in 1866, they accepted land in severalty in the Indian Ter- ritory. A popular notion prevails that the Indian tribes are disappearing and their numbers growing less. But it has been ascertained that, though certain tribes have decreased in number, and others even disappeared entirely, many of the tribes have in- creased; and therefore the Indian population, as a whole, in North America, has not decreased very much since the advent of the Europeans. In 1880 there were in the United States 306,543 Indians (of which 240,136 were on reservations and 66,407 were civilized) ; in 1890, 248,253 ; in 1900, 237,- 196 ; and in 1908, the number was estimated at 300,412. The general policy of our government has been, for some years past, to treat with the Indian .tribes in a respectful manner, purchase their lands, place them upon certain reservations, where thev are re- quired to remain, and appropriate supplies for them in the nature of food, clothing, arms and ammuni- tion. In this manner the government has been hu- manely endeavoring to civilize them. And it has accomplished considerable good results in respect to some tribes, but failed in respect to others. Indd\n Names. — All the prominent streams in the county have been given Indian names ; also two townships and two mountains. These names are as follows : Angelica — Antictam — Allegheny — Fair water. Ganshozvchannc — Roaring or tumbling stream. This is now known as the Schuylkill. Infold deeds it is called Manaiiink, the signification of which word was a mother of streams. Gokhosing — Place of owls; now Cacoosing. Kmt-ta-tiu-chunh — Endless (applied formerly, now changed, to Blue Mountain). Lechauzveki — Place of forks; now Lehigh. Machksithanne — Bear's-path creek; now Maxa- tawny. ]\faschilamehnnnc~TTOut stream ; now Moselem, ERECTION OF COUNTY 23 Menakesse — Stream with large bends; now Mo- nocacy. Menhaltanink — Where we drank liquor; now Manatawny. Navesink — Place of fishing; now Neversink. Olink — Hole, cavern or cell; also a cove or tract of land encompassed by hills; now Oley. Ontelaunee — Little maiden ; now Maiden creek. Pakihmomink — Place of cranberries ; now Perki- omen. Sakunk — Place of outlet, where a smaller stream empties into a larger ; now Sacony ; also Saucon. Sinne-hanne — Stony stream; now Stony creek. Sipuas-lianne — A plum stream; now Plum creek. Tamaque-hanne — Beaver stream — a stream across which the beaver throws a dam ; now Beaver creek ; also changed to Little Schuylkill. Tulpewihaki — Land of turtles ; now Tulpehocken. Wyomissing — - Villages. — Some of the Indians had villages in this district of territory. They were located in different sections, more particularly, however, along the Schuylkill and its principal tributaries, and known as follows: 1. Angelica — opposite "Neversink," at mouth of Angelica creek. 2. Ganshowehanne — in the central section, ad- joining the Schuylkill, near the northern base of "Neversink," at the mouth of Rose Valley creek, the place being included in Reading. 3. Machksithanne — in the northern section, the place being now in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown. 4. Maschilamehanne — situate some miles east of Sakunk, on the stream of the same name, now known as Moselem. 5. Sakunk — in the northern section, on the Maiden creek in Richmond township at the mouth of the Sakunk creek, now called Sacony. 6. Menhaltanink — at a large spring now in Am- ity township, several miles northeast of Douglass- ville. 7. Navesink — a short distance below the southern base of "Neversink," near the Big Dam, on the Deturck farm ; and it is believed that a village was also in the "Poplar Neck" on the High farm. 8. Olink — in Oley township, a short distance south of Friedensburg, on land included in the Bertolet farm. And it is believed that a large vil- lage was situated several miles to the eastward, on the Lee farm, adjoining the Manatawny creek. 9. Tulpewehaki — in the western section of the county, a short distance east of Stouchsburg, near the Tulpehocken creek. Indian Relics. — A large number of Indian relics have been found in diflferent parts of the county, numbering about twenty thousand. Many of them were found at certain places where villages were situated. Over sixty-five hundred were found on and in the vicinitv of Poplar Neck and Lewis's Nieck. Prof. David B. Brunner secured a large individual collection, numbering over forty-three hundred. The relics of Ezra High, found on Pop- lar Neck, were presented to the Historical Society of Berks County. Henry K. Deisher, of Kutztown, has a superb collection, local as well as general, the total number- ing upward of twenty thousand. [See mention of it in the Borough of Kutztown, Chapter XI; also in his biographical sketch, which appears in this publication.] PURCHASE OF TERRITORY' Immediately after Penn had obtained his charter for the province from King Charles II. in 1681, and had begun his administration of its various affairs, he negotiated with the Indians for the purchase of their lands. He regarded them as the rightful own- ers of the territory by virtue of their possession. Many purchases were made by him. He gave in consideration for the land mostly articles which the Indians regarded as useful, such as blankets, coats, guns, powder, lead, etc. Comparatively little money was paid to them. Rum was occasionally given. There are two deeds for lands in Berks county in which we are particularly interested. One is dated Sept. 7, 1733. It is from Sassoonan, , alias Allummapis, sachem of the Schuylkill Indians, Ela- lapis, Ohopamen, Pesqueetomen, Mayeemoe, Par- tridge and Tepakoaset, alias Joe, on behalf of them- selves and all the other Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn. The territory contained in the grant is described as follows : All those tracts of land lying on or near the river Schuylkill, in the said province, or any of the branches, streams, fountains or springs thereof, .eastward or west- ward, and all the lands lying in or near any swamps, marshes, fens or meadows, the waters or streams of which flow into or toward the said river Schuylkill, situate, lying and being between' those hills, called Lechay Hills, and those called Keekachtanemin Hills, which' cross the said river Schuylkill about thirty miles above the said Lechay Hills, and all land whatsoever lying within the said bounds; and between the branches of Delaware river, on the eastern side of the said land, and the branches or streams running into the river Susquehannah, on the western side of the said land, together with all mines, minerals, quarries, waters, rivers, creeks, woods, timber and trees, with all and every the appurtenances, etc. The consideration mentioned in the deed con- sisted of the following articles: 20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater matchcoats of two yards each, 100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pair of shoes and buckles, 30 pair of stockings, 300 lbs. of gun powder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun-iocks, 50 tomahawks or hatchets, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives. 60 pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 24 looking-glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 5 lbs. of paint, 24 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of ribbons. 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 lbs. of tobacco, 400 tobacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and 50 pounds in money. The other deed is dated Aug. 22, 1749. It is from nine different tribes of Indians unto Thomas Penn and Richard Penn. The several tribes were represented by their chiefs, who appeared and exe- cuted the deed in their behalf. The consideration 34 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA was £500 lawful money of Pennsylvania. The tract uting territory toward the erection of another coun- of land conveyed lay north of the Blue Mountain, ty. Many surprising developments had been made, and extended from the Delaware on the east to the not only in settlements and population, but more Susquehanna on the west. It included the whole especially in internal resources. The condition of of Schuylkill county. Conrad Weiser was the in- ^^^j^^ -^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^3 ^1 ^o that of any sec- terpreter for the Indians m this transfer. ^^^ 5^^^^_ ^^^j ^^^ discovered as early_as The lower section of he coun y ly'ng south- head-waters of the Schuylkill. Its ward of the .South Mountain (or Lechay Hill"), -l''^. 'iiu^t, "-"c uc^u w _ i „fo.^,.^:c.p had been released by the Indians in 1718, it having "eed had come to be felt. It quickened enterprise been included in previous purchases- of territory, m developing new means of transportation. Agn- REDUCTIONS OF TERRITORY '^^'^'' ^ad enriched the land wonderfully^ Numer- ous furnaces and forges were cained on success- NoRTHUMBERLAND CouNTY. — As nearly as it fuUy^ jjoj- only jj, the more populous parts south of was possible to do so, the provincial government ^^^ gj^^g Mountain but also north of it, even in the kept the settlers from going beyond the limits of ^■^■^. ^^ ^^^^ coal' regions. the purchases from the Indians. After the purchase t-, , ^- ^ ;,.„^,^„^,.v„:.r,fc KAi^nnrl i-hc of 1749 the settlers extended the settlements be- ^^^^ population and improvements beyond the V:r' P? \1 f ■ w-1 settlements De j^ ^ ^^49 1 ^^ Northumberland county yond the Blue Mountain. Withm the next score pi-uLuctacs ul j..^^, ^. , ^ -a- of years, numerous settlements were made in that was erected m 17/2 were comparatively trifling, territory, especially in the district which lies be- But withm this purchase they had grown to large tween the Blue Mountain and "Schneid Berg" proportions when the second county came to be (Sharp Mountain, named so from the sharpness of erected out of a part of its territory; for the popu- its apex). Many persons located beyond the pur- lotion numbered about six thousand and the sev- chase, in the vicinity of the great fork in the Sus- ^ral townships together contributed over eight quehanna (Shamokin, now Sunbury) ; and this in- hundred dollars m taxes The new county was duced the additional purchase of 1768. erected on March 11 1811, and called Schuylkill. Within the next four years, the Governor was The greater portion of the territory was taken from persuaded to feel the necessity of erecting another Berks county, and the other portion from North- county, even in that remote locality, notwithstand- f^n^P^o"- The portion from Berks had been erected ing a much larger population existed within the mto seven townships, as follows: limits of the purchase of 1749. Its distance (aver- Erected i'^^'l^'^'f aging seventy-five miles) from the county-seat, Brunswick 17GS 359 Reading, was the principal cause of complaint, and Pine-Grove 17"1 251 the prime reason to the Assembly in granting the l^j.^"*^ ^™i, jgoo jgg prayer of the petitioners. Northumberland was s^Q^e^ian ...... ...... ..... .....IS02. 108 erected on March 21, 1773. It comprised about Mahantango IS02 141 one-third of the whole State, including the north- Upper-Mahantango 1807 108 western section. Over three-fifths of Berks county ~~ was cut to it. No townships had been formed in ' '" that section. Immediately after the erection of the Other Counties PROPOSED.^Between the years new county, townships were formed, and a county- 1824 and 1855, twenty applications were made be- seat was established and laid out at Shamokin, fore the Legislature to establish new counties out named Sunbury. Fort Augusta, at the fork of the of_ portions of Berks county, comprising town- river, was a conspicuous place during the French ships in the northern, eastern, southern and west- and Indian war. It was erected in 1756. ern sections, but fortunately they all were unsuc- ScHUYLKiLL CouNTY. — Forty years afterward, cessful, notwithstanding the great efforts expended Berks county was again reduced in area by contrib- in that behalf. CHAPTER II-INDUSTRY OF COUNTY AGRICULTURE farming implements were rude and simple in con- General Condition and Progress.— When the struction and continued so for many years. The first settlers entered this territory, they found it whole of the eighteenth century passed away with- entirely without cultivation or improvement of any out any improvement. The farmer labored on ear- kind. The land along the Schuylkill and its tribu- "^^tly and faithfully year after year, and decade taries was in a primitive state in every respect, but ^^er decade with the same muscular exertion, and in a good condition for farming purposes. Its lo- these rude implements required him to be at his cation was fine, its irrigation- superior, and al- place all the time if he wished to be in season. But together it was very inviting to them. Labor stood his devotion was equal to the task, for he was out prominently before them as the one thing nee- i-ip with the sun in the morning; and with the essary to cause it to become fruitful. Fortunately moon in season. He was never behind, for he for them, they possessed this personal quality in the could not be without great loss and inconvenience, highest degree; and with this quality they also His implements were satisfactory to him, because possessed other qualities equally important in tak- he gave them no thought beyond the assistance ing hold of an uncultivated country — economy, per- which they afforded. And sons followed in the. severance and patience. They were in every way footsteps of their fathers, by imitation; and half adapted to their situation. Their preparation was of the nineteenth century abo passed away with- of the best order; and driven from their native out any material advancement beyond the days of land by religious persecution, they must have re- 1700, of 1750, and of 1800. Labor-saving machin- joiced in finding such a pleasing situation, such ery had begun to be introduced within a score inviting conditions. of years before 1850 ; and this naturally led to an After the beginning had been made, can we won- improvement in farming implements. The mower der that immigrants came by the thousand? They came to be substituted for the scythe, the reaper knew their sufferings, their uncertain condition at for the sickle, and the drill for the hand. Im- home, and their sense of well-being induced them proved plows of various patterns were introduced, to leave. But in leaving the valleys and hills so And now we have tTie combined reaper and binder, dear to them, they came to possess and enjoy a a machine truly ingenious. country equally favored for beauty, for health and The same slowness, simplicity but earnest labor for profit; and it was more highly favored in res- followed the threshing of grain after it had been pect to a condition which was to them more import- ' harvested. The flail and the walking of horses ant than all the others combined — freedom. It is on the barn floor were continued for a hundred and surprising to find, in the course of time and govern- fifty years. Indeed, some of the poor, non-pro- ment, the development of a condition for mankind gressive farmers in districts distant from railroads so unfortunate, so objectionable, so discouraging; and prominent highways still carry on this labor- but it is equally surprising to find, in the same ious performance. But about 1840 the threshing course of time and government, though in a country inachine was introduced ; and also the horse-power far removed, over three thousand miles across a machine for running it with speed and success, dreaded sea, a condition exactly opposite — fortunate, Patent hay-rakes, hay-forks, corn-shellers, and im- acceptable and encouraging! plements and machines of various kinds, are also The condition of the settlers was encouraging, used in every section of our county. All these not only in respect to an acceptable country, but things were developed because of the ease with also in respect to their own constitution, physically, which iron could be manufactured into any shape, mentally and morally. They were strong and en- Accordingly, the foundry played an important part during in physical development, they were sensible in_ these improvements ; and at the bottom of all and practical in thought and feeling; and they were this progress we find iron, coal and steam, sound, hopeful and trustful in religious convictions. We no longer see from ten to thirty or forty These fitted them admirably for their vocation. persons engaged in haymaking and harvesting on The land was cultivated then as it is now, by our farms, as they were seen one hundred, indeed, manuring and enriching the soil, by turning the only thirty, years ago. A farmer and his own sod, by -sowing and planting seeds, and by rotat- family, with the aid of his horses and improved ing crops ; but the manner was infinitely more farming machinery, can carry on all the work from laborious. Every act was performed by muscular beginning to end successfully, exertion and endurance, with the assistance of During the last fifty years numerous manufac- horse-power. The plow, the harrow, the scythe, turing establishments have been erected in our the sickle and the rake were important aids then, country, and these have caused a great demand and by comparing the past with the present we for working people; and this derhand has been can readily appreciate the vast difference. Their supplied to a great degree from the farming dis- HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYU'ANIA tricts. The manufacturer paid higher wages than the fanner and limited the time of daily labor to ten hours; and towns and cities (at which these establishments were almost entirely situated) af- forded the working-people more and better advan- tages and facilities in respect to schools and churches, pleasures and associations. These nat- urally inclined them to quit laboring on farms and enter establishments in populous places. Accord- ingly farm laborers began to grow scarce and farm- ers became alarmed; but fortunately for farming, whilst enterprise was drawing one way against its interest and welfare, genius was acting with equal force in the other for them, and the result has ac- tually come to be beneficial to the farmer, more especially in respect to making him more self-de- pendent. By the industrial statistics in the next portion of this chapter, it will appear that in 1806 there were upward of one hundred and fifty grist-mills, which were scattered throughout the county. Af- ter the several railroads in operation began to' make themselves felt in the industrial affairs of the county, these grist-mills came to be abandoned, and as they grew less in number the value of farms began to decrease, and this decrease continued until the value in many cases was one-half, even two-thirds, less than it had been. This was noticeable from 1875 to 1900. The abandoned mills have not been rebuilt; and the farm values have not yet improved. This was a direct result of imported grain from the Wes- tern States at reduced rates, much having been said of the increased flour-producing character of this grain over the Eastern grain ; and also of Western flour. And this abandonment of the grist-mills and decrease of farm values led many thousand of peo- ple to move from farms and locate in towns and cities, in the county and out of it. The census and assessment returns show this plainly. Before 1835, without the aid of steam and railroads and stimu- lated industrial affairs, farming communities had increased and improved for fifty years ; but after 1875, even with these extraordinary aids to the people, they have decreased and retrograded, and the major part of the population and wealth have come to concentrate in the county-seat. Agricultural Society. — In 1823, a State Agri- cultural Society was first suggested to the people of the State by an Act of Assembly, but nearly thirty years elapsed before a successful movement was made in that behalf. A public letter was ad- dressed to the farmers of the State, in May, 1850, which suggested a convention at Harrisburg, in January, 1851, for the purpose of forming a State Agricultural Society. Delegates from the several counties were in attendance and it resulted in a State Fair which was held in October, 1851. This movement having met with success, a pre- liminary meeting for organizing a society in the county was held at the "Keystone House" (now "Hotel Penn"), in Reading, on Dec. 20, 1851. It was attended by a number of prominent citizens of the county, who caused a public address to be issued ; and a formal organization was effected at the court-house on Jan. 13, 1852, 108 persons sub- scribing the constitution. The first exhibition was held on Aug. 17, 1852, at Reading. It was confined principally to grains, vegetables, fruits and flowers; and though small, it exceeded all expectations, having attracted a large number of visitors from Reading and all parts of the county. The first agricultural fair was held in October, 1853 ; the exhibition of speed took place on a large lot on the northeast corner of Sixth and Walnut streets; of farming implements, stock, poultry, etc., on a lot on the southeast corner of Fifth and Elm streets; and of grain, fruits, flowers, fancy articles, etc., in the Academy building, on the northeast corner of Fourth and Court streets. It was a great success — the attendance having been estimated at 20,000. In a report to the society on April 5, 1853, a recommendation was made that the public park and parade-ground be secured as a suitable locality for the erection of buildings, etc., to promote agri- cultural science. This recommendation was acted upon, and on May 13, 1854, the county commission- ers leased to the society the ground known as the "commons," for the purpose of holding its annual fairs, for the term of ninety-nine years. The third annual fair was held there in October, 1854; and every succeeding year the fairs were conducted on the "Fair Ground'" until 1887 excepting during the Civil war for three years (1862-3-4), when it was occupied by the United States government for the purposes of a military hospital and camp. In that year it was removed to the large inclosure at the end of North Eleventh street, and the annual ex- hibitions have since been held there. The annual "Fair ' is the principal object of the society. Monthly meetings are held for the dis- cussion of topics pertaining to agricultural and hor- ticultural progress. These have been held in the third story of the court-house for many years past. Formerly, thev were held at different places, prom- inent among them being the "Keystone Flouse" and "Keystone Hall." A similar society was formed at Kutztown in 1870, which also gave annual exhibitions until 1903. Another "Fair Ground"' was established in 1905, on the north side of Kutztown, with a superior half- mile track. Farmers' Union.— In 1900, a number of farmers of the southern section of the county in the vicinity of Geigertown organized a "Farmers' Union" for educational and mutual benefit and erected a fine hall (32x45) costing $1,500, with cement base- ment and shedding. It has been carried on in a successful manner and its lectures on agricultural topics have been highly appreciated. ]\Iembership, 100. Officers : E. M. Zerr. president ; H. G. Mc- ^TO^\■an, treasurer ; H. C. Hohl, secretary : D. Oyen Brooke, corresponding secretar\-. INDUSTRY OF COUNTY sr IRON INDUSTRIES Furnaces and Forges. — In each portion of the county there were iron industries at an early per- iod in its history, especially in the lower portion. They were scattered many miles from one another, extending from the southern boundary to the north- em, and from the eastern to the western. All were located along strong streams for water-power, and in the midst of thickly wooded territory for char- coal. The greater number were east of the Schuyl- kill. The nine following streams were occupied before the Revolution: Manatawny and its tribu- tary Ironstone, West-Branch of Perkiomen, Mose- lem, French, Hay, Allegheny, Tulpehocken and its tributary, Spring. Until that time there were the following indus- tries — the year indicating the time of erection: Furnaces Cokbrookdale 1720 Hopewell 1759 Mt. Pleasant 1738 Berkshire 1760 Hereford 1740 Oley 1765 Forges Pool (2) 1717 Oley 1744 Spring 1729 Charming 1749 Mt. Pleasant 1738 Moselem 1750 Pine 1740 Gibraltar 1770 Hay Creek 1740 From 1775 to 1800, the following were estab- lished in the county : Furnaces Forges Union 1780 District 1780 Mary Ann 1789 Dale 1791 Joanna 1792 Reading 1794 Greenwood 1796 Sally Ann 1800 Forges Brobst's 1780 Rockland 1783 Dale 1791 Burkhart's 1792 District 1793 Speedwell 1800 All of these industries were operated successful- ly for many years and contributed a great deal to the material welfare of the county; but most of them were discontinued shortly after the Civil war. Three of them are still in active operation, though much enlarged: Hay Creek (Birdsboro) Reading (Robesonia) Gibraltar Among the more recent furnaces and forges in the county, there were the following, the date after the name indicating the year of erection : Furnaces Sally Ann 1811 Windsor Hamburg Moselem 1823 Mount Penn 1825 Earl 1835 Mount Laurel 1836 Henry Clay 1844 second stack 1854 Monocacy 1852 Leesport 1853 Do-Well 1825 Moyer's 1825 Moselem 1825 Sixpenny 1825 North-Kill 1830 Bloom 1830 Maiden Creek . .' 1854 Reading (Seyfert, MdManus & Co.)... 1854 second stack 1873 Temple 1867 Keystone 1869 second stack 1872 Topton 1873 East Penn (2 stacks). 1874 Kutztown 1875 Bechtelsville 1875 Exeter 1836 Mount Airy 1840 Seidel's 1853 Keystone 1854 Reading 1857 Douglass ville 1878 Industri/\l Statistics. — In the year 1806, Berk'-- county was distinguished for its numerous manu- facturing establishments, its trade and enterprise. The following iron industries were then in opera- tion: Tilt hammers 9 Slitting-raill 1 Other industries : Powder-mills 4 Fulling-mills 14 Hemp-mills 2 Paper-mills 10 Saw-mills 235 Distilleries 212 Furnaces 8 Forges 20 Grist-mills 155 Tanneries 49 Oil-mills 20 Hat factories (.Read- ing) 40 In 1830, there were: furnaces, 11; and forges, 24; which employed 2,770 men. In 1840, there were: furnaces, 11; forges, 36; flour and grist-mills, 141; oil-mills, 15; sawmills, 108; powder-mills, 3; stores, 119; paper-factories, 5; potteries, 3; distilleries, 29; breweries, 6. In 1851, there were 41 iron works — more than in any other county in Pennsylvania ; and no other county in the United States contained more'. The estimated and reported capital then invested was $1,231,000. In 1876, there were 27 furnaces, 4 forges, and 10 mills, whose total production was 58,641 tons; and in 1884, there were 19 furnaces, 6 forges, and 9 mills, whose total production was 135,947 tons. INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS, 1870-1900 Ul >, nJ S '" a Cil bO ■a 3 E U 1870 1,414 8,991 $11,182,603 $2,711,231 $10,646,049 $16,243,453 1880 1,044 10,008 12,522,140 3,077,919 13,026,331 20,143,164 1890 975 17,693 20,517,504 7,078,146 17,664,329 29,446,602 1900 1,699 25,379 37,279,817 9,676,954 23,502,407 49,977,253 Iron-masters. — The iron-masters of the county include many men noted for theii- enterprise, suc- cess, wealth and patriotism, all through the history of the county, from its earliest settlements till now. A great proportion of the material prosperity and enrichment of the county has been contributed by them. They have, to a great degree, influenced its social, political, and industrial welfare. In the settlement and development of its several sections, they have been pioneers. Though their great and influential industry does not antedate agriculture in the affairs of the county, it has, nevertheless, been 28 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA a traveling companion; and, like agriculture, it has been transmitted from grandfather to son and grandson. Their names reveal the fact that the great majority of them have been Germans or of German origin. General Industries. — The industries previously mentioned were prominent in their several sections on account of the capital invested and the men em- ployed to carry them on successfully. But besides these there were many other industries in the sev- eral townships. Blacksmith shops and wheelwright shops were located and conducted in every commun- ity. They were necessary for the accommodation of the settlers. Only a few individuals worked together — mostly a master workman and his ap- prentice. Grist-mills for flour and feed were situ- ated along all the large streams. Cooper shops were also quite numerous. The Welsh were me- chanics who conducted their trades in small factories along the Wyomissing. Rope-makers were common in every section, for ropes and cords were largely used in the daily affairs of life. This industry was conducted for many years by individuals at their homes ; but improved machinery and steam caused its decline, and small ropewalks were compelled to discontinue. Carpenters and builders were numerous. They were finished workmen, preparing the articles out of wood by hand. Some of the old buildings, still in a good state of preservation, attest the excellence of their workmanship. Doors, windows and frames of all kinds, used in building operations, were hand- made. This custom amongst them continued till the introduction of the planing-mill about 1835, and then it began to decline. The country sawmill, run by water-power, was active then in preparing lumber ; but great steam mills in the lumber regions have caused them to become less and less active. Great rafts of logs are no longer towed down the canals to Reading, especially the Union canal from the Susquehanna river, to afford emplo3'ment to 'our sawmills. The railroads instead deliver finished .lumber. Every community had a weaver, who conducted his business at his home. He wove carpets and coverlets (plain and fancy) and linen and cotton stuffs for domestic use. He did not carry a large stock on hand; he manufactured articles to order. So with other trades. Fulling-mills, paper-mills, oil-mills, and distilling-mills were conducted for cloths, paper, oil and whiskey, but they were limited in capacity. Memorial for National Foundry. — In 1845, a memorial was presented to Congress, setting forth reasons why Reading should be selected as a' site for one of the national foundries. It referred to the security of Reading in time of war, its central position with regard to points of defense and sup- ply of ordnance, its transportation facilities, its sup- ply of iron, coal and other materials, and its low wages; and it included an itemized statement of 15 furnaces and 28 forges, with their respective dis- tances from Reading. Seven years before, upon the opening of the rail- road from Reading to Philadelphia, there had been a similar movement. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS The internal improvements of the county relate to the several prominent affairs which have been estaiblished and carried on for the general conven- ience, development and enrichment of the whole community. They comprise the following subjects: Schuylkill River, Bridges, Roads and Turnpikes, Stages, Canals, Railways, Post-Offices, Telegraph, and Telephone. SCHUYLKILL RIVER In a natural aspect, the Schuylkill river has occu- pied an important position in the well-being of the county. We can only appreciate this by realizing the great adantages which it has af- forded us in leading away successfully to the Del- aware river the enormous quantities of water throughout the year, from the mountains and val- leys. And its meandering channel is worthy of con- sideration, inasmuch as the flowing waters are there- by detained in their onward course, to moisten the air and vegetation, and to proceed with only such speed as not to injure the adjoining country. Fishing and Navigation. — In a practical aspect, it has been valuable in various ways — two especially, fishing and navigation. In respect to fishing, it was a source of profit and subsistence to the early set- tlers who occupied the adjoining properties. They discovered this fact immediately after settling here ; and, to facilitate the catching of large quantities of fish with little labor and expense, they erected weirs, racks and dams in the river, into which the fish were driven by fishermen, who either waded afoot or rode on horseback through the water. And in respect to navigation, it was likewise a source of advantage in enabling them to carry conveniently by boats, flats and canoes, at little expense, great quantities of grain and goods of all kinds, to the market at Philadelphia. Canoes were of consider- able size so as to carry a large quantity of wheat. They were hewn out of the trunk of a tree. The growth of the trees in the wild, extended forest of that early day was very large. William Penn stated in a letter, written in 1683, that he had seen a canoe made from a poplar tree which carried four tons of brick. Penn had hardly landed here before he found that navigation in the'river was obstructed by fishing weirs and dams ; and believing them to be objectionable, he encouraged legislation against them. Various Acts were passed, but the "weirs and dams were not abandoned. There was no trouble along the Schuylkill above the mouth of the Manatawny creek in reference to weirs and dams, though fishing was carried on to a great extent, especially by citizens of Reading. There were two fishing-pools which were particu- larly famous for their' supplies of fish. "Levan's" INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 29 and "Lotz's," the former at the foot of "Never- sink Hill," and the latter a short distance above. Fishing was continued successfully for seventy years in these pools, until the construction of the dams in the Schuylkill canal, which forced their abandonment. Fishing with nets was common. It was a regular pursuit with some people. Navigation Encouraged. — The Schuylkill river forms the western boundary of Reading. In its natural state, before it was contracted on both sides by the construction of the Schuylkill canal along its eastern bank, and of the Union canal along its western, it was over six hundred feet wide. Its bed was capable of confining a large body of water. It was useful in the transportation of merchandise by boats to Philadelphia. Spring was generally selected as the time when the shipment of goods could be most conveniently and satisfactorily made, for then the water was higher than during the other seasons of the year. Heavy cargoes on flat-boats would float down the- river with ease, requiring only proper and careful steering. The steersmen were ex- pert in keeping the boats in the channel, and very sel- dom failed to reach their destination successfully. Besides the long paddle at the stern of the boat, for guiding purposes, there were polemen at the bow with long, stout poles, who directed the boat to the right or left as necessity required. Poling was not generally required to propel the boat with the current; this labor was practised in returning against the current. There were no tow-paths thai. The improvement of the river to facilitate navi- gation was a subject of consideration by the early inhabitants, both of the county and county-seat, for many. years. The matter was of such importance as to gain the attention of the Provincial Assembly in 1760 and secure appropriations for that purpose. The river, notwithstanding these early efforts, re- mained about the same as to navigation for many years. The only substantial improvement worthy of mention was effected sixty years afterward, by the construction of the Schuylkill canal; and dur- ing that time the inhabitants continued to transport their grain, merchandise and productions on boats and flats, as they had done before. The navigation of the river induced the organi- zation of the first Board of Trade at Reading. A number of prominent business men of the borough assembled on March 13, 1807, to consider this sub- ject, and then they formed a society under the name of "The Society for Promoting the Clearing of the River Schuylkill"; but nothing was accomplished Eighteen years afterward, the difficulty was so ved by the construction of a narrow channel for slack water, with numerous locks whereby to overcome grade and detain the water in certain levels to facili- tate navigation. OLD PENN STREET BRIDGE Freshets. — Numerous freshets have swept down the river and its tributaries which inflicted great losses upon the adjoining property-holders. Those worthy of special mention are the following : Rise 1757 15 feet 1786 20 feet, 7i inches 1822 13 feet, 9i inches 1839 17 feet, If inches 1841 19 feet 1850 25 feet 1862 17 feet 1869 23 feet 1902* ..35 feet ♦ Shortly before this great freshet, there was a very cold spell of weather, after a fall of rain and snow, which caused large quan- tities of ice to form on all the trees, and the weight of the ice broke off the tops and branches of thousands of trees throughout Berks county and the surrounding counties, the evidence being still visible in 1909. BRIDGES Long before the first settlements in this vi- cinity, there had been a ford across the river at Reading, and this was the only convenient ford for some distance above and helow. It was used for seventy years after the town had been laid out. The only step in advance of the first settlers was the introduction of a ferry-boat. LANCASTER BRIDGE 30 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Penn Street Bridge. — In 1795, a petition was presented to the court to order the grand jury to consider the advisability of causing the erection of a stone bridge over the river at the foot of Penn street. The grand jury recommended an appropria- tion of $33,000, but this sum was deemed insuffi- cient. In 1796, the petitioners tlien devised the plan of raising sufficient money by a "lottery," but it proved unsuccessful. In 1801, another application was made to the Quarter Sessions for a view, and an appropriation, the petitioners concluding with a prayer for a "wooden bridge," and estimating the probable expense af £6,000. The grand jury recom- mended an appropriation of $16,000, to be assessed at three yearly payments. The court approved of their action on Aug. 6th, and the county commis- sioners proceeded to cause its erection. The con- tract was awarded, and the contractor began opera- tions in earnest, but he failed at the piers. The county commissioners had expended $30,000, and it was estimated that $70,000 more would be required to complete the bridge, if built of stone. In 1805, a third unsuccessful effort was made, but for six years afterward this necessary improvement lay in idleness; then (Feb. 32, 1812) an Act was passed, authorizing the county commissioners to build a stone bridge and charge toll ; and providing that, when the principal invested in its construction was realized from the tolls, it should be declared free. Still the matter halted, and another Act be- came necessary, which was passed on Feb. 21, 1814, modifying the previous Act by giving the commis- sioners the power to build either a stone or wooden bridge. Then operations were resumed 'and the bridge was so far completed in December, 1815, as to be passable, and it was finished at last in 1818. It was 600 feet long, three spans of 200 feet each, covered bv a roof. The first passage over it was made by Coleman's stage-coach on Dec. 20, 1815. Many persons were present to witness the occur- rence and they demonstrated their joy 'by loud ap- plause. Such was the exertion, and so long was the period, to obtain the "Penn street bridge," the first public improvement of the town beyond the court-house and the prison ! The subject of a "Free Bridge" was agitated as early as 1821, just three years after the bridge had been completed, but this related more particularly to persons, and, to accomplish this purpose, a peti- tion was presented to the Legislature in February, 1821. It continued to be agitated for over thirty years and the county bridges (Harrisburg, Lancas- ter and Poplar Neck) were not declared free till 1883. This great step forward was obtained through the city councils of Reading, an earnest and successful application in this behalf having been made to court, upon the representation that the tolls received exceeded the cost of erecting and maintain- ing them, and the judges decided that the bridges must be declared free under the legislation which authorized their erection. The adjudication was made on March 28, 1883. In 1884, this bridge was demolished by the Penn- sylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Co., and this company erected in its stead a superior iron bridge at an expense exceeding $100,000, the county com- missioners appropriating $33,000 toward the cost. The new bridge became a necessity, owing to the railroad improvements along the river. Hamburg Bridge. — ^During the progress of the "Penn street bridge" at Reading, the subject of a bridge was discussed at Hamburg, and the spirit created thereby was sufficient to result in the pas- sage of an Act of Assembly on March 19, 1816, for its erection, but no practical results flowed from this first effort. Eleven years afterward (April 14, 1827), an Act was passed appropriating $6,000 by the State for the erection of a bridge over the Schuylkill, near Hamburg, on the State road from Jonestown (Lebanon county) to Northampton county. The bridge was erected during the follow- ing year by the commissioners of the county, and confirmed by the court on Jan. 12, 1829. Toll was charged till December, 1883, when it was made a free bridge. Lancaster Bridge. — The county commissioners were authorized by an Act passed April 23, 1829, to erect a bridge over the river at Gerber's ferry, on the road from Reading to Lancaster. It was finished in 1831. Its length was 352 feet, in two equal spans. It has been known since as the "Lan- caster bridge." In 1839, a part of the bridge was swept away by the freshet ; in 1850 two spans were swept away ; and in 1869, the eastern half. In 1876 (July 9th) the bridge was destroyed by fire — the act of young incendiaries. Shortly before, there were loud com- plaints about its insecurity and darkness and its unpleasant condition on account of dust. The coun- ty commissioners caused a fine iron bridge to be erected in its stead, which was opened to travel on Jan. 2, 1877. It was the first large iron bridge- structure erected in the county. It was declared free of toll in 1883. Poplar Neck Bridge. — After the completion of the "Lancaster Bridge," the Legislature, in 1832, authorized the erection of a county toll-bridge across the river at "Poplar Neck," about three miles below Reading. And a covered wooden bridge was accordingly buih during 1832 and 1833. It was declared free in 1883. At this place a ferry had been conducted for many years, known as "Lewis's Ferry." Other County Bridges.— Since the agitation and establishment of free bridges, the county authori- ties have caused the erection of other necessary bridges across the river as follows :—Stoudt's No. 2, ; Cross Keys, 1891; Schuylkill avenue, 1892; Exeter, 1893; Bern Station, 1896. There are now altogether eighteen county bridg- es crossing the river; fourteen, the Tulpehocken INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 31 creek; nine, the Manatawny creek; twelve, the Ontelaunee creek ; and sixty-four, the other streams in the different sections of the county; making a total of 117. The building of concrete bridges has latterly been encouraged by the county commissioners ; for, from 1905 to 1909, they caused the erection of thirteen bridges, twelve of which were re-enforced concrete, costing together upward of $40,000. The Dauber- ville bridge, crossing the Schuylkill, built in 1908, is a particularly fine sample; four arches, each 75 feet, costing upward of $30,000. Private Bridges. — The following private bridges were erected across the Schuylkill by individuals or stock companies, and toll was exacted until they were purchased by the county and made free : Windsor Haven (Shoemakersville) 1862 Mohr's (Mohrsville) 1837 Althouse's ( Leesport) 1 835 Stoudt's Ferry (Tuckerton) ] 857 Leize's I833 Kissinger's (now Schuylkill Avenue) 1810 Bell's (at Tulpehocken) 1833 Birdsboro 1845 Monocacy 187i Douglassville 1832 LARGEST COUNTY BRIDGES SCHUYLKILL RIVER, IS MANATAWNY CREEK, 9 JZ Style 4> '5 iJ a u. Douglassville Wooden 340 1832 1885 Monocacy Iron 302 1870 1887 Birdsboro Wooden 4fi2 1845 1886 Exeter Iron 440 1893 1893 Poplar Neck Wooden 504 1832 1883 Lancaster Avenue Iron 555 1876 (1831) 1883 Penn Street Iron 924 1884 (1815) 1883 Schuylkill Avenue Iron 674 1892 (1810) 1892 Leize's Wooden 236 1833 1890 Stoudt's No. 1 Wooden 240 1857 Stoudt's No. 2 Wooden 45 Cross Keys Iron 354 1891 1891 Leesport Wooden 170 1835 1886 Mohrsville Wooden 3fiS 1837 1886 Shoemakersville Wooden 194 1862 1886 Bern Station Iron 20fi 1896 1896 Hamburg Wooden 202 1828 1883 Dauberville Concrete 300 1908 TULPEHOCKEN CREEK, 14 Bushong's Wertz' Mill Van Reed's Reber's Blue Marsh Stamm's Speicher's Conrad's Schaeffer's Ford Sunday's Mill Krick's Mill Charming Forge Womelsdorf Scharff's Wooden Wooden Wooden Wooden Wooden Iron Iron Wooden Iron Iron Beam Deck Wooden Stone Arch Concrete Arch 330 204 1867 144 1866 129 120 1846 153 1887 200 1878 145 1839 75 1889 90 1903 74 1900 186 1872 153 1816 180 1902 Egolf Iron 141 1882 Glendale Wooden 101 Pine Iron Works Wooden 154 1855 Weidner's Iron 103 1898 Fisher's Wooden 129 1854 Heist's Iron 142 1878 Earlville Wooden 130 1856 Baum's Iron 134 1878 Griesemer's Mill Wooden 124 ONTELAUNEE CREEK, 12 Schlegel's Wooden 101 1812 Wiley's Iron 202 1883 Maiden-creek Stone Arch 311 1854 Evansville Tubular 165 1874 Moselem Wooden 145 1851 Virginville Wooden 164 Dreibelbis Wooden irs 1869 Lenhartsville Wooden 182 1868 Greena wait's Wooden 103* 1875 Albany Iron Pony 78 1884 Kempton Wooden 103 1887 Trexler's Stone Arch 161 1841 I Railroad Bridges. — Thirteen substantial bridges have been erected across the river by the several railroad companies operating in the county, viz. : Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, four — one near Tuckerton — high arch, built of stone; one, of iron, at Birdsboro ; and two, of iron, on "Belt Line," one above Reading and the other below. Lebanon Valley Railroad, one, within limits of Reading, built of iron. Berks County Railroad (now Schuylkill & Le- high), three — one at and two below Reading, built of wood. Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad, five — one near Hamburg ; one at Reading and two below ; and one at Douglassville ; all built of iron. ROADS AND TURNPIKES Indian Paths.— There were paths through this section of country long before Reading was laid out. The "Schuylkill Ford" was a central point for the Indians. Nature would seem to have selected the site for the town rather than the Penns. Tulpehocken Road. — The earliest mention of a road in this vicinity is the road which was marked out in 1687, from the Delaware at Philadelphia to the Susquehanna, by way of this ford, and was known for many years as the "Tulpehocken road." In 1768, a road was regularly laid out from Read- ing to the Susquehanna, at "Fort Augusta," by way of Middletown (now Womelsdorf) and Rehrer's Tavern (now Rehrersburg) , over the Blue and Broad Mountains, in pursuance of a petition from a considerable number of inhabitants of the county. The report was presented to the executive council on Jan. 19, 1769. The road began "at the east end of Penn street, in the town of Reading, and extend- ed through the same to the banks of the river Schuyl- 33 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA kill, west 346 perches; thence south 87 degrees, west 33 perches across said river ; thence four courses westwardly with a total distance of 1,457 perches to Sinking Spring Town; thence by tifteen courses, westwardly, a total distance of 2,814 perches to Second street, in Middletown (now Womels- dorf) ; thence across the Tulpehocken creek, and by way of John Rice's tavern and Nicholas Kinser's, northwestwardly to Godfried Rehrer's tavern (now Rehrersburg) , and thence by way of Henry Derr's house to Fort Henry, and. over the Blue mountain, etc., in a northwestwardly course to Fort Augusta." Berks and Dmipliin Turnpike. — Fifty years after- ward, this road from Reading to Middletown, and thence westwardly through Dauphin county, be- came a turnpike, a company for this purpose hav- ing been incorporated in 1805, under the name of "Berks and Dauphin Turnpike Company." The turnpike, however, was not begun until in 1816, just after the Penn street bridge had become passa- ble. It was finished in 1817, and it was maintained successfully for nearly ninety years. In 1905, the company voluntarily released the toll charge for use of pike by removal of toll-gates, to a point two miles west of the bridge ; and it was freed to Werners- ville, eight miles, in 1906 by the assessment of dam- asres. PLAN OF ROADS TO READING Maiden-creek Road. — A road was surveyed by Samuel Lightfoot in 1745, from Francis Parvin's mill, near the mouth of the Maiden creek, south- wardly to the ford, the present site of Reading, in almost a straight line about six miles in length, and confirmed in June of that ^ear. In 1753, it was regularly laid out from Reading northwardly, and extended to Easton by commissioners from Berks and Northampton counties who were ap- pointed by the executive council at Philadelphia. Centre Turnpike. — A turnpike was constructed on this road from Callowhill street in Reading, over the "'long hill" (at cemetery) to the mouth of the Maiden creek, and thence northwardly by way of Hamburg and Schuylkill Gap ; and northwestwardly over Broad Mountain, by way of a point now Ash- land, to Sunbury. A company for this purpose was incorporated in 1805, called "Centre Turnpike Company." The turnpike was completed shortly before 1812. It was operated successfully and tolls were exacted until 1885, when it was abandoned. Oley Road.— In September, 1727, a petition was presented to the court at Philadelphia for a road to extend from the "Lutheran Meeting-house" ar the Tulpehocken creek to the highroad at the "Quaker Meeting-house," near George Boone's mill, in Oley. Eight years afterward, the court appoint- ed Mordecai Lincoln, Marcus Hulings, James Thompson, Peter Robeson, Benjamin Boon and Thomas Potts to lay out this road from the high- road westwardly to the Schuylkill ford. They re- ported a road at June session, 1736, which began at the ford, and proceeded a little south of east, in almost a direct line, to a road called the "King's Highway." Its eastern terminus was at a point now Amityville. Perkiomen Turnpike. — The road just mentioned was the road to Philadelphia for many years, until a road from a point near the "Black Bear Inn," by way of Bishop's Mill, to a point near Molatton church, now at Douglassville, was substituted. In 1810, a turnpike was authorized to be constructed on this latter road from Reading, by way of "White Horse Tavern" (Douglassville) and Pottsgroye. to Perkiomen Mills, at Perkiomen creek. In 1811, commissioners were named, and they immediately commenced its construction, completing it in four years at an average cost of $7,000 per mile. It was made free in 1902. In 1822 the State held subscriptions of stock in the three turnpike companies, as follows : Berks and Dauphin, $29,000 (individual subscription $63,- 905) ; Centre, $80,000 (individual subscription $62,000) ; Perkiomen, $53,000 (individual subscrip- tion $133,000). Length reported: first, 34 miles; second, 75 miles; third, 28 3-4 miles. O'ley Turnpike. — The road from the "Old Phila- delphia Road," near Schwartzwald Church, to the King's Highway (Pleasantville to Amityville) was laid out and confirmed in 1755. The "Oley Turn- pike" is constructed on this road from Jackson- wald eastward. The company for this superior, well-kept turnpike was incorporated in 1862. The road extends from "Black Bear Inn" to Pleas- antville, ten miles,, and the total cost was $50,000. Schuylkill Road.— A road was ordered bv the court of Lancaster county in 1750 to be laid out from Chester county line, in Caernarvon township, in a northwestwardly direction to Reading. It was surveyed by George Boone, and reported in 1751. This is the road from W^arwick Furnace, bv way of Plow tavern and Green Tree tavern, through Union, Robeson and Cumru townships and along the western bank of the Schuylkill, to the Tulpe- INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 33 hocken road opposite Reading. It was twelve and a half miles in length. Other Roads. — Neversink Road, from Reading southwardly to Flying Hill, in 1753. Alsace Church Road, from Reading northwardly through Alsace township, in 1753. Lancaster Road, from Reading southwestwardly through Cumru township, in 1762. Sunbury Road, frpm the fork in the Schuylkill above the Blue Mountain to the fork in the Sus- quehanna at Sunbury — fifty-five miles, in 1770. Bern Road, from Reading northwestwardly over the Schuylkill at a point now occupied by the Schuylkill avenue bridge, through Bern township, in 1772. Alsace Road, from Reading eastwardly through Alsace township into Oley, to a point in the "King's Highway" (supposed to be near Friedensburg, and now called the Friedensburg road) , in 1776. Plan of Roads to Reading. — The accompanying plan will indicate in a general way how the promi- nent roads extended from Reading during its earlier history, and these have continued to be the chief thoroughfares for travel till now. State Highways. — The substantial improvement of the public roads was a subject of discussion for many years, but it was not until 1905 that any special legislation was secured. The taxpayers of Berks county immediately began to show their ap- preciation of the State's liberality. Cumru town- ship was the first to take practical steps by ordering the improvement of that portion of the Lancaster road from the Schuylkill river to the Three-Mile- House in Shillington, commonly called the "Three- Mile-House-Road," and it was constructed under the supervision of the State Highway Commissioner by Adam R. Leader of Reading, as the contractor, during 1905-06-07, at a total cost of $18,326; of which the county paid one-sixth and the township one-sixth. This section of road had been used a great deal for driving purposes for many years and this marked improvement increased its use. Some time before 1905 it had been improved by the ex- penditure of a considerable sum of money (about $500) with the assent of the township supervisors, which had been collected mostly from the drivers of speedy horses at Reading. The next township to take up the matter success- fully was Washington and in 1908 the State Depart- ment looked after the construction of a new high- way from Barto to Bally and thence toward Shultz- ville and Shultz's grist-mill, upward of three miles. The total cost, including fine concrete bridge, was about $43,000, of which the county paid one-eighth and the township one-eighth (the reduced propor- tion having been caused by the amended road law of 1907). And the third township was Amity, for the im- provement of the road from Amityville, via Weaver- town, to the Monocacy creek, about two miles in length. It was constructed in 1908, including a superior concrete bridge. 3 stages The first coach in New England began its trips in 1744. The first stage line between New York and Philadelphia (then the two most populous cities in the Colonies) was established in 1756. The trip was made in three days. When the Revolution be- gan, most of these public conveyances ceased to run, and they did not take the road till the return of peace. The first public conveyance at Reading was a two-horse coadh. It was instituted by Martin Haus- man in 1789, and traveled weekly between Read- ing and Philadelphia for the transportation of pas-, sengers and letters. The distance was about fifty- one miles, and the passage was made in two days. The fare was two dollars, and letter carriage three pence. During that year, he transferred the estab- lished business to Alexander Eisenbeis, who operat- ed it two years, and sold it to William Coleman. From that time onward, for nearly seventy years, without intermission, the Coleman family were prominent throughout eastern Pennsylvania for their connection with this great enterprise. Soon after Coleman had obtained possession of this stage line, he extended it westwardly, by way of Womelsdorf and Lebanon, to Harrisburg; and northwardly, by way of Hamburg, Orwigsburg, Sharp Mountain Gap and over the Broad Mountain, to Sunbury. In 1818, the stages ran twice a week from Philadelphia to Sunbury. They left Philadel- phia on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3 a. m. ; ar- rived at Reading at 5 p. m., and lodged at Ham- burg on the same days ; and on the following morn- ings left at 3 a. m. and arrived at Sunbury on the succeeding days at 10 a. m. And they ran thrice a week from Philadelphia to Harrisburg — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; leaving Ph'iladelphia at 4 A. M., lodging at Reading, and arriving at Har- risburg the next evening. The same order was ob- served in returning. In 1820 William Coleman died. His widow car- ried on the stage lines for a year, when their sons John and Nicholas purchased and conducted them. In 1823, they ran weekly stages to the southwest to Lancaster, over a natural road, in length thirty- two miles; and. to the northeast to Easton, over a natural road, in length fifty miles. In 1825, Colder & Wilson ran the "mail stage" between Reading and Harrisburg three times a week. The passenger fare was' 50 cents to Womels- dorf ; $1 to Lebanon, and $2 to Harrisburg. In 1826, a combination was made between the Colemans, Jacob Peters, and Colder & Co., to run a daily line of stages between Philadelphia and Harrisburg via Reading. The stages left Philadel- phia daily except Monday at 4 a. m., dined at Read- ing, lodged at Lebanon, and proceeded to Harris- burg next morning. Returning, they left Harris- burg daily, except Tuesday, in the afternoon, lodged at Lebanon, took breakfast at Reading next morn- ing and arrived at Philadelphia at 8 p. m. Through fare, $6 ; to Reading, $3. 34 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA From, the beginning till 1826, the stage-coach in use was called a "steamboat" — an uncovered wagon, capable of holding twenty passengers. Then a sharp competition arose between three lines; first, the "Old Line" (Coleman's), which conveyed the mails ; second, Reeside & Piatt's ; and third, Milti- more & Mintzer's. A new and improved stage- coach was introduced as a consequence, called the "Troy Coach." It held eleven passengers, with room for five or more on top. In 1830, the com- petition was full of life. The rates were reduced one-half. But the "Old Line" forced the others to withdraw. Its mail contracts were a great support and enabled it to bear the pressure. It had a hun- dred horses always on hand. Decline of Stages. — The stage business contin- ued active and profitable in the several directions from Reading till the introduction of the railways, when it was discontinued. The stage-coach could not compete with the railroad train, or horse-power with steam-power; and in this respect, as in others, the fittest and strongest survived. The discontin- uance on the several lines was as follows : From Philadelphia, 1838; from Pottsville, 1842; from Harrisburg, 1858 ; from Allentown, 1859 ; from Lan- caster, 1864. The following stage lines (all carrying merchan- dise and passengers, and several also mail) are still operated to and from Reading to accommodate the public : Boyertown line, via Yellow House, daily 17 miles Friedensburg line, via Stony Creek Mills, daily. ... 9 miles Pleasantville line, via Oley Tnrnpilce, tri-weekly. .14 miles Bernville line, via State Hill, daily 14 miles Terra Hill line, via Angelica, tri-weekly 16 miles Hummel's Store line, via Green Tree, daily 15 miles Strausstown and Womelsdorf line, daily 12 miles Strausstown and Hamburg line, daily 12 miles Millersburg and Myerstown, daily S miles C.VXALS Great internal improvements in this country were first projected in Pennsylvania, and the enterprise of her early citizens directed public attention to the establishment of canals and turnpikes for con- venient transportation. In 1690, William Penn suggested the idea of connecting the Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers by means of a canal, but it was not acted upon. Seventy years afterward, this idea was again considered, and then a survey was made by David Rittenhouse and others. A course was marked out for a canal between these two rivers, but nearly seventy j^ears more elapsed be- fore the great scheme was realized and put into practical and successful operation. Union Canal. — In 1791, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed an Act incorporating the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Navigation Company, for the purpose of connecting the two rivers by a canal, and facilitating traffic; and in 1792, another company was chartered, under the name of the Del- aware and Schuylkill Canal Company, for the pur- pose of extending a canal from the eastern termi- nus of the canal mentioned at Reading, along the Schuylkill to the Delaware river at Philadelphia. These canals were to be part of a great scheme conceived by an association of enterprising individ- uals in order to promote internal improvements, whereby Philadelphia and Pittsburg were to be connected by water communication. On April 2, 1811, an Act was passed to incor- porate "The Union Canal Company of Pennsyl- vania." The name was chosen because the new corporation was really a union of the old Schuyl- kill and Susquehanna and the Delaware and Schuyl- kill Canal Companies. The preamble recited that those corporations had made strenuous efforts to carry out the objects of their charters, but failed. A new company was formed by the stockholders of the old corporations, but seventeen years passed before the canal was finished. The first canal- boat, which went west, left Philadelphia on March 20, 1828, by way of the Schu3dkill canal to Read- ing, and thence by the Union canal to Middletown, arriving at the latter place on the 23d. The event was duly celebrated at jMiddletown. There were seventeen Union canal boats in service in July, that year, and over two hundred were in operation be- fore the end of the j'ear. The length of the canal was 79^ miles, with 91 locks, 8 basins, 93 bridges, 16 dams, and 17 aqueducts. From the summit (four miles east of Lebanon) to the mouth of Tulpehocken creek the distance was 37 miles. This section of the canal was 26 feet wide at bottom, and 36 feet at water surface; depth of water, 4 feet, and width of tow- ing path, 10 feet. The number of locks required to overcome the fall of 310 feet was 53. The locks were faced with dressed sandstone; chambers 8| feet wide and 75 feet long ; and lifts varying from 5 to 8 feet. About 1855, the locks were enlarged to correspond with the locks of the Pennsylvania canal, from the Swa- tara eastwardly to Reading. The success of this canal was dependent upon the construction of a similar canal along the Schuvl- kill, in order to encourage traffic from the Sus- quehanna to Philadelphia bv way of Reading. A company had been chartered in i815 for this pur- pose, which began the improvement desired, and finished it in 1825. In 1830, the canal was extended along the west- ern bank of the Schuylkill, three miles below Read- ing, to the Little Dam, having its outlet in the Big Dam, about a thousand feet farther down. But this portion was washed so badly by the freshet of 1850 that it was rendered useless, and connec- tion wasjnade with the Schuylkill canal at a lock near the Harrisburg bridge. At this point, about 1S28, the company had constructed a dam called "Union Dam" (commonly known as "Lotz's Dam"), for the purpose of forming a connection with the Schuylkill canal; and this was the only INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 35 connection till 1855, when the canal was extended to a point opposite "Jackson's Lock," at the foot of Sixth street, where connection was afterward made. In order to form an idea of the extent and growth of the business over this canal, soon after it was completed, the following statistics are presented: For the week ending May 27, 1831, 80 boats passed ■ Reading going down, 45 loaded with lumber and coal, and the others with flour, whiskey, castings, etc. ; and 60 passed going up, 17 loaded with merchandise. For the week ending June 14, 1835, 125 loaded boats passed down, and 112 loaded boats passed up. Some years after- ward, the tonnage and tolls were as follows: Tons Tolls 1847 139,256 $91,356 1848 153,222 95,953 1§49 148,332 86,800 The boats were diminutive, being only 18 tonb' capacity at the opening of the canal ; afterward, in 1828, increased to 23 tons ; and afterward, the size was increased until 1845, when the capacity was €0 tons. Lottery Privileges. — The amount of money ■ raised in the course of the prosecution of the canal enterprise, between the Schuylkill and Sus- quehanna rivers, was enormous, not so much from the actual cost of the improvements as in the waste- ful way in which the money was raised, and the amount taken from the community which did no good to the undertaking. The capital of the two companies was insufficient for the execution of the work, and the Legislature granted them power to raise money "by way of lottery." The whole amount specified in the grant was $400,000, of which the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Company was to have two-thirds, and the Delaware and Schuylkill Company one-third. This Act was passed April 17, 1795, and under it the companies exer- cised the privilege of issuing lottery tickets. Un- til 1810, the companies had realized only $60,000, a sum wholly insufficient for their purposes. They complained that their affairs "had fallen into dis- order and embarrassment; that they were covered with reproach and ridicule," and that the public confidence was impaired. This led to the union of the two corporations in 1811. In the Act, the lottery privileges were renewed; and, as the com- pany had not made much by their own management, they were empowered to sell or assign their lottery rights to any persons whom they might select. So the company leased out the lottery privileges and under this arrangement the lotteries became very successful. The managers took in large amounts of money, but the Canal Company did not have much added to their funds, and a report to the Legislature stated that the lottery managers made many millions, while the Union Canal Company got but $269,210. This caused great scandal. An Act was passed for the suppression of lot- teries in Pennsylvania after March 1, 1833, which declared that the lottery rights of the company were exhausted, and prohibited the sale of lottery tickets of any kind after Dec. 31st of that year. But, as a compensation for the privileges taken from the company, the Governor was authorized to subscribe for one thousand shares of stock on behalf of the State of Pennsylvania. The lotteries of the Union Canal Company were drawn at stated periods from the gallery of the stairs in the tower of the State-house, which led to the upper chambers, and the drawings were at- tended by hundreds of persons. The canal was supposed to be the only possible means of conveyance, except by the common road, long after all the companies connected with the navigation of the Schuylkill had been chartered. But the Columbia railroad, under the management of the State, began to be a rival of the Union canal in bringing produce and passen- gers from the Susquehanna as soon as it was finished. The movement for its establish- ment commenced in 1826, when a company was incorporated to build a railroad from Lancas- ter and Columbia to Philadelphia. The plan not proving successful, in 1828 the State authorized a survey and followed it up in after years by ap- propriations, under which the work was carried on. The road was finished to Lancaster in April, 1834, and opened through to Columbia in the summer of 1835. Just as soon as this means of transportation was finished, the Union Canal Company lost a large share of its business and prospects. The railroad offered a shorter route and quicker method of com- munication between the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers. The opening of the Lebanon Valley rail- road from Reading to Harrisburg in 1857, through the same section of territory, proved the final and crushing blow to the Union Canal Company. From that time onward it began to decline more and more until it was finally abandoned, about 1890. Schuylkill Canal. — The Schuylkill Canal Nav- igation Company was incorporated on March 8, 1815, for the purpose of transporting coal, lumber, merchandise, produce, etc., by a system of canals and slackwater navigation, by appropriating the water of the Schuylkill river from Mill creek, in Schuylkill county, to Philadelphia. The transporta- tion of articles was then carried on over the Centre turnpike to Reading, and the Perkiomen and Ger- mantown turnpikes to Philadelphia. Certain com- missioners were named in the Act, and they were directed to open subscription books at various places in May, 1815. The par value of a share of stock was fixed at fifty dollars, and twenty-five hundred shares were to be subscribed at Reading — one-fourth of the total shares. The first board of directors was elected at Nor- ristown on Oct. 5, 1815. It included two members from Berks county — Lewis Reese, of Reading, and John Wiley, of Maiden-creek. Samuel Baird, of 36 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Pottsgrove (now Pottstown), was also a member, but he soon afterward removed to Reading and practised law. The construction of the canal was begun in 1817, and completed in 1832, from John Potts's, at tlie mines, to within one-half a mile of Hamburg, be- low the Blue Mountain. The lower section, from the Schuylkill bridge at Philadelphia to Reading, had been finished. "Boats carried during 1821 over the completed portion of the canal, from the coal mines to the vicinity of Hamburg, large quantities of coal, which were deposited there and sold out by the ton to the country people from the neigh- borhood and for many miles distant. The unfin- ished oortion of the canal was reported to have been completed during the year 1822 ; and this was the first completed navigation in the country. The total length from Mount Carbon to Phil- adelphia was 105 miles (62 of canal and 43 of pools in river), with a fall of 588 feet; in- cluding 120 locks (81 above Reading and 39 be- low) ; 28 dams, 17 arched stone aqueducts, and a tunnel 450 feet long, cut through solid rock. The total cost was $1,800,000. In 1827-28, the canal was extended to Mill creek, making the total length 108.23 miles; and, by an enlargement in 1846, the number of locks was re- duced to 71, with a total fall of about 620 feet. The size of the locks was 18 by 110 feet; width of canal, 60 feet; depth of water, 6 feet. The capacity of boats waS 180 tons. The cost of transportation by land from Read- ing to Philadelphia was 40 cents a hundredweight ; by canal it was reduced to 12-| cents. The toll on coal from Mt. Carbon to Philadelphia in 1825 was 6 cents a bushel or $1.68 a ton. Horses or mules were not used for towing boats previous to 1826. The boats were first towed through the canals by men at the end of long tow- lines. Two men drew- a boat after them by press- ing their shoulders or breasts against a stick fast- ened crosswise to the end of the tow-line. With such locomotion, a trip from Mount Carbon to Philadelphia and back generally required six weeks. At this time there were no tow-paths along the pools of the navigation ; hence the necessity for man-power. The following statistics show the great traffic over the canal during the first five years after its completion : Passed down Canal | 3S26 I 1827 | 1828 I 1820 I 1830 Barrels of flour Tons of coal Tons of iron ore Tons of iron Tons of whiskey Total tons descending . . Total tons ascending . . . Total tolls received . . . . 21,2451 31,4.361 66,8351 16,787| 31,630| 47,2841 2,541 420 2o,.'i61 6,843 $43,108 1,472 1,5.33 483 53,782 11,719 $58,149 1,674 1,853 1,152 .84,1.33 21,329 $87,171 1 5,0231 1 7,799 79,973f 89,984 556 958 868 112.704 21,800 $120,039 602 1,125 1,146 136,531 44,254 $145,165 1 In tons. The traffic continued to increase from year to year. In 1842, it was over 500,000 tons, and the tolls over $400,000. Ample dividends were made; and shares, which cost originally $50, were sold as high as $175, and even $180. In 1851, the total tonnage was 842,097 tons, of which there were 579,156 tons of coal; and the total toll was $285,- 621. After 1861, the canal tonnage reached in some years nearly 1,400,000 tons of coal and 3_{)0,000 tons of merchandise and miscellaneous articles. The capacity of the canal was estimated at 1,800,000 tons descending, and at least 500,000 tons ascending. The boats were from 17 to 17^ feet wide, and 100 to 101 and 102 feet long, with a maximum capacity of 190 tons. After the year 1858, the company oftered prem- iums for dispatch in transportation. Two boats competed energetically and proved that a trip from Port Carbon to New York and return could be made in seven days. This was regarded as an extraordi- nary performance. The interest taken in this con- test was so great that a boat came to be loaded at the canal landings in eighteen minutes from the time the boat reached the wharf till the trip was resumed. Finally, trouble was anticipated from this rivalry and the company put an end to it. The company continued to operate this great enterprise till 1870, when they leased it to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company for a term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. Packets. — In 1835, John and Nicholas Coleman introduced the system of running packets through the canal from Reading to Philadelphia. Trips were made three times a week. The fare was $2.50, and a trip was made in a day. The packets had no berths for sleeping purposes, but a large dining- room. Cooking was done aboard, and meals were furnished. These packets were well patronized, and contin- ued in successful operation till about 1832, when the increasing traffic on the canal forced them to be withdrawn. Theretofore boats, loaded and emp- ty, would turn out or lay over for an approaching packet, which was given the right of way. The first steamboat on the canal came from Phil- adelphia to Reading on Dec. 5, 1826. Twenty years afterward, a line of Steam Packets was begun be- tween Reading and Philadelphia. The first packet arrived on Sept. 28, 1846. It was built of iron, with two Ericson propellers, 85 feet long, and 13-} feet wide. They departed from Reading every day, ex- cept Sunday, at 2 p. m., and arrived at Philadelphia the next morning. And they departed from Phila- delphia and arrived at Reading on the same time. The fare was $1 a trip. But this enterprise did not continue long in operation. RAILWAYS The first railway in Pennsylvania was built in 1837 from Mauch Chunk to Summit Hill, in length nine miles. It was constructed to complete the transportation of coal from Mine Hill to Philadel- INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 37 phia. From Mauch Chunk to Philadelphia a canal had been constructed shortly before by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. But the canal could not be extended to Mine Hill ; so the company was compelled to build a railway to take the place of ordinary rdads. Soon afterward, The Little Schuyl- kill Railroad Company was incorporated, and it con- structed the railroad from Tamaqua to Port Clinton. P. & R. R. — In 1833, a railroad was projected from Port Clinton via Reading to Philadelphia. The Little Schuylkill Railroad Company was auth- orized to extend its railroad to Reading, and to construct one from Reading , to Philadelphia. A company was chartered on April 4, 1833, under the name of the "Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company." Twenty-seven commissioners were ap- pointed, including George de B. Keim, Matthias S. Richards, Isaac Hiester and James Everhart, of Reading. Immediate steps were taken to construct this road. A considerable portion was finished dur- ing 1835. By December, 1837, one track of the road was completed from Reading to Pottstown. An excursion party, comprising one hundred citi- zens of Reading, made a trip on the 6th of Decem- ber in five freig-ht cars, temporarily fitted up with seats and drawn by five horses. It started from the depot at 9 A. M., and arrived at Pottstown in two and three quarters hours, including all stops. In returning, it left at 3 P. M. and arrived at Reading at 5 p. M. The first regular train from Reading to Pottstown ran on May 1, 1838 ; to Norristown, on July, 16, 1838 ; and to Philadelphia in December, 1839. The fare was: First-class, $2.50; second- class, $2. The Little Schuylkill Railroad Company being unable to construct the road from Port Clinton to Reading, the charter of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co. was therefore extended to cover the construction and operation of a railroad from Read- ing to Pottsville; and notwithstanding the financial difficulties which prevailed about 1838, the project was completed within four years afterward. The first train ran over the whole line from Philadelphia to Pottsville, ninety-three miles, on Jan. 1, 1842, and the road was opened for general travel on the 10th. The second track wis laid in 1843, and opened for travel in January, 1844. The distance from Read- ing to Philadelphia was traveled in two hours; to Pottsville in one hour and twenty minutes. In the establishment of this great enterprise, the construction of two long tunnels is worthy of men- tion — ^one near Phoenixville, in length 1,931 feet, at a cost of $150,000 ; the other near Port Clinton, in length 1,606 feet, at a cost of $125,782. The latter extends through the Blue Mountain, and the depth from the surface at the top of the mountain is 119 feet. A third tunnel was constructed at Manayunk, in length 940 feet, costing $75,000. The Phoenix- ville and Manayunk tunnels were enlarged in 1859. A superior', large stone bridge across the Schuylkill, above Tuckerton, is also noteworthy. The introduction of this railway immediately stimulated enterprise at Reading, and caused energy and capital to be directed toward manufacturing. The increasing tide of affairs induced people and capital to concentrate here more and more every succeeding year; and buildings multiplied rapidly to answer the demands of the increasing population. The company established its workshops here when the railway was completed, and these have grown here in capacity with the ever-increasing traffic of the road. The first large shop occupied the half block on the west side of Seventh street between Franklin and Chestnut streets, where it continued for over sixty years. Its extensive and costly shops are now situated along the northern extremity of Sixth street. Each succeeding decade found the company with more extended shops of all kinds for the manufacture of engines and cars, affording in the mieantime constant employment for an ever-in- creasing number of workmen. The total annual in- come to the people of Reading from this single source during the past seventy years counts into millions of dollars, all of which contributed directly toward the substantial growth of this community, in its buildings, stores, factories, churches and schools. The passenger station (or "depot" as it was generally called) was located at the northwest cor- ner of Seventh and Chestnut streets, and continued there till 1874, when it was removed to the "junc- tion" of the Lebanon Valley and East Pennsylvania railroads, nearly a mile to the north, called "Main Station," where a fine large building had been erec- ted. This was done to accommodate the large pas- senger traffic. It is surmounted with a large and elevated clock-tower. Extensive covered platforms are constructed over the three roads, nearly a half- mile in length; eastern, 1,038 feet; northwestern, 709 feet ; southwestern, 692 feet ; the first being 47 feet wide, and the others 42. The passenger trains to Philadelphia and Pottsville pass through the first ; those to Harrisburg and to Allentown through the second ; and those to Columbia, Slatington, and Wil- mington, through the third. It was begun in 1871, and completed in 1874, when the lower station was abandoned. In 1884 the company re-established the station at Franklin street. The stations in the county are the following: Douglassville, Monocacy, Birdsboro, Exeter, Frank- lin Street, Reading, Tuckerton, Leesport, Mohrs- ville, Shoemakersville, Bern, Hamburg. The length of the railway from the southern extremity of the. county to the northern is forty miles. The, train service for passengers, coal and freight over the Philadelphia & Reading railroad and its several branches, is very extensive, as will ap- pear by the following statistics for July, 1908, at Reading : 38 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Passenger trains 94 first ground was broken at a spot, now the highest Coal and freight— point of the cut, a short distance north of Temple Main Line 90 Station, on June 11, 1857; and it was prosecuted Lebanon Valley 65 vv^jth energy for two years. The last spike was East Penn . 48 jj-iven on April 20, 1859, and the completion was wiStt fNorTheVn-:;^ signalized by a demonstration at Temple on Sdniylkill & Lehigh 4 May 11th. On that day, trains began to run be- , , , J A -1 -I tween Reading- and Allentown Junction, a distance Lebanon V.^LLEY.-An Act was passed April 1 ^^ thirty-six miles. It was leased to the Philadel- 1836, mcorporatmg the Lebanon Valley Railroad ^ia & Reading Railroad Co. in May, 1869, by Company," for a railroad from Reading to Harris- ^^^-^^ -^ ^^^ ^J^ operated since, burg. It required an actual subscription of four -phe length of the railroad in the county is twenty- thousand shares of stock before the charter should t^^ee miles, with the following stations : Temple, become operative. This number could not be ob- Blandon, Fleetwood, Lyons, Bowers, Topton, tained by private subscriptions, and the project was Mertztown, Shamrock. allowed to slumber for seventeen years. In 1853, Reading & Columbia.— Whilst the Lebanon the idea was conceived that Lebanon and Reading, Valley and East Penn railroads were being con- as municipal organizations, should encourage the en- structed, the subject of extending a railroad from terprise by a large subscription of the stock, the Sinking Spring (a station on the former) to Col- former, two thousand shares, and the latter, six umbia was discussed with earnestness. In this be- thousand. half an Act was passed on May 19, 1857, incorporat- A supplementary Act was accordingly passed on ing the "Reading & Columbia Railroad Company," April 5, 1853, with a provision that the subject of and naming fifteen commissioners. The first pro- a subscription be submitted to the taxables of the ject was to extend the road from a point in Read- respective places. The city councils of Reading ing; but in 1861 an Act was passed authorizing a discussed this subject on May 11, 1853, and ordered connection to be made with the former railroad at an election to be held on June 15th following. This any point between Reading and Sinking Spring, election was to decide for or against a subscription Numerous meetings were held at Ephrata, Lancas- of four thousand shares, amounting to $200^000. ter, Columbia and Reading, and reports pertaining The result of the election was 1,658 for subscription, to the business which the territory would afford and 682 against. The election having terminated were made to encourage the construction of the favorably, certain taxables applied to the Supreme road ; and these eventually terminated in its suc- court for an injunction, but it was refused. The cessful completion in March, 1864, from Sinking subscription by the city councils was made, and Spring to Columbia, a distance of forty miles.' The in payment thereof city bonds were issued amount- first passenger train ran in May, 1864. The length ing to $200,000. During the completion of the road of the railroad in the county is five miles, with two an Act was passed. May 5, 1857, to authorize the stations, Fntztown and Vinemont. consolidation of the Lebanon Valley Railroad Com- Wilmington & Northern.— A railroad was also pany with the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad encouraged through the southern section of Berks Company, upon first obtaining consent of the stock- county, by inhabitants of Robeson, Union and Caer- holders. The city councils approved of the consoli- "^'■^°" *°^"s'"P%,^"^ *ey obtained an Act on dation. especiallv upon having been assured by the ^P"' ^^' jSe^k The road was to extend from a Philadelphia &' Reading Railroad Company that P°"^t on the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, at the city bonds would be returned and that its °^ "^ar Birdsboro, by the most available route, to company would assume the subscription of four any railroad built in Chester county The incorpor- thousand shares. The road was completed, the con- ^""^ '^°dy was named Berks and Chester Railroad solidation effected, and the city bonds were returned. Company ; and the company was authorized to con- Trains began to run to Lebanon in June, 1857; -^^''^.f/^^f JTrr l^ "°! exceedmg nine miles and to Harrisburg in January, 1858. ' Length of ll^'^'St. ^Ih Zt\ T ^^^^^^ T^ ^'^''^^ this railroad in th% countv, sixteen miles; wfth the f If^'lr^^ '^ WffT.f"' '""^ Pennsylvania State following stations: Sinking Spring, Wernersville, ^'"mm nnir L f ^ consohda ion with this ■n , • -i^r 1 1 i: ^ Company under the name of the Wilming-ton & "i'^TvV^rn^^i . i..r A. Reading Railroad Company. The name wis sub East PENN.-On March 9, 1856, an Act was sequently changed to Wilmington & Northern Rail- pa.ssed incorporating the Reading and Lehigh ,^^^ Companv. The road was opened for travel Railroad Company for a railroad froni the June- ^s follows: From Wilmington to CoatesviUe, ion of the Phi adelphia & Reading and the Lebanon thtrtv-three miles, in December, 1869 • to Birdsboro \ a ley railroads at Reading, to the Lehigh Valley sixty-three miles, in June, 1870; and to Readino-' railroad at Allentown. The title of the company seventy-two miles, in Februarv 1874 It was con- was changed to "East Pennsylvania Railroad Com- structed to a point in Poplar Neck ' and the road pany," by Act passed April 21, 1857. The construe- from that point was extended through Reading by tion of the roadway began in June following. The the Berks County Railroad Company INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 39 The passenger station of the company at Read- ing was for a' time at the southwest corner of Sec- ond and Cherry streets. In 1882 the company effec- ted an arrangement to run its trains to and from the station of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road Company; and in 1903 the road was leased to the latter company. The following stations are in the county: Birds- boro. White Bear, Geigertown, Joanna. The pas- senger station at Birdsboro is a handsome structure. Length in county, twenty miles. West Reading. — The • manufacturers situated along the Schuylkill canal secured an Act on March 20, 1860, to construct a railroad from the Lebanon Valley railroad at Fourth street to a point on Canal street near the gas works, and to organize a com- pany under the name of West Reading Railroad Company. The road was constructed, in length nearly two miles, and opened for traffic in 1863. This company operated it for ten years, and then transferred it to the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road Co., by which company it has been used since, as a branch road in delivering and receiving freight. COLEBROOKDALE. — In March, 1865, a railroad was constructed from the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road at Pottstown to Boyertown and a company was incorporated under the name of "Colebropkdale Railroad Company." The road was constructed to Barto, a distance of nearly thirteen miles, and opened to travel in November, 1869. The stations in the county are Manatawny, Iron- stone, Colebrookdale, Boyertown, Bechtelsville, Barto. It was leased to the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad Company on Jan. 1, 1870, for twenty years, which lease was renewed. KuTZTOWN Branch. — In 1854 a company was incorporated under the name of the Allentown Rail- 'road Company, to construct a railroad from Allen- town to the Philadelphia & Reading railroad at any point between Reading and Port Clinton; and if this railroad should not be extended by way of Kutztown, a branch should be constructed to that place. -Subsequently a section of the road was con- structed from Topton to Kutztown, in length four and a half miles, and opened for travel in January, 1870. It has been operated since by the Philadel- phia & Reading Railroad Company under a lease. Schuylkill & Lehigh. — In March, 1871, a com- pany was incorporated for the purpose of construct- ing a railroad from a point on the Wilmington & Northern railroad, at or near Birdsboro, through Reading, to connect with any railroad or railroads in the county of Lehigh; commissioners were ap- pointed and a company was created by the name of "Berks County Railroad Company," and it was con- structed from the "Cut" in "Poplar Neck," through Reading, by way of the Maiden creek, to Slating- ton, where connection was made with the Lehigh Valley railroad, a total length of forty-five miles. The road was opened for travel in July, 1874. Shortly afterward, the road was sold and a reor- ganization effected under the name of "Berks & Lehigh Railroad Company" ; and subsequently this name was changed to "Schuylkill & Lehigh Rail- road Company." The road is carried on by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company under a lease. The length of the road in the county is twenty-four miles, and the stations are Maiden- creek, Evansville, Moselem, Virginville, Lenharts- ville, Kempton. Belt Line. — For a number of years the increas- ing traffic on the main line of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad rendered its passage through Reading more and more difficult to handle, and finally, in 1900, the management determined to re- lieve the great congestion which extended from the "Walnut street Cut" northward several miles, by constructing a "Belt Line" around Reading; which started at a point called the "Junction," in Muhlen- berg township, about a mile north of the main sta- tion at Reading, thence crossing the river and pass- ing through Bern, Spring and Cumru townships, and ending in the main line about two miles south of Reading. It was opened for traffic in 1902. Signal Service. — From the beginning of the service on the P. & R. railroad the company main- tained along the main line a number of "signal towers" for the purpose of notifying the trainmen as to the situation and movement of the trains ; then the "Hall block system" was introduced, as a more reliable system, and it has proved very useful and satisfactory. Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley. — The Phoenixville, Pottstown & Reading Railroad Com- pany was incorporated on Sept. 30, 1882, for oper- ating a railroad from Phoenixville to Reading, by way of Pottstown; and on the same day, the Phil- adelphia, Norristown & Phoenixville Railroad Com- pany was incorporated for operating a railroad from Philadelphia to Phoenixville. On May 1, 1883, these two companies were consolidated, under the name of Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company, and a month afterward a lease was effec- ted with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The latter company then constructed the railroad from Philadelphia to Reading, by way of Norristown and Phoenixville, during 1883 and 1884, opening it to Reading on Nov. ■ 15, 1884. In the course of its construction the company erected four substantial bridges across the Schuylkill within the county — Douglas sville, Poplar Neck, Little Dam, and Read- ing — and three handsome passenger stations : Doug- lassville, Birdsboro, Reading. The length of this railroad from Reading to the Montgomery county line is fourteen miles. The Penn street bridge stood in the way of im- provements by this company at the foot of Penn street, and, in pursuance of a proposition by this company to substitute a superior iron bridge in its place, at a cost of $100,000, provided the county of Berks contributed $33,000, the old wooden bridge was removed and the present handsome iron bridge was erected during the years 1884 and 1885. 40 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENjNSYLVANIA The Reading & Pottsville Railroad Company was incorporated afterward for operating a railroad from Reading to Pottsville, by way of Hamburg and Port Clinton, and this was constructed during 1884 and 1885, as a continuation of the railroad from Philadelphia to the coal regions. It was op- ened to Hamburg on Dec. 7, 1885, and in 1886 to Pottsville. On Dec. 1, 1885, this road was also leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The company erected a fine station at Hamburg. The length of the railroad northward from Reading to the Schuylkill county line is twenty miles ; and the total length in the county is thirty-four miles. A fifth bridge was constructed obliquely across the Schuylkill river at Hamburg. Electric Railways. — Street railways began to be laid down in Reading in 1874, but a number of years elapsed before they were operated success- fully. The first extensions of the system were made into the surrounding country districts as follows: To the Black Bear Inn and Stony Creek in 1890 ; and an extension was made from a point near the latter place to Boyertown in 1902, by way of Jack- sonwald, Oley Line, Friedensburg and Shanesville; and an extension from Black Bear Inn to Birds- boro in 1904 by way of Seyfert and Gibraltar. To Shillington and Mohnsville (now Mohnton) in 1890; and an extension to Adamstown was con- structed in 1894. To Womelsdorf, on the bed of the Berks and Dauphin turnpike, in 1894. To Temple in 1902 ; which was extended to Kutz- town in 1904. A line had been extended from Al- lentown to Kutztown in 1898 and operated to that point. When the connection was made in 1904, through travel was effected from Reading to Allen- town; and this route then began to be utilized for cheap Sunday excursions to New York in the sum- mer season. These suburban lines opened travel to all points surrounding Reading, excepting to Hamburg to the north, and to Bernville, Rehrersburg and Millers- burg to the northwest. The former point is reached conveniently by two steam railways, but the latter can still only be reached by stage lines or by pri- vate conveyance. The extension of these lines from Reading has encouraged building operations and the develop- ment of suburban towns to a remarkable degree, more especially since 1900. This is apparent at Hyde Park to the north; at Wyomissing to the west ; at Oakbrook and Shillington to the southwest ; and at Mt. Penn and Esterly to the southeast. Additional lines are in contemplation: from Womelsdorf to Myerstown, westward ; from Temple to Hamburg, northward; and from Lyons to Top- ton and Emaus, northward. A line was completed in 1908 from Pottstown to Boyertown via Ringing Rocks Park and Gil- bertsville. POST-OFFICES The postal department of the public service is classed with the internal improvements of the coun- ty. The first attempt to systematize and regulate postal communication in the American Colonies was made by the British government in 1660; and this subject received the attention of William Penn shortly after his arrival in Pennsylvania, he having, in July, 1683, issued an order for the establishment of a post-office at Philadelphia. The postal facili- ties in that early period were only such as were af- forded by personal accommodation among the col- onists. In 1692, the rate of postage to and from Philadelphia, within a radius of eighty miles, was fourpence-halfpenny. The office of Postmaster-General for America was created by Parliament in 1704. In 1737, Benja- min Franklin was appointed postmaster at Phila- delphia, and in 1753, deputy postmaster-general. The delivery of letters by the penny post began in 1753 ; and also the practice of advertising unclaimed letters which remained in the office at Philadelphia. In 1774 Franklin became obnoxious to the British government, and he was therefore dismissed. This caused private arrangements to be made for carry- ing letters, and in 1775, the Colonies established their own postal department, and on July 26th Franklin was unanimously chosen postmaster-gen- eral. This was an important action in connec- tion with the movement for independence. In 1792, rates of postage were established, which remained unchanged for over fifty years. Reading Office Established. — The first post- office in the county was established at Reading on March 20, 1793. The department had been in prac- tical existence for nearly twenty years. The popu- lation here was large and business transactions were numerous, but correspondence was limited. Letters had been carried for several years previously by a stage line to Philadelphia and to Harrisburg, at the rate of threepence postage ; and about the year 1800 they began to be carried to Sunbury once a week on horseback, and to Lancaster and Easton once a week in a private two-horse carriage. After the stage-coach had become a fixed mode of transpor- tation for people and light articles of merchandise, at regular intervals, postal matter began to be car- ried by it from place to place. The mails were carried by stages till the intro- duction of the railways ; then passenger trains were substituted. Stamps. — No postage stamps were issued by the national government till August, 1847, when two denominations were issued — -five-cent and ten-cent. The idea of using postage stamps was first sug- gested in 1841. Previously, postage had been col- lected entirely in money ; and in all cases, pre-pay- ment was optional. The two denominations men- tioned continued in use four years; then new de- nominations for one cent and three cents appeared, and shortly afterward others for five, ten, twelve. INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 41 twenty-four, thirty and ninety cents. In 1861 this series was called in by the postmaster-general, and a new series issued. On July 1, 1863, the first two- cent stamp appeared; which was to accommodate local postage. In 1869 a new series was issued, of the denominations of one, two, three, five, six, ten, fifteen, thirty and ninety cents; and a year after- ward, the following designs were adopted for these stamps : One-cent, Franklin ; two-cent, Jackson ; three-cent, Washington; five-cent, Jackson; six- cent, Lincoln; ten-cent, Jefferson; fifteen-cent, Webster; thirty-cent, Hamilton; ninety-cent. Perry. Designs of persons on stamps in honor of distin- ■guished representative men of our country had been in use from their first introduction, particularly of Franklin and Washington. Post-Offices of County. — The following post- offices have been established in the county. They are arranged in the order of their priority. JJo. Name Established 1. Reading March 20, 1793 2. Hamburg July 1, 1798 3. Kutztown July 1, 1805 4. Morgantown Jan. 1, 1806 5. Womelsdorf July 1, 1807 6. Rehrersburg May 27, 1818 7. Longswamp April 18, 1822 8. Blandon Nov. 2, 1825 9. Klinesville Dec. 16, 1825 10. Bethel ; Dec. 21, 1827 11. Brower Jan. 7,1828 12. Dale Jan. 35, 1828 13. Colebrookdale Feb. 4, 1828 14. Boyertown Feb. 14, 1828 15. Oley March 14, 1828 16. Brumfield March 27, 1828 17. Geiger's Mill March 27, 1828 18. New Jerusalem May 36, 1828 19. Douglassville March 3, 1829 :20. Grimville Jan. 14, 1830 Zl. Shartlesville Feb. 9, 1830 22. Hereford March 6, 1830 ■23. Joanna Furnace Dec. 29, 1830 24. Sinking Spring June 25, 1831 25. Stouchsburg March 23, 1833 ■26. Bernville Aug. 16, 1832 27. Shoemakersville Jan. 14, 1833 28. Pikeville March 12, 1834 ■29. Pricetown Feb. 6, 1835 30. Lobachsville April 10,/ 1835 31. Baumstown Dec. 21, 1835 32. Mohrsville May 10, 1836 33. Gibraltar June 16, 1836 34. Tuckerton ". .Jan. 26, 1838 35. Earlville Aug. 2, 1838 36. MoUto-wn Aug. 30, 1839 37. Virginville Aug. 30, 1839 '38. Lo^wer Bern June 13, 1841 39. Albany Dec. 33, 1845 40. Moselem Springs Jan. 14, 1846 41. Stonersville Jan. 18, 1847 42. Monterey May 19, 1847 43. Strausstown Nov. 18, 1847 44. Robesonia Furnace Feb. 28, 1849 45. Crosskill Mills Oct. 16, 1849 46. Siesholtzville Nov. 8, 1849 47. Tulpehocken March 19, 1850 -48. Qayton June 21, 1850 49. Birdsboro Jan. 6, 1851 50. Leesport Jan. 21, 1851 51. Manata-wny March 19, 1851 53. Spangsville Sept. 19, 1851 ■53. Fleetwood ■. Feb. 16, 1853 54. Leinbach's Feb. 16, 1852 55. Beckersville Feb. 18, 1853 56. Host April 32, 1852 57. Bechtelsvilk May 7,1852 58. Greshville Feb. 10, 1853 59. Dryville May 3, 1853 60. Wernersville ' May 3, 1853 61. Fredericksvilile Aug. 20, 1853 62. Landis' Store Aug. 30, 1853 63. Maxatawny Nov. 5, 1853 64. Mount Aetna Oct. 3, 1854 65. Lenhartsville Dec. 11, 1854 66. Gouglersvilk July 16, 1855 67. Monocacy Jan. 39, 1856 68. Knauer's March 3, 1856 69. Moselem July 8, 1856 70. South Evansville July 8, 1856 71. Windsor Castle July 18, 1856 73. Wintersville July 10, 1857 73. Temple , July 30,1857 74. Mohn's Store* Nov. 6, 1857 75. Mertztown Dec. 8, 1857 76. Cumru March 6„ 1858 77. Kirbyville Oct. 31, 185|9 78. Bower's Station June 35, 1860 79. Lyons Station Oct. 25, 1860 80. Topton Aug. 29, 1861 81. Exeter Dec. 25, 1861 83. Maiden Creek April 18, 1862 83. Eagle Point ' Aug. 14, 1862 84. Fritztown Nov. 12, 1862 85. Alsace Feb. 12, 1863 86. Upper Bern Aug. 28, 1863 87. Hill Church May 27, 1864 88. North Heidelberg > June 22, 1864 89. Lower Heidelberg July 1,1864 90. Krick's Mill Sept. 11, 1865 91. Hiester's Mill Dec. 2,1865 93. Yellow House May 9, 1866 93. Mountain Sept. 19, 1866 94. Shanesville May 3, 1867 95. Centreport June 11, 1868 96. Stony Run Jan. 11, 1869 97. Scarlet Mill Aug. 4, 1869 98. Hummel's Store Sept. 29, 1869 99. Griesemersville June 29, 1870 lOto. Lime-Kiln ■ June 29, 1870 101. Jacksonwald Nov. 11, 1870 102. Pine Iron Works Feb. 24, 1871 103. Little Oley April 21, 1871 104. Monocacy Station May 13, 1872 105. West Leesport Sept. 30, 1872 106. Huff's Church March 2, 1874 107. Trexler Nov. 9, 1874 108. East Berkley March 12, 1875 109. Bern May 23, 1878 110. Cacoosing June 6, 1878 111. Stony Creek Mills May 20, 1879 112. Meckville Dec. 17, 1879 113. Berks Dec. 23, 1879 114. Vinemont April 19, 1880 115. Garfield June 25, 1880 116. Kempton May 17, 1881 117. Barto March 16, 1882 118. Angelica May 22, 1882 119. Eckville Sept. 8, 1882 120. New Berlinville Feb. 23, 1883 121. Bally Aug. 7, 1883 132. Schweyers April 14, 1884 133. Shamrock Station May 14, 1884 134. Schubert r June 6, 1884 •Charged to Mohnton Aug. 0, 1906. 42 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 125. Shillington July 14, 1884 126. Lorah Dec. 5, 1884 127. Athol Jan. 6,1885 128. Walter's Park March 3, 1885 129. Krumville July 7, 1885 130. Calcium July 7, 1885 131. Robesonia Jan. 15, 1886 132. Schofer Feb. 26, 1886 133. Obold April 20, 1886 134. Eshbach May 3,1886 135. Dreibelbis June 10, 1886 136. Scull Hill Aug. 30, 1887 137. Dengler's* Nov. 19, 1887 138. Hancock March 3, 1888 139. . Strause Aug. 28, 1900 140. Greenawalt March 20, 1903 Rural Free Delivery.' — The following 58 rural free delivery routes were established in Berks coun- ty from 1900 until Dec. 1, 1908, the first having been established at Hamburg in the extreme north- ern part of the county, Sept. 1, 1900, and their ar- rangement being set forth in the order of priority: Office Routes Established Hamburg 2 Sept. 1, 1900 Reading 1 Oct. 1, 1901 Douglassville 4 Feb. 2, 1903 Fleetwood 1 July 1, 1903 Bechtelsville 2 July 1, 1903 Shoemakersville 1 July 1, 1903 Hamburg 2 Sept. 1, 1903 Boyertown 1 Oct. 15, 1903 Kutztown 1 April 1, 1904 Robesonia 2 April 1, 1904 Birdsboro 2 May 2, 1904 Sinking Spring 3 Sept. 1, 1904 Reading 1 Oct. 15, 1904 Geiger's Mills 1 Nov. 1, 1904 Blandon : 1 Nov. 15, 1904 Fleetwood 1 Nov. 15, 1904 Leesport 1 Nov. 15, 1904 Shoemakersville 1 Nov. 15, 1904 Temple 1 Nov. 15, 1904 Mertztov^Jn 1 Dec. 1, 1904 Boyertown 1 Jan. 2, 1905 Stouchsburg 1 Jan. 16, 1905 Wernersville 2 Jan. 15, 1905 Kutztown I Feb. 1, 1905 Barto 2 Feb. 15, 1905 JMertztoWn 1 Feb. 15, 1905 West Leesport 1 Feb. 15, 1905 Oley 3 April 15, 1905 Bernville 1 i\Iay 1, 1905 Kempton 3 May 1, 1905 JMohnsville 1 May 15, 1905 Oley 1 j\Iay 15, 1905 Geiger's Mills 1 May 23, 1905 Mohrsville 1 Aug. 1, 1905 Bernville 1 Oct. 16, 1905 Mohnsville 1 Nov. 1, 1905 Virginville 1 Nov. 15, 1905 Bethel 1 Dec. 1, 1905 Stony Creek Mills 1 Nov. 1, 1906 Lenhartsville 1 April 16, 1907 The following fifty offices have been discontinued since 1900 as a direct result of introducing the rural free deliver}' : POST-OFFICES DISCONTINUED Office Date Alleghenyville Oct. 31, 1905 Alliance Oct. 13, 1905 * Changed to Mount Penn, December 11, 1903. Angelica May 31^ Basket May 31 Baumstown April 30, Beckersville Oct. 31; Brewer Jan. 31, Brumfieldville Aug. 15, Cacoosing Oct. 31 Cross-kill Mills June 15, Dale Dec. 14, Dreibelbis Nov. 30, Eagle Point March 31, East Berkley April 30, Eshbach Feb. 28 Freeman June 15 Gablesville Aug. 15 Garfield Jan. 31 Gouglersville Jan. 14, Greenawalt April 29, Greshvilk Aug. 15, Grill Jan. 31, Harlem Nov. 14, Huffs Church .' Oct. 31, KirbyviUe June 30, Knauer's Oct. 31 Leinbach's Jan. 31, Lesher Jan. 15, Liscum Feb. 15 Lobachsville June 30, Lorah Jan. 31, Lower Heidelberg Jan. 31, Moselem Dec. 14, Moselem Springs . May 31 North Heidelberg Jan. 31, Oakbrook Oct. 31 Obold Oct. 15 Passmore March 31, Pikeville June 30, Pricetown June 30, Schubert Nov. 3o! Schweyers Nov. 30, Scull Hill Oct. 14 South Evansville Jan. 31 Stonetown April 1 Strausstown April 30, Tuckerton June 15 Upper Bern Sept. 29 Windsor Castle May 31 Winters ville Jan. 14 MAIL OF DISCONTINUED OFFICES 1905 1905 1904 1906 1903 1906 1902 1905 1903 1905 1904 1908 1907 1905 1906 1907 1906 1905 1906 1907 1904 1906 1903 1905 1907 1906 loo's 1906 1907 1907 1907 1908 1907 1906 1907 1908 1906 1905 1905 1904 1905 1907 1904 1907 1905 1906 1906 1905 _ The mail formerly addressed to the following discon- tinued post-offices, is sent as follows : Alsace mail to Oley Angelica mail to Mohnton Baumstown mail to Birdsboro Beckersville mail to Geiger's Mills Brower mail to Douglassville Brumfieldville mail to Douglassville Cacoosing mail to Sinking Spring Colebrookdale mail to Pottstown Crosskill Mills mail to Myerstown Cumru mail to ShilHngton Dale mail to Barto Eagle Point mail to Kutztown East Berkley mail to Blandon Eckville mail to Albany Exeter mail to Lorane Garfield mail to Bernville Gouglersville mail to Reinholds Greshville mail to Boyertown Heidelberg Lower mail to Wernersville Heidelberg North mail to Robesonia Hiester's Mill mail to Robesonia Kirbvville mail to Fleetwood INDUSTRY OF COUNTY 43 Knauer's mail to Mohnton Leinbach's mail to Reading R. F. D. No. 2 Lobachsville mail to Oley Longswamp mail to Mertztown Lo'rah mail to Sinking Spring Lower Bern mail to Robesonia Obold mail to Robesonia Pikeville mail to Oley Pricetown mail to Fleetwood Schweyers mail to Mertztown Siesholtzville mail to Alburtis South Evansville mail to West Leesport Stonetown mail to Birdsboro Strause mail to West Leesport Tuckerton mail to Reading R. F. D. No. 2 Upper Bern mail to Hamburg Windsor Castle mail to Hamburg Wintersville mail to Richland OFFICES IN COUNTY The following offices were in Berks county in January, 1909. The figures after post-offices denote number of rural free delivery routes running from that office. Albany Athol Bally Barto — 2 Bechtelsville — 2 Berks Berne Bernharts Bemville — 2 Bethel— 1 Birdsboro — 2 Blandon — 1 Bowers Station Boyertown Calcium Centreport Chapel Clayton Dauberville Douglas sville — i Dryville Earlville Esterly Fleetwood — 2 Fredericksville Fritztown Geiger's Mills— 3 Gibraltar Griesemersville Grimville Hamburg — t Hancock Hereford Hill Church Host Hummel's Store Jacksonwald Joanna Kempton — 2 Klinesville Krick's Mill Krumsville Kutztown Landis Store Leesport — 1 Lenhartsville Limekiln Little Oley Lorane Lyons Station Maiden-creek Manatawny Maxatawny Meckville Mertztown — 2 Mohnton — 2 Mohrsville — 1 Molltown Monocacy Monocacy Station Montello Monterey Morgantown Mount Aetna Mountain Mountain Sunset Mount Penn New Berlinville New Jerusalem Oley— 4 Pine Iron Works Plowville Reading — 2 Rehrersburg Robesonia — 2 Ryeland Scarletts Mill Schofer Siesholtzville Shamrock Station Shanesville Shartlesville Shillington Shoemakersville — 2 Sinking Spring — 3 Spangsville Stonersville Stony Creek Mills— 1 Stony Run Stouchsburg — 1 Strausstown Temple — 1 Topton Trexler Vinemont Virginville — 1 Walter's Park Wernersville — 2 West Leesport — 1 West Reading Womelsdorf Wyomissing Yellow House TELEGRAPH In 1844, the telegraph was successfully intro- duced for the transmission of messages by elec- tricity. The first message was sent through a wire elevated on poles between Washington and- Balti- more, May 37, 1844. Congress had (in March previously) appropriated $30,000 to Prof. Morse for experiments with his instrument, to demonstrate the practicability of his invention. P. R. & P. T. Co. — A company was incorporated under the name of Philadelphia, Reading & Potts- ville Telegraph Company, by an Act passed March 15, 1847, for the purpose of making, using and maintaining telegraph lines between Philadelphia, Reading and Pottsville, and commissioners were ap- pointed to effect its organization. This company was organized in April, and the telegraph line was suc- cessfully established shortly afterward. Communi- cation was completed between Philadelphia and Reading on May 10, 1847 ; and the first message for- warded to Reading related to the Mexican war. The line has been maintained successfully ever since. Upon the construction and operation of the sev- eral railroads running from Reading, telegraph lines were extended to Harrisburg, Allentown, Col- umbia, Lancaster, Slatington, and Wilmington. Western Union. — The American Telegraph Company introduced a line of telegraph here in 1863; and, in 1865, the Western Union Telegraph Company. These two then formed a union; and the lines have been operated since under the latter name. In 1879, this company and the Philadelphia, Reading & Pottsville Telegraph Company effected an arrangement for co-operation; since then they have conducted their lines together. Lehigh. — The Lehigh Telegraph Company was organized at Allentown, and opened an office at Reading in September, 1880. It 'formed a connec- tion with the principal cities in the United States through the American Union Telegraph Company, but this connection was continued only for a year and a half, when it was changed to the "Mutual Union" for an equal period, and it was operated under this name till January, 1884, when its lines^ etc., were transferred to the Bankers' & Merchants' Telegraph Company. This company has been op- erating the lines under the name of the United Lines Telegraph Company, by which it is known throughout the country. At Reading it is known as the "Postal." TELEPHONE Pennsylvania. — The telephone was introduced at Reading by Henry W. Spang, in October, 1879. He organized a system of communication in the city and carried it on successfully until November, 1880, when he formed a stock company for main- taining lines and exchanges in Berks, Montgomery, Schuylkill and Lebanon counties, under the name 44 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA of East Pennsylvania Telephone Company. This company then extended the system, making con- nection with Pottstown, Pottsville, and Lebanon; set up an increased number of instruments, and operated it successfully until Jan 1, 1883, when the entire business, including wires and instruments, was transferred to the Pennsylvania Telephone Company, a similar organization, which had ex- tended its lines to Lebanon from Harrisburg. The latter company has since conducted the business very successfully. The extent of its system in the county until March, 1909, is shown in the following particulars : Miles of wire in county, 7,720 (of which 6,200 are in Reading) . Instruments in county, 3,776 (of which 3,332 are in Reading). Operators, 45 ; employees, 115. Estimated daily calls, 35,000. Consolidated. — The Consolidated Telephone Companies of Pennsylvania was organized under the laws of Pennsylvania in August, 1901, and by June, 1902, the plant was established in Berks coun- ty with a "central exchange" at Reading. In Feb- ruary, 1909, lines radiated from the exchange for a distance of forty miles from Reading, touching all the small towns and villages in the county; and the toll system had connections covering a radius of several hundred miles to all points in Pennsyl- vania, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia, and also to many points in New York and Ohio. The subscribers in Berks county numbered 3,200. In the system at Reading, there were then 1,161 miles of wire; underground in multiple duct con- duits, more especially in the central parts ot the city, 34 miles. OIL PIPE LINES The National Transit Company constructed a pipe line, for the purpose of conveying petro- leum, in the fall of 1897 from Millway, in Lancaster county, through the lower end of Berks county by way of Maple-Grove school-house, White-Bear Station, Douglassville Station, and Maxatawny Sta- tion, to a place called Centre Bridge on the east- bank of the Delaware river in Bucks county, fifteen miles north of Trenton. The line was constructed from the oil fields of northern Pennsylvania, which connected with lines conveying oil from West Vir- ginia. In the fall of 1908 a similar line was constructed by A. C. Bedford across the central section of Berks county from the pumping station near Myers- town to a pumping station located at Barto, near the railroad station, private persons purchasing the right of way presumably in behalf of the Standard Oil Company. The capacity of this line is about 20,000 gallons a day. It is a continuation of the line from the oil fields in Illinois, which enters Penn- sylvania near Negley, in Ohio, and passes a point south of Altoona and Duncannon to Myerstown, and from Barto by way of Quakertown to Centre Bridge ; from which point it is pumped by way of other pipe lines to the seaboard, where it is refined. CHAPTER III - EDUCATION IN COUNTY RELIGION The spirit of religion was manifested by the first inhabitants from the very beginning of their set- tlements in this section of Pennsylvania. They did not erect churches immediately because they were obliged to look after the erection of homes for them- selves and barns for their stock and products, and to get the soil in proper condition for .cultivation. Naturally, this required some years and until they secured churches of their own, they traveled long distances toward Philadelphia for the purpose of attending worship. Funerals were necessarily condiicted in their homes, and burials were made in small lots of ground set apart in the far corner of an adjoining field. By studying the tim« of the erection of the churches in the several sections of the county, it is apparent that the subject of religion occupied a great deal of public attention, and that the feeling was general. Members of the Lutheran denomina- tion erected the first church in the county, a small church in the southerly end. of Amity township near the Schuylkill river, about 1703, having been Swedes; and members of the Friends' Society es- tablished the next church, locating it in the ex- treme upper end of the township, about 1735. During the next twenty-five years, thirty-five additional churches were established by different de- nominations. So that by the time the county was erected, in 1753, there were altogether thirty-eight churches within its borders, south of the Blue Mountain. There was also one beyond the moun- tain (the "Red Church"), settlers having ventured into that region of territory. Their distribution in the several sections was as follows : FIRST CHURCH IN COUNTY The territory lying between" the South Mountain and North (or Blue) Mountain ranges was not yet released by the Indians. Nevertheless, the set- tlers in' the Tulpehocken section, being Lutherans from the Palatinate, established a church along the Tulpehocken creek at the western end of the main thoroughfare. This was also about 1735. Accord- ingly, three churches were established in this part of the Province until 1735. ^^ 1 s D "o A .** V 3 E ■2 n rt CO T3 .i •s 1 o a. c a '> o u rt e s i c .J K kJ fe m M w 'M 05 Manatawny 4 ?. 9, 1 ^ 1 1 2 3 1 4 2 4 1 1 2 •>. Schuylkill 1 2 1 9 S 1 8 5 2 3 1 3 1 1 This table reveals the fact that the religious in- fluence in this large area of territory, about thirty miles square, was mostly directed by the Lutheran and Reformed denominations ; and this was so in all the sections in about the same proportions ex- cepting the Schuylkill section, where th*-e was no Lutheran nor Reformed congregation at all until 1765. This controlling influence has been continued ' throughout the county from that time until now, not only in the country districts but also in the city of Reading and the boroughs. In the next twenty-five years, until the Revolu- tion broke out in 1775, fifteen additional churches were established as follows : East of the Schuylkill river, 3 Lutheran, 4 Re- formed, 4 Union, and 1 Episcopal (at Reading) ; and west of the river, 1 Lutheran and 3 Union. The Molatton Lutheran Church in Amity had become Episcopal in 1765. At that time, there were in the county 53 churches. i DENOMINATIONS DESCRIBED Lutheran. — Immediately after Penn had arrived m Pennsylvania, a number of Germans immigrated to the province and among them there were Luth- erans. The tide of their immigration began in ear- nest in 1710. Then about three thousand immi- grants, chiefly Lutherans, settled in New York, hav- ing been encouraged to do so by Queen Anne, after leaving the Palatinate on account of religious intol- erance, and arriving in England. In 1713, one hun- dred and fifty families settled in Schoharie, New York, some of which ten years afterward came to Tulpehocken, Pennsylvania. In 1737, a large num- ber of them came into Pennsylvania from various 46 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA parts of Germany, chiefly from the Palatinate; and it is beheved that many of these settled in this sec- tion of territory, along the Manatawny and Tulpe- hocken creeks. The Lutheran religion existed in the county, both with the Swedes and Germans to the east of the Schuylkill and also with the Germans to the west. Many of the Germans were adherents of the Re- formed religion. The churches built by these de- nominations were mostly ''union" churches. In nearly every instance the members of the two de- nominations united in bearing the cost jointly, — having appointed separate committees to co-operate in conducting the building operations. And the church services alternated every two Sundays. The harmony between these denominations in such a peculiar and jealous matter as religion dis- played the singular excellence and liberality of the Germans. These people were alike in general af- fairs, dress, speech, labor, mantiers and customs ; and a difference in their religious notions did not develop any antagonism between them. Indeed, the one denomination frequently visited the church services of the other denomination. The earliest Lutheran ministers who preached in this territory before the Revolution were Gerhart Henckel, Van Dueren, Casper Stoever, Cas- per Leutbecker, J. Philip Meurer, Gottlob Buett- ner, Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, John Nicholas Kurtz, Tobias Wagner, Valentine Kraft, Peter Mishler, Emanuel Schuize and Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg. Rev. Plenry Melchoir Muhlenberg is generally regarded as the father of the Lutheran Church in America in respect to making it an organized re- ligious body. He was stationed at the Trappe in 1743, whence he visited different Lutheran organi- zations as far north as the Blue Mountain, and as far west as the Tulpehocken settlement. During his ministerial journeys he made the acquaintance of Conrad Weiser and shortly afterward, 1743, married his daughter, Maria. Reformed.- — As mentioned in the previous sec- tion, persons attached to the Reformed faith were also amongst the early settlers, but they were known as "German Calvinists," or "Dutch Reformed." Their first churches were in Oley, in Greenwich, and in Heidelberg. In meeting-houses, however, they were mostly connected with the Lutherans. The early Reformed ministers in Pennsylvania were assisted by the church in Holland. In 1741, a number of German Bibles (1,300) were sent here for their use. In 1746, Rev. Michael Schlatter, the great Reformed missionary from Switzerland, ar- rived, and he preached in Oley and Tulpehocken. The active ministers of the Reformed congrega- tions in the several sections of the county before ISOO were the following: Michael Schlatter WiUiam H. Stoy John Waldschmid Thomas H. Leinbach John C. Guldin John Zuilch John J. Zufall Andrew J. Loretz Daniel Wagner F. J. Berger John W. Boos J. Conrad Bucher L. F. Herman Chas. G. Herman Philip Pauli Those in the county about 1840 were : J. Conrad Bucher Thos. H. Leinbach Chas. G. Herman L. C. Herman A. L. Herman J. Sassaman -Herman William Hendel Augustus Pauli William Pauli Isaac Miesse David Bossier David Hassinger Philip Moyer Chas. Schiiltz ' Samuel Guldin John Pliilip Boehm Geo. Mich'l Weiss John Peter Miller John Henry Helffrich J. Wm. Hendel.Sr. William Otterbein Philip J. Michael Friends. — The Friends were the third sect of people who settled in the county. They erected a meeting-house in 173.5 near the Monocacy creek, along the western line of the Swedes' settlement, then known as Amity township. Within the next score of years, they erected two more meeting- houses, one in Maiden-creek townsihip and the other in Robeson township. They built a fourth at Reading, supposed to have been in 1751, three years after the town had been laid out and just as the building improvements began to be active. They were most active about that time when the county was erected and for fifty years afterward. They then exerted the most political influence in the county through the recognition of the proprietaries of the government, who were also Friends. And their religious influence was large and wide in the several localities mentioned. But they remained where they first settled. They did not extend be- yond Oley and Exeter along the 2\Ianatawny and Monocacy creeks, j\Iaiden-creek and Richmond along the Ontelaunee, and Robeson along the Hay and Allegheny creeks. And yet their families were numerous and their population was considerable. In this time it was estimated that they numbered about two thousand. Their moral principles were superior and their habits and customs admirable. Simple, unostentatious, earnest and clever, with good edu- cation and large means, they occupied a position which was eminently respectable, and this they maintained for many years after they had lost con- trol of political power. Baptist. — The first Baptist church in Pennsyl- vania was established in IGSS at Pennypack (now called Lower Dublin). In 1738, a number of Bap- tists removed from Chester and Philadelphia coun- ties and settled near the banks of the Tulpehocken creek, founding the Tulpehocken Baptist church, and Thom'as Jones was ordained the pastor. The congregation had two meeting-houses. The first was built in 1740 on a lot of three acres, the gift of Hugh Morris, Evan Lloyd and Evan Price, in the township of Cumru, on the Wyomissing creek, about two miles from its outlet in the Schuylkill. The building was only 26 by 16 feet. Another building of the same size, about three miles west from the first, was built the same year EDUCATION IN COUNTY 47 on a lot of one acre, the gift of Thomas Bartholo- mew and Hannaniah Pugh. This was at a point on the "Old Tulpehocken Road," now "Sinking Spring." The building is still standing but con- verted into a dwelling. It is built of brick, octa- gonal in shape. A graveyard lies at the rear, with a number of graves marked by headstones, now il- legible. The church (with Mr. Jones as pastor) reported annually until 1774, when its name disappears from: the records of the Baptist Association, the pastor about that time having removed to Chester county. From that time until now, no church or- ganization of this denomination has been in the county outside of Reading. DuNKAED. — A religious denomination known as the "Dunkards" existed at an early day in the county. It was also called "The Brethren" and sometimes "German Baptists." Certain persons of this denomination emigrated from Germany in 1719. In 1734, they held a large general convention in this district. Another convention was held in Oley in 1742, which was attended by "four priests of the congregation at Ephrata." A meeting-house of this denomination was erectr en in Ruscombmanor (at Pricetown), and an- other in Bethel (north of Millersburg) , before 1752. The Dunkards were numerous in Oley from 1730 to 1745. Another congregation was formed in the north- western section of the county, and comprised set- tlers in Bethel and Tulpehocken townships. They erected a church in the former township, along a branch of the Little Swatara creek, about the year 1745. There was also a third congregation in Bern and Upper Tulpehocken townships, along the Northkill, several miles above the confluence of this stream with the Tulpehocken. A church was erect- ed in 1748. In 1750 Elder George Klein came from New Jersey and settled amongst the members. Through his energy the congregation flourished for twenty years. Then settlements in the western part of the State influenced most of the members to move away. This left the congregation without sufficient support, and it naturally ceased to exist. Moravian. — The Moravians were among the early settlers of the county. This peculiar sect was represented here by Count Zinzendorf, *who came to Pennsylvania in 1741. In 1742, he conducted a synod in Oley; and afterward visited the inhabi- tants of Tulpehocken. Shortly after this visit, a con- gregation of Moravians was organized in Bethel township. Between 1742 and 1750 two churches were erected in Heidelberg, and one in Oley. In September, 1742, Count Zinzendorf visited Shamokin, accompanied by Conrad Weiser, and they co-operated with the Moravians for several years. Tobias Beckel and George Beckel, brothers, from Turkheim, in Rhenish-Bavaria, immigrated to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1736 and settled in this part of the province, the former in Heidelberg township, south of Tulpehocken creek, and the lat- ter in Bern township, along the Schuylkill river. They organized small congregations and preached to them. Several years afterward, George Beckel removed to the northern portion of Heidelberg and there carried on his ministrations in a church which was erected on land donated by his brother. Andrew Aschenbach was one of the pioneers of the Moravians in this vicinity. He settled in Oley in 1740, and preached for two years with great suc- cess. Zinzendorf was deeply interested in this con- gregation and devoted much time to its affairs. Some years afterward disagreements arose between Aschenbach and the members, and these continued until the Moravians lost all their influence; and by 1765 the church was abandoned. Amish. — The Amish denomination is a branch of the Mennonites. The first bishop in this vicinity (comprising Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties) was Jacob Mast, who settled here in 1750, when a boy about twelve years old, and began to exhort and preach about 1765. He continued in active and faithful service for many years. The second bishop was Peter Plank, who moved from Oley and settled in Caernarvon. And the third was John P Mast, who officiated as a faithful and devoted minister for nearly fifty years. His father, Daniel Mast, had been a minister from 1830 till 1883. At one time there were three other congregations in the county — one in Cumru, one in Maiden-creek and the third in Bern township (called Northkill). Roman Catholic. — The early settlers of the county until 1740, were entirely Protestants. Then the Roman Catholics appeared. Their number was very small compared with the number of the other denominations. The Protestants having been driven' here by religious persecution, caused by the Roman Catholic religion, and feeling the terrors of this per- secution, it was natural for them to discourage this religion from obtaining a fogthold in their midst; which accounts for the strength of the one class and the weakness of the other. In 1741 the Roman Catholics had a congregation and meeting-house in the extreme eastern part of the county (now in- cluded in Washington township) and a congrega- tion in Maxatawny. Some years afterward, it would seem that their number had grown so as to awaken public concern. The matter was forced upon the attention of the justices of the county, who (being Protestants) im- bibed the feeling of insecurity entertained by the surrounding communities. The excitement incident to the "French and Indian war" was suiHcient to arouse their jealousy and suspicion, and it was be- lieved that the Roman Catholics manifested sym- pathy for the French in their cruel warfare against the Colonies. The justices of the county therefore addressed a letter on the subject to the Governor of the province on July 23, 1755, but nothing was done. In 1757, the Roman Catholics of the province were enumerated with a total of 1,365; in Berks 48 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA county 205, in two congregations. Under Rev. Theo. Schneider, 62 men and 55 women; under Rev. Ferdinand Farmer, 46 men and 42 women (among whom there were eight Irish people). At Reading, they had an association soon after the town was laid out ; and this association was maintained, notwithstanding the smallness of their number and the opposition of the Lutheran and Re- formed people. About 1760, they succeeded in es- tablishing a small log church at Reading. Protestant Episcop.al. — Three churches of this denomination came to figure prominently in the re- ligious history of the county. The first was the St. Thomas near Morgantown, in Caernarvon township, which was established on ground devised by Thomas Morgan about 1740. It was removed in 1792 to the town, where a lot was set apart by Jacob Morgan for that purpose. Several vears be- fore, the congregation had secured the first regular rector. Rev. Levi Bull. A substantial building was erected in its stead in 1824. The second church was the St. Gabriel's, which was established at Molatton (now Douglassville) in Amity township in 1765, and Rev. Alexander Murray was the rector. A larger building was erected in its stead in 1801, which is still standing. And a third was erected near by in 1880-84. And the third church was the St. Mary's (after- ward Christ's) at Reading. The congregation was organized by Rev. Alexander Alurray about 1763, and the services were held in the same dwelling- house which had been secured for holding the ses- sions of the county courts. No church was erected until 1825. EvANGELIC.^L. — The only other religious denom- ination which established itself in the county outside of Reading to any considerable extent was the Evangelical Association, but not until nearly one hundred years after the county had been erected. The first congregation was organized bv Rev. Joseph M. Saylor at Reading in 1844. Within the next ten years, others were organized in dififerent parts of the county, and the Association persevered until it came to possess churches in most of the dis- tricts. But the buildings were small, especially out- side of Reading, and the membership was limited. Their Christian zeal was strong and their purpose very determined and commendable. This sect was started by Jacob Albright in IROO, after he had preached several years, and the first tangible results of his religious work were made to appear in the eastern part of Berks county, near the Colebrookdale Iron Works. In that vicinity, he had preached in the homes of Samuel Lieser, Joseph Buckwalter and Abraham Buckwalter, and the sec- ond class of the organized body had come to be formed out of the members of the families of the three persons named, with Mr. Lieser as the class- leader. In a similar manner, the work was extended throughout the State. But though the real work was started in the country, the churches of the As- sociation were not erected there first, for the first one in the county was not established until 1844, at Reading. About 1870 a spirit of opposition began to mani- fest itself in relation to church government and this increased until 1890, when the Association separ- ated into two great parties with about 60,000 ad- herents on each side, called respectively the Dubsites and Esherites. After litigating for four years, the Esherites were sustained by the courts in this State and others, and they therefore retained all the churches and the name Evangelical Association. The Dubsites adopted the name United EvangeHcal and immediately began the erection of churches for themselves. In 1905, the Evangelical Association had 5 churches in Reading and 15 in the townships, and the United Evangelical, 4 in Reading, 8 in the boroughs, and 11 in the townships ; and both together 43. Active work in some of the churches in the country districts has been suspended, either par- tially or entirely. Othek Denominations. — Other denominations than those mentioned were not organized in the county until after 1825. Their names and the time of organization will be found in the several districts where established, more especially at Reading. It is surprising that only the Evangelicals should gain any foothold worth mentioning outside of Reading. Pastors Long in Service. — Some of the pastors have served their congregations for many years in succession, until 1909, indicating their fidelity and devotion to a remarkable degree. Those most not- able in this respect at Reading are the following: Christian S. Hainan, United Evangelical 54 years John J. Kuendig, Lutheran 50 years T. Calvin Leinbach, Reformed 49 years Benjamin Bausman, Reformed 46 years George Bornemann, Roman Catholic 44 years Samuel A. Leinbach. Reformed 42 years John J. Cressman, Lutheran 41 years Daniel D. Trexler, Lutheran 41 "years Zenas H. Gable, Lutheran 41 years Franklin K. Huntzinger, Lutheran 40 years Richard S. Appel, Reformed 3S years Ferdinand F. Buermeyer, Lutheran DS years Jeremiah K. Fehr, Evangelical 3S years Edward T. Horn, Lutheran 37 years William P. Orrick, Protestant Episcopal 36 years S\lvanus C. Breyfogel, Evangelical 36 years William H. Weidner, Evangelical 36 years I. J. Reitz, United Evangelical 35 years JMahlon H. l^Iishler, Reformed 33 vears Isaac S. Stahr, Reformed 32 Vears A. jNI. Sampal, United Evangelical .......32 vears William H. Myers, Lutheran 31 years Levi D. Stambaugh, Reformed .30 vears William J. Kerschner, Reformed " . ! ^28 vears George S. Seaman, Lutheran 27 Vears Franklin K. Bernd, Lutheran ,26 years George W. Gerhard, Reformed ......26 vears Lutheran and Reformed Churches. The Lutheran and Reformed churches have been grouped together. At Reading, they have been tab- ulated separately, but in the boroughs and town- ships they have been run together, and they can be distinguished by the letters placed after them, re- EDUCATION IN COUNTY 49 spectively; L. standing for Lutheran, R. for Re- formed, and U. for Union. They number altogeth- er, including chapels, 134: Lutheran, 37, Re- formed, 26, and Union, 71. By comparing the tables it will be observed that the distribution of these churches in the several sec- tions is alike to a remarkable degree; and this fact is particularly noteworthy when we consider that the distribution covers an area of nine hundred square miles. They have evidently been carrying on a friendly rivalry, or rather co-operation, for nearly two hundred years, which is truly commend- able. And they have covered this large area so thoroughly that the other denominations secured only a limited foothold in several of the districts outside of Reading. DENOMINATIONS IN COUNTY The following religious denominations were in Berks county in 1&09, and the statement exhibits the number of the respective churches and the mem- bership as nearly as could be ascertained. Other information relating to them will be found in the chapter on Reading, on the Boroughs, and on the Townships, under the topic of religion. Denomination Number Members Lutheran 92 29,154 Reformed 86 23,931 Protestant Episcopal 7 1,213 Roman Catholic 5 7,600 Presbyterian 3 835 Methodist Episcopal 11 2,389 Baptist 7 451 Evangelical 18 1,461 United Evangelical '. 23 3,430 United Brethren 5 1,107 German Baptist Brethren 3 Mennonite 4 296 Schwenkfelder 1 Church of God 1 CHURCHES IN TOWNSHIPS The following statement embraces the churches situated in the several sections of Berks county. The churches at Reading and the boroughs will be found in the chapters relating to these divisions of the county. The figures which appear after the names of the churches in the following tabulated statements in- dicate- the time of institution or erection, and of rebuilding or improvement. The name of the pas- tor serving in 1909 has been placed after the re- spective churches. Lutheran and Reformed Churches in Manatawny (S. E.) Section (L. indicating Lutheran; R., Reformed; and U., Union, both using the church, alternately) Alsace: Zion's (Spies's) (U.), 1784-1810-'87. .M. L. Herbein (R.), 356 E. S'. Brownmiller (L.), 400 Salem (Shalter's) (U.) 1860 (vacant) (L), M. L. Herbein (R.), 136 Alsace, Lower: Bethany Chapel (U.), 1896 W. O. Laub, (L.), 238 Amity : St. Paul's (Amityirille) (U.), 1753-'95-1873 Geo. W. Roth (R.), 247 A. W. Lindenmuth (L.), 425 Weavertown Chapel (U.), 1879 Monocacy Chapel (U.), 1896 4 Douglass: Glendale Chapel (U.), 1893 Exeter: Schwartzwald (U.), 1747-1810-'70. . .Joseph R, Brown (R.), 631 W. O. Laub (L.), 435 Baumstown Chapel (U.) Lorane Chapel (U. ) St Lawrence Chapel (U.) Stonersville Chapel (U.) Hereford : Huff's (U.), 1814-'81 0. R. Frantz (R.), 277 William F. Bond (L.), 695 Herefordville Chapel (U.) 1890 Muhlenberg : Alsace (North Reading), 1740-'96-1850-1908 Charles E. Kistler (L.), 800 (Reformed also there from 1796 to 1908) Grace (R.), 1908 Elam J. Snyder, 808 Hinnershitz (U.), 1850-'82 Geo. W. Gerhard (R.), 336 G. S. Seaman (L.), 368 Oley: Oley (R.), 1735-1822-'80 Isaac S'. Stahr, 396 (Lutheran also there from 1735 to 1812) Christ's (L.). 1821-'78-'85 E. S. Brownmiller, 270 Friedens (U.), Friedensburg, 1830-'86. .Isaac S. Stahr (R.), 300 A. W. Lindenmuth (L.), 340 St. John's (L.), Pleasantville, 1879 (vacant) Oley Line Chapel (U.), l'897 Pike: St. Joseph's (Hill) (U.), 1747-'86-1853... .M. H. Mishler (R.), 360 H. W. Warmkessel (L.), 768 (Lutheran also from 1747 to 1786) St. Paul's (U.), Lobachsville, 1834-'77 (vacant) (R.), H. W. Warmkessel (L.), 177 Rockland : Christ (Dryville) (L.), 1735-'64-'97-1879 J. O. Henry, 400 New Jerusalem (U.), 1S40 Isaac S. Stahr (R.), 90 William F. Bond (L.), 349 - Ruscombmanor: St. John's (U.), 1840-1902 Isaac S. Stahr (R.), 76 A. W. Lindenmuth (L.), 55 Lutheran and Reformed Churches in Ontelaunee (Nv E.) Section Albany : Jerusalem (Red) (U.), 1742-1812 A. O. Robert (L.), 220 (Lutheran until 1812) New Bethel (Eck) (U.), 1750-1854 O. S. Scheirer (L.), 170 Frieden's (White) (U.), WessnersviUe, 1770-1840 O. S. Scheirer (L.), 240 J. S. Bartholomew (R.) Greenwich : New Jerusalem (Dunkel's) (U.), 1744-'90-1869 J. S. Bartholomew (R.), 200 O. S. Scheirer (L.), 210 (Refonmed until 1790) Bethel Zions (U.), 1761-1803-'81 R. S. Appel (R), O. S. Scheirer (L.), 325 (Lutheran also until 1844) Longswamp : Longswamp (U.), 1748-'90-1852. .Wm. L. Meckstroth (R.), 335 Wm. F. Bond (L.), 435 (Reformed until 1837) St. Paul's (U.), Mertztown, 1837. .M. H. Brensinger (R.), 85 F. K. Bernd (L.), 321 Maiden-creek : Elandon (U.), 1860 M. H. Brensinger (R.), 168 J. O. Henry (L.), 366 Maxntawny : Trinity (Bower's) (L.), 1859-1901 W. F. Bond, 132 DeLong's (Bower's) (R.), 1759-1871-1901. .G. B. Smith (Lutherans used it from 1859 to 1900) Zion's (Siegfried's) (U.), 1828-'90 F. K. Bernd (L.), 286 G. B. Smith (R.) St. Paul's (Lyon's) (L.), 1868 ' J. M. Ditzler Lyon's Chapel (U.) Ontelaunee : St. John's (Gernant's) (U.), 1794-1868. .D. E. Schaeffer (R.),; 297 G. S. Seaman (L.), 361 Trinity (Leesport) (U.), 1867-'76-'81. . .D. E. Schaeffer (R.), 239 G. S. Seaman (L.), 157 Perry : Zion's (Ziegel's) (U.), 1761-1804-'60 J. S. Bartholomew (R.), 350 H. C. Kline (L.). 340 St. Luke's (U.), Shoemakersville, 1853-1901 D. E. Schaeffer (R.), 136 D. G. Gerberich (L.), 145 St. Timothy's (U.), Mohrsville, 1864. D. E. Schaeffer (R.), 24 J. M. Ditzler (L.) Richmond : Zion's (Moselem) (L.), 1734-'61-1894 R. B. Linch, 195 St. Peter's (R.), 1762-1809 E. H. Leinbach, 122 St. Peter's (Becker's ), (U.), 1866-'91. . .R. S. Appel (R), 130 ^■==* F. K. Bernd (L.). 194 St. Paul's Chapel (U.) Windsor: St. Paul's (U.), 1756-'63-1832-'92..J. S. Bartholomew (R.), 50 H. C. Kline (L.), 113 (Lutheran until 1832) 50 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Lutheran and Reformed Churches in TULPEHOCKEN (N. W.) SECTION Bern : Bern (U.), 1740-'62-1837 M. L. Herbein (R.), S6-1 E. S. Brown-miller (L.), 3"60 (Reformed until 1837) Epier's (U.), 1734-'8S-1851 George W. Gerhard (R.), 337 G. S. Seaman (L.), ISO (Reformed until 1825) Bern, Upper: Frieden's (U.), Shartlesville, 1871-1905. .R. S. Appel (R.), 83 D. D. Trexler (L.), 185 Bethel: Salem (R.), Millersburg, lS10-'5S-'92. . . C. A. Butz (R.), 310 D. D. Trexler (L.), 125 (Lutheran by permission since 1850) Centre: Belleman's (U.). 1746-1813-'46 M. H. Mishler (R.), 350 D. G. Gerberich (L), 380 Heidelberg: St. Daniel's (Corner) (L.), 1750-1814 0. E. Pflueger, 777 Robesonia (R.), 1906 E. S. Leinbach, 240 Heidelberg, Lower: Hain's (R.), 1736-'66-187S W. J. Kerschner, 607 Trinity (Wernersville) (L.), 1897 J. W. Lazarus, 91 Wernersville Chapel (R.), 1901 Heidelberg, North: North Heidelberg (U.), 1744>1S46 E. S. Leinbach (R.), 135 (vacant) (L.) (Originally Moravian until 1S35) Jefferson : Christ (U.), Little Tulpehocken, 1733-1809 E. S. Leinbach (R.), 50 (vacant) (L.) St. Paul's (U.), SchaefEerstown, 1875-'S4 L. D. Stambaugh (R.), 45 „ . (vacant) (L.), 75 Marion : Zion's (L.), 172S-'45-1837-'95 E. S. Brownmiller, 75 Christ (L.), 1743-'86-1886-'8S (vacant), 325 St. Peter's Chapel (U.), 1849 Til den : St. Michael's (U.), 1769-1810-'75 S'. A. Leinbach (R.), 375 _ , , , D. G. Gerberich (L.), 670 Tulpehocken : Host (U.), 1738-1885 E. S. Leinbach (R.), 450 O. E. Pflueger (L.), 243 (Reformed until 1858) Rehrersburg (L.), 1757-1808-'82 (vacant), 375 St. John's (U.), 1847-'97 L. D. Stambaugh (R.), 135 D. D. Trexler (L.), 90 St. John's (U.), Mt. Aetna L. D. Stambaugh (R.), 170 O. E. Pflueger (L.) Tulpehocken Upper: Zion's (U), 1734-1819-1905 E. S. Leinbach (R.), 250 O. E. Pflueger (L.), 441 St. Paul's (L.), 1861 (vacant) Lutheran and Reformed Churches in Schuylkill (S. W.) Section Brecknock : Allegheny (U.), 1765.1800-'78 J. V. George (R.), 301 Z. H. Gable (L.), 350 Citmru : Yocom's (U.), 183S-'54 W. J. Kershner (R.), 81 W. O. Laub (L.), 350 Wyomissing (R.), 1850-'86 J. V. George, 219 Gouglersville (L.), 1894 Z. H. Gable, 300 Redeemer (Oakbrook) (L.), 1903 F. F. Buermyer, 21 Robeson : Plow (U.), 1764-1811-'09 J. V. George (R.), 54 Z. H. Gable (L.), 350 (Lutheran until ifell) St. John's (U.), Gibraltar T. V. George (R.), SO "Z. H. Gable (L.), 320 Frieden's (Wicklein) (Ind.), 1866... J. V. George (R.), Spring: St. John's (S. Spring) (R.), 1794-1812-'85 . .W. J. Kerschner, 295 (Lutheran also from 1812 to 1897) Kissinger's (U.), 1851-'91 R. S. Appel (R.), 105 E. S. Brownmiller (L.), 95 St. John's (S. Spring) (L.), 1897 J. W. Lazarus, 328 Union : St. James (Geigertown) (L.), 1850-'96 Z. H. Gable, 75 Friends Exeter: Maiden-creek: Orthodox . . Hicksite . . . Bern: Robeson: 1725 .1759 .1853 1745 1735 Protestant Episcopal Amity : St. Gabriel's, 1765-1800-'84 Wm. R. HoUoway, 41 Caernarvon: St. Thomas, 1740-1834 (vacant), 29 Roman Catholic Washington: Bally, 1743-1837 Charles Sauer, 1,000 Presbyterian Heidelberg: Robesonia Chapel, 1869 Methodist Episcopal Caernarvon : Morgantown, 1832-'78 W. C. Arathor, 306 Harmony, 1871 1. S. Seitz Union: Forest, 1773-1858 1. S. Seitz Monocacy, 1873 A. I. Collom, 20 Baptist Caernarvon : Rock, 1844 (vacant), 15 Cumra: Millmont, 1893 J. A. Maxwell Mennonite Brecknock " Allegheny and Gehman. These two churches are connected with Bowmansville, in Lancaster county, under Bishop Benj.amin Weaver. Washington: ■D u /-vu miD lonn (Andrew Mack 90 Bally-Old, 1743-1899 j j^j,^ ^^^^ New, 1851-'97 A. S. Shelly, 206 SCHWENKFELDER Washington: 1824-'83 0. S. Kriebel Evangelical Albany: Zion's, 1872 G. Burrell, 6 Salem, 1883 G. Burrell, 26 Bern: Centreville, 1852 N. Simon, 3 Centre: Jerusalem, 1862 N. Simon, 11 Colebrookdale: New Berlinville, 1S50 Longswanip : Shamrock, 1870 Maiden-creek: Blandon, 1875 N. Simon, 33 Ontclauncc : Leesport, 1901 N. Simon, 33 Penn: 1853-'72-'83 Perry: Shoemakersville, 1857 N. Simon, 18 Tulpehocken: St. Paul's, 1852 United Evangelical Heidelberg: Robesonia, 1895 S. Buntz Hereford: Bethesda Thomas Knecht Oley: Friedensburg, 1881-'89-'95 John T. Layton ) 197 Pleasantville, 1869-'95 John T. Layton 3 Richmond : Virginville, 1883-'95 H. J. Kline RMSconibmanor: Pricetown, 1857-'95 John T. Layton EDUCATION IN COUNTY 51 Spring: I Mohn's Hill, 184o-'95 C. S. Mengel, 30 Washington: Clayton, 1899 Thomas Knecht German Baptist Brethren Perry: Mohrsville (continuation of North-kill Church), 1748 (vacant), 43 Ruscombmanor : Pricetown (continuation of Oley Church), 1740-'80- 1807 ■ (vacant) United Brethren Caernarvon: (Morgantown) Perry : Salem, 1876 Spring: Sinking Spring, 1867 Tilden: Loose's, 1870 Tulpehocken: Trinity, 1848-'85 SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF BERKS COUNTY The thirty-third annual convention of the Berks County Sunday School Association was held in the First Presbyterian Church at Reading on April 33, 1909, and the attendance was very large. The county has been divided into eighteen districts and all of them were represented. Thirteen religious denominations were represented. The association was organized in 1875 with J. H. Sternbergh as the first president and Lewis Crater as the secretary. In 1881 Samuel J. Weiler was elected secretary, and he has served continuously until the present in a most efficient manner, without compensation. He prepared the following valuable statement, which shows the Sunday-schools of the respective denominations, the superintendents, and the membership. Charles H. Leinbach, superin- tendent of St. Andrew's Reformed Sunday-school, served as president for the year 1908-09, and was re-elected to serve for the year 1909-10. jst District — Birdsbora^ Union Name Supt. Members Birdsboro M. E., Birdsboro G. F. Handwork 268 Monocacy M. E., Monocacy Caleb H. Bland 89 Trinity Evan., Birdsboro Ed. McChalacker 382 Calvary U. E., Birdsboro Anna Willard 138 Grace U. B., Birdsboro.; S. C. Millard 146 St. Mark's Lutheran, Birdsboro. .. -Charles Rhoads 224 St. Paul's Reformed, Birdsboro Jacob De- Turk 113 St. Michael's Episcooal, Birdsboro .. Harry Kissinger 141 Kulptown Union, Union Tames Blood 80 Cedar Hill Union, Union Harry Hoiiman 60 St. Paul's M. E., Geigertown L. M. High 122 St. James' Lutneran, Oeigertown . . . E. M. Zerr 63 1,776 2d District — Jioheson, Caernarvon Name Supt. Members St. John's Union, Gibraltar H. K. Winings 234 Robeson Union, Plowville M. J. Eshleman 145 Harmony M. E., Joanna J. W. Jacobs £5 Mt. Shiloh Evan., nr. Morgantown. Aaron Trait 79 Morgantown M. E., Morgantown. .George H. Muhlenberg... 91 Gibraltar Union, Gibraltar Samuel W. Kerst 178 Seyfert Holiness Chris., Seyf ert. . . . A. J. Smith 81 Zion's Union, Robeson W. Piersol 118 1,003 3d District — LenhartsviUe, Greenwich, Albany Name Supt. Members Bethel Zions Union, Grimville. . ... .A. A. Fister 117 Clover Mill Union, Stony Run.... Fred Feinour P9 Dunkel's Church Union, Virginville C. S. Merkel ' 116 •The word Union after the name of the Sunday-school indicates Lutheran and Reformed combined. E<™ TT:11 ^ Memorial U. E., Mohn's Hill. 55 2,865 6th District — Hamburg, Tilden, Windsor, Upper Bern Name Supt. Members ■ Bethany M. E., Hamburg H. R. Shollenberger 159 St. John's Lutheran, Hamburg H. C. Kline 363 Salem U. E., Hamburg William B. Miller 68 First Reformed, Hamburg Irvin A. Diener 303 St. Paul's Union, Windsor Tp. ...Isaac Krick 105 Liberty Cross Roads Union. Tilden. C. F. S. Ketner 77 St. Mchael's Union, Tilden F. H. Naftzinger, O. F. Berger 295 Bern Union, Tilden , .P. E. Naftzinger 74 West Hamburg Union, Tilden Alfred M. H. DeLo'ng ... 105 Zion's Union, Windsor A. F. Baver 195 Shartlesville Union, Shartlesvill^. .James F. Naftzinger .... 223 Salem U. B., Tilden _. .V. K. Fisher 96 Bern Union, Upper Bern .H. M. Heckman 76 ■2,137 7m District — Topton, District, Longswamp, Hereford Name Supt. Members Grace U. E., Topton Edgar Rohrbach 118 St. Peter's Union, Topton F. J. Fisher 215 Longswamp Union, Longswamp ... Roy E. Maybry 121 Pilgert's IJnion, Longswamp 69 Bush's Union, Longswamp ..Augustus R. Frey 64 St. Paul's Union, Mertztown Charles B. Miller 134 Hancock Union, Longswamp Charles B. Miller 140 Sterner's Union, District ,- -Peter K. Sterner 64 Landisviille Union. District '..Elmer H- Bechtel 49 Huff's Church Union, Hereford. .. .Jacob Gries 1 170 Chapel Union, Hereford Fred W- Huber 169 Schlossburg Union, Longswamp- -- -Lizzie M- Findly 93 1,406 8th District — Mt. Penn, Lower Alsace, Exeter, Amity, Earl Name Supt Members St. Lawrence Union, Esterly W. D. Brumbach .' 232 Bethany Union, Stonv -Creek Mills -R- T- Calm IflO Baumstown Union, Baumstown. . . .C. L- Shantz 138 Snyderville Union, Limekiln ...... Chas- Knaab 99 Trinity Reformed. Mt Penn J. R. Dickenson 106 Locust Dale U. E., Locust Dale... I. M. Kehler ... Union Unio'n, Monocacy I. R. Kline Lorane Union, Lorane J- E- Troxell .. Fairview Union, Baumstown .Howard Happle Douglassville Un-. Douglassville- . .C. H. Hine .... Jacksonwald Union, Jacksonwald. .C- R- Bortz Amity ville Union, Athol C- R. Geiger - . . Weavertown Un., Brumfieldsville. . .H. Y. Harbold - - Stonersville Union, Stonersville- .. .Charles Kline -. Allsorts Union, Neversink H. S. Ludwig .. St. Gabriel's Episc, Douglassville. .S. McElwee . . . . Faith Lutheran, Mt. Penn George Hartline 138 80 103 96 90 82 95 96 90 60 90 98 1,88« 52 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 0h District — Alsace, Oley, Pike Name Supt. Members Oley Union, Spangsville John P. Fisher 143 St. Joseph's Union, Hill Church... D. M. Diener 110 Frieden's Lutheran, Oley J. P. Schell 190 Frieden's Reformed, Oley J. B. Leinbach 238 Zion U. E., Oley I. M. Bertolet 99 Spies's Union, Alsace Tp Charles B. Moyer 220 St. Paul's Union, Lobachsville L. F. Rohrbach 116 Bethany U. E., Manatawny ...Charles L. S'cherer S3 1,199 loth District — Centreport, Centre, West Leesport, Bern Name Supt. Members Bern Church Union, Bern Tp Tared L. Snyder 350 White Oak Union, Bern Tp Jared L. Snyder ?9 Meeting House Evang., Bern Tp. ..John Schaurer 55 Epler's Church Union, Bern Tp. ...F. B. Ammarell 147 Belleman's Union, Centre Tp A. D. Bagenstose 131 Bethany U. E., West Leesport Saimuel Bell 62 724 Jith District — Fleetwood, Ruscombmanor, Maiden-Creek, Richmond Name Supt. Members S't. John's Union, Pricetown Mrs. u. Web. Brown.... 92 Mennonite Brethren, Blandon Oscar B. Adam 59 St. Paul's Union, Fleetwood C. H. Adam 242 U. E., Fleetwood D. F. Kelchner 175 Bliandon Union, Blandon Jacob Shuman 1S7 Kirbyville Union, Kirbyville Irvin Hoch 55 Center Union, Moselem Springs. .. .Howard Rahn 110 Schlemmsville Union, Molltown. . .B. Adam 97 Walnuttown U-n., near Fleetwood. Matthias Montz S9 St. Stephen's U. E., Virginville. . .William Shappel 90 Sailem U. E., Pricetown Mrs. Catharine Moyer ... 49 1,345 12th District — Mohnion, Cumru, Brecknock Name Supt. Members Eshleman's Union, Cumru Charles Griffith 123 Wyomissing Luth., Gouglersville .... Sadie Price 156 Allegheny Union, Knauer's 171 Wyomissing Un., Gouglersville. ... Frank Eckenroth 193 Millmont Baptist, Millmont ,.. Harry Stetler 82 Oakbrook Lutheran. Oakbrook SO Grace Lutheran, Shillington '..J. S. Nagle 100 Salem Evangelical. Mohnton John Werner 220 Emanuel Reformed, Shillington W. A. Miller 274 Zion's U. E., Mohnton George H. Leininger .... t30 St. John's Lutheran, Mohnton C. B. Kindt 220 Yocum's Union, Grill W. W. Andrews 158 Angelica Union, Cumru H. O. Frey 140 Gebhart's Union, Cumru Henrv Seyfert 132 Five Mile House Union, Cumru... J. White 112 St. Luke's U. E., Shillington C. E. Coller 180 2,771 iSth District — Heading, Muhlenberg Name Supt. Members St. Mark's Reformed, Greenwich and Rjtter D. V. R. Ludwig 1,675 First Reformed, Washington and Reed Selos R. Barnett 1,384 St. Stephen's Reformed, Ninth and Greenwich W. D. DeLong 1,266 St. Andrew's Reformed, Spruce and Miller C. H. Leinbach 1,135 Zion's Reformed, Washington and Cedar Andrew S. Long 916 St. Paul's Reformed, Sixth above Washington ..Rev. C. E. Creitz ''56 St. John's Reformed, Ninth and Chestnut ■ William A. Levan 704 Calvary Reformed, Centre Ave. a'nd Oley A. V. Casselman 642 St. Thomas' Reformed, Eleventh and Windsor E. F. Hendricks 610 Second Reformed, Sixth below Cherry John H. Bridenbaugh . . . 494 Faith Reformed, Bingaman bet. Fourth and Fifth Dr. D. S. Grim 476 Alsace Grace Reformed, Kutztown Road George McKently 339 Olivet Refoirmed, Cantre Ave. and Exeter William Leinbach 180 Temple Reformed, Temple, Pa. Joseph A. Wise 114 St. Luke's Lutheran, N. Ninth near GreCn Benj. Gruber Trinity Lutheran, Sixtih and Washington A. Raymond Bard .. Grace Lutheran, Eleventh and Cherry J- C. Holloway 784 St. Tnhn's Lutn., Church and , _ , , ,„„ Walnut A. Bendel 709 Hope Luth., Front and Green- ,.„„,,, „., ' ^^j^,j, Jacob T. Drumheller .... ool ^'' Elm"'"'^''.' .^"I'lV.' .™.'^ .'"^ ■ C. W. Haug 552 St. Tames Lutli., Fifth and rr^.v,!, nj"; Chestnut Samuel K. linabb 546 St. Mark's Luth., Tenth and Windsor Henry E. H.lbert 489 Alsace Lutheran, Kutztown Road D. D. Becker 349 St. Paul's Luth., Sixteenth and Perkiomen P. H. Lash 325 St. John's Mission Luth., Chap- el Terrace aoove Cotton A. Bendel 106 St. Peter's Luth., No. 931 Doug- lass A. A. Koser 60 Peace Lutheran, Riverside ^-^^ Covenant, M. E., Ninth and Elm H. J. Printz 584 St. Peter's M. E., Fifth and Pine F. F. Boas 483 Windsor St., M. E., Front and Windsor W. H. Morris 482 Holy Cross, M. E., N. Fifth nr. Buttonwood Walter S. Davis People's M. E., S. Fourth above Franklin A. W. Heim Bethel A. M. E., N. Tenth nr. Washington T. J. Long 86 People's Primitive M. E., No. 1325 N. Tenth Bert LeSuer 138 East End M. E., No. 1338 N. Tenth F. C. S. Snyder 70 476 28S First U. E., Eighth and Court W. H. Hendel 971 S't. Paul's U. E., Moss and Greenwich William W. Fetter 758 Grace U. E., Sixth and Elm S. N. Walley 407 Trinity U. E., S. Eleventh near Spruce ••H. J. Heck, Bethany U. E., Second, and Doug- lass 275 Salem Evangelical, Eighth near Court .f William H. Miller, Jr. .. 540 Immanuel Evan., S. Sixth and Kerper Harry Eisenberg 420 Ebenezer Evan., Ninth near But- tonwood Walter C. Hoffman 397 Christ Evan., Eleventh snd Rob- eson R. B. Davis 376 St. Matthew's Evan., Eighteenth and Cotton George Boyer 218 Salem U. B., Tenth and Spring... F. G. Leiboild 61S Zion's U. B., Ninth below Penn. .William J. Levan 479' Memorial U. B., Buttonwood and McKnight William E. Taylor 401 Otterbein U. B., Eighth and Elm G. Walter Behney 272- First Baptist, Fifth and Chestnut.. H. G. Kurtz 56S Berean Baptist, N. Ninth above Douglass R. A. Raixkin 236 Schyl. Av. Baptist, Schyl Av. nr. . . Greenwich David H. Wyle 139 Zion Baptist, No. 231 Poplar Mrs. E. D. Harris 67 Shiloh Baptist, No. 126 N. Tenth.. Mrs. Mary Clippent 28 German Baptist, between Green- wich and Oley Tim Wiess 97 St. Barnabas Epis., Sixth and Bingaman Ira W. Stratton 251 Christ Episcopal, Fifth and Court. . Thomas P. Merritt 197 St. Mary's Epis., Front and Windsor XL P. Walter 194 St. Luke's Epis., Robeson and Mulberry William B. Burk 136 First Presbyterian, Fifth nr. Franklin H. J. Hayden 348 Olivet Pres., Eighth and Wash- ington J. R. Mortimer 38S Washington St. Pres., Mulberry and Washington Geo, T, Hawkins 130 First Christian, Chris., Chestnut above Fourth Morris S. Glass 140 Church of Our Father, Univ., Franklin above Fourth Samuel F. Guss 114 Mennonite Breth., Men., Tenth near Oley 1,255 8.86 160 Friendship Mission, Reformed Evan., Cotton above Tenth. . .Jacob H. Kutz 173 Calvary Mission, Followers of Christ, Washington nr Second. .Herbert Green 112 People's Mission, Followers of Christ, Little Gordon Pastor 106 Mifflin St., Followers of Christ, No. 219 Mifflin Mrs. Rishell 36 Neversink, Interdenom., No. 728 Bingaman A. H. Reist Temple, Interdenom., Temple, Pa. ..A. H. Reist .Adventists, Windsor and Hamp- den 121 60 EDUCATION IN COUNTY 53 Scientists, Christian Science, No. 429 Walnut Lillian D. Wilson Hinnershitz Union, Reformed and Luth., Tuckerton William Fisher Union, Mbhrsville James H. Wagner . . lion's Union, Windsor Cas- tle A. F. Baver Gernant's Union, Leesport Charles L. Kershner Ebenezer Evangelical, Shoe- . . .makersville Mrs. Amanda Yoh . . 30,199 Perry Union, Virginville Wilson P. Adam Evangelical, Leesport , . . Frank W. Adam . . . . ?4 348 169 204 100 85 81 48 I4th District — Sethel, TulpehocketK Upper Tulpehocken Name Supt. Members Host Union, Tulpehocken O. F. Oxenreider, W. W. Derr 162 Zion's Union, Strausstown C. A. Unger 191 St John's Reformed, Mt. Aetna C. P. Klopp 115 U. B., Mt. Aetna John D. Klopp TO Lutheran, Mt. Aetna John A. Gruber 61 Union, Rehrersburg E. G. Moyer 105 Lutheran, Rehrersburg W. J. Kurr 67 Union, Wintersville Ralph Weber 55 Moll's Union, Upper Tulpe- hocken L. C. Freeman 52 German Baptist. Crosskill Mills. Ira Gibble 58 Ziegler's Baptist, Rehrersburg. Henry C. Ziegler 72 Merkey's Baptist, Bethel Samuel Sherman 66 Bethel Union, Bethel P. C. Clemme'ns 118 Keener's Union, Tulpehock- en F. J. Paulus, 50 Schubert's Union, Bethel James R. Roth 46 Merkey's Union, Bethel John Porter 45 1,3^8 1,224 iSth District — Bernville, Jefferson, Penn Name Supt Mt Pleasant Ujiion, Mt FUeasant James O. Kreider ... Berger's Union, Scull Hill M. J. Potteiger Jefferson Union, Jefferson Tp. . Daniel Reigel St. Paul's Union, Jefferson Tp. .James M. Baltheiscr . Groff's Union, Jefferson Tp. . . Percival Groff St. Thomas' Union, Bern- ville Si P. Wilhelra Frieden's Lutheran, Bernville" J. Paul Burket Cross Keys Union, Krick's Mills B. J. Anderson Members 130 130 I '93 64 75 155 02 100 801) l6th District — Kutstoum, Maxatawny, Rockland Name Supt Members St. John's Reformed, Kutz- town Clem. J. Stichler 333 St . Paul's Lutheran, Lyons J. A. Stierwalt 140 Christ's Reformed, Bowers J. J. DeLong 101 Zion's Union, Maxatawny Joel Heffner, George C. Her- mann 250 St Paul's Reformed, Kutz- towTi .Francis Sharidan 153 Trinity Luth., Kutztown Quinton D. Hermann 274 Union Union, Lyons S. M. Hoch 100 St. John's Lutheran, Kutz- town Samuel Heffner 224 Grace U. E., Kutztown Thomas S. Levan 92 Christ's Lutheran, Dryville ....Amos F. Breidegam 137 New Jerusalem Reformed, Rockland A. A. DeLong 109 Bethel Union, Rockland William A. Schwoyer 104 Ruppert's Union, Rockland ....A. F. Ruppert V6 Dryville Union, Rockland A. S. Aungstadt CO 2,153 17th District — Womelsdorf, Heidelberg, Marion, North Heidelberg Name Supt. Members Robesonia Reformed, Robe- sonia J. L. J. Stoudt 174 U. E., Robesonia Jacob B. Putt 45 U. E., Womelsdorf '..A. Bauch 68 Stouchsburg Union, Stouchs- burg P. W. Gerhart 154 Bethany O. Home Ref., Wom- elsdorf Wilson T. Moore 152 St. Daniel's Lutheran, Robe- sonia H. W. Shuler 137 Good Samaritan Union. Wom- elsdorf C. R. Leinbach 260 Tannery Union, Heidelberg ...Dr. F. F. Massey 08 Hill Union, North Heidel- berg Thos. J. Zerbe 99 Zion's Lutheran, , Stouchsburg. . E. H. Kline 132 Long's Lutheran, Stouchsburg .A. J. Long 90 -Moyer's Union, Marion Tp Edwin Miller 90 l8th District — Leesport, Ferry, Ontelaunee Name Supt Salem U. B., Shoemakers- ville H. S. Madeira Trinity Union, Leesport ...... .C. E. Spayd Union,' Shoemakersville W- K. Smith 1,469 Members 130 .... 323 244 GENERAL SUMMARY 6.2 t4-« tfi Co Open all Year Officers and Teachers en 1 ■6 t/3 11 s W 1st 12 12 177 1,599 1,776 2d 8 7 115 807 1,003 3d 11 4 167 965 1,171 4th 12 10 235 1,983 2,278 5th 15 9 365 1,815 2,265 6th 13 10 255 1,731 2,137 7th 12 5 213 1,173 ' 1,406 8th 17 17 272 1,563 1.887 9th 8 7 148 990 1,199 lath 6 3 134 590 724 11th 11 6 203 1,042 1,245 12th 16 12 314 2,437 2,771 13th 73 73 2,451 24,089 30,199 14th 16 11 230 1,031 1,326 loth 8 5 178 601 S09 16th 14 10 269 1,829 2,153 17th 12 10 184 1,235 1,459 18th 9 7 167 1,054 1,224 Total 273 217 6,077 46,534 57,032 Sunday Mails. — During the winter of 1829-30, a great excitement prevailed throughout the coun- try respecting the transportation of mails on Sun- days. Attempts had been made by petitions of cer- tain religious societies to the Congress of the prev- ious year, to induce legislation on the subject, but the general remonstrance was so earnest that the committee of reference reported adversely, inti- mating that Congress ought not, and could not, legally exercise the power of legislation on ques- tions involving religious observance and the rights of conscience; and these attempts were, renewed before the Congress then sitting, causing the de- velopment of great feeling everywhere 'on the sub- ject. A large meeting of citizens of the county was held in the court-house at Reading on Jan. 23, 1830, for the purpose of uttering a protest against inter- ference on the one hand or legislation on the other, and a committee of distinguished citizens was ap- pointed to draft appropriate resolutions. It was composed of David F. Gordon, Esq., George M. Keim, Esq., George Fox, Isaac Ritter and Dr. Wil- liam J. C. Baum. The attempts to induce legisla- tion prohibiting the transportation of mail on Sun- day were disapproved, because it was believed that such attempts were incipient steps toward the at- tainment of an object fatal to religious freedom — the union of civil and ecclesiastical authority in the same individuals. Appropriate petitions were circulated, subscribed by many persons, and these were forwarded to 54 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Congress ; and this expression of public sentiment caused the religious movement to cease its agitation and finally pass away. The transportation of mail on Sunday was not prohibited, but continued as a work of necessity. GENERAL EDUCATION Early Encouragement. — The first settlers ap- preciated the importance of education, and encour- aged it as a means of promoting the general welfare. They erected churches wherever they had effected a considerable settlement, and in them they caused their children to be taught the common branches of education, such as spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. This teaching was influenced to a great degree by the religious spirit that prevailed amongst them; indeed, religious principles were considered a vital part of their education. During the first settlements and until the passage of the common school law of 1834, the education that prevailed throughout the length and breadth of the county was almost entirely German. The prevalence of German education was a natural con- sequence from the great predominance of German settlers over all other nationalities. In Exeter, Oley, Maiden-creek, Robeson, and Reading districts, the Friends were rather numerous, and they established English schools at an early period, which they con- tinued for many years. The first German settlers had brought along teach- ers and ministers, who were so recognized before emigration. If there were no minister, the teacher officiated in both capacities. Some teachers even practised their trades, such as tailoring or shoemak- ing, whilst teaching. A notion has obtained that education was not car- ried on to any considerable extent in the county at an early day, and till the adoption of the common school system, but this is wrong. A good idea can be obtained from the following extract from a let- ter, dated Reading, April 9, 1763, addressed by Rev. Alexander Murray to the secretary of the Venerable Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, stationed in England : The county for miles around this town is thick peopled,' but what few else than Germans and Quakers, the former being computed twelve to one of all other nations together, and seem to be abundantly well provided in teachers of one denomination or another, and as long as they are so blindly attached to their native tongue, as they are at present, an English minister can be of no great service to them. For this they might be at no loss for English school-masters, yet they choose to send their children rather to German schools, which they have everywhere in ■great plenty. The Moravians, during their settlement in Oley, erected two dwellings on land donated to them by John de Turck. The first was occupied early in 1745 ; and the second in 1748, for school purposes. In the latter there was a flourishing boarding-school for several years ; into which were incorporated the Moravian schools of Germantown and Frederick township. On July 31, 1750, a beginning was made to dis- solve the Moravian school in Frederick township, by transferring pupils to other schools, and in the last week of August, 1750, sixteen were transferred to Oley. First Teachers. — The following persons were teachers before 1753: George Stiefel, John Nicholas Kurtz, and Casper Leut- becker in Tulpehocken. Frederick Hoelwig in Longswamp. John Valentine Krafft in Richmond. Theodore Schneider in Hereford. George Youngman in Oley. In 1743, the following provision was made in Richmond township toward the encouragement of teaching : That it is our most earnest desire that the teacher, as well as the preacher, sball be fairly compensated so that he can live with his family as an honest man, without being obliged to engage in any business foreign to his profession. To this end the teacher and the preacher shall have the land and the house on it free, as long as they officially serve the congregation. Pay schools were maintained in every district, the pupils paying several cents a day, according to the number of branches taught; and this custom pre- vailed from the beginning until long after the sys- tem of 1834 had been introduced. Parochial schools were carried on and encouraged in connection with churches in the several sections of the county, being always situated near by. The preachers, elders and deacons were expected to see that the teacher maintained good order and that each pupil received proper attention. The teacher had to possess a good character, and ability to sing and teach singing as well as to teach the common branches. Charity Schools. — A charitable society was es- tablished early for the instruction of poor Germans and their descendants in Pennsylvania. Previous to 1751, certain Reformed ministers who had settled among the immigrants found them in distress. They entreated the churches of Holland to commiserate their unhappy fellow-Christians, and contributions were sent to these remote parts. In 1751, Holland and West Friesland granted two thousand guilders per annum for five years toward instructing the Germans and their children in Pennsylvania. Great encouragement was given to this scheme by per- sons of the first rank in Great Britain, King George III. having contributed £1,000 toward this object, and the Princess Dowager of Wales £100; and the proprietaries engaged to give a considerable sum every year to promote the undertaking. The society then adopted certain resolutions "for the management of the scheme, and proposed a plan for establishing schools. The Governor of the Province recognized the utility of the scheme and appomted a board of trustees for its proper direc- tion. Conrad Weiser was one of the members of this board, and Rev. Michael Schlatter was appoint- ed general supervisor. Petitions from Reading and Tulpehocken were addressed to the board in the READING FREE LIBRARY— PAGE aio ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF READING SCHOOL DISTRICT-PAGE a03 EDUCATION IN COUNTY 55 early part of 1755 to secure the benefit of these contributions so as to establish some of the schools, and Schlatter accordingly organized a school at each of the places named. But the charity schools proved an. utter failure, and Schlatter was personally the chief sufferer. His official position as superintendent rendered him the main object of popular hatred, though for a time the Lutheran and Reformed ministers had sus- tained him. The German people lost confidence in this undertaking through the denunciations of Chris- topher Sauer, who asserted in his German news- paper (published at Germantown) that these schools were intended to prepare the way for establishing the Church of England in this part of the province, and in this way it was believed Schlatter's influ- ence was entirely destroyed. Common Schools. — Various and repeated legis- lative attempts were made toward general educa- tion throughout the State, and they gradually devel- oped a public sentiment in its behalf until finally there was established the compulsory system, pro- vided by the Act of 1849, which was improved by the Act of 1854. The Constitution of 1776 had provided that "a school or schools shall be established in each county by the Legislature for the convenient instruction of youth, with such salaries to the masters paid by the public as may enable them to instruct youth at low prices"; and that of 1790: "The Legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide by law for the establishment of schools throughout the State in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis." This provision continued in the fundamen- tal law of the State unchanged until the new Con- stitution of 1873, when it was modified as follows : "The General Assembly shall provide for the main- tenance and support of a thorough and efficient sys- tem of public schools wherein all the children of this Commonwealth above the age of six years may be educated, and shall appropriate at least one mil- lion dollars each year for that purpose." A great weakness in its early history was the incompetency of teachers. Educated men and wom- en of experience in teaching could not be obtained because duty to themselves and to their families obliged them to labor in vocations which afforded better remuneration; and a pronounced opposition, on account of burdensome and unjust taxation to support the system, discouraged those 'who felt in- clined to teach. But a greater weakness than in- competent teachers existed. It was the distinctive feature of the public schools and of the children attending them, for they were called "pauper schools," and "pauper scholars," and this made them odious to the very class that was to be principally benefited. In 1833, when the State contained about eight hundred thousand children, less than twenty-five thousand attended the common schools — just one in thirty-one, or about three per cent, notwithstand- ing the offer of education at the public expense. But in 1883, the State contained about two million children ; and the number attending common schools was over nine hundred and fifty thousand, nearly one-half, an increase of sixteen-fold in fifty years. The general system, provided by the act of 1834, is attributable to a society which was organized at Philadelphia in 1827. The express object of this society was general education throughout the State,, and its efforts, after laboring in this behalf for seven years against bitter opposition, culminated in the passage of the act mentioned. In 1835 a great ef- fort was made to repeal this act, but it failed. The credit of preserving the system at that time is given ' to Governor George Wolf and Hon. Thaddeus Stevens. System Accepted by Districts. — The following statement shows the year when the several districts of the county accepted the common school system: Reading 1834 Caernarvon 1834 Robeson ! 1836 Union 1836 Womelsdorf 1836 Ruscombmanor 1837 Colebrookdale 1838 Hamburg 1838 Kutztown 1838 Marion 1839 Hereford 1845 Alsace 1849 Exeter 1849 Heidelberg 1849 Maiden-creek 1849 Amity 1850 Bern 1850 Brecknock 1850 Cumru 1850 Douglass 1850 Heidelberg, Lower. . . . 1850 Heidelberg, North .... 1850 Oley 1850 Rockland . . ' 1850 Spring 1850 Tulpehocken 1850 Washington 1850 Windsor 1850 Bern, Upper 1851 Bernville 1851 Centre 1851 Earl 1851 Greenwich 1851 Longswamp 1851 Muhlenberg 1851 Ontelaunee 1851 Penn 1851 Perry 1851 Pike 1851 Maxatawny 1852 Bethel 1854 Richmond 1854 Albany 1855 Jefferson 1855 Tulpehocken, Upper ..1855 All the districts had accepted the system of 1834 before the' compulsory provision had gone into ef- fect, excepting District township, which held out until 1867, refusing in the meantime to accept the State appropriation. The districts subsequently es- tablished, accepted the system at the time of their erection. Pleasantville was established as a separate district out of Oley township in 1857. _ Altogether the districts in the county number sixty-one. In 1854, the schools numbered 363, and the schol- ars 10,116 ; in 1884, the schools, 599, and the schol- ars, 26,848 ; and in 1908, the schools, 855, and the scholars, 28,340. 56 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TABULAR STATEMENT FOR SCHOOL YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1908 Schools Teachers Scholars Tax and Rate Per Cent s s *« B K B ^ O ss m Districts o tn 41 ■-M Mh w - s s ^ ■a 1 1^ ffl U 5 < !z: Z Isaac Addams 1797-1800 Jacob Rhoads 1798-1801 Peter Feather 1799-1802 Jacob Epler 1800-03 Casper Merkel 1801-04 Tohn Cunnius 1802-05 Daniel Yoder 1803-06 Adam Ruth 1804-OT 78 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA Name Term Henry Hahn 1305-08 Henry Hottenstein 1806-09 Nicholas Leib 1807-10 Jacob Miller 1808-11 Valentine Boyer .' 1809-12 Daniel Ruth 1810-13 George Boyer 1811-14 Jacob Gehr 1813-15 William Addams i 813-16 George Shreffler 1814-17 Daniel Levan 1815-18 William High 1816-19 Peter Stichter 1817-30 George N. Lechner 1818-21 Peter Knabb 1819-23 David Bright 1830-33 George Kemp 1821-24 Fred'k Stamm 1822-35 Henry Reescr 1823-26 John Wanner 1824-27 John Potteiger 1823-28 John Hahn 1826-39 Stanley Kirby 1837-30 George Gernant 1828-31 Anthony Bickel 3829-33 Daniel K. Hottenstein 1830-33 John Filbert 1831-34 Jacob Goodman 1833-35 Daniel Snyder 1833-36 John Deysher 1834-37 John Y. Cunnius 1835-38 John Seibert 1836-39 David Kutz 1837-40 Michael Reifsnyder 1838-41 George Weiler 1839-42 John Long.' 1840-43 William Arnold 1841-44 John Sharraan 1842-45 Adam Leize 1843-46 Fred'k Printz 1844-47 Michael Gery 1845-48 David Yoder 1846-49 Charles Fichthorn 1847-50 Conrad Clonse 1848-51 Thomas Shaner 1849-52 Joseph A. Schneider 1850-53 John McGowan 1851-54 Benjamin Kutz 1852-55 Jacob Young 1853-56 Gabriel Filbert 1854-57 William Knabb 1855-58 Samuel Summons 1856-59 D. L. Wenrich 1857-60 ; 1863-66 William Miller 1858-61 John F. Moers 1859-62 Paul Wenrich, Sr 1860-63 J. Donahower 1861 George K. Lorah 1861-64 H. R. Hawman 1862-65 Adam Stein ; 1864-67 Wm. S. Young 1865-71 ; 1879-81 Jacob Schartel .1866-69 Benjamin Levan .1867-70 John L. Moyer 1869-73 William Rahn 1810-73 Joseph Muthart* 1871-74 David Lord 1872-75 Henry Seidel 1873-74 William Fry 1873-75 William Umbenhauer 1874-75 Henry W. Smith 1876-78 William Davidheiser 1876-78 William G. Moore 1876-78 John Walborn 1879-81 * Muthart died in April, 1873, and Seidel was appointed to fill -vacancy for unexpired term. Name Term Jeremiah R. Guldin 1879-81 Samuel G. Hatfield 1883-84 Peter Spang 1883-84 David C. Keller 1883-84 John L. Wagner 1885-87 Samuel K. Fisher 1885-87 David C. Keller 1885-87 Samuel G. Herbine 1888-90 Cyrus Levan 1888-90 Samuel R. Deppen 1888-90 Cyrus W. Kauffman 1891-93 Jacob H. Reeser 1891-93 Franklin Seidel 1891-93 Jeremiah Hartman 1894-96 Henry Stoyer 1894-96 John Wunch* 1894-96 George K. Linderman 1896-99 Wesley K. Loose 1897-99 Charles E. Stangier 1897-99 Alfred Gunkel 1900-02 Frank H. Moyer 1900-03 John W. Slipp 1900-03 Harry L. Johnson 1903-05 Jacob Miller 1903-05 Oliver H. Sanders 1903-0.5 James M. Yerger 1906-08 James F. Fisher 1906-08 Chester B. Cleaver 1906-08 Jacob M. Bordner 1909-11 Augustus R. Anderson 1909-11 Eugene L Sandt 1909-11 AUDITORS Name Thomas Lightfoot 1797-98 ; 1803-05 William Moore 1797-1800 ; 1803-08 John Bishop 1797-98 Paul Groscup ['_[[ iygg-isoo Ja^ob Bower 1799-1800 Wilham Green 1801-03 William Bell '.'.'. '.'.1801-03'; '1806-08 George De B. Keim 1801-02 ; 1809 James May 1803-05 Johri VVitman 1806-08 Lewis Reeser jggg Fred'k Frick !lS09 John Bieber . 1810 George Boyer ..............'.'.'. 1810-11 Daniel Yoder ^gj^g Christopher Shearer . ,isil ; 1817-19 John S. Hiester ' -^^i^ §f°r°^ J;"'"'''' '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.v. . .1812 Philip Moyer jg-[2 John Adam's jg]^2 Henry M Richards .".'.■.'.'.';;".'.'.'.'.'. '. '. '. '. '. '. i8i3-16 William Addams 1813-14 Peter Trexler 135^3 Abraham Mengei '".'.'. '.'.".■.;;;;;;;;;;;;i8i4-i7 Wilhani High i8i5_i8 . 1835.33 l^l"'- H'gh 1817-20 Peter Sheetz ig^g.gi George Getz 1819-32 Jacob Dick 1820-33 Geo. U. Odenheimer !!!!!! 1821-34 Jacob Schneider j^goo o j Peter Adams ■'.I'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.V.'. 1823-26 Henry S. Klein -^^04. 07 P-'iJ^h Dechert V^ '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. '.'.'. '.Ash'-28 I otin 6. Pearson 1826-29 John Beitenman '/_ 18''7-30 * Simon Seyfert .'.'.'.".".'.'.'.'.";."!!!; !lS28-31 J ohn Jackson 1829-32 T ' •^°i"\ ™ ^'^'^ ''»^'"g died, George K. Linderman was appointed .Tunc 0, ] SflS, to serve unexpired term. GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 79 Name. Term John Seltzer 1830-33 John M. Keim. . .' 1831-34 Daniel V. R. Hunter 1832; 1839-43 Thomas Wanner 1833-35 Jacob Klein 1833-36 Jacob Fricker 1834-37 Daniel Young 1836-39 William Wunder 1837-39 John L. Rightmyer 1838-41 H. H. Muhlenberg ■ 1839-40 John F. Moers 1840-43 ; 1852-58 Jacob K. Boyer 1841-44 David Schall 1842-45 John L. Reifsnyder 1843-46 Chas. H. Adams 1844-50 Jacob Dick 1845-48 Michael Kraemer 1846-49 ; 1864-67 Paul Geiger 1848-51 John Y. Cunnius 1849-53 Charles J. Cummens 1850-56 Daniel Laucks 1851-54 Reuben R, Kline 1854-57 Samuel M. Klee 1856-63 Amos K. Strunck 1857-60 Heriry F. Felix 1858-61 William Steffe 1860-63 Joseph S. Hoyer 1861-64 Ezra D. Yorgey 1863-65 Andrew Kurr ; 1863-69 John G. Glase 1865-68 James Bell 1867-70 Peter S. Albright 1868-71 William Y. Shearer 1869-73 Daniel G. Knabb 1870-75 Henry H. Dubson 1871-74 Harrison M: Reber 1873-75 ; 1876-78 Wm. H. Sallade 1875 ; 1876-78 Henry Z. Van Reed 1876-78 Jacob D. Hoffman 1879-81 Charles S. Tobias 1879-81 William H. Clark 1879-81 Isaac S. Bagenstose 1883-84 Jacob S. Yoder 1883-84 James M. High 1882-84 Morris H. Boyer 1885-87 Jared B. Kramer 1885-87 ; 1888-90 Allen B. Aulenbach 1885-87 Franklin G. Krick 1888-93 Reuben Rhoads 1888-90 Howard Spatz 1891-96 George F. Schock 1891-93 Nathan D. Trexler 1894-96 Edwin H. Weller 1894-99 Henry M. DeTurk 1897-1901 Peter Hartman 1897-1901 Charles B. Reis 1900-01 Controllers. — The Act of June 27, 1895, pro- vided that counties of the State having 150,000 population shall elect a controller to take the place of county auditors, and it appearing by the United States census of 1900 that Berks county had a pop- ulation in excess of 150,000, the Governor, on May 33, 1901, appointed Joseph N. Shomo as controller to serve until Jan. 6, 1903, when an incumbent duly elected would be qualified to fill the office. CONTROLLERS Name Term Joseph N. Shomo 1901 John F. Ancona 1902-04 Horace F. Livingood 1905-07 Ambrose L. Rhoads 1908-10 Treasurers. — Previous to 1841 the county treas- urer was appointed annually by the county com- missioners. On May 37, 1841, an Act was passed providing for the election of this officer in October following and every two years thereafter. The Constitution of 1873 increased the term to three years after 1875. TREASURERS Name Terra Jonas Seely 1752-68 Christopher Witraan 1768-79 Daniel Levan 1779-89 Daniel Messersmith 1789-1807; 1809-11; 1814-17 John K. Messersmith 1807-09 ; 1811-14 ; 1817-30 Daniel Rhoads 1820-23 David Bright : 1823-35 Peter Nagle 1835-43 Henry Nagle 1843-45 William Arnold 1845-47 Henry Hahs .' 1847-49 Adam Leize 1849-51 William Ermentrout • 1851-53 Charles Van Reed • 1853-55 George Feather '. 1855-59 David Plank 1859-61 William Herbst 1861-63 John Kurtz 1863-65 Isaac R. Fisher 1865-67 Charles 'H. Fritz 1867-69 Samuel Merkel 1869-71 Abraham Y.Yoder 1871-73 Hiester M. Nagle 1873-75 Abraham H. Schaeffer 1876-78 Adam M. Dundore 1879-81 John Kerschner 1883-84 John S. Holtzman 1885-87 David W. Mogel 1888-90 Isaac F. March 1891-93 Amendon Bright 1894-96 Cosmos D. Kutz 1897-99 Alfred K. Rentschler 1900-03 Edwin G. Ruth 1903-05 Henry H. Fry 1905-08 William M. Croll 1909-11 Sheriffs. — The Duke of Yorke's laws (intro- duced into Pennsylvania Sept. 33, 1676) provided for the nomination, by the justices of the county, of three persons within their jurisdiction, out of which the Governor should make choice of one to be sher- iff for the year ensuing. By virtue of his office the sheriff was then a justice of the peace. In the Frame of Government, prepared by Wil- Ham Penn for the province in 1683, it was provided that the freemen of the counties should annually elect and present to the Governor a double number of persons to serve for sheriff, justices, and coroner for the year next ensuing, out of which the Gov- ernor should nominate and commission the proper number for each office. After the erection of the county, the first appointments of sheriff and cor- oner were made Oct. 4, 1753. The Constitution of 1790 provided for a similar election and appointment of sheriff and coroner; but the term of service was increased to three years, and no person was to be twice appointed sheriff in any term of six years. The Constitution of 1838 provided that one person for said offices respective- 80 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ly should be elected by the people for the term of three vears. And these oflSces have thence been so filled. ' SHERIFFS Xame Term Benjamin Liglitfoot 1752-54 William Boone 1735-56 Thomas Lincoln 1757-58 Jacob Weaver 1759-60 ; 1763-64 Henry Christ 1761-62 Jasper Scull 1765-67 Jacob Shoemaker 1768-70 George Nagle 1771-73 Henry Vanderslice 1774-76 Daniel Levan 1777-79 Henry Hoffa 1780-81 Philip Kraemer 1782-84 ; 1791-93 Peter Filbert 1785-87 Jacob Bower 1788-90 Peter Frailey 1794-96 John Christ 1797-99 Nicholas Dick 1800-02 John Spycker 1803-05 Conrad Feger 1806-08 George Marx • 1809-11 Daniel Kerper 1812-14 ; 1824-26 Peter Aurand 1815-17 John Miller 1818-20 Henry Eetz 1821-23 John Bickel 1827-29 James Sillyman 1830-32 Henry Bowman 1833-35 George Fox 1836-38 Henry Binkley 1838-41 Daniel Esterley 1841-44 George Gernant 1844-47 John S. Schroeder 1847-50 John Potteiger 18oO-3:-i John Manderbach 1853-56 Henry H. Manderbach 1856-59 Jeremiah D. Bitting . 1859-62 Abraham R. Koenig 1862-65 Tobias Earto 1865-68 William B. Albright 1868-71 Evan Mishler 1871-74 George R. Yorgey 1873-77 Alfred C. Kemp 1878-80 Levi M. Gerhart 1881-83 George D. Boyer 1884-86 George B. Schaeffer 1887-89 Elias Becker 1890-92 George D. Fahrenbach 1893-95 Frank H. Schmeck 1896-98 Frank Brobst 1899-1901 Albert F. Mogel 1902-04 Jacob H. Sassaman 1905-07 John C. Bradley 1908-10 CORONERS Name Term William Boone 1752-54 Benjamin Parvin 1755 — Tohn Warren 1759 Tacob Kern 1760-61 Adam Witman 1762 Samuel Weiser 1763-65 Christopher Witman 1766 Henry Haller 1767 Jas. Whitehead, Jr 1768-69 ; 1779-80 Samuel Jackson 1770 Isaac Levan, Jr 1771-72 Peter Brecht 1773-75 Philip Kreamer 1776-78 Name Term Peter Nagle 1781-87 Peter Feather 1788-93 Thomas Wildbahn 1794-99' Peter Aurand 1800-02 Daniel Kerper 1803-05 Henry Rieser 1806-11 J. Christian 1812-14 Samuel Feather 1815-17; 1831-29 Samuel Ritter 1818-20 Adam Reitmyer 1830-32 John Hahn 1833-34 John Fox 1835-37 ; 1859-64 ; 18 j8-7& William Stable 1838-49 John H. Seltzer 1850-52 William Keen 1853-5& Henry Palm 1865-67 Geo. S. Goodhart 1877-79 William H. Kellv ]88%82 Henry D. Schoedler 1883-85. Frank H. Denhard 1886-8a Dr John G. Hoffman 1889-91 Dr. Frank J. Kantner 1892-94 John C. Griesemer 1895-97 Dr. Wilson H. Rothermel 1898-1900 Reuben E. Moyer 1901-03 Dr. Albert N. Seidel 1904-06 Dr. Robert E. Strasser 1907-09' Prothonotaries, Recorders, Registers, Clerks OF Orphans' Court, and Clerks of Quarter Ses- sions. — The offices of prothonotary, recorder, regis- ter, clerk of Orphans' court, and clerk of Quarter Sessions were created with the county courts. Imme- diately after the erectioii of Berks county, they were established at the county-town, and filled by appointment of the Governor. The Amended Con- stitution of 1838 changed the manner of filling the offices named from appointment by the Governor to election by the people ; and the Act of July 2, 1839, fixed the term of office at three years. The first officers were elected in October, 1830. No change has been made since. From that time, the terms of the officers began on the 1st day of De- cember following their election till the adoption of the New Constitution, when the time was changed to the first Monday of January following their elec- tion. This change included also the other county officers. PROTHONOTARIES Name Terii James Read 1752-75 ; 1777 Thomas Dundas 1776 Jacob Shoemaker 1778 Daniel Levan 1779-89 ; 1791 John Otto 1790 George Eckert 1792-1800 John S. Hiester 1801-08' Gabriel Hiester, Jr 1809-17 Samuel D. Franks 181S- John Adams 1819-20; 1824-26; 1830-35 Marks John Biddle 1821-23 Jacob Sallade 1827-29 Alex. H. Witman 1836-3S Benj. Tyson 1839-42 Daniel Young 1842-45 Peter Strohecker 1845-48 Michael K. Boyer 1848-51 Cbarles H. Hunter 1851-54 Josiah Hearing 1854-57 David Fister ; 1857-60 Adam W. Kauffman 1860-63- Jonathan L. Reber 1863-6S GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 81 Name Term Wellington B. Griesemer 1866-69 George K. Levan 1869-72 Ephraim Armstrong 1872-75 Charles F. RentschJer .' . 1876-78 Amos Weiler " 1879-81 William D. Althouse 1882-84 Levi F. Dietrich 1885-87 Daniel H. Schweyer 1888-90 Joshua R. Burkey , 1891-93 ; 1894 William H. B. Schoenly* ; . 1894 ■Oliver J. Wolflf '. 1895-97 Daniel R. Schmeck 1898-1900 John G. Rhoads 1901-03 Edward J. Morris 1904-06 Eldridge Zimmerman 1907-09 RECORDERS ^ Name Term James Read 1752-76 Henry Christ 1777-89 John Christ 1790-91 Jacob Bower 1792-99 Peter Frailey 1800-08 Jacob Schneider 1809-17 John Adams 1818 Daniel Rhoads 1819-20 John Miller 1831-23; 1830-35 John Fred'k Smith 1824-29 Joseph AUgaier 1836.-38 John Green 1839 William Wunder 1839-42 Henry H. Maurer 1842-45 John W. Tyson 1845-48 Israel R. Laucks 1848-51 John Bush 1851-54 Hiram S. Getz 1854-57 Nicholas Heckman 1857-60 Charles N. Keller 1860-63 Isaac Laucks 1863-66 Henry Reider 1866-69 Daniel Hummel 1869-72 Charles Hill 1872-75 Jefferson M. Keller 1876-78 William Zimmerman 1879-81 Isaac M. Bechtel 1882-84 W. Benton Stolz 1885-87 James F. Dumn 1888-90 Simpson Becker 1891-93 Isaac W. Keimf 1894 Amos F. Dumn 1894 James W. Sponagle 1895-97 Daniel H. Rieser 1898-1900 Frank F. Bressler 1901-03 Henry H. Holzm'an 1904-06 Jeremiah A. Bausher .' 1907-09 REGISTERS Name Term James Read 1752-74 Collinson Read 1775-76 Henry Christ 1777-89 John Christ 1790-91 Jacob Bower 1793-99 Peter Frailey 1800-08 Jacob Schneider 1809-17 Daniel Rhoads ». 1818-20 ; 1824-29 Peter Aurand 1821-23 George Smith. . . ? 1830-35 William Zieber 1836-38 Joel Ritter 1839-43 John Green 1842-45 Isaac Ely 1845-48 Joseph Rittej- 1848-51 Jacob Snell 1851-54 Daniel Buskirk 1854-57 * Died on March 11. 1894, and the Deputy Joshua R. Burkey was appointed to fill office until first Monday of January, 1895. tDied April 17, 1894. Name Term Tobias Barto 1857-60 Benjamin E. Dry 1860-63 Michael S. Thirwechter 1863-66 J. Daniel Wanner 1866-69 Hiram S. Getz 1869-72 Henry C. Croll 1872-75 Peter Y. Edelman 1876-78 Solomon S. Kindt. 1879-81 Jonas M. ShoUenberger 1883-84 Ammon S. Strunk 1885-87 Albert H. Fegely 1888-90 Henry D. Strunk 1891-93 William H. Schaffner 1894-96 George B. Miller 1897-99 Levi S. Mabry 1900-03 William R. Kemmerer 1903-05 Wilson M. Dumn 1906-08 George R. Gregory 1909-11 CLERKS OF orphans' COURT Name Term James Read ; 1752-76 Henry Christ 1777-88 James Scull ; . . . 1789-91 Jacob Bower 1793-99 Peter Frailey 1800-09 John M. Hyneman 1810-15 John Adams 1816-17 William Schoener 1818-23 Matthias S. Richards 1833 Jacob Sallade 1824-36 ; 1830-31 Nathaniel P. Hobert 1827-39 Jacob Marshall 1832-35 Henry Rhoads 1836-38 WiUiam H. Miller 1839-41 James Donagan 1843 William Shearer 1843-45 Zacharias H. Maurer 1845-48 William W. Diehl 1848-51 Charles J. Wink 1851-54 Daniel Potteiger 1854-57 Ephraim Fritz 1857-60 Daniel Hahn ' 1860-63 Solomon Close 1863-66 Levi H. Liess : 1866-69 Mahlon F. Wolff 1869-72 Isaac K. Knoll 1872-75 Charles M. Clouse 1876-78 Ephraim Dunkle 1879-81 William H. Gilmer* 1882-83 CLERKS OF QUARTER SESSIONS T '^ame ■ Term James Read 1752-76 James Whitehead 1777-78 Henry Christ 1779 Daniel Levan 1780-91 George Eckert 1792-99 John S. Hiester 1800-08 Gabriel HieSter, Jr 1809-12; 1814-17 John M. Hyneman 1813 Samuel D. Franks igig John Adams 1819-20 Henry M. Richards 1821-22 Jacob Marshall 1823 Jacob Sallade . , ' 1834-36 Nathaniel P. Hobert ■ 1827-29 Philip A. Good 1830-33 William Schoener 1833-35 Charles Troxell , . . 1836-38 William H. Miller ; 1339 Samuel Myers 1839-42 John L. Rightmyer 1843-51 Zacharias H. Maurer 1851-54 Edwin H. Brockway 1854-57 Joseph S. Hoyer .1857-60 * Upon the establishment of a separate Orphans' Court in 1883, this officer was discontinued, and the Register became the Clerk as provided by law. ' 83 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Name Term James Bell 1860-63 Francis Roland 1863-66 Levi M. Gerhart 1866-69 Adam H. Sailor : 1869-72 Jacob H. Hain 1872-75 Mahlon A. Sellers 1876-78 Enoch S. Matthias 1879-81 Isaac Eckert 1882-84 Morris H. Shaeffer 1885-87 Henry G. Heinly 1888-90 William H. Sallade 1891-93 Henry H. Hell* 1894-95 Edwin T. Brown 1895 Harry J. Dumn 1896-98 Daniel A. Bausher 1899-1901 Jacob B. Esser 1902-04 Peter S. HoU 1905-07 Samuel T. Bordner 1908-10 District Attorneys. — The office of district at- torney was created by Act of May 3, 1850, and made elective, with a term of three years. Prev- iously, the Attorne3'-General of the State appointed an attorney in the several counties to represent the Commonwealth in the prosecution of criminal cases. The Act of 1850 required a residence of one year in the county and a practice of two years at the bar. The latter was reduced to one year by the Act of 1852, hut increased again to two years bv the Act of April 26, 1883. DISTEICT ATTORNEYS Name Term Jacob Hubley 1789-1817 Frederick Smith 1818-20 ; 1824-27 Charles Richards 1821 Daniel J. Hiester 1822-23 Joseph H. Spayd 1828-29 Joseph D, Biles 1830-31 Alexander L. King 1832-35 George G. Barclay 1836-38 J. Pringle Jones .' 1839-46 Peter Filbert 1847-48 John S. Richards 1849-50 Jeremiah Hageman 1850-56 Jacob K. McKenty 18.i6-59 James B. Bechtel 1859-02 Daniel Ermentroiit 1862-65 Wharton Morris 1865-68 Edward H. Shearer 1868-71 Peter D. Wanner 1871-74 Henrv C. G. Reber 1875-77 William M. Goodman 1878-80 Hiram Y. Kauffman 1881-83 Israel H. Rothermel 1884-86 Jeremiah K. Grant 1887-89 W, Oscar Miller 1890-92 Frank K. Flood 1893-95 Adam B. Rieser 1896-98 Abraham H. Rothermel 1899-1901 George W. Wagner 1902-04 Ira G. Kntz 1905-07 Harry D. Schaeffer 1908-10 Special Detectives. — An Act was passed May 19, 1874, which provided for the appointment of a special detective officer in the several counties of the State, by the district attorney, with the approval of the court of Quarter Sessions. The first appoint- ment was made in February, 1875. The officers were : * Died April 4, 1S95. Name Term William L. Graiil 1875-77 John Denhard* 1878-83 Lawrence P. Ressler 1S83 James P. Kershner- 1884-86 George Kramer 1887-89 John Wunch 1890-92 Frank H. Derihard 1893-95 Henrv C. W. Matz** 1895 WilliW Baiiknecht 1896-98 James P. Kershner 1899-1900 Daniel J. McDermott l^^"! Eugene W. Fegely 1902-04 James J. A/Ierkel 1905-10 Surveyors. — The office of surveyor-general of the State was created April 9, 1781 ; and this officer was then empowered to appoint a deputy or depu- ties in any county of the State. The first appoint- ment of a deput)'-surveyor for Berks county was made in 1800. One deputy was appointed from that time to 1834, when two deputies were appointed. The appointment of two was continued till the pas- sage of the Act of April 9, 1850, which provided for the election of a county surveyor in October following, for the term of three years, and every third )-ear thereafter, and since 1850, this officer has been elected by the people. SURVEYORS Name Term Joseph Hoch 1800-13 John M. Hyneman 1814-22 Matthias S. Richards 1823-34 Daniel A. Bertolette 1835-37 Thomas H. Jones 1837-38 Aaron Albright 1838 Michael K. Boyer 1839-44 Benjamin Delong 1839-40 Daniel J. Wanner 1841-47 Daniel Potteiger 1845-50 ' Samuel Hoffman 1848-50 Augustus F. Bertolet 1S50-56 Andrew Kurr 1856-63 Daniel S. Zacharias 1863-77 ; 1881 Henry C. Zacharias 1877-80 Solomon K. Dreibelbis . . .' 1882-1901 Nevin M. Davis 1903-04 Orlando F. Berger 1905-10 Poor Directors. — Previous to 1809, "overseers" of the poor were appointed bv the justices of the county. On March 11, 1809, an Act was passed authorizing the election of the overseers annually. The poor of the county were provided for by over- seers till the passage of an Act of Assembly on March 29, 1824, especially for Berks county, where- by the county commissioners were authorized to levy a tax for the purpose of purchasing land and erecting thereon and furnishing necessary buildings for the employment and support of the poor of the county ; and seven directors were appointed to pro- ceed in the establishment of the institution. At the following election, in October of that year, three directors were elected in pursuance of the Act — one for one year, one for two years, and one * John Denhard was appointed for a second term, 1S81-SS: but he was elected to the office of Alderman of the Eighth Ward, Read- nig, in May, 1SS3, when he resigned, and Lawrence P. Ressler was appointed for the unexpired term. ** From Aug. 25, 1S95, to fill vacancy caused by death of Frank H. Denhard. GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 83 for three years ; and annually after said election one director was elected for three years. This law has not been altered. The directors appointed a stew- ard and other officers annually, to 'superintend and carry on the management oi the institution success- fully. The board organizes annually on third Mon- day of November. The first seven directors appointed by the Act to serve till the election*of three directors as required were: John Ritter John Beitenman Jacob Mast Samuel Adams David Bright John Wanner Abraham Knabb DIRECTORS Name Term John Beitenman 1824-35 Daniel K. Hottenstein 1824-26 David Bright 1824-27 George Gernant 1825-28 John Levan 1826-29 George Boyer 1827-30 David Ludwig 1828-31 David Deysher 1829-32 Henry Reeser 1830-33 ; 1835-36 Daniel Oyster 1831-34 Joseph Schmucker ; 1832-35 John Bickel 1833-35 Jacob Gilbert 1834-37 John Filbert 1835-38 Henry Schoener 1836-39 Daniel Kauffman 1837-38 William Fisher '. 1838-40 Peter Fister 1838-41 Abrahani Kerper .' 1839-42 John Shollenberger 1840-43 Jacob W. Seitzinger 1841-44 Abraham Kerper 1842-45 Daniel Baum 1843-45 William Bertolet 1844-47 John Dotterer 1845-46 Michael Nunnemacher .' 1845-48 John Gernant 1846-49 Daniel Sohl 1847-48 Conrad Reber 1848-49 Jacob S. Ebling 1848-51 Peter Kershner 1849-53 William Knabb 1849-52 William Arnold 1850-57 William Lorah 1852-55 John Richards 1858-56 John R. Edelman 1855-58 George K. Haag 1856-59 Jacob Malsberger 1857-60 Samuel Shaner 1858-61 Samuel Filbert 1859-62 Aaron Getz 1860-66 R. F. Drumheller 1861-64 Peter Marshall 1862-65 Ezra Z. Griesemer 1863-67 George Lash 1865-68 Joseph Muthart 1866-69 Silas W. Fisher 1867-70 Daniel B. Lorah 1868-71 Jacob B. Mast 1869-72 , Daniel Y. Peter 1870-73 Henry Animon 1871-74 Michael Goodman 1872-75 Samuel Strunk : 1873-76 Isaac Y. Beidler 1874-77 George Heckman 1875-78 John Herbein 1876-79 Mahlon Vogelman 1877-80 Francis Roland 1878-81 Name Term John H. Bauer 1879-83 Elias Obold 1880-83 Elias Bickel 1881-84 Henry Shearer .1882-85 John P. F. Marshall 1883-86 Michael E. Geiger 1884-87 George Herbein 1885-88 Jacob Miller 1886-89 Isaac D. Whitman 1887-90 Abraham. Schlegel .■ 1888-91 Samuel Z. Deck 1889-92 Frederick Roland 1890-93 Milton H. De Long 1891-93 William H. S«itzinger 1892-95 Tilghman De Long 1893-94 John A. Hiester 1893-1902 Jonathan Schwartz 1894-97 Harrison S. Matz 1895-98 Daniel M. Herbein 1897-1900 Cornelius Blatt 1898-1901 William M. Kase 1900-03 John W. Fisher 1901-04 Wellington G. Woods 1902-05 Jacob Hollenbach 1903-06 Jacob Kessler 1904-07 George G. Ritter 1905-08 Peter H. Knabb 1906-09 William W. Field 1907-10 Joel Krick 1908-11 STEWARDS Name Term Abraham Knabb ; 1825-32 Henry Boyer 1833-37 Marshall B. Campbell 1838 Daniel Kaufifman 1839-45 Daniel Baum 1846-48 Daniel Sohl 1849-52 Jacob Conrad ■ 1853-68 Philip Eagle 1869-70 Silas W. Fisher 1870-77 Benjamin Anderson -.1878-82 Reuben Hetrich 1883-85 Joseph Hornberger 1885-92 ' John W. Gilbert 1892-96 Oliver C. Sitler* 1896-1905 William J. Hollenbach 1905-09 Prison Inspectors.^ — The first county prison was erected in 1770. It stood at the northeast corner of Fifth and Washington streets, Reading, until 1848, and upon the completion of the new prison at the head of Penn street the prisoners were removed thither, and the old prison was sold and converted into a store building. The walls are still standing, though changed. Under the law then prevailing, the sheriflf had control of the prison during his offi- cial term ; and he was authorized to appoint keepers. This practice continued till the passage of the Act of April 8, 1848, expressly for Berks county, whereby seven prison inspectors were to be appointed, four by the judges of the court of Quarter Sessions, and three by the county commissioners, who were to com- prise the "board of inspectors," the terms of office to be as follows : for three, three years ; two, two years; and two, one year; and afterward, all terms three years. The inspectors were authorized to appoint, with sanction of the court, a keeper, matron, etc. * Sitler resigned on April 7, 1905, and Hollenbach was appointed^ on April 15th to fill unexpired term. 84 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA This Act of Assembly continued in force till the passage of the Act of April 10, 1873, whereby nine inspectors were to be elected at the next regular election, when each elector was to vote for six can- didates, and the nine highest to be the inspectors. The elected candidates were to draw lots for one, two, and three years. And annually thereafter, three inspectors were to be elected for three years, the electors to vote for two, and the three having the highest vote to be the inspectors. The following persons were the first inspectors under the Act of 1848 : Appointed by the Court Aug. 7, 184S Name Term Jacob Lightf oot 3 yrs. J. Glaiicy Jones 3 yrs. William Heidenreich 2 yrs. Thomas Slianer 1 yr. .\ppointed by County Commissioners Aug. 10, 1848 Name Term John Banks 3 yrs. Henry Nagle 3 yrs. Charles Kessler 1 yr. Appointed from 1848 to 1873 Name Term Jacob Lightfoot 1848-57 J. Glancy Jones 1848-51 William Heidenreich 1848-50 Thomas Shaner 1848-55 John Banks 1848-49 Henry Nagle 1848-59 Charles Kessler 1848-51 William Peacock 1849-51 David Fister 1850-53 J. Bowman Bell 1851-57 Lewis Briner 1851-64 Samuel Frees 1851-54 David Kntz 1853-68 William Henry 1854-60 Jacob Dick 1855-57 Daniel Young 1857-66 Abr. D. Hill 1857-66 Levi B. Smith 1858 James Lee 1858-64 Jacob Young 1859-71 Samuel Summons 1860-72 Charles H, Fritz 1864-70 Henry Z. Van Reed 1864-70 J. Glancy Jones 1864-68 David McKnight 1864-70 David L. Wenrich 1868-71 Amos Weiler 1868-69 Calvin Goodman 1869-72 Peter A. Kline 1869-72 George Lerch 18T0-7S Joseph Ganser 1871-73 W. B. Griesemer 1873-73 William Grim 1872-73 Isaac R. Fisher 1873-73 Benjamin Levan 1873 Jacob Miller 1873 Elected under .\ct 1873 * Name Term John Gtrnant (1 yr.) 1873-74; 1874-77 Wm. Stump (1 yr.) 1873-74 ; 1874-77 S. Schmehl (1 vr.) 1873-74 ; 1878-81 Samuel Buch (2 yrs.) 1873-75 Amendon Bright ' '(2 yrs.) 1873-75 William Herbst (2 yrs.) 1873-75 W. Y. Lvon (3 yrs.) 1873-76; 1876-79 Tobias Barto (3 yrs.) 1873-76 * The first nine named comprised the first board elected in 1873. After organization, on the 1st dav of December, lots were cast for the terms of these inspectors. The board organizes annually on the 1st day of December. Name Term Jacob Miller (3 yrs.) 1873-76 Calvin Goodman 1875-77 Peter Rapp 1874-77 Jacob Shafifner 1875-78 Peter A. Kline '' 1875-78 Peter L. Hain 1873-78 James T. Reber •" 1876-79 Wm. S. Ritter 1877-82 Adam Minnich '...1877-80 Daniel L. Rhoads 1877-80 David Brown 1877-80 Tosiah Boltz 1878-81 Isaac H. Rahn 1878-81 Lewis L. Moyer 1879-83 John Stieff ..'. 1879-82 Adam H. Potteiger 1880-83 Charles S. Wentzel : 1880-83 Milton T. Donmoyer '■ 1880-83 Wm. D. Klopp 1881-84 Wm. A. Schall 1881-84 •Wm. W. Lewis 1881-82 Wm. Schweitzer 1882-84 John Obold 1882-85 Henry Rieger 1883-85 Jacob S. Wisler 1883-85 John S. Wenrich 1883-86 Samuel H. Mensch 1883-86 Dallas Leinbach 1883-86 John B. Clemmer 1884-87 William H. Seitzinger 1884-87 Daniel D. Hinterleiter 1884-87 lohn H, Obold 1885-94 Henry Rieger 1885-88 Wm. H. Wetherhold 1885-88 Franklin H. Brintzeghoff 1886-92 Levi M. Neischwender 1886-89 Wilson Sweitzer 1886-89 Charles S. Dengler 1887-93 Reuben Updegrove 1887-90 loseph B. Clemmer 1887-90 lohn Maver : 1888-91 William High 1888-91 Albert Stamm 1889-95 Jbhn M. Gift 1889-93 William A. Lindemuth 1890-93 Darius E. Sheidy 1890-91 Augustus B. Forrey 1891-93 John M. Smith 1891-94 David E. Snvder 1891-94 Charles H. Knabb 1892-94 Abraham Grimes 1893-98 Henry Z. Kramer 1893-96 Amos Glass 1893-99 Levi S. Reber 1893-96 George H. Nagle 1894-1900 John H. Kintzer 1894-97 Alexander Schlottman 1894-97 John Endy 1894-95 Urias Rothenberger 1895-98 Lenious Wessner 1895-97 Isaac L. De Turck ] 897-98 George Clous 1896-99 George B. Wagner 1896-99 Joel H. Krick 1897-1906 John L. Seiders 1897-1903 Daniel Gross 1898-1907 John Warren 1898-1907 A. M. Lesher 1898-1901 Daniel F. Kramer 1899-1908 T. Heber Witman 1899-1911 Edmund A. Schenck 1899-1902 Martin Hauck* 1900-05 .Mien W. Fritch 1901-04 Albert Seiwert 1902-05 •Died April 12, 1905, and Charles P. Saylor appointed to fill unexpired term. GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 85 Name . Term Israel H. Wentzel 1903-09 David K. Manmiller 1904-10 John Warren 1904-10 David B. Gross 1904-07 Charles P. Saylor 1905-09 Jacob S. Kelchner 1905-08 Nathan K. Dundore 1906-09 John H. Rhoads . , 1907-10 Henry G. Hoyer 1908-11 Edmund A. Shenk 1908-11 PRISON WARDENS Name Term Mahlon Bertolet 1849-53 Dr. Henry Tyson 1853-65 Joseph Ganser 1865-70 Daniel S. Francis 1870-73 Thomas Will 1873-76 Isaac K. Knoll 1876-79 Adam B. Brossman 1879-83 Dr. R. B. Rhoads 1882-85 Aaron M. Wenrich 1885-88 ; 1898-99 Isaac D. Lutz 1888-91 Samuel H. Mensch 1891-92 John M. Smith 1892-95 Isaac Y. Kintzer 1895-98 William W. Newrcomet* 1899-1904 Jeremiah M. DeTurk 1904-09 Jury Commissioners. — Before 1867 the jurors for the trial of cases in the several courts of the •county were selected from the quaHfied electors by the county commissioners and the sheriff. On April 10, 1867, a general Act was passed- for the State requiring the election of two jury commis- sioners in October following, for the term of three years, and every third year thereafter, for the pur-, ■pose of selecting jurors from the qualified electors. The Act provides that each elector shall vote for ■one person for this office, and the two persons hav- ing the highest vote shall be the commissioners. They are to select a number designated by the court, and place the names in a jury wheel in the presence of a Judge of the court; and they and the sheriff are to draw panels of jurors as grand, petit, and traverse jurors of the county as there- tofore. The number generally designated for the jury wheel previous to 1875 was a thousand names; then, upon the introduction of an additional law judge, the number was increased to twelve hun- dred. Since 1867 the jurors for the quarterly terms of the several courts of the county were ■selected and drawn as mentioned, by the following commissioners, who were elected for that purpose: Name Term ■8KsT.-liw"'"! ^««"° Zacharias H. Maurer ) ..„„„ „„ Joseph Brelsford J lS7U-7d Israel R. Laucks 1 1873-76 Samuel U. Hollenbach ) Michael K. Boyer ) 1877-79 Reuben Rhoads j Henry Graul ] Edward H. Harnerf [ 1880-82 Jacob K. Sterrett J * Died in office June 27, 1904, and Jeremiah H. DeTurIc, the deputy-warden, was appointed July 5th to fill the vacancy. t Edward H. Harner removed from the county, and J. K. Sterrett "was appointed Feb. 26, 1881, for unexpired term. Name Term Cosmos Swoyer ) -loaa q- John B. Snyder | 1883-8d William G. Welder) ^g^^^g^ Daniel Sheirer j Frank R. Wanner ) . . Ephraim R. Wagner J 1889-9] Jacob A. Spangler / ..„„„ „. David Brown \ 1892-94 Constantine Jones ) , „q_ q- John S. Wenrich I 1895-97 Krffmai"&.^°u"t:l IB^^-l^"" Constantine Jones I .,„„., „, Adam S. Klee j 1901-03 J. Henry Burkhard ? ' innA na Elias W Seidel j ^^°*-°^ Isaac Barr 1907-10 William F. Renno 1907-10- Mercantile Appraisers. — Previous to 1846, only dealers in foreign merchandise were required to take out a county license to enable them to make sale thereof. But on April 23, 1846, an Act was passed requiring all dealers in goods, wares, and merchandise to take out a county license, and there- by the county commissioners of each county were empowered to appoint annually a mercantile ap- praiser, who was directed to assess and classify all dealers, and furnish a list of them to the county treasurer. From 1830 till this Act was passed, the constables of the townships, etc., of the county furnished under oath a list of the foreign dealers to the clerk of the Quarter Sessions, and the as- sociate judges and county commissioners classitied them and delivered a list to the county treasurer. Before 1830, the foreign dealers were returned by the constables to the clerk of the court of Quarter Sessions; the clerk certified the returns to the State treasurer, who forwarded a list to the county treasurer for the collection of the license fees. In Berks county, the constables still made their returns for the years 1846 and 1847. The county commissioners made the first appointment for 1848. MERCANTILE APPRAISERS Name Term Mahlon Bertolet 1848 William Karns 1849-51 Adam Leiss 1352 Solomon Klohs I853 J. H. Kelly ".1854 Isaac S. Hottenstein 1855 Ephraim Fritz 1856 Daniel S. Kutz 1857 George K. Lorah 1858 Albert C. Henry .' 1859 Henry Reider i860 Franklin S. Ludwig I86I Henry R. Hawman 1863 Elias Filbert ■ 1863 David Lord 1864 Caspar Reif snyder 1865 William H. Kelly 1866 Andrew S. Strassburger 1867 Joseph Harvey I868 John C. Reed i869 Alfred Dreibelbis „„ 1870 Charles Hill 1371 Aaron Snyder 1372 Charles Hottenstein 1873 ^.G HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Kame Term Abraham Schaeffer 1874 Henry F. Bush 1875 Jonathan L. Rhoads 1876 Michael Seltzer 1877 Benjamin Klahr 1878 Morris Guldin 1879 Edward Schmeltzer 1880 William A. Young 1881 Levi J. Fisher 1882 George M. Fryermuth 1883 Peter Spang, ']r 1884 John Slangier 1885 J. M. S. Stertzler 1886 Edwin Umbenhauer 1887 James P. Kershner 1888 Daniel P. Rothermel 1889 Cyrus E. Bollinger 1890 John S. Dunkle 1891 Elias R. Kemmerer 1892 I Harry D. Wagner 1893 William D. Reeser 1894 Frederick Roland 1895 Peter H. Knabb 1896 J. Howard Eshelman 1897 John E. Stangier 1898 Jacob H. Sassaman 1899 Frederick Stephan, Jr 1900 Nathan Rothermel 1901 James Schlaesman 1902 John Z. Rieser 1903 Jacob Bordner , 1904 Abraham B. Johnson 1905 William Sanders 1906 George Reider 1907 Charles Brintzeghoff 1908 John G. Herbein 1909 License Coimmissioners. — In 1676, the Duke of Yorke's laws required a license for the sale of liquors in the province of Pennsylvania. This was granted by two justices of the peace in the Quarter Sessions, for the term of one year, upon the ap- plicant furnishing "a certificate of his good be- havior from the constable and two overseers of tlie parish" wherein he dwelt. In 1710, the law re- quired the application to be recommended by the justices of the county courts to the Governor, who issued the license. The number was unlimited. But in 1794, the law required the judges of the Quarter Sessions at the first session of every year thereafter to limit and declare the number of tav- erns and public houses to be licensed for the year following; and the judges were to have "regard to the particular neighborhoods and situations the most suitable for the accommodation of the inhabitants and travelers." The Governor still granted the licenses upon the proper recommen- dation ; and he continued to grant them .till the passage of the Act of March 8, 1815, when the judges of the Quarter Sessions issued them upon the recommendation of the applicant by twelve rep- utable citizens of the district in which the tavern was to be kept. On April 23, 1869, an Act was specially passed for- Berks county, whereby a board of license com- missioners was created to issue licenses. The first board was composed of three members : the dis- trict attorney in office c.r officio; one member ap- pointed by the judges of the Quarter Sessions for a.< term ending February, 1871 ; and the third by the county commissioners for a term ending Feb- ruary, 1873. And every two years after 1869, the court or commissioners were authorized to appoint a person for a term of four years. Licenses in the county were accordingly issued annually by this board till the law was repealed May 5, 1876. In the year previous, on April 12, 1875, a gen- eral law to restrain and regulate the sale of liquors was passed by the Legislature for the State, ex- cepting in those counties for which special provis- ion was made. After the repeal of the Act of 1869, the court of Quarter Sessions issued licenses pur- suant to the Act of 1875. And this is the law under which the licenses are still issued. In respect to licenses a general Act was passed March 27, 1872, "to permit the voters of this State to vote every three years on the question of grant- ing licenses to sell intoxicating liquors." The time for the first general election on the question in every city and county was fixed for the third Friday in March, 1873, and every third year thereafter on the day for the annual municipal elections. It wilt be observed that the time was set in the spring of the year, in order to obtain the expression of poli- tical sentiment uninfluenced by the general tide of opinion of the fall elections. One election was held, but before the first three years had expired the Act was repealed, on April 12, 1875. The toard, during the seven years in which the Act prevailed, comprised the following members: E.V officio, being the District Attorneys Name Term Edward H. Shearer 1869-71 Peter D. Wanner 1871-74 Henry C. G. Reber 1874-76 Appointees Name Term Richard Ludwig 1869-75 John H. Snyder 1869-73 William Hines 1873-76 Elias Obold ' ... .1875-76 Oil Inspectors. — The office of oil inspector was created by the Act of May 15, 1874, "to provide for the better security of life and property from the dangers of coal and petroleum oils." By this Act the standard or fire test of all burning fluids was fixed at 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The'inspec- tor is appointed by the court of Cominon Pleas of the county for the term of three vears ; and he is required to furnish security in $10,000 for the faithful discharge of his duties. The first appoint- ment was made in August, 1877. Charles A. Z. Griesemer was the first inspector. He was re-appointed in 1880, and again in 1883. Sealers of Weights and Measures. — In 1834, a law was enacted which required the Governor to furnish the county commissioners of each county with standards of weights and measures, which were to be used for the purpose of adjusting weights and measures; and these standards were to be examined, and, if necessary, corrected at least once in every ten years. The standards as required GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 87 be levied, directors to be elected, etc., and to see that the branches of a common education were properly taught, teaching directed, established grad- ed schools maintained, and uniformity in course of studies preserved; a county superintendent was to be elected for a term of three years by all the direc- tors of the county. Since 1854 the system of edu- cation provided by the State has been carried on successfully in the ' county by school directors and a county superintendent, and the superintendents have been : Name Term William Good 1854-60 John S. Ermentrout 1860-69 David B. Brunner 1869-75 Samuel A. Baer 1875-81 David S. Keck 1881-90 William M. Zechman 1891-96 Eli M. Rapp 1896-1911 COUNTY BUILDINGS The county buildings comprise the Court-House, Prison, and Poorhouse. were furnished to the county commissioners, and deposited in the Court-House for the purpose in- tended! But there was no provision for an officer whose duty it was to test all weights and measures. In 1845, this discrepancy was supplied by an Act passed on April 15th. It authorized the Governor to appoint a sealer of weights and measures for such respective counties as should apply for and obtain copies of the standards, as provided in this Act, for the term of three years. And it was made the duty of the sealer "at least once in every year to go to stores, houses, stalls, and offices of the makers, venders, or proprietors of beams, scales, weights, and measures within the county, and try and adjust all beams, scales, weights, and measures, and seal the same with the initials of his last or surname, and the current year." Under this law the first appointment was made on June 16, 1853. This office, hovvever, became burdensome and offensive to the people of the county, and accordingly they, with the people of seven other counties of the State — Bucks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Franklin, and Westmoreland — who felt similarly burdened and, offended, effected the passage of a Special Act on March 22, 1859, whereby the office within the coun- ties named was abolished. After the lapse of eighteen years thereafter, it would seem that the weights and measures of this county, as well as other counties of the State, needed the test of the standards. So they were brought to the notice of the people again by the passage of a general law on April 4, 1877. By it the Governor was author- ized to appoint one person as sealer, in the several counties where no such office existed, for the term of three years. The first appointment under this law was made April 30, 1877. And strangely enough, as previously, the office only survived six years, and was again abolished, by an Act passed on March 8, 1883. The standards are, therefore, not carried around throughout the whole county to remind the dealers and storekeepers that they must at least give true measure, if not good, pressed down, and running over. The mar ket commissioner of Reading, who visits the mar- kets under the city ordinance, is the only tester now with the standards. The sealers were : Name Term Michael S. Thirwechter 1853-54 Solomon Spohn 1855-57 George K. Boyer 1858 — William Geiger 1877-78 Matthew Rhoda 1879-81 James D. Long 1882-83 Superintendents of Common Schools. — Num- £ erous legislative attempts were made to popularize and thoroughly introduce public education. Fifty ^^_ ^^^^ years were spent in endeavors to educate the poor- ' ^^^LS^^^r^^ er classes of children by proposed taxation, with comparatively little progress. Finally an Act was °^° court house passed May 8, 1854, which rnade proceedings in this Court-Houses. — The first Court-House of the behalf compulsory, and authorized a school tax to county was erected in 1762, at the intersection of HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Penn Square and Callowhill street, now Fifth. It was built of stone, plastered, and marked off in imitation of cut stone, and it was surrounded by a brick pavement about thirteen feet wide. The first floor was arranged in one large room for the "courts," and the second floor in three rooms — the eastern half having been in one room, and the western in two rooms. An entry separated the former from the latter. The stairway was con- structed in the southeast corner of the court-room. The "bench" was arranged along the northern side of the room, and the "bar" was inclosed by a semi- circular railing, the ends of which extended to the wall on both sides of the "bench." The "jury box" was situated in the northwest corner of the room. The court-room was entered by two door-ways, one on the south side and the other on the west. The latter was little used. A large stove was lo- cated near by and wood was generally piled up against the door, on the inside^ during cold weather. The crier's seat was situated a few feet west of the center of the room, adjoining the "bar," and the "prisoner's dock" was next to it on the east. The crier was a prominent figure in the room by reason of the elevation of his seat. The floor was laid with brick. Benches were arranged on inclined platforms along the southern and eastern walls. The seating capacity was rather limited for a public place. The dimensions of the building were about forty by fifty feet. A marble tablet was built in the eastern wall near the centre, which con- tained the following inscription; J. L., C. W., S. H., 1762. These initial letters represented the names of the officiating county commis- sioners, Jacob Lightfoot, Christopher W'itman and Samuel High. The steeple contained a bell and town-clock. The bell was cast in Eng- land in ]76.'3, especially for the county; and the clock was a thirt3'-hour clock, imported from London about 1755. Previously, for ten j^ears. the judges of the courts held their sessions of court in an inn of the town. There were no rooms in the building for the county officials, but many were not necessary, for five offices were vested in one individual for upward of twenty years, these having been prothonotary, recorder, register, clerk of the Orphans' court and clerk of the Quarter Sessions, and the person was James Read, a lawyer. By a letter addressed to the Pennsylvania Ga::ctte, dated the 20th of February, 176G", it would ap- pear that "public offices were opened on Monday previous at Reading." It is not known in which building they were opened, if not in the Court- House. Election polls were held at the several windows on the first floor, which were properly marked for •■^the voters. The poll for the electors of Reading ■ was at the eastern window on the side facing south. This building was used for the purposes of hearing and determining criminal and civil matters until 1840, the last term of court having been the April term. During the follow- ing three months, the coun- t)- records were transferred from the "State-House" to the new Court-House. It was sold to Joseph Kendall at public sale and he re- moved it in JMav, 1S4-1. NEW COURT-HOUSE The smallness of the old building had been felt for many years and the increasing inconvenience had become so objectionable by the" year 1837 that the taxpayers and officials determined to remedy the difficulty by securing a new building, and in that behalf a petition was presented to the judges at the August Sessions, setting forth— "That, in consequence of the rapid increase of the population and public business of the county of Berks, the pres- ent Court-House ha,s become too small and incon- venient for the transaction of business, and also for the accommodation of those persons who are obliged to attend court," and praying the court "to recom- GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS 89 mend to the county commissioners the erection of the necessary buildings for the accommodation of the Court and the Public." This petition was referred to the grand jury, and they recommended a new building, selecting the northeast corner of Fifth and Penn streets as the place for its erection. This return was approved by the court on Aug. 11, 1837, but the site was changed to the northeast comer of Sixth and Court streets, in order to obtain. a larger lot for the pro- posed building. The county commissioners then purchased two adjoining lots (120 by 230 feet) and during the years 1838, 1839 and 1840 erected on the site the western half of the present three- story brick building which fronts on Sixth street, the dimensions being 63 feet wide, 118 feet long and 60 feet high. The total cost was $63,000. A substantial fire-proof two-story extension was added at the rear in 1869 ; and this was subsequently en- larged, when numerous important improvements were introduced. The first session of court was held in it at August Term, 1840. Gas was introduced for lighting purposes in May, 1849, shortly after the Reading Gas Co. had estab- lished its plant. Previously oil in lamps was used. A new clock was placed in the steeple in October, 1851. The bell weighed nearly seventeen hundred pounds. From that time on, this has been the "town-clock," and town-bell for indicating "town- time." The clock-dials have been illuminated at night-time by electric light since 1895. The first floor was arranged in four compartments, the corner room, facing the streets, having been occupied as an office by the sheriff; and the second floor in four compartments for prisoners. The sheriff and family occupied the remaining rooms of the building; and this practice was continued till the prison system was changed by special legis- lation for Berks county, in 1848. The property was sold on Feb. 5, 1849, to William Rhoads, for $7,460, and by him converted into a store. It has been oc- cupied for store purposes ever since. A new prison was erected on the "Common," at the head of Penn street, by the county commission- ers in 1847-48, at a cost of $17,000. It is construct- ed of stone from Peon's Mount, and is situated on a lot of ground 170 by 300 feet, which is inclosed on the north, east and west by a high stone wall. The tower is 96 feet high. It is still standing, a fine specimen of superior workmar^ship. An addition, or "annex," was erected at the rear in 1869. The total number of cells is 94 — ^in the main part, 44, and in the annex, 50; arranged in two stories. State-House.— The "State-House" was erected by the county commissioners in 1793 for the accom- modation of the county officers and the public rec- ords. It was situated on .the northeast corner of Fifth and Penn streets; built of brick, two stories, 30 by 90 feet, with a narrow alley extending along the eastern wall from the front to the rear. An OLD JAIL Prisons. — The iirst prison was erected in 1770, on the northeast corner of Callowhill and Thomas streets (Fifth and Washington). It was construct- ed, of stone and plastered, two stories in height, and in dimensions 30 by 70 feet. The lot was 60 by 230 feet. A substantial stone wall, 20 feet high, was ■erected to inclose the lot to the depth of 130 feet. entry extended across the building near the center with its doorway on Fifth street; and a stairway led from this entry to the second floor. The first floor was divided into three compartments ; the first, adjoining Penn street, having been used for the prothonotary's office and clerk of Quarter Sessions ; the central for the recorder, register and clerk of 90 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the Orphans' court; and the rear for count}' com- missioners and county treasurer. The second floor was divided into two compartments, the front room having been occupied mostly for Sunday-school pur- poses and public meetings from 1819 for about twenty years, and the rear room for lodge purposes. The building was sold by the county commissioners upon the removal of the county offices and records to the new Court-House. The rear room on the first floor was used as the post-office from 1861 to 1865. necessary buildings, and seven directors were ap- pointed to proceed in the establishment of this public institution. They served till the election of three directors in October following, as provided in said Act. In the mean time (May 30, 1824) they pur- chased the "Brown farm," formerly known as the "Angelica farm," in Cumru township (owned anrt occupied during the Revolution by General Thomas jMifflin), three miles from Reading, situated on the Lancaster road, and containing 417^ acres, for the consideration of $16,690, and there erected a com- STATE HOUSE In January, 1872, a large fire broke out in Stichter's hardware store, near by, which spread over the adjoining buildings to the west, and con- sumed the entire comer, including the ''State- House." The inscription stone was preserved and given a place in the rear wall of the building which was soon afterward erected in its stead. PooR-HousE. — The poor people of the county were provided for by "overseers" till the passage of an Act of Assembly on March 29, 1824, especially for this county, whereby the county commissioners were authorized to levy a tax for the purpose of purchasing land and erecting and furnishing the modious building to accommodate the poor people of the county. This building was finished in 1825. It has since been known as the "Main Building." Other improvements were subseciuently made upon the premises, prominent among them being the "In- sane Building," erected in 1837 and 1843, and the "Hospital," in 1871-1874. The first poor persons were admitted on Oct. 31, 1825, from Reading. During the first year 130 inmates were admitted. Annually afterward the average number increased until 1878, when they reached 613; but since then they have gradually decreased until now, being about 250. CHAPTER V- BENCH AND BAR By the charter of William Penn and the several grants thereunder, various laws and ordinances were enacted from time to time ''for the good gov- ernment of the province/' and the regulation of its affairs was directed 'by officers, either appointed or elected, for the entire territory or for the counties comprising it. The several officers for the county were as follows : JUDGES— 1753 to 1790 Various Acts of Assembly were passed before 1722, for a period of forty years, to establish the powers of courts for the purpose of protecting men in the enjoyment of their personal rights, of re- dressing wrongs, of adjudicating the rights of prop- erty, and of administering estates, and in that year the law for the several courts of the province became settled, continuing so till the Revolution, with the exception of certain amendments by two supplementary Acts passed in 1759 and 1767. From the time of the erection of the county in 1752 down to 1776, the following persons acted in the capacity of justices, the length of service of several of them being unknown : Name Term Conrad Weiser. ..." 1752-60 Francis Parvin 1752-66 Anthony Lee Jonas Seely 1753-66 ; 1769 Henry Harvey 1752-62 William Bird 1752-55 William Maugridge 1756-66 Moses Starr James Boone Jacob Levan 1752-62 James Read Peter Spycker 1763-90 Joseph Millard 1768-69 Benjamin Lightfoot 1771-74 George Webb 1770-71; 1774 Thomas Rutter. . . , 1770-71 Jacob Morgan 1768-69 ; 1772 ; 1774-77 James Diemer 1766-71 John Patton 1766-75; 1777 George Douglass 1768-73 ; 1775-84 Henry Christ 1766-71; 1784-90 Sebastian Zimmerman 1767-71 ; 1778-84 Nicholas Harmony 1766-71 Mark Bird 1775-76 Daniel Brodhead William Reeser 1778-84 Jonathan Potts 1776-77 Balthaser Gehr 1775-84 Thomas Dunlap In 1776, the first constitution of the State pro- vided that a Supreme Executive Council should con- sist of twelve persons, who were to be chosen by ballot by the respective, counties for the term of three years. The apportionment gave one to Berks county. The following councillors were elected from Berks till the adoption of the Constitution of 1790. The term of the first was fixed at two years; and afterward three years. Name Term Richard Tea, elected in 1776, but declined to serve Jacob Morgan 1777-78 James Read : 1779-81; 1788-90 Sebastian Levan 1782-84 Charles Biddle 1785-87 This Constitution also provided for the establish- ments of courts of justice in every county of the State. The following persons officiated as judges of the county from 1776 till 1790. The first three were president judges of the courts for a time. Name Term James Diemer Henry Christ 1784-90 Peter Sypcker 1776-90 James Read Daniel Levan Valentine Eckert 1785 John Ludwig 1785 Jacob Morgan Charles Shoemaker 1785-90 Paul Groscup John Eckert '. .1786-87 Jacob Weaver 1785 John Otto 1786-87 Matthias Reichert 1788-90 Nicholas Hunter 1788 Egedius Meyer 1789-90 John ■ Christ 1789-90 And it provided also that each election district should elect two or more persons for the office of justice of the peace, and that the president of the Executive Council should commission one or more for each district for seven years. The following justices were elected in Berks county, and commis- sioned, from 1777 till 1790— the dash after the year indicating uncertainty whether or not the full term was served, and the repetition of the year indicating- re-election,: Name Term Henry Christ ■. 1777-84 ; 1784— Jacob Shoemaker 1777 — James Read 1777 — Daniel Hiester 1777 — Peter Spycker 1776-90 Jacob Weaver 1777-84 ; 1784— John Ludwig 1777-84; 1784— Benjamin Shott ' 1777 — Christopher Schultz 1777 — Samuel Ely 1777-84; 1784— Jacob Waggoner 1777 — Daniel Rothermel 1777 — John Old 1777— Chas. Shoemaker 1777-84; 1784— Egedius Meyer 1777-84; 1784— Jacob Morgan 1777-84; 1784— Thomas Parry 1777 — Michael Lindenmuth 1778 — 93 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Name Term Gabriel Hiester 1778— John Guldin 1780— Valentine Eckert 1784— Paul Groscup 1784 — John Eckert 1784— John Otto 1785— Matthias Reichert 1788-91 Nicholas Hunter 1788 — James Diemer 1788-91 JUDGES— 1790 TO 1909 The Constitution of 1790 provided for the estab- lishment of Circuit courts in the State to be com- posed of certain counties^ — not less than three nor more than six ; and for the appointment by the Gov- ernor of a president judge of the courts in each circuit, and also of other judges, not less than three nor more than four in number, whose residence should be in the county. All the judges appointed were to hold their offices during good behavior. In 1791, in pursuance of the Constitution of 1790, the State was divided into five judicial circuits or districts, and each district became entitled to a pres- ident judge. The Third District comprised Berks, Luzerne, Northampton, and Northumberland coun- ties. In 1806, the State was divided into ten dis- tricts, and Berks, Northampton, and Wayne com- prised the Third District. In 1811, Schuylkill county was erected and included in the district, but it was cut off in 1815. In 1812, Lehigh county was erected and included in the district. In 1834, the State was divided into seventeen districts, and Berks, Lehigh, .and Northampton comprised the Third District. The county of Berks was erected into a separate judicial district by the Act of April 5, 1849, and called the Twenty-third District. It has since been a separate district, with this, number in the judicial system. In 1810 the associate judges were limited to two in number. The provision in reference to the tenure of office was modified by the Amended Constitution of 1838. whereby the term of president judge was fixed at ten years, and of associate judge at five years. In 1850 an amendment to the Constitution was adopted which provided for the election of the judges for the terms mentioned. The first election was held in October, 1851. The office of additional law judge was created by the Act of April 15, 1869, for Berks county, with powers and term similar to those of president judge. The office of Orphans' court judge was created for the county by the Act of June 13, 1883, pursuant to the New Constitution ; and on the 29th of June following, the Governor made the first appointment. His judicial powers are confined to matters which arise in the Orphans' court; and the term of service is ten years. The office of associate judge was abolished by the New Constitution, the incumbents to continue in office until their terms of service expired. Before 1874, county officials took their offices on the second Monday of December succeeding their election. The New Constitution provided that thereafter they should take their offices on the first Monday of January succeeding. PRESIDENT JUDGES Name Terra Jacob Rush 1791-1805 John Spayd 1806-09 Robert Porter 1810-33 Garrick Mallery 1833-35 John Banks 1836-46 J. Pringle Jones 1847-48 ; 1851-61 David F. Gordon 1849-51 W. J. Woodward* 1861-71 ; 1871-74 Teremiah Hagenmanf 1875-79 ; 1880-89 James N. Ermpntrout} 1890-1908 Gustav .\. Endlich 1908-09 ADDITIONAL LAW JUDGES Name. Terra. Henry Van Reed§ 1869;1875 Jeremiah Hagenman|| 1869-7^ Augustus S. Sassaman 1876-85 James N. Ermentrout 1887-89 Gustav A. Endlich 1890-190S Wm. Kerper Stevens1[ 1908-09 orphans' court judges Name. Term. Hiram H, Schwartz** 1SS3-1891 H. Willis Bland ■. .1891-19— ASSOCIATE judges Name Term James Diemer 1791-1819 George Ege 1791-1818 Matthias Reichert 1791-97 Joseph Hiester 1791-94 Nicholas Lotz 1793-1806 Benjamin Morris 1798-1809 Gabriel Hiester 1819-23 Charles Shoemaker 1820-22 William Witman 1S23-2S Jacob Schneider 1824-29 Matthias S. Richards 1829-45 William Darling 1830-38 WilUam Addams 1839-42 John Stauffer 1843-51 William Pligh 1845-50 Samuel Bell 1851 Daniel Young 1851-50 William Heidenreich 1851-56 David Schall 1856-66 * Warren J. Woodward was elected one of the associate justices of the Supreme court of Pennsylvania, on Nov. S, 1S74, for the term of tv/enty-one years. He took and held his seat from' January 1875, till his death on Sept. 23, 1ST9. t Jeremiah Hagenmaii succeeded Warren J. Woodward, by pro- motion, on Jan. 13, 1S75, when he was sworn as president judse for the remainder of the term, ending Jan. 5, IS.SO. He was elected in November, 1879, for a term of ten" years. Not having been re- elected, Judge Ermentrout was promoted bv law to be president judge. i Died Aug. 19, 190S, and succeeded by Gustav .-\. Endlich. § Henry Van Reed, a member of the county bar, was appointed on July 13, 1869, by the Governor, John W. Geary, to fill the office, and he held his seat till his successor, duly elected, was qualified! Oec. 6 ],sr;9. He was n|ipointed a second time by the Governor, John F. Hartranft, on Jan. 12, 1876, to fill the vacancy in this office, caused by the promotion of Jeremiah Hagenman to "the oflice of president judge, until his successor, Augustus S. Sassaman, a member of the county bar, duly elected, was qualified on Tan 2, 1S76, for ten years. II Jeremiah Jlagenman was elected Oct. 15 1869, to this office for ten years from Dec. 6, 1869. He was promoted to the office of president judge, for the remainder of his term, on Jan. 13 1875 to fill the vacancy caused bv the resignation of Warren J 'Wood- ward, wdio had been elected to the Supreme bench. H Appointed, by Governor Sejit. 10, 1908, to serve till first Monday in January. 1910. ••Hiram H. Schwartz was appointed on Tune 29, 1883, to serve in this office till Jan. 7, 1SS4. He was nominated for the office, for the full term, by the Democratic Convention in August, 1883, :ind elected in November following. He died before the expiration of his term, on Aug. ;.-i, 1891, when H. Willis Bland was appointed bv the Governor, on Sept. 16. 1891, and he was elected, November, 1S92, for a full term; and at its expiration he was re-elected. BENCH AND BAR 93 Name Term George D. Stitzel 1856-66 Charles Kessler 1866-71 David Kutz* .- 1866-70 Henry Rhoads 1870-71 George W. Bruckman 1871-76 Daniel Buskirk. 1871-76 ATTORNEYS AT LAW The office of attorney at law is not an elective one. It never was. But it has existed time out o-f mind. It began with the administration of justice, and is inseparable from it. The history of attorneys would be the history of the courts of judicature. They have always occupied a prominent place. Their prominence has resulted from energy well directed in behalf of the rights and property of mankind, and also in behalf as well of the establishment as of the development of principles regulative of associations in every department of life. A law was enacted in this State as early as 1710 in relation to this office. Then the justices were authorized to admit any attorney or attorneys to plead in any of the established courts during good behavior. No provision was made as to the number or ability. In 1715, however, the authority of the justices was modified. They might admit "a com- petent number of persons, of honest disposition and learned in the Law, to practise as attorneys who shall behave themselves "justly and faithfully in their practice." And in 1727 a provision was made requiring such persons before they were admitted to take the following oath : "Thou shalt behave thy- self in the office of attorney within the court, ac- cording to the best of thy learning and ability, and with all good fidelity as well to the court as to the client; thou shalt use no falsehood, nor delay any person's cause for lucre or malice." And these qual- ifications have continued to this day. Since the adoption of the State and national constitutions they have- qualified to support them. This last qualification is common to all statutory officers. The following attorneys have resided in the coun- ty of Berks and practised in its several courts. The date after each name is the time of admission to practice. Name Admitted James Biddle David Henderson James Whitehead, Jr. Edward Biddle Daniel Levan, Jr Nov. 11, 1769 Collinson Read Aug. 13, 1772 James Potts Aug. 1, 1773 Daniel Clymer May 4, 1776 Alexander Graydon May 14, 1779 Edward Scull Aug. 17, 1779 Nathaniel Potts Aug. 14, 1781 Jacob Hubley Nov. 14, 1786 George Eckert Feb. 19, 1787 James Scull Feb. 19, 1787 Joseph Hubley Aug. 14, 1787 John Spayd Feb. 14, 1788 Peter Hoofnagle Feb. 14, 1788 * David Kutz having died in office Tuly 20, 1870, Henry Rhoads was appointed by Gov. John W. Geary, on Aug. 3, 1870, for unex- pired term ending Dec. 4, 1871. Name Admitted Marks John Biddle Dec. 9 Jacob R. Howell Feb. 11 Charles Evans ' Aug. 9 William Witman Aug. 20, Frederick Smith Aug. Levi Pauling Aug. 18, Bird Wilson May 14, Andrew Graff, Jr April 9, John Hiester •. . .Aug. 6, William S. Biddle June Frederick John Haller Nov. William Morris Aug. Anthony Morris Nov. Samuel D. Franks Aug. 10, James B. Hubley April 4, John Spayd April 2, Samuel Baird, Jr April 10, William Morris, Jr Nov. Thomas B. Smith July 4, James Biddle Aug. 9, Francis S. Muhlenberg. . ". May 8 Nathaniel P. Hobert ' Jan. 13 Charles Davis Aug. 4, Charles Whitman Aug. 9, William Darling Nov. 13 Edward B. Hubley April 5 James L. Dunn Nov. 10, W. C. Leavenworth Aug. 18 Daniel J. Hiester Aug. 4, Lloyd Wharton March 26, Lawrence S. Lardner April David F. Gordon Aug. Thomas Morris : Nov. Wm. FuUerton Duncan Jan. David Evans Jan. Henry W. Smith Jan. John S. Wharton March Edward P. Pearson May 23 Charles J. Jack Aug. 1 Robert M. Brook Aug. 2, John H. Sheetz Aug. 3 Joseph W. Roland Aug. 20, George M. Keim Aug. 11 Joseph H. Spayd Nov. 8 Philip Kendall Jan. 1, Elijah Deckert Jan. 4, Levi B. Smith J an. 10, William M. Biddle April 4, Jacob Hoffman , Nov. 10, Robert M. Barr Jan. 3 Peter Filbert Jan. 6 John Mayer Jan. 8 Henry Rhoads April 3 William Strong Nov. 8 George S. Wharton Aug. 15. James Pauling Nov. 7 Francis Aurand Nov. 13 William Betz '. J'an. 10| George G. Barclay April 10, Newton D. Strong Aug. 3 .^uFustus F. Boas < Aug. 4 J. Pringle Jones Nov. 2 Anthony F. Miller Aug. 15 Franklin B. Schoener Jan. John S. Richards April 4, Garrick Mallery Aug. 14 Dennis W. O'Brien Aug. 7 Jeremiah D. Bitting Aug. 8 Andrew M. Sallade Aug. 11 Jackson H. Sherman Aug. William M. Hiester Jan. Peter Shearer April Matthias Mengel April George E. Ludwig . . , Nov. 3, James Donagan Dec. 22 Samuel Sohl April 5 1788 1789 1791 1793 1795 1796 1798 1798 1798 1801 1801 1804 1804 1805 1809 1810 1810 1810 1814 1815 1816 1818 1818 1818 1818 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1824 1824 1824 1825 18'25 1825 1825 1825 1825 1825 1825 1825 1826 1826 1827 1827 1827 1827 1839 1831 1831 1831 1832 1832 1832 1833 1833 1834 1835 1835 1835 1835 1836 1837 1837 1837 1838 1838 1838 1839 1840 1840 1840 1840 1841 1843 94 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Name Adn: Jeremiah Hagenman April 7, J. Dundas Biddle May 17, Charles Wierman May 17, George W. Arms March 8 John K. Longnecker Nov. 6 Henry Van Reed April 5 William M. Baird April 12 Henry A. Muhlenberg July 5 Isaac High Keim July 5 Franklin B. Miller Dec. 14 Jacob S. Livingood Jan. 7 J. Glancy Jones Jan. 7 Silas E. Buzard April 8 Edward W. Scudder Aug. 4 Edward M. Clymer Aug. 4, J. Bowman Bell Jan. 5 J. Lawrence Getz Aug. 6 William B. Schoener Aug. 15 J. De Puy Davis Jan. 5 James May Jones Jan. 5, John Banks April 7 Samuel L. Young Aug. 10, A. Lucius Hennershotz Nov. 11, J. Biddle Gordon Jan. 6 James A. Banks Feb. 31, J. Bright Smith April William F. Filbert Aug, 9, A. Jordan S wartz Sept. 28, Joel B. Wanner Jan. 13 Jacob M. Sallade April 6^ John A. Banks April 6, Hiester Clymer April Charles B. Weaver Nov. Jacob K. McKenty April Henry C. Kutz April 34, Wm. Edmund Banks April 2,5 Wm-. S. Marx Aug. 4 Albert G. Green Nov. 11 Edmund L. Smith Nov. 11 George DeB. Keim , ."^pril 8 Charles K. Robeson April 8 E. R. Zimmerman April 8 Carl O. Wagner Nov. .5 Michael P. Boyer \ug. 8 Wharton Morris Nov. 15 George J. Eckert April 28, Frederick L. Smith Nov. 10 Amos B, Wanner Jan. 12 B. Frank Boyer March 15 Daniel R. Clymer Aug, 30 James B, Bcchtel April 14 William K. Loose April 14, Chas. Ph. Muhlenberg Nov, 8^ Daniel Ermentrout Aug. 3 Wm. H. Livingood Jan. 19 Hiram FL Schwartz July ] 4, Jesse G. Hawley Sept. 30, Thomas S. Brenholtz Sept. 20, J. George Seltzer Feb. 5 Abner K. Stauffer April 15 Edward H. Shearer .- April 15, John Ralston Aug. 14 Frank B. Schmucker Aug. 2 William P. Bard Feb. 9 Charles Henry Jones April 14 Richmond L. Jones April 14, Daniel E. Schroeder April 23, Charles A. Leopold April 33, J. Warren Tryon Nov. 14, J. Howard Jacobs Nov. 14, Augustus S. Sassaman Jan. 9, Israel C. Becker Jan. 33, Francis M. Banks May 31, Horace A. Yundt Aug. Charles H. Schaeffer Aug. 9 Franklin B. Laucks Aug, 13 itted Name Adm 1843 William M, Goodman Aug. 13 1842 Edwin Shaher Aug. 13, 1843 Louis Richards Jan. IG, 1843 Irenaeus Shalter Jan. 16, 1843 J. Ross Miller Aug. 7 1844 J. Dallas Schoener Aug. 7 1844 Henry May Keim Aug. 1844 Harrison Maltzberger Aug. 1844 Peter D. Wanner Nov. 1844 Llewellyn Wanner Aug. — , 1845 William M. Rightmyer Jan. 21, 1845 George M. Ermentrout Nov. 37, 1845 James N. Ermentrout Nov. 37, 1845 Geo. F. Baer Jan. 23, 1845 Chas, F. Evans April 38, 1846 T. H. Garrigues. Aug. 10, 1848 Ben. B. Laucks Jan. 11, 1846 H. WilHs Bland April 13 1847 Henry C. G. Reber April 12, 1847 Cyrus G. Derr Aug. 13 1847 Wm. L. Guinther Nov. 14, 1847 Morton L, Montgomery Aug. 28 1847 Garrett B. Stevens Aug. 13, 1848 Horace Roland Aug. 12, 1848 Edgar M. Levan Aug. 17, 1848 Frank R. Schell Sept. 16, 1848 Edwin White Moore Sept. 30, 1848 James A. O'Reilly Jan. 13 1849 Stephen M, ^^leredith Aug. 11 1849 Dan'l H. Wingerd Sept. 39 1849 Hiram Y. Kaufman Nov. 9, 1849 John C. K. Heine April 12 1850 B. Frank Dettra April 12, 1851 B. F. Y. Shearer April 13 1851 C. H. Ruhl April 15 1851 B. F. AIcAtee April 15 1851 Jno. F. Smith Aug. 9, 1851 Jefferson Snyder Aug. 1851 John B. Dampman Nov. 1852 Flenry A. Muhlenberg Nov. 1852 Daniel B. Young Jan. 10, 1852 Adam H. Schmehl Jan. 10 1852 Edwin B. Wiegand Jan. 18 1853 Wesley D. Horning April 17 1854 Gustav A. Endlich Nov. 12, 1855 Simon P, O'Reilly Jan. 14^ 1855 Wayne Hayman Jan, 14^ 1857 Henry .\. Zieber April 10 1857 Isaac Hiester \^v 13 1857 J. H. Marx Aug. 13 1858 Jeremiah K. Grant Nov. 1858 Walter B. Craig ' Nov. 12 1859 D, Nicholas Schaeffer Nov. 12 1859 M. Brayton McKnight Nov'. 12 1860 Israel C. Becker Dec. 12, 1860 Daniel G. Guldin j^„ og 1860 Warren Woodward Jan' 20, 1860 Chas. P. Sherman ,Au"-. 11 1861 Frank S. Livingood Au^ 11 1861 John W. Apple .".".' .'Xug. 11 1861 Henry D. Green t^Tqv 10 1863 William C. Heacock ' " \pril 19' 1863 William O. :Miller '. . . .".'.\pril 12 1863 Chas. M. Plank .Nov 22 1863 William J. Rourke isTov ^^ 1863 Albert R. Heilig .....'. Nov! 23 1863 Alonzo E. Ream .Nov! 33 1863 Geo. F. Hagenman Jan. 24 1863 Israel H, Rothermel ' ' Auo-' ^0 1863 John H. Rothermel ' " " /Vu?' ^o 1864 Daniel F. Westley "■.■,; '. ^Tqv 14 1864 Charles C. Kehr Nov" 14 1864 Henry Maltzberger !!!!'.!'.'. Nov 14 1864 George J. Gross, Jr Nov! 14 1804 Henry. 0. Schrader Nov 13 1864 I. Comley Fetter ' "nov 13 BENCH AND BAR 95 Name Admitted James B. Baker Nov. 13, 1882 Adam B. Rieser Nov. 13, 1882 EUwood H. Deysher Nov. 13, 1882 Richard H. Koch Nov. 12, 1883 Henry P. Keiser Nov. 12, 1883 J. Edward Miller Nov. 12, 1883 Felix P. Kremp Nov. 12, 1883 Charles H. Tyson Nov. 10, 1884 William B. Bechtel Nov. 10, 1884 Frank K. Flood Nov. 10, 1884 Philip S. Zieber Nov. 10, 1884 William Kerper Stevens Nov. 10, 1884 Howard P. Wanner Nov. 9, 1885 William P. Schell March 13, 1886 Daniel F. Ancona Nov. 8, 18§6 Caleb J. Bieber Nov. 8, 1886 Edwin Sassaman March 28, 1887 David Levan Nov. 14, 1887 Morris H. Schaffer Nov. 14, 1887 Ammon S. Strunk Nov. 14, 1887 Samuel N. Potteiger Nov. 24, 1888 Abraham H. Rothermel Nov. 24, 1888 Herbert R. Green „ .Jan. 21, 188A Ira P. Rothermel Jan. 21, 1888 George R. VanR^ed Jan. 21, 1888 Edward S. Kremp Nov. 23, 1889 David F. Mauger Nov. 23, 1889 John H. Zweizig Nov. 23, 1889 John J. Kutz Nov. 10, 1890 George W. Wagner Nov. 10, 1890 William J. Young , Nov. 10, 1890 Fitz-Daniel Ermentrout Nov. 7, 1892 Lee Friday Nov. 7, 1892 J. Fred Hartgen Nov. 6, 1893 Ralph H. Mengel Nov. 6, 1893 Silas R. Rothermel Nov. 6, 1893 Howard L. Greenawald Nov. 12, 1894 Harvey F. Heinly Nov. 12, 1894 Louis A. Sassaman Nov. 13, 1894 Walter S. Young Nov. 12, 1894 Sherman H. Hoverter Nov. 11, 1895 John H. Millholland Nov. 11, 1895 Frederick W. Nicolls Nov. 11, 1895 Robert P. Shick Nov. 11, 1895 Hiester A. Bowers Nov. 11, 1895 S. Leo Donovan Nov. 9, 1896 Wilson Ferguson Nov. 9, 1896 J. Wilmer Fisher , Nov. 9, 1896 Tames P. Long Nov. 9, 1896 William Rick Nov. 9, 1896 Ira G. Kutz , Nov. 8, 1897 Thomas K. Leidy Nov. 8, 1897 Name Admitted William A. Hope May 21, 1898 George D. Humbert Nov. 14, 1898 George M. Jones Nov. 14, 1898 Harvey F. Kantner Nov. 14, 1898 J. Milton Miller Nov. 14, 1898 Paul H. Price ■ Nov. 14, 1898 Harry D. Schaeffer • Nov. 14, 1898 Henry Seidel Throm '. Nov. 14, 1898 Allen S. Hottenstein Dec. 13, 1898 Harry J. Dumn Jan. 3, 1899 Samuel E. Bertolet Nov. 13, 1899 Joseph R. Dickinson Nov. 13, 1899 Edwin W. Kalbach Nov. 13, 1899 Edwin S. Livingood Nov. 13, 1899 William H. Sadler Nov. 13, 1899 Edward D. Trexler Nov. 13, 1899 Charles S. Shalters Dec. 23, 1899 Garrett Stevens Dec. 23, 1899 Foster S. Biehl - Nov. 12, 1900 Charles K. Derr Nov. 12, 1900 John M. Frame Nov. 12, 1900 William E. Fisher Nov. 12, 1900 Walter B. Freed Nov. 12, 1900 Earl I. Koch Nov. 12, 1900 Oliver G. Lentz Nov. 12, 1900 Frederick A. Marx Nov. 12, 1900 Charles G. Moyer Nov. 12, 1900 Wilson S. Rothermel Nov. 12, 1900 Charles R. Wanner Jan. 7, 1901 J. Bennett Nolan Nov. 18, 1901 Oliver M. Wolff Sepft. 8, 1902 John H. Bridenbaugh Nov. 10, 1902 E. Carroll Schaeffer Nov. 10, 1902 John B. Stevens Nov. 10, 1902 Thomas laeger Snyder Nov. 10, 1902 H. Robert Mays Feb. 20, 1904 H. Franklin Brossman March 7, 1904 William A. Shomo Oct. 3, 1904 Spencer B. Roland Nov. 7, 1904 Walter G. Steininger Feb. 13, 1905 William Abbott Witman, Jr Feb. 13, 1905 J. Howard Jacobs Aug. 14, 1905 James B. Mercer Aug. 14, 1905 Randolph Stauffer Feb. 13, 1906 H. Otto Lowe May 14, 1906 Robert Gray Bushong Sept. 22, 1906 Leonard G. Yoder Sept. 22, 1906 Frank D. Arnold Oct. 9, 1906 John S. Rader Nov. 5, 1906 John K. Hahn March 11, 1907 John Arthur Keppelman Sept. 19, 1907 Wayne W. Light Feb. 10, 1908 CHAPTER VI - MEDICAL PROFESSION Practitioners of medicine were located in all the sections of the county from the earliest settlements, but their names have not been preserved because there was no place to register them. But they were scattered many miles apart. On this account, cases of ordinary sickness were generally attended to by the parents of the family, and the adminis- tration of home remedies was practised. The phys- icians in active practice were of the allopathic school altogether, those of the homoeopathic school not having started in the county until about 1838. Mid- wifery was in general use. Pow-wowing was prao tised to a considerable extent until in recent years, when it was gradually abandoned as education be- came more thorough and regular physicians more Resolved, That one hundred copies of the constitution and by-laws of the Medical Faculty of Berks county be printed in pamphlet form, under the superintendence of a committee consisting of Drs. Otto, Baum and Bishop, and that the proceedings of this evening, together with the inaugural address of the president, be pubHshed in the several papers of this borough, signed loy the president and attested by the secretary. On motion, 'Resolved, That the president deliver an ora-, tion in public as soon as may be convenient, in the name and on behalf of this faculty. The faculty adjourned to the next stated meeting on the first Saturday in October next, at 7 o'clock, p.m. Charles Baum, Recording Secretary. The members who subscribed the charter of in- corporation were as follows : numerous. Medical practising associated Faculty of Berks County. — The physicians of this county, having and become a body politic in law (incorporated July 14, 1824), under the above style and title, met agreeably to public notice, on Saturday evening, Aug. 7, 1824, at the public building of this borough, and duly orga- nized their institution. Dr. Isaac Hiester was called to the chair, and Dr. Charles Baum ap- pointed secretary. The charter and bv-laws hav- ing been read, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing 3'ear : Isaac Hies- ter, president; C. L. Schlemm and John B. Otto, vice-presidents; Charles Baum, recording sec- retary; William J. C. Baum and Edward Hay- dock, corresponding secretaries; George Eckert, treasurer; Bernard M' Nicil and Gerhard G. Bishop, curators. The president delivered a short address to the association, and then proceeded agreeably to the by-l/aws to appoint a standing committee of three members for the examination of candi- dates for the grade of junior membiership. The following gentlemen composed the committee : C. L. Schlemm, John B. Otto and Charles Baum. The following resolutions were then ofifered, discussed and adopted : Resolved, That the members of the Medical Faculty be requested to furnish monthly to the corresponding secre- taries, a list of the diseases and deaths that may occur in their respective neighborhoods, and an account of the general health of the county, together with such remarks as they may deem proper for publication. Resolved, That it is expedient to apprize the public of the existence of small pox in this borough, and that inafl- much as this body retains undiminished confidence in vac- cination, this mild and safe preventative be strongly recom- mended in all cases deemed liable to the infection of that loathsome and too often fatal disease. Resolved, That the students in medicine of Berks county have permission to attend the meetings and deliberations of this body. Honorary William Wood Isaac Hiester John B. Otto John F. Baum Charles Baum William Cries Geo. N. Eckert Jacob Rodrock Junior Bernard M'Neil (N. Y.) Jonathan F. Evans Enos Chichester Gerk G. Bischotz Edward Haydock August Klein C. L. Schlemim William J. C. Baum The charter was approved by Frederick Smith (of Reading), then attorney-general of Pennsyl- vania, on June 3, 1824 ; and by William Tilghman, John B. Gibson and Thomas Duncan, judges of the Supreme court, on June 4, 1824. Dr. Hiester, upon assuming the duties of the office to which he was unanimously chosen, deliv- ered an admirable address to the faculty. Among other things, he said that this organization was the first of the kind in Pennsylvania, excepting the College of Physicians and Medical Society of Phil- adelphia. This society continued to exist, hold regular meet- ings and annually send representatives to the State Medical Society for a period of twenty years. On Feb. 23, 1850, the society was reorganized and the name changed to the "Medical Society of the City of Reading and the County of Berks," with the object of cultivating the science of medicine in all its collateral branches, to elevate and sustain medi- cal character, to encourage a system of profes- sional etiquette and to promote mutual improve- ment, social intercourse and good feeling among the members of the medical profession. No person could become a member of this society unless he were a graduate of some recognized medical col- lege. In 1866, the name was changed to Berks County Medical Society. In 1867 it "took the first steps toward establishing a public hospital at Read- ing, which eventually culminated in the Reading Hospital. The society was disbanded in 1870, with a mem- ber.ship of thirty-seven. This dissolution grew out MEDICAL PROFESSION 97 of a factional fight over an attempt to expel one of its prominent members. The one faction, num- bering twenty-two physicians, immediately after the dissolution, on the same day (Nov. 22, 1870), assembled at the office of Dr. John B. Brooke, No. 44 North Fourth street, Reading, and organ- ized another society entitled "Berks County Med- ical Association." The names of the organizers were as follows : J. S. Ammon J. Brobst Edward Brobst J. B. Brooke Geo. W. Byerle Joseph Coblentz A. B. Dundor J. S. Hunsberger S. L. Kurtz De B. Kuhn C. Kreye J. M. Matthews William Moore J. M. Newpher J. Y. Shearer J. K. Seaman J. B. Sterley C. Turner D. A. Ulrich Edward Wallace Charles Weber W. Murray Weidman After a temporary organization, a resolution was passed to the. effect that the new society be formed for mutual improvement in connection with the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Amer- ican Medical Association. . The constitution and by- laws were adopted at a meeting held Jan. 3, 1871 ; and a permanent organization was effected by elect- ing William Moore, president; J. S. Ammon and James M. Matthews, vice-presidents;' W. Murray Weidman, recording secretary; J. B. Brooke, cor- responding secretary; D. A. Ulrich, treasurer; Ed- ward Wallace, J. A. Brobst, De B. Kuhn, censors ; and Joseph Coblentz, curator. The name was then changed from the Berks County Medical Association to the Medical Society of the County of Berks ; and it was decided that the meetings be held bi-monthly and a business meeting should alternate with a meeting for the discussion of topics relating to the profession. At the meeting of the society held in Stauffer's Hall (the meeting place at that time and for several years afterward) March 7, 1871, Drs. S. L. Kurtz, D. A. Ulrich and Edward Wallace, a committee appointed to represent this society at the annual meeting of the State Medical Society at Philadel- phia, reported that they had gained recognition from that body, were admitted as members and the board of censors had approved of the society's con- stitution and by-laws. The first delegate election of this society for sending representatives to the American Medical Association was held on March 7, 1871, and Drs. Kuhn, Wily and Moore were selected for that pur- pose. The Rocietv made its first annual visit to the Poor-House in March, 1871. In 1872, the subject of vaccination received the official indorsement of the society. In 1875, the place of meeting of the society was changed to the office of Dr. J. B. Brooke. In 1878, it favored the passage of a law by the State Legislature concerning "privileged communi- cations," so as to place physicians on an equality 7 with other professions as witnesses in a court ot justice; and in that same year, the delegates to the State Society were instructed to favor a resolution, in connection with other county societies, that no member should admit into his office a student of medicine until he presented a certificate showing his educational qualifications; which the State So- ciety adopted. Shortly afterward, they encouraged the movement relating to the registration of all practising physicians, which culminated in the pas- sage of the Act of June 8, 1881, which required every practitioner to register his name and qualifi- cations in the prothonotary's office. In 1880, the society first started lectures on special topics, and on Sept. 7th, Dr. E. H. Coover, of Har- risburg, delivered a lecture on "spinal curvature." In 1881, the meeting place of the society was changed to the Reading Library, where it remained for several years, and then it was removed to the council chanibers temporarily. The stibject of per- manent quarters was then discussed and a commit- tee (consisting of Drs. Cleaver, Bachman and Keiser) was appointed to make the necessary in- quiries, not only for a meeting place but also for a "Medical Library," which had been earnestly advo- cated. In the course of their inquiries. Dr. John B. Raser, druggist, voluntarily offered a room in his store building at Sixth and Walnut streets, sec- ond story front, free of rent for an indefinite time, and this offer the society gratefully accepted. The quarters were then established in the Raser building and the meetings have been held there regularly ever since. Xhe membership in 1909 was 100. Immediately after its removal to this convenient place, Dr. W. Murray Weidman took a special in- terest in the establishment of a Medical Library and collected a large number of medical works as the foundation for its development, and this inter- est he continued with great earnestness until his decease in 1903, all the members of the society recognizing his services in that behalf. The library embraced a fine collection oi the best medical works and in 1909 numbered altogether about 1,375 volumes. In 1883, the by-laws were amended, relating to the requirements of students and condemning the practice of copyrighting common pharmaceutical preparations under trade-marks; and in 1883, the society passed a resolution encouraging the estab- lishment of a suitable building at Washington for a National Medical Library and Surgical Museum. In 1884, the State delegates of the society were instructed to favor the creation of a State Board of Health ; which came to be established in 1885. In June, 1891, the Medical Society of the State held its forty-second annual convention at Reading. The proceedings were interesting and among the papers read there was one by Dr. Israel Cleaver, entitled the "History of the Medical Profession in Berks County." In that paper Dr. Cleaver stated that the State Society had been organized at Lan- caster in 1848, and its first annual convention had 98 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA been held at Reading in 1849. Then the local so- ciety had a membership of twenty-six. Two of the presidents of the State Society had been selected from the Berks County Society: Dr. John P. Hiester, in 1853 ; and Dr. Edward Wallace, in 1862. Since the organization of the Society in 1870, the members have held annual banquets in January and outings in August, which have been distinguished for their literary excellence and true sociability. The membership in 1909 numbered 87. Reading Medpcal Association was organized May 27, 1850, with the following physicians as its first officers : President, William M. Gries ; vice-president, John P. Hiester; recording secretary, Edward Wallace; corresponding secretary, L. L. Stewart ; treasurer, Charles H. Hunter. The meetings were not held regularly until 1867 ; then, on July 30th, a third re-organization having been effected, a new constitution and by-laws were adopted. Its meetings have been held ever since at the same places as the county society. The mem- bers are practising allopathic physicians of Reading and the surrounding towns. Membership in 1909 was 65. The Pathological Society was organized May 10, 1871, with the following physicians as its first officers : President, D. L. Beaver; vice-presidents, Martin Luther, B. F Bunn ; secretary and treasurer, M. Albert Rhoads. The members constituted the other faction of physicians upon the disbanding of the "Berks County Medical Society," and they kept up its meet- ings for nearly twent)^ years. During this time, the bitter feeling, shown in such a marked manner in 1870, had entirely subsided and the surviving members had gradually identified themselves with the "Medical Society of Berks County." Allop.vthic Practitioners. — The names of the allopathic physicians of the county, with college and year of graduation, are presented herewith in alphabetical order; and they have been classified as at Reading, in the boroughs, and in the several sections of the county. [D indicates decease ; R, removed out of county.] RE.\DING Jacob S. Ammon, D U. of Pa., 1868 George W. Ammon, D Jefferson, 1888 Jacob D. Albright Phila. Med.-Chi., 1893 Solomon G. Birch, D Jefferson, lS2o Joseph Brackbill U. of Pa., 1869 George B. M. Bower Maryland Univ.. 1887 Henry G. Baer Jefferson, 1888 John L. Bower Jefferson, 1888 Samuel R. Bricker Jefferson, 1889 Francis H. Brobst Jefferson, 1888 Daniel R, Brobst Jefferson, 189,5 John M. Bertolet Jefferson, 1896 Hiester Bucher XJ. of Pa., 1897 Josiah T. Bunting, R U. of Pa., 1894 Thomas C. Buchanan U. of Pa.. 1900 Samuel G. Burkholder N. W. Univ., 1900 John B. Brooke, D Jefferson, 1858 D. Llewellvn Beaver, D Pa. College, 1841 Daniel B. D. Beaver U, of Pa., 1871 Charles W. Bachman Jefiferson, 1881 Darius Z. Bowman, D Baltimore, 1880 Jeremiah K. Bowers Phila. Amer. Univ., 1373 John N. Becker Jefferson, 1882 Frank W. Bucks Jefferson, 1886 William S. Bertolet U. of Pa., 1900 Henrv P. Brunner U. of Pa., 1908 Joseph Coblentz, D U. of Pa., 1849 Israel Cleaver U. of Pa., 1863 Alfred J. Cressman, D U, of Pa., 1879 Emma O. Cleaver Pa. Woman's, 1895 Ferdinando Colletti Italy, 1896 R. M. Culler Jefferson, 1901 George Ray Curry Bait. Med. College, 1906 Charles A. Deininger, D U. of P., 1855 William N. Davis, D Jefferson, 1860 Adam B. Dundor Jefferson, 1862 W. N. Davis, D Jefferson, 1860 Aaron C. Detweiler, D Jefferson, 1864 Washington C. Detweiler, D Jefferson, 1877 Thomas A. Dunkel, D Jefferson, 1865 William B. Dewees, D U. of P., 1877 Joseph C. Davis Jefferson. 1875 C. A. F. Detweiler Phila. Med.-Chi., 1888 Charles J. Dietrich U. of Pa., 1903 George E. Dietrich Med.-Chi., 1906 Samuel C. Ermentrout U. of Pa., 1866 Jacob R. Esterly, R Jefferson, 1891 Albert F. East Jefferson, 1893 John V. Epler, D Pa. College Oliver H. Fisher U. of Pa., 1873 James A. Fisher, D Pa. College, 1853 Elias H. Frantz, D Jefferson, 1873 F. W. Frankhauser Jefferson, 1880 Oscar Edwin Fox U. of Pa.. 1906 John F. Feick Jefferson, 1872 John R. Faust Baltimore, 1886 E. H. Fenstermaker Baltimore. 1898 William E. Fisher U. of Pa., 1899 Lloyd H. Feick Baltimore, 1903 George S. Goodhart, D Pa. College. 1849 Frank H. Good, D U. of Pa., 1878 John B. Griesemer, D Jefferson, 1856 Charles H. Gerhard U. of Pa., 190S W. H. Goodenough. D 1866 Frederick Grander, R Jefferson, 1885 David S. Grim Michigan Univ.. 1900 James R. Gerhard U. of Pa., 1901 Malcolm Z. Gearhart Jefferson. 1906 Franklin J. Gable Jefferson, 1907 Wellington D. Griesemer Jefferson, 1908 Charles H. Hunter. D U. of Pa.. 1841 Frank M. Hiester. D U. of Pa., 1852 Samuel B. Heckman. D Jefferson! 1868 J. S. Hinnershotz, D jj. of Pa., 1881 Robert P. Huyett Tefferson! 1879 James ]M, Hoffman, D Teffer^on 1858 H. H. Herbst, R U. of Pa., 1881 .Joseph H. Hagenman. D U. of Pa., 1871 Charles Edward Hoffman, D Isaac Hiester, D .- . . U. of Pa., Tohn P. Hiester, D JJ. of Pa!i James M. Hoffman, D U. of Pa.! Henry Hagenman, D .' . 13,53 Howard F. Hansell Jefferson, 1879 Harry A. Hepler Jj. of Pa., 1888 William T. Hoffman, D Jefferson, 1854 Irvin H. Hartman Jj, of Pa.! 1895 William A, J. Halbeisen Jefferson, 1897 Oscar E. Hofmann "Jefferson, 1907 Grace M. Harcourt, R Baltimore, 1901 Ralph A, Harding Geo. Washinston Univ., 1908 Erie G. Plawman U. of Pa., 1905 John Y. Hoffman, D Jefferson, 1880 MEDICAL PROFESSION 99 Isaac B. Hacker Jefferson, Frank N. Irvin, R U. of Pa. George F. Johnson Jefferson Jacob R. Johns Jefferson Charles W. F. Kreye, D Germany, Samuel L. Kurtz Jefferson L. De B. Kuhn, R U. of Pa, Ellis J. Kurtz Jefferson James W. Keiser, D. U. of Pa. Thomas E. Krum Baltimore; Clarence M. Kurtz Jefferson, Ehzabeth Kendig, R Pa. Woman's Henry G. Krause : Phila. Med.-Chi Clifford L. Kaucher Med.-Chi., Franklin J. Kantner Jefferson Chester K. Kistler Jefferson, Elmer C. Kieffer Phila. Med.-Chi. Alvin J. ' Kistler Jefferson, J. W. Kaufman Jefferson Clara Shettef Keiser Pa. Woman's George W. Kehl Pa. W. Univ. Morris W. Koch, R JefferSbn Meyer J. Katz, R Jefferson, Martin Luther, D Jefferson, Henry Landis, D U. of Pa., E. J. Longhorn, R Charles G. Loose U. of Pa., Daniel G. Long ; U. of Pa James B. Lewis U. of Pa. Bernard R. Lee, R Jefferson Thomas H. Leidy Jefferson, Emil C. Luks Berlin Daniel Longaker Pa. W. Univ. John W. Luther, R U. of Pa. Israel J. K. Light, R U. of Pa. William W. Livingood Pa. W. Univ. George K. Levan Med.-Chi. Jacob Marshall, D U. of Pa. Miles F. McTaggart, R Pa. Eclectic, Isaac L. Mingle Jefferson James D. Y. Madeira Jefferson, Thomas B. Miller Baltimore, Edward G. Meter Phila. Med.-Chi, John E. Medley Phila. Med.-Chi Thomas H. Mackin Pa. W. Univ, William F. Muhlenberg U. of Pa James M. Matthews Jefferson Philip D. Marshall, D Jefferson Elija Martin Charles McDonough, D Pa. College, Henry C. Mohr, D..., Jefferson John C. McCoy N. Y. Univ. Matthias Mengel, Jr., R U. of Pa. Frederick LeRoy Mattern Jefferson Rudolph C. MoUmann U. of Pa., Hiester M. Nagle, D Jefferson William V. D. Nichols, R U. of Pa, Bodo Otto, D ■. Gottingen, John A. Otto, D John B. Otto, D U. of Pa., George W. Overholser Pa. W. Univ. John H. Orff Baltimore, Jonathan Potts, D Phila. Med. Inst. Theodore Pachla, D ' Germany, James B. R. Powell U. of Pa Louis W. Prevost Howard M. Parvin Baltimore, Ambrose Peffer, R Jefferson, Frank Rieser, Pa. College M. S. Reber U. of Pa. M. Albert Rhoads, D Jefferson Simon Reinbold Germany, A. S. Raudenbush Jefferson Walter S. Riegel, R U. of Pa. Harry F. Rentschler Jefferson, Howard S. Reeser Jefferson Wilson H. Rothermel Jefferson 1879 Walter A. Rigg U. of Pa., 1895 1893 Mayer Rosen Jefferson, 1897 1887 Charles Roland U. of Pa., 1898 1889 John H. Rorke U. of Pa., 1901 1845 Homer J. Rhode -. Pa. W. Univ., 1901 1854 Samuel B. Rigg U. of Pa., 1903 1854 Frank G Runyeon U. of Pa., 1903 1880 Charles T. Reber, D Jefferson, 1856 1882 R. B. Rowe U. of Pa., 1885 1886 C. W. G. Schlemm, D Pa. College, 1848 1886 W. E. Schlemm, D U. of Pa., 1854 1886 John Stephen, D U. of Pa., 1846 ,1887 C. E. Shoemaker, D Pa. College, 1860 1907 John B. Sterley, D Phila. Med.-Chi., 1857 1888 George W. Seip Jefferson, 1863 1897 Adam Schoener, D Pa. College, 1840 1899 Decatur G. Schoener, D Pa. College, 1853 1902 Frederick Spang, D Jefferson, 1860 1896 Charles J. Schulze, D Germany (1848), 1853 1885 Erastus R. Scholl, D Pa. College, 1856 1893 Aaron Smith, D N. Y. Med., 1854 1896 Thomas A. Strasser U. of Pa., 1867 1903 S. W. Sine U. of Pa., 1871 1848 Ann Jane Schulze 1863 1861 John Stolze, D Phila. Eclectic, 1865 1871 Walker R. Stephen, D U. of Pa., 1872 1868 L N. E. Shoemaker, D 1870 1875 John Schoenfeld, D ; 1861 1878 Stanley Smith Jefferson, 1868 1879 John K. Seaman N. Y. Bellevue, 1869 1869 Albert Simon, D 1870 1853 Rudolph B. Schulze Jefferson, 1883 1891 Albert W. Sovereen Ontario, 1870 1899 Mary A. Swayze, R Pa. Woman's, 1873 1899 Horace E. Schlemm Jefferson, 1886 1899 John M. Stephen Jefferson, 1887 1908 Eliza A. Shetter, R Pa. Woman's, 1886 1810 [acob W. Seip Jefferson, 1883 1865 ira G Shoemaker Phila. Med.-Chi., 1891 1866 George R. Shenk .".Jefferson, 1889 1883 William Seaman U. of Pa., 1892 1896 John Shartle Jefferson, 1893 1897 Edwin D. Schaeffer Baltimore, 1893 1898 Seymour T. Schmehl Jefferson, 1891 1900 Harry D. Stryker U. of Pa., 1893 1868 Mary McD. Shick Pa. Woman's, 1895 1840 Alvah A. Swayze Baltimore, 1897 1852 Christopher Shearer U. of Pa., 1897 1861 Albert N. Seidel Baltimore, 1901 1848 Edwin Y. Seyler Baltimore, 1903 1871 Amos B. Schnader, R Jefferson, 1903 1879 Wayne L. Schearer U. of Pa., 1904 1885 Charles K. Seidel Baltimore, 1904 1903 Sidney J. Sondheim U. of Pa., 1907 1908 Walter H. Scheehl Med.-Chi., 1907 1857 Henry Tyson, D Pa. College, 1843 1885 L. H. Thompson, D .' Jefferson, 1853 1735 Oan J. Thompson Jefferson, 1895 Louis L. Thompson Jefferson, 1896 1808 Samuel B. Taylor Jefferson, 1895 1902 Daniel A. Ulrich, D Jefferson, 1841 1904 Alexander H. Witman, D U. of Pa., 1768 Harrison T. Witman Jefferson, 1861 1865 Edward Wallace, R U. of Pa., 1878 W. Murray Weidman, D U. of Fa., 1860 1886 M. LeRoy Wenger, D ' N. Y. Bellevue, 1874 1887 Gershom Wenger U. of Pa., 1881 1887 W. W. A. Wulfingh, D Amsterdam, 1876 1852 Albert P. Walter Baltimore, 1884 1863 Levi F. Wagner Phila. Med.-Chi., 1890 1868 Victor W. Wickert Jefferson, 1891 1863 William S. Wray, R U. of Pa., 1896 1864 A. Wildberger r. . .U. of Pa., 1892 1892 Abraham K. Wanner Jefferson, 1898 1893 LeRoy J. C. Wenger N. Y. Univ., 1903 1867 William C. Werts, R Baltimore, 1904 1894 John G Wilson, R Phila. Med.-Chi.. 1904 100 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Raymond K. Weber Jefferson, 1905 Jesse Levan Wagner U. of Pa., 1907 Harry H. Wanner Jefferson, 1907 Rex S. K. Wood U. of Mich, and Jeff., 1907 Abel E. West Leonard Coll., N. C, 190S C. K. Young Baltimore, 1879 BOROUGHS Enoch Bricker, Bernville, D William S. Bieber, Kutztown Wellington G. Byerle, Bernville Jefferson, 1853 John A. Brobst, Bernville U. of Pa., 1S67 Edward Brobst, West Leesport, D Pa. College, 1853 Martin L. Bertolette, Mt. Penn U. of Pa., 1878 John S. Bowman, Boyertown U. of Pa., 1878 Benjamin F. Bunn, Birdsboro, D Jefferson, 18-16 Henry B. Brusstar, Birdsboro, R Jefferson, 1873 John S. Borneman, Boyertown U. of Pa., 1878 Daniel Deppen, Bernville, D James Donagan, Kutztown Darius D. Deppen, Bernville, D Pa. College, 1853 Darius W. Dundor, Womelsdorf U. of Pa., 1881 Frank P. Dundor, West Leesport Jefferson, 1870 Charles B. Dotterer, Boyertown Med. -Chi., 1907 C. F. DeLong. Bechtelsvi'lle. D N. Y. Univ., 1888 N. Z. Dunkelberger, Kutztown Phila. Med.-Chi., 1890 George N. Eckert, Womelsdorf, D 1824 L. K. Francis, Boyertown U. of Pa., 1871 A. M. Fretz, Fleetwood U. of Pa., 1803 A. P. Fogleman, Womelsdorf U. of Pa., 1884 George W. Fahrenbach, Bernville Baltimore, 1900 William Gries, Womelsdorf, D ■ U. of Pa., 1823 Charles A. Gerasch, Kutztown, D Germany Alexander S. Gillars, Birdsboro Jefferson, 1888 Oscar T. Gehris, Fleetwood Boston Univ., 1898 Reuben Haines, Kutztown W. H. J. Henkey, Boyertown Jefferson, 1879 Edward Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1853 Edward L. Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1886 A. C. L. Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1871 William Harris, Hamburg, D Jefferson, 1869 William J. Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1889 Eugene T. Hancock, Boyertown, R Jefferson, 1891 A. S. C. Herman, Topton '.U. of Pa., 1881 M. A. Hengst, Birdsboro, D Jefferson, 1878 Charles A. Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1895 Aaron E. Hain, Birdsboro U. of South, 1895 James A. Harris, Hamburg Jefferson, 1896 Milton E. Hartman, Fleetwood Jefferson, 1902 E. K. Hottenstein, Kutztown Jefferson, 1883 George Hetrick, Birdsboro Jefferson, 1885 Henry W. Johnson, Boyertown, D Jefferson, 1841 Frederick S. Kaufman, Kutztown U.of Pa., 1891 Isaac L Kalbach, Centreport Jefferson, 1893 Oscar F, Kunkel, Lenhartsville Jefferson, 1903 James C. Livingood, Womelsdorf, D 1841 Louis Livingood, Womelsdorf, D Jefferson, 1854 John Lesher, Womelsdorf John Livingood, Womelsdorf, D Horace F. Livingood, Womelsdorf Jefferson, 1882 Charles E. Lerch. Womelsdorf Jefferson, 1905 George H. Landis, Birdsboro, D 1859 Caleb Liggett, Birdsboro, D James Lincoln, Birdsboro. D Jefferson, 1878 Frank P. Lytle, Birdsboro Pa. W. Univ., 1894 Rufus E. LeFevre, Boyertown, R Jefferson, 1900 William Moore, Womelsdorf, D N. Y. Univ., 1836 Joseph E. Miller, Kutztown Jefferson, 1886 Joseph F. Merkel, Boyertown, R U. of Pa., 1894 James G. Matterness, Centreport Jefferson, 1897 Ira K. Moser, Birdsboro, D Jefferson, 1880 William J. Martin, Hamburg Jefferson, 1881 Franklin V. Nyce, Hamburg, D Jefferson, 1851 Franklin M. Nyce, Hamburg Jefferson, 1870 Benjamin Nyce, Hamburg, D Jefferson, 1878 Henry G. Nyce, Hamburg Jefferson, 1883 Howard Y. Neyman, Boyertown, R Jefferson, 1879 Jonathan B. Potteiger, Hamburg Jefferson, 1859 Walker S. Phillips, Womelsdorf : . . 1869 George F. Potteiger, Hamburg Jefferson, 1890 George H. Pflueger, Topton Baltimore, 1908 Thomas J. B. Rhoads, Boyertown Baltimore, 1801 Pius Rothermel, Birdsboro U. of Pa., 1889 Reuben B. Rhoads, Boyertown Jefferson, 1857 Clarence C. Rether, Centreport Jefferson, 1884 Lewis P. Rothermel, Lenhartsville Med.-Chi., 1908 Christian L. Schlemm. Kutztown, D, Gottingen Univ., 1798 F, L. Sallade, Womelsdorf Jefferson, 1876 John H. Spatz, Centreport Pa. College, 1848 Samuel B. Swavely, Birdsboro, R Jefferson, 1877 Henry H. Suavely, Bernville 1878 Frank R. Sallade, Womelsdorf Jefferson, 1893 Adam F. M. Stump, Fleetwood. .. .Phila. Med.-Chi., 1903 Charles C. Stauffer, Boyertown, R U. of Pa., 1903 Henry M. Saul, Kutztown Baltimore, 1894 Charles E. Schlappig, Bernville Baltimore, 1908 Jeremiah S. Trexler, Kutztown, D U. of Pa., 1853 Samuel M. Todd, Boyertown, D U. of Pa., 1865 W. D. Trexler, Topton N. Y. Bellevue, 1866 John H. Todd, Boyertown, R U. of Pa., 1893 Charles H. Wanner, Kutztown D William Woods, Womelsdorf, D Cvrus Wanner, Kutztown. D 1875 John R. Wagner, Hamburg N. Y. Bellevue, 1886 Charles D. Werley, Topton Jefferson, 1889 Samuel E. Wertman, Bechtelsville, R Jefferson, 1889 William S. Wolfe, Fleetwood Jefferson, 1897 George White, Womelsdorf ... .Ky. School of Med., 1905 George W. Ziegler, Lenhartsville,. . .Ky. Sch. of Med., 1887 MANATAWNY SECTION Charles Baum, Exeter, D Wm. J. C. Baum, Amity, D John C. Baum, Amity, D Peter G. Bertolet, Oley, D U. of Pa., 1845 Oswin W. Berky, Washington Phila. ]\Ied.-Chi., 1901 Walter M. Bertolet, Oley Jefferson, 1902 Frank R. Brunner, Eshbach, D Jefferson, 1861 Daniel W. Bortz, Esterly Baltimore, 1885 Calvin K. Christman, Bally, D U. of Pa., 1869 Monroe F. Clouser, Oley Med.-Chi., 1908 George de Benneville, Oley, D France, 1745 Mark Darrah, Amity, D George S. Engler, Temple, D U. of Pa., 1863 J. Wilson Eckert, Temple Jefferson, 1894 Ephraim H. Egolf, Amityville Jefferson, 1884 Amandus N. Fegley, Spangsville Jefferson, 1870 M. O. Greenewald. Shanesville, D U. of Pa., 1S73 Alfred O. Gery, Herefordville Jefferson, 1893 John C. Hersh, Herefordville U. of Pa., 1876 Charles H. Hartline, Friedensburg Jefferson, 1892 William Herbst, Pikeville, D Jefferson, 1825 George E. M. Herbst, Oley Jefferson, 1878 William F. Hertzog, New Jerusalem; L. Island Col., 1880 J. A. Hatsfield, Oley, R U. of Pa., 1862 Roswell F. Herman, Douglassville U. of Pa., 1870 Warren E. G. High, Esterly, R U. of Pa., 1891 John A. Jack, Oley, D U. of Pa., 1862 Augustus Knoske, District, D Paul Kreye, Oley, D 1871 Elias Kitchen, Amity, D Vermont College, 1850' Andrian Loewen, Friedensburg, D Prussia, 1825 Jacob S. Ludwig, Amityville, R.... Phila. Med.-Chi.! 1903 Ralph Y. Lechner, Hereford Jefferson, 1890 James May, Amity, D Daniel McLean, Amity Jefferson, 1873 Michael Ludwig, Amity, D U. of Pa., 1815 Elam B. Mauger, Douglass, R Jefferson, 1875 Jacob Plank, Oley, D Switzerland, 1700 Milton W. Phillips, Eshbach Med.-Chi., 190S Jacob Rothrock, Ruscombmanor, D John A. Roth, Siesholtzville, R U. of Pa., 1875 ■MEDICAL PROFESSION. 101 Joel Y. Schelley, Hereford, D Stephen W. Seyman, Wernersville. . Phila. Med.-Chi., 1899 William S. Schantz, Huff's Church U. of Pa., 18S8 H. Forsythe Stapp, Bethel Bait. Umv., 1907 Jacob A. Trexler, Pikeville,. R Jefferson, 1901 Michael Tryon, Rehrersburg, D Charles Weber, Pricetown, D Germany, 1848 Jacob Tryon, Rehrersburg, D 1821 Isaac B. Yeakel, Bally U. of Pa., 1866 John S. Tryon, Rehrersburg, D. ...U. of Pa., 1857 John A. Tenny, WernersVille, D.. Hygeo-Therap, N. Y., 1868 ONTELAUNEE SECTION Reuben I. W/enrich, Wernersville U. of Pa., 1864 Wilson D. DeLong, Blandon Vermont Univ., 1883 E. C L. Walter, Walter's Park, Hygeo-Ther?p N. Y., 1876 Milton H. Fritch. VirginviUe Jefferson, 1871 ^?^ of Pa., 1864 John Schnader, Brecknock 1864 Bartholomew Yeager. Lyons, D Germany, 1848 W. B. Schoener, Mohnsville U. of Pa., 18182 Allison A. Stamm, Mohnsville Vermont Univ., 1883 TULPEHOCKEN SECTION Frank W. Wiley, Mohnsville Jefferson, 1887 Thomas M. Angstadt, Strausstown, Jefferson, 1890 William S. Yoder, Morgantown Phila. Med. -Chi., 1898 William S. Buehler, Wernersville Jefferson, 1889 Joseph A. Zook U. of Pa., 1909 Thomas G. Binkley, Sinking Spring Jefferson, 1888 John M. Brause, Shartlesville Jefferson, 1873 George A. Bickel, Rehrersburg, D Jefferson, 1878 HOMOEOPATHY Levi G Batdorff Mt. Aetna, D Pa College, 1856 The practice of the Homoeopathic school of med- Henry Batdorff, Millersburg, D U. of Pa., 1876 • • ^ i 4. j j. t) „j- ■ -lo/in u /- M. D M. Batdirff, Millersburg, D U. of Pa.! 1867 icmewas Started at Reading in 1840, by a German Daniel B. Brobst, Stouchsburg Jefferson, 1882 physician of distinction, named Adolph Lippe. He Henry L. Bollman, Robesonia Jefferson, 1884 practised here two years, then removed to Carlisle. John A- Conrad, Robesonia . . .Long Island Hospital 1867 jyj. John Henry Behne was a graduated allopathic ' jlmes^W^D^Sw^rn^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Physifn from Wuerzbnrg, in Bavaria, and emi- Jacob H. Drawbaugh, Robesonia Baltimore, 1886 grated to Pennsylvania in 1840, when forty years Thomas C. Fanning, Walter's Park, R...N. Y. Univ., 1861 old, locating at Reading. He became intimate with John W. Frankhouser Shartlesville,. Phila. Med.-Chi., 1889 Dr.' Lippe and through him was converted to the Cranio w'-G!y:''M^.'iTniV.V.-.V.VPhila.-Med°.-CH;; ^898 P-<^tice of homoeopathy. _ He was a man of fine David H. Hain, Wernersville Jefferson, 1881 hterary culture and superior character and had a Charles F. Hertzog, Mt. Aetna Phila. Med.-Chi., 1889 large and lucrative practice. He died at Reading John H. Home, Schaefferstown Jefferson, 1891 in 1876. Leonard G. Hain, Wernersville Jefferson, 1893 t>_ n^„^„„ -d cj.„-i,„ / c -mt ■ \ ii.i j •ChristianN. Hoffman, Sinking Spring, D... Jefferson; 1863 ^^l: ^^?'^§^,^f- Starkey (of Maine) settled at J. S. Herbein, Sinking Spring, D Jefferson, 1865 Reading in 1855 and practised homoeopathy for Isaac S. Herbein, Strausstown, D Jefferson, 1865 several years and then removed to Philadelphia. Oscar B Herbein Strausstown. . ■ J?*'^?"?"' I^!^^ He was followed by Dr. R. Sargent, who also prac- Samuel S. Hill, Wernersville Asylum.. Pa. W. Univ., 1894 j.- „j f„, „ r„ ,„„_„. „„ 1 j.t- t-i t> ■ ■ t. ■T. B. Hossler, Upper Bern, D.... ..1865 ^'^^'^ ^^^^ ^ ^ • "^ 7„?o ' ' f""^ ^^i^ ^''- .Benjamm R. Warren F. Klein, Strausstown Jefferson, 1887 -oratt began in 1858, who continued in active and Alden B. MacDonald, Wernersville, R Jefferson, 1906 successful practice until his decease in 1873 By Isaac W. Newcomet, Stouchsburg. Pa. W. Univ., 1867 that time, homoeopathy had become thoroughly es- James S. Preston, L. Heidelberg. Hygeo-Therap, N. Y., 1873 i.^u:;^v,oA r,„A ;*. £„„ t= • j r n kbert P. Preston, L. Heidelberg. Jefferson! 1883 tab ished, and it has been carried on successfully Mary Preston, L. Heidelberg Pa. Woman's, 1884 and prominently untd now by a number of physi- Abram Ruth, Fritztown, D Pa. College, 1841 cians. ■W F. Ross, Wernersville, R. Baltimore, 1881 Rey. John Helfrich became the first homoeopathic Adam Schoener, Rehrersburg, D U. of Pa.. 1820 u ■ ■ ■ ^u ^ j- ^ ■ , 1 ■ /^" "^^"t""-"»^ ■C. B. Strohm, Shartlesville, D 1834 Physician in the country districts, having graduated Adam J. Schoener, Rehrersburg, D Pa. Coilege, 1860 in 1835 at Allentown and afterward settled at J. M. Strohm, Shartlesville N. Y. Univ., 1881 Kutztown. He was succeeded by his son, Dr. John 103 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Henry Helfrich, who practised at Kutztown from 1866 to 1877 and then removed to Allentown. Dr. F. R. Krebs practised at Hamburg from 1857 to 1894, when he removed to Reading; and he was succeeded by Dr. Frederick Isett, and Dr. Joseph Hatzfield, who had been students under him. The Hahnemann Medical Society of Reading was organized in 1882, in the office of Dr. Samuel R. Rittenhouse, at No. 38 South Fourth street, by eight homoeopathic physicians of Reading, and it had an active existence for about ten years. The Homoeopathic Practitioners Association OF Reading was organized in 1896 and it has come to be the representative society of the homoeopathic school of medicine in this vicinity. The meetings are held monthly for the discussion of scientific papers ; and the July or midsummer meeting is held at one of the mountain resorts near the city. The midsummer meeting is also attended by members of the homoeopathic county societies of eastern Pennsylvania. The following named homoeopathic physicians constitute its membership : W. F. Marks D. C. Kline H. F. Schantz Margaret Hassler Schantz C. R. Haman F. W. Seidel C. M. Richards M. L. Miller F. E. Howell J. E. Harner G. I. Keen W. A. Haman E. M. Deacon. F. F. Massey Homoeopathic Medical and Surgical Hospi- tal OF Reading. — During the summer of 1888, Dr. E. R. Scholl invited the homoeopathic physicians of Reading to assemble at his office, No. 517 Wal- nut street, to organize a Homoeopathic Dispensary Association, and an organization was then effected by the election of Dr. Scholl as president and Dr. D. C. Kline as secretary. They proceeded immedi- ately to open a dispensary at the corner of Franklin and Plum streets, and rendered much needed serv- ice to the poor of the city. Upon being incorpor- ated in 1891, a board of trustees was organized and the present property on North Sixth street, beyond Washington, was purchased through the generosity of friends and the public; and the trustees were enabled to open the hospital in July, 1891. Many ladies became interested in its welfare and they organized a "Ladies Auxiliary," which rend- ered valuable service in the maintenance of the hospital. Later a "Young Ladies Auxiliary" was organized " to supply flowers, delicacies and luxur- ies" to patients, and they raised funds at various times for the renovation of parts of the hospital, and the purchase of instruments and supplies. A training school for nurses has been conducted in the hospital from the beginning, proving of great benefit to the hospital in addition to the training of young women as nurses, in the community. From time to time various improvements were made to the building, fitting it more thoroughly for a hospital, until in 1905 the demand for rooms be- came so great that a new building was erected in the rear of the main building, increasing the capa- city to seventy-five beds in public and private wards and private rooms, and giving the city a modern and up-to-date hospital under homoeopathic man- agement. The staff of the hospital is selected from the members of the "Homoeopathic Hospital and Dis- pensary Association," and while varying somewhat from time to time the following physicians consti- tuted the staff for ] 909 : W. F. Marks, S. L. Dreib- elbis, L. A. Shollenberger, D. C. Kline, H. F. Schantz, C. R. Haman, M. Hassler Schantz, L. M. Richards, F. E. Howell, and W. A. Haman. Homoeopathic Practitioners. — The names of the homoeopathic physicians are presented also in alphabetical order for the entire county on accotmt of the limited number in the districts out of Reading. H. M. Allen. Reading Phila. Med.-Chi., 1894 George W. Crock, Reading Hahnemann, 188J> Samuel L. Dreibelbis, Reading Hahnemann, 1861 D. Frank Dreibelbis, Reading, R Hahnemann, 1890 Edward M. Deacon. Birdsboro Hahnemann, 1894 C. A. F. Detweiler, Reading Med.-Chi., 1888 Solomon L. Dreibelbis, Reading Hahnemann, 1907 John Ege, Reading Hahnemann, 1883 David W. Ensinger, Mt. Aetna Hahnemann, 1902 J. G. Grosscup, Reading, D Hahnemann, 1873 Paul H. Gerhardt, Reading Hahnemann, 1908 William A. Haman, Reading Hahnemann, 1883 Frederick E. Howell, Reading Hahnemann, 1900 Charles R. Haman, Reading Hahnemann, 1891 George W. Heck, Reading Hahnemann, 1907 Charles T. Haines, Sinking Spring Hahnemann, 190S Joseph F.^ Isett, Hamburg Hahnemann, 1876 John C. Knauer, Reading Col. of Phys. & Surg., Baltimore, 1886 Chester B. Jennings, Reading Hahnemann, 1881 L. J. Knerr, Reading, R Hahnemann, 1880 D. C. Kline, Reading Hahnemann, 1883 Calvin L. Klopp, Stouchsburg, D Hahnemann, 1S87 George I. Keen, Reading Hahnemann, 189* Henry R. Klopp, Reading, R Hahnemann, 1894 Egbert Leroy Klock, Reading Hahnemann, 1905 Frank H. Lawrence, Reading Hahnemann, 1906 Franklin F. Massey, Womelsdorf Hahnemann, 1903 A. S. McDowell, Reading Hahnemann, 1896 William F. Marks, Reading Hahnemann, 1869 Alvm I. Miller, Reading, R Hahnemann, 1873 Martin L. Miller. Mohnsville Hahnemann, 1898 William E. IMorgan, Reading. R Hahnemann, 1900 Theodore Pachali, Reading ^led. Dept. U. of Kiel, Germany, 1869 Isadore L. Peters, Kutztown Hahnemann, 1888 John S. M. Pratt, Reading, R Hahnemann, 1903 J. S. Rittenhouse, Reading Hahnemann, 18S.5 Charles M. Richards, Reading Hahnemann, 1899 J. C. Sanders, Reafling N. Y. Homoeopathic, 1900 Francis R. Schnnicker, Reading D „ „ • ■, , ■ • N. Y. Homoeopathic, 1873 E. Z. Schmucker, Reading, D Hahnemann, 1870 T ■ V ■ ?*f Hf'' ,I"^"tztown Hahnemann, 1884 T -%■ Schollenberger, Reading Hahnemann, 1884 A. Cecil Stewart, Ridgewood, R ,. ■•■;■;-■,■■■; N. Y. Homeopathic, 1887 Horace J. Shmkle, Reading, R Hahnemann, ISSO Henry F Schantz, Reading Hahnemann, 1891 Frank W. Seidel, Reading Hahnemann. 1S94 M. Hassler Schantz, Reading Cleveland Homo. Med. Col., 1892' MEDICAL PROFESSION 103 F. W. Sunandy, Hyde Park Hahnemann, 1897 William L. Vaughn, Stouchsburg Hahnemann, 189^ Paul B. Waldman, Reading Hahnemann, 1884 Robert L. Walter, Walter's Park ...Hahnemann, 1900 Robert Walter, WaUer's Park .Hygeo-Therapeutic, N. Y., 1873. Hahnemann, 1888 Joseph M. Walborn, Fleetwood Hahnemann, 1907 OSTEOPATHY A school of medical science whose therapeutic system constitutes a practice of treating disease in all forms without the aid of drugs was instituted in 1874 by Dr. A. T. Still, of Baldwin, Kans., who is known as the founder of the "School of Osteop- athy." The first college was started in 1894 in Kirksville, Mo. Since that time other colleges have been es- tablished in the principal centers of the United States, and there are now osteopathic practitioners in all the large cities and most of the larger towns in the country. The practice of osteopathy has been legally ac- knowledged in thirty States; and in many States there is an independent examining and licensing board, or an osteopathic representative on the State Board of Health. A bill was laid before the Legislature of Penn- sylvania at the session of 1904 for the purpose of legalizing the practice in Pennsylvania, but it was not passed. It was, however, recognized in 1909, the Act regulating the practice having been ap- proved March 9th. The osteopaths have been organized into State associations ; also one national, called "The Amer- ican Osteopathic Association." Osteopathy was first introduced into Reading in February, 1899, by Dr. Anna C. Towle, but owing to ill health after having practiced for nearly a year, she disposed of her practice to Dr. H. H. Wal- pole, and he continued it until 1908, when he left the city. Four practitioners -are now at Reading, namely : Laura De Long H. L. Maxwell and his wife H. J. Vastine DENTISTRY The practice of dentistry was not carried on as a distinct profession in Berks county until about 1850. The first dental college was established at Balti- more shortly before that time, and the next was at Philadelphia in 1851. Theretofore regular physi- cians extracted teeth. Previously the repair of teeth and the supply of false teeth were rare, con- fined almost entirely to great cities and indulged in by people of means. About that time and for twenty years afterward the persons who were inclined to dentistry would spend several months with a recognized dentist and under him acquire some practical experience, then start out for themselves. The first graduated dent- al surgeons in Berks county from a college were Dr. William H. Scholl and Dr. John W. Clemson, both of Reading, who graduated from the Penn- sylvania Dental College at Philadelphia in 1865. Dr. Scholl has practised his profession at Reading ever since, but Dr. Clemson never practised here, having shortly afterward removed to Bordeaux, France, and there carried on (until now) the manu- facture of dental supplies. The earliest recognized dentists at Reading were John Piper, John Arnold, W. K. Breneizer, T. Yardly Brown, and Frank Hickman, the last two still surviving but residing out of the county. In 1876, an Act was passed— on April 17th— by the Legislature of Pennsylvania which required dental surgeons who practised in the State to be graduates of a reputable institution where this spe- cialty was taught, and to register their diplomas in the county where they resided. The diplomas were to be registered within three months after the passage of the Act. But the Act was not to apply to any surgeon who had practised dentistry for three years prior to its passage. The following statement shows the registered practitioners in the county, with college and year of graduation. Where no college is given, the year shows the time when the practitioner started. The Act of 1876 established a State Board of six examiners, who were to be selected by the State Dental Society, and this Board was to approve the diplomas before registration. This Act was amend- ed in 1897, and Dr. C. V. Kratzer, of Reading, was one of the members of the first Board under this amended Act, having been appointed by the Gov- ernor, but he served only several months, until the the appointment of a new Board by the succeeding Governor in January, 1898. Dr. Wilson D. Da Long, of Reading, was ap- pointed as one of the State examiners in September, 1906, for the term of three years. The thirty-fourth annual meeting of the Lebanon Valley Dental Association was held at Reading, in the Masonic Temple, May 11, 1909. DENTAL PRACTITIONERS Morris R. Adam, Reading Pa. University, 1903 Charles S. Bertolet, Reading Pa. University, 1900' Abram L. Bower, Boyertown Pa. University, 1901 Samuel L. Bower, Boyertown Philadelphia, 1902- John T. Bair, Reading Pa. University, 1903' Joseph H. Borneman, Boyertown, D 1867 Daniel B. Bower, Boyertown 186T N. S. Borneman, Boyertown, D 1881 Joel B. Bower, Boyertown 1882 Henry W. Bohn, Reading Pa. University, Daniel L. Bower, Boyertown, D Philadelphia, 1893 Edward W. Bohn, Reading Pa. "University, 1897 Ha;-ry L. Cleaver, Reading Pa. University, 1896 Raymond S. De Long, Reading Pennsylvania, 1900 George F. De Long, Reading Pa. University, 1903 Frank L. DeGour, Reading Pennsylvania, 1870 Arthur B. Davis, Reading, R Philadelphia, 1896 Wilson D. DeLong, Reading Pa. University, 1897 William G. Dusto, Reading Medico-Chi., 1906 Charles S. Fry, Reading 1872 Charles E. Grim, Reading Philadelphia, 1901 104 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Milton U. Gerhard, Reading Pa. University, 1903 Jacob M. Gartman, Reading Pennsylvania, 1903 Clarence B. Grim, Reading U. of Pa., 1907 Walter S. Herr, Reading Pennsylvania, 1897 Abram Herr, Reading 1869 H. B. Hamaker, Womelsdorf 1867 Kurtz D. Hill Pennsylvania, 1S84 Glyndeur Hickman, Reading Philadelphia, 1886 Ziba Hickman, Reading Philadelphia, 1888 H. J. Hickey, Reading, R Baltimore, 1884 Charles A. Hottenstein, Kutztown Pennsylvania, 1892 Edwin E. Howerter, Reading Medico-Chi„ 1903 Raymond L. Hamaker, Womelsdorf .. Pa. Dent. Col., 1908 Abraham B. Johnson, Kutztown 1880 Harry T. Johnson, Reading 1880 Harvev C. Johnson, Reading Philadelphia, 1889 J. F. Kinsey, Reading, D 1864 William H. Kalbach, Hamburg 1863 William H. Kilmer, Reading Pennsylvania, 1878 Henry D. Kurtz, Reading, R Baltimore, 1881 C. V. Kratzer, Reading Pennsylvania, 1897 Frank P. Lewis, Reading Baltimore, 1880 George M. Maxwell, Birdsboro Baltimore, 1898 William Meter, Reading Phila. Med.-Chi., 1900 Jonathan B. Miesse, Reading Philadelphia, 1872 Peter S. Mogel, Reading Pa. University, 1889 George S. Rothermel, Fleetwood Pa. University, 1900 J. L. Ritter, Reading, R 1873 G. H. P. Rabenhold, Hamburg Pennsylvania, 1890 Levi H. Reinhart. Birdsboro, D Philadelphia, 1894 George S. Schlegel, Reading Pa. University, 1900 Otto J. Specker, Reading Pa. University, 1903 Mvron B. Shuman, Reading Pa. University, 1903 U. of Pa., 1905 Eli Slegel, Reading, D 1855 ■ William PL Scholl, Reading Pennsylvania, 1865 Joel E. Slegel, Reading, D Philadelphia, 1868 Charles R. Scholl, Reading Philadelphia, 1888 Calvin G. Shomo, Hamburg Pennsylvania, 1889 Walter R. Slegel, Reading Philadelphia, 1891 Elton Stimmel, Reading Pennsylvania, 1893 D. Ambrose Stein. Reading, R Pa. University, 1894 Samuel E. Slegel, Reading Philadelphia, 1897 John F. Schoenberger, Reading Medico-Chi., 1905 George Stimmel, Kutztown Pa. Dental College, 1905 Carlos H. Thimme, Reading, R Philadelphia, 1870 Jacob F. Thomas, Reading, R 1882 Elwood Tate, Reading ; Pennsylvania, 1891 S. Edmund Tate, Reading Pennsylvania, 1897 Caleb D. Thomas. Reading Pa. Dental College, 1906 Herman G. Wotherspoon, Reading U. of Pa., 1907 Kensie N. Yoder, Wernersville Pa. University, 1903 WiUiam L. Yocum, Reading, R Philadelphia, 1891 Levi Zimmerman, Bethel, R Boston, 1877 A'ETERINARY From the beginning of the first settlements nntil the year 1889, the practice of medicine and surgery in connection with domestic animals was carried on without any legal restrictions. Farmers and men of experience, who had become faniihar, through long observation, with animal sicknesses and dis- eases, prescribed and administered the necessary remedies, and in every section of the county there came to be men who were recognized for their skill in curing domestic animals of their various ail- ments. Then (April 11th) an Act of Assembly was passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania which related to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery, and every practitioner of this particu- lar branch of the profession was obliged to be a graduate of a regularly chartered veterinary col- lege, and to register his qualifications in the pro- thonotary's office of the county where he practised ; but all those who had practised for five years before were allowed to register by filing the necessary affidavits, within six months after the passage of the Act. This legislation was brought about by the efforts of the Pennsylvania State Veterinary Association, which had been organized in 1883. The first president was James W. Sallade, then of Pottsville, but formerly of Berks county. In 1904 and 1905 Dr. Otto G. Noack, of Reading, was the president. ]\Iembership in 1909 was two hundred; from Berks county, five. In 1895, a State Board of Veterinary Examiners was established by an Act passed on May 16th, and all practitioners after that date not theretofore reg- istered were obliged to secure a certificate from this State Board, which had to be filed in the pro- thonotary's office of the county where the practi- tioner resided ; but this Act was amended in 1905, which authorized the secretary of State to issue a license on the Board's certificate, and this license qualified the practitioner to practise anywhere in the State. This Board was created for the purpose of look- ing after the sanitary condition of the live stock in Pennsylvania. In 1907, Dr. Noack was appoint- ed agent for the entire State. Since the creation of this Board over four hundred cows in Berks county have been killed on account of tuberculosis. In 1908 there were five veterinary surgeons in Reading and thirty-four in Berks county. The following .statement shows the registered veterinarians of Berks county, with college and year of graduation. Where no college is given, an "affi- davit was filed without specifying thetime of start- ing practice. [D after name "incHcates deceased: C. ceased to practice; R, removed out of county.] Emanuel Althouse, Reading John Albright. Ontelaunee William Appel, Kutztown. R Xe^v York Joel Biehl. Moselem Springs John K. Biehl. Molltovv'n ."".^"'s S Eorneman, Boyertown. ...■.■.■.■.'.'.'. ■.Ontario, William B, Blatt. Centreport. D Jonathan Blatt, Centre, D ['] Christian Baum. Hamburg Daniel L. Badgenstos, Strausstown Charles W. Brossman, Womelsdorf. ... " " Ontario' Samuel K. Biehl, Reading, C ....." .' ^"^^"°' Ulysses G. Bieber. Kutztown .'\merican (NY) A. F. Baver, Krumsville Chinc^n William U. Custer, Reading, D Pa.' Vet Assm: Owen E. Colhns, Mt. Pleasant D Charles 0_ Collins, West LeesportV. '.'.■.■.■.■.■.'. Ontario, Kilburn H. Cleaver. Reading Ontario Benjamin S.Clauser, Upper Tulpehocken...'.' ' ' George W. DeHard, Stonersville. D James B. Dry, Bowers, D Samuel DeW'ees, Fleetwood, D ?7''^ . ■^;. Dreibelhis, Greenwich. '. '. '. '. '. '. ". '. " " ' Ontario John A. Dorward, Reading C Ontario, William Deck, Bethel ['.', James Dubson, Ruscombmanor George W. Dunlap, Birdsboro, R .".■;■.'. '. '. ' Ontario Martm D. DeTurk, Olev Chica-o Vet Co le^e" Daniel H. DeTurck, Birdsboro. .Chicago Vet. Colle|e; 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1882 1889 1889 1889 1889 1891 1891 1892 1904 1885 18S9 1887 1879 1889 1889 1889 1889 1S85 1889 1889 1891 1893 1908 1908 BERKS COUNTY PRISON IN PENN COMMON STATE ASYLUM AT WERNERSVILLE PUBLIC CHARITIES 105 Reuben Ebert, Trexlers 1889 Arthur C. Foos, Reading, R Ontario, 1887 Elias GrofF, Jeflferson 1889 William D. Gross, Kutztown Ontario, 1885 Henry L. Gilbert, Colebrookdale 1889 Samuel Goldsmithj Reading, R 1889 Charles D. Gruber, Bernville Ontario, 1888 Solomon K. Hoffman, Hamburg, C 1889 Abraham Henrich, Colebrookdale 1889 Benjamin Y. Heffner, Richmond 1889 Frederick B. Hassler, Tilden 1889 Walter G. Huyett, Wernersville Chicago, 1899 William Jacoby, Lenhartsville 1889 Jacob Kerchner, Windsor Castle _ 1889 Peter I. Kershner, Fleetwood Ontario, 1891 Allen Z. Keelor, Boyertown Ontario, 1891 Elmer G. Kriebel, Hereford 1892 Daniel R. Kohler, Boyertown Ontario, 1893 John Lutz, Klopp's Store; D 1889 Tobias E. Landis, Npjiierlinville 1889 Nathaniel F. Lutz.-Jefferson 1889 Henry R. Lutz, Jefferson, D 1889 David B. Levan, Kutztown Chicago Vet. College, 1908 Franklin W. Miller, Gouglersville 1889 Pierce M. Miller. Gouglersville 1889 Jared Miller, Jefferson 1889 Henry B. Meyer, Hereford 1889 Emendon Mogel,' Bernville 1889 Henry A. Miller, Ruscombmanor 1889 William H. Moyer, Womelsdorf, R Ontario, 1891 Rudolf Mertz, Reading, R Ohio, 1894 James W. McNeil, Reading Boston, 1894 John P. Miller, Reading Pa. University, 1899 Adam F. Noll, Reading 1889 Otto G. Noack, Reading Berlin (Germany), 1890 Walter S. Phillips, Reading Pa. Vet. Assn., 1886 Samuel M. Petersheim, Caernarvon 1889 Charles Phillips, Womelsdorf, D 1889 John M. Richards, Reading, D 1889 John L. Richards, Yellow House (Birdsboro) 1889 Amos B. Roberts, Blandon, D 1889 Jonathan Reber, Hiester's Mill 1889 Owen B. Roberts, Blandon ' 1889- Henry K. Rentschler, Shartlesville 1889 Robert O. Rothermel, Reading Pa. University, 1902 John H. Shaffer, Mt. Aetna 1889 William H. Seitzinger, Wernersville 1889 William Schaeffer, Jefferson 1889 George B. Sebastian, Rehrersburg 1889 James D. Schaeffer, Fleetwood 1889 Jared Spengler, Penn, D 1891 Howard L. Stein, Friedensburg, D Ontario, 1893 Albert H. Schmoyer, Boyertown Chicago, 1903 Nicholas L. Schaeffer, Fleetwood Chicago, 1906 Elias Troutman, Tulpehocken 1889 Amos G. Weidenhammer, Richmond 1889 Kerby D. Werley, Virginville Chicago, 1908 Henry S. Yoder, Pleasantville ; . 1889 Edwin C. Yoder, Kutztown Ontario, 1893 CHAPTER VII-PUBLIC CHARITIES From 1824 to 1869, all matters relating to the poor inhabitants of Berks county, who needed pub- lic assistance, were referred to the poor directors of the county; but by 1869 the institutions of a charitable, reformatory or correctional character in the State had assumed such proportions, and the number of inmates had become so large that the Legislature passed an Act of Assembly, establishing a State Board of Public Charities for the purpose of inquiring into the methods of instruction, gov- ernment of inmates, conduct of managers, condition of buildings, and all other matters pertaining to their usefulness and good management. In 1874, the Act of 1869 was amended, author- izing the State Board to appoint three or more per- sons in any county to act as visitors of the poor- houses and other institutions in such county as an aid to the State Board ; and to cause the removal of insane persons in the county almshouses to State Hospitals for proper treatment. The State Board appointed Sydenham E. Ancona, Charles Breneiser and George D. Stitzel as its representatives in Berks county and they have served (excepting Stitzel, who died Dec. 13, 1905, E. R. Gerber being ap- pointed in his place) gratuitously ever since, visiting the several institutions, penal and chari- table, and reporting to the State Board. A large three-story brick building was erected on the poor-house property from 1871 to 1874 for an "Insane Hospital" and the indigent insane peo- ple of the county have been cared for there, unless removed to the State Hospital at Harrisburg. The particulars relating to the poor-house and the prison are mentioned in connection with the county buildings in Chapter IV. STATE INSTITUTIONS Wernersville State Asylum. — In 1891, an Act was passed for the establishment of an Asylum for the Chronic Insane of Pennsylvania, and in this behalf, a commission was appointed by the Governor to select a site and erect the asylum. After exam- ining thirty-one sites, in nineteen counties of the State, they selected a site in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks county, a short distance west of Wernersville, as the one best adapted for the pur- pose designated. Several tracts of land, embracing 540 acres, were purchased, and a superior, com- modious building was erected at a total cost of $500,000. The institution was dedicated in a for- mal manner on Sept. 5, 1894, with the Governor presiding over the exercises. Since 1905, two new buildings have been erected : an infirmary building, costing $30,000, and a building costing $35,000, the first floor to be used as an additional dining-room, the second floor as a sitting-room for women. Until the end of 1894 the total number admitted was 662; in 1895, 357; in 1896, 114; in 1897, 146; from 1898 to 1900, 167; and from 1901 to 1904, 169. The average weekly cost of each patient has been less than $3. On Sept. 30, 1908, the total number of patients was 859; men, 652; women, 207. From the opening of the Asylum until Sept. 30, 1905, there were 70 inmates from Berks county, 50 106 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA men and 20 women. During the first year (Sept. 30, 1893, to Sept. 30, 1894) there were 46 entered, 31 men and 15 women. On Sept. 30, 1905, there were 20 men and 9 women from Berks county ; Sept. 30, 1906, 21 men and 9 women; Sept. 30, 1907, 28 men and 9 women; Sept. 30, 1908, 27 men and 10 women. Henry M. Dechert, Esq. (formerly of Reading, but for nearly sixty years at Philadelphia) , has offi- ciated as president of the board of trustees since the opening of the Asylum, in a most creditable manner. The following trustees from Reading have served on the board: George F. Baer, 1894 to 1897; Thomas P. Merritt, 1894 to 1899 (officiating as treasurer), and since 1903 ; William H. Schick, 1894 to 1895; Thomas C. Zimmerman, since 1899. State Hospital. — Complete statement of the patients in the State Hospital at Harrisburg, from Berks county, from the time it was opened and the cost of their maintenance, which was paid by the county. Year Patients Cost Year Patients Cost 1851 1880 33 $2,636.96 1852 3 $335.40 1881 26 3,088.53 1853 4 447.20 1883 33 3,479.43 1854 9 1,006.20 1883 36 3,547.82 1855 7 783.60 1884 29 2,969.99 1856 11 1,329,80 1885 36 3,955.28 1857 13 1,341.60 L886 60 4,690.29 1858 6 670.80 1887 82 5,794.85 1859 8 ■894.40 1888 133 8,493.37 1860 11 1,329.80 1889 159 12,577.88 1861 10 1,118.00 1890 165 12,265;.09 1863 13 1,453.40 1891 178 12,860.83 1863 16 1,788.80 1893 166 12,444.00 1864 17 1,900.60 1893 165 13,501.02 1865 16 1,788.80 1894 187 12,317.01 1866 22 2,459.60 1895 151 10,649.11 1867 23 2,571.40 1896 163' 11,132.60 1868 19 2,223.00 1897 183 12,352.60 1869 17 3,100.60 1898 176 12,673.66 1870 19 2,224.20 1899 193 13,285.02 1871 21 2,347.80 1900 210 14,521.19 1873 22 2,459.60 1901 225 16,119.13 1873 27 2,610.44 1903 232 16,646.35 1874 24 2,850.65 1903 253 16,919.98 1875 23 3,839.90 1904 260 18,432.86 1876 25 3,220.50 1905 264 19,318.72 1877 24 2,555.21 1906 289 19,476.93 1878 25 2,719.06 1907 275 18,948.63 1879 26 2,651.57 1908 394 20,644.70 $370,677.49 Glen Mills Reformatory. — A reformatory for boys and girls was established at Glen Mills in Dela- ware county in 1827. The first inmate from Berks county was entered in 1842. Until 1850 there were altogether 6 ; and from 1851 to 1900, 190. In 1901, there were 7 ; in 1902, 11 ; in 1903, 21 ; and in 1904, 9. The total admitted until Jan. 1, 1909, was 302 ; and the average cost per diem has been from 20 to 25 cents. The cost for the county of this institu- tion from 1901 to Jan. 1, 1909, was about $11,000 to Oct. 1, 1905, and $11,337.62 from then until Jan. 1, 1909, but only one-half was paid by the county, the other half being paid by the State. Previous to 1901 the State paid the entire cost. Eastern State Penitentiary. — Previous to the year 1850, no data on the subject can be obtained. From 1850 to 1869 inclusive, 46 prisoners were re- ceived from Berks county. From 1870 to 1894 no prisoners from the county, were confined here. The following table shows the number from the county here each year from 1895 to 1908 inclusive. The average cost of each per diem was about 21 cents. Year No. of prisoners Year No. of prisoners 1895 1 1903 32 1896 11 1903 38 1897 33 1904 43 1898 53 1905 32 1899 42 1906 36 1900 31 1907 37 1901 30 1908 68 Huntingdon Reformatory. — This institution for the reformation of boys was established by the State of Pennsylvania and opened in 1889 ; and the first boy from Berks county was entered in 1894, who continued to be the only one during 1895 and 1896; there was none received in 1897 and 1898; then the number began to increase as follows: 8 in 1899; 11 in 1900; 17 in 1901; 24 in 1902; 43 in 1903; 54 in 1904; 52 in 1905; 55 in 1906; 56 in 1907; and 60 in 1908. The cost for 1904 to the county was $3,838.73; and the total cost for all the years named was $25,879.52. COUNTY INSTITUTIONS There are a number of charitable institutions in the county, partly supported by appropriations from the public funds; which reflect the humane senti- ment and generous nature of our people in a most commendable manner. They are classified as Hos- pitals, Schools, and Widows' Home. Hospitals. — Three hospitals have been estab- lished at Reading, described with the Associations of Reading in Chapter X., namely: Reading, St. Joseph's and Homoeopathic. Homes. — The homes number seven: Bethany Orphans' Home, founded in 1867, in Heidelberg township, by the Reformed church. Topton Orphans' Home, founded in 1897, in Longswamp township, by the Lutheran church. St. Catharine's Female Orphans' Asylum, found- ed in 1871, at Reading, by Mrs. Catharine Madary, and devised by her to the Roman Catholic church ; by which it has since been enlarged, improved and successfully maintained. St. Paul's Orphans' Asylum for Boys, founded in 1889 at Reading, by the St. Paul's Roman Cath- olic church. It has been enlarged several times, evidencing its successful management. House of Good Shepherd, founded in 1889, at Reading, by the Roman Catholic church, and re- moved to Bern township in 1900. Home for Friendless Children, founded in 1888, at Reading, under the auspices of the Bureau of Employment (having been started in 1884) ; in WAR PERIODS 107 which William D. Smith has shown special inter- est toward its enlargement and success. Widows' Home, founded in 1875 at Reading, by the Society of the "Home for Widows and Single Women" which became an incorporated body in 1876. A superior, commodious structure was es- tablished by the society in 1886, at Sixteenth and Haak streets. The three hospitals, and Home for Friendless Children, and the Widows' Home have been aided and encouraged by State appropriations. The foregoing institutions are also mentioned in Chapter X., under the head of Associations. CHAPTER VIII- WAR PERIODS FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR Cause of War. — Whilst, the Penns were endeav- oring to locate a town on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill river at the "Ford" (now Reading), war was being carried on between England and France, and the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was formed be- tween them in the same year in which the town was laid out (1748). But this treaty of peace did not settle the controversy between them in respect to territory on the American continent. The English Colonies were originally planted along the sea- coast, but they advanced westwardly, and therefore the English claimed the right to extend their set- 'tlements across the continent from ocean to ocean. The French, however, had possessed Canada to the north, and Louisiana to the south, and they too claimed the intervening territory which lay along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Both parties hav- ing claimed the same country, they, in order to maintain their respective rights, rushed into a fierce and bloody war for lands which belonged to neither of them, and which after the termination of hos- tilities passed away from both, and became vested in a new power whose national existence grew' out of their contentions. It was accelerated by a grant of six hundred thousand acres of land in that dis- puted territory by the English to certain persons who associated under the title of the "Ohio Com- pany," and the company having agitated a scheme for its settlement, the French became alarmed. Re- monstrances and complaints were fruitless and each party seized and plundered the subjects of the other, ending in hostilities which resulted in the defeat of Braddock in the western section of Pennsylvania in 1755. The Indians, having united with the French through misrepresentation and finding the frontier open, proceeded eastwardly* to repossess the terri- tory which had formerly been theirs and out of which they believed they had been swindled. On their way, they committed depredations and cruel- ties which resulted in a great loss of life and prop- erty; and notwithstanding forts were erected by the provincial government along the Blue Mountain, from the Delaware river to the Susquehanna river to afford protection to the settlers in the vicinity, and garrisoned with twenty-five companies, com- prising 1,400 men, they crossed the mountain and carried their arson and murder into the counties adjoining. Berks county was entered, and numer- ous persons (including men, women and children) were killed, and many dwellings and barns burned. This naturally spread consternation throughout the county, and the settlers along the mountain aban- doned home and property. The enemy soon extend- ed their incursions to a point near Reading, alarm- ing' the inhabitants of the town for their safety. In consequence of this, they armed and organized them- selves to defend the town, and marched to the mountain to assist in driving the cruel foe out of the county. Many letters have been published which describe the wretched state of the people who lived in the townships to the north and northwest of the town. The cruelties of the Indians and the unsettled condition of the inhabitants of the upper section of the county continued during 1755, 1756 and 1757. During that time, the English were unsuccessful in their campaigns against the French and Indians, and their affairs here were in an awful situation. Their efforts had produced only expense and disappoint- ment. But in -1758, the tide turned in their favor through the vigorous administration of ;a new leader, William Pitt. The Indians retreated and victory crowned the British armies everywhere during the succeeding years until 1760, when the French were dispossessed of all territories in dispute and forced to surrender Canada. Peace was declared in 1763. The town of Reading had just been fairly started when this terrible shock fell upon the inhabitants. Though discouraged they did not abandon their new settlement and its bright prospects, as the set- tlers were forced to do along the mountain. It is probable that the unsettled condition of affairs there during that period contributed much toward the rapid growth of the town. Troops in County. — The provincial military offi- cers of the county in 1754 were: Lieutenant-Colo- nel, Conrad Weiser; Captains, Christian Busse (at Fort Henry), Frederick Smith, Jacob Orndt, and Jacob Morgan (at Fort Lebanon) ; Lieutenant, Philip Weiser; Ensigns, ^Harry (at Fort Leban- on) and Edward Biddle; Sergeant, Peter Smith; Corporal, Schaeffer. 108 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Weiser was lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Battalion habitants when danger was imminent. They were of the Pennsylvania Regiment, which consisted of erected hastily to serve a temporary purpose. Un- nine companies. This was a portion of the troops fortunately for the people, they were too few in ordered by the Governor to be raised for the pur- number and too far apart to serve the purpose for pose of repelling the invasion. The total force was vvhich they were intended, especially to those who to comprise twenty-five companies, numbering 1,400 ^^^ere somewhat removed. The Indians did not men. Of the nine companies under Weiser, one y^cii-ch over the mountain in large numbers together, and one-half companies were at Fort Henry, and ^^^j ^^^^ ^j^ ^^t^^l^ ^1^^ f^^^g^ They came quietly, one company was at Fort Williams. j^^ 3^.,^^^ ^^.^jg ^^^^ without warning they fell up- In March, IToG, an independent company of on the unprotected families like a tlnmderbolt ; and grenadiers m General Shirley s regiment, was sta- ^^^^^ niurdering men, women and children indis- tioned at Reading on duty. Upon receiving orders ■ • , , j ..^- /: ^ , n- , t, to march to New York, 25 men, under the cSmmand cnminately and setting fire to dwellings and barns, of a Heutenant, were ordered to Reading, to remain ^^^Y departed like a flash Their success in these on guard until further orders. In June, the town ^^"'^ked incursions was truly wonderful, was occupied by a company of men, under the I" I'^^S, the location of the forts and distances command of Conrad Weiser. It was composed of apart were reported as follows : two sergeants and 28 privates. The ammunition ^^.j^^ at Reading then consisted of 25 good muskets, 25 From Wind Gap to Doll's Blockhouse 20 muskets out of repair, 11 broken muskets, 9 cart- Thence to Fort Lehigh 8 ridge-boxes, 240 pounds of powder, (100 .pounds of ^^^"'^^ \° b?'"'i.^"^" ^° lead. In August, 1y5i, oO men from Cumru and Thence to Fort Everit .. .. lo other townships near Reading- set out in expecta- Thence to Fort WiUiams 12 tion of bringing in some Indian scalps. Thence to Fort Henry 22 In February, 1758, Fort ^^'illiams was garrisoned JJ?^"" 1° ^o" Swatara 14 1. /^ 4. • -\/r 1 "■-> 1 r- i TT J hence to rort Hunter, on Susquehanna 24 by Captain Morgan and o3 men; and Fort Henry ^ by Captain Busse with 89 men, and Captain Weiser Total distance 140 with 105 men ; and Fort Augusta with eight com- panies, numbering 362 men. The whole number Forts in County. — The following forts were of men then receiving pay in the province was erected in the territory which was embraced in li^'^4. Berks countv, the first five having been along the In June, 1758, Berks county had in the service Blue Mountain, and the last at Shamokin (now 56 good and strong wagons, each wagon furnished Sunbury) : Fort Henry, Fort Dietrich Snyder Fort with four horses and an expert driver. These wag- Northkill, Fort Lebanon, Fort Franklin and' Fort ons' were formed in two divisions, the first division A^o-usta containing 26 wagons, and the second 30. A depu- X j^^ h^.^^^ was built within the stockades, ty wagon-master was over each division. Their ^^^, -^ ^^.^^ ^^^^^^ uncomfortably by th^ names were John Lesher and Jacob Weaver, able „^- t,K^ • ■ i u-^ ^ ■ ..• r , ^ ^ ^I to speak the English and German languages and "fghbonng inhabitants in times of danger. The they understood smith and wheelwright work. stockades were logs about eighteen feet long, cut In the limits of Berks county, in 1758, there were !" ^^}^ ^^°°<^'s where the forts were built, and planted at Fort Henry two companies, comprising 105 men ; !" '"^, ground as closely as possible. They were at Fort William (Forks of Schuylkill), one com- '"tended to protect the_ house and prevent the pany of 53 men; and at Fort Augusta, eight com- Indians from shooting its occupants when they panies with 3G2 men. stepped outside. In 1761, the inhabitants of Tulpehocken and ^'"'^ Hcm-y was situated in Bethel township, in Heidelberg townships raised 159 men as rangers ^^^lat was, and still is, commonly known as "The to guard the county lines of Berks and Lancaster Hollow," about three miles north of the present counties. village of Millersburg, fifty yards to the east of Colonial Forts.— NA'hen the officials of the ^he "Old Shamokin Road," which leads over the provincial government learned that the In- mountain. The spot was elevated, to enable the dians and French had united for the pur- .?"ard to look out some distance in every direction, pose of cooperating against the English There_ is no particular mention of this fort in the on this continent, they decided to afford Colonial records, and this omission induces the protection to the settlements near the fron- belief that it was a fort erected by the people of tiers by the erection of forts ; and the number that vicinity for their protection. ' It was some- of settlers who had gone beyond the Blue Moun- times called "Dietrich Six's," doubtless because it tain till this time having been small, they deter- stood on the land of Dietrich Six. The records mined to locate these forts along this natural mention several times that the people fled to Diet- boundary line from the Delaware on the east to rich Six's, but the place was not indicated as a the Susquehanna on the west. The object of these military post. The field where it was situated has forts was simply for refuge— a retreat for the in- been under cultivation for many years, and not WAR PERIODS 109 a single mark remains to indicate where it stood. It was erected some time before June, 1754. In the beginning of June, 1757, the Governor visited Fort Henry, having been escorted thither by sixty substantial freeholders of the county on horse- back, completely armed. They presented a very dutiful address to his honor, in which they ex- pressed the warmest loyalty to the King and the greatest zeal and alacrity to serve His Majesty in defense of their country. Fort Dietrich Snyder. — A fort was situated on the top of the mountain, north of Fort Northkill. It occupied one of the most prominent spots, and being within two miles of Fort Northkill, it is sup- posed that it was designed for an observatory or watch,-house. Fort Northkill was in Upper Tulpehocken town- ship, near the Northkill (a branch of the Tulpe- hocken creek) about two miles east of Strauss- town and a rnile south from the base of the Blue Mountain. It was built in the early part of 1754. As to the dimensions of the fort Commissary Young says, June 20, 1756 : "The fort is about nine miles to the westward of the Schuylkill, and stands in a very thick wood, on a small rising ground, half a mile from the middle of Northkill creek. It is intended for a square about thirty-two feet each way ; at each corner is a half-bastion of very little service to flank the curtains. The stockades were ill fixed in the ground, and open in many places. Within is a very bad log-house for the people; it has no chimney and can afford but little shelter in bad weather." There was an attack in the neighborhood of this fort on Oct. 1, 1757. Application was made to Conrad Weiser (then at Reading) for immediate assistance, and Captain Oswald (who commanded the guards about Reading) sent two lieutenants with forty men to the relief. Fort Lebanon was situated about six miles be- yond the Blue Mountain, a short distance east of the Schuylkill river. It was erected in the begin- ning of 1754. In 1758, it was known as "Fort Williams," and called sometimes "Fort Schuylkill." It is frequently mentioned in the Pennsylvania Archives. Two years after its erection, it was des- cribed as follows: "Fort Lebanon, about twenty- four miles from Gnadenhutten, in the line to Shamokin. — Fort, 100 feet square. Stockades, 14 feet high. House within, built 30 by 20, with a large store-room. A spring within, and a maga- zine, 12 feet square. On a barren, not much timber on it; 100 families protected by it within the new purchase. No township. Built in three weeks. Something considered given by the neighbors to- wards it." Fort Franklin. — The fifth fort on the frontier of the county was several miles above the Blue Mountain, on Lizard creek. It was built about two years later than the other forts. It was some- times called Fort Allemaengel ("all wants"). Fort Augusta. — The first allusion to this fort is in a letter by Governor Morris, on Feb. 1, 1756, in which he -states that he proposed to build a fort at Shamokin, at the forks of the Susquehanna, a.5 soon as the season would admit a passage of that river. And in a letter dated July 30th following, he stated that a fort was then building at Shamokin (where a camp was stationed for some time) by Colonel Clapham, who had five hundred men with him. Shortly afterward (Aug. 14) the Colonel ad- dressed a letter to the Governor dated at "Fort Augusta," in reference to a necessary supply of military stores. This fort was therefore built dur-- ing July and August, 1756. No dimensions are given. But it was large and commodious, affording room for many men and a large quantity of military stores. Frequent reports of the supplies on hand and of the forces stationed there appear in the Records and Archives; and cruelties by the Indians were committed in the vicinity. Premium for Scalps. — In pursuance of a resolu- tion for carrying on active measures against the Indians, the Board of Commissioners decided on April 9, 1756, to recommend to the Governor that bounties, or premiuins, be paid for prisoners and scalps : For every male Indian prisoner above ten years old, that shall be delivered at any of the government forts or towns $150 For every female Indian prisoner or male prisoner, of ten years old and under, delivered as above 130 For the scalp of every male Indian above ten years old 130 For the scalp of every Indian woman, 50 Peace Declared. — After the French had receded into Canada before the advancing army of English soldiers, the Indians naturally followed their allies. Hence the cruelties ■ here ceased after 1758 ; and when Canada was surrendered in 1760, the peace and safety of our community were assured. The declaration of peace was delayed for three years, and when it was published in 1763, only a few In- dians remained in the eastern section of Pennsyl- vania. A small settlement of them (who were friendly to the government and the inhabitants) re- mained at Shamokin ; and some families were scat- tered in different parts of the county, where they remained for many years afterward. Before the war, considerable trade had been car- ried on successfully between the settlers and the Indians, continuing without interruption from the time of the first settlements until 1744, and even a decade afterward. The relations had become so pleasant and firm that certain Indians remained in the county unmolested during the war, and car- ried on their peaceful vocations, such as basket- making, bead-work, etc., and after the war, travel- ing parties of them frequently visited the county and sold articles of their handiwork. Murdered and Captured. — During this war, the Indians killed about one hundred and fifty, and cap- tured thirty inhabitants of the county. Several of 110 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA those who were taken captive returned after the war. Many persons were wounded and some of them died from their wounds. But, during these eight years, only four of the Indians were killed in the county, so far as ascertained. MURDERED June, 1754 — Peter Geisinger, Tulpehocken. June, 1754 — Fred. Myers and wife. Tulpehocken. June, 1754 — Young girl, Tulpehocken. June, 1754 — Hostetter familj', Bern. June, 1754 — Sebastian Brosius, Bethel. October, 1755 — ^Henry Hartman, Bethel. October, 1755 — Two men (unknown). Bethel. October, 1755 — Odwaller and another unknown,' Bethel. November, 1755 — Thirteen persons, unknown. Bethel. November, 1755 — Child eight years old, daughter of a man named Cola, Bethel. November, 1755 — Cola's wife and two children older. Bethel. November, November, November, November, November, November, November, November, November, 1755- 1755- 1755- 1755- -Philip , a shoemaker, -Casper Spring, Bethel. Beslinger,' Bethel. Bethel. at -Child of Jacob Wolf, Bethel. 1755 — John Leinberger, Bethel. 1755 — Rudolph Candel, Bethel. 1755 — Sebastian Brosius, Bethel. 1755 — Six men killed,' Bethel. 1755 — Unknown man, a shoemaker Brown's house, Bethel. November, 1755 — A child scalped and died,' Bethel. November, 1755 — A woman° and male child, Bethel. November, 1755 — Fifteen persons (excluding five pre- ceding), Bethel. November, 1755 — Christopher Ury, Bethel. November, 1755 Youngman, Bethel. November, 1755 — Wife of Kobel." Bethel. February, 1756 — Two children of Frederick Reichelder- fer, Albany. February, 1756 — One man, two women and si.x children,' Albany. February, 1756 — George Zeisloff and wife, two boys and a girl, Albany. February, 1756 — Wife of Balser Neyfong, Albany. March, 1756 — Peter Kluck and family. Albany. March, 1756 — A woman at Linderman's house, xA.lban.y. March, 1756 — William Yeth, Hereford. March, 1756 — Wife of John Krausher, Hereford. October, 1756 — Two married women and two boys,' Bethel. November, 1756 — Wife, daughter and son-in-law of Philip Culmore, .Albany. November, 1756 — Martin Fell, Albany. November, 1756 — Two old men,° Bethel. November, 1756 Stonebrook, Albany. June, 1757 — Man unknown, near Fort Henry, Bethel. June, 1757 — Two persons near Fort Northkill, Tulpe- hocken. June, 1757 — Adam Trump,"" Albany. June, 1757 — Peter Gersinger, Bethel. July, 1757— Three men and four children, " Bethel. I Possibly these two and the two immediately before are the same. ^ Near by an Indian — of Delaware tribe — was found dead anrl scalped — «scalped by Frederick Weiser. .\nother was shot and scal]ied several weeks afterward. 3 Supposed to have been soldiers. 4 Two others also scalped. ''» Under this woman, her babe onlj^ fourteen days old was found. It was alive, wrapped up in a little cushion. C Four of their children were scalped at the same time. They had eight children with them. Two probably died. The father was wounded^. "^ All killed at house of Jacob Gerliart, situate in the upper section ot the township, commonly known as the "Eck" (corner). Eight of them were burned. 5 One of them reported as likely to die from scalping. Ten women and children were rescued at this place from the cellar of a burning building. 10 Found with a knife and a spear (fixed to a pole four feet long) in bis body. II All murdered and scalped in one house. July, 1757 — Two children near Bickel's. July, 1757 — Martin Jaeger and wife,'" Greenwich. July, 1757 — Two children of John Krausher, Greenwich. July, 1757 — One child of A. Sechler, Greenwich. July, 1757 — One child of Philip Eshton, Greenwich. July, 1757 — Ten people." September, 1757 — A man shot in bed whilst sick. September. 1757 — Two families." April, 1758 — Jacob Lebenguth and Margaret his wife, Tulpehocken. April, 1758 — Wife and two children of Nicholas Geiger, Tulpehocken. April, 1758 — Wife of Michael Ditzeler, Tulpehocken. June, 1758 — Wife of John Frantz. Tulpehocken. June, 1758 — Son of John Snabele, Tulpehocken. October, 1758— A man. Bethel. September, 1763 — John Fincher, wife and two sons, Albany. September, 1763 — Four children at house of Nicholas Miller,'" Albany. September, 1763 — Two children of Frantz Hubler, Bern. November, 1763 — Three men near forks of Schuylkill." TAKEN PRISONERS June, 1754 — Daughter of Balser Schmidt (fifteen years old), Tulpehocken. ' June, 1754 — Three children of Frederick Myers (two boys, 10 and 6 years old. and a girl 8 years old), Tulpe- hocken. June, 1754 — Son of Reichard (eight years old), Tulpehocken. February, 1756' — Son of Balser Neyfong, Albany. March, 1756 — Son of William Yeth, Hereford. November, 1756 — Girl named Stonebrook, Albany. June, 1757 — Son of Adam Trump, Albany. June, 1757 — Young woman from near Fort Henry, Bethel. July, 1757 — Three children from near Bickel's. July, 1757 — Two children at same time. September, 1757 — Five children. June, 1758 — Three children of John Frantz, Tulpe- hocken. September, 1763 — Wife and three children of Frantz Hubler, Bern. MISSING November, 1756 — Wife and child of Martin Fell, Al- bany. November, 1756 — A boy seven years old, Albany. October, irss — Three men missing. Bethel. September, 1763 — Daughter of John Fincher, Albany. September, 1763— Wife of Nicholas Miller, .Albanv.' REVOLUTION, 17r.5-S3 Cause. — The Parliament of Great Britain passed an Act on j\Iarch 2-3, 176.5, which required all in- struments of writing, such as deeds, bonds and promissory notes, to be written on parchment or paper stamped with a specific duty, otherwise they were to have no legal effect; but this measure met with such general opposition in Great Britain and throughout the American Colonies, and was found to be so unpopular, that the Act was repealed in ^ John Krausher's wife and child, Abraham Sechler's w-ife, and a child of .\dam Clauss were scalped at the same time and badly wounded. 13 Alluded to in Weiser's letter. Probably he referred to party killed in Greenwich. i-t No number mentioned. ■um' ^^™ °^ Miller's children were prisoners, but were rescued. When rescued they were tied together, in which manner they had been driven along. 1" These are supposed to have been the last persons killed by the Indians at this time. But during the Rvolutionarv war, in August, 1780, John Negman ■and his two young children were cruelly murdered by the Indians thirty-three miles from Reading on road to Shamokin; and at the same time a little girl was carried oil. WAR PERIODS 111 the following year. The cheapest stamp was of the value of one shilling. The stamps on documents increased in value according to their importance. All the colonists manifested unbounded joy over the repeal of this odious law. This opposition, however, led Parliament to pass a declaratory Act (which accompanied the repeal- ing Act) asserting their power over the Colonies in all cases whatsoever. And in 1767, an Act was passed imposing certain duties on tea, glass, paper, and painters' colors that were imported into the Colonies. There was no representation in Parlia- ment from the several Colonies; and they, regard- ing taxation of this kind as unjust and tyrannical, held public meetings, formed associations to dis- courage, and even to prevent, the importation of British goods, and passed appropriate resolutions; which they forwarded to the King. His ministers, believing that a reduction of the tax would restore tranquility, ordered this law also to be repealed, saving only a tax of three pence per pound on tea ; and in 1770 an Act was passed accordingly. But even this was not satisfactory to them, and their recommendations to one another not to receive any tea were strictly carried out. In the meantime, the East India Company had accumulated seventeen million pounds of this article on hand, and fearing great losses, they led Parlia- ment to authorize the exportation of tea to any part of the world free of duty. With such encour- agement, the company in 1774 loaded several ships with tea and sent them to the American Colonies ; but the colonists were firm in their resolution and determined to obstruct the sale of it and to refuse to pay even so slight a tax as three pence per pound. When the ships arrived near Philadelphia and New York, the captains were warned not to land, and, fearing this warning, they returned to England. The tea sent to Charleston was landed, but it could not be sold, and after having been stored for a while in damp cellars it became a total loss to the company. And at Boston, while efforts were being made to land the tea, certain men in the disguise of Indians stole their way upon the vessels, broke open 342 chests of tea and threw the contents overboard. When Parliament heard of these proceedings, an Act was passed, called the "Boston Port Bill," di- recting the port of Boston to be closed and the custom house to be removed to Salem; and other humiliating Acts were also passed which were offensive to the people of Boston. Information about these Acts reached Boston on May 10th, and on the 13th, at a town meeting, the inhabitants resolved : That, if the other Colonies would unite with them to stop all importations from Great Britain and the West Indies until those Acts should be repealed, it would prove the salvation of North America and her liberties ; but if they should continue their exports and imports, there was reason to fear that fraud, power and the most odious oppression would triumph over justice, right, social happi- ness and freedom. Copies of this resolution were transmitted to all the other Colonies. It awakened not only a feeling of sympathy but a strong spirit of co-operation, and led them to concur in the propriety of calling a Provincial Congress. Public meetings were held at different places, such as county towns, and, be- sides discussing topics so important to liberty and the general welfare, committees of correspondence were appointed to communicate the actions of the several meetings to one another throughout the Col- onies. In this way, it was discovered that the same feeling prevailed everywhere, and naturally there came to be united efforts toward accomplishing a common result for the benefit of all. About this time the terms "Whigs" and "Tories" were introduced to designate either those who were arrayed on the side of the Colonies in sympathy with Boston, or those who were in sympathy with the policy of the British government. Meeting at Reading. — When the news reached Reading, in Berks county, the citizens manifested great excitement, and meetings were held at which the action of the British government was con- demned. These meetings were called by notices headed "Boston Port Bill," and posted throughout the town. At one of these meetings (which comprised a respectable body of inhabitants of the county) held in the Court-House at Reading, on July 2, 1774, Edward Biddle, Esq., in the chair, the following resolutions were adopted: This assembly, taking into their very serious considera- tion the present critical situation of American affairs, do unanimously resolve as follows, viz. : 1. That the inhabitants of this county do owe, and will pay due allegiance to our rightful Sovereign, King George the Third. 2. That the powers claimed, and now attempted to be put into execution by the British Parliament, are funda- mentally wrong, and cannot be admitted without the utter destruction of the liberties of America. 3. That the Boston Port Bill is unjust and tyrannical in the extreme. And that the measures pursued against Bos- ton are intended to operate equally against the rights and liberties of the other colonies. 4. That this assembly doth concur in opinion with their respective brethren of Philadelphia, that there is an abso- lute necessity for an immediate congress of the deputies of the several advices, in order to deliberate upon and pur- sue such measures as may radically heal our present un- happy disturbances, and settle with precision the rights and liberties of America. 5. That the inhabitants of this county, confiding in the prudence and ability of the deputies intended to be chosen for the general congress, will cheerfully submit to any measures which may be found by the said congress best adapited for the restoration of harmony between the mother-country and the colonies, and for the security and firm establishment of the rights of America. 6. That, as the people of Boston are now suffering in the grand and common cause of American liberty. Resolved, That it is the duty of all the inhabitants to • contribute to the support of the said sufferers, and that the committee hereafter named do open subscriptions for their relief. And further, that the said committee do lay out the amount of such subscriptions in purchasing flour and other provisions, to be sent by them to our said suffering brethren. 112 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 7. That Edward Biddle, James Read, Daniel Brodhead, Henry Christ, Esqs., Christopher Schultz, Thomas Dundas and Jonathan Patts, gentlemen, be, and they are hereby appointed a committee to meet and correspond with the committees from the other counties of the Province. The committee raised money and forwarded flour and provisions to the suffering brethren at Boston soon after the meeting. Reading was a prominent center of trade in 1774, and the country round about possessed an abundance of grain and provisions. There were numerous gristmills within a radius of ten miles, and the collection of many barrels of flour was a comparatively easy matter for such a worthy cause, especially under the appeal of such influential men as composed the committee. Biddle and Read were attorneys; Christ an inn- keeper ; Potts a physician ; Dundas a merchant ; Brodhead a large miller of Pleidelberg; and Schultz a prosperous farmer of Hereford. From this meeting to the close of the Revolution, the people of Reading and of the county partici- pated actively in all the affairs of the province. Thev were represented by delegates at the several conferences ; and they contributed their quota of men, money and supplies in the successful prosecu- tion of the war. Lexington Awakens County. — The battle of Lexington was fought on April 19, 1775, and when the news of the battle reached Reading, about a week afterward, a company of men was formed, who wore crape for a cockade as a token of sorrow for the slaughter of their brethren ; and each town- ship in Berks county resolved to raise and discipline a company of soldiers. And the following extract of a letter from Reading, dated April 26, 1775, shows forcibly the feeling that prevailed : We liave raised in this town two companies of foot under proper officers : and such is the spirit of the people of this free county, that in three weeks time there is not a township in it that will not have a company raised and disciplined, ready to assert at the risk of their lives the freedom of America. The companies mentiO'Ued were commanded by Capt. George Nagel and Capt. John Spohn. First Officers From County. — The first meet- ing of the Committee of Safety at Philadelphia was on Jan. 2, 1776, which Edward Biddle attended. Congress had recommended that Pennsylvania fur- nish four battalions of troops ; and at this meeting the Committee were to agree upon the four colonels who were to be placed in command. On the 4th of January, they selected field officers, George Nagel, of Reading, being one of them. Then they also selected thirty-one captains for the four battalions, among those chosen being John Spohn, Peter Scull and Peter Decker, all of Reading, and on Jan. 6th, they selected thirt5r-two lieutenants, among them Daniel Brodhead of Reading. Germans to Rescue. — By looking over the names of the numerous men in Berks county who participated in the movement for independence, it will be found that they are almost entirely German. The population of the county was largely German and of German descent, and this preponderance of names over those of all other nationalities was to be expected. The proportion was fully nine-tenths. They used the German language in their daily affairs, excepting the transfer of title to real estate, which was required to be in the English language by a provincial law. The location of the English people in 1775 was mostly at Reading, and in Robe- son, Caernarvon, Union, Exeter, Oley, Maiden- creek and Richmond townships, or eight districts out of twenty-nine ; but the major part of the people in these districts also were German, excepting the southern section of the county. It can be stated that Berks count}' was then dis- tinctively the most German county of the eleven counties in the province. It was natural for the electors of the county to show a positive sympathy for this movement, because it was in accordance with their notions of political freedom. They had a firm belief in local government and desired to carry it on successfully without unnecessary re- strictions or burdens. Taxation without represen- tation was to them an unreasonable and unjust doc- trine, and they were not disposed to tolerate its continued enforcement. The system of militia, which had been provided by the Assembly, was appreciated by them, and they co-operated sincerely in its establishinent through- out the county. They effected an organization and responded to the call for troops in a willing and prompt manner. The militia returns of the county for 1775 show the organization of seven battalions; and by July there were at least forty companies ready to answer the call for military duty in actual warfare. Their zeal will be more fully appreciated when we understand that there was "^not a single post-office in the county, and that the only means'of dispatching- communications was by express riders. Associators.— At the inception o'f the Revolution, there were eleven counties in the province of Penn- sylvania : Philadelphia Bucks Chester Lancaster York Cumberland B^erks Northampton Bedford Xprthumberland Westmoreland On June 30, 1775, the General Assembly ap- proved of "the Association entered into by the good people of this Colonv for the defense of their lives, liberties and properties"; decided to pay the necessary expenses of the officers and soldiers while m active service, repelling any hostile invasion of British or other troops : and recommended the coun- ty commissioners of the several counties to "im- mediately provide a proper number of good, new firelocks with bayonets fitted to them," cartridge boxes with twenty-three rounds of cartridges 'in every box, and knapsacks." The allotted number for Berks county was four hundred. Edward Biddle and Henrv Christ were then the representatives from Berks county ; and Biddle was WAR PERIODS 113 selected by the Assembly as one of the Committee of Safety "for calling forth such and so many of the Associators into actual service when necessity requires." The committee consisted of twenty-five members. The preamble to the Articles of Association read as follows: We, the officers and soldiers, engaged in the present association for the defense of American liberty, being fully sensible that the strength and security of any body of men acting together consists in just regularity, due subordination, and exact obedience to command, without which no individual can have that confidence in the sup- port of those about him, that is so necessary to give firm- ness and resolution to the whole, do voluntarily and freely, after consideration of the following articles, adopt the same as the rules by which we agree and re- solve to be governed in all our military concerns and operations, until the same or any of them shall he changed or dissolved by the Assembly or Provincial Con- vention, or in their recess, by the Committee of Safety, or a happy reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and the Colonies. There were thirty-two articles which provided for the regulation of military affairs, and these articles the Associators were expected to sign. The Com- mittee of Safety in Berks county recommended the adoption of the Articles. Recommendations for Companies. — On July 28, 1775, the Assembly approved of the resolution of Congress, passed July 18th, which recommended: That all able-bodied men between sixteen and sixty years of age in each colony immediately form themselves into regular companies to consist of one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, a clerk, drummer and fifer, and sixty-eight privates. That the officers of each^ company be chosen by the respective comjJanies. That the companies be formed into Battalions, offi- cered with a Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors, and an Adjutant or Quartermaster. That the officers above captain be appointed by the As- sembly or by the Committee of Safety. And that each soldier be furnished with a good musket that will carry an ounce ball, with a bayonet, steel ram- rod, worm priming wire with brush, fitted thereto, a cut- ting sword or tomahawk, a cartridge box that will con- tain twenty-three rounds of cartridges, 12 flints, and a knapsack. The musket barrels were three feet eight inches long, and the bayonets sixteen inches long ; the bore of the barrels of sufficient size to carry seventeen balls to the pound. County Colonels. — Delegates from the eleven counties, numbering altogether fifty-three, assem- bled at Philadelphia on Aug. 19, 1775, for the pur- pose of adopting Articles of Association. They were colonels of the Associated Battalions, and the representatives from Berks county were: Edward Biddle Mark Bird Daniel Brodhead Christian Lower Balser Geehr of Independence, and directing it to be read on Monday, July 8th, at 12 o'clock noon, at the place where the election of delegates was to be held. This was done by Henry Vanderslice, the sheriff of the county, on that day at the Court-House, on Penn Square, the bell having been rung earnestly beforehand, as elsewhere, to call the people together so that they should learn the significance of that important piiblic document. Population and Districts. — In 1776, the terri- tory of Berks county included not only that part which lies within the present boundary lines to the south of the Blue Mountain, but also nearly the entire area of Schuylkill county to the north, the excepted portion being about one-sixth part at the eastern end. But that section beyond the mountain was sparsely settled, the resident taxables number- ing about one hundred and fifty, and the population about six hundred. The total population (as near as it can be estimated) was about twenty thousand ; and the taxables numbered about four thousand, the same number as those subject to military duty be- tween the ages of eighteen and fifty-three years. The estimated population of Pennsylvania then was three hundred thousand white people, and two thou- sand black. The townships or districts established in the county numbered twenty-nine. They were distrib- uted as follows: EAST OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER Manatawny Section Alsace Douglass Reading Amity Exeter Rockland Colebrookdale Hereford Ruscombmanor District Oley Ontelaunee Section Albany Maiden-creek Richmond Greenwich Maxatawny Windsor Longswamp WEST OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER Schuylkill Section Declaration Read in County. — In pursuance of a resolution of Congress, the State Board of Safety addressed a letter to the Committee of Berks County on July 6, 1776, enclosing a copy of the Declaration 8 Brecknock Caernarvon Curoru Robeson Tulpehocken Section Bern Heidelberg Bethel BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAIN Brunswick and Pine-Grove. Union Tulpehocken COMPANIES IN SERVICE The following companies from Berks county were in the Revolution from its inception in 1775 to its successful termination in 1783, so far as the com- piler has been able to ascertain them. This table is as complete as it can be made at this time and presents sufficient evidence to show the patriotic spirit of the people and the response they made to the government in its numerous calls for troops. The names of the colonels and captains only can be given. 114 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA STATEMENT OF TROOPS During the year 1775 Company of Capt. George Nagel (Reading), 95 men, at Cambridge, Mass., from July, 1775, to March 1776. He subsequently became a Colonel. During the year 1776 Company of Capt. Jonathan Jones (Caernarvon), 83 men; at Montreal, Quebec, Ticonderoga, and Trenton from January, 1776, to January, 1777. Battalion of Col. Henry Haller (Reading), which com- prised eight companies commanded by the following captains : John Spohn (Reading), 78 men Peter Decker (Reading), 86 men Henry Christ (Reading), 87 men Joseph Hiester (Reading) Jacob Graul (Reading) Jacob Maurer (Maiden-creek) John Ludwig (Heidelberg) George Douglass (Amity) The total number of men was estimated at 666. They •were in active service at New York and Long Island from June, 1776, to January, 1777. Lieut.-Col. Nicholas Lotz was in command of the men, and he was among the prisoners taken at the Battle of Long Island. Also, in that vicinity dtiring August and September, 1776, four companies, estimated at 300 men, commanded by the following captains : John Old (District) George Will (Reading), 72 men Daniel Deturck (Alsace), 72 men George May (Windsor) Also, in that vicinity (South Amboy) during the same time, four companies of the battalion of Col. John Pat- ton (Heidelberg), estimated at 300 men, commanded by the following captains : John Lesher (Tulpehocken) Michael Wolf (Bethel) George Miller (Tulpehocken) Michael Furrer (Tulpehocken) Also, in that vicinity during the same time, the 4th Battalion of Berks County Militia uder the command of Col. Balser Geehr (Bern). It arrived at Bethlehem on the way on Sept. 1st. The full battalion of six com- panies is supposed to have gone to the field, but the names of the captains and the number of men have not been as yet ascertained; men estimated at 300. Also, in that vicinity during the same time, the bat- talion of Col. Mark Bird (Union), which he equipped at his own expense. The names of the captains have not been ascertained but the number of men was said to have been about 300. The company of Capt. Benjamin Weiser (Heidel- berg), 53 men, was at Trenton in December, 1776, and at Princeton in January, 1777. The quota of 500 men from Berks county, made up from the battalions of Col. Henry Haller and Col. Daniel Hunter, were also in the vicinity of Trenton in Decem- ber, 1776, and at Newtown, Bucks county, in January, 1777. Only five of the captains have been ascertained : In the Haller battalion, three captains — George Will (Reading), 40 men John Diehl (Reading), 29 men Nicholas Scheffer (Tulpehocken), 32 men And in the Hunter battalion, two captains — Conrad Eckert (Heidelberg) Fisher In February, a detachment of the company of Capt. Peter Nagel, 17 men, was detailed on duty to guard prisoners at Reading. In September, a detachment of the company of Capt. Conrad Geist, 39 men, was detailed on duty also to guard prisoners at Reading. Besides the captains mentioned, there is positive evi- dence that four additional captains were in the service in the summer: Jacob Moser (Reading), John Soder (Bern), Stephen Crumrine (Colebrookdale), and — Moyer, they having been paid by the Executive Council. Number of men estimated at 300. During the year 1777 The companies commanded by the following captains were enlisted in the Continental Line — men estimated at 300: 3d Reg't, Peter Scull (Reading) 4th " John Mears (Reading) 6th " Jacob Moser (Reading), 67 men 6th " Jacob Bower (Reading) 11th " Samuel Dewees (Heidelberg) 12th " Peter Withington (Reading) The battalion of Col. Daniel Hunter (Oley) was mus- tered into service on Aug. 7, 1777, with 365 men, and participated under General Washington in the campaigns round about Philadelphia from August to December, dur- ing which the battles of Brandywine and Germantown were fought. It comprised six companies, which were commanded by the following captains : Henry Knause (Colebrookdale) Charles Crouse (Longswamp) Jacob Whetstone (Brunswick) Conrad Geist (Reading) John McMurray (Robeson) John Lesher (Oley) The battalion of Col. Daniel Udree (Oley) was mus- tered in at the same time with 301 men, and was engaged in the same service. It comprised six companies with the following captains : Stephen Crumrine (Colebrookdale) Peter Smith (Reading) Conrad Minich (Brunswick) John Reitmyef (Reading) John Essington (Union) George Battorf (Bethel) The battalion of Col. Michael Lindenmuth (Bern) was mustered in on Sept. 27, 1777, with 286 men, and was en- gaged in service in the Schuylkill Valley from that time until Washington went into winter quarters at Valley Forge on Dec. 18th, when it is supposed the men returned to the county. It comprised six companies with the fol- lowing captains : Sebastian Lentz (Rockland) Jacob Rodarmel (Richmond) Francis Umbenhauer (Bern) Daniel Deturck (Alsace) John Wagner (Bern) Daniel Womelsdorf (Heidelberg) The battalion of Col. Joseph Hiester (Reading) was ■mustered in at the same time with 263 men, and was en- gaged in the same service as the Lindenmuth battalion. It comprised six companies with the following captains: Jacob Roth (Amity) Jacob Dreibelbis (Greenwich) Sebastian Emrich (Bethel) Peter Nagel (Reading) John Graul (Reading) Conrad Weiser (Heidelberg) The battalion of Col. Henry Spyker (Tulpehocken) was mustered in on Nov. 9, 1777, and was engaged in the serv- ice for sixty days in the Schuylkill Valley, between Valley Forge and Germantown. It comprised seven companies and 367 men, with the following captains : Michael Voyge (Richmond) Jacob Shadel (Bern) WAR PERIODS 115 George Riehm (Cumru) Jacob Rhoads (Amity) Michael Bretz (Pine Grove) Conrad Eckert (Heidelberg) Henry Weaver (Tulpehocken) The battalion of Col. Jacob Weaver (Amity) was mus- tered in on Dec. 13, 1777, and was also engaged in the service for sixty days in the same vicinity as the Spyker battalion. It comprised eight companies and 361 men, with the following captains : Daniel Reiff (Oley) Henry Egijer (Longswamp) Ferdinand Ritter (Albany) Sebastian Miller (Cumru) Philip Krick (Cumru) David Morgan (Caernarvon) Jacob Kreamer (Bethel) Philip Filbert (Heidelberg) The company of Capt. Charles Crouse (Longswamp), with 40 men, was on guard duty at the Windsor powder magazine for some time before Jan. 3, 1778. The company of Capt. Jacob Hill (Windsor), with 41 men, was mustered into service on Oct. 25, 1777, and was also stationed at the same powder magazine for some time, doing guard duty. _ And two companies, each comprising 40 men, were sta- tioned at Reading in September, for the purpose of guard- ing the military stores — the names of the commanding officers not having been ascertained. During the year 1778 In January, General Washington recommended that Capt.' Edward Scull (Reading) should recruit 150 men in Berks county for the Battalion of the State in the Continental Army, which was done. , A company, commanded by Lieut. Joseph Talbot (Caernarvon), with 54 men, was mustered into service on Jan. 5th, and detailed for guard duty at Reading. In April, 200 men were ordered on guard duty at Read- ing, and 10 men on guard duty at Boone's Mill (supposed to have been in Exeter). During the middle of this year, 16 men were enlisted at Reading to make up the company of Capt. Bartholomew Von Heer, for the purpose of performing provost duty. They were mounted and accoutered as Light Dragoons, to apprehend deserters, rioters and stragglers. Col. Jacob Morgan reported in August that he had for- warded 180 men to Sunbury, and 133 men to Easton to render frontier service against the Indians. Two battalions, the quota ordered from Berks county, were sent to Philadelphia in October, to serve under Gen- eral Armstrong, in anticipation of an invasion by the Brit- ish, the number of men being estimated at 500. During the year 1779 No evidence of the enlistment ^of men from Berks coun- ty during this year has been discovered, nor any orders from the Executive Council to the lieutenant of the county for men. During the year 1780 In May, one class of men, numbering 60 men, was taken from the battalion of Col. Michael Lindenmuth (Bern) for frontier service. In June, a company of 53 men was raised as volun- teers in Berks county and sent to Philadelphia under the command of Major Edward Scull. In August, 130 men were sent to Brunswick township from the county to render frontier service. In August, the 6th Battalion of County Militia, under the command, of Col. Joseph Hiester, joined the army of Gen. Joseph Reed in New Jersey, near Camden, in pur- suance of an order to supply 600 men, who were to co- operate with the main army near Philadelphia. It Nvas in service for thirty days from Aug. 10th. The names of 437 men have been ascertained of this quota. There were six companies, commanded by the following captains : Charles Gobin (Reading) Ferdinand Ritter (Albany) Conrad Sherman (Tulpehocken) John Ludwig (Heidelberg) Jacob Baldy (Maxatawny) Henry Strouch (Ruscombmanor) In September, two companies, numbering 130 men, from the battalion of Col. Samuel Ely, were sent from the county to perform frontier service against the Indians. During the year 178 1 In May, one class of the battalion of Col. Michael Lindenmuth, numbering 64 men, was forwarded from county to render frontier service. In June, two classes of the 6th Battalion of Militia, commanded by Col. Joseph Hiester, numbering 138 men, were placed under the command of Maj. Bayley, to guard the encampment of German prisoners at Reading. In August, a detachment of Lieut. Daniel Stroud's com- pany, numbering 40 men, was ordered on guard duty, and it served during August and September. A detachment of Capt. Charles Grouse's company, num- bering 36 men, was on duty at Reading guarding pris- oners from Aug. 16th to Oct. 16th. In September, there were 153 men recruited at Reading and forwarded. Three classes of Col. Samuel Ely's Battalion, numbering 300 men, were in service at Newtown from Oct. 1st to Oct. l&th. Two of the companies are believed to have been commanded by John Robinson (Caernarvon), 56 men Jacob Ladich (Brunswick) The other companies have not been discovered. Three other companies, about the same number of men, were also organized in the county, but on account of the want of arms the lieutenant of the county (then Col. Val- entine Eckert), could not then forward them. In October, a company of riflemen, numbering 83 men, was organized in the western end of the county, and in service under the command of Capt. Jacob Livingood (Heidelberg) until Jan. 1, 1782. The place of service has not been ascertained, but the men were paid on Jan. 16, 1782. Militia from Greenwich and Maxatawny townships, numberi^jg 120 men, were on a tour of duty. Detachments from the 2d and 6th Battalions of Militia, numbering 169 men, were on duty at Reading guarding prisoners. During the year 1782 In February, the company of Capt. John Robinson, numbering 60 men, was in service at Northumberland. In February, the first class of militia, numbering 40 men,' was in service at Reading guarding prisoners.' In August, there were two detachments of militia, one numbering 27 men, and the other 50 men, who rendered frontier service in the county. In September, 125 men were sent from the county to render frontier service in Northumberland county. In September, a detachment of Capt. Peter Nagel's com- pany, numbering 40 men, was detailed to guard prisoners who were sent from Reading to Philadelphia. RECAPITULATION For the year 1775 95 For the year 1776 2,858 For the year 1777 2,404 For the year 1778 1,233 For the year 1779 For the year 1780 ' 952 For the year 1781 1,093 For the year 1782 343 8,977 116 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Miscellaneous enlistments ascertained not included in above statement 56 Total estimated 9,033 The number of men for the years 1776 and 1777 appears incredible, but the reader will take into consideration that the men for each year were not all in service at one time. Taking the reports of men in service that have been given in detail, and understanding that it was not possible to discover all the men that were enlisted, it can be said that the estimated total, as arranged, is not above, but rather below, the real number supplied by the coun- ty during the Revolution. The system of supplying men was simple, and it was carried on in such a manner as to render as- sistance to the government with as little injury as possible to the several districts from which the men were called. The number demanded at one time was not extraordinary, compared with the total number subject to military duty, and the term of service was limited to such a period that the busi- ness interests of the people should not suffer seri- ous losses. In this way it was possible to have at least several hundred men from a county in service all the time. COLONELS ASCERTAINED— 17 Mark Bird Daniel Brodhead Valentine Eckert Samuel Ely Balser Geehr Henry Haller Joseph Hiester Daniel Hunter Michael Lindenmuth Nicholas Lotz Jacob Morgan Jacob Morgan, George Nagel John Patton Henry Spyker Daniel Udree Jacob Weaver Jr. CAPTAINS ASCERTAINED— 85 Jacob Baldy George Battorf George Beaver Jacob Bower Michael Bretz Henry Christ Charles Crouse Stephen Crumrine Peter Decker Daniel Deturck Samuel Dewees John Diehl Jacob Dreibelbis Conrad Eckert Henry Egner Sebastian Emrich John Essington Philip Filbert Fisher George Focht Conrad Geist Charles Gobin Jacob Graul John Graul Thomas Herbert Joseph Hiester Jacob Hill Jonathan Jones George Kemp Henry Knause Philip Kreamer Philip Krick Jacob Ladich Sebastian Lentz John Lesher Jacob Livingood John Ludwig Jacob Maurer George May John McMurray John Mears George Miller Sebastian Miller Conrad Minich David Morgan Jacob Moser Moyer George Nagel Peter Nagel John Old Dirck Pennybacker Daniel Reiff John Reitmyer Jacob Richstein George Riehm Ferdinand Ritter John Robinson Jacob Roth (Rhoads) Jacob Rothermel Nicholas Scheffer Edward Scull Peter Scull Francis Umbenhauer Bartholomew Von Heer Peter Wanner John Wagner Benjamin Weiser Conrad Weiser Henry Weaver Jacob Whetstone Matthias Wick George Will Daniel Womelsdorf William Scull Jacob Shadel Henry Shepler Conrad Sherman Casper Smeck Peter Smith John Soder Spatts John Spohn Leonard Stone Henry Strauch Joseph Talbot Army Supplies from County. — During the Revolution, many army supplies were either manu- factured or produced in the county of Berks, more especially in the years 1775, 1776 and 1777; and these were collected from the several districts and deposited at Reading, for the purpose of enabling the Commissioners of Forage to fill the propor- tional allotments of the districts with reasonable dispatch. They consisted of grain, flour, hay, pow- der, clothing, accoutrements, horses and wagons. The superior geographical situation of Reading led Congress to select the place as a general depot for storing supplies of all kinds. It was far enough from Philadelphia that General Howe could not entertain any thoughts of capturing the stores with safety to his army, and yet it was near enough to enable the storekeeper to fill orders made upon him promptly. Store House at Reading. — In a letter of CoL Jacob Morgan to the Executive Council, dated Sept. 18, 1777, he stated as follows: There is at present a great quantity of powder and other stores belonging to the State in this town [Read- ing] and there are two companies now out of said classes mounting guard over said stores. The people of the town are vastly uneasy at having so much powder here, and, unless it be very well guarded, that uneasiness will in- crease to a great degree, as fire happening to the house where the powder is lodged would tear the town to pieces and destroy the whole body of inhabitants. Many persons of the town, above 53 years of age, would make part of a guard if taken into pay, which would render it easy to send so many more of the militia as would otherwise be requisite for such guard. The Continental Press and Medicinal store also require some guard. By a letter of the same day from Christ and Shoe- maker [Justices] to the Council it would appear that they had called two companies of militia to guard the said stores — "not forgetting the Conti- nental Treasurer." The stores included a "vast number of ammunition in the town, or near it." Lotz Receipt Book. — In 1893, the compiler saw the receipt book of Col. Nicholas Lotz in which re- ceipts were taken for moneys paid from Aug. 13, 1780, to Dec. 5, 1781. The total amount was $202,- 033. Some of the items were reckoned in pounds, shillings and pence, but the most of them were in dollars. A great part of the amount was paid to him in currency, which was never redeemed, whereby he and others suffered great losses. Iron Industries. — Thirteen prominent iron in- dustries were carried on successfully in the county during the Revolution. They were situated in the WAR PERldDS iir four sections of the county, along strong streams of water, as follows: FURNACES Oley, in Oley, on Manatawny creek. Mt. Pleasamt, in Colebrookdale, on West Branch of Perkiomen. Hereford, in Hereford, on West Branch of Perkiomen. Hopewell, in Union, on French creek. Berkshire, in Heidelberg on tributary of Tulpehocken creek. Pine, Spring and Oley, in Douglass, District, and Oley, on Manatawny creek. Mi. Pleasant, in Colebrookdale, on West Branch. Bird's, in Robeson, on Hay creek. Gibraltar, in Robeson, on Allegheny creek. Moselem, in Richmond, on Ontelaunee creek. Charming, in Tulpehocken, on Tulpehocken creek. Ironmasters. — The ironmasters, the proprietors ■ of the foregoing industries, were Mark Bird, John Patton, John Lesher, David Potts, John Old, Thom- as Mayberry, Daniel Udree, George Ege and Chris- tian Lower. The assessed value of the property of these men in the different sections of the county amounted to a very large sum in the aggregate, showing that they were in a situation to contribute a strong influence toward the successful prosecu- tion of the war. They supplied the Continental Government with cannon-balls, cast-iron and wrought-iron in various shapes, and they cooper- ated heartily in the great social movement for rep- resentative government. Their assistance was of the greatest consequence and cannot be overesti- mated. We can take great pride in the fact that the county then possessed such enterprising, pub- lic-spirited and patriotic men. Other Industries.— ^There were other indus- tries which are equally worthy of mention, such as numerous grist-mills, saw-mills, gun factories, wheelwright shops and blacksmith shops. These were also situated along the strong streams in dif- ferent sections of the county and they rendered great assistance to Congress and the Council. Nicholas Lotz, Sebastian Levan, and Daniel B rod- head were three extensive millers, and Valentine Eckert and Christian Lower were two influential blacksmiths, who identified themselves prominently with public affairs at that time. Knapsacks and gun-barrels were made in different parts of the county. And numerous energetic, hopeful and per- sistent farmers constituted the very foundation of the public welfare. CONTINENTAL PAPER MONEY During the progress of the Revolution, the gov- ernment was compelled to resort to the emission of "bills of credit" with which to purchase army supplies, etc., and to satisfy the demands of carry- ing on the war. Gold and silver were not then known to exist in the country in any quantity equal to the demands of the war, nor could they be pro- cured. Direct taxation, though practicable, was deemed impolitic. The only plausible expedient in the power of Congress was the emission of these bills. Congress therefore resolved in June, 1775, to emit such bills to the amount of two millions of dollars; in July, ordered a million more; and in November, three millions more; and for their re- demption, pledged the Confederated Colonies. Sub- sequently, other emissions were made; and such was the animation of the times that these several emissions, amounting to twenty millions, circulated for some time without any depreciation, and com- manded the resources of the country for public service equally with gold or silver. But there was a point both in time and quantity beyond which this process ceased to operate ; that time was about eighteen months from the date of first emission and that quantity twenty millions. The rulers thought it still premature to urge taxation, and they, therefore, resorted to the expedient of fur- ther emissions. The ease with which the means of procuring supplies were furnished^ by simply striking off bills of credit, and the readiness with which the people received them, prompted Con- gress to multiply them beyond the limits of pru- dence, and a depreciation of their value was the un- avoidable consequence. At first, this depreciation was scarcely percepti- ble, but it increased daily, till finally the currency became worthless. It began at different peridds in different States ; but in general about the middle of the year 1777, and then increased progressively for several years. In the latter part of 1777 it was two dollars in currency for one in specie ; in 1778, five for one; in 1779, twenty-seven for one; in 1780, fifty for one. After 1780, the circulation was limited to certain localities ; but where the currency passed, it depreciated to one hundred and fifty dol- lars for one. In Pennsylvania, the Executive Coun- cil resolved, as late as Feb. 1, 1781, that Continen- tal money should be received for public dues at the exchange of seventy-five dollars in currency for one in specie. But an Act. provided that after June 1st following, only specie or equivalent bills of cred- it should be received for taxes or other public dues; and this rendered the currency worthless in the State. This extraordinary depreciation brought great loss to many of the people who had aided the government in the grand struggle for freedom. In this respect, the soldiers suffered most. The people of Reading, and especially of the county, met with considerable losses thereby. Some of them had large quantities which were transmitted for some time until lost or destroyed. It was not redeemed. INCUMBENTS OF POSITIONS The following men from Berks county occupied the positions named, for the time stated, during the Revolution : NATIONAL Delegate in Continental Congress Edward Biddle, 1774-75; 1775-76; 1778-79. 118 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Secretary of Board of War Edward Scull, May 16, 1778. Surgeons Dr. Jonathan Potts Dr. Bodo Otto Surveying Department William Scull, January, 1778, to September, 1779. Deputy Quartermaster-General Jacob Morgan, Jr., April, 1778, to 1783. STATE Delegates to Provincial Conference, June i8, 1776 Jacob Morgan Henry Haller Mark Bird Bodo Otto Benjamin Spyker Daniel Hunter Valentine Eckert Nicholas Lotz Joseph Hiester Charles Shoemaker Delegates to Constitutional Convention, July 15, 1776 Jacob Morgan Gabriel Hiester John Lesher Benjamin Spyker Daniel Hunter Valentine Eckert Charles Shoemaker Thomas Jones, Jr. Wagon Masters General Henry Haller, June, 1779, to Aug. 14, 1780. Jacob Morgan, Jr., Aug. 14, 1780, to 1783. Superintendent of Commissioners of Purchases Jacob Morgan, Jr., Aug. 14, 1780, to 1783. Register of Court' of Admiralty James Read, June 5, 1781. Prothonotary of Supreme Court Edward Burd, Esq., appointed Aug. 12, 1778; he con- tinued until Jan. 26, 1786, when he was re-appointed. Committee on Correspondence, July 2, J774 Edward Biddle Christopher Schultz James Read Thomas Dundas Daniel Brodhead Jonathan Potts Henry Christ Committee on Observation, Dec. 5, 1774 Members of Assembly Edward Biddle. '75, Henry Christ 1774 Henry Haller John Lesher James Read Benjamin Spyker Sebastian Levan. . , '78, Daniel Hunter '78, Balser Geehr '80: Jonathan Potts Mark Bird 1778 Gabriel Hiester '79, 1774 Valentine Eckert 1779 '78 Christian Lower 1779 '7.5 '82, '83 1776 George Ege 1779 1776 '80, '82 1777 Jonathan Jones 1779 1777 John Fatten 1780 'S3 1777 Thomas Mifflin 1780 79 Joseph Hiester 1780. '81 1777 Benjamin Weiser 1781 '81 John Bishop 1781 1777 Daniel Clvmer 17S3, 'S3 '81 .\braham Lincoln. .1782, S3 1778 Nicholas Lotz 1782, 'S3 , '80 1775 John Ludwig 1732 81 John Rice 1783 Edward Biddle Christopher Schultz Jonathan Potts William Reeser Balser Geehr Michael Bright John Patton Mark Bird Edward Biddle was Speaker of the Assembly for the year 1774-7.'i. The representation of the county was as follows : Two for the years 1774 and 1775, and six for the remaining years. The foregoing Representatives were elected the several years named for the term of one year. Executive Councillors Richard Tea (ironmaster of Flereford township) was a councillor for a time. He was elected in 1776, and served until April, 1777, when he resigned. Jacob Morgan, Jr., was qualified on Sept. 3, 1777. He resigned April 4, 1778, upon accepting the appointment of D. Q. M. General. On May 25, 1778, an order was drawn to him for £301, 5s., for attending Council 180 days, in- cluding mileage. James Read succeeded him, and was qualified on June 30, 1778. On Dec. 1, 177S, he received one vote for Pres- ident of the Executive Council. He resigned June 4, 17S1, and on the 5th, was elected Register of the Court of Ad- miralty of Pennsylvania. Sebastian Levan, of Maxataw.ny, was also a councillor, and officiated from Oct. 31, 1781, to Oct. 15, 1784. John Jones John pid Sebastian Levan George Nagel Christopher Witman Jacob Shoemaker James Lewis Colonels of Associated Battalions, 177s Edward Biddle Mark Bird Daniel Brodhead Balser Geehr Christian Lower Standing Committee, 1775 Edward Biddle Mark Bird Jonathan Potts Daniel Brodhead Balser Geehr CoUinson Read, Sec. Valentine Eckert Nicholas Lotz, Chairman Sebastian Levan Richard Tea Lieutenants of County Jacob Morgan, June 9, 1777, to 1780; Valentine Eckert, Jan. 8, 17S1, to 1783. Sub-Licutcuants Henry Shoemaker Christian Lower, Jr Valentine Eckert Daniel Udree Jacob Swcyer John Mears PayuMsfcrs of County I[[ilitia Daniel Hunter, 1776, to Aug. 25, 1777; Henry Spyker, Aug. 26, 1777, to 17S;!. Superintendent of Purchases John Patton, 1778. Commissioners of Forage Valentine Eckert 177S Nicholas Lotz. .1780 to 1783 John Lesher 1778 In October, 1779, Col. IMichael Lindenmuth was ap- pointed Commissioner to purchase flour for the French fleet. Collectors of E.vcisc John Biddle 1774 John Witman 1780-81 Daniel Levan 1779-80 Conrad Foos 1782-83 WAR PERIODS 119 Wagon-Masier Henry Haller, 1778 to 1783 Quartermaster Jacob Morgan, Jr., 1778 Storekeeper at Reading Joseph Cowperthwaite, 1778 Local Committees Owing to the aid given by divers inhabitants to the enemy, the Council in September, 1777, appointed com- mittees to dispose of the property of such offenders and make return of their proceedings under oath. The fol- lowing committee was appointed for Berks county: County Commissioners Samuel Hoch 1775-76 Michael Bright 1775-77 Abraham Lincoln. . .1775-78 Christian Lower .... 1777-79 John Kerlin 1778-80 Adam Witman 1779-81 -f,] Thomas Parry David Morgan Peter Nagel Henry Haller Daniel Udree Henry Spyker Joseph Hiester This committee appointed two persons in each district to make provision for distressed families whose husbands and fathers were in service. The appointees for Reading were Henry Hahn and Peter Feather. On Nov. 8th, the Council also appointed committees to collect arras, clothing, etc., from the inhabitants who did not take the oath of allegiance, or who aided the enemy, and to deliver them to the clothier-general. The com- mittee in Berks county was : Henry Christ Henry Haller Thomas Parry Daniel Udree Philip Miller Nathan Lewis John Lower Godfrey Riehm Jacob Seltzer Nicholas Scheffer Committee on Attainder and Vesting Forfeited Estates, lyyS Thomas Parry Henry Haller David Morgan Auditing Committee Francis Richardson, Reynold Keene, Collinson Read, James Biddle and Henry Haller were appointed Jan. 23, 1777, commissioners for the county, to audit and settle the accounts for arms and accoutrements purchased, the property of persons lost in actual service, and of those who were killed, died in service, or were made prisoners. Judges Peter Spycker 1775-83 George Douglass . . . 1775-83 Balser Geehr 1775-83 John Patton 1775-77 Jacob Morgan 1775-77 Mark Bird 1775-76 Jonathan Potts 1776-77 Daniel Levan 1777 Sebastian Zimmerman .... 1778-83 William Reeser 1778-83 Peter Spycker was appointed president judge of all the courts on Nov. 18, 1780. Justices of the Peace 1777 — Henry Christ, Reading; Jacob Shoemaker, Wind- sor; James Read, Reading; Daniel Hiester, Heidelberg; Peter Spycker, Tulpehocken ; Jacob Weaver, John Old, Amity; John Ludwig, Exeter; Benj. Shott;_ Christopher Schultz, Hereford ; Samuel Ely, Richmond ; "Jacob Wag- oner, Bern; Daniel Rothermel, Maiden-creek; Charles Shoemaker, Windsor; Egedius Meyer, Jacob Morgan, Caernarvon; Thomas Parry, Union. 1778 — Benjamin Weiser, Heidelberg; Michael Linden- muth, Bern; Gabriel Hiester, Bern. 1780— John Guldin, Oley. Thomas Jones 1780-83 Thomas Parry 1781-83 Daniel Messersmith 1783-83 Michael Furrer 1783 . y ■ 1 ;■ . lA . . , iJ-; Sheriffs George Nagel 1775 Henry Vanderslice. .1776-77 Daniel Levan 1778-79 Henry Hoffa 1780-81 Philip Kraemer 1783-83 Treasurers Christopher Witman 1775-79 Daniel Levan 1780-83 Assessors The assessors appointed by the county commissioners for the years named were : 1776— Vernor Stamm, Michael Furrer, Paul Geiger, John Spohn, John Kerlin, John Egner. 1777 — John Hartman, Michael Furrer, John Robinson, John Egner, George Kelchner, Joseph Sands. INDEPENDENCE AND PEACE. The surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781, was virtually the end of the war between Great Britain , and America. The news of the surrender reached London on the 35th of November, following.- Several months -afterward, the warfare in the American Colonies was discussed and its continuance discouraged in the House of Commons. These discussions were continued with earnestness till they culminated in a preliminary treaty of peace on Nov. 30, 1782. In the first arti- cle of this treaty, "the independence of the thirteen United States of America" was recognized. The treaty was not made final then, owing to the three allied powers — Great Britain, France and Spain — having been pledged to one another not to conclude a treaty except by common consent. The final treaty was concluded at Paris on Sept. 3, 1783, and thereby the United States was acknowledged to be "free, sovereign and independent." During these two years of negotiation and de- lay, there were no general military operations. But great anxiety was felt over the prospects for a per- manent peace. Through the inactivity of the army, the officers and soldiers became restless ; also dis- contented, because they were not rewarded for their patriotic services. An attempt was made by anonymous and seditious publications to inflame their minds and to induce them to unite in redress- ing their grievances whilst they had arms in their hands. But Washington succeeded in quieting them. His wisdom and eloquence elicited from the officers the unanimous adoption of a resolution by which they declared "that no circumstances of dis- tress or danger should induce a conduct that might tend to sully the reputation and glpry they had ac- quired; that the army continued to have unshaken confidence in the justice of Congress and their country ; and that they viewed with abhorrence and 120 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA rejected with disdain the infamous proposition in the late anonymous address to the officers of the army." Return of Soldiers. — In order to avoid the in- conveniences of dismissing a great number of sol- diers in a body, furloughs were freely granted. In this way, a great part of the unpaid army was dis- banded and dispersed over the States without tu- mult or disorder. As they had been easily and speedily formed out of farmers, mechanics and la- borers in 1775, so with equal facility did they throw ofif their military character and resume their for- mer occupations. They had taken up arms earn- estly for political freedom, but when these were no longer necessary, they laid them down peaceably to become again good citizens, as they had been for eight years patriotic soldiers. WHISKEY INSURRECTION, 1794. Cause. — As early as 1756, the province of Penn- sylvania had looked to excise on ardent spirits for the means of sustaining its bills of credit. The original law was limited to a period of ten years; but it was extended from time to time as necessi- ties pressed upon the treasury. During the Revo- lution, the law was generally evaded in the west- ern part of the State by considering all spirits as for domestic use, such having been excepted from excise. But, when the debts of the Revolution be- gan to press upon. the States, the government offi- cials became more vigilant in the enforcement of the law and Congress, after a long debate, passed an Act in March, 1791, increasing the duty on im- ported spirits and levying a tax of four pence per gallon on all distilled spirits, which went into opera- tion in July following. The Legislature had in- structed their representatives in Congress to vote against the law. Opposition arose at once in the western counties of the State, and resolutions were adopted at pub- lic meetings demanding an unconditional appeal. Liberty-poles were erected, and people even as- sembled in arms to resist officers in the enforce- ment of the law. Various public excitements con- tinued until 1794, when an insurrection ensued. Governor Mifflin declined to call out the militia to suppress the insurrection, and, as a consequence, the spirit extended into contiguous States. President Washington called on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia for fifteen thousand men, and sent commissioners to the scene of the disturbance in Washington county, with power to arrange for peaceful submission any time before Sept. 14, 1794. But the commissioners re- turned to Philadelphia ten days after that date without a settlement. The troops were promptly put in motion, the governors of the several States named commanding their respective quotas. Gover- nor Lee, of Virginia, had chief command of the army. On the appearance of the troops m Novem- ber the insurrection subsided. There was no oppo- sition and no bloodshed. Among the Pennsylvania troops, there was a company from Reading, under the command of Capt. Daniel De B. Keim. This company was formed from certain survivors of the Continental army, which had been commanded by Lieut.-Col. Nicholas Lotz, and was called the •■Reading Union Volunteers." It was afterward known as the "Reading Artillerists." This insur- rection cost the government $1,100,000. Troops from County.— The proportion of troops which was to be supplied by Berks county toward the quota of Pennsylvania militia under the requi- sition of the President of the United States, was 434 officers and privates, and 26 cavalry. The 434 men were placed under the command of Brig.-Gen. Francis Murray, in the 2d Brigade. The Adjutant- General of the State issued an order on Sept. 11, 1794, requiring the quota for the counties of Bucks, Northampton and Berks to assemble at Reading, receive arms, equipments and camp equipage, and march thence by way of Harrisburg to Carlisle. _ The Quartermaster-General of Pennsylvania, Clement Biddle, arrived at Reading on Sunday evening, Sept. 38, 1794. In a letter by him to Gov- ernor Mifflin dated the day following, he remarked about the Berks county troops : "Colonel Cowperth- waite had collected four hundred men in the en- campment at Peters's farm, who were fully fur- nished with everything they required. The drafts from the county continued to come in and he pro- posed marching tomorrow." And he reported that Captain Forrest's troops had moved from Read- ing on Saturday (27th) ; that he expected the Bucks County Militia here on 30th ; and that the Militia of Berks County would assemble on Oct. 1st; also that the rear of the Jersey troops would march from here on the 30th under General White. Washington at Reading. — In another letter to Governor Mifflin, dated at Reading, Oct. 2, 1794, he stated that — "The President was here last night, and went on this morning to Carlisle." He also re- ported then that "the cavalry of this county [Berks] are by this time at Carlisle. Captain Spayd has a fine company of infantry ready to march, and I shall hasten the drafts from the county off to-morrow." The cavalry mentioned was Moore's. HOUSE-TAX AND LIBERTY-POLES, 1799 Cause. — During the early part of Adams's ad- ministration. Congress passed an Act requiring a direct tax to be levied upon houses. This tax was called the "house-tax," also "window-tax." The Federal government, in collecting it in the eastern counties of Pennsylvania, caused considerable ex- citement and opposition, which eventually broke out in an insurrection in 1799. The leader was John Fries, of Bucks county, who was tried and convicted of high treason and sentenced to be hanged, but President Adams, against the advice of his cab- inet pardoned him, and also issued a general am- WAR PERIODS 121- nesty for all the offenders. The excitement extend- ed into the northeastern border of Berks county. Excitement at Reading. — The insurrection was indirectly the cause of a considerable commotion at Reading. Certain troops were called out to sup- pi-ess the insurrection; and among- them was Cap- tain Montgomery's company of Light Dragoons from Lancaster. Their way to the scene of excite- ment was through Reading. Upon arriving here they cut down certain "Liberty-poles," insulted the people, etc.; and these unwarranted performances induced the Adler to publish a letter, criticising their conduct. This appeared whilst the company was on the way to Northampton county. But upon their return they heard of it, and this naturally developed in them as soldiers a spirit of revenge. So they went to Jacob Schneider, the senior pro- prietor of the Adler, and demanded from him the name of the person who had written the letter con- demning and ridiculing them. But he refused to comply and his refusal led the soldiers to spend their anger on him by taking him forcibly to the market-house and giving him a certain number of Ikshes.' Mr. Schneider made complaint before a justice ■of the peace and caused the criminals to be arrested, but Captain Montgomery denied the authority to make the arrest, and the matter was referred to General Macpherson, who said he would look into it. By the time Montgomery's troops returned to Heading on their way home, Strohecker had erected a liberty-pole in the place of the one erected by' his children. Hearing this, the soldiers went to Stro- hecker's place and attempted to compel a common laborer to cut down the "offensive wood," notwith- standing he protested against doing so. They suc- ceeded in divesting the pole, and with it as a trophy they rode through the streets of Reading to their quarters. In a few days they left, but on the 24th of April an army, under Gen. Macpherson, arrived at Reading. They apprehended some of the insur- rectionists, who were afterward tried ; some of them were found guilty, some fined and imprisoned, and others condemned to be capitally punished; but none atoned with their lives — they were pardoned through executive clemency. Keim's Company Complimented. — Upon the breaking-up of the headquarters at Reading, on April 22, 1799, General Macpherson addressed the following interesting letter to Capt. Daniel Keim: While I congratulate you and the company you com- mand on their return home, I take an additional pleasure in expressing my complete satisfaction with every part of their steady and soldier-like conduct during a very fa- tiguing though short expedition. It is much to be re- gretted that in a country blessed as this is, by an excellent constitution faithfully administered, there should be found any portion of its inhabitants so ignorant, or so wicked, as to oppose laws peculiarly adapted to the ease of the mass of the people, since the burden falls immediately upon the opulent. But it is a great consolation to see gentlemen, such as compose your company, come forward and brave fatigue and danger in support of the honor and happiness of their country. Accept, sir, my sincere thanks for this instance of your patriotism and be pleased to convey to every individual my particular acknowledg- ments, best wishes and affectionate farewell. EMBARGO OF 1807 Congress passed an Act on Dec. 22, 1807, laying an embargo on all the ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States in pursuance of a recommendation of President Jefferson. It pro- hibited the departure of all American vessels and all foreign vessels, except those in ballast. No merchandise whatever was to be exported. The Act was not simply to save American ships from danger, as Jefferson suggested in his message, but it was a measure of aggression against England. It was unpopular in proportion as men were or were not engaged in commerce. The maritime States thought that the agricultural States took a special satisfaction in a qtia^ war, of which all the burden fell at first upon commerce ; but the burden at length became universal. The men whose to- bacco, corn- and cotton could not be sent to market soon learned that they also, as well as the carriers of those products, were paying a heavy tax by this interdiction of commerce. Under the pressure of public opinion, this Act was repealed on March 1, 1809, and another Act was then substituted which interdicted the commercial intercourse between the United States, Great Britain and France, and forbade imports from Europe. From this policy of non-intercourse and from other difficulties, which in a state of war hindered importations from Europe, there was born unexpectedly that gigantic system under which the United States has become a great manufacturing nation. During this interdiction, the people of Berks county began to feel the evil effects of this policy of non-intercourse. A number of millers and other citizens met at Reading on April 11, 1812, "for the purpose of taking into consideration the late meas- ures of Congress, the perilous situation of our com- mon country, and of consulting and devising such means or measures as may tend to relieve us from the distress which impends over us" ; and passed res- olutions disapproving of the action of Congress. ENGLISH WAR, 1812-15 Cause. — The Revolution was carried to a suc- cessful termination, and Independence, which the Colonies had declared in 1776, was thereby estab- lished. But though peace was declared to exist be- tween the two nations, the British government con- ducted itself persistently in an offensive manner toward the people of the United States, their com- merce, etc., and to their great injury for thirty years. The United States government passed natur- alization laws whereby foreigners could be natur- alized and become citizens, but the British govern- ment contended that a British subject could not be naturalized, and claimed the right of stopping United States vessels, searching for seamen of Eng- lish birth, and impressing them into their service. 123 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In exercising this right, they stationed ships at harbors of the United States and searched every departing and arriving vessel. They were so vigi- lant that within a period of eight years they cap- tured nine hundred vessels and impressed over six thousand seamen into their navy. All this humilia- tion was borne with patience, but finally the com- plaints became too loud, and the injuries too griev- ous to be endured any longer, and President Madi- son made them the subject of a message to Con- gress on June 1, 1812, which ended in a declaration of war on June 19, 1812. Anticipating this Declaration of War, Governor Snyder issued an Order on May 12th, requiring the quota of troops from Pennsylvania, fourteen thous- and, to be promptly raised and formed into two divisions. The first division included the troops from Berks county and was placed under the com- mand of Maj.-Gen. Isaac Worrell. A noble res- ponse was made to this call ; for the troops tendered exceeded three times the quota requested. The naval battle on Lake Erie was fought on Sept. 10, 1813, with brilliant success. Commodore Perry then sent his famous despatch to General Harrison: "We have met the enemy, and they our ours." The news reached Reading on the 27th of September following, and a grand illumination of the town took place in the evening from 7 till 10 o'clock, to signalize the glorious event. Families from Philadelphia. — During this period a number of English families, resident at Philadelphia, left the city for the interior parts of the country owing to a law which required them to move away from the sea-coast and ports at least fifty miles. Some of these families went to Read- ing, and took quarters at the "Tyson Inn," at the head of Franklin street (where the Park public school is situated). Whilst here (in August, 1814) the city of Washington was captured by the English, who wantonly destroyed the government buildings, excepting the patent office. This news caused these families to rejoice; and, to express their joy, they carried on dancing with the assistance of music; but they misconceived the temper of the German people of this inland borough, and soon found that their conduct wounded their national pride. In the midst of their demonstrations, they were suddenly attacked by a party of citizens, and the attack was made so earnestly as to require the building to be closed and the performance to be stopped. This destruction of the Capitol and public build- ings at Washington, and the threatened attack on Baltimore by the enemy shortly afterward, brought the war near to Pennsylvania. The march of the enemy toward the interior by way of the Potomac river and Chesapeake bay naturally stimulated the military spirit of the State and a great number of men rallied in her defense. When the news reached Reading this spirit became thoroughly aroused in the entire county. George Ritter Henry Willotz Jonathan Jones George Zieber Companies from County. — There were eleven companies enhsted in this war from Berks county, classified with the 2d Brigade, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Daniel Udree, of Oley, in two regi- ments: the 1st Regiment, commanded by Lieut.- Col. Jeremiah Shappell, of Windsor, and the 2d, by Lieut.-Col. John Lotz, of Reading. Eight of the companies in the 1st Regiment were commanded by the following captains: John May John Mauger Jacob Marshall George Marx And three of the companies in the 2d, by the fol- lowing captains : Thomas Moore Gabriel Old John Christman These eleven companies were stationed at York, Pennsylvania, from September, 1814, to March, 1815. There was a twelfth company from the county, the Reading Washington Guards, commanded by Capt. Daniel De B. Keim. It rendered service at Wilmington, Delaware, in the latter part of Sep- tember, 1814; and afterward it was attached to the "Advance Light Brigade" as the 11th Company in the 1st Regiment of the Penna. Volunteer Infantry, commanded by General Cadwalader, with which it continued until the close of the war. Peace Declared. — Peace was concluded at Ghent on Dec. 24, 1814, but it was not till Feb. 22, 1815, that the event became known at Reading. During that day, the citizens of the borough signalized it by shooting off cannon, and at night by a grand illumination in which sixteen hundred pounds of candles were consumed. MEXICAN WAR, 1846 to 1848 Cause. — The Mexican war arose out of the ques- tion relating to the annexation of Texas to the United States. The constitution of Mexico prohib- ited slavery in Texas, and this provision was a suffi- cient reason why the Southern States should wish to control it. President Adams and also President Jackson had made fruitless efforts to buy the prov- ince ; and subsequently for some vears the scheme of annexation was considered. One of the last acts of Jackson's official life was the appointment of an official agent to Texas, thereby acknowledging the independence of the province. This was looked upon as the first step toward obtaining possession of territory large enough for five new slave States. Plenceforward, the project was urged with persist- ence, but little success till about 1842, when Presi- dent Tyler gave it his encouragement. It was ar- gued that if slavery were abolished in Texas, the ruin of the Southern States was inevitable, but if the province were annexed to the Union, the future of the slave States would be brilliant. In 1844, Calhoun became Secretary of State, and he "believed in annexation at any cost," and Presv- WAR PERIODS 123 dent Tyler justified Calhoun's invitation to Texas to join the United States because he thought Great Britain was engaged in a diplomatic intrigue to abolish slavery in Texas. Calhoun then made a treaty with Texas in reference to annexation with- out the consent of Mexico, but offered Mexico $10,- 000,000 as an indemnity. At the close of Tyler's administration, a joint resolution was passed annex- ing Texas; and Tyler acting under this resolution, the annexation was carried. But as Tyler went out of office with the scheme carried through Congress, Polk came into office with the certainty of war with Mexico. In the beginning of May, 1846, the regu- lar troops under General Taylor were intercepted along the Rio Grande by the Mexican troops under General Arista, and the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma ensued. Before the news of these events reached Washington, Congress had de- clared war on the 13th of May, and authorized the President to call for fifty thousand volunteers for one year. After carrying on war for nearly two years, the Mexicans were conquered, and a treaty of peace was signed in February, 1848, at the City of Mexico, whereby the United States acquired nOt only Texas, but also Arizona, New Mexico and California. Reading Artillerists. — During the excitement, a great patriotic feeling was developed at Reading, and on May 20, 1846, a large town meeting was held, presided over by Chief Burgess William Betz ; at which the national government was sustained. A second meeting was held on the next day, at which appropriate resolutions were adopted, ap- proving the course of President Polk. A prominent prevailing sentiment was — "Our country, our whole country, our country right or wrong." And dur- ing that week the volunteer companies of Reading, — Reading Artillerists, Washington Grays, and National Grays — tendered their services to the President. -The first company, commanded by Capt. Thomas S. Leoser, was accepted. A town-meeting was held in the Court-House on Dec. 19, 1846, for the purpose of devising means to aid the volunteers and a committee of prominent citizens was appointed to escort the company to Philadelphia. The meeting recomfnended to town council that one thousand dollars be appropriated toward the comfort of the soldiers and the relief of such of their famiHes as needed assistance, and subsequently a loan for this amount was authorized. . A similar appropriation was recommended by the grand jury of the county on the 5th of January, following, to be made by the county commissioners. Departure for Mexico. — The company left Reading for Philadelphia on Dec. 26th, and arrived on the afternoon of the same day. After their ex- amination, the United States Surgeon pronounced them the finest body of men he had yet passed into the service. On the day previous to their depar- ture, the officers were the recipients of numerous testimonials of regard, the workmen of the railroad company's shops distinguishing themselves in this respect. The Captain and the Second and Third Lieutenants were in the company's employ. The officers were presented with swords. Sergeant Mc- Michael was presented an elegant sword, revolver, sash, belt and accoutrements by his friends and shopmates engaged at Johnston's foundry. And numerous pistols and Bibles were also presented. The Artillerists left Philadelphia by railroad on Monday morning, December 28th, and arrived at Harrisburg in the afternoon. They proceeded by railroad to Carlisle and Chambersburg, where they arrived on Tuesday morning, at 2 o'clock. After breakfast, they immediately proceeded afoot on their way to Pittsburgh. That day they walked to McConriellsburg, twenty-two miles, and Wednesday they walked to Bloody Run, twenty-six miles. The distance was arranged that Pittsburgh might be reached by Tuesday, Jan. 4th. • Three large • six- horse baggage teams accompanied them, having been supplied by Joel Ritter, who was sent by the citizens of Reading to pay their expenses to Pitts- burgh. They arrived on Jan. 5th. On the same day, the company were mustered into the service of the United States, as Company A, in the 2d Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Col. William B. Roberts. Battles Engaged in. — The company, with other companies, left Pittsburgh on the 8th of January, in the boat "Anthony Wayne," and proceeded by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, arriving there on the 15th. It served with distinction throughout the war and was particularly recognized for its bravery. It was engaged in the following battles : Vera Cruz, March 19th to 28th ; Cerro Gordo, April 18th; Chapultepec, Sept. 12th; Belen Gate, Sept. 13th. Return of Company. — The City of Mexico was taken on the 14th of September, the Mexicans hav- ing evacuated the capital during the previous night, owing. to the capture of the San Cosmo Causeway and the Belen Road. The troops, including Com- pany A, were stationed in this famous city till the 18th of December, when they were removed to San Angel, at which place they continued till peace was declared. They were ordered home in June, 1848, and then marched to Vera Cruz (consuming about a month in the march) -where they took transporta- tion for New Orleans. Thence they proceeded up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Pittsburgh, and were there mustered out of service on the 21st of July. They then took packets and traveled by canal to Harrisburg, and thence by railroad to Phila- delphia and Reading. Some of the men went by stage directly to Reading. Upon their arrival, on the 29th of July, they were given a brilliant military reception. Numerous buildings and streets were handsomely decorated with flags and wreaths. CIVIL WAR, 1861 TO 1865 CAUSE.^:rThe Civil war broke out in April, 1861. The direct cause was the agitation of the subject 124 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ■which related to slavery. After 1850, the extension of slavery on the one hand, and its restriction on the other, became thoroughly national questions and their animated discussion resulted in a severe .struggle for the supremacy. Till this time, the South had control of political affairs through lead- ership and legislation, but the Southern statesmen then savvr that their political power was in reality passing away through the wonderful growth of the North in population and wealth, and in political representation in the national government. A sim- ilar growth could not be effected in the South; so its leaders desired to extend the rights of slavery. This was particularly apparent upon the admission of Kansas as a State. The Republican party, the exponent of restrict- ing slavery to territory then occupied, became an active political factor in the country in 1856 ; but its Presidential candidate was defeated. Threats of secession by the Southern States had been made about that time, and it was thought that if the Re- publican party had been successful, secession would have been attempted. For four years this question was prominent above all other questions. Buchanan preserved the peace during his administration, but he could not preserve the balance of power. Pub- lic opinion grew more favorable toward the Re- publican party, and in 1860 this party appeared be- fore the people with renewed strength. During that time the Democratic party agitated the question of slavery to such an extent that two branches of the party were created, one, the Douglas branch, for submitting the question to the people of a new State upon its erection, and the other, the Brecken- ridge branch, for submitting it to the Supreme court for adjudication under the national Constitution ; and in the Presidential campaign of 1860 their poH- tical power was divided. The party was still strong- enough, as a whole, to elect a candidate; but it was not strong enough to bear a division, especially such a division as Douglas was able to create by the support which he had won through public dis- cussion. Lincoln, the Republican candidate, was elected. From the sentiments of his party, especially from the sentiments of its ultra-leaders, who were styled "Abolitionists," the Southern leaders felt con- strained to take earnest steps toward secession, and these were taken between the day of the election in November and the day of Lincoln's inauguration in March, not only vigorously but successfully without the slightest hindrance on the part of the national government. Prominent cabinet officials, senators and representatives withdrew from their respective positions and caused their several States to pass ordinances of secession, declaring the contract be- tween them and the national government broken. When Lincoln took possession of the government, the status was not only discouraging but alarming. In his inaugural address he stated that apprehen- sion seemed to exist among the people of the Southern States that, h\, the accession of a Republi- can administration, their property, peace and per- sonal security were to be endangered, but that there never had been any reasonable cause for such ap- prehension; and he declared that he had no pur- pose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the in- stitution of slavery in the States where it existed; he had no inclination to do so on the one hand, and on the other he had no lawful right, and those who had elected him did so with the full knowledge that he had made these declarations, which he had never recanted. Notwithstanding his plain and direct lan- guage to perform the duties of his office according to the Constitution and laws, without any mental reservations or any purposes to construe them by hypercritical rules ; and his expressed sentiments for peace and inseparable union of the States, the Southern leaders persisted in secession and dis- union. Call for Troops. — On the morning of the 12th of April, 1861, the military forces of South Carol- ina, under the leadership of Gen. Robert Beaure- gard, began to fire upon Fort Sumter, which was under the command of Maj. Robert Anderson. The President, finding the laws of the country opposed and the execution thereof obstructed in seven Southern States (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tex- as) "by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshals by law," issued a proclamation on the 15th day of April, calHng for seventy-five thousand militia of the several States of the Union, "to suppress said combina- tions and to cause the laws to b^ duly executed"; and he appealed "to all loyal citizens to favor, facil- itate and aid this effort to maintain the honor, in- tegrity and existence of our national Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to re- dress the wrongs already long enough endured." A requisition was made on Pennsylvania for six- teen regiments, two being wanted within three days, inasmuch as the city of Washington was entirely unprotected and a sudden dash upon it was strongly threatened. The national government had not before done anything to cause the South to feel alarmed, and it was hoped that this simple manifestation of ex- ecutive authority would restore peace, but the or- ganization at the South was too thorough, and its purpose to establish a confederation by itself too premeditated. Men therefore rushed to arms; call after call for troops was made; thousands of lives were sacrificed ; and millions of dollars were ex- pended, in the two sections, for a right which each claimed, the one to establish a confederation and the other to maintain constituted authority ; and this terrible contest continued four years before peace was restored. Patriotism of County. — The feeling in the county for maintaining the Union and "upholding the constitution was strong and continuous during the entire period from the beginning to the close WAR PERIODS 135- of the war; and this was exhibited by Democrats and RepubHcans alike. Breckenridge had received a majority over Lincoln, exceeding two thousand votes, but the sentiment for the Union was general in all the districts, especially at Reading. Com- panies were raised rapidly and mustered into ser- vice, altogether 104, almost entirely enlisted in and from the county, and they went to the rescue freely, moved by the highest patriotic impulse. Pub- lic meetings were iiumerous and earnest sympathy for the cause was manifested at all of them. The prominent men took the lead. Our judges, law- yers, merchants and business men generally, with- out respect to party affiliations, united to encourage and sustain the national administration. Their pro- nounced opinion in the matter created and pre- served a proper spirit in the community. The county and city governments were constantly liberal in appropriations of money toward encouraging volunteer enlistments. The county contained a large majority of people who were against the war, if we interpret their opinion from the exercise of their political suffrage at elections; but they were submissive and they caused no trouble, no riotous demonstration. They went to the war by the thousand; they endured conscription without opposition ; and they permitted the assessment of burdensome taxation. They en- couraged appropriations of money, amounting to nearly a million of dollars, expressly for the enlist- ment of men; and they invested large sums of money in the national securities. These, taken to- gether, truly constitute significant evidence of de- votion to their country and to the administration of its affairs by an opposite party, a party whose principles were not only different from theirs, but in fact objectionable, if not repulsive, to them. Their general co-operation under such circumstan- ces is therefore commendable. Capt. James McKnight offered his company of Ringgold Light Artillery, and it was the first mili- tary organization that responded to the call for troops by the President and moved to the defense of the country. This historical .fact is worthy of especial mention, for in it our people take a just, patriotic pride; and it is a distinction in this great crisis of our country which no other community enjoys. Hon. William M. Hiester prepared a paper to establish the fact beyond question, and read it before the Historical Society of Berks County on June 14, 1870. During this period, the excitement throughout the county was ever active, and several times when the State was invaded by the Rebels, and our own county was threatened with the horrors of war, it became alarming. This was particularly the case at Reading. Penn Square was daily, more or less, in commotion with the enlistment of men, the for- mation and exercise of companies and their depart- ure to the seat of war or their return from it. The music of fife and drum and the marching of men (fathers, husbands, brothers and sons) thrilled the entire community time and again. These were, in- deed, events that made a lasting impression upon that generation. The encampments (one in the northern part of Reading in 1862, and another in the eastern part in 1863) attracted much attention. They afforded the people an opportunity of forming a proper con- ception of camp life and military discipline. If our peaceful inhabitants did not realize the actual terrors and horrors of warfare by the 'booming of cannon, the explosion of shells and the destruction of property; if they did not see blood and death in their highways and upon their fields as the evidence of bitter apposition and revenge; they saw officers and soldiers in uniforms and witnessed' military exercises with the weapons of war, and. they knew by their own personal observations that earnest preparations were made for encounters- with the enemy. How they looked at these military cities, with tents and streets under strict regulation! how they watched the men in drill, by platoons and com- panies and battalions ! how they pointed out gen- erals and colonels and captains as the men who- , had been in war and passed safely through the jaws of death! But when the wounded, the dying- and the dead were brought home to them, then they felt that the curse of rebellion was in the- land. The "Union League," a Republican association at Reading, organized after the great "Union- League" at Philadelphia, was very active in en- listing men for military service; and so were the- various secret societies, especially the "Junior Sons of America." In the midst of the great excitement incident to- the general feeling for war and the necessary preparations to carry it on successfully, our locat energy displayed itself to a remarkable degree in every 4epartment of business. Trade was active and profitable, and it stimulated various enter- prises. Railroads were projected and substantial improvements were made in every section of the county, especially at Reading; and matters per- taining to education and religion were directed with earnestness and success. The prices of all kinds of material were high ; but money was abundant and a spirit of increased liberality kept it moving about actively from hand to hand, from- store to store, from bank to bank, and from place to place. War Meetings. — After the election of Lin- coln, a sentiment of fear for the preservation of the Union developed more and more rapidly with each passing day. This was more especially caused by the action of certain Southern States on the subject of secession. This fear obtained at Reading; and in order to express the opinion of this community on the subject of "preserving the integrity of the Union," a large meeting, including- prominent men of both political parties, was held in the Court-House on Dec. 13, 1860. Appropriate 126 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA resolutions were adopted, favorable to the Union, but particularly reconnmending non-interference with the rights of property in slaves guaranteed by the Constitution to the Southern States. On the 10th day of December (three days be- fore) the; Democratic City Club had met and re- ported a "Memorial to Congress on the State of the Union," prepared by a committee of thirty- three prominent Democrats, in which similar senti- ments of non-interference and compromise had been expressed. In July, 1862, when there was a threatened in- vasion of Pennsylvania, our people became much alarmed for the safety of their lives and property. Large and enthusiastic meetings were held in the Court-House to devise means for pro- tection. They included all the prominent and in- fluential citizens of Reading. Their public ex- pressions were thoroughly patriotic; and in pur- suance of their earnest recommendation the county commissioners offered a bounty of fifty dollars to every officer and private mustered into the service from the county. In September following, the commissioners again offered the same bounty for every volunteer soldier; and the city councils ap- propriated ten thousand dollars additional for this purpose of encouraging volunteer enlistments. In June, 1863, similar meetings were held. Appropriations. — The city of Reading appro- priated altogether for war purposes, in bounties, relief, etc., $373,179 and the county of Berks, the sum of $452,389. The boroughs likewise appro- priated moneys for these purposes and displayed the same patriotic spirit. L.^DiEs' Aid Society. — The women are also worthy of mention for their patriotism. They did not enlist in practical military service ; but they gave the national administration a moral support which is truly praiseworthy. Just as the "Ring- gold Light Artillery" were preparing to take the railroad train on the afternoon of April 16, 1861, to proceed to Harrisburg in answer to the Presi- dent's call for troops, certain influential ladies of Reading assembled in the parlor of Mrs. Dr. Dil- ler Luther, at No. 530 Penn street, and formed a society which they entitled "Ladies' Aid Society." Its object was to supply the soldiers with clothing and materials useful whilst in military service away from home. It was actively engaged dur- ing the entire period of the war, collecting and forwarding tons of materials. A "depot" was es- tablished at Reading, to which all the goods were carried and from which they were consigned. The country districts co-operated in this work and the women responded nobly by forwarding many ma- terials to Reading. This was the first society of the kind organized in the country; and as we take a just pride in hay- ing furnished the military company which was the first to respond to the call for troops and to report at Harrisburg for service, so do we take a similar pride in having organized this Ladies' Aid Society, which was the first to take active and successful steps toward providing for the comfort and wel- fare of the soldiers. This society participated actively in the matters pertaining to the Sanitary Commission at Phila- delphia; and it was represented by a number of ladies at the "Sanitary Fair," which was held in that city for the purpose of raising funds to re- lieve the wants of the soldiers. Reading Hospital. — A "MiHtary Hospital" was fitted up at Reading during the middle of June, 1862, in the main exhibition building of the Agri- cultural Society on the "Fair Ground," with cots suffi-cient to accommodate 130 patients, and suc- cessfully conducted till the spring of 1863. The "Ladies' Aid Society" of Reading took an active interest in the welfare of the sick and wounded soldiers, and performed admirable service during the continuance of the hospital. The regularly commissioned surgeons in attendance were Dr. Martin Luther and Dr. John B. Brooke. Draft and Quotas of Berks County. — Dur- ing the progress of the war, requisitions for troops became so frequent that the government was com- pelled to resort to the conscription of men so as to prosecute the war with success. Though numer- ous volunteers enlisted from Berks county, and the citizens of this district responded nobly to the sev- eral calls for troops, here, as elsewhere, the draft had to be made. There were four drafts, one in each of the years 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865. The provost marshals of this district were, in succes- sion, Henry I. Kupp, Jacob C. Hoff and George W. Durell. The first draft was conducted in October, 1862. The total enrollment of men in the county num- bered 17,809 ; the volunteers, 3,186 ; and the quota, 2,719. The number of men who volunteered in lieu of draft was 345 ; and the substitutes who en- listed for three years numbered 146. The total number of men drafted in the county was 1,242. These men were encamped on the "Hiester Farm," adjoining the Evans' cemetery on the north, formed into companies, and placed under the command of Col. Charles Knoderer; and they were mustered into service as the 167th Regiment. A second draft was made August 56-29, 1863. The quota of men from the county was 1,554 — this number having been fifty per cent in excess, to provide against exemptions. The third draft proposed in March, 1864, for Berks county, was postponed for a time. The quota in the call for two hundred thousand men was 767 ; the deficiency of the county under former drafts was 298; total number required, 1,065; and the credit of the county on April 15, 1864, for men supplied to the government, 1,036. Tliis deficiency of 29 men was more than supplied by re-enlisted veterans. Subsequently, however, in j\Iay, a draft was ordered, upon finding a deficiency in certain sub-districts in the county and each' sub-district WAR PERIODS 127 was required to fill its own quota. The total num- ber drawn was 173. A call for five hundred thousand men was made on July 18, 1864. The quota for Berks county was 1,887; for Reading, 450. On Aug. 1st, the defi- ciency in the county was 1,635; in Reading 313. A draft was made on Sept. 33d, but only for one sub-district — Ruscombmanor, 53 men, all the other sub-districts having supplied itheir deficiencies. A fourth draft was made Feb. 33-35, 1865. Reading, Upper Bern, Bernville, Cumru, Douglass, Spring, Upper Tulpehocken, and Womelsdorf had suppHed their quota of men by volunteers. The call was made in December, 1864, for three hundred thou- sand; the quota for Pennsylvania was 49,563, and Berks county, 1,560. Northern Men in Service. — The aggregate number of men furnished by Pennsylvania was 366,336; reduced to three years' standard, 367,558. It is estimated that during the war fifty-six thou- sand soldiers were killed in battle; about thirty- five thousand died of wounds in hospitals, and one hundred and eighty-four thousand by disease. The total casualties, if we include those who died sub- sequent to their discharge, were about three hun- dred thousand. The loss of the Confederates was less in battle, owing to the defensive character of their struggle; but they lost more from wounds and by disease, on account of inferior sanitary ar- rangements. The total loss of life caused by the Rebellion exceeded half a million men, and nearly as many more were disabled. Summary of Battles. — In the four years of service, the armies of the Union (counting every form of conflict, great and small) had been in 3,- 265 engagements with the Confederate troops. From the time when active hostilities began until the last gun of the war was fired, a fight of some kind (a raid, a skirmish or a pitched battle) oc- curred at some point on our widely-extended front nearly eleven times a week upon an average. Counting only those engagements in which the Union loss, in killed, wounded and missing, ex- ceeded one hundred, the total number was 330. From the northernmost point of contact to the southernmost, the distance by any practicable line of communication was more than two thousand miles. From east to west, the extremes were fif- teen hundred miles apart. During the first year of hostilities (one of preparation on both sides) the battles were naturally fewer in number and less de- cisive in character than afterward, when discipline had been imparted to the troops by drill, and when the materiel of war had been collected and stored for prolonged campaigns. The engagements of all kinds in 1861 were thirty-five in number, of which the most serious was at Bull Run. In 1863, the war had greatly increased in magnitude and inten- sity, as is shown by the eighty-four engagements between the armies. The net result of the .year's operations was highly favorable to the Rebellion. In 1863 the battles were one hundred and ten in number, among them some of the most significant and important victories for the Union. In 1864, there were seventy-three engagements ; and in the winter and early spring of 1865 there were twenty- eight. Paper Money. — Before the Civil war, it had been the uniform practice of the different States to allow banks to be established for the issue of notes, payable in specie on demand, and the liability of the shareholders was limited. Banking then was quite free, and all individuals could carry it on provided they observed the requirements of the law. But under this system there was great fluctu- atioii in ^ value, which produced much bankruptcy and ruin. Between 1811 and 1820, many banks became bankrupt; and twenty years afterward, another financial panic occurred. The inflation of the banknotes was wonderful between 1830 and 1837; but just as the amount had been increased, so it decreased during the following six years till 1843; and this caused the ruin of many moneyed institutions among them the Bank of the United States, the renewal of whose charter had been denied by President Jackson. At the beginning of the war, the paper money in circulation amounted to $300,000,000; of which three-fourths had been issued in the Northern States; and the coin amounted to $275,000,000. The early necessities of the national treasury in this trying period compelled the government to borrow money, and in February, 1862, Congress authorized the issue of treasury notes amounting to $150,000,000, declaring them to be legal tender except for customs duties and interest on the na- tional debt. A premium on gold naturally followed, causing it to be drawn entirely from circulation, and this increased as the treasury notes multiplied. Then the National Banking System came to be intro- duced to supply a circulating medium, having been created on Feb. 25, 1863, and amended on June 3, 1864. A Bureau was established in the Treasury Department, with power to authorize- banking as- sociations, under certain provisions for public -se- curity, and the State banks were rapidly trans- formed into national banks. The currency of the country in this manner came to consist of treasury demand notes (which in 1865 amounted to $450,- 000,000) and of national bank-notes (which' ap- proached the limit' of $300,000,000). The latter circulated as freely as the former, because their ultimate redemption was assured by the deposit of an adequate amount in United States bonds at the national treasury. This system was found supe- rior in the protection which it afforded; but it could not prevent a financial crisis from sweeping over the country, especially when other causes, such as excessive manufactures and enormous losses from fire, contributed greatly toward the result. Congress also authorized small notes for five, ten, twenty-five and fifty cents to be issued for the purpose of supplying the loss of the small de- 128 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA nominations of coin money from circulation. This '^^e'' was commonly known as "currency," and it was all redeemed after the war. During this period, our merchants at Reading issued and circulated for a time their own fraction- al demand notes for the purpose of encouraging trade in the community and it was gradually re- deemed as the national currency was supplied. COMPANIES FROM COUNTY The following 104 companies of men were enlisted from Berks county and mustered into the service of the national government in the Civil war. Twelve of the companies included men accredited to other counties. Reckoning all the men in the companies named and those found in different companies not classified, it can be asserted that about ten thousand men of our county were en- gaged in the great struggle for the preservation of the Union. SUMMARY Three months' service, 1861 738 Three years' service, 1861-64 3,657 Nine months' service, 1862-63 1,003 Volunteer militia of 1862 543 Drafted militia of 1862 1,263 Emergency troops of 1863 1,438 One hundred days' service, 1864 357 One year's service, 1864-65> 895 Miscellaneous enlistment in Regular U. S. service, etc , 250 10,144 The detailed statement,"' showing the several regiments and companies, the number of men in each company, and the names of the captains, is as follows : Three Months' Service — l86l Refft. Co. Men Captain 25 A 104 James McKnight 1 G 78 Geo. W. Alexander 5 H 77 Frank M. Cooley 5 Band 16 E. Ermentrout, Leader 7 C 76 Isaac Schroeder 7 D 78 Geo. S. Herbst 7 G 77 A. F. Rightmyer 14 A 77 David A. Griffith 14 E 80 John C. Shearer 25' C 58 Henry Nagle 25 Band 17 John A. Hoch, Leader Three Y 'cars' Service — 1861-64 Regt. Co. Men Captain 26 Band 13 Henry Grime, Leader 32 A 100 Jacob Lenhart, Jr. 32 D 115 Wm. Briner 32 F 100 Wash. Richards 36 I 33 Joseph G. Holmes (Berks and Lebanon counties) 43 F 38 R. B. Rickets, 1st Artillery 44 L 155 J. C. A. Hoffeditz 44 M 154 Thos. S. Richards 46 E 173 Cornelius Wise 46 Band 16 R. J. Stanley 48 D 40 Daniel Nagle 50 B 166 Hervey Herman 50 E 181 Wm. H. Diehl 50 H 177 Thos. S. Brenholtz 53 A&B 27 Wm. S. Potts * Prepared by the compiler of this history for the Historical Society of Berks County, and read at a regular meeting on Feb. 14, 1903. Regt. Co. Men Captain 55 B 191 John C. Shearer 59 K 33 Stephen H. Edgett 70 G 94 Geo. E. Clymer, 6th Cavalry 74 G 50 Wm. J. Bart (Berks and Adams counties)' 80 L 64 C. C. McCormick (Berks and Northumberland counties) 88 A 197 Geo. W. Knabb 88 B 192 Henry A. Myers 88 H 196 David A. Griffith 88 Band 20 E. Ermentrout, Leader (Ring- gold) 93 B 185 John E. Arthur 93 G 183 A. C. Maitland 93 K 74 David C. Keller 96 G 31 Jas. M. Douden 104 B 50 Jacob W. Glase 104 H 195 Wm. F. Walter D 297 Geo. W. Durrell, Ind. Battery- 152 K 25 Henry Ungerer 181 H 16 A. M. Halberstadt 182 H 76 Geo. F. Cooke, 21st Cavalry A' ine Months' Service — 1862-63 Regt. Co. Men Captain 128 A 99 L. Heber Smith 128 B 93 Wm. McNall 128 E 98 Wm. H. Andrews 128 H 76 John Kennedy 128 I 89 Richard H. Jones 128 K 88 Geo. Newkirk 151 E 93 Jacob S. Graff 151 G 83 Levi M. Gerhart 151 H 83 Wm. K. Boltz 151 I 100 Wm. L. Gray. 151 K 101 Jas. W. Weida Volunteei - Militia of 1862 ReiTt, Co. Men Captain 2 G 70 F. S. Bickley 11 E 104 Chas. H. Hunter 11 I 95 N. M. Eisenhower 20 G 70 Wm. Geiger 20 H 45 Samuel Harner 20 I 92 Frederick S. Boas * 67 Samuel L. Young Drafted Mi'itia of 1862— g nxis. Rert. Co. Men Captain 167 A 113 Jonathan See 167 B 105 Chas. Melcher 167 C 102 Peter Y. Edelman 167 D 113 Samuel A. Haines 167 E 101 H. H. Miller 167 F 100 Josiah Groh 167 G 114 William A. Schall 167 H 105 A. H. Schaeflfer 167 I 111 J. M. ShoUenberger 167 K 105 Edw. F. Reed 179 I 99 Amos Drenkel 179 K 95 John B. Wagoner Emergency Troops — 1863 Regt. Co. Men Captain 31 H 63 David A. Griffith 42 A 98 Wm. F. Walter 42 B 91 Samuel Harner 42 C 103 John E. Arthur 42 D 95 Wm. D. Smith 42 E 83 Jno. McKnight 42 F 79 Bently H. Smith 42 G 96 Samuel A. Haines 42 H 90 John Obold 42 *Ind. I Cavalry 91 Edw. Bailey WAR PERIODS 129 Regt. Co. iten Captain 42 K b5 Jacob Deppen 48 G 95 Jos. G. Holmes 48 I 79 Aug. C. Greth 53 A 86 R. L. Jones 53 B 75 Jacob Lehman * ■• 149 W. C Ermentrout One Hundred Days' Service — 1S64 Regt. Co. Men Captain 194 I 84 H. E. Quimby 195 A 85 H. D. Markley 195 B 93 H. Maltzberger 196 I 95 G. S. Rowbotham One Year\ J Service — 1864-6$ Regt. Co. Men Captain 83 I 84 R. W. McCartney (Berks and Dauphin counties) 192 F 97 John Teed 195 A 96 H. D. Markley 198 D 98 Isaac Schroeder 198 G 99 Wm. L. Guinther 205 B 104 Jos. G. Holmes 205 E 104 Wm. F. Walter 205 H 111 F. Schmehl 313 D 102 J. W. Kennedy patch announcing the attack on Fort Sumter found the company at drill at some distance from the city.* The effect was electrical, and all were impa- tient to move at once to the defense of the flag-. Surgeons from County in Civil War The following medical practitioners of Berks county were engaged in the Civil war, and the statement shows the regiment with which they were connected and the district of the county where they resided. 33d Regt. — Dr. Johnt B. Griesemer, Exeter, Surgeon 34th Regt.— Dr. Harrison T. Witman, Reading, Asst. Surgeon , 47th Regt. — Dr. John H. Sheetz, Reading, Asst. Surgeon 48th Regt. — Dr. Charles T. Reber, Reading, Asst. Sur- geon 73d Regt. — Dr. Jeremiah S. Trexler, Kutztown, Asst. Surgeon 75th Regt. — Dr. Manoah S. Long, Longswamp, Asst. Surgeon 76th Regt. — Dr. Erasmus R. Scholl, Reading, Surgeon 108th Regt. — Dr. Hiester M. Nagle, Reading, Surgeon 141st Regt. — Dr. Wellington G. Byerle, Bernville, Asst. Surgeon 154th Regt. — Dr. John M. Hoffman, Spring, Surgeon 154th Regt. — Dr. Elias C. Kitchen, Amity, Surgeon 166th Regt.— Dr. Alexander H. Witman, Reading, Asst. Surgeon 167th Regt.— Dr. Daniel T. Batdorf, Bethel, Asst. Surgeon U. S. Navy — Dr. Jonathan Bertolette, Surgeon THREE MONTHS' SERVICE— 1861 Ringgold Light Artillery. — The first troops to respond to the President's call were the Ring- gold Light Artillery of Reading ; the Logan Guards of Lewistown ; the Washington Artillery and the National Light Infantry of PottsvilJe; and the Allen Rifles of Allentown. On Jan. 21, 1861, Maj.-Gen. William H. Keim (then Surveyor-General of Pennsylvania, from Reading) ,. with characteristic sagacity, had advised Captain McKnight that the services of his company would probably soon be needed, and counseled him to hold them in readiness for immediate service. From that time till April 16th, almost daily drills were practised. On the 22d of February, they were in- readiness to obey marching orders. The dis- *Ind. Artillery 9 CAPT. JAMES MCKNIGHT On the morning of the 16th of April, marching orders were received from Governor Curtin; and, on the afternoon of that day, the company was taken on the Lebanon Valley railroad to Harris- burg, where it arrived at 8 o'clock in the evening. The company numbered 108 men, fully armed and equipped as light artillery. On reporting at the Executive Office, the Secretary of War telegraphed that the company be forwarded by the earliest train, but this order was countermanded by the Sec- retary of the Commonwealth later in the day. The five companies named were mustered into the service of the United States at Harrisburg for three months, and departed for Washington by rail- road on the 18th of April, at 9 o'clock a. m. They arrived at Baltimore at 1 o'clock p. m., being under the necessity of marching two miles through the city, from Bolton to Camden station. On leaving the cars, a battalion was formed in the following order: 4th Artillery (regulars); Logan Guards; Allen Rifles, of Allentown ; Washington Artillery and National Light Infantry, of Pottsville ; with the Ringgold Artillery bringing up the rear. As the column was forming near Bolton station, the police of Baltimore appeared in large force, headed by Marshal Kane, and followed by a mob which at once commenced an attack upon the volunteers, countenanced by a portion of the police, who had been sent to give safe conduct through the city. Orders were given to the men to preserve their temper and make no reply to anything that should be said to them. At the command "forward," the mob commenced hooting, jeering and yelling, and proclaimed, with oaths, that the troops should not pass through their city to fight the South. * Poor-house Farm in Sliillington. 130 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Arriving near the center of the city, certain reg- ular troops filed off toward Fort McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue their way through the city as well as they could. At this juncture, the mob were excited to a perfect frenzy, breaking the line of the police, and pushing through the files of men, in an attempt to break the column. Every insult that could be heaped upon the troops was offered, but no word of reply was elicited. The officers and men marched steadily on toward Cam- den station. At every step, the mob increased till it numbered thousands of most determined and des- perate men. As the volunteers were boarding the train at the station, the angry mob hurled a shower of bricks, stones and clubs into their disorganized ranks, for- tunately, however, inflicting only slight injuries. In the midst of the confusion, an attempt was made to detach the engine from the train and run it away, but this was prevented by the determined character of the engineer and his assistants, who drew revolvers and threatened to shoot any who dared to do so. At length, amidst the demoniac yells of the crowd, the train moved off, carrying the vol- unteers safely beyond the reach of their desperate assailants. They arrived in Washington at 7 o'clock in the evening. Arms, ammunition and equipments were furnished and the work of barricading the Capitol was commenced immediately. Squads of the Rebel soldiers were then drilling on the opposite . side of the Potomac river in full view of the Capi- tol. It having been ascertained on the 33d of April that an attempt would be made to capture Wash- ington by way of the arsenal and the navy-yard, the "Ringgold Artillerists" were ordered to report to Captain Dahlgreen at the navy-yard, and three twelve-pound howitzers were assigned to them. Excepting a detachment of twelve men, detailed to guard the "Short Bridge," the entire command was required to man these guns. On the 25th, a ser- geant and six men were detailed to serve as a guard on the steamer "Powhatan," which was dis- patched to make a reconnoissance down the Poto- mac for the purpose of searching for obstructions and of ascertaining if forts were being erected along the river. On the 36th, the company were ordered to duty at the Capitol ; and on the 15th of May, the Secretary of War assigned them to duty at the Washington Arsenal, where they remained till the expiration of their term of service, excepting a short interval, when they were detailed to mount guns in the forts about Washington. They were mustered out at Harrisburg. They had been class- ified as Company A, of the 35th Regiment. Edward P. Pearson, Esq., of Reading, was Adjutant of the Regiment ; he subsequently became an officer in the regular army and served for many years with great distinction. Col. A. C. Buell, in his book, entitled "The Can- noneer, Recollections of Service in the Army of the Potomac by a detached volunteer in the Regular Army," published the following interesting infor- mation about this distinguished company: Speaking of the "Stolidity of the Pennsylvania Dutch," history records some manifestations of it that are admir- able. For example, there was a battery in the Civil war which entered the Union service as "The Ringgold Artil- lery of Reading" and its commander was Capt. James McKnight. It was the first volunteer artillery organiza- tion to reach Washington in April, 1861. At the end of its three months' service, it re-enlisted in a body for three years and was mustered into the regular army as Battery M, 5th U. S. Artillery, being the only volunteer organization transferred bodily to the regular army in all our history. Its composition may be inferred from the names of its sergeants in 1864 when I was personally acquainted with it. They were as follows : Daniel Yoder, Philip Weidner, William Beckhardt, Joseph Gerhardt and Frederick Volkman. Of its 107 enlisted men in the Valley Campaign of 1864, 84 were Pennsylvania Dutchrnen from Berks, Schuylkill and Lehigh — all native Americans — 12 Americans of Enghsh descent, and 11 Irishmen, one of whom, Patrick Flynn Hunt, late of Templemore, County Tipperary, was acting sergeant on temporary detail from Battery E. Battery M served all through the war in the 6th Corps. At Cedar Creek it was in line with Getty's (2d) Division of that Corps and took the butt end of the Confederate attack in the first attempt of the Union forces to stop the rout in the early stages of that dramatic battle. In its first position it lost one gun, a lieutenant and 9 men, the gun however being retaken by the 10th Vermont Infantry. In its second position the whole battery was taken by Kershaw's South Carolina Brigade and almost instantly retaken by part of the Old Vermont Brigade in a rough-and-tumble, which resulted among other things in the killing or disabling of 19 men with the bayonet alone, few shots being fired. Out of this last motion, Battery M emerged with 2 guns and 27 men fit for duty who at once resumed their fire with double canister. This remnant was commanded by Sergeant Daniel Yoder, Cap- tain McKnight being at that moment acting Chief of Ar- tillery of the Corps, and the remaining lieutenant (Henry M. Baldwin) having been killed in the previous struggle. After the battle, Gen. Horatio Wright complimented Cap- tain McKnight on the behavior of his battery in the pres- ence of the few men that remaitied. Said he, "Your Penn- sylvania Dutchmen don't seem to know when they are whipped." To which the Captain replied, "Don't know when they are whipped? By God, General, most of them don't know when they are killed." All the losses of Battery M at Cedar Creek were either killed or wounded, none were missing. Buell was a private when this happened, but he became a colonel afterward. 1st Regiment. — The 1st Regiment was organ- ized at Harrisburg on April 20th. In pursuance of orders, it performed duty at several places in Penn- sylvania, Maryland and Virginia till July 23d, when it returned to Harrisburg, and was there honorably discharged on the 37th. During its service it did not participate in any battles; but it accomplished much good by checking any movement on the part of the Rebels in arms along the borders. It in- cluded Company G, which was recruited at Read- ing, and mustered into service on April 20, 1861. 5th Regiment.— The 5th Regiment was organ- ized at Camp Curtin (Harrisburg) on April 21st. It performed guard duty mostly at Baltimore, Washington and Alexandria. It was at the latter place during the disastrous battle of Bull Run, in which the brigade (to which it had been trans- WAR PERIODS 131 ferred) participated. It was discharged at Harris- burg on July 25th. Company H was recruited at Reading. It was mustered into service on April 20, 1861. Dr. E. R. Scholl, of Reading, was the regimental surgeon. Reading City Band was attached to this regi- ment. It comprised sixteen men (six from Leb- anon), with Emanuel Ermentrout as leader. Left Reading on May 22, 1861, for Washington, via Har- risburg and Baltimore, and was mustered in there on the 23d. Remained there until the 29th and then went to Alexandria, where it was in active service until July 21st. Then it was ordered to Harrisburg and there mustered out on July 26th. The members from Reading returned home. 7th Regiment. — The Tth Regiment was organ- ized and mustered into service at Camp Cur- tin on April 22d. It was encamped over a month at Chambersburg. On June 8th it moved southwardly. It was stationed at Williams- port on the 19th. On July 2d, it began the march to Martinsburg. On the way, it confiscated the contents of an extensive flour-mill (a large amount of grain and flour and one hundred and fifty barrels of whiskey), the owner having been a captain in the Rebel army. Shortly afterward, it was en- camped at Charlestown, where it remained until ordered to Harrisburg, and it was mustered out of service on July 29th. Three companies were re- cruited in Berks county, C, G, and D; the first at Friedensburg; the second at Pleasantville ; and the third at Reading. 14th Regiment. — The 14th Regiment was or- ganized at Camp Curtin on April 30th. Richards McMichael was elected lieutenant-colonel, and Joseph A. McLean major. Both were from Read- ing. It was encamped at Camp Johnston, in Lan- caster, till June 3d, and subsequently it marched to Chambersburg, Hagerstown, Sharpsburg, Mar- tinsburg, Bunker's Hill and Harper's Ferry, doing picket and guard duty, and making various expedi- tions to encounter the enemy. Whilst at the latter place, the term of enlistment expired and it was ordered to Harrisburg. On its way, it encamped and remained two weeks at Carlisle, where it was mustered out of service Aug. 7th. It included two companies from Berks county: A, recruited at Reading and mustered in on April 27th; and E, recruited at Womelsdorf, and mustered in on April 24th. 25th Regiment. — Company C of Reading was also in the 25th Regiment, in the three months' service with Company A. It was recruited at Read- ing out of the surplus men of the Ringgold Light Artillery and seventeen men of the National Light Infantry of Pottsville, and mustered into service on April 18, 1861. The regiment had been organ- ized at Harrisburg. It was mustered out of service on Aug. 1st. Regimental Band. — The regimental band of the 25th Regiment was engaged in the three months' service, having been mustered in at Washington, in April, 1861, and mustered out at Harrisburg, in July, 1861. It comprised sixteen members under the leadership of John A. Hoch, fourteen of them taken from the Ringgold Band. The other two were from Pottstown. THREE YEARS' SERVICE— 1861-64 The insurrection having become too powerful to be suppressed by the first display of military au- thority, the President issued a second proclamation, calling upon the States to furnish two hundred thousand men who were to be enlisted for three years. The quota of men from Pennsylvania was soon filled by the patriotic impulses of her people. Companies from Berks county were in the follow- ing regiments : 26th Regiment. — The Bernville Band with Henry Grime as leader, and numbering thirteen men, was mustered into the service at Bladens- burg, Md., on Sept. 16, 1861, as regimen- tal band of the 26th Regiment of Peain- sylvania Volunteers, and attached to Hooker's 1st Brigade. It remained in camp at Bladensburg about two months; then it moved to Budd's Ferry, in Lower Potomac, on Maryland Shore, and con- tinued there all winter. During the latter part of April, it joined McClellan's army at Fortress Mon- roe, and was engaged in the Penmsular campaign, commencing at Yorktown and ending at Harrison's Landing. It was mustered out of service at Har- rison's Landing on Aug. 8, 1862, by reason of an Act of Congress passed to disp-ense with regimen- tal bands. The men returned to Philadelphia, where they were paid off and sent home. 32d Regiment.- — The 32d Regiment included companies A, D and F from Berks county, and was mustered into service at Harrisburg on July 27, 1861, after having remained at Easton in camp for two months. The regiment was at Washington, Tennallytown, and Langley until March 10, 1862, when it joined the Army of the Potomac. It par- ticipated in its marches to and from Richmond until February, 1863, having been engaged in the battles of Gaines' Mill, Hall's Hill, Antietam and Freder- icksburg. Then it was transferred to the defenses of Wash- ington and became a part of the 22d Army Corps, where it remained until January, 1864, when it was ordered to duty in West Virginia under General Sickd. Afterward it was at Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry until April, then proceeded to the Kanawha Valley and participated in the engage- ments at Princetown and Meadow Bluff. On May 22d, it marched to Millville. While there its term of service expired, and then it proceeded to Phila- delphia, via Pittsburg, where it was mustered out of service on June 17, 1864. 36th Regiment. — The 36th Regiment was com- posed of companies recruited in several counties east of the Alleghany Mountains. Company I was made up of men recruited in Berks and Lebanon counties. The men from Berks county numbered 133 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA thirty-three, and were recruited at Reading. The regiment was mustered into service July '27, 1861. It was not in any fighting until the latter part of June, 1862, when it was engaged in the battle of Gaines' Mill, occupying the left of the line. Its next engagement was at Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, 1862. It passed through seven days of fighting, and upon mustering the regiment only two hundred men were present to answer to their names. It was also engaged in the battles of An- tietam, Fredericksburg and the Wilderness. Nearly the entire regiment was captured in the last battle, and the men were imprisoned at Andersonville. The regiment was mustered out of service June 16, 1864, at Philadelphia. 43d Regiment. — In Battery F, of the 43d Regi- ment of Pennsylvania Volunteers (1st Artillery), recruited in Schuylkill county, there were included thirty-eight men from Berks county. It was organ- ized at Philadelphia in June, 18G1, for three years' service, and mustered out at Harrisburg on June 9, 1865. The Battery participated in the following battles : Winchester, second Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bris- toe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Peters- burg, and Deep Bottom. 44th Regiment. — The 44th Regiment (1st Cav- alry) was recruited in a numher of counties, Com- pany L from men of Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties, and Company M from men of Berks coun- ty. Both were recruited at Reading. Company L was mustered into service as an inde- pendent company on July 30, 1861, and stationed at Baltimore for five months ; and Company M on Aug. 5, 1861, and stationed at same place until Oct. 3d. On Jan. 7th, these companies joined their regiment and moved with the army toward Manassas. They were eng'aged in the battles of Strasburg, Wood- stock, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg during the year 1862; and in 1863, in the battle's of Brandy Station, Beverly Ford and Aldie. They were con- cerned in Sheridan's raid upon Richmond, during the spring of 1864, in which they encountered the enemy in a number of engagements, and in the fol-- lowing summer they were engaged in fighting the enemy at Saint Mary's Church, Malvern Hill, Gravel Hill, and Ream's Station. On Aug. 29th they were encamped on the Jerusalem Plank Road, near the left of the army. Their term of service having expired, they withdrew from the front on Sept. 1st, and proceeded to Philadelphia where they were mustered out of service Sept. 9, 1864. 46th Regiment. — The 46th Regiment was or- ganized at Harrisburg on Sept. 1, ISfil, and in- cluded Company E, recruited at Reading. It was ordered to Plarper's Ferry and placed under the command of General Banks. Its first conflict was at Winchester, where for five hours it held its po- sition with great coolness and bravery whilst re- treating toward the Potomac before Gen. Stonewall Jackson. On Aug. 8, 1862, it was in the battle of Cedar i\Iountain, and on Sept. 17th in the battle of Antietam. In May, 1863, it participated in a fierce engagement near Chancellorsville; and in July it took a prominent part in the 'battle of Gettysburg,, occupying the extreme right of the line on the 3d. After the withdrawal of Lee from Pennsylvania, the regiment was attached to the Army of the Ten- nessee under General Rosecrans. In January, 1864,. it proceeded to Pennsylvania on a veteran furlough,- and the greater part of the officers and men re- enlisted for three years. Among the re-enlisted men in the regiment, there was a young man, Henry Weidensaul, a native of Morgantown, in Berks county. He entered the regiment when fourteen years old and participated' in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. He was wounded at Cedar Mountain, taken prisoner, and confined in Libby Prison for five weeks. He was also- wounded at Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. On. July 1, 1863, he was seventeen years old, and the Keystone State claimed him to be the youngest veteran soldier in the service. Upon recruiting its ranks, the regiment rejoined the army at Chattanooga, and participated in the Atlanta campaign under General Sherman in his great march to the sea. After nearly four years of faithful service, it was mustered out on July 16, 1865, near Alexandria, Virginia. Birdsboro' Band. — This band was mustered into- service for three years on Aug. 27, ,1861, as the regimental band of the regiment ; but discharged on Aug. 16, 1SG2, in pursuance of an order dispensing with regimental bands. 48th Regiment — Company D of this regiment was recruited at Pottsville, in Schuylkill county,, mustered into service in October, 1861, and mus- tered out July 17, 1865. Forty of the men were from Plamburg, in Berks county. The regiment was in the battles of Antietam and Second Bull Run. It was prominent in the Petersburg cam- paign, having exploded the great mine. The Port Clinton Artillery was connected with this regiment. Included with the battery there were twenty-five men from Reading and Leesport, ac- credited to Schuvlkill countv. "it was mustered in May, 1861. John D. Bertolette, of Reading, was the adjutant; and Dr. Charles T. Reber, surgeon. 50th Regiment.— The 50th Regiment included three companies from Berks county, B, E and H, which were recruited at Reading. It was organ- ized at Harrisburg on Sept. "35, 1861. Capt. Thomas Brenholtz, of Companv H, was selected as lieutenant-colonel. The regiment proceeded to Washington on Oct. 2d, and on the 9th to .A.nnap- olis, where it was assigned to Stevens' Brigade, which was then fitting out for an expedition to South Carolina. On Oct. 19th, the regiment em- barked upon transports. Companies B and E on the WAR PERIODS 133 ■"Winfield Scott" and Company H on the "Ocean >Queen." On the night of Nov. 1st, a heavy gale was encountered off Cape Hatteras, and the "Win- field Scott," an unseaworthy craft, was in imminent peril. Her masts were cut away, the freight and camp equipage were thrown overboard, a portion of her officers and crew deserted her and every- thing was given up for lost. She was finally saved ■through the superhuman efforts of the soldiers, who had been left to their fate without food or water. The regiment went into camp on the island .at Hilton Head and was employed in building forti- fications. On Dec. 6th, it proceeded to Beaufort and there experienced its first skirmish with the •enemy. It participated in the battle of Coosaw on Jan. 1, 1863. In General Hunter's demonstration against Charleston, Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholtz and six companies took a prominent part, driving "the enemy from a railroad bridge which spanned .a stream near Pocotaligo. The regiment remained near Beaufort till July 12th; then proceeded to Fortress Monroe. Subse- quently it was engaged in the first and second ■days' fights at Bull Run. Brenholtz commanded the regiment. He was one of the wounded in the second day's fight. On Aug. 1st, it participat- ed in the battle of Chantilly, and several weeks later in the battle of Antietam. Subsequently it was moved to Kentucky and participated in the siege of Vicksburg. There Brenholtz, whilst gallantly leading his m.en before the enemy's works, was mortally wounded. His fall was greatly la- mented at Reading, where he had been a success- ful teacher in the public schools. Much of the •credit which the organization had acquired was due to his excellent qualities as a soldier. No l)raver man ever led in battle, and upon his death the service lost one of its most valued lead- ers. In August, only eighty of the regiment were present for duty, and nearly all had chills and fever. The other men of the regiment were in hospitals suffering from wounds or malaria. In October and November, 1863, it took part in en- gagements, at Blue Springs, Lenoir Station, and Knoxville. Nearly the entire regiment re-enlisted on Jan- uary 1, 1864. During January it was marched to Nicholasville, a distance of two hundred miles, in ten days. Many of the men were barefooted and walked through the snow. In February, they proceeded to Harrisburg on a veteran furlough, and visited their homes. In March, the regiment encamped at Annapolis. On May 6th, it was en- gaged in the battle of the Wilderness, and on the . 9th, in the battle near Spottsylvania Court-House. Among the killed was Captain Cleveland, of Com- pany H. Three days afterward the regiment had another desperate encounter, in which the men had a struggle hand to hand. Adjutant Kendall, three -sergeants and twenty-five privates were taken pris- oners. From the- Ny river to the North Anna, .and thence to Cold Harbor, the regiment was en- gaged almost daily. At Cold Harbor, on June 2, 1864, it occupied the front line and suffered severely. Shortly afterward, it lay in line before Petersburg. On June 18th, Captain Lantz, of Com- pany E, and several men were killed. It then per- formed picket duty during July and participated in the siege and great explosion of the mine. During August it was eng-aged in almost contin- uous fighting. It remained at the front during September, October and November, when it went into winter quarters immediately before ■ Peters- burg. The Union lines began to close in on the Rebel works on April 1, 1865. The regiment was en- gaged during the operations of the 2d and 3d, and it was among the first of the regiments to enter Petersburg upon its fall. It moved to City Point on April 15th, and thence by boat to Washington, where it remained till June 30th. Upon the re- commendation of Lieutenant-General Grant, this regiment was ordered to represent the infantry of the army upon the occasion of laying the corner- stone of the national monument at Gettysburg on July 4, 1865. From Gettysburg it went into camp near Georgetown, where it was mustered out of service on July 31st. Henry T. Kendall, who was Adjutant, became Captain of Company H in January, 1865. 53d Regiment. — Company B of this regiment included twenty-three men from Birdsboro; and Company A, four men from Boyertown. It par- ticipated in many battles. 55th Regiment. — The 55th Regiment was re- cruited during the summer and autumn of 1861, and included Company B from Berks county, re- cruited at Robesonia. It was organized at Harris- burg, and in November proceeded to Fortress Monroe. It experienced some service near Framp- ton in October, 1862. For a year afterward, it performed picket duty at Port Royal Ferry. On Jan. 1, 1864, the major part of the men re-enlisted for three years, and were given a furlough. In March, the regiment returned to South Carolina, and in April was stationed at Gloucester Point, op- posite Yorktown. Here it was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, lObh Corps, Army of the James, arnd participated in the movements and en- gagements of this corps under the command of General Butler. It reached Richmond on April 25th, and encamped near by, ' performing fatigue and guard duty till the latter part of July; then it was stationed at different points surrounding Petersburg till it was mustered out of service on Aug. 30, 1865. William G. Moore, of Woraelsdorf, was Cap- tain of Company D in this Regmient, from July 13, 1864, to June 10, 1865. 59th Regiment.— The 59th Regiment (2d Cav- alry) included thirty-three men who were recruit- ed at Reading, in March, 1862, and became part of Company K, under command of Captain Chauncey. It experienced much severe marching and partici- 134 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA pated in a number of battles, prominent among them being Bull Run, Chautilly, Gettysburg, and the Wil- derness campaign. It was present at the surrender at Appomattox and participated in the grand re- view at Washington on May 23, 1865. It was mustered out of service at Cloud's Mill, Va., on July 13, 1865. William F. Dougherty, of Berks county, was captain for a time; and Stephen H. Edgett from March, 1865, to June, 1865. 70th Regiment. — The 70th Regiment (6th Cavalry) was composed of Philadelphia men, ex- cepting Company G, which was recruited at Read- ing, in July, 1861, under command of Capt. George E. Clymer. It participated in the Peninsular cam- paign, and in various engagements, the most prom- inent being Antietam and Gettysburg. Subse- quently it took part in the Virginia campaign, and in the famous raid by General Sheridan. It was also present at the surrender at Appomattox, and participated in the grand review at Washington. It was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 1865. There were twenty men from the county in other companies of this regiment : twelve in Company F ; one in Company H ; four in Com- pany I ; two in Company K ; and one in Company M. Dr. G. S. Engler, of Muhlenberg township, was the regimental assistant surgeon. 74th Regiment. — Company G, of this regi- ment, was composed of men recruited in Berks and Adams counties, during Fehruary, 1865, for a service of one year. It was attached in March to this regiment, originally organized in 1861. It was engaged in guard duty at Beverly, Clarksburg and Parkersburg, from April to August 29th, when it was mustered out of service at Clarksburg. It was disbanded at Pittsburg. 80th Regiment. — The 80th Regiment (7th Cavalry) included some men who were recruited in Berks county, and mustered into service with Com- pany L. It participated in various engagements with the Army of the Tennessee, where it had been ordered to service. In March, 1865, it march- ed under General Wilson across the Gulf States. and in the beginning of April participated in the battles of Plantersville and Selma, Ala. At the latter place, the regiment led in the assault upon the works and the conduct of the men was highly meritorious. Its last engagement was near Col- umbus, on April 16, 1865. It was then stationed at Macon, Ga., from April 20th to August 13th, when it was mustered out of service. This company was recruited in Berks and Northumberland coun- ties, and was mustered out Aug. 23, 1865. 88th Regiment. — This regiment included three companies, recruited in Berks county, A, B, and H. It was mustered into service at Philadelphia in October, 1861, and then ordered to Washington. It performed guard duty in that vicinity until May, 1862. Subseauently, it participated in the follow- ing battles : Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Antie- tam, Fredericksburg, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Gettysburg, South Mountain, Gainesville, Wilderness, Chancellorsville, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Mine Run, Petersburg, Wel- don Railroad, Spottsylvania and Bethesda Church. It continued in active operations until General Lee surrendered, when it proceeded to Washing- ton, where it was mustered out of service on June 30, 1865. David A. Griffith, of Reading, was major of the regiment from September to December, 1862. . Joseph A. McLean, of Reading, was the lieuten- ant-colonel until he was killed at the battle of Bull Run on Aug. 30, 1862. JNIcLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R., of Reading, was named after him in 1866. Ringgold Band. — The regimental band of the 88th Regiment was the "Ringgokl" from Reading, with Emanuel Ermentrout, as leader, and twenty men. It was mustered into service at Philadel- phia on Aug. 30, 1861, and mustered out at Man- assas Junction on June 21, 1862, pursuant to a general order dispensing with the services of bands of music. 93d Regiment. — This regiment was organized at Lebanon, Pa., in October, 1861, and included two companies, B and G, and part of Company K, from Berks county. It proceeded to Virginia and participated in the following battles : Williiams- burg, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Fred- ericksburg, Marye's Heights, Gettysburg, Wilder- ness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Op- equan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. After the surrender of General Lee, it marched to Danville to co-operate with Sherman for the defeat of Gen- eral Johnston. After remaining in camp there for several weeks, it proceeded to Washington, and was mustered out of service on ijune 27, 1865. John E. Arthur, of Reading, was lieutenant- colonel from July to November, 1863; David C. Keller, major, from September, 1864, to December, 1864, when he was appointed lieutenant-colonel, and on April 2, 1865, brevet colonel. W. A. H. Lewis was adjutant from October 1861, to August, 1862 ; and John B. Dewees from March to June 27, 1865, when mustered out as sergeant-major. 96th Regiment.— The 96th Regiment was re- cruited mostly in Schuylkill county. Some men frorn Hamburg and of Berks county were includ- ed in Company G. It was mustered into service on Sept. 23, 1861, at Pottsville, and participated in various engagements in the Peninsula, at Gettys- • burg, in the Wilderness campaign, and in the Shenandoah Valley. It was mustered out of ser- vice in West Philadelphia on Oct. 21, 1864. 104th Regiment. — The greater part of Com- panies B, and H in this regiment consisted of men from Berks county; and among the field officers was John M. Gries, from Reading, chosen as WAR PERIODS 135 major. During 1862, the regiment participated in the siege of Yorktown, and in the battles of Sav- age Station and Faiir Oaks, in the Peninsular cam- paign. In the beginning of 1863, it was ordered to South Carolina, and there took part in the siege of Charleston and the capture of Fort Wagner. During August, 1864, it was stationed in Florida, guarding a line of railroad from Jacksonville to Baldwin. Thence it proceeded north to Alexan- dria, where it performed duty in the fortifications on the southern side of the Potomac river, till its term of service expired. It was mustered out of service at Philadelphia on Sept. 30, 1864. Some of the men from Berks county re-enlisted in this regiment. There were veterans and recruits suf- ficient to form a battalion of five companies. Its " principal service afterward was in the siege of Petersburg, participating in the assault on the city, April 3 and 4, 1865. It was mustered out of ser- vice at Portsmouth on Aug. 25, 1865. Durell's. Battery. — This was the famous In- dependent Battery D, commonly known as "Dur- ell's." It was organized at Doylestown on Sept. 24, 1861, and proceeded to Washington on Nov. 6th, where it was equipped as a six-gun battery. Afterward two additional pieces were provided. It had a very active career, and participated in the following battles: Kelly's Ford, Bristoe Sta- tion, Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antie- tam, Sharpsburg, Sulphur Springs, Fredericks- burg, Vicksburg, Wilderness, and the siege of Pet- ersburg. It was mustered out of service on June 13, 1865. 152d Regiment. — Company K, of this regiment, known as the 3d Artillery, included twenty-five men from Berks county. The regiment was ori- ginally organized for special duty at Fortress Mon- roe, but it performed a large share of field ser- vice. It had the reputation of being remarkably well drilled in every "branch of artillery service, as well as in infantry and naval service. All the field and nearly all of the Hne officers of the 188th Regiment were promoted from its ranks, and the excellent discipline and soldierly bearing of the command were frequent subjects of remark and commendation by its superior officers. The reg- iment was mustered in at Philadelphia; and nearly all the companies (including Company K) were mustered out at Fortress Monroe on Nov. 9, 1865. 181sT Regiment. — Sixteen veterans from Berks county were enlisted in Company H of this reg- iment upon its re-prganization in February, 1864, having previously been in the six months' service. It was in the Shenandoah Valley campaign under Generals Sigel, Hunter, and Sheridan, and parti- cipated in numerous battles, including New Mar- ket, Piedmont, Quaker's Church, Liberty, Salem, Snicker's Gap and Gordonville; also in various battles during the concluding campaign before Pet- ersburg, the regiment occupying the extreme left. It was mustered out of service July 13, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Virginia. 182d Regiment. — In January, 1864, authority was given to re-organize this regiment for three years (as the 21st Cavalry) and over half of Com- pany H were enlisted at Reading. About the mid- dle of May, the regimeiit was ordered to Washing- ton (from camp near Chambersburg) and thence sent to join the Army of the" Potomac. It partici- pated in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, Boyd- ton Road, and Bellefield. It was mustered out of service at Lynchburg, Va., on July 8, 1865. NINE MONTHS' SERVICE, 1862-63 128th Regiment. — ^This regiment was recruited in response to the proclamation of the Governor, calling for troops to serve for nine months, issued July 21, 1862. Companies A, B, E, H, I and K ^ were recruited in Berks county. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, and was mustered into the service from the 13th to the 15th of Aug- ust. The majority of the regimental officers were selected from the companies named. On the 16th of August, it was ordered to Washington, moving under the command of Capt. William H. Andrews, of Company E, because no officers had been as yet commissioned. Soon after its arrival at the capital, it crossed the Potomac, and was encamped on Arlington Heights for a week. On the 21st, it moved to Fairfax Seminary; and on the 29th, to Fort Woodbury, where for a week (during the fierce fighting at Bull Run and Chantilly) it was incessantly engaged in felling -timber and erect- ing fortifications. On Sept. 6th, the regiment, in light marching orders, recrossed the Potomac and entered upon the Maryland campaign. At Fred- erick City, on the 14th, it was assigned to Craw- ford's brigade, of Williams' division, Mansfield's corps. It was engaged in active service and participated in the battles of Antietam and the Wilderness. In the latter battle, the regiment was surrounded by the enemy and the greater part of the officers and men were taken prisoners to Richmond. After the battle, the remainder of the regiment (reduced to 172) marched to Stafford Court-House, where its terni of service expired. It was ordered to Har- risburg', and there mustered out on May 19, 1863. Captain Smith, of Company A, was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on Feb. 1, 1863, Joel B. Wanner was major; James H. Gentzler, adjutant, and Dr. J. B. Potteiger, assistant surgeon of the regiment. 15 1st Regiment. — Companies E, G, H, K, and part of I, were recruited in Berks county, the re- maining part of Company I in Schuylkill county. They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin during Sep- tember, 1862, where a regimental organization was efifected. On Nov. 26th, the regiment moved for Washington, and, upon its arrival, proceeded to Arlington Heights. On Dec. 3d, it marched to Alexandria, and thence proceeded by rail to Un- ion Mills. 136 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA About the middle of February, the regiment was transferred to Belle Plain, where the men sufifered much from sickness and exposure. Just previous to the opening of the Chancellorsville campaign, the regiment, with the 3d Division, was sent to Port Conway, on the Lower Rappahannock. Before marching to the battle-field at Chancel- lorsville, it was twice subjected to a vigorous shell- ing from the enemy posted on the opposite shore. During Sunday (the 3d) and Monday (the 4th) the regiment occupied a position on the picket line, between the Ely and Germania Ford roads, where it confronted the enemy. Considerable sickness prevailed here, the morning report at one time showing 160 on the sick list. The march to Gettysburg commenced on the 12th of June. The right wing of the army (com- posed of the 1st and 11th Corps under General Reynolds) made a forced march of 105 miles in three days, throwing itself suddenly between Lee's army (which was moving down the Shenandoah Valley) and Washington. At Broad Run, they halted for the enemy to develop his plans. As the enemy pushed on into Pennsylvania, Reynolds fol- lowed, and on the 1st of July his cavalry, under Bu- ford, met the head of the enemy's columns, and immediately commenced the battle. The 1st Bri- gade (commanded by Col. Chapman Biddle) arrived upon the field at half-past 10 a. m., and took a po- sition on 'the extreme left flank of the corps, the 151st Regiment under command of Lieutenant-Col- onel McFarland, in the absence of Colonel Allen, holding the left of the brigade line. As it moved into position, it was saluted by the booming of can- non and the rattle of musketry. The heroism displayed by the regiment in this battle was highly praiseworthy. It went into the fight with twenty-one officers and 466 men ; of these two officers and 187 men were wounded, and 100 were missing, an aggregate loss of 367. Lieuts. Aaron S. Seaman and George A. Trexler were of the killed; Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland, Adjt. Samuel T. Allen, Capts. George L. Stone and James W. VVeida, and Lieuts. Benjamin F. Oliver, Thomas L. j\'Ioyer, Henry H. Merkle, Willam O. Blodget and Albert Yost were wounded ; and Capts. William K. Boltz and William L. Gray, and Lieuts. James L. Reber and Charles P. Potts were taken prisoners. At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, the regiment moved with the army, in pursuit of Lee, coming up with his rear-guard at Funkstown on the 12th, and his main body near Williamsport on the 14th. That night the enemy escaped. The regiment's term of service had now nearly expired. It was accordingly relieved from duty on the 10th, and returned to Harrisburg, where it was mustered out on the 27th. Francis Parvin, of Berks county, was quarter- master of the regiment. VOLUNTEER AIILITIA— 1862 When the Rebel army achieved its triumphs in the second battle of Bull Run^ it hastened northward and commenced crossing the Potomac. The result of the struggle on the plains of JNIanassas was no sooner known than the helpless condition of Penn- sylvania, which had been apparent from the first, became a subject of alarm. On Sept. 4th, Governor Curtin issued a proclamation, calling on the people to arm and prepare for defense. He recommended the immediate formation of companies and regi- ments throughout the commonwealth. On the 10th, the danger having become imminent, and the en- emy being already in Maryland, he issued a general order, calling on all able-bodied men to enroll im- mediately for the defense of the State, and hold themselves in readiness to march upon an hour's notice : the following day he called for fifty thou- sand men. The people everywhere flew to arms, and moved promptly to the State capital. On the 14th, the head of the Army of the Poto- mac met the enemy at South Mountain, and hurled him back through its passes ; and on the evening of the 16th and on the 17th a fierce battle was fought at Antietam. In the meantime, the militia had rapidly concentrated at Hagerstown and Chambersburg. The enemy was defeated at Antietam, and re- treated in confusion across the Potomac. The emergency having passed, the militia regiments were ordered to return to Harrisburg, and in ac- cordance with the conditions on which they had been called into service, they were mustered out and disbanded on the 24th. The train on which the 20th Regiment was returning over the Cumberland Valley railroad collided, upon nearing Harrisburg, with a train passing in an opposite direction, by which four men were killed and thirty injured. The following seven companies from Berks county were enlisted in this special service : Company G, in 2d Regiment, organized Sept. 6- 13, 1862. and discharged Sept. 23-2.3. Companies E and I, in 11th Regiment, organized Sept. 12, 1862, and discharged Sept. 24-25. Charles A. Knoderer, of Reading, was the colonel of this regiment. Companies G, H and I, in 20th Regiment, organ- ized, Sept. 18, 1862, and discharged 'Sept. Se-S'o. An Independent Cavalry Companv was organ- ized Sept. 17, 1862, and discharged Sept. 27. DRAFTED MILITIA OF 1862 During the year 1862, the military operations were conducted with such energy,, and'so many men were required, that volunteer' companies were not sufficiently numerous to supply the increasing de- mands for troops. The government was therefore driven to the extreme measure of impressing men into service by drafting them for that purpose'.^ Ten companies which constituted the 167th Regiment, and two companies, I and K, of the 179th Regi- ment, were composed of drafted men from Berks WAR PERIODS 13'7 county. They were mustered into service for nine months. 167th Regiment. — This regiment was exclu- sively from Berks county, and was organized in November, 1862, with the following field officers: Charles A. Knoderer, colonel; DePuy Davis, lieu- tenant-colonel: Gustavus A. Worth, major. Soon after its organization, the regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Va. It was actively engaged in fatigue duty upon fortifications (in the planning of which Colonel Knoderer was an adept) and in reconnoit- ring and outpost duty. Late on the evening of Jan. 29, 1863, General Corcoran (who commanded a di- vision under General Peck) moved with his column toward the Blackwater, and at Deserted Farm, seven miles out, encountered a strong force of the enemy, under Gen. Roger A. Pryor. Corcoran im- mediately made an attack, and a fierce night en- gagement ensued. The fighting was principally with artillery and the 167th Regiment was fearfully exposed to the enemy's fire. At the opening of the battle, Colonel Knoderer ordered his men to lie down, and fortunately few were injured; but the horses of the officers, with the exception of that of the adjutant, were all killed, and the Colonel him- self received a mortal wound. The enemy was finally driven back and the command returned again to camp. Lieutenant-Colonel Davis succeeded to the command of the regiment, and was subsequently commissioned colonel. It participated in the des- ultory operations which were kept up tmtil the be- ginning of April, when the right wing of the Rebel army under General Longstreet, numbering some forty thousand men, advanced upon the place and attacked it, but failed to carry it. He then laid siege to it, and constructed elaborate works for its re- duction. For nearly a month, these operations were vigorously pushed; and for many days the bom- bardment of the fortifications was almost inces- sant; but so skillfully had they been planned, and so well constructed, that General Peck, with a force of only about a third of the number of the invading army, successfully repelled every attack, and finally compelled Longstreet to raise the siege. The 167th Regiment was actively employed in the defense throughout the siege, and rendered efficient service. Toward the close of June, and during the time of Lee's invasion of. Pennsylvania, the regiment formed part of the command which was sent to demonstrate in the direction of Richmond, and up- on its return was ordered to join the army of the Potomac, then in pursuit of Lee's army in Mary- land. It formed a junction on the 15th of July, the day after the escape of the enemy across the Po- tomac, and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the Ist Corps. With that corps, it par- ticipated in the pursuit of Lee beyond the Rappa- hannock, when, its term of service being about to expire, it was relieved at the front, and ordered to Heading, where, on Aug. 13, 1863, it was mustered out. 179th Regiment. — This regiment included two companies, I and K, from the county of Berks. It was organized in companies at periods ranging from the 23d of October to the 6th of December, 1863, at Philadelphia and Plarrisburg; and on the 8th of December a regimental organization was ef- fected. Soon after its organization, it proceeded to Fortress Monroe and thence to Yorktown, where it formed part of the garrison at the fort, and was encamped within its walls. It did little else than garrison duty • until the last of July, when it was called out to join in the movement made by General Dix up the Peninsula. During the march to White House and thence to Baltimore Cross Roads, the regiment was prompt and ready, and always well in hand. In the return march the 179th Regiment crowned its reputation as a first-class organization by being always promptly in its place, whilst other regiments were scattered for miles along the road. Upon its return to camp, it was ascertained that Lee had invaded Pennsylvania, and though its term of service was about to expire, by the unan- imous vote of the men by companies, their further services were "tendered to Governor Curtin as long as he should need them for the defense of the State. This offer was accepted; but by the time the regi- ment had reached Washington, en route to the front, the Rebel army had retreated to Virginia. It was accordingly ordered to Harrisburg, where it was mustered out of service on July 37th. EMERGENCY TROOPS— 1863 The triumph of the Rebel army at Fredericks- burg in December, 1863, and its success at Chan- cellorsville in May, 1863, emboldened its leader to again plan an invasion of the North. It becoming daily more evident that the enemy intended to cross the Potomac in force, the President on June 15th called for one hundred thousand men from Penn- sylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virgiiiia, to serve for a period of six months, unless sooner dis- charged; and of this number Pennsylvania was to furnish fifty thousand. Governor Curtin then is- sued a proclamation, calling upon all men capable of bearing arms to enroll themselves in military organizations and encourage all others to afford as- sistance toward protecting the State. In pursuance of this call, many troops were raised throughout the State. The citizens of Berks county responded promptly and raised sixteen companies of men; ten of which were formed into one regiment called the 4§d ; two of the 48th ; three o.f the 53d ; and one of the 31st. They were mustered into service in July and moved to the front, but so rapid were the move- ments of the armies, and the decisive battle of Gettysburg was fought so soon after the call for the militia, that the men had scarcely arrived in camp before the danger was over. The Rebel army made its escape on the 13th and 14th of July, and then the campaign was at end. But the militia was, however, held for some time after this, having been employed on various duty. 138 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA With the close of this raid, the Rebel invasion of 1863 ended. Further service was no longer re- quired of the militia, and during the months of August and September the majority of the men were mustered out. With few exceptions, they were not brought into mortal conflict, but they, never- theless, rendered most important service. They came forward at a moment when there was press- ing need, and their presence gave great moral sup- port to the Union army. The 31st Regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 30, 1863, with Capt. David A. Griffith, of Reading, as lieutenant-colonel, and mustered out on August 8th. The 42d Regiment was organized at Reading on July 6th, with Dr. Charles H. Hunter, of Reading, as colonel ; John E. Arthur, of Reading, as lieuten- ant-colonel; Bentley H. Smith, of Joanna, as major; and Frank R. Schmucker, Esq., of Reading, as ad- jutant; and mustered out on Aug. ll-12th, at Reading. In the 48th, Frederick R. Fritz, of Reading, was lieutenant-colonel, and William W. Diehl, of Read- ing, major. It was organized at Reading on July 6th, and mustered out on Aug. 26th. In the 53d, Israel C. Becker was adjutant, and Jeremiah D. Bitting, quartermaster, both of Read- ing. It was organized at Reading on July 13th, and mustered out on Aug. 20th. Enlisted in this service was the Independent Bat- tery commanded by Capt. William C. Ermentrout. It was organized at Reading on July 3d, and mus- tered out Aug. 26th. ONE HUNDRED DAYS' SERVICE— 1864 Four companies from Berks county were in the one hundred days' service, having been enlisted in July, 1864: 194th Regiment. — This regiment was recruited in ten counties of the State, Company I having been from Berks county. It was organized at Camp Cur- tin on July 22, 1864, with Richards McMichael, of Reading, as lieutenant-colonel. On the day of its organization, it moved to Baltimore. About the 1st of September, it moved to Camp Carroll, a mile southwest of the city, on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Company I and five other com- panies of the regiment were stationed at various points in the city for provost duty. At the expira- tion of its term, it proceeded to Flarrisburg, where, on the 6th of November, it was mustered out. 195th Regiment. — This regiment was principally recruited in Lancaster county in July, 1864, to serve for a period of one hundred days. It included two companies, A and B, from Berks county. It was organized at Camp Curtin on the 24th of July. Oliver C. James, of Reading, of Company B, was elected major, and Dr. Harrison T. Witman, of Reading, as assistant surgeon. On the day of its organization it proceeded to Baltimore, thence to ^lonocacy Junction, where for a period of two months, it was engaged in guarding the bridge which spanned the creek, and the lines of railway. On the 1st of October it proceeded to Berkeley county, W. Va., and was posted along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, with headquarters at North Mountain station, where it remained till the expiration of its term of service. Three hun- dred of the men re-enlisted to serve for one year and they were consolidated in three companies. They remained on duty under the command of Capt. Henry D. Markley, of Company A. Subse- quently seven other companies were recruited, and they together were reorganized as the 195th Reg- iment with Captain Markley as major. It per- formed guard duty at Kabletown, Berryville, and Staunton. At the latter place, the three veteran companies were mustered out in the middle of June, 1865. 196th Regiment. — This regiment was recruited under the auspices of the Union League at Phil- adelphia, to serve for one hundred days, and it was known as the 5th Union League Regiment. It included Company I, of Berks county. It was organized at Camp Cadwalader, Philadelphia, on July 20, 1864, and a week later proceeded to Camp Bradford, near Baltimore. About the middle of August, it was ordered to Chicago, 111., where it performed guard duty at Camp Douglas, a large number of prisoners of war having been confined there. Early in November, it returned to Phil- adelphia, and was thence ordered to duty at Fort Delaware. It was mustered out at Philadelphia on Nov. 17, 1864. ONE YEAR'S SERVICE— 1864-65 Six volunteer companies from Berks county were in the service for one year from September, 1864, to August, 1865. 83d Regiment. — After the battle of Hatcher's Run on Feb. 6, 1865, this regiment went into camp at Hampton station, and while there four full com- panies were assigned to it, including Company I, recruited at Harrisburg for a service of one year. There were a number of men from Reading in this company. The concluding efforts of the great strife were started on March 29th, and in quick suc- cession this regiment was engaged in the battles of Jones' Farm, White Oak Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Sutherland Station, JefTersonville, and Ap- pomattox Court-House. It was mustered out of service on June 28th at Washington and thence it proceeded to Harrisburg, where'it was finally dis- banded on July 4th. 192d Regiment.— In July, 1864, a regiment was recruited in Philadelphia, for a service of one hun- dred days, and mustered in as the 192d. It was mustered out of service in November following. One of the companies re-enlisted for one year, and in February, 1865, nine new companies united with it, which were mustered in as a second regiment of the same number. One of the nine companies was Company F, recruited at Reading. The regiment was organized at Harper's Ferry, and when the WAR PERIODS 139 spring campaign opened, it moved up the valley to Staunton and Lexington. It was retained in the department and engaged in various duties till Aug. 24th, when it was mustered out of service at Har- per's Ferry. 195th Regiment. — Three companies of the 195th Regiment in the one hundred days' service were re-enlisted in the one year's service, which in- cluded Company A, commanded 'by Capt. Henry D. Markley. It was classified with other companies which became the 195th Regiment. Captain Mark- ley became the major; and Dr. H. T. Witman, the assistant surgeon. It was organized on the field in February, 1865, at Martinsburg, Va., and Com- pany A was mustered out at Summit Point, Va., on June 21, 1865. On April 1, 1865, the regiment was sent to guard the fords of the Shenandoah river; and on the 22d it was ordered to Berryville. 198th Regiment. — This regiment was recruited at Philadelphia during the summer of 1864, under the auspices of the Union League, to enter service for one year, and included Companies D and G from Berks county. It was organized Sept. 9th, and September 19th following it proceeded to join the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg. Upon its arrival it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 5th Corps. It participated in the battles of Peeble's Farm, Hatcher's Run, and White Oak Swamp. At the last named Capt. Isaac Schroeder was mortally wounded. It was mustered out at Arlington Heights June 3, 1865. 205th Regiment. — Companies B, E and H of this regiment were recruited in Berks county. They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, where, on Sept. 2, 1864, field officers were selected, including William F. Walter, captain of Company E, as lieutenant- colonel, who had served in the 104th Regiment. On the 5th, the regiment left Harrisburg, proceeded to Washington, crossed the Potomac, and went in- to camp at Fort Corcoran. Afterward it was en- gaged in picketing from the left of the army line to the James, and in building forts and earthworks for the defense of City Point. On Oct. 9th, it was ordered to the Army of the James. With the ex- ception of occasional marches in support of aggres- sive movements, the regiment remained in camp, near Fort Prescott on the Army Line railroad dur- ing the winter, where it was engaged in drill and fatigue duty. On March 25,. 1865, it participated in the retaking of Fort Steadman, and afterward in the siege of Petersburg. It was mustered out of service at Seminary Hill on June 2, 1865. 213th Regiment. — This regiment was recruited at Philadelphia, and in Berks, Chestef and Juniata counties, with the assistance of the Union League. It was organized on March 2, 1865, and two days afterward transferred to AnnapoHs, Md., to guard Camp Parole. Part of the regiment was sent to Frederick, Md., for duty on the line of the B. & O. railroad. In April, it was concentrated at Washington, and -posted along the northern de- fenses, where it continued until Nov. 18th, when it was mustered out of service. Company D was re- cruited in Berks county. MISCELLANEOUS ENLISTMENTS About 225 men from the county were enlisted in other companies but not enough of them in any company to be classified in the foregoing hst. 5th U. S. Artillery. — Battery H included seven men from Marion township, Berks county. 19th U. S. Infantry. — Company G, commanded by Capt. Edmund L. Smith, of Reading, included seven men from Berks county. MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS A number of associations have been organized since the close of the Civil war by the survivors or their sons : Grand Army Posts. — McLean Post, No. i6, G. A. R., was organized at Reading and chartered Dec. 12, 1866, having been named after Lieut. -Col. Jo- seph A. McLean, of the 88th Regiment. It has maintained a successful organization since then. It has collected an extensive library of military lit- erature. Keim Post, No. 76, G\ A. R., was chartered Feb. 22, 1878, also at Reading. It has also maintained its organization since, with separate quarters. It was named after Gen. William H. Keim. Meade Camp, No. 16, Sons of Veterans, was instituted Oct. 30, 1881, being a branch of the Sons of Veterans at Philadelphia, and designed to keep active the memory of the sacrifice of their fathers in the Civil war. Loyal Ladies' League, No. 6, was instituted April 17, 1884, at Reading. Only mothers, wives, daugh- ters and. sisters of honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the Civil war are admitted to mem- bership. It is an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. McLean Womans Relief Corps, No. 10, was instituted Oct. 1, 1884, as an auxiliary to Post No. 16, G. A. R. It has held a number of fairs and camp-fires for the benefit of the Post and thereby contributed much pecuniary aid. Ex-Prisoners of War. — Certain enlisted men in the Civil war fromi Berks county, who were pris- oners of war, also formed an association for mu- tual aid and social intercourse on July 10, 1884, and they too have maintained an active organization since then. . SPANISH WAR— 1898 The war of the United States with Spain grew ouf of the oppression of the people of Cuba by the Spanish government, which extended through a long period of time, and the repeated efforts of the people toward establishing a republican form of government elicited the earnest sympathy of our republic. The conduct of our own government was always reserved and guarded, but when our battle- ship "Maine" was blown up in the harbor of Havana 140 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ■on Feb. 15, 1898, causing the loss of 266 sailors, the feeling- of our people, incited by the metropoli- tan newspapers, became so intense agaiflst Spain .that it culminated in a proposed declaration of war in Congress on March 29th, and in the recognition of the independence of Cuba on April 19th. Two days after this recognition, our IMinister to Spain was unceremoniously dismissed from Madrid ; four days afterward President JNIcKinley called for 12-5,- 000 volunteers ; and six days afterward, a formal declaration of war was passed by Congress. When this signal was given, the military operations be- ■ came immediately very active and determined, and -within a week more the great naval battle in Manila harbor had taken place, with unprecedented success to the American fleet of battleships under the com- mand of Admiral Dewey, and the total destruction • of the Spanish fleet. While these events were transpiring, the patriotic ■ spirit at Reading was aroused, and the "Reading Artillerists," under the command of Capt. Samuel Willits, responded to the President's call, and pro- ceeded to Mt. Gretna, where it was mustered into , service on May 9th, with the 4th Regiment of Penn- ■ sylvania Volunteers. The regiment was transferred to Chickamauga Park, in Georgia, arriving there on May IGth ; and after having been quartered at several other places, it finally reached Guanica, in Porto Rico, on Aug. 2d, and thence it proceeded to Arroyo, the hills near by 'being shelled by the American troops while the disembarkment, of the men took place. The regiment participated in the movements which led up to the battle and the capture of Guayama without becoming actuall)^ • engaged ; and shortly afterward it constituted part of the 1st Battalion ' and wagon-train which marched toward Guayama to support the advancing army. The enemy was endeavoring to execute a flank movement when the regi- - ment was ordered to occupy a commanding position and while engaged in this important work the news of the ''Peace Protocol'' was circulated, which caused further operations to cease. Then the regi- ment was directed to withdraw to a point on the Ponce Road, near the town, and there it remained on outpost duty until August 28th, when it marched about fifty miles to the city of Ponce, and thence to the Port de Playa. It then took passage on the transport "City of Chester" for New York City, where it arrived on Sept. Gth, and was then fur- loughed for sixty days. It was mustered o'lt of service on Nov. Ifith. The company reached Read- ing on Sept. 7'th, at 4 a. m., and many persons were at the railroad station to extend a cordial welcome to the men. A public reception was tendered to the company in the form of a large parade in four divisions, with one thousand men in line, and a banquet in Rajah Temple, on \\'ednesday evening, Sept. IGth. Penn street was crowded with manV thousand enthusiastic people who witnessed the parade. John C. Hintz, the First Lieutenant of Company A, died June 26th, in Leiter Hospital, in Chicka- mauga Park, while the company was lying there awaiting orders to march and his remains were forwarded to Reading and buried with an impos- ing ceremony. Company G, of the 9th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, recruited at Reading, was also enlisted in the service. This regiment was mustered in at Mt. Gretna on May 11, 1898, and encamped at Chickamauga Park, on May 20th. On May 25th, the President issued a second call for seventy-five thousand men, and four additional companies were added to the regiment, one of these being Company G, commanded by Capt. Henry D. Green, of Read- ing. On August 20th, the regiment as a part of the 3d Division, 1st Army Corps, was ordered to Lexing- ton, Ky., and on the 2oth it was encamped at Camp Hamilton, about five miles from Lexington. It re- mained at that place until Sept. 18th, when it was ordered to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. There it was given an enthusiastic reception and then furloughed for thirty days. It arrived at Reading on Sept. 20th, and on the evening of the 22d, a public reception was extended to it similar to that extended to Com- pany A, but the parade could not be made on ac- count of a severe rain. Both companies participated in the "Peace Jub- ilee" at Philadelphia on Oct. 27, 1898. Company E of Hamburg, of the same regiment, was mustered in on May 10, 1898, at Mt. Gretna, and participated in the same services as Company A; and it was mustered out of service on Nov. 10, 1898. It was also in the Peace Jubilee at Phil- adelphia. It was commanded by Capt. William Kummerer. MILITIA SYSTEM— 1776-1909 The Convention of 1776, in framing the first Con- stitution of Pennsylvania, made provision for the establishment of a military system^ and in pursu- ance of this provision, the General Assembly es- tablished the necessary regulations. The county of Berks, under the direction of the designated officer (called a "lieutenant," with the assistance of "sub- lieutenants"), was enabled to supply promptly and successfully all the orders made by the government for troops during the progress of the Revolution. Previous to this system, the military affairs were governed by "Articles of Association." The men who associated together for purposes of defense were commonly known as "Associators," and those who acted in opposition either openlv, or secretly, were called "Non-Associators." Returns for 1775.— The following officers had been chosen for the several battalions of the Asso- ciators of Berks county for the year 1775-76, the company rosters having been publ'ished in that con- nection : WAR PERIODS 141- ist Battalion — Central Section Lieut-Col., Henry Haller. Major, Gabriel Hiester. 2d Battalion — Southern Section Lieut.-Col., -Mark Bird. Major, John Jones. 3d Battalion — Central Section Lieut-Col., Nicholas Lotz. Major, John Old. 4th Battalion — Northern Section Lieut.-CoL, Balser Geehr. Major, Michael Lindemuth. 5th Battalion — Western Section Lieut.-Col., John Patton. Major, John Thornburgh. 6th Battalion — Eastern Section Lieut.-Col., Daniel Hunter. Major, Conrad Leffler. 7th Battalion — Northeastern Section Lieut.-Col., Sebastian Levan. Major, Samuel Ely. Returns for 1776. — Seven battalions were organized in the county, as appeared by the delegates sent to the election at Lancaster on July 4, 1776, for two brigadier-generals. The meeting comprised the officers and privates of fifty-three battalions of Associators. A full ratio of men was sent by the militia of Berks county. The following delegates represented the county at that meeting : 1st Battalion: Officers — Major, Gabriel Hiester; Lieu- tenant, Philip Cremer; privates, John Hartman, Peter Filbert. 2d Battalion: Officers — Colonel, Mark Bird; Major, John Jones; privates, David Morgan, Benjamin Tolbert. Sd Battalion: Officers — Lieutenant-Colonel, Nicholas Lotz; Captain, George Riehm; privates, Henry Spohn, Matthias Wenrich. 4th Battalion: Officers — Major, Michael Lindemut; Captain, George May; private, Michael Moser. 5th Battalion: Officers — Colonel, John Patton ; Lieu- tenant-Colonel, John Rice; privates, Jacob Seltzer, Chris- tian Winter. 6th Battalion: Officers — Major, Conrad Leffler; Lieu- tenant, John Miller; privates, John Hill, Henry Lark. /th Battalion: Officers — Colonel, Sebastian Levan ; Ad- jutant, Samuel Ely; privates, Pbilip Wisters, Casper Smeck. Returns for 1777. — Col. Jacob Morgan and his sub-lieutenants met at Reading, on April 25, 1777, for the purpose of receiving returns of the inhabitants of Berks county between the ages of eighteen and fifty-three years. The number then returned was about four thousand. These were arranged in six districts, and meetings were or- dered to 'be held on the 5th and 6th of May follow- ing, for the purpose of electing officers and form- ing companies. Morgan reported that he had for- warded to the Executive Council an exact list of the field officers, captains, subalterns and court-mar- tial men, comprising the six battalions of the Berks county militia, or one battalion for each district. This list appears in the Pennsylvania Associators, Vol. 2, pp. 257 to 276. The several battalions were returned on May 16, 1777. Battalion Section of County Colonel 1st Eastern Daniel Hunter 2d Northeastern Daniel Udree 3d Northern Michael Lindenmuth 4th Central Nicholas Lotz .5th Southern Jacob Weaver 6th Western Henry Spyker New System. — After the foregoing returns had been made, the Assembly deemed it necessary to provide a new militia system, because the Associa- tors had lost their effectiveness. Shortly after the battle of Princeton, whole companies deserted. Ina this behalf, a law was passed on June 13, 1777. Oath of Allegiance. — One of the first reqiiire-- ments was the taking of an oath of allegiance,.. which had to be done before July 1, 1777. This was allowing only seventeen days; but in this time- ■ its provisions had become thoroughly known in. Berks county for the time for deliberation or hes-- itation had passed, and prompt action was neces- sary. Persons who neglected or refused to take this- oath were declared to be incapable of holding any office; serving as jurors; suing for debts; electing" or being elected; buying, selling, or transferring: real estate; and they were liable to be disarmed by the county lieutenants and deputies. If they were not provided with passes, they were liable to be arrested as spies, upon being found out of the. city or county away from their immediate residence ;. and forgery of a certificate was punishable with a flogging and a fine of i50. In pursuance of the Act, over forty-nine hundred men took the oath of allegiance in Berks county during the years 1777 and 1778, before the justices, of the peace in the several sections of the county. The greater number was taken from June to Oc- tober in 1777. County Districts Established. — This law directed the counties to be divided into districts, and each district was to contain not less than 440 men, nor more than 680, fit for duty, to be arranged in eight companies. The officer in charge of a county was called a "lieutenant"; and of each district, a "sub- lieutenant." It was the duty of the "lieutenant" to enlist the people, collect the fines, and execute the details of the law. Battalions, Companies and Classes. — Each dis- trict was subdivided into eight parts, with due re- gard to the convenience of the inhabitants, and elected its officers from lieutenant-colonel down to* subalterns. The term of service was thre6 years. A company was set apart for each subdivision, and this was also divided by lot into eight parts, called classes, as nearly equal as possible, and the several classes were numbered from one to eight in numerical order. Berks county was divided into- six districts. Accordingly, the county had six 'bat- talions, or forty-eight companies. The rank of the battalions and their officers, also of the captains and subalterns was determined by lot. The precedence of the officers of the sev- eral counties, as to rank, was arranged according to the seniority of the counties, Philadelphia being first. In case of invasion, or assistance were asked by Congress, the militia was called out by classes. The first draft consisted of class one of each company, and if insufficient, then class two, and so on, as oc- casion required. Each class was liable to serve two months, and it was relieved by the next class in numerical order. 143 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Pay and Rations. — The pay and rations were the same as Continental troops. They were to com- mence two days before marching, and to be allowed at the rate of twenty miles a day till the men re- turned home. Days of Drill — Days of drill were set apart in the spring and fall for military exercises ; in companies, on the last Monday of April, and first three Mon- days of May ; also, on the last two Mondays of August, the last two Mondays of September, and the third Monday of October ; and in battalions, on the fourth Mondays of May and October. Fines. — Enrolled men who refused to parade were fined 7s. 6d. per diem ; absent officers, 10s. ; non-commissioned officers and privates, 5s. On field days, the fine for non-attendance was £5, and for non-commissioned officers and privates, 1.5s. Pensions. — Pensions were allowed for incapaci- tating injuries not exceeding one-half the pay re- ceived ; and for persons who died from wounds, or were killed in service, the Orphans' Court was authorized to allow support to the families in amounts not to exceed one-half the pay of such persons. Persons Exempted from- Service. — The excepted persons from bearing arms were delegates in Con- gress, members of the Executive Council, judges of the Supreme court, masters and faculty of colleges, ministers, and servants purchased bona fide. Subsequent Returns. — Militia returns were made and reported for the succeeding years of the Rev- olution until 1783, and those for the years 1778, 1780,. and 1783 have been published in the Penn- sylvania Archives. Since Revolution. — The military spirit of the people continued to prevail after the Revolution, and the State encouraged it for the purpose of maintaining familiarity with its affairs. Compan- ies, regiments and brigades were organized and drilled at certain fixed times and places within the county. The meeting was commonly called "Bat- talion Day." It preserved a strong general interest in public affairs, especially in public defense. This interest enabled the several organizations to re- spond promptly to calls for their services, and their promptness was a distinguishing characteristic. Fortunately for them and especially for the coun- try, their services were not needed frequently. Not to mention the "Whiskey Insurrection" and "North- ampton Affair" as of any military consequence, there were 'but two occasions for a period covering over sixty years in which their services were re- quired, one having been the English war of 1812-15, and the other the Mexican war of 1846-48, each, by a strange coincidence, occurring after a period of about thirty years. These military exercises were continued until the beginning of the Rebellion ; but this outbreak of the Southern States against the Northern was of such a serious, long-continued and costly nature that the spirit for a return to military exercise had come to be entirely exhausted. Proffer Services to President. — In 1798, a mis- understanding arose between our National govern- ment and the French on account of their seizing and detaining many of our vessels for examination, to ascertain whether or not we, as a neutral govern- ment, were carrying English commodities. Some conflicts arose on the sea, but Napoleon, upon tak- ing control of the French government, soon estab- lished a cordial understanding between the two countries and American .vessels were no longer mo- lested; and two years afterward Louisiana was purchased by the United States. During this excitment, the officers of the Berks County Brigade met at the Court-House in Read- ing on June 30, 1798, and addressed a patriotic letter to, President Adams, offering their services to assist in resenting the insult of the French to our government ; to which the President gave them a very appreciative acknowledgment. Military Division. — In 1807 Berks and Dauphin counties comprised the Sixth Division. In 1814 two new counties, Schuylkill and Lebanon, were added to this division, Dauphin and Lebanon forming the 1st Brigade and Berks and Schuylkill the 2d; and in 1849, Dauphin, Lebanon and Berks comprised the 5th Division. The last Act before the Rebellion was passed in 1858, by which Berks was still a part of the same division. Encampment at Reading. — A large and success- ful encampment of militia was held at Reading in 1842. It was arranged along the base of Penn's Mount and continued from May 18th for one week. The following troops attended : Company Men Reading Troop 30 Reading Artillerists 52 Washington Grays (Reading) 40 National Graj's (Reading) 35 National Troop (Ole}') 43 Hamburg Troop 30 Hamburg Artillerists 52 Womelsdorf Legion 46 Bernville Rifle Grays 65 Berks Rifle Rangers 54 Pottsville Cavalry 28 Pottsville Infantry 44 Orwigsburg Grays 40 Allentown Guards 34 595 Attendance from Reading, 157 ; from country districts, 292. Brig.-Gen. William High was in command of the Berks County Brigade. The commander-in-chief of the State was also present. The daily duty at the encampment was similar to army regulation during actual war. It was as follows : Morning gun at daybreak Grand parade, 10 a.m. Reveille Dinner, 12 M. Roll-call Regular parade, 4 p.m. Morning parade Evening gun, 6 p.m. Breakfast Tattoo and countersign, 10 Detail of guards p.m. Inspection Lights extinguished, 11 p. m. And from 11 p.m. to daylight "the sentry walked his lonely roimd." WAR PERIODS 143 A review of the trcxyps was held on Saturday, May 21st. The day was fine, and thousands of persons were in attendance. Gen. Winfield Scott, accompanied by his aids, arrived at Reading on the day of the review. He was met at the "depot" (Seventh and Chestnut streets) by a detachment of mihtary and escorted to "Herr's Hotel" (United States, north side of Penn Square, between Fourth and Fifth streets), followed by many citizens. He spent Sunday at Reading. On Monday, 33d, he reviewed the troops at the encampment and during this day medals were shot for. General Scott expressed himself as highly pleased with the discipline and appearance of the encampment and he paid a special compliment to the "Reading Artillerists." Whilst here he presented each of the Revolutionary survivors with a $20 gold- piece. Battalions in i8§6. — In 1856 there were in the county twenty-four companies of militia, arranged in six battalions, which comprised the 1st Brigade, of the Sth Division of Pennsylvania Volunteers : Battalion Section Officer Company Men 1st Reading Major W. H. Keim 6 539 2d Hamburg , Major J. A. Beitenman 4 206 3d Maiden-creek Major D. B. Kaufman 3 133 , 4th Oley Major Isaac Schroeder 5 311 5th Union Major W. J. Schoener 3 135 6th Marion Major John Bechtold 3 139 Total men, 1,463 ; total force of troops in the county, 6,644. These battalions were in active existence when the Civil war broke out in 1861. State National Guard. — In 1864, a new sys- tem was provided which still prevails. The assess- ors of the county are required to enroll "every able- bodied male citizen resident within the State, of the age of twenty-one years and under the age of forty- five years," excepting certain persons specified ; and this roll of persons is placed on record in the office of the county commissioners ; and the whole num- ber of persons liable to mihtary duty is reported by the commissioners to the adjutant-general of the State. The enrolled militia shall be subject to no active duty except in case of war, invasion, riot, etc. The commander-in-chief may order the militia to be drafted from the persons liable to duty or ac- cept as many volunteers as may be required. The organization is similar to the previous systems, but the State is divided into twenty divisions, each county to form a separate brigade. Berks, Leb- anon and Dauphin counties comprise the 5th Di- vision. Subsequent modifications have been made. The active militia is styled the "National Guard of Pennsylvania." In time of peace it shall com- prise an aggregate not to exceed ten thousand of- ficers and men and "consist of two hundred com- panies, fully armed, uniformed and equipped, to be distributed among the several military divisions of the State according to the number of its taxable population." And provision is made for drilling, inspections and encampments. This system is car- ried on successfully, but without causing any public excitement, excepting during the time and in the vicinity of any encampment. Reading Artillerists. — The Reading Artillerists is one of the most prominent military organi- zations in Pennsylvania. It was organized at Reading, March 23, 1794, and has continued in ac- tive existence until the present time, excepting from the close of the Civil war in 1865 until 1881, when it was re-organized. At first it was known as the Reading Union Volunteers, and in the English war of 1812-15 as the Reading Washington Guards, and about 1820 it took the name of Reading Artil- lerists which it has retained until now. The first captain was Daniel de B. Keim and he served as such from 1794 to 1830. It was engaged in the Whiskey Insurrection of 1794; in the Northampton riot of 1799; in the English war of 1812-15; in the Phil- adelphia religious riots of 1844; in the Mexican war of 1846-48; in the Civil war of 1861-65; in the Homestead riots of July, 1892; in the Hazleton riots of September, 1897 ; in the Spanish war of 1898; in the Schuylkill riots of 1900; and in the Northumberland and Luzerne riots from Septem- ber, 1902, to April, 1903. The captain of the company since Feb. 6, 1905, has been Dr. H. Melvin Allen, and he has devel- oped the company to a high grade of efficiency ; for, in the first year the company ranked fourth in the regiment, the second year' it ranked second, and the third year it ranked first, having in 1907 reached the average of .99 55-100. In the fourth year, how- ever it dropped to second place, the company which it had si.irpassed in 1907 having reached first place in 1908 by the remarkable average of .99 65-100 (the Artillerists being .99 60-100). The following is a list of the captains of the company : Daniel de B. Keim, 1794-1830. George May Keim. 1830-34. William H. Miller, 1834-39. William Strong, 1839-44. Thomas S. Leoser, 1844-49. Marks John Biddle, 1849-50; 1852-5.5. Daniel R. Clymer, 1850-52. William I. Clous, 1855-57. George W. Alexander, 1857-61. William H. Andrews, 1862. Thomas M. Richard, 1862-63. Robert H. Savage, 1881-82. William H. Souders, 1882-83. Samuel H. Stahr, 1883-85. Henry J. Christoph, 1885-95. ' Samuel Willits, 1895-99. Edward E. Machamer, 1899-1902. Reuben C. Potteiger, 1902-05. H. Melvin Allen, since 1905. A military company was organized at Hamburg, April 13, 1875, and became attached to the N. G. P. as Company E, 4th Regiment, having been a con- tinuation of the "Blue Mountain Legion." It was called into active service to assist in quelling the riots at Reading in July, 1877, at Homestead in July, 1892, in Schuylkill county, in 1900, and in North- umberland and Luzerne counties from September, 14-1 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1902, to April, 1903. It was also eng-aged in the Spanish war with the 4th Regiment of Pennsylvania A'ohmteer Infantry, having been mustered into the National service May 10, 1898, and mustered out Nov. 16, 1898. It participated in the movements of the army in Porto Rico, and was then commanded by Capt. William Kummerer. [See reference to Company and Armory in description of Hamburg, Chapter XL] It was commanded by the following captains : Edward F. Smith, 1875-83. Charles F. Seaman.* 1883-93. John F. Ancona, 1893-97. Benjamin F. Gehris, 1897-98. Dr. John R. Wagner, 1898. William Kummerer, 1898-1902. Monroe M. Dreibelbis, 1903-07. Wilson S. Lewis, since 1907. Company G, of the 9th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantr}', was organized at Reading by Henry D. Green (a prominent attorney) in response to a sec- ond call of President McKinley for 75,000 addi- tional troops, and mustered into the National service July 37, 1898. It was encamped in Kentucky dur- ing August and part of September, and was mus- tered out of service Oct. 29, 1908. These three companies (Company A, Company E, and Company G) from Berks county participated in the great Peace Jubilee at Philadelphia on Oct. 27, 1898, after the successful termination of the Spanish war. Company I, of the 4th Regiment, N. G. P., was organized in 1898 as a provisional company in order to maintain a military organization of the National Guard at Reading during the absence of Company A, and mustered in June 9th, with a full cjuota. It became attached to the National Guard of the State in 1900. Harry M. Phillippi was the captain until he resigned in 1901 ; Jerome Seider from 1901 to 1903, and Ralph R. Koser from 1903 to i906. The company was re-organized by Capt. Charles G. Miller in October, 1906, after it had been allowed lo retrograde for five years to the point of disband- ing, with only thirty-five enlisted men. In two years he brought it to the standard of sixty men and three officers, and secured for the company an average of 97, and a rating as the fifth company in the reg- iment ; which evidences in a high degree his superior character and ability as its commanding officer. The company was called out to assist in quelling the labor troubles in Schuylkill county in 1900, and in Northumberland and Luzerne counties in 1902-03. This company is a re-organization of the historical company known for many vears as the "Reading Rifles." The 4th Regiment, N. G. P., comprises the com- panies from Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties. Enrollment for Milit.vry Service. — In Au- gust, 1908, the county had 29,10,5 men en- rolled for military service as reported to the Com- missioners by the assessors of the several districts ; * Elected major of regiment in IflO.S. an increase of 2,198 over the. number for 1905. Reading contained over half, 16,383. The number for the several districts was as follows : Total' District Enrolled Albany 156 Ontelaunee 157 Alsace, Lower 139 pjke 83 Alsace 118 Penn 164 Amity 187 Perry 2.50 Bern 197 Richmond 262 Bern, Upper 106 Robeson 369 Bethel 227 Rockland 141 Brecknock 126 Ru.scombmanor 177 Boyertown 317 Spring 585 Bechtelsville 57 Xilden 163 Bernville .56 Topton 116 Birdsboro, E W . . 304 Xulpehocken 22S Birdsboro, W. W.... 157 Tulpehocken, U 353 Centreport 20 Union 200 Centre 209 Washington 225 Caernarvon 8/ ^est Leesport 76 Cumr»i ,•••; ®i!° West Reading 308 Colebrookdale 237 Windsor 78 Dpug.'ass lo2 Womelsdorf 214 5'^'"^' ^^ WvQmissing 135 E^--' l~l Reading- Fl^^t^°°d 217 5^^^,^^ ^^^j „^ (jreenwich 189 tu- i i ooi Hamburg, W.W 203 l^''t , lit Fourth ward 346 Fifth ward 479 Hamburg, E. W 314 Heidelberg, N 101 Heidelberg 236 Sixth ward 1,722 Heidelberg, L 583 Seventh ward 815 Hereford 131 Eighth Avard 866 Jefferson 123 Ninth ward 1,060 Kutztown 375 Tenth ward 910 Lenhartsville 20 Eleventh ward 875 Longswamp 300 Twelfth ward 1,349 Maiden-creek 253 Thirteenth ward . . . 1,919 Marion 135 Fourteenth ward . . 1,063 Maxatawny 443 Fifteenth ward .... 1,791 Mohnton 295 Sixteenth ward . . . 1,038 Muhlenberg 4.55 ]\It. Penn 131 Total for citv and Oley 311 county ' 29,105 STATE POLICE The inefficiency of the local police authorities throughout Pennsylvania, more especiallv in the coal regions where many foreigners from different nations had come to be residents, was a subject of serious discussion for manv years without any re- lief or satisfactory protection, notwithstanding the gradual increase of lawlessness and crime. Finally, the Legislature, under the recommendation of Gov- ernor Pennypacker, passed an Act for the estab- lishment and regulation of a new department of gov- ernment called the State Police, which he approved on May 3, 1905. In pursuance of this Act, a super- intendent was appointed by the Governor and four troops were carefully qualified, the svstem going into operation throughout the State on the same day, Dec. 15, 1905. The superintendent, Capt. John C. Groome, se- lected Reading as one of the four .stations in the State for the location of Troop C from which to carrv on the patrol of the surrounding country within a radius of thirty miles, in the performance WAR PERIOD 145 of their. duty; and he established a "Barracks" on the Seitzinger homestead, situated, along the Wy- omissing road, a short distance west of the Schuyl- kill river (having leased the premises for two years, and afterward extended the term for two years, more). Ten sub-stations have been established in the district, with two in Berks county, one at Ham- burg and the other at Manatawny, along the Cole- brookdale railroad. William P. Taylor, of Reading, was appointed Nov. 11, 1905, as the captain of Troop C, and he filled the position until June 15, 1906, when he resigned. The Troop comprised a captain, a lieu- tenant, four sergeants and thirty privates, which were subsequently increased to fifty-seven. Anoth- er trooper was selected from Reading, C. M. Wil- helm, first sergeant. Upon the resignation of Captain Taylor, the lieu- tenant was promoted, and he discharged his duties as the captain of the Troop in a superior manner until Aug. 16, 1908. He was succeeded by Capt. Lynn G. Adams, who was- transferred from Troop B at Wyoming; and at the same time Lieut. Wil- liam Marsh was transferred from Troop D, at Punxsutawney, to Troop C, to fill the same posi- tion ; and they have discharged their trying duties in their respective positions in an admirable man- ner until now. Immediately after establishing its quarters at Reading, Troop C began to patrol the district and though for a time the moving troopers along the highway in different directions from Reading were more or less objectionable, and excited adverse criticism, their dignified, straightforward, cour- teous behavior soon won the respect of the people, and their utility came to be appreciated for the pro- tection to life and property which they cheerfully and promptly gave whenever required, and the ap- preciation of the taxpayers has been so universal in this district that they have come to regard the troopers as a necessary part of the government. In March, 1906, a strike occurred amongst the laborers at a stone-quarry between Lebanon and 10 Cornwall, and serious trouble with them having been anticipated, the "State Police" at Reading was notified. A detachment of thirty-five troopers under the command of Lieutenant Smith was sent there and they soon controlled the situation, which evi- denced their influence and power in such an emer- gency and justified the establishment of this im- portant branch of the government. A month afterward, a more serious incident oc- curred at Mt. Carmel, in Northumberland county, and again Lieutenant Smith, with forty-three troop- ers, was dispatched to that place, and the troopers again caused the threatening excitement to subside ; however, not without the unavoidable shooting of twenty-two rioters and the injury of five of the troopers. And in April, 1908, a detachment was ordered to Chester on account of the strike of the trolley-car operators, and the troopers remained there two weeks, until their assistance and presence were no longer required. On the night of Sept. 15, 1907, Timothy Kelle- her, one of Troop C, while on his way from Read- ing to the "Barracks" by the short cut over the Pennsylvania railroad bridge, was stabbed and killed by two Italians, who were apparently assault- ing a woman along the railroad. Kelleher, hearing the disturbance, went boldly to the woman's assist- ance, and the Italians, thinking that he was interfer- ing with them, assaulted him with fatal result. They were caught several days afterward, while trying to escape, tried and convicted ; one of them of mur- der, he being hanged,, and the other of man- slaughter, he being sentenced to the Eastern pen- itentiary for twelve years. The State Police, in four ]'ears, came to be highly regarded in the vicinity of Reading, and the county officials treated the troopers with the utmost con- sideration. On May 31, 1909, Company C was removed to Pottsville, Schuylkill county, because its presence in that community was found to be more necessary. CHAPTER IX- CENSUS No regular enumeration of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania was made previous to 1790. The first provision for enumeration was made by the Constitution of the United States, adopted Sept. 17, 1787. Therein provision was made for the apportionment of representatives from the several States to Congress, and of direct taxes ; and to effect a just apportionment the actual enumeration was required to be made within three years after the first meeting of Congress, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. It has been ascertained that in 1741, the follow- ing taxables were situated in the eastern division of the county, then part of Philadelphia county: Amity 70 AllamiTigle* 37 Colebrookdale 85 Douglass 58 Exeter 76 Maiden-creek 75 Manatawnyt Ill Total 512 Estimated Population 2,500 The number of taxables in the various counties of Pennsylvania in 1760 and 1770 are shown as follows : X 1760 1770 Philadelphia 8,321 10.445 Bucks- 3,148 3,177 Chester 4,761 5,483 Lancaster 5,631 6,608 York 3,302 4,436 Cumberland 1,501 3,521 Berks 3,016 3,303 Northampton 1,987 3,793 31,667 39,665 The first census of Pennsylvania was taken on Sept. 7, 1791 ; and within every ten years there- after, the census has been regularly taken to the present time. The result of each enumeration is set forth in the following table. The figures were taken from the Census Reports of the Unit- ed States, published by order of Congress. The blank spaces in the table opposite certain districts indicate non-existence of those districts at the time of enumeration. Where large decrease of population in certain districts for a succeeding census is observable, it indicates reduction of the districts by the erection * .Albany. t Doubtless intended for Oley, {14 Col. Rec, 336. of others. For instance, Alsace in 1850 had a pop- ulation of 2,697; but in 1860 it had only 1,299. The township of Muhlenberg was cut off in 1850 and erected into a separate district. Also, Windsor in 1870 had 1,311, but in 1880 only 830. The township was reduced in area by the extension of the limits of the borough of Hamburg. This ex- tension was made in 1871. For convenience in making comparisons, the fol- lowing statement is presented in order to show when the districts with the blank spaces were erected, and from which districts they were taken: Alsace, Lower, taken from Alsace 1888 Bechtelsville, " " Washington 1890 Bern, Upper, taken from Bern 1789 Bernville, taken from Penn 1851 Birdsboro, " " Union and Robeson 1872 Boyertown, " " Colebrookdale 1866 Centre, " " Bern and Bern, Upper 1842 CentrepoTt, " " Centre 1881 Fleetwood, " " Richmond 1873 Hamburg, " " Windsor 1830 Heidelberg, Lower, taken from Heidelberg 1842 Heidelberg, North, " " " 1844 J'efferson, taken from Tulpehocken and Tulpehocken, Upper 1851 Kutztown, " " Maxatawny 1815 Lenh'rtsv'Ie, " " Greenwich 1887 Marion, " " Tulpehocken 1843 Mobnton, " " Cumru 1907 Muhlenberg, taken from Alsace 1850 Ontelaunee, " " Maiden-creek 1850 Penn, " " Bern and Bern, Upper .' 1840 Perry, " " Windsor 1849 Pike, " " District 1813 Shillington, " " Cumru 1908 Spring, " " Cumru 1850 Tilden " " Bern, Upper 1887 Topton, " " Longswamp 1877 Tulpehocken, Upper, taken from Tulpehocken 1820 Washington, taken from' Colebrookdiale and Here- ford 1839 West Reading, taken from Spring 1907 Womelsdorf , " " Heidelberg 1833 Wyomissing, " " Spring 1906 In 1800, Berks county included three organized townships which lay north of the Blue Mountain, whose enumeration was as follows: Brunswick 1,214 Manheim 1,072 Pinegrove 959 Unorganized 993 Total Population 4,238 The population of the county is given in the table at 32,407, but the number of inhabitants then in that part which lay south of the mountain was 28,169. In 1810, the county included seven townships north of the mountain, whose enumeration was as follows : CENSUS 147 Brunswick . i,7T0 The population of the county for 1810 is given at Mahantango, Lower 637 , „ ^ , „ , , , , . , , , ° r ^, Mahantango, Upper 489 *3,146, but the number then in that part ot the Manheim .'. 1,354 county south of the mountain was 36,838. The Norwegian 415 ■'. . , ^ ^ „ . ,, ... . . Pine-Grove 1,290 townships named were cut to Schuylkill county in Schuylkill ■ '353 its erection in 1811. Total Population 6,308 1800 Reading 2,386 Albany 858 Alsace 890 Alsace, Lower Amity 817 Bechtelsville Bern 2,049 Bern, Upper Bernville Bettel 817 Birdsboro Boyertown Brecknock 338 Caernarvon 541 Centre Centreport Colebrookdale 671 Cumru 1,413 District 753 Douglass 450 Earl 489 Exeter 802 Fleetwood Greenwich 1,004 Hamburg 329 Heidelberg 1,569 Heidelberg, Ix)wer Heidelberg, North Hereford 923 Jefferson Kutztown 203 Lenhartsville Longswamp 863 Maiden-creek 770 Marion Maxatawny 929 Muhlenberg Oley 968 Ontelaunee Penn Perry Pike Richmond 731 Robeson 1,232 Rockland 848 Ruscombmanor 375 Spring Tilden Topton Tulpehocken 2,119 Tulpehocken, Upper Union 669 Washington Windsor 993 Womelsdorf 370 Census of County, 1800 to 1900 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 3,462 4,332 5,856 8,410 15,743 23,162 33,930 43,278 58,661 78,961 995 1,182 1,129 1,057 1,406 1,586 1,510 1,603 1,491 1,316 1,275 1,640 1,942 2,498 2,697 1,299 1,294 1,523 1,691 826 1,157 1,372 381 1,090 1,279 1,384 1,664 1,566 1,596 1,646 1,598 1,552 2,266 1,791 2,154 3,149 1,734 2,516 2,124 2,176 1,935 1,939 1,342 2,017 2,117 2,906 1,747 2,027 2,008 457 2,179 405 989 365 904 344 924 1,294 1,482, 1,458 1,871 2,159 2,285 690 . 2,329 1,705 1,099 2,139 2,261 1,436 1,931 2,264 1,709 495 536 866 935 876 844 813 923 949 946 723 829 862 813 977 953 927 951 942 959 1,216 1,346 1,392 1,529 1,627 1,418 133 1,313 141 792 1,046 1,229 1,124 1,102 1,359 1,660 1,150 1,352 1,395 2,017 2,462 2,688 2,939 3,853 ■2,182 2,573 3,064 3,927 5,772 805 509 562 583 842 786 724 798 715 651 660 709 839 1,133 1,018 1,120 1,072 1,151 1,143 1,039 794 934 990 1,158 1,047 1,143 1,022 1,141 927 909 1,194 1,381 1,455 1,911 2,074 2,308 2,239 ? 469 802 2,308 878 3,503 978 1,104 1,337 1,407 1,620 1,842 2,041 2,151 1,988 1,651 1,470 1,035 1,334 1,590 2,010 2,127 2,315 2,802 3,605 4,124 3,539 805 1,013 1,193 1,281 1,440 1,611 2,144 2,398 2,480 2,862 2,876 3,896 844 956 979 950 854 736 1,140 1,431 ],709 1,235 1,244 1,372 1,260 1,406 1,357 1,202 1,122 1,113 1,072 969 840 693 640 915 945 1,198 1,595 152 1,338 144 998 1,371 1,695 1,836 1,868 2,217 2,910 3,426 3,007 3,507 918 1,192 1,350 1,749 1,284' 1,531 1,615 1,714 1,775 1,639 1,530 1,628 1,837 1,392 1.269 1,163 1,630 1,847 2,108 1,897 1,740 2,093 2,531 2,843 2,264 3,407 1,676 1,547 1,913 2,069 2,069 1,284 1,410 1,469 1,877 1,799 2,056 1,986 2,175 2,098 2,115 1,045 1,398 1,339 1,265 1,129 1,143 1,476 1,444 1,515 1,530 1,282 1,164 1,320 1,526 1,680 1,527 1,575 1,583 645 752 790 883 1,178 925 921 882 806 971 1,135 1,379 1,997 2,056 2,575 2,874 2,226 1,916 1,737 1,807 2,065 1,966 2,016 2,404 2,461 2,458 2,322 2,483 3,475 1,026 1,130 1,342 1,649 1,369 1,707 1,451 1,527 1,423 1,340 932 1,057 1,256 1,189 1,235 1,566 1,408 1,466 1,313 1,302 2,004 2,253 2,340 515 2,544 1,082 500 4,064 1,003 542 2,294 3,238 3,200 2,941 1,803 1,956 2,013 2,093 1,973 1,764 1,456 1,581 1,983 1,125 1.196 1,274 1,194 1,006 766 921 1,046 1,272 1,665 1,968 2,165 1,540 1,317 1,330 1.210 1,154 1,600 1,609 1,924 2,173 1.737 1,358 1,950 2,298 2,882 1,115 1,450 1,211 830 686 684 849 947 1,076 1,031 1,097 1,141 1,136 28,169 37,864 46,275 53,152 64,569 77,129 93,818 106.701 122,597 137,327 159.615 Tn 1790, Reading had a population of 2,235; and the whole county of Berks had 30,179. 148 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TAXABLES Townships Albany Alsace Alsace, , Lower Amity Bern Bern, Upper Bethel Brecknock Caernarvon Centre Colebrookdale Cumru District Douglass Earl Exeter Greenwich Heidelberg Heidelberg, Lower Heidelberg, North Hereford Jefferson Longswamp Maiden-creek Marion Maxatawny Muhlenberg Oley Ontelaunee Penn Perry Pike '. . . Richmond Robeson Rockland Ruscombmanor Spring Tilden Tulpehocken Tulpehocken, Upper Union Washington Windsor Total Boroughs Bechtelsville Bernville Birdsboro Boyertown Centreport Fleetwood Hamburg Kutztown Lenhartsville Mohnton Mt. Penn Shillington Topton West Leesport West Reading Womelsdorf Wyomissing Total City of Reading Total of Berks County 34,158 1S85 1908 378 491 397 237 334 464 532 513 826 548 325 617 784 235 396 275 304 359 439 ..337 520 770 1,318 187 352 312 402 294 439 637 935 475 486 309 584 737 1,185 220 235 348 400 268 296 839 916 499 639 446 416 673 984 504 1,306 605 605 335 392 389 383 441 5,60 260 267 509 596 630 738 399 419 348 503 688 1,070 346 530 573 348 399 383 510) 545 573 180 369 18,331 34,069 1886 1908 77 123 151 499 885 345 761 43 48 242 497 569 913 383 658 55 495 377 434 123 297 189 598 322 608 626 2,648 7,568 13,279 35,414 67,051 PROPERTY VALUATION Townships 1885 1908 Albany $ 734,446 $ 588,785 Alsaca 505,199 355,106 Alsace, Lower 390,803 Amity 966,646 800,859 Bern 1,264,862 1,069,740 Bern, Upper 1,338,166 428,530 Bethel 1,303,383 850,969 Brecknock 421,363 377,478 Caernarvon 522,558 420,756' Centre 875,349 712,020 Colebrookdale 709,090 605,959^ Cumru 1,415,878 2,050,003 District 383,442 201,697 Douglass 453,411 393,941 Earl 293,252 231,983 Exeter 1,432,830 1,476,449 Greenwich 954,967 662,910 Heidelberg 1,181,743 1,162,487 Heidelberg, Lower ...■ 1,484,363 1,943,379- Heidelberg, North 564,021 456,831 Hereford 749,171 547,265 Jefferson 592,774 480,354 Longswamp 1,111,986 905,015 Maiden-creek 1,057,563 982,615 Marion 1,134,984 878,772 Maxatawny 1,776,988 1,703,407 Muhlenberg 1,237,837 1,430,410 Oley 1,676,734 1,376,377 Ontelaunee 866,987 669,473 Penn 844,340 613,804 Perry 901,359 801,358 Pike 339,935 221,527 Richmond 1,233,167 1,051,788 Robeson 951,427 916,109 Rockland 518,315 395,92i Ruscombmanor 419,727 354,455 Spring ., 1,698,004 1,646,661 Tilden '.' 488,083 Tulpehocken 1,104,424 922,470 Tulpehocken, Upper 603,707 453,370 Union 607,398 461,695 Washington 941,451 607,060 Windsor 473,828 401,944 Total $ 37,304,974 $ 33,378,205 Boroughs 1885 1908 Bechtelsville $ $ 137,485 Bernville 146,380 135,310 Birdsboro 764,033 1,246,304 Boyertown 648,780 1,188,444 Centreport 45,600 48,910 Fleetwood 295,233 609,514 Hamburg 628,848 951,950 Kutztown 430,833 793,175 Lenhartsville 65,410 Mohnton 3381910 Mt. Penn 426,705 Shillington « Topton 139,357 347,250 West Leesport 154,275 West Reading 658',725 Womelsdorf 402,532 552,439 Wyomissing 774,809 Total $ 3,501,596 $ 8,429,515 City of Reading $ 33,780,222 $ 50,488,000 Total of County $64,586,792 $92,295,720 Exempted property for churches, etc., in 1908: City, $7,845,650; Boroughs, $652,036; Townships, $2,183,810; Total, $10,681,496. •Included in Cumru. CENSUS 149 MONEY AT INTEREST Townships 1885 1908 Albany $ 195,126 $ 153,493 Alsace 135,954 63,532 Alsace, Lower 255,436 Amity 215,582 152,697 Bern 208,261 101,844 Bern, Upper 166,722 135,395 Bethel 249,926 127,446 Brecknock 68,011 60,060 ■Caernarvon 60,842 33,023 Centre 104,682 66,876 Colebrookdale 109,821 95,171 Cumru 334,944 269,164 District 41,323 16,170 Douglass 31,012 34,480 Earl 65,920 80,203 Exeter 189,329 275,325 ■Greenwich 132,729 119,358 Heidelberg 123,774 164,258 Heidelberg, Lower 289,014 395,834 Heidelberg, North 52,521 30,665 Hereford 189,923 125,284 Jefferson 76,572 57,401 Longswamp 239,340 89,462 Maiden-creek 159,683 112,420 Marion 241,445 128,505 Maxatawny 502,410 532,012 Muhlenberg 216,996 295,385 -Oley 657,240 642,818 Ontelaunee 140,139 143,544 Penn 159,666 132,092 Perry 111,039 166,011 Pike 54,243 60,691 Richmond 175,014 177,200 Robeson 117,688 141,432 Rockland 80,062 79,763 Ruscombmanor 111,257 48,900 Spring 274,738 320,317 Tilden 59,400 Tulpehocken 190,019 114,077 Tulpehocken, Upper 123,508 48,950 TJnion 136,493 105,121 Washington 255,949 151,128 "Windsor 76,003 41,650 Total : $ 7,064,930 $ 6,404,993 Boroughs Bechtelsville $ $ 17,576 Bernville 116,127 62,227 Birdsboro 403,874 278,154 Boyertown 242,678 398,048 ■Centreport 21,610 47,326 Fleetwood 203,492 254,440 Hamburg 188,917 314,486 Kutztown 240,775 464,073 Xenhartsville 1,520 Mohnton 124,490 Mt. Penn 62,937 Shillington Topton ■ 77,008 86,001 West Leesport 102,127 West Reading 45,725 Womelsdorf 182,420 358,990 "Wyomissing 55,841 Total $ 1,676,891 $ 2,573,861 City of Reading 5,049,482 13,434,847 Total of Berks County $ 13,791,303 $ 23,412,701 REGISTERED VOTERS— 1908 The registered voters of the county in September, 1908, numbered 23,012. The number in the sev- •eral districts was reported as follows: District Number Albany, 1st Precinct 168 Albany, 3d Precinct 149—317 Alsace 207 Alsace, Lower 201 Amity 384 Bern, 1st Precinct 173 Bern, 3d Precinct " 115 Bern, 3d Precinct 125—413 Bern, Upper 199 Bethel, 1st Precinct 263 Bethel, 2d Precinct ' 67 Bethel, 3d Precinct 93 Bethel, 4th Precinct 85—508 Bechtelsville 119 Bernville HI Birdsboro, East Ward 464 Birdsboro, West Ward 267 Boyertown 592 Brecknock, 1st Precinct Ill Brecknock, 2d Precinct 136—237 Caernarvon 229 Centre 340 Centreport 33 Colebrookdale 394 Cumru, 1st Precinct 389 Cumru, 3d Precinct 195 Cumru, 3d Precinct 166 Cumru, 4th Precinct 118 Cumru, 5th Precinct 304-1,072 District 156 Douglass, 1st Precinct 165 Douglass, 2d Precinct 121—286 Earl, 1st Precinct 92 Earl, 2d Precinct 169—261 Exeter, 1st Precinct 498 Exeter, 2d Precinct 196 — 694 Fleetwood 364 Greenwich, 1st Precinct 137 Greenwich, 2d Precinct 219—356 Hamburg, North Ward 337 Hamburg, South Ward 338 Heidelberg 447 Heidelberg, North 174 Heidelberg, Lower, 1st Precinct 600 Heidelberg, 2d Precinct 220 Heidelberg, 3d Precinct 113—932 Hereford 395 Jefferson 317 Kutztown 486 Lenhartsville 46 Longswamp, 1st Precinct 242 Longswamp, 2d Precinct 256 Longswamp, 3d Precinct 135—633 Maiden-creek 482 Marion 304 Maxatawny, 1st Precinct 184 Maxatawny, 2d Precinct 216 Maxatawny, 3d Precinct 332 — 722 Mohnton ■ 405 Mount Penn 200 Muhlenberg, 1st Precinct 445 Muhlenberg. 2d Precinct 395 — 840 Oley, 1st Precinct 305 Oley, 2d Precinct 234—539 Ontelaunee 295 Penn, 1st Precinct 150 Penn, 2d Precinct 156—306 Perry 437 Pike 191 Richmond 433 Robeson, 1st Precinct 189 Robeson, 2d Precinct 338 Robeson, 3d Precinct 137 — 664 Rockland 304 Ruscombmanor 322 Shillington 367 150 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Districts Number Spring, 1st Precinct 56 Spring, 2d Precinct 452 Spring, 3d Precinct 257—765 Tilden, 1st Precinct 124 Tilden, 2d Precinct 157—281 Topton 219 Tulpehocken, 1st Precinct 216 Ttflpehocken, 2d Precinct 180—395 Tulpehocken, Upper 287 Union, 1st Precinct 304 Union, 2d Precinct 79 — 383 Windsor 157 Washington, 1st Precinct 215 Washington, 2d Precinct 211 — 426 West Leesport 136 West Reading 483 Womelsdorf 375 Wyomissing 205 Total number registered 23,012 Total registered February 22,542 Increase 469 PRESIDENTIAL VOTE, NOV. 3, 1908 • Taft Districts Rep. Albany, 1st Precinct 27 Albany, 2d Precinct 20 Alsace 31 Alsace, Lower 57 Amity 144 Bern, 1st Precinct 18 Bern, 2d Precinct 19 Bern, 3d Precinct 30 Bern, Upper 56 Bethel, 1st Precinct 44 Bethel, 2d Precinct 13 Bethel, 3d Precinct 19 Bethel, 4th Precinct 13 Brecknock, 1st Precinct 8 Brecknock, 2d Precinct 15 Boyertown 149 Bechtelsville . . : 38 Bernville 47 Birdsboro, West Ward 158 Birdsboro, East' Ward 312 Caernarvon 133 Centreport 7 Centre 51 Colebrookdale 65 Cumru, 1st Precinct 116 Cumru, 2d Precinct 47 Cumru, 3d Precinct 26 Cumru, 4th Precinct 52 Cumru, 5th Precinct 69 District 24 Douglass, 1st Precinct 53 Douglass, 3d Precinct 10 Earl, 1st Precinct 9 Earl, 3d Precinct 17 Exeter, 1st Precinct 110 Exeter, 3d Precinct 59 Fleetwood 108 Greenwich, 1st Precinct 13 Greenwich, 3d Precinct 15 Hamburg, North Ward 115 Hamburg, South Ward 107 Heidelberg 134 Heidelberg, L., 1st Precinct 130 Heidelberg, L., 3d Precinct 31 Heidelberg, L.. 3d Precinct 42 Heidelberg, North 22 Hereford 52 Byran Dem. 75 87 68 104 178 103 49 52 105 138 35 29 43 72 58 248 62 39 30 59 52 23 171 168 70 55 85 30 ■46 91 57 78 55 92 337 74 180 94 114 131 145 192 261 113 43 99 129 Taft Byran Districts Ren. Dem. Jefferson ; 23 142 Kutztown 132 245 Lenhartsville 9 31 Longswamp, 1st Precinct 60 97 Longswamp, 2d Precinct 98 92 Longswamp, 3d Precinct 30 69 Maiden-creek 107 225 Marion 50 162 Maxatawny, 1st Precinct 30 100 Maxatawny, 2d Precinct 40 133 Maxatawny, 3d Precinct 89 145 Mohnton 168 87 Muhlenberg, 1st Precinct 78 184 Muhlenberg, 2d Precinct 57 175 Mt. Penn 56 82 Oley. 1st Precinct 86 145 Oley, 2d Precinct 40 153 Ontelaunee 96 110 Pike 14 112 Penn, 1st Precinct 14 92 Penn, 2d Precinct 11 102 Perry 65 233 Richmond 39 227 Robeson, 1st Precinct 85 39 Robeson, 3d Precinct 106 140 Robeson, 3d Precinct 24 72 Rockland 28 173 Ruscombmanor 58 119 Spring, 1st Precinct 3 24 Spring, 2d Precinct 117 216 Spring, 3d Precinct 34 104 Shillington 162 113 Tilden, 1st Precinct 79 130 Tilden, 2d Precinct 39 77 Topton 79 107 Tulpehocken, 1st Precinct 35 171 Tulpehocken, 3d Precinct 17 130 Tulpehocken, Upper 30 177 Union, 1st Precinct 159 94 Union, 3d Precinct 40 35 Washington, 1st Precinct 34 99 Washington, 3d Precinct 50 90 West Leesport 39 73 West Reading 128 191 Windsor 12 116 Womelsdorf 142 154 Wyomissing 72 66 Total county 5,651 10,123 Total city 7,825 6,959 13,476 17,082 Bryan's plurality in Berks 3,606 Parker's plurality over Roosevelt in the whole county in 1904 was 786 The plurality of Roosevelt then in Read- ing, however, was 3 369 STATE APPROPRIATIONS TO COUNTY Received by County from State ■D ^°^ ID . 180* 1908 Personal Property $ 51,893.72 $ 67,243.84 Salaries— Judges 12,072.50 17,639.79 Chanties — Hospitals and Asylums for Insane 34,835.97 154,989.33 —Hospitals 68,916.48 25,000.00 c u 1 — Womes 5,037.44 3,000.00 bchools — Common 152,996.20 204,143 08 —Normal 10,023.82 27,74'2.14 —Superintendent's Salary .. 2,000.00 2,350.00 $337,776.13 $502,008.18 CENSUS 151 Received by State from County From 1904 1908 Personal Property Tax $ 69,191.62 $ 89,658.45 Loans, Municipal 3,307.76 3,448.66 Writs, Walls, etc 4,370.16 4,499.49 Loans, County 441.94 Collateral Inheritance 8,396.08 30,927.73 Miscellaneous 175.00 175.00 Licenses Retail Mercantile 15,500.84 17,835.90 Wholesale Mercantile 3,771.35 3,097.58 Retail Liquor 15,397.37 15,720.75 Wholesale Liquor 10,397.50 11,838.00 From 1904 Brewers' $ 8,407 Distillers' 2,984 Bottlers' Billiards Brokers' '433 Auctioneers' Peddlers' Theatre, etc Eating House 1,469 1,016 50 .75 .75 .50 53 313. 439. 1908 9,900.00 1,544.00 1,717.25 1,563.80 318.35 50 40 167.41 $144,461.61 $181,854.20 BANKING IN BERKS COUNTY— JANUARY, 1909 Banks and Trust Companies .-.i, Resources City Farmers National Bank $ 3,229,115.40 National Union Bank 3,498,800.55 First National Bank 1,491,663.67 Second National Bank 1,898,653.05 Penn National Bank 1,800,880.90 Keystone National Bank 975,472.37 Reading National Bank 1,580,840.45 Schuylkill Valley Bank 684,536,53 Neversink Bank ■. 210,378.07 Pennsylvania Trust Co 4,011,463.81 Reading Trust Co 1,873,748.59 Colonial Trust Co 1,144,979.01 Berks County Trust Co 1,380,930.55 Commercial Trust Co 346,281.63 Total, City $23,126,743.58 County Hamburg Savings Bank 642,710.49 National Bank of Boyertown 1,118,378.03 Farmers Nat. Bank, Boyertown 267,005.91 First Nat. Bank of Birdsboro 358,896.33 Kutztown National Bank 448,262.2V Womelsdorf Union Bank 405,984.70 Wernersville National Bank 373,578.68 National Bank of Topton 137,484.46 First Nat. Bank of Oley 141,277.43 First Nat. Bank of Bernville 122,462.31 First Nat. Bank of Fleetwood 143,675.47 Mohnton National Bank 137,701.78 First Nat. Bank of Hamburg 129,817.78 Total, County $ 4,327,235.53 Total, City and County $27,453,979.11 Surplus and Profits $ 856,275.02 796,064.03 97,265.60 541,966.46 248,943.90 193,645.98 331,351.99 172,746.00 22,493.84 527,333.80 335,209.33 197,404.91 147,145.49 16,381.86 $ 4,484,118.21 87,300.07 196,713.11 4,738.98 81,852.21 86,186.63 35,158.82 13,254.14 3,875.37 3,159,97 2,972.96 3,395.52 1,269.63 1,508.95 $ 521,286.26 $ 5,005,404.47 Deposits $ 1,528,337.78 1,341,400.57 693,378.81 785,220.04 1,356,917.35 605,573.86 851,487.62 411,790.53 113,809.23 2,829,072.37 1,015,327.06 697,574.10 953,915.93 204,899.77 $13,387,694.03 495,231.83 690,852.31 163,766.93 177,844.13 250,404.36 316.597.79 185,180.88 83,149,54 84,317.45 83,059.25 90,480.15 91,432.15 78,308.83 $ 3,788,635.59 $16,176,319.61 Loans, Discounts and Investments $ 2,382,319.44 1,988,143.13 935,577.35 1,369,116.37 1,266,331.33 636,944.86 1,137,377.03 533,849.17 171,976.36 3,539,859.17 1,586,734.59 1,067,783.57 1,167,374.81 308,119.48 $18,061,395.71 534,214.66 896,646,18 184,938.90 357,363.86 339,361.33 341,883.31 212,170.09 82,356.65 98,.541.25 93,728.69 93,118.06 98,120.01 89,318.33 $ 3,330,760.32 $21,382,155.93 15a HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA LAND AND LIVE STOCK— 1908 DISTRICTS Albany 14,267 Alsace, Lower 1,110 Alsace 4,745 Amity 11,143 Bern 12,459 Bern, Upper 7,183 Bethel 16,419 Brecknock 8,831 Boyertown Bechtelsville Bernville Birdsboro, East Ward Birdsboro, West Ward 336 Centreport Centre 12,427 Caernarvon 6,689 Cumru 12,838 Colebrookdale 5,063 Douglass 6,794 District 5,838 Earl : 4,599 Exeter 15,139 Fleetwood Greenwich 15,636 Hamburg, North Ward Hamburg, South Ward 112 Heidelberg, North 8,658 Heidelberg 7,394 Heidelberg, Lower 16,925 Hereford 8,552 Jefferson 10,009 Kutztown Lenhartsville 95 Lonigswamp 10,226 Maiden-creek 8,274 Marion 9,153 Maxatawny 18,856 Mohnton 118 Muhlenberg 5,548 Mt. Penn 48 Oley 15,233 Ontelaunee 5,372 Pike 4,576 Penn 11,228 Perry 11,239 Richmond ' 13,029 Robeson 13,002 Rockland 7,621 Ruscombmanor 5,587 Spring 11,947 Tilden 8,005 Topton Tulpehocken 14,288 Tulpehocken, Upper 9,166 Union ■. 7,234 Washington 7,455 West Leesport 116 West Reading Windsor 8,017 Womelsdorf 255 Wyomissing Total 418,753 Total for City Total for County 7 C! 3" ■d T3 K > ■a S c K ° C-" >. 1^1 n V >> S fe; 10,771 465 $ 15,095 619 $ 12,440 1,670 103 5,630 119 2,300 2,307 248 11,480 323 6,450 158 461 26,425 840 21,000 . 143 582 35,500 785 19,179 4,453 327 33,970 428 10,825 7,757 652 45,373 936 23,833 1,653 338 20,805 414 8,000 171 12,305 17 435 60 3,715 29 860 55 4,120 5 115 69 3,900 33 575 36 58 4,850 31 600 16 1,095 5 150- 639 508 23,270 785 16,605 849 248 11,275 704 6,650 1,815 772 37,220 820 21,030 392 284 18,060 497 12,594 723 291 15,835 493 9,875 729 181 8,690 347 5,399 3,571 217 10,834 414 8,300 1,519 723 40,436 1,391 35,085 91 7,335 33 480 3,545 592 28,295 878 18,349 58 2,620 32 440 93 6,580 14 400 330 19,695 498 11,835 1,577 359 23,475 369 10,305 877 865 70,070 1,112 38,260 1,351 375 25,732 627 16,470 386 375 25,260 559 15,354 104 7,055 15 320 14 37 2,165 10 265 4,063 453 33,905 618 15,620 355 373 18,325 537 13,480 171 453 22,650 643 16,075 273 743 51,615 1,078 24,756 103 4,875 4 100 679 360 16,375 393 9,825 45 2,550 8 160 154 715 40,000 1,300 32,730 64 274 23,920 377 10,260 3,518 243 9,791 490 11,063 698 493 30,165 617 15,425 368 445 17,990 821 14,440 642 554 34,379 957 23,031 7,597 647 37,196 787 14,510 2,459 335 13,900 620 12,115 3,170 266 11,122 410 10,430 1,339 754 34,670 857 17,160 269 313 21,940 526 13,125 56 2,890 15 350 583 593 45,135 818 21,800 3,466 438 34,030 481 12,400 6.187 351 15,360 892 10,530 1,140 366 30,590 617 15,885 31 1,300 12 350 138 8,075 36 520 6,125 271 13,065 481 12,025 71 7,043 18 640 49 $1, 2,425 50 1,250 88,953 28,493 143,044 28,493 $654,613 2,266 150,010 32 1,200 30,759 $1,292,054 28,525 $655,813 H ID bl s ill I I- s o DC O z o < 5 Ul CHAPTER X- READING TOWN, 1748 TO 1783 Grant to Penn. — The English came to own the territory comprising Pennsylvania by conquest from the Dutch in 1664; and King Charles II. in 1681 granted the province to William Penn in satisfac- tion of a debt due to his deceased father, Admiral Penn, for meritorious services. Notwithstanding this grant, William Penn recognized the claim of the Indians to the land, and therefore obtained their release. He died in 1718, possessed of this section, and devised it to his children. 'First Patents.— In the general desire to dispose of lands in this section, the Penns directed surveys to be made and patents issued, which will appear by the following statement: w » N 70 E J 191 PS. 0) g ^^■'' M O a 3 ^^ ^^r 1- ^ — V- en 207 BOO V^ lOD 'A g 24- Sr-^T^^^ ■^ " c^^bs Q^ b» g to^~~^<^ ■^Q 7 " N 70 E "^-^-l / 310 IDE 2S k ^ u [I Q D s^ 3 PATENTS 1. Richard Hockley, tract for 1,150 acres ; survey, Feb. 19, 1733. 2. Thomas Lawrence, tract for 300 acres ; survey, March 19, 1733; patent, Oct. 37, 1733. 3. Thomas Lawrence, tract for 137 J acres; survey, April 22, 1738; patent, Feb. 16, 1739. 4. Samuel Finney, tract for 150 acres; survey, Feb. 19, 1733. 5. Proprietary land, tract for 126 acres; survey, July 3, 1741. 6. Part of tract 1 ; on which lots were laid out, afterward called "Hockley Out-lots." The tract for 1,150 acres adjoined the river and extended from a line now occupied by Hockley and Woodward streets to a line beyond the Charles Evans cemetery, known for many years as Hiester's Lane. Some years after these patents had been issued, about 1740, while efforts were being made to erect a county (Berks), the Penns conceived the idea of laying out a town at this point, but finding that the land had been, sold, they endeavored to re-purchase it. Lawrence, however, declined to re-sell his two tracts. Their agent then investigated the matter, and on Sept. 38, 1743, addressed a letter to them in reference to the proposed "Town of Reading." This is the first mention of a town at this place. In 1745, lots were laid out on part 6, and this ac- tion induced Lawrence to re-convey his tracts. Town Laid Out. — During the fall of 1748, Penn's two sons, Thomas and Richard, caused a town to be laid out by Nicholas Scull, their sur- veyor-general, on the land adjoining the Schuylkill (Lawrence tract), at the "Ford," in the road that extended from the Tulpehocken settlements to Phil- adelphia. It was named Reading, after the county- town in Berkshire, England. The town-plan com- prised 520 lots, and 204 out-lots, numbered con- secutively. The lots between the river and King (Third) street were laid out in 1776. The double line through these lots, on the accompanying plan, indi- cates the canal which extended through that part of the town from 1822 to 1834. At that time there was not a town, not even a village, in all the sur- rounding territory for many miles. The nearest town was Lebanon, twenty-eight miles to the west, which had been laid out in 1740 ; and the next was Lancaster, thirty-three miles to the southwest, which had been laid out in 1728. Lots Sold. — Penn's sons then appointed Conrad Weiser, Francis Parvin and WiUiam Hartley as commissioners, to sell the lots; and on June 15, 1749, they sold a large number of them. In 1751, 1752, 1753 and 1754, patents were issued for 241 lots, and if the conditions of sale were complied with, there were in the town, by the year 1755, at least two hundred dwellings and one thousand in- habitants. First Patentees. — The following statement shows the years in which the builchngs were prob- ably erected, and to whom and for which lots pat- ents were issued. It is possible that buildings were erected in, and even before, 1751, and the patents taken up afterward. For the year 17 51 Lot 29. Patentee Conrad Weiser (justice) Daniel Steinmetz (mer- chant of Philadelphia) Isaac Levan (Exeter, yeo- jnan) For the Conrad Weiser Conrad Bower (shop and inn-keeper) Martin Gring Michael Reis (Tulpehocken, yeoman) Moses Starr (Maiden-creek, yeoman) Lot Patentee 34. Conrad Weiser 106. Adam Witman (shop and inn -keeper) 114. Isaac Levan 120, Conrad Weiser year 1752 8. John Epler (Bern, yeo- man) y^ J Daniel Steinmetz ■ 1 Jacob Morgan (inn-keep- er) 13. Jacob Morgan 154 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Lot 14. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 30. 33. 35. 36. 39. 40. 41. 42. 44. 45. 46. 48. 49. 51. 54. 55. 61. 62. 64. 70. 71. 72. 74. 75. 76. 77. 79. 81. 82. 85. 87. 89. 90. 91. 92. 95. Patentee Peter Haws (inn-keeper) Daniel Hiester (Montgom- ery Co., tanner) Francis Parvin (Maiden- cr., tanner) Conrad Weiser John Lepoe (Tulp., yeo- Peter Weidner (Cumru, yeoman) David Evans (Cumru, yeo- MiS' Schmell (Heidel- bere, yeoman) . Benjamin Parvin (Ma.den- WiUramVertordwain- ^-fe^cou«,oS- William Parsons (Easto" Tobias Waggoner (clerk) George Albert (yeoman) Georle Yoh (yeoman) Isaac Weidner (Alsace, yeo- Pete"^"vVeidner (Alsace, PetJr^°Euth (Cumru, yeo- man) Simon Scherker Conrad Kissmger (yeo- ChrStoVer Gottschalk Jacob Kissinger (yeoman) Jacob Kern (Cumru, gent.) Henry Wolf (Cumru, cord- wainer) , George Daum (cordwain- John" Schneider (yeoman) Peter Schneider (Exeter, blacksmith) Conrad Bower Reinhard Waldtz Philip Weiser William Erman (yeoman) Benjamin Lightfoot (shop- keeper) William Parsons William Parsons Conrad Weiser Abraham Brosius (tailor) Jacob Bollinger Michael Graul (Alsace, yeo- "'='") . / *• ^ Wm. Hottenstem (potter) John Weber. Philip J. Moyer (baker) Andrew Wolf (Cumru, yeo- man) Nich. Kennell (beer-brew- er) George Sheirer Christopher Witman (cord- wainer) Christopher Witman Michael Zuster (saddler) (ieorge Douglass (saddler) Fred'k Marsteller Lot Patentee 96. Henry Melchior Muhlen- berg (minister) 97. Henry Souter 98. Samuel Brackman 99. Peter Knorr 100. Benjamin Pearson (jomer) 105. Adam S. Kuhn (Lancaster, esquire) 107. Eleanor Waggoner 108. George Hitner (Philadel- phia, merchant) 111. Adam Gerhart (Alsace, yeo- man) 113. Henry Reuthmyer (wheel- wright) 115. Ernest Kurtz (Phila., to- bacconist) 116. Peter Bingaman (Alsace, yeoman) 117. Mary Bishop 118. Henry Boyle 119. Kraft Hiiner (baker) 122. Peter Trumbour (yeoman) 124. Jacob Bucher 130. Charles Fricker 131. Paul Derst (Exeter, inn- keeper) 132. Andreas Shack 133. Peter Feder (inn-keeper) 135. John Early (Lane, joiner) 136. Henry Boyle 137. Baltzer Schwank (Alsace, yeoman) 139. John Wilson (Lane, mil- ler) 146. Peter Muma 147. Hsnry Hahn (blacksmith) 148. Henry Lick 140. Evan Popkins (cooper) 151. George Mich. Kreter (slaughterer) 152. Ulrich Richard (Heidel- berg, yeoman) 153. Paul Parlet (carpenter) 154. William Miller (carpenter) 155. Sebastian Grauser (carpen- ter) 159. Henry Graul (Green tavn) 160. Philip Ziegler (Tulpehoc- ken, yeoman) 161. Henry Goodhart 163. John Kissinger 164. Peter Rapp (butcher) 165. George (^rumlauf 166. Jacob _ Conrad (Virg., smith) 167. Peter Baum (turner) 168. Fred'k Goodhart (Alsace, yeoman) 175. Peter Baum 180. John Kissinger 190. Henry Gerritt (Alsace, yeoman) 196. John Nicholas Yost (Cum- ru, inn-keeper) 199. George Chris. Spengler 2S.^, Franris Fipher 266. Abraham Brosius 268. Simon Scherker 271. Henry Graul 275. Joseph Wilkinson 278. Isaac Levan Lot. Patentee Lot. Patentee 281. Philip Jacob Moyer 282. Henry Feedei 288. Conrad Bowei 296. Christian Bentzer (Latic, county) 298. Fred'k Weiser (Heidelberg, yeoman) 299. Philip Jacob Moyer 328. Jacob Morgan 339. Jacob Leibrock (baker) 355. Michael Ludwig (Amity) 379. Conrad Bower 382. Conrad Bower 383. Nicholas Retschew 386. George Yoh (potter) 389. Abraham Smith 390. Conrad Bower 391. Philip Erpf (Lancaster county) 400. Adam Reifell (Alsace, cor- tas.) 401. Geo. Francis Winter 404. Francis Morgan (yeoman) 405. Jacob Erpf 443. Philip Reaser For the year 1^53 Lot 9. 10. 23. 31. 47. 50. 53. 59. 60. 67. 68. 73. 78. 83. 84; Patentee Patentee 104. 109. 116. 121. 126. 134. 138. 143. 156. 171. 172. 174. 179. 188. 189. 195. 197. 198. 201. 203. 204. 208. 209. George Douglass Christopher Witman Isaac Weidner (yeoman, Alsace) Jonas Seely (justice) Jonas Seely William Thomas (Chester county) Nicholas Werner Christopher Camerer Philip Erpf Mark Starr James Starr (brewer) John Smith (shopkeeper) George Douglass Peter Weiser (Heidelberg) Peter Weiser Henry Sheirer Frederick Weiser Jost H. Sassamanhousen James Biddle (lawyer) James Biddle Henry Sheirer Simon Sherker Isaac Levan Abraham Levan John Steel Peter Weiser Wendell Hains George Saurbrey Adam Schlegell (tailor) Hans Martin Garich George Hiitner Michael Rosch Lawrence Spats Michael Fichthorn William Cluse Paul Durst John Philip Klinger Alexander Klinger Martin Moll Andrew Engel Lot 217. Hans Geo. Back (baker) 221. Paul Durst 231. Andrew Steger 234. Everhard Martin (soap- maker) 235. Martin Moll 260. Geo. Mich'l Kreter 267. Christopher Witman 272. Casper Zin 273. Jacob Zin 274. Fredericka Waggoner 280. Philip Jacob Erpf (mason) 284. Andrew Fuchs 291. Francis Morgan 294,295. Conrad Bower 297. William Marck 300. William Bird 310. Geo. Mich'l Kreter 312. Jacob Morgan 314. Michael Schrack 318. Conrad Stichter (weaver) 319. Valentine Stichter 329. Isaac Weidner 331. William Marck 333. Jacob Hetler 341. Joseph Brendlinger 349. Peter Klinger 350. Jacob Morgan 356, 357. Frederick Volant 381. Martin E. Kraft 384. Adam Reifell 387. Nicholas Sauter 392, 397. Adam Reifell 402. Court-house and Prison 409. Christopher Spengler 413. Henry Schneider 433. George Kappus (Mason) 438. George Kappus 490, 491. Francis Creek 493. Francis Wenrich 498. Elizabeth Godschalk For the year 1754 Lot Patentee Lot Patentee 88. Christian Bussy 123. Philip Breitenbach 173. Nicholas Keim 265. Christopher Godschalk 270. Frederick Fernsler 285. Maria Barbara BishofE 290. John Hartman (tailor) 293. Jacob Rappolt (tiler) 305. Jacob Morgan 308. Francis Morgan 388. Nicholas Seitzinger (inn- keeper) 406, 407. Lutheran Church 421,424. Calvinist Church (Re- formed) 509, 512. Peter Haws 5T ll~ «l SB 61 !» Si BO M 6' T MftRKET [Z3 TT = -"j3J = = = t— 1 saJij » Sl SJnis is 1 sSHH so IKO 4BI 94 — S|^ BB iQ iDl Sn3 1 _23« TOWN PLAN READING 155 Ground-Rent.— When the lots were laid out leases of ground-rent were executed by the attor- provision was made that each lot should be subject ney, and these were placed on record. In 1833, he to a ground-rent of seven shillings, payable an- notified the public that he would not settle any nually on the first day of May ; but notwithstanding further claims for ground-rent, and his agency hav- this provision the charge. numerous lots were sold withoui j^g been discontinued, the matter was dropped. County-Seat. — By a petition presented to the Assembly at Philadelphia on Feb. 4, 1753, in behalf of the erection of a new county (Berks), it ap- pears that Reading then contained 130 dwelling- houses, besides 41 stables and other out-houses; and 160 families, which consisted of 378 persons. It is believed that there were three small churches in the town at that time, Lutheran, Reformed, and Friends ; all erected in 1751. Town District Established. — In 1760, the town and part of the township adjoining (Alsace) were erected into a district, called the "Township and District of Reading." The boundary Hnes were fixed by the court in 1761. They inclosed about 950 acres. First Store. — The first business place was the store of Conrad Weiser on Penn Square above Fifth street. He purchased the lot (No. 3) in 1749, and obtained a patent in 1751. Under the conditions of sale, he doubtless erected a two-story stone building on it in 1750 and started a general store. He carried on business intercourse there with the CONRAD WEISER STORE ^ Indians, and on this account the stand was given By an Act of Assembly, passed Nov. 37, 1779, particular prominence. In 1769, Nicholas Keim the estates of the Proprietaries in Pennsylvania ^^^^^^ ^-^^ owner. The Keims occupied it as a became vested in the State and were placed at the ^gj^g^al hardware store for seventy vears. Then disposal of the Legislature the qmt-rents were ^^^ Stichters began, and they have been there abolished, and a donation of £130,000 was made ^.^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ Public Buildings. — A Court-House was erected and a donation of £130,000 was made to their devisees and legatees. in 1763 ; a market-house in 1766 ; and a county jail in 1770 ; and in 1773, a fire company was organized, called the "Rainbow," which has maintained a suc- cessful existence until now. Oldest Buildings. — Three old buildings, which were erected in this period of Reading, are still standing: two stories of the large hotel on the northwest corner of Fifth and Washington streets, erected by Michael Bright for a tavern in 1760; two-story stone building on the northwest corner i of Penn Square, below Fifth street,' erected in 1763 by Adam Witman for a tavern ("Federal Inn") and occupied by the Farmers' Bank since 1814; and two-story stone building on the northeast cor- ner of Fifth and Washington streets, erected by county commissioners in 1770, occupied as a county jail until 1848, and since then for store purposes. Educational Affairs. — Three churches were estabUshed during this period: Friends, Lutheran itTecamraTuVecrSragitlted'Ae lot-holders and Reformed. The Protestant Episcopal and for a number of years. In that year, and again in Roman Catholic denominations had no churches, 1818 the local attorney of the Penns required the but held religious services in the homes of certain delinnuents to pay the rents due, otherwise he would members. .Secular education was carried on in cause their lots to be sold. In 1830, numerous re- schools which were connected with the churches. FEDERAL INN After the Revolution, this ground-rent on the lots in Reading was disregarded until about 1815, when U56 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and also in several private schools. The pupils paid their teachers several cents a day. The Friends' school at Washing-ton and Wood (Madi- son) streets was conducted for English education, the other schools were mostly for German education. There were no newspapers published at Reading rthen. The Pennsylvania Gazette and Sauer's Jour- .nal had a limited circulation. Nationality of Inhabitants. — The first inhab- itants of Reading were mostly Germa.ns. There were some English, and men of this nationality ■served in county offices through the influence and ■direction of the Penns until the Revolution; then men of the German nationality came to fill them and they have almost entirely continued to do so until now. This change was brought about by the determined action of the Germans in behalf of inde- pendence and representative government, the. Eng- lish having favored the British government, and discouraged the Revolution, on which account they were called "Tories." French and Indian War. — The French and Indian war affected Reading more or less from 1755 to 1760. The inhabitants were excited and fre- quently alarmed for their safety during 1755, 1756 .and 1757. But the Indians in their incursions never ■reached Reading. They confined their stealthy, at- tacks and barbarous cruelties to the settlements ■ along the Blue mountains. The prominent men from Reading who were ac- tively engaged in defensive operations were Conrad Weiser, Edward Biddle and George Nagel. In 1756, a company of grenadiers was stationed here for a time ; also a company commanded by Conrad Weiser, consisting of two sergeants and twenty- eight privates. A number of interesting letters were sent from Reading during these years, de- scribing thq, dangerous situation of affairs. No -person from Reading was killed. Revolution.— The first public action at Read- ing in behalf of the Revolution was taken with m-uch spirit on July 2, 1774, and from that time until the declaration of peace, in 1783, the resi- - dents displayed remarkable zeal for political inde- pendence and representative government. On the day named, a public meeting was held in the Court- House and appropriate resolutions were adopted, -expressing sympathy with Boston and urging such measures as would settle with precision the rights and liberties of America. Delegates were appointed to attend the different conferences and earnest co- operation was manifested at all times for carrying ■on the war successfully. In April, 1775, the people of the town raised two companies of infantry, and one of them, com- manded by Cap. George Nagel, several months afterward marched to Cambridge and participated 'in the campaign at that place. Numerous other companies were raised in response to repeated calls for troops. And great quantities of supplies were forwarded to the government, amounting to sev- eral hundred thousand dollars. Reading was a prominent inland place for storing supplies of all kinds during that period, having been selected by the Board of War for its admirable sit- uation; and prisoners of war were sent here in large numbers. The locality where they were quar- tered was called "Hessian Camp," after the Hes- sians taken at Trenton in December, 1776. It was situated to the east of the town, along the Hill road. In 1777, when the British entered Philadelphia, many residents of that city fled to Reading for safety. Reading furnished many men who became very active in the service. Edward Biddle was one of the representatives from Pennsylvania in the First Continental Congress ; Bodo Otto and Jonathan Potts were prominent surgeons ; Mark Bird, Henry Haller, Nicholas Lotz, Joseph Hiester and Daniel Brodhead were colonels; and George Nagel, John Spohn, Peter Decker, Henry Christ, John Diehl, John Rightmyer and Peter Scull were captains. Edward Scull was secretary of the Board of War; James Read was an Executive Councillor, and reg- ister of the court of Admiralty; and Edward Burd was prothonotary of the Supreme court. BOROUGH, 1783 to 1847 Borough Erected. — The town of Reading was incorporated into a borough on Sept. 12, 1783. It contained over four hundred taxables, and about twenty-one hundred inhabitants; and it was gen- erally recognized then as the largest and most pro- gressive inland town in the United States. Nine- tenths of the inhabitants were German. The principal officers were the chief burgess and asso- ciate, four assistant burgesses, two justices of the peace, high constable, treasurer, clerk, two super- visors and two assessors. Surrounding Towns. — The county of Berks contained about twenty-five thousand population, and the surrounding towns in the county were Womelsdorf, fourteen miles west; Hamburg, sev- enteen miles north; Kutztown, seventeen miles northeast; Birdsboro, nine miles southeast; and Morgantown, fifteen miles south. Post-Office.— A post-office was established in 1793. A daily mail by stage was started in 1793, which continued until 1838, when the railroad was introduced, and increased faciUties for transporta- tion were afforded. Stage-Coach. — The stage-coach was introduced at Reading in 1789, and ran from Reading to Phila- delphia. Afterward, lines were extended in differ- ent directions, and they were carried on until the railroads were constructed. The business was very brisk from 1826 to 1838. READING 157.' Bridges. — A ferry was carried on at the "Ford" from 1783 to 1815, when a covered wooden bridge was constructed by the county commissioners. An- other covered wooden bridge was constructed by the commissioners at Levan's Ferry, at the foot of Bingaman street, in 1831. The first bridge across the river near Reading was on the road to Sunbury through Bern township, erected in 1810. Turnpikes. — While the subject of bridges was discussed by the people, another received their at- tention. It was that of turnpikes. These were ex- tended over prominent highways, one to the north in 1805 called the "Centre," the second to the south- east in 1810 called the "Perkiomen," and the third to the west in 1817, called the "Berks and Dauphin." Public Buildings. — The Court-House continued in Penn Square until 1840 ; and the prison at Fifth and Washington streets until 1848. The "State House" for the county officers was erected on the northeast corner of Fifth street and Penn Square in 1791 and was used for this public purpose until 1840. A second market-house was erected in West Penn Square in 1799. Both market-houses were rebuilt in 1846. They had seventy stalls and 116 stands. Canals. — Two canals, leading from Reading, were constructed: The Schuylkill, extending along the river north to Pottsville and southeast to Phila- delphia, in 1823; and the Union, extending west to Lebanon and Middletown, in 1828. Large quan- tities of goods, especially coal and lumber, were shipped over these canals. The enterprise was suc- cessful through this period, and contributed much toward the development of the borough. Railroad. — The Philadelphia & Reading railroad was projected a.long the Schuylkill through Reading from Philadelphia to Pottsville in 1833. It was completed to Reading in 1838, and to Pottsville in 1842; and then it became an additional factor with the turnpikes and canals for great local pro- gress. Banks. — ^A "Branch" of the Bank of Pennsyl- vania was established at Reading in 1808 (in the building occupied by the Union Bank) , and carried on successfully until its suspension in 1857. The Farmers Bank was organized in 1814, and it has been maintained successfully ever since, now over ninety years, and in the same building. The Eck- erts were prominently identified with it from 1838 to 1908. A third bank was organized in 1836, but it continued only eight years. It was called the "Berks County Bank." Panic of 1837. — A money panic arose in the borough in 1837, owing to a suspension of prom- inent banks in the large cities, but the local busi- ness men published a notice in which they expressed entire confidence in the Reading banks and a will- ingness to accept their notes in payment of debts and merchandise. But the scarcity of money com- pelled certain merchants to resort to an expedient for a circulating medium by issuing notes for small sums, which were called by the people "Shinplas- ters," "Rag Barons" and "Hickory Leaves." And the borough council, to relieve the community in. this behalf, issued loan certificates in denomina- tions of five, ten, twenty-five and fifty cents, and one, two and three dollars, redeemable Aug. 1,. 1838. The whole issue amounted to $25,000. They were loaned to business men on approved security and subsequently redeemed. Newspapers. — A number of newspapers were: started in this period. The first was in 1789. In 1796, there were three others, the Reading Herald (English) ; the Reading Adler (German), pubHshed. until now; and the Weekly Advertiser (English),, published until 1816, when the Berks and Schuylkill Journal (English) took its place, which is still is- sued. The Reading Courier (German) was issued, from 1816 to 1826 ; the Chronicle of the Times- (English), from 1826 to 1835; Berks County Press (EngHsh), from 1835 to 1865; Liberal Observer (German), from 1839 to 1864; Reading Gazette and Democrat (English), from 1840 to 1878, when the Reading Weekly Eagle was substituted in its place, and this has been pubHshed until now; Old Berks (German), from 1840 to 1848, when it was transferred to Pottsville and the name changed to Pottsville Adler. Several others were started but they had a short existence. The spirit for writing and publishing during this period was very strong. The editors exhibited much courage in ventilating their opinions on jKilitical and social topics. Churches and Schools. — Besides the three de- nominations mentioned in the first period, the Roman Catholics and Protestant Episcopalians came to erect churches in the second period, and also the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Uni- versalists and English Lutherans. Schools were carried on successfully, as before until W.835, when the public system was introduced ; and in 1838 'the first public school buildings were erected. Industrial Affairs. — During this period, indus- trial affairs became the prominent feature of Read- ing. The small shops were developed into large factories and mills, and the capital invested in such establishments increased from several hundred dol- lars to many thousands. The energy of certain in- fluential men was directed chiefly toward the manu- facture of iron, and this stimulated various other enterprises, particularly in the line of building oper- ations. The discovery of coal and the application of steam to motive power for operating machinery were the direct causes of this marked improvement, and the canal and railroad were natural results from their introduction and increasing use. The large increase in population must be attributed to them, the growth from 1830 to 1840 having been over 43 per cent, and from 1840 to 1850 over 87 per cent. The country districts of Berks county increased only 21 per cent, during the former de- cade, and only 19 per cent, during the latter. 158 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Water CoMPANY.-In 1821, a water company of legerdemain performances by himse f , tricks by was organized to supply the people of the borough a learned dog, and a display of fire-works. Tickets with water. A reservoir was constructed at the for adults, 50 cents ; for children, 25 cents, head of Penn street, and the water from "Hamp- In >ne 1808, an elephant eight years old and den Spring" was conveyed into it by means of ^^^^f ^^^^ ^'^^ ^^^J^?^^:}'^*^'^,^^^ *7"f "r^^f.L^ wooden pipes, and thence distributed through the Daniel Feger; advertised as the only elephant then place. In 1833, the investment was estimated at $25,000, and two hundred and fifty families were supplied. The spring had a daily flow of one hundred thousand gallons, and the reservoir had a capacity of one thousand hogsheads. Pumps continued to be used in all parts of the borough. Lighting. — The light was obtained from tallow candles ; also from oil and camphene used in lamps. The streets were not lighted. Public buildings were seldom occupied in the night for meetings or en- tertainments ; and there were no halls. Fire Companies. — Three fire companies were organized in addition to the Rainbow : Junior, in 1813; Reading, in 1819; and Neversink, in 1829. Street Names. — Upon the laying out of the town, the streets were named as follows: East and West — ^Penn, extending through the center of the town; north of Penn, Thomas and Margaret; and south of Penn, Richard and Hamilton. North and South- — King, Queen, Callowhill, Prince, Duke, Earl, Clement, Lord and Vigour. These names were changed by the borough coun- cil in 1833, and those substituted were as follows, Penn having- been retained : North of Penn — Lib- in the country. Admission, 25 cents. In November, 1813, Purdy, Carley & Bailey ex- hibited a menagerie of thirty living wild animals, in- cluding a lion and lioness, Arabian camels (male and female), llamas (male and female), hyena, kanga- roo, tiger, leopard and panther. On Aug. 1, 1815, a whale was exhibited at the public house of William Jones ; weight five thousand pounds. Admission, 12^ cents ; children, half price. This whale was caught in the Delaware river at Trenton, on Nov. 11, 1814. In December, 1838, William Paulin, accompanied by a lady, ascended from Reading in a balloon named "Comet" ; and in the following year he made two successful ascensions. Circuses gave numerous exhibitions and they were well patronized; and traveling dramatic troupes visited Reading, remaining a week at a time. Distinguished Visitors. — John Penn arrived at Reading on April 7, 1788, while on his way from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. He remained two days and expressed himself as much pleased with the town. He stayed at Witman's tavern (southeast corner Fifth and Franklin streets), and he regarded erty, Washington and Walnut; South of Penn — the accommodations as worthy of a respectable Cherry, Franklin and Qiestnut; Across Penn — country town. He dined heartily on catfish, which Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, vvere plentiful in the river. The next day, he dined Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh; and what had been ^ith James Biddle, Esq., and a number of citizens called for a time Bridge and Treat, were changed called to pay their respects. He came here to look to Front and Second. after his property. On April 9th, he visited Gen. In 1845, council named the following alleys ex- Thomas Mifflin, on the latter's farm (now Alms- tending north from Liberty: Pear, Thorn, Rose, House) and took breakfast and dinner with the A?h, Church, Reed, Poplar, Cedar, Moss, and Black ; family. After dinner, he proceeded on his way. and south from Cherry: Oak, Apple, Carpenter, President Washington visited Reading on Oct. Wood, Pear, Plum, Lemon, Peach, Orange, and i^ 1794^ while on his way from Philadelphia to Maple. Laurel and Willow streets were also named Carlisle during the Whiskey Insurrection. His then. Bingaman street took its name and diagonal presence caused much social excitement. During direction from the northerly line of the patent to his sojourn, he stayed at the "Federal Inn," where Peter Bingaman ; that part beyond Tenth street hav- many people called to pay their respects. A mill- ing been vacated by an Act of Assembly, passed tary parade was given under the command of Col. May 8, 1850. Nicholas Lotz (who had taken an active part in In 1832, the streets were graded according to the Revolution) to signalize the occasion, and the regulation by Enoch Lewis, under the direction of distinguished visitor reviewed the troops. The council. "Reading Volunteers" (a company of militia) es- Eaely Exhibitions. — Exhibitions were given at corted him on the way, and at Carhsle they were Reading at an early day. retained as his body-guard. When Washington In October, 1791, a camel was exhibited at Jacob died, in 1799, all the people mourned his loss. The Grant's tavern. newspapers were printed with heavy black borders ; In January, 1792, McGrath's Company of comedi- and the people of the borough, to demonstrate in ans from Maryland and Virginia rendered the a public manner their great sorrow for his death "Tragedy of Douglass," "Farce of Barnaby Brittle," and great reverence for his name, held funeral and other plays. services in Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, In January, 1799, a man named Salanca gave a Jan. 5, 1800. A procession was solemnly formed "curious exhibition" in Barr's ballroom, consisting on Penn Square, and a great concourse of people. READING 159 under the head of the miHtia of the borough, marched to the church. President Van Buren visited Reading on June 25, 1839, while on his way from Harrisburg to Easton. A special committee met him at Womels- dorf ; and many citizens from different parts of the county formed a procession on the turnpike some distance west of the Harrisburg bridge, and joined the committee in escorting the distinguished visitor to Reading. He was pleased to receive such an expressive welcome from the thriving town on the Schuylkill, which three years before had given him a strong political support, nearly four to one against Gen. W. H. Harrison. The procession paraded through the principal streets. The presi- dent rode on a fine cream-colored horse, and his graceful horsemanship attracted general attention. He sojourned at Herr's hotel. During the evening, a reception was held at the residence of Samuel Bell, Esq., where many citizens assembled to show him honor. He left for Easton, via Kutztown, on the following morning, a number of prominent citizens having accompanied him as far as Kutz- town. In the previous year, he had paid a high compliment to the borough by selecting Hon. Hen- ry A. Muhlenberg to be the first minister plenipo- tentiary to Austria. Gen. Winfield Scott visited Reading on Saturday, May 31, 1843, during a great "Military Encamp- ment" comprising fourteen companies of militia from Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties, of which four were from Reading, numbering 157 men. He was accompanied by his aids. They were met at the railroad station (Seventh and Chest- nut streets) by a detachment of militia, and escort- ed to Herr's hotel, where they were cordially wel- comed and properly entertained. Many citizens followed the parade. On Monday (33d), he re- viewed the troops, and left on the next day for Danville, to review a similar encampment. Dur- ing the day, medals were awarded for skillful shooting. He was much pleased with the disci- pline and appearance of the encampment ; and he paid a special compliment to the Reading Artil- lerists. The encampment was held on Penn Com- mon and was the first at Reading. Liberty-Poles of 1799. — During the administra- tion of President Adams, Congress caused a direct tax to be levied upon houses, which was objection- able to many persons. In eastern Pennsylvania, an insurrection arose in 1799, and liberty-poles were erected to declare the feeling of opposition. A number of them were erected at and near Read- ing. While a company of soldiers were on their way through Reading to Bucks county, several of these poles were cut down, and the conduct of the soldiers was severely criticised by an editorial in the Adler. When the company reached Reading on its way back to Lancaster, the Captain, hearing of this criticism, demanded the name of the author. It was refused, and the proprietor of the news- paper was taken to Penn Square and publicly flogged. English War of 1813-15. — After the Revolu- tion, the British government conducted itself in an ofifensive manner persistently until the complaints became too loud and the injuries too grievous to be endured any longer, when President Madison made them subjects for his message to Congress on June 1, 1813, and a declaration of war was issued. Berks county supplied twelve organized companies in response to the call for troops. The companies of Capt. Thomas Moore and Capt. Daniel deB. Keim were composed entirely of men from Read- ing; and the greater part of the men in the com- panies of Capt. Jacob Marshall and Capt. George Marx were also from Reading. The companies left in August, 1814, and performed military duty at York, Pa., but they did not participate in any en- gagements with the enemy. Some of the men re- mained four months, others six months. Peace was concluded Dec. 34, 1814. When the event was made known at Reading, the citizens signalized it by shooting off cannon during the day and by a grand illumination at night. During the war, when the British approached Philadelphia, a number of English families who lived there were compelled to move away at least fifty miles, and on that ac- count they came to Reading. This was in August, 1814. Mexican War. — ^War between the United States and Mexico was declared in May, 1846. The chief burgess of Reading presided at a public meeting, held on May 80th, at which the government was sus- tained. Three companies of men from Reading tendered their services, and one of them was accept- ed, the Reading Artillerists, commanded by Capt. Thomas S. Leoser. This company left on Dec. 26th for Mexico, and participated in the battles of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec and Belen Gate. They returned July 39, 1848, and were given a brilliant reception. CITY, 1847 TO 1909 Reading in 1847. — Reading was incorporated in- to a city on March 16, 1847. At that time it was in a flourishing state. Shops, factories and stores were numerous. The population numbered about twelve thousand. The tendency of local development was to the south of Penn street and to the west of Ninth. At that time there Were thirteen churches, seven to the north of Penn, and six to the south. The railroad deserves especial mention. A de- cade had not fully elapsed since its introduction, yet it demonstrated to a remarkable degree its pow- er in accelerating the growth of everything. Anoth- er railroad had been projected in 1836 to extend westward to Harrisburg, but it was not as yet be- gun. The canals and stages occupied a prominent position. The former consisted of two lines, the Schuylkill and the Union; and the latter of three lines, to Easton, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. 160 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA A prominent social movement was then percep- tible. This was the secret society, and thoug^h first started in 1794, it had not begun to rnake a marked impression till toward the close of the second per- iod of Reading. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was particularly active. As a beneficial organization, it extended its branches in various di- rections with remarkable earnestness and success. The fire company was active. Four volunteer companies were conducted successfully. Rainbow, Junior, Reading and Neversink, partly through pe- cuniary assistance from the municipal government, but mainly from the spontaneous efforts of their members. The system of common school education was ac- tively conducted, there being 17 schools, 31 teach- ers, and 3,064 scholars. Five newspapers were pub- lished successfully. Advertising was a prominent feature in all of them. The political sentiment of the inhabitants was favorable to the Whigs in local affairs, but to the Democrats in State and nation- al. The public markets were largely attended. The market-men came regularly twice a week, Wednes- days and Saturdays. Councils had proposed no im- provement beyond the advantages first afforded in 1766; and rents were still collected. The semi-annual fairs were kept up. Dancing, drinking and fighting were conspicuous features. The militia spirit maintained its activity ; and exer- cise was carried on annually in May, on what was known as "Battalion-Day." Most of the people were domestic in their daily Hfe. Gardening was carried on either in lots, upon which the dwellings stood, or in out-lots. Fruit trees were numerous, and plums, peaches, pears, cherries, quinces and apples were plentiful. "Pre- serving" fruit was common, not "canning" as now. And nearly every family boiled apple-butter in an open fire place in the fall of the year. Home-made sausage, pudding, scrapple, hams, mince, and sauer- kraut were in every household. About Christmas time the cellars of housekeepers were well stocked. The fuel for domestic purposes such as cook- ing and heating was almost wholly wood, and, this was consumed in a "ten-plate" stove ; and sawing of cord-wood by hand was a common occupation. Coal had been known to the community for nearly forty years, but it was not used for domestic pur- poses, its consumption having been principally in public places, shops and factories. The light was produced from fluid, oil and tallow, even common fat, the first two having been used in stores, and the last two in dwellings, especially of the poorer classes of inhabitants. The streets were not lighted up in the evening. Lanterns were carried to shed light upon the roadway. There were no street-crossings. The customs of the residents had not yet come to convert night into day for amusements of various kinds. Dramatic entertain- ments were just starting out, and the demands for an improved light were gradually growing greater. The town was not large. The principal portion lay between Walnut street on the north and Chest- nut on the south ; Ninth street on the east and Third on the west. Business of all kinds wlas done almost entirely during the daytime, and merchants derived their chief support from the farmers. Two consta- bles were watchmen of the night, and for several hours before and after midnight they called out the hour and the condition of the weather in a monoton- ous, low tone of voice. The pump was used throughout the place, not- withstanding the general supply of superior water afforded by the Reading Water Company. It was convenient in every block, if not on or near every street corner. At least one hundred pumps were in daily use. Penn street was especially well sup- plied. Ice had come to be furnished in small quanti- ties for about ten years, but not for drinking pur- poses. The events which have transpired since the incor- poration of Reading as a city, have been so numer- ous that a narration of them must be necessarily brief. They will be mentioned by decades in the order of their occurrence as near as possible, re- ferring the reader to other parts of this chapter for a more extended description of them. 184/-3/.— During the decade from 1847 to 1857; business affairs grew more active, and continued to do so till toward the close, when a panic ensued. Gas was introduced for lighting- purposes in 1848. The first large hall was erected by the Odd Fellows in 1847, which provided a meeting place for the society and accommodations for the public in respect to entertainments. The Charles Evans cemetery was founded in 1848 ; the Trinity Lutheran and Roman Catholic cemeteries on the northern slope of Mt. Neversink were laid out in 1849 ; and the Aulenbach cemetery in 1851. Interments were then made in these cemeteries; and the remains of many buried persons, in graveyards in the central parts of the city, were transferred to them. Numerous buildings were erected, both dwellings and industrial estab- lishm,ents, the latter including prominent enterprises which have been continued until now. Two railroads were constructed in 1857, the East Penn to the northeast, and the Lebanon Valley to the west. The militia system was active and battalion days were devoted to military exercise. The fair days at the market-houses passed away without regret from any one, and in 1852, an agri- cultural society began holding a county fair for an improved annual exhibition of goods, live stock, etc. An exciting topic at this time was the discovery of gold in California, and several parties went there from Reading, but their discouraging letters dis- pelled the charm, and the excitement subsided. Var- ious poHtical questions agitated the people, and one of them, that of slavery, caused the Presidential campaign of 1856 to be particularly enthusiastic. A public high school was established in 1852, and the taxpayers realized the promises of its projectors in affording advanced education to such as attended READING 161 the common schools. The greatest freshet in the Schuylkill Valley occurred in 1850, and the people of Reading suffered damages estimated at more than $500,000. On Jan. 8, 1854, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company machine shops on Sev- enth betwieen Franklin and Chestnut streets were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $50,000, which was the most destructive fire at Reading until that time: and on April 20, 1857, the roof of the same shop broke down for a space of 40 by 180 feet by reason of a great fall of snow on the day before (Sunday), followed by rain, this happening while three hundred workmen were underneath, all of whom escaped unhurt. 1857-67. — In the decade from 1857 to 1867, the Civil wtar was the most engrossing subject which en- gaged the attention of the people. Many companies of men were enlisted here, and the excitement on many occasions was intense. The people of the city supported the government devotedly and liberally in its great efforts to suppress the Rebellion. • In 1863, houses were numbered by councils by an admirable system through the efforts of Jacob Knabb, post- master, to facilitate and dispatch the delivery of let- ters. The streets were regulated by a topographical survey from 1864 to 1867, and the fixing of lines and grades encouraged building operations, especially in the northern section of the city. The waterworks were purchased by Councils in 1865. Efforts were made to improve the city charter by amendments in 1861 and 1864. The Firemen's Union was organized in 1861. The co-education of boys and girls in the high school was started in 1859, and all the wards were consoli- dated into one district for school purposes in 1864. The people were active and energetic in every de- partment of life, and the wealth of the community was increased millions of dollars. Weekly news- papers became more thoroughly circtilated, and the daily newspaper was successfully established in 1858. Postal facilities were increased to the great convenience of the people ; and another railroad was extended to the southwest in 1864, affording direct communication with Lancaster and Columbia. Poli- tical excitement reached the highest point which the community was able to bear without resulting in a public disturbance. 1867-77. — In the third decade from 1867 to 1877, general enterprise was very active in the beginning and continued so for several years, but then it began to decline and finally showtd marked effects from the financial panic which prevailed throughout the country. Great fires at Chicago in 1871, and at Boston in 1873, destroyed much property, resulting in losses amounting to more than $200,000,000, and a large proportion had to be paid by fire insurance companies, located in different parts of the country, which caused great embarrassment. It seemed that .some evil genius hovered over this community also, because there were many acts of incendiarism in the most populous parts of the city about that time, 11 but the volunteer fire companies by their vigilance prevented serious losses. In 1872, two steam fire engines were added to the fire departm,ent, and in 1873 the electric fire alarm system was introduced, which immediately demon- strated its great value. The old market-houses were removed in 1871, and private buildings for market purposes were substituted. The limits of the city were extended northward in 1871, increas- ing the area to more than 3,200 acres. A large modern hall for amusements was erected in 1872 on the north side of East Penn Square, which af- forded increased opportunities for witnessing dramatic and operatic performances. The postal card was introduced in 1873, and the business of the post-office was largely increased. The P._ & R. R. Co. erected a large and commodious "Union Station" at the junction of its several lines of rail- road, wliich wias opened for travel on Aug. 3, 1874. The general Act of 1874, for the government of cities of the third class — which included Reading — was accepted ; the water of Antietam creek was ap- propriated by the city and a storage reservoir was constructed in Alsace township with a capacity for 30,000,000 gallons. Railroad communication was extended by completing the road to Wilmington to the south, and to Slatington to the north; and a street railway was introduced along Penn and Sixth streets. The "Centennial Exhibition" at Philadel- phia wlas a prominent subject for several years, es- pecially from May 10th to Nov. 10th, 1876 ; and the display of productions by Reading manufacturers and of educational work by the Reading school district was highly complimented. The management of the schools by the first city superintendent, elected in 1867, proved very successful, and during the decade ten large brick buildings were erected. In October, 1869, there was an unusual freshet, the river rising twenty-three feet and inflicting damages to the shops along the river amounting to $50,000. On Sunday, June 26, 1870, the P. & R. R. Co. car shops at Sixth and Oley streets (168 by 710 feet) were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of more than $100,000 ; and on Jan. 16, 1872, there was another large and costly fire at Fifth and Penn streets, which destroyed Stichter's hardware store, Ebner's building, old "State-House," and other buildings on Fifth street, resulting in a loss exceed- ing $100,000. The building and savings associa- tions were in a flourishing condition. The political sentiment of the people manifested a great change, and the process of changing from the Democratic party to the Republican by 1876 had developed a high degree of excitement, the elec- tion returns of that year causing the loudest demon- strations ever witnessed at Reading. Enterprise reached out in different branches of industry, giv- ing employhient to a largely increased number^f mechanics and laborers. Merchants showed a high appreciation of the value of advertising in local newspapers, and as they attracted the residents to their stores, the Philadelphia merchants did the same 162 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA to theirs by advertising their goods in the Reading newspapers. 1877-87.— The. fourth decade from 1877 to 1887 went far in advance of the previous decades in putn lic affairs, private enterprises and social amuse- ments. It started with a serious disturbance on ac- count of the labor question, which culminated in a riot on July 23, 1877, causing the death of ten per- sons, and the wounding- of thirty-nine, and the loss of the large bridge across the Schuylkill on the Lebanon Valley railroad. The riot took place along Seventh street at and above Penn. The strike was general, extending through Pennsylvania and other States. In the previous decade, allusion was made to the panic, but it did not seriously affect Reading. However, conditions generally grew worse and on Nov. 18, 1877, the Reading Savings Bank, Bush- ong's Bank, and Dime Savings Bank suspended, which caused the greatest financial' excitement that Reading ever felt. An earnest beginning for a city park was made in 1878, by cleaning up and improving the trian- gular part of the Common which adjoined Perki- omen avenue and Hill road, this having been done by taxpayers in the vicinity, who raised over $6,000 by voluntary contributions; and in 1884, councils instituted legal steps to recover that part of the Common which had been occupied by the Berks County Agricultural Society since 1852, and they were successful. The co-education of boys and girls was found unsatisfactory, and in 1881, after a trial of twenty -two years, they were separated, the girls remaining in the high school building. In 1883 the commodious Boys' High School was erect- ed, and then the school controllers transferred their meeting place and offices to it. In that year, the county bridges at Reading were declared free, and electric power began to be supplied for shops and factories. The waterworks were much enlarged in 1880 and 1884, increasing the storage over fifty million gallons. The building and savings associations were in a flourishing condition, twenty-five having been kept up whose payments and investments ran into millions of dollars. Societies of all kinds were very active, particularly secret, beneficial and social, numbering altogether, 150, and their membership in- cluding almost every man of age in the commun- ity. Factories of all kinds were carried on exten- sively, especially for hats, stoves, cigars and build- ing materials. And one of the most important events in the decade was the construction of the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley railroad in 1884, and the direct connection with the Pennsylvania rail- road system thereby afforded. And at the close of the decade, three additional banks and two trust companies were started; the street rail- wiay companies were consolidated in the United Traction Company with over fifty miles of track, carrying annually over five million passengers, and the Reading Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital were erected.' The major part of the population shifted north of Penn street. 1887-97.— Tht fifth decade from 1887, to 1897 was more active than the previous decades in every department of life. Progress was remarkable, ex- ceeding everything in the previous history of the place. The supply of water was largely increased by the introduction of the water from the Maiden creek; Penn Common was improved year after year until it came to be the most attractive spot within the limits of the city; the gohool buildings were increased in number and improved in charac- ter, and so were the churches (twenty new build- ings having been erected), the moneys appropriated and collected for these two purposes surpassing all previous efforts ; the United States government sup- plied a superior building for post-office purposes; the subject of streets and sewers was agitated for a long while with apparently little progress in be- half of these public improvements, but it prevailed eventually, and the years 1896 and 1897 became notable, .a miUion dollars having been expended in their construction; public demonstrations, parades, excursions, and conventions were unusual in num- ber and character, which developed the reputation of Reading as a place of industry, substantial wealth and superior advantages to a remarkable degree. The -street railway system was extended very much, and the mountain roads vrere established. Electricity as a motive power for running the street cars was applied to the cars on the East Reading and the Reading and South Western lines of street railway in 1890 and 1891, and it was extended to all the lines in the city in 1893 ; and it came to be more generally used for lighting public and private places and for power in shops and stores. It caused the extension of street railways into the rural dis- tricts to the east and south of Reading. ' Industrial establishments for the manufacture of various articles were erected, especially for steel, hosiery, cigars and bicycles, affording employment to several thousand additional persons, and yield- ing to the community over a million dollars in wages, and reaching out in trading relations with all parts of the world. Over five thousand bicy- cles came into general use in Reading. The great- est fires in the history of the city occurred, the losses reaching a million dollars, three worthy of special mention being the Carpenter Steel Mill, Reading Hardware Works, and Sternbergh Nut and Bolt Works ; and the city wlas visited by the great- est storm in 1889, it having demolished the silk mill and part of the East Penn railroad shop, killing twenty-two persons and injuring more than one hundred. Steam heating came to be supplied in the cen- tral part of town along Sixth, Fifth and Penn streets, and to be gradually introduced in dwellings. General laundry work received encouragement ; and the washing machine was being substituted in the place of the wash-board and tub to reduce manual labor in domestic life. And planing-mill work was READING 163 much increased in supplying doors, windows, frames, etc., for building operations. Cold stor- age was introduced and the use of artificial ice much appreciated ; and the creamery as an institution re- ceived greater recognition. Four noteworthy large industrial plants were started, the Reading Iron Company, Reading Paper Mills, the Carpenter Steel Mill and the Silk Mill. Department stores were enlarged. Vitrified brick began to be used for buildings and pavements ; and the value of concrete work and cement more ap- preciated. Telephone wires began to be laid in con- duits in the central portions of the city and the use of the telephone was very much increased and ex- tended; two popular amusement halls were estab- lished, Rajah Temple and Auditorium; also three more charitable institutions, and the Y. M. C. A. hall. Building and loan associations were still kept up, over fifty having been in successful operation. A board of city assessors was established for the uni- form assessment of real estate ; and also a board of public works for the supervision of public improve- ments. Five more wards were erected, making the total number sixteen. Building operations add- ed several thousand dwellings to the city; and the great increase in the assessed value of property caused the total value to surpass the total value of all the country districts taken together. Notwithstanding this apparent improvement ^nd enrichment of the community, the financial condi- tion of the country was extremely distressing dur- ing the last four years, owing to the suspension of manufactures and the closing of industrial plants of every description, which caused innumerable fail- ures and enormous losses. This was brought about by a change in respect to the tariff.' The previous term of four years had been favorable to it, but the term during these four years was unfavorable. The business affairs at Reading kept moving right along nevertheless. Fortunately, the large iron plants and diversified industrial enterprises were too strong and sound to be shaken. All our financial institutions had the unqualified confidence of the people, and they sustained their patrons with commendable courage and indulgence as well as each other, thereby displaying in a re- markable manner the great utility of well-conduct- ed banks in such a crisis. In looking for the reason of the onward movement of our local affairs in spite of adverse circumstances during that trying period, it was found that the banks were the strong- hold which enabled our manufacturers and mer- chants to stand the extraordinary strain ; and there- fore this special mention of it is made. i8p^-ipop. — The decade just closed from 1897 to the present time also embraced a number of remark- able improvements in the. further development of Reading. The population started with about 70,000, and the annual increase was about 2,500. An earnest and successful effort was made for improved streets" by laying down asphaltum and vitrified brick on a concrete foundation at the close of the previous decade, starting on Sixth street and Court street at the Court-House, and then on Penn street, and extending to other streets until 1903, with a total expenditure of $350,000, and accomplishing a total length of ten miles. The marked improvement was highly appreciated by the taxpayers. While this wias going on, sewers were laid for surface, and also house, drainage, embracing the city from Washington street south and Eleventh street w,est; the former having been paid by the public at an expense of $350,000, and the latter by the abutting property holders at an expense of $331,000 (excepting the cost of the mains, about $50,000). This was necessary on account of the largely increased flow of water in heavy rain-storms which flooded the streets and damaged the adjoining properties ; particularly along Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth streets to the south of Penn; and also on account of the commodious and costly buildings for business purposes then erected, in which many hundreds of persons assembled daily. The enlarged "Mansion House,'" and the depart- ment stores of C. K. Whitner & Co. and Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, and the office buildings of George F. Baer, Esq., and the Colonial Trust Company, are worthy of special mention. The Pennsylvania Trust Company had shortly before put up the first five-story building and Mr. Milti- more Morgan had enlarged the "Mansion House" to the first six-story building; but Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart reached the seventh story and the Colon- ial Trust Company the ninth story, thereby giving the city a truly metropolitan appearance. In the erection of the last two mammoth build- ings, structural iron was first used for building purposes at Reading, and while the imposing frame- work was being put together, hundreds of people looked on in amazement not' knowing which to ad- mire most, the genius of the contractor or the skill and composure of the working-men. And here these great structures stand on Penn Square, in the very center of mercantile and financial affairs, as monuments to local foresight and enterprise. The National Convention of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America in the city in 1897 was a note- worthy affair and until then certainly the grandest public demonstration ever witnessed in the history of the community. But in 1898 even this demon- stration was eclipsed by the celebration of the "Sesqui-Centennial of Reading." The local pride of the people asserted itself for a whole week in June, and the very sun in the sky seemed to co- operate with their joyful, determined, enthusiastic spirit in making the wonderful and praiseworthy undertaking a glorious success. Though ten years have elapsed since then, the sights were, so pleasing and the sounds so inspiring that the people, both old and young, here and elsewhere, who witnessed the celebration, still talk of it with delightful recol- lections. 164 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The building operations were active through the entire period, and these were particularly encour- aged in the northern part of the city by the costly enlargement of the P. & R. R. Co. shops. The annual increase of new dwelling-houses was main- tained from year to year; and during 1905 more were erected in the city than in any year before. The extension of the street railw'ay system in all directions stands out prominently in this period. Its successful management undoubtedly contributed a large share in our local prosperity. Besides busy industrial plants of all kinds and sufficient dwelling- houses, the prompt and convenient transportation of the working-people and their families in and to all parts of the city, from early in the morning until late at night, had been a subject of serious consid- eration, but it was appreciated and the demand sat- isfied. As we find iron, coal and steam mter-re- lated very closely in our early local development, so do we also find shops, homes and street rail- ways equally inter-related in our most recent de- velopment. Trolley extensions were made to the north, east and south, thereby increasing the facili- ties to the country people for reaching the county- seat with great convenience at greatly reduced cost of travel, and at frequent intervals, and quite nat- urally they led to the laying out of suburban towns, and many persons soon appreciated the desirability of these towns as dwelling places. The Reading Library had been carried on with more or less uncertainty since its reorganization in 1868 ; but in the beginning of this decade it be- came a free institution through the liberahty of some of our citizens, and the enthusiastic spirit then displayed has continued until now, with an ever increasing interest in its success. And the Historical Society was again revived and a strong interest shown in its welfare. The members secured a building, after having held their meetings for several years in the Court-House, and the nucleus of a library of historical works was collected. A new feeling was developed for outdoor exer- cise which culminated in the organization of a golf club and within several years a fine property was secured. The "Berkshire Club" became recognized at once for its social prominence. Bowling vVas also prominent and several new alleys were estab- lished. It was indulged in by a considerable num- ber of young and middle-aged men, and also some young women. Clubs were organized and much rivalry was shown in competing games. Basket- ball was another indoor sport which won much at- tention ; and there was a revival of interest in base- ball. Card-playing was indulged in by all classes of society, with many devotees at progressive eu- chre, duplicate whist, and bridge. And the patron- age of the theatre and of amusements of all kinds, such as fairs, balls and athletics, was never so ex- tensive as at the close of the period ; indeed, it had become so prominent by children of both sexes un- der fourteen years of age as to excite public criti- cism. The one great channel which made this high de- gree of prosperity so continuous was the satisfac- tory condition and superb co-operative management of our financial institutions. Their total resources had multiplied gradually until they were in excess of $23,000,000 ; and by the daily handling of this large sum of money, both in receiving it and then in paying it out by checking and cashing, in amounts ranging from a few dollars to many thou- sands, from all parts of Pennsylvania and of the United States, as well as in the city itself, our nine banks and five trust companies had come to do an annual volume of business which reached the enor- mous total of $600,000,000. The annual check ex- changes of these depositaries at their clearing- house for the year 1908 footed up $64,652,121 ; and the exchanges for the month of January, 1909, amounted to $5,770,561, an increase of one million dollars more than the exchanges for the month of January, 1905. For an inland city, competing with metropolitan places at tide-water whose resources are superabundant and whose influence for business is both powerful and far-reaching, this was truly surprising. Paving additional streets with vitrified brick was continued during the latter half of this decade; ad- ditional sections of the Rose Valley creek sewer were constructed ; and the improved beds on Fritz's Island for filtering the house-sewage were estab- lished, changing from sand filtration to sprinkling filtration at an expense of over $300,000, and win- ning the praise of the best sanitary engineers in the country, who showed much critical interest in their construction. Arrangements were made by the water board for establishing two large additional filtering beds for filtering the water of Bernhart's creek and Maiden creek at a cost of $500,000, which will largely increase the supply of good and clean drink- ing water for the citizens ; and the Spring street subway was constructed in 1907-08-09 at a cost of $150,000, which opened a safe passageway at all times between the northeastern and northwestern sections of the city. Building operations contin- ued active and extensive during the decade, but in 1908 they fell off about three-fourths on account of the depressed condition of the times. Roller-skating was revived at the close of the decade and many persons became as enthusiastic on the subject as others had become over thirty years before; and the five-cent moving picture shows and cheap vaudeville entertainments were introduced, which immediately won great favor and patronage. The suburban towns (whose occupants are almost entirely employed in Reading) have shown a marked increase in dwellings and population, and four additional boroughs to the west and south- west have been erected. Riot in 1877.— The great riot at Reading was an extraordinary event in the history of our com- munity. On Saturday, July 21, 1877, great excite- READING 165 zntm. prevailed in fhe city, owing to the general -Strike of railroad trainmen in the following States : New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,' Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The central point of excitement here was at Seventh and Penn streets, where many men .gathered to discuss the situation. At that time the excitement at Pittsburg was intense, ending shortly thereafter in the great destruction of railroad prop- ^erty, which consisted of buildings, cars, etc., and in the loss of at least a score of lives. On the next day, the situation was naturally worse owing to the news from Pittsburg, and more jnen crowded at the point named; but there was no •disorderly demonstration of any kind during the ■day. By 10 o'clock in the evening, the crowd had moved to the passenger station, where the men greeted the last train from Philadelphia (10:30) with shouts and yells. Then the excitement became uncontrollable. The crowd moved westwardly on the Lebanon Valley railroad, and fire and destruc- tion of property followed. Railroad tracks were ■torn up, and certain cabooses and freight cars were set on fire which resulted in a general alarm of fire, and the response of the fire department; and ■during the terrible excitement in and about the "cut," near Sixth street, whither all attention had been directed, the costly railroad bridge, which spanned the river within a mile to the west, was set on fire and entirely destroyed. The bright ilames, which flashed high into the darkness of the night, attracted thousands of people to the place. The news shocked the whole community. Crowds had gathered on Saturday, innocently, apparently, hut unlawfully, without any earnest movement from the police to disperse them, and property had been •destroyed on Sunday. On Monday, the newspapers were almost wholly taken up with vivid descriptions •of the excited condition of the community and of the destructive work of incendiaries. Throughout the day, great excitement prevailed, and as the night approached it grew greater. The four cor- ners of Seventh and Penn streets were again crowded hour after hour, subject to a weak pro- test; but without any determined effort from muni- cipal or county authorities to clear the highway. Trains were stopped, coal cars detached and many tons of coal dumped upon the track for several hundred feet. With this state of affairs, the 6 o'clock passenger train approached the city around the bend of "Nev- ersink," and the shrill whistle of the engine never sounded in such a piercing manner. The engineer remained bravely at his post; the command was given to proceed forward at full speed, and for- ward indeed he directed his engine at the rate of forty-five miles an hour over the blockaded track. Fortunately the train passed through safely, but the people scattered pell-mell for their lives, coals were thrown high into the air, and a dense cloud of black dust obscured everything round about for a time. At the passenger station, great excitement arose immediately after the arrival of this train. The next down train was stopped in the cut, and this daring proceeding drew the crowd from the depot and intensified the excitement at Seventh and Penn streets. And the people remained at that point, immovable. Proclamations by the sheriff and earnest appeals by the policemen did not make the slightest impression upon them. The vast mul- titude were in sympathy with the riotous demon- strations. And so matters remained for nearly two hours, apparently growing worse as the darkness . of night fell upon the community. Then, however, a sudden change arose. -And what agent was this that could, as it were, in a moment, in the twink- ling of an eye, separate a maddened, threatening crowd, when sober, sensible appeals to citizens who had theretofore been a law-abiding people, were wholly unavailing? It was the bullet. This acted upon them' as effectually as the lightning upon rest- less, thickening clouds in a portentous sky. About 8 o'clock, seven companies of the 4th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, numbering about two hundred men, under the command of Gen. Franklin Reeder, arrived at the railroad sta- tion in the city, viz. : Company B, Allen Rifles, Allentown; Company D, Allen Continentals, Allentown; Company E, Blue Mountain Legion, Hamburg; Company F, Easton Grays, Eastonj Company H, Slatington Rifles, Slatington; Company I, Catasauqua; Com- pany K, Portland, Northampton county. After some consultation they were marched down the railroad and through the "cut" toward Penn street to liberate the train there. On the way, they were attacked by persons on the elevated pave- ments who threw stones and bricks upon them. They did not fire in self-defense, but moved on bravely. Nearing Penn street, the situation be- came so dangerous that some of the men, by some order or mistaken command, shot off their rifles. Bricks and stones were thrown with increased en- ergy, and many shots followed. The crowd immed- iately scattered, and men were seen bearing away the wounded and killed. With the dispersing crowd, the soldiers also became disordered, and the companies disorganized. Their conduct was disgraceful, and the whole community, and espe- cially the management of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad Company, lost confidence in them as a means of restoring order or preserving peace. A battery of United States Regular Artillery, equipped as infantry, then came here shortly after- ward, under the command of General Hamilton, and remained until peace, order and safety were assured. The fidelity of G. A. Nicolls and George Eltz as officials of the railroad at this point, in the perilous situation of affairs then existing, was highly commendable. This riot resulted in the killing of ten citizens (Milton Trace, James J. Fisher, Ludwig Hoffman, John H. Weaver, Lewis A. Eisenhower, John A. Cassidy, John A. Wunder, Daniel Nachtrieb, Elias 166 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Shafer and Howard Cramp) ; and the wounding of twenty-seven persons (including four policemen) and twelve soldiers. Dr. George S. Goodhart, the coroner of the county, then held an inquest to inquire into the loss of life; and after hearing a number of witnesses reported on Aug. 7, 1877, that the death of the per- sons named was caused by the military who were here by direction of the State authorities firing upon the rioters, and the terrible tragedy was directly attributed to the lawless assembling, of persons at Seventh and Penn streets. Many men were arrested and indicted for alleged implication in this riot. Two of them pleaded guilty and were sentenced to imprisonment for five years. There was a hotly contested trial of an- other, from Oct. 2d to the 6th, but he was acquitted. The following week, fourteen were tried and all were acquitted excepting one, who was convicted of inciting to riot; and the third week, forty were called for trial but the prosecution was abandoned. These trials caused great excitement. F. B. Gowen, the president of the P. & R. R; Co., conducted the prosecution of these cases in person. Sesqui-Centennial. — The town plan of Read- ing was laid out by the Penns in 1748, and in one hundred and fifty years the place was developed to great proportions in every department of life. The Board of Trade, appreciating the utility and impor- tance of properly observing the Sesqui-Centennial, took action at an annual meeting on Feb. 18, 1897, and on Sept. 2d following, a joint committee was appointed, comprising a special committee from city coimcils and the committee on Municipal Affairs of the Board. This General Committee held its first meeting on Sept. 9th, and in several months a program of festivities was adopted and an execu- tive committee appointed which selected thirty-two separate committees to make all the necessary ar- rangements, and authorized the compiler of this history to publish a concise History of Reading including the proceedings relating to the Sesqui- Centennial. Weekly meetings were held until June 3, 1898, and all the committees co-operated heartily toward making the anniversary a grand success. The official program was arranged to embrace the second week of June, from Sunday the 5th to Sat- urday the 11th, as follows : Sunday, June 5th, Opening Day, with church services in the morning, and musical concerts in the afternoon. Monday, June 6th, Citizens' Day, with public reception in the court-house in the morning, Civic Parade in the afternoon, and electric illuminations and fireworks in the evening. Tuesday, Jime 7th, Women's and Children's Day, with public receptions at Academy of Music and court-house in the morning, School Parade in the afternoon, and grand illumination and choral concert in the evening. Wednesday, June 8th, public reception at the court-house in the morning and Firemen's Parade in the afternoon. Thursday, June gth, public reception at the court-house in the morning, and Industrial Parade in the afternoon. Friday, June loth, public reception at the court-house in the morning. Cavalcade and Corso and Bicycle Races in the afternoon, and Bicycle Flambeau Parade in the even- ing. Saturday, June nth. Regatta and Serenata on the Schuyl- kill river to conclude the festivities. This program was carried out in an admirable manner. Most of the stores, business places, fac- tories and dwellings in all parts of the city were beautifully decorated with the national flag and with bunting in national colors, and many places displayed also the city colors and city flag_ which had been adopted by the committee. The electric illumination of Penn street . was superb and its unique character contributed a great deal toward the success of the celebration ; and for the first time in public demonstrations on Penn street the people remained on the sidewalks. The decorations on both sides of Penn street, from Third to Eleventh streets, were particularly attractive. All the receptions, parades, concerts and exhibitions were successful beyond the expectations of everybody, and such orderly and appreciative throngs of people for six successive days on Penn street had never before been witnessed. A fire on Penn Square during the Firemen's Parade caused extraordinary excitement for sev- eral hours. Many thousands of persons were in the midst of admiring the brilliant display about 3 o'clock, but at the first tap of the fire alarm the general feeling of joy and congratulation was in- stantly turned to surprise and fear, the entire line of procession flew into indescribable disorder, and all the firemen with their apparatus rushed to Penn Square. The dense mass of humanity presented a most impressive sight, but notwithstanding the great congestion and confusion there the Volunteer Fire Department displayed remarkable efficiency in mastering the situation. The fire was at No. 518, where a cheap variety store was carried on, and the smoke and flames from that store-room were working their way rapidly into Kefifer's queens- ware store and Kline, Eppihimer & Co.'s dry- goods store, with indications of a costly conflagra- tion. Fortunately the air was calm and the depart- ment got control of the fire by 6 o'clock. The loss was about $60,000. The end of the long and im- posing procession had just reached Penn Square when the alarm sounded, so the multitudes on the sidewalks saw the greater part of it before it was abandoned. Many visiting friends and strangers were hos- pitably entertained by numerous families, and by associations of various kinds. Mr. and Mrs. George F. Baer displayed a remarkable spirit of liberality in wtelcoming and entertaining many distinguished visitors at their superb home "Hawthorne." The compiler of this history issued a compre- hensive volume of 300 pages as a suitable memento of the occasion, embracing a brief history of the city and its numerous industrial establishments, and a concise narrative of the Sesqui-Centennial, which^ was highly complimented by the executive committee and given a wide circulation. ^Tsigq'^gii^f^^f^gp?^^^^ "SSf^ ,.l:?A««^*: ^lLua*it rw'^SS.?? f ^pt.'iS.*' °]^TH A'^^e.4 ^*tg t,?,;r c»'* iSrfio'-^ e'i!^ f ^A--^s.«^S. t*'?i'^55wAi '-.^-^■i^ ■MIT I "^ '.-^'-cf Iv+'l V^ i^-1 f^!Lt«H.| ooO.-^i*60H| e*,™^^j;-„V ^ '■'^;,t^:5*»*•T'proH.:ei%,^|'=^^^ut2^UH,,.^ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF SESQUI CENTENNIAL OF READING HEAD OF CIVIC PARADE, SESQUI CENTENNIAL OF READING DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL PARADE, SESQUI CENTENNIAL OF READING 168 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA trip one way was made in a day, both by boat and by stage, that is, from morning till evening. This was accomphshed by changing the teams at fixed stations, from six to eight miles apart. Reading in 1840. — William Stable, a store- keeper, published a small book of 68 pages in 1841, relating to the business affairs of Reading as they 'existed in 1840. More than sixty different em- ployments were carried on at that time, and the manufacturing establishments numbered sixty-four. The enumeration, briefly stated, was as follows : EMPLOYMENTS 1 Artist 3 Locksmiths 7 Bakers 34 Mantua-makers 6 Barbers 13 Milliners 16 Blacksmiths 1 Millwright 1 Blind-maker 3 Painters (coach) 3 Boat-builders • 7 Painters (house) 17 Brick-layers 3 Painters (sign) 14 Butchers 3 Plasterers 8 Cabinet-makers 3 Plumbers 30 Carpenters 1 Pump-maker 4 Cigar-makers 1 Reed-maker 9 Clock-makers 4 Saddlers 6 Coach-makers 1 Scissors Grinder 6 Coach-trimmers 26 Shoemakers 1 Coffee-mill maker 2 Silver-platers 2 Coopers 5 Slop-shops 4 Coppersmiths 5 Stone-cutters .3 Curriers 3 Stone-masons 4 Dentists 34 Tailors 11 Doctors 5 Tallow-chandlers 3 Drovers 32 Tavern-keepers 4 Druggists 7 Tinsmiths 4 Dyers 4 Turners 2 Gunsmiths 13 Weavers 1 Horse Farrier 6 Wheelwrights 3 lewelers 1 White Sweep 25 Lawyers MANUFACTORIES 1 Auger Factory 1 Gun Barrel Factory 1 Blacking Varnish Factory 1 Iron and Nail Works 1 Brass Foundry 1 Iron Foundry 3 Breweries 1 Lime Kiln 9 Brick Kilns 3 Machine Shops 1 Brush Factory 1 Piano Factory 1 Coffee-Mill Factory 1 Rope Factory 1 Comb Factory 1 Saw Mill 1 Distillery 1 Stove Foundry 3 Farming Implement Shops 1 White and Morocco 8 Fur Hat Factories Tannery 2 Glue Factories 5 Windsor Chair Factories 2 Grist-mills 14 Wool Hat Factories PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND ENTERPRISES 3 Banks 7 Newspapers 2 Bridges 13 Private Schools 2 Canals 13 Public Schools 12 Churches 4 Public Libraries 5 Coal Yards 1 Railroad 6 Fire Companies 4 Store-houses 1 Greenhouse 89 Stores 4 Livery Stables 8 Sunday-schools 3 Lumber Yards 5 Vineyards 2 Market-houses 1 Waterworks 3 Military Companies 4 Wood and Coal Yards The foregoing list is not complete, for it is known that many men were engaged in other oc- cupations which contributed their share toward the enrichment and development of Reading, such as wool-hat-makers, boot and shoe makers, molders, machinists, chain-makers, nail-makers, potters, wheelwrights, distillers, brewers, rope-makers, and boat-builders. Development of Reading, 1/83-184/. — Be- tween 1783 and 1847 the energy of the people was constantly shown in various directions. In the course of local events, it appears prominent in patriotism, in religious zeal, and in business inter- course. The erection of churches by different de- nominations would seem to have been accompHshed mostly by first efforts; but the erection of bridges, turnpikes and canals required much perseverance under adverse circumstances, extending through many years. The growth of the population of Reading was sur- prising, especially considering it as an inland bor- ough. The stage-coach and turnpike contributed the greater proportion of this growth until 1835, and the canal and railroad from that time until 1847. Coal became the principal factor in this development after 1825. It was discovered about 1770, but it was not appreciated for heating purposes until after 1810, and for creating steam until after 1825. The first practical use of it in a stove at Reading is said to have been made in the Branch Bank about 1810. When the canal was opened for trans- portation from the coal regions in 1824, it began to be introduced in large quantities. Then factories were erected and they were operated by steam power. When the railroad was extended to Potts- ville in 1842, the influence of coal in accelerating the development of Reading was felt in a marked degree. Iron must also be mentioned in this con- nection. It was the great constituent in machinery for factories, shops and furnaces, and in a substan- tial track for the railroad. Coal, steam and iron were each necessary to complete the great combina- tion for power, despatch and economy, and they contributed largely to the rapid development of Reading from 1825 to 1850. This appears from the census enumeration, as follows : from 1820 to 1830, 35 per cent. ; from 1830 to 1840, 46.6 per cent, and from 1840 to 1850, 87.2 per cent. In 184/. — As near as it can be ascertained, Reading in 1847 contained 37 different kinds of industrial establishments ; also 130 mercantile houses for which county licenses were issued. The fol- lowing statement includes the names of the more prominent persons who carried on business here at that time: Bakeries : Henry Drum, John G. Eben, David Mitchell, Daniel Moyer. Blacksmith shops: John Drenkel, Aaron Getz, Peter D. Getz, Jacob Jones, Daniel Miller, Thomas Rambo, William Stoltz. Boat-yards: William Krick, Samuel & Adam Krauser. William Hiester, Savage & Call, Corbett & Stratton. Brczveries: Frederick Lauer, Nicholas Felix, John Borrell. Brick-yards : John Darrah, Adam Diehm, Thomas Diehm, John Hoff, Benjamin Fink, Jacob Geiger, Henry Graul, George S. Levan, William Yeager, Jacob Young. READING 169 Brush Factories: Benjamin Witman, Helms & German, William Sage. Cabinet Factories: John Bertolet, Henry Haberacker, Josiah Hearing, Henry Rhein. Daniel Spang. Candy Factories: P. K. & H. L. Miller, G. W. & A. M. Souders, Amos B. Yeager Carriage Factories: Ephraim Booth, Samuel Filbert, Jacob Hessler, Godfrey Simon, Isaiah Thomas. Chain Factory : Nicholas Rapp. Chair Factories: Owen Bitting, John Brown, Frederick Fox, James M. Lewis, Gustavus Leslie. Cigar Factories: John Beadencup, Charles Breneiser, J. & E. Eyrich, Franklin Frantz, J. M. & G. W. Hantsch, John Maltzberger. Clothing Shops: James Jameson, William McFarlan, George Newkirk. Comb Factory : Viven & Behm. Cooper Shops : Peter Barbey, Daniel Engel, Morton Righter, William Sands, Henry B. Shearer, Thomas Willson. Distilleries: Philip Bushong, Riah Gillson. Farming Implement Works: Adam Waid, Montgom- ery & Armstrong. Fire-Brick Works: William Wells. Glue Factories: Daniel Levan, Samuel Levan. Greenhouse : Michael Hauser. Grist-Mills: Frees & Kissinger (steam), George Smith (water). Hat Factories : Henry Brown, George Drenkel, Levi Hildebrand, Henry Henritze, John Kutz, John Lotz, Isaac W. Levan, Jacob Maurer, Adam' Rightmeier, Charles W. Ringgold, Jacob Sauerbier, M. & J. Siegel, John Yerger, William Yerger. Iron Works: Bertolette's Rolling Mill [Enterprise], Darling, Dotterer & Co.'s Machine Shop, Eckert's Fur- nace [Henry. Clay], Johnston's Foundry [Franklin], Phila- delphia & Reading R. R. Co. Shops, Sabbatin's Forge, Sey- fert, McManus & Co.'s Rolling Mill. Locksmith Shops: John Mellert, John Miller, George Heilman. Marble Works : John F. Moers, John T. Craig, Ferui- nand H. Strecker. Nail-makers: George Heilman, Frederick Heilman, Organ Factories: Daniel Bohler, John Schoener. Potteries: Asaph Shenf elder, William Wells. Rope Walks: Thomas Jackson, Stephen Orth. Saddleries: George Frees, Jacob H. Hain, Andrew Fichthorn, Henry Hahs, Gideon Weiser. Sawmills: Boas & Spangler, J. V. Craig, Foos & Bingaman. Shoe Factories: H. F. Felix & Co., Henry Fry, Jacob Goodhart, O'Brien & Foster. Silversmith Shops: Frederick Grotevent, Charles L. Heizmann, George Heller, Levan Mannerback, Otto Ralle. Soap and Candle Factories : John R. Klein, Albert Fischer. Tanneries: Henry Connard, Andrew, Charles & Wil- liam Fichthorn, Abraham Kerper, George Winters. . Tin- and Copper-smith Shops: F. & W. Bright, Jacob Long, Morris Pauli, Charles K. Snell, Daniel Smith. Turner Shops: Joseph Bitting, Charles Young. Wheelwright Shops : Jacob Goodman, Henry Goodman, Reuben Goodman. Weaving Shops: George Goodman, George Price, Philip Rush. The following must also be mentioned, because they contributed a great deal toward the prosper- ity of Reading: Banks: Farmers' Bank; Branch Bank of Pennsylvania. Builders: William Call, N. M. Eisenhower, George Foos, Benjamin Fink, John Fink, Jacob Fritz, William and Joseph Henry, William B. Hertzel, John and Frede- rick Printz, Solomon Spohn. Hotels : Herman Beard, Wm. Behm, John W. Burk- hart, John Darrah, Andrew Davis, Wm. L. deBourbon, Isaac Enis, Jacob Frill, George Gernant, Samuel Graul, Daniel Herr, John Mellon, John Messersmith, John Moyer, Michael Nunnemacher, Philip Orth, Peter Phil- lippi, Wm. Rapp, Solomon Spohn, Harry Weldy. Merchants: Philip Albright, John Allgaier, Marks John Biddle, Boas, Lott & Co., D. R. Clymer, William and Peter Coleman, Lewis Briner, Baum & Sands, Samuel Ermen- trout, Wm. Ermentrout, Fasig & Henry, Wm. S. Fisher, Fricker & Stout, John Green, Hoff & Bro., George Feather, Hart & Mayer, Johnson & Tejnplin, Keely & Kerper, Wm. & John Keim, Michael Kefler, Frank Miller, J. & C. M. Pearson, Alexander Peacock, Wm. Rhoads & Son, Francis Roland, Stichter & McKnight, John Ritter & Co., Seyfert & Miner, Frank B. Shalters, David R. Schultz, E. D. Smith, Weitzel & Bro., Philip Zieber. The following women were in business then, all con- ducting millinery establishments, and several includmg trimmings and notions : Mrs. Catharine Andrews, (Bar- bara) Babb & (Catharine) Wanner, Mrs. Rachel Boyer, Helen Dwight, Mrs. Amanda Heller, Mrs. Mary Marsh, Mrs. Hannah Phillippi, Catharine Price, Deborah Potts, Mrs. Elizabeth Reamer (Norton), Ellen Richards, Mrs. Red, Mrs. Runyeon, (Mrs. Susan) Rapp & (Mrs. Catha- rine) Harvey, Mrs. Harriet Smith (Kutz). Development since 1847. — By the foregoing de- tails it is apparent that the community then pos- sessed a remarkable spirit of enterprise, and that this spirit caused the development of Reading in its industrial, financial and social affairs. The es- tablishments were mostly small, and employed only several mechanics. The iron works, however, were large and afforded employment to a considerable number of hands, especially the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company shops, and the Seyfert, McManus & Company rolling-mill. The major part of their production was shipped away by railroad, canal, stage and private conveyances, more par- ticularly cigars, iron articles and wool hats. It would be very interesting to describe in detail the development of the industrial life at .Reading in its various channels until the present time, but the subject cannot be exhaustively treated here. The status at the beginning of 1909, sixty years after the incorporation of the city, is far beyond that of 1847. This will be made ap- parent by comparing the foregoing statement with the following. The improvement is truly wonder- ful, and the people of Reading can show a pardon- able pride in its manufacturing concerns, to which it is chiefly indebted for the great increase of its wealth and population. It must be stated in this connection that a sim- ilar improvement was made in the dry-goods estab- lishments. Some of them have grown into large department stores, notably Dives, Pomeroy & Stew- art, C. K. Whitner & Co., Kline, Eppihimer Sz: Co., J. Mould & Co., and Lord & Gage. The stores at Reading from 1760 to 1847 were practically what the department stores are today, the differ- ence being in the amount of stock carried. Then the value was from $5,000 to $50,000; now it is from $50,000 to $1,000,000. After 1847, as pop- ulation increased, many of them began to carry distinct lines of goods, and this has been continued until now. The department stores began here in 1876. iro HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA STATEMENT OF INDUSTRIES The following concise description of the numer- ous industrial enterprises at Reading, showing name and nature of business, date of founding, etc., will give the reader an idea of the great variety of articles manufactured. The compiler had hoped to supply particulars showing the ex- tent of the Jjusiness, persons employed, investments, etc., of the various establishments in existence at this time, whether large or small, but he found that the information could not be made complete, or reliable, and that changes in the firms and the business were constantly going on; therefore he confined his efforts to the prepairation of a simple statement. The list indicates truly that Reading has been and is a great industrial center. Its trad- ing relations extend to all parts of the world. Many of the important facts will be found in the sketches of the manufacturers which are includ- ed in the biographical part of this pubhcation. The iron industries have been described in a class by themselves, at the end of the alphabetical list. Abattoirs : Reading Abattoir Company, 1898, 60 to 75 men. Simon & Sherman, 1906, 3 to 4 men. Badges : Reading Ribbon Badge Company, 1896 ; 20 to 30 hands. Keystone Ribbon Badge Company, 1893 ; 8 to 10 hands. Bakeries, Bread, Pies, etc. (the more important, which employ several or more teams for deliver- ing their products). Joel A. Arnold William H. Behrle Alfred E. Brossman Mrs. Minnie Brusch Mrs. Lena C. Dallwig Charles H. DeHart Charles G. Fender Daniel H. Folmer Conrad Gantert Samuel A. J. Green Jacob B. Mertz William Moyer Andrew J. Muntz Harry Pappa John W. Pfautz John F. Rauch Conrad Schamburg Henry Schofer's Sons James A. Schofer Samuel Spadofora A. J. Howard & Andrew Daniel B. Spatz Christian Edwin C. Stahl Frederick K. Humrichouse John S. Stegmann Robert W. Kingkinger Edward F. Stoeber Frank C. Kclb Mrs. Kate R. Warfel John P. Luft Michael Wolicki Gottlieb Mayer Bakeries, Bretzels: Pennsylvania Brctzcl Company, 1900 (succeeded Lichtenthaeler Bretzel Company, which was started in 1860). /. T. Adams & Co., 1907 (succeeded Hendricks & Adams, which was started in 1893). Francis J. Baclnnan, 1884. Addison Geyer, 1885. Frank F Nistle, 1903. American Pretzel Company (William L. Schul- er), 1906. Bakeries, Crackers: A. Mitchell Est. (succeeded David Mitchell, who started in 1853). Reading Biscuit Company, 1903. Baskets : George S. Cook, 1905 (having succeeded his father, John Cook, 1852-1905). William L. Wunder, 1883. Bending Works : Anchor Bending Works, J. Harry and Charles E. Leippe, 1889 (succeeded father, 1880-89). Boats : John A. Hiester, since 1878. Previously, Samuel Krauser, David Ely, William Hiester (father of John), Peter Krick, Adam Waid, William Call, and Jerome Ringler, covering a per- iod of fifty years. Bookbinding: Edward Taenzer, 1889 (formerly Taenzer Broth- ers, and Engel Brothers, 1869-85). Heller Bindery, 1908 (succeeding Charles F. Heller, 1883-1904, and H. C. Wonnberger, 1894- 1907). Arnold's Commercial Book Shop (Augustus W. Arnold), 1907 (succeeding F. P. Heller, 1902-07). Previous binders, Isaac W. Harper (1835-74}; George Kesserling (1858-86). National Text Book Company, at Reading, Pa., was organized in 1909 for the purpose of binding books, manufacturing text-books and tablets of all kinds, and publishing magazines, and, when fully established, to include a printing department. In this behalf the company purchased the Connard Brass Foundry at Sixth and Chestnut streets and secured possession on June 1, 1909. The building was equipped with the latest machinery and opera- tions were started July 1st. Its trade will be ex- tended throughout the United States. The officers of the company are: President, Hon. L. S. Wal- ter, Mt. Carmel, Pa.; vice-president, J. B. Steiner, Reading, Pa.; secretary, W. W. Ridge, Centralia, Pa.; treasurer, Paul K. Leinbach, Reading, Pa. The directors are: Hon. Thomas P. Merritt, James B.. Renninger, F. B. Musser, G. L. Klein- ginna, Reading, Pa. ; Hon. E. M. Herbst, Oley, Pa. ; Hon. Leopold Fuerth, Honesdale, Pa.; J. V. Lesher, Esq., Sunbury, Pa.; E. J. Flynn, Esq., Centralia, Pa. ; James F. Carline, Mt. Carmel, Pa. ; Plarry W. Davis, Esq., Wilmington, Delaware. Bottling Works: /. Fett & Sons, 1887 (succeeding John Fehr, 1850-55, Herman Floto, 1855-64, Schick & Fett, 1864-87). Empire Bottling Works, 1898 (Herman J. Croes- sant, succeeding Fries & Croessant, 1882-98). Excelsior Bottling Company, 1894 (Thomas J. Fessler, succeeding Fessler & Dunkelberger) . Reading Bottling Works, 1906 (Reading Brew- ing Company). Irvin Hassler, 1908 (succeeding A. W. Fisher, 1887-1908). Union Bottling Works, 1902 (Walton A. Griese- mer). Mountain Spring Water Company, 1892 (John Lawrence, and his sons Edward and Richard). Mt. Laurel Spring Water Company, 1908. READING 171 Boxes, Cigar: A. Thalheimer Manufacturing Compmvy, 1903 (succeeding John Kaul, 1865-66, Frederick Brecht, 1866-68, Albert Thalheimer, 1868-95, A. Thalheim- er & Son, 1895-1903). E. R. Fichthorn Est., 1907 (succeeding E. R. Fichthom, 1878-1907). Lyman P. Kline, 1905 (succeeding Boyer & Heil- ig, 1866-1905). Old Honesty Ciga/r Box Company, 1907 (J. N. & C. W. Bucks) (succeeding Bellman Brothers, 1905-07). Boxes, Paper: Reading Ribbon Badge Company, 1896 (suc- ceeding Julius Webber, who manufactured ribbon badges etc. from 1853 to 1896). Standard Paper Box Company, 1894 (succeed- ing Albert Trate, 1875-94). William H. Engel, 1886. ■Reading Paper Box Company, 1893. Mt. Penn Paper Box Company, 1894 (Ephraim G. Wanner & Sons, since 1907). Excelsior Paper Box Company, 1908 (Charles C. Miller & Harry I. Steiger). Boxes, Packing Cases: Abner S. Deysher, 1894 (succeeding Jacob H. Deysher, 1860-88, and his vwidow, 1888-94). Leinbach Box Company, 1902. /. F. Kachline, 1904. ' Brass Works: Henry Connard Est., 1907-May, 1909 (succeed- ing Douglas & Connard, 1854-96, and Henry Con- nard, 1896-1907). Dick Brothers, 1901 (succeeding Miller & Buck- waiter, 1897-1901). Excdsior Brass Works, 1903 (succeeding Charles Dick & George A. Wicklein, who started in 1897). mine & Co., 1897 (J. W. Kline). Crescent Brass Manufacturing Company, 1904. Brass Foundries also carried on by P. & R. R. Company, Reading Hardware Company and Penn Hardware Company. Breweries : Lauer Brewing Company, 1883 (Frank P. Lauer) (succeeding George Lauer, 1826-35, and Frederick Lauer, 1835-83). Deppen Brewing Company, 1901 (succeeding N. A. Felix, 1847-79, and William P. Deppen, 1879- 1901). P. Barbey & Son, 1880 (John Barbey) (succeed- ing Peter Barbey, 1861-97). Reading Brewing Company, 1886. Schneider Brewing Works, 1907 (August Schnei- der) (succeeding Stocker &.Roehrich, 1891-1907). Brick, Fire: Reading Fire Brick Works, 1889 (succeeding William A. Wells & Isaac Bertolette, 1845-57, and McHose & Thompson, 1857-89) ; plant, Fifth and Canal streets. /' George J. Eckert manufactured fire-brick for many years on Canal street, near Bingaman. Brick, Building: The manufacture of building and paving brick was a prominent industry at Reading from the be- ginning of Reading until 1907, when the last brick kiln was abandoned. The manufacture is carried on prominently by parties residing in Reading, but the plants are situated in West Reading and ad- joining Wyomissing. Brooms : Shanaman Brothers, 1873 (Jacob, William F. and Walter Shanaman, the last having retired from firm in 1896). 5". E. Nies & Co., 1899 (Samuel E. Nies and David T. Schmehl). Henry H. Krouse manufactured brooms for many years, having started in 1840. Brushes : George Regenfuse, 1852. J. 0. Flatt & Co., 1895 (Joseph and George) (succeeding their father, Joseph O. Flatt, 1873- 95). Previous brush-makers were Benjamin Witman, Morris Helms, Peter Steinel, 1847-70, John E. Steinel, 1870-1905. BUGGYAUTS : In 1906 Charles E. Duryea became interested in the development of a horseless conveyance .which he named the "Buggyaut," a carriage propelled by gasoline. He established a place in 1908 on Cherry street, above Third, for assembling the several parts, which are made by different parties here and elsewhere, and then started filling orders. He employs 4 hands. Cabinet Works : In 1907 John Herb and Daniel Rhoads associated together as the Reading Cabinet Works for the pur- pose of manufacturing cabinets, show-cases, etc., having succeeded J. Howard Cutler, who had carried on the business for a number of years at No. 834 Court street. They employ 5 hands. The Neversink Planing Mill makes a specialty of supplying cabinets. Candy : /. 0. Roller, 1880; transferred to son May, 1909. Luden Candy Factory — In 1882, William H. Lu- den began modestly making candy for Christmas, with thirty pounds of sugar, at No. 37 North Fifth street, and he disposed of the result of his first ef- forts in his store. He continued there for ten years, gradually increasing his production, and then he was obliged to move into larger quarters, which he established in a four-story building on the northeast corner of Sixth and Washington streets. He em- ployed then 140 persons and worked up a carload of sugar weekly, and his trade came to extend through the Eastern, Middle and Southern States. By the year 1900 his trade had been developed to euch proportions that he was obliged to secure still larger quarters, and he accordingly located his plant on Eighth street beyond Walnut, where he erected a .four-story Ibrick structure, 165 feet front by 173 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 110 feet deep, dedicating the building in June, 1900, and taking possession shortly afterward. And there, too, his business has been increasing from year to year until he has come to employ from 400 to 500 hands. During the summer of 1909 he erected a four-story brick addition to the south end, 60 by 110 feet, making the plant altogether 325 feet front by 110 feet deep. He manufactures all kinds of candies in very large quantities, which are shipped throughout the United States. For several years he has made a specialty of "Luden's Menthol Cough Drops," which have become very popular, the an- nual sales amounting to 5,000,000 5-cent packages. Mr. Luden has endeared himself very much to all his employes by his kindness and generosity. Annually he provides an outing for them at his own expense, which is highly appreciated. John M. Fries, 1888. Reading Confectionery Company, 1893. W. G. Mollis, 1893-1905, and since by estate, tate. Numerous other parties manufacture candy, but in a limited way. Carpets : Charles Pf'lugfelter, 1883 (succeeding his father, John Pflugfelter, 1855-97). Joseph A. Boyer, 1883. Charles J. Smith, 1887. Carpets made are entirely of rags. Ingrain car- pets were also made for some time but discontin- ued. Carriages and Wagons: W^etherhold Brothers, 1891 (William and George) (succeeding father, William H. Wether- hold, 1862-91). Biehl Carriage and Wagon Works, 1903 (suc- ceeding George W. Biehl, 1877-1903). G. H. Smith & Son, 1902. Keystone Vehicle Company. — ^The Keystone Ve- hicle Company was incorporated May 4, 1909, with a capital of $75,000, for the manufacture of wagons and automobile bodies, as successor of the Keystone Wagon Works, which had carried on a large busi- ness at Reading since 1890, extending to all parts of the United States. It secured the established plant along the Lebanon Valley railroad at Third street, consisting of a four-story brick structure, 200 by 325 feet, equipped with first-class modern machinery. Operations were started immediately and employment was given to 100 hands. The an- nual wages will amount to $50,000, and the product to $300,000. The officers of the company are : Ed- ward C. Nolan, president; G. Stanley Hendel, sec- retary ; John L. Coxe, treasurer and manager. Tobias K. Shenk followed general contracting at Reading for eight years, and in 1903 embarked in the business of manufacturing heavy and light wagons and carriages, including rubber tires, at No. 1139 Moss street, and has continued until the present time, employing from 6 to 10 hands. David L. Rehcr (engaged in local express and storage) started in this business at Buttonwood ■and Cedar streets in 1905 and has since carried it on successfully with 7 to 10 hands, according to the demands of his trade. Celluloid Signs: The General Advertising Company was incorpor- ated in the year 1900, with a capital of $15,000, by a number of Reading capitalists, for the purpose of establishing a plant at Reading for the manufacture of steel enameloid signs of a general description. The company carried on business successfully at several places in the city, and in October, 1907, erected a superior four-story brick structure, 30 by 100 feet, at Fourth and Franklin streets, v/here they have developed a very large trade, almost wholly engaged in manufacturing steel celluloid signs for paint manufacturers, and for railroads, which are sold throughout the United States. The plant employs 25 hands. It is the only one of the kind at Reading. The officers of the company are: Walter S. Hamaker, president; How- ard J. Potts, secretary-treasurer. Cement Paving: R. L. Wilson & Co. Dominic Maiirer (succeeding Engelbert & Wag- onblast) . Franklin Walters. Reading Cement & Paving Company (Hover- ter & Hartman). Weller Brothers (Frederick W. and Ephraim). Cement paving began at Reading about 1876. The first large pavements were put down at the Boys' High School in 1883, and the Post-Office building in 1887. Cement blocks began to be made at Reading in 1904 by Weller Brothers. Chewing Gum : The Kola-Chemical Company was incorporated in the year 1903 with a capital of $30,000, for the manufacture of chewing gum at Reading, and since then has manufactured "Richardson's Kola Chew- ing Gum" in large quantities, employing 25 hands. Its quarters are located in the Luden Candy Fac- tory. The officers of the company are: William H. Luden, president; Miss M. M. Boas, treasurer; and A. N. Bodey, secretary. Cigars : The manufacture of cigars at Reading bega,n about 1800, and the prominent manufacturers un- til the Civil wlar were James Morris, John Ey- rich, Samuel Eyrich, Isaac James, J. & E. Eyrich, Philip Albright, John Maltzberger, J. & G. W. Hantsch, Charles Breneiser and William Hartman. In 1908 there were over one hundred factories at Reading and each of the following parties made annually upward of five hundred thousand: H. G. Burky Dibert Bros. (Samuel D.) Otto Eisenlohr & Bro. Fleck Cigar Company F. Ganter Julius G. Hansen P. Hilderbrand Heymann Sons Haller & Whiteraft Industrial Cigar Mfg. Co. E. E. Kahler Cigar Co. George W. Lehr N. & N. Cigar Co. A. R. Orth Penn Cigar Co. H. H. Roland John H. Riegel Charles Ream Rush Mfg. Co. M. Steppacher J. G. Spatz & Co. J. W. Sheridan & Co. READING 17a W. W. Stewart & Son Yocum Bros. Valentine Wiilk Ehiring 1908 the number of cigars manufactured in the Reading district exceeded 120,000,000; and the revenue paid wjas $361,873 ; and the revenue paid on manufactured tobacco was $14,783. Clothing : /. P- Sellers & Co., successors of James Jameson, 1844. Leinbach & Bro., 1865 (Joseph and George), who were succeeded by Joseph and Charles H. Leinbach. Reading Pants Manufacturing Company (Solo- mon Hirschland), 1895. A%ert J. Brumhach, 1895. There are numerous custom tailors who make suits to order; also upward of two hundred dress- makers who are constantly engaged in making women's and girls' dresses, employing from sev- eral hands to ten and even twenty. Large dress- making departments are carried on successfully by C. K. Whitner & Co., KUne, Eppihimer & Co., and Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, in connection with their stores. Cotton Factory: In the year 1849, certain capitalists at Read- ing organized a company for the manufacture of muslin and i^ 1851 erected a large plant 68 by 274 feet on a block of ground, at Ninth and Cotton streets, which has continued in operation almost constantly until the present time. In 1886 it was enlarged to 360 feet. Gamer & Co., of New York, have operated it since 1860 in a very successful manner, in connection with other plants. They have employed nearly 300 persons, and paid out annually in wages upward of $75,000, evidencing the important character of this enterprise to Read- ing. Ellis L. Castor has been the manager of this large plant since 1900. His predecessor from 1884 to 1900 was Jonathan Smith; and from 1857 to 1884 the manager was John Gragg. From 1872 to 1900, Mr. Castor served as clerk under the man- agers named. Cotton Goods, Hosiery: The following list embraces the active manu- facturers of hosiery at Reading: Reading Knitting Mills, 1883. Nolde & Horst Company, 1888, very large. William J. Bobst, 1891. George W. Hawk & Co., 1896. Harry Hahn, 1896. Penn Knitting Mills, 1896. Kuersten & Rick, 1896. S. S. Miller, 1898. /. H. Loose, 1898. W. H. Lando, 1898. Hampden Knitting Mills Company, 1899. East Penn Hosiery Company, 1899. George Guenther, 1900. ■ Hv R. Epler & Son, 1901. Hawk Knitting Company, 1901. Consolidated Knitting & Spinning Mills, 1901. Albert Weber, 1901, formerly of L. Weber & Co., and Weber & Hahn. Charles L. Oaks, 1904. Metropolitan Knittinz Mills. 1904. Rick Hosiery Company, 1905. A. W. WoKnger Company, 1905. Colonial Hosiery Mills, 1906. Central Knitting Mills Company, 1907. Reading Knitting Mill. — Hosiery, both cotton and woolen, was commonly made by hand by many females at Reading, and sold to the stores. Great quantities were made elsewhere, brought here and sold at retail in the stores. By the year 1876, the custom of wearing home-made stockings was al- most entirely abandoned. In 1883, the first factory was established at Read- ing for the manufacture of hosiery by machinery, and after passing through several hands, the plant in 1885 became the property of I. C. Hunsicker & Co., who traded as the Reading Knitting Mills, and were the first firm to employ upward of a hundred hands and produce daily. about 500 dozen. In 1891 they erected a fine large plant, incareased their hands to 250 and their daily product to 800 dozen daily; which evidences the growth of this, new enter-prise at Reading. In 1896, J. Gaenzle & Co. became the successors, and in 1898 Charles E. Leippe secured an interest in the business, when the name was changed to Gaenzle & Leippe. In 1905 Charles T. Davies succeeded Gaenzle and the firm became Leippe & Davies, but trading under the same name. In December, 1907, Mr. Leippe became the sole owner, and he has since operated the plant very successfully, employing 150 hands. Noldc-Horst Hosiery Mill. — Jacob Nolde and George D. Horst began to manufacture hosiery on the third floor of the Thalheimer Power building on Cedar street, south of Walnut, in 1888, with 25 hands. Their annual product amounted to $30,000. In 1890, they built a brick factory on Cedar street beyond Walnut, and there continued the business, in connection with a plant which they carried on at Eighth and Spring streets, until 1892, when they took possession of a four-story brick building on Moss beyond Douglass, which they erected. In 1896 they enlarged the building by adding two wings; and in 1897 they became incorporated as The Nolde & Horst Company, with a capital of $250,000. In December, 1899, the entire plant was destroy- ed by fire, but it was rebuilt immediately on the same site, much improved, with slow-burning con- struction, fire walls, sprinkler equipment, stair- towers, etc. These stair-towers at the north and south end of the large structure are the first of the kind introduced at Reading and they afford ab- solutely safe exits in case of fire. In 1906 they added the Ninth Street Mill, which practically doubled their plant. They are now the largest hosiery manufacturers in the eastern sec- tion of the country, if not in the entire country. They produce annually 1,000,000 dozen pairs of hose and half-hose, worth $2,000,000, and employ 1,500 peo- ple. Their annual pay-roll is $600,000. Their pro- 174 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA duct is sold in all parts of the United States, but none of it is exported. The officers are: Jacob Nolde, president ; George D. Horst, secretary- treas- urer; John D. Horst, superintendent. Cotton Goods, Underwear: Elijah S. Amnion, 1893. Lewis Rothermel, 1898. Lewis & Schultz Manufacturing Company, 1907 ; running another factory at Tremont. Reading Underzvear Company, 1906 (succeeding C. E. Smith, W. W. Moyer and R. T. Brown, who started in 1902) ; have another factory at Ephrata. Mt. Penn Underwear Company, 1905 (Levi M. Miller & James M. Stoudt). Eclipse Knitting Company, 1906. Dreisel & Ripka, 1907. Creameries: Peter Zacharias, 1905 (succeeding Spang & Zacharias, 1893-1905). Keystone Creamery, 1902 (William M. and Charles D. Toole) (succeeding Joseph Stauffer, 1893-97, and A. S. Clouser, 1897-1902). Dye Works : Nevcrsink Dyeing Company, 1906 (succeeding Nathan S. Althouse and Jam'es H. Knoll, 1894- 1906). Liberty Dye Works, 1898 (Elias Schulz and son Edward). Reading Dyeing Company, 1907. There was a prominent dyer at Reading for a number of years before and after the Civil war, named Sebastian Boehnlein. Electro-Plating : Franklin Specialty Company carried on electro- plating, nickel-plating and the manufacture of spe- cialties from 1901 to 1909, when Charles Engel- meyer became the proprietor of the plant. He em- ploys from 10 to 15 hands. Express and Transfer Companies : Albright Express. — Soon after the opening of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, Philip Al- bright established an express line for the delivery of goods and merchandise, and he continued in the business until 1872. • For a long time he had an ex- press car attached to the passenger trains, which enabled him to despatch shipments to Philadelphia and delivery at Reading. Express Companies. — The Howard Express was the first company to locate at Reading, having es- tablished an office here in 1849 and continued until 1870; the Central conducted an office here from 1870 to 1880; and the Adams from 1880 to the present time. The P. & R. R. Co. started in 1872 and continued until 1889, when the business was transferred to the United States Ejcpress Company. Local Express. — Edwin C. Hiester embarked in the local express business at Reading in 1861 for delivering baggage and freight and for transferring passengers. The latter was discontinued in 1888, when the Union Transfer Company was started expressly for this branch of the business. The former was continued until 1900, when Maurice E. Roeder became the successor, and Mr. Roeder has carried on the business until the present time, em- ploying 11 teams. A number of other persons engaged in this busi- ness, the important lines being: H. A. Brown, 1873, with 12 teams. O. B. Caller, 1873, with 8 teams. C. W. Haas, 1885, with 6 teams. John Greth, 1892, with 3 teams. D. L. Reber, 1895, with 12 teams. Leibelsperger & Walborn, 1904, with 4 teams. Ambrose Dougherty, 1907, with 3 teams. Union Transfer Company. — In 1888, the P. & R. R. Co. began the business of transferring baggage and travelers at Reading with C. A. Dougherty as manager, and in 1889 cabs were added to the sys- tem. In 1893 the business was sold to the Union Transfer Company, which was conducting similar systems at Philadelphia, Pottsville, Atlantic City, and other places. In 1896, this company erected a large stable at Court and Cedar streets, costing $25,000. The company employs 20 nien, 25 horses, 4 cabs, 2 coaches and 2 baggage wlagons. Mr. Dougherty died in 1902 and his son acted as man- ager until 1907, when Michael C. Quinn became his successor. Reading Taxicab Co. — The automobile having demonstrated its great utility in the matter of loco- motion with increasing success at Reading since its introduction in 1891, and a car called the "taxicab" having come to be made since then to answer the purposes of cab service in and about Reading, Harry O. Koller organized the Reading Taxicab Company with a capital of $20,000 on Dec. 17, 1908, which introduced six fine taxicabs, and these imme- diately came into general demand on account of their quick, neat and satisfactory service. Fire Apparatus : William A. Wunder, 1883 (succeeding Spawn & Dennison, 1880-83). Fixtures, Bar, Bank, Store and Office: Loper Brothers (Joseph and Franklin), 1901. Schrader & Kline also provide all kinds on orders. Fixtures, Gas and Electric : Embree & Goodman, 1906 (succeeding Egid Thoma) . Flour-mills: Aaron Yocum Sons & Co., successors of Aaron Yocum, established 1870. Werts Milling Company (Edward S. Wertz), 1898. Three prominent mills were operated along the canal for many years after it was opened for traffic : Krick's (on North River street), Benson's (at foot of Penn street) and Packer's (at foot of Binga- man street) ; and there w^re two old mills opposite Reading at the mouth of Wyomissing creek, and one at the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek (con- verted into a paper-mill). READING 175 Galvanizing : A. Lincoln Frame, who started in the foundry business in 1903, trading under the name of the Gray Iron Foundry Company, added a galvanizing department to his works in 1907, and has since em- ployed 12 men in this branch of work. It is the only individual enterprise of this kind at Reading (galvanizing by the Reading Hardware Works, the Penn Hardware Works and the P. & R. R. Works being done for their own specialties) . Gloves : The Reading Glove and Mitten Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1899 for the manu- facture of silk gloves, and its large plant has been carried on successfully at Tenth and Spruce streets vintil the present time, employing 60 to 100 hands. E'. Richard Meinig & Co. was organized in 1905 for the manufacture of silk gloves, became incor- porated in 1907 and employs from 500 to 700 hands. Its large plant is located on North Front street, be- yond the Lebanon Valley railroad. Greenhouses": Steckler Brothers (B. Franklin and Leo), 1907 (succeeding- their grandfather, Michael Hauser, who started in 1840 and continued until 1873, when he was followed by his son Francis and his son-in- law D. H. Steckler). Hu J. Huessman, 1901 (succeeding John C. Hep- ler, 1875-1901). G. H. Hoskin Company, 1905 (succeeding Hos- kin & Giles, 1875-1905). John H. Giles, 1905 (having been associated with G. H. Hoskin from 1875 to 1905). G. W. Beears, 1890. /. C. Bander, 1903. Alexander Burnett was prominently engaged in the business at Reading from 1850 to 1880. Grocers' Bags: The Hercules Paper Bag Company was organ- ized in 1891 and incorporated in 1906, for the man- ufacture of grocers' bags, w^hich are produced jn great quantities and shipped to all parts of the country. Harness : The manufacture of harness has always been con- nected with the saddlery shops of Reading. In 1909, there were 5 shops carried on actively: H. Luther Frees, with 6 hands (succeeding his father and they together carried on the place for upward of sixty years) ; Samuel Hartman, with 2 hands ; Reading Harness Company, with 4 hands; Joseph H. Lutz, and /. A. Tice. Horse-Collars : Horse-collars were made in connection with sad- dlery at Reading from the beginning. Gideon Wei- ser was engaged at it before the city was estab- lished in 1847 and he was succeeded by an em- ployee, Samuel Donahower, who carried on the business for many years. Upon his decease, his widow continued the business with an employee, L. Kantner, trading as Donahower & Co., and they traded until her death, in 1905. Kantner then purchased the business and he has carried it on since with a saddlery. George Frees carried on the business from 1848 for upward of twenty years, when he was succeeded by his son Luther, who has since continued at it. Nathaniel Gery was engaged at it for many years until 1870. He was succeeded by Christian Grun- der, and Grander by John M. Kantner. Samuel Hartman, Joseph Lutz and Adam Oese have also followed it for thirty years. Hats and Caps : The manufacture of wool and fur hats at Read- ing is the oldest prominent local industry, starting with the beginning of the town. They were hand- made until 1853, when machinery was introduced. Fur Hats. — In 1860 John Hendel and brother George engaged in the manufacture of wool hats, at Adamstown, and continued there until 1864, when they located in Exeter township, near Black Bear. They carried on the business there four years, when they located at Reading. In 1871 they purchased the Wyomissing woolen-mill at Fifth and Willow streets and operated a large and im- proved plant until 1895, when they were succeeded lay John Hendel' s Sons (Daniel, Edwin and Harri- son). In 1897 they started making fur hats. They carried on the business in a very successful manner as John Hendel's Sons until 1907, when Harrison was killed in the Honda wreck in Cali- fornia, and his interest was purchased by his brothers, who have continued the business until the present time. They employ from 400 to 500 hands, depending upon the condition of the trade. Charles W. Hendel started making -fur hats on South Third street in 1889 and has continued a large plant until the present time. Reading Hat Manufacturing Company was in- corporated in 1905 for the manufacture of stiff fur hats at Reading and has been in the business since, employing about 100 hands. This plant is the successor of G.' W. Alexander & Co. ^t Twelfth and Muhlenberg streets. Wool Hats. — The manufacture of wool hats has been continued without interruption from the be- ginning of Reading. /. G. Mohn &■ Bros, started in 1,871 and have continued until the present time, employing about 300 hands and being one of the largest plants of the kind in Pennsylvania. John R. Miller and brother Henry began at Read- ing in 1879 and continued until 1905, when John R. retired. Since then the business has been car- 176 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ried on as Henry R. Miller & Co., with about 200 hands. C. F. Kessler began in 1876, and for upward of thirty years has carried on the plant successfully under the name of C. F. Kessler & Sons (William and George, who were admitted as partners), em- ploying from 70 to 100 hands. Hendel Hat Company is composed of George Hendel and sons, John and William, and Har- man Haigh; organized in 1901 for the manufacture of wool hats. They employ from 125 to 150 hands, having succeeded Wetherhold & Co. Previously W. H. Reinoehl & Co. had carried on the plant for twenty years. Caps.— The Reading Hat & Cap Company has been engaged in making cloth hats and caps since 1897, employing from 10 to 20 hands. Hat Blocks: In 1888 Matthias C. Sigmund engaged in the manufacture of hat blocks of all kinds and has continued until the present time. He employs 6 hands. Hooks and Eyes: John W. Granger, who was employed at Phila- delphia for twenty years in the manufacture of hooks and eyes, located at Reading in 1908 and incorporated a company for their manufacture, be- sides other metal goods, with a capital of $30,000, which started a plant in January, 1909. Hands employed, from 25 to 30. The officers are John W. Granger, president; J. B. Kaighn, vice-presi- dent; F. A. Von Boynebergk, treasurer; and John Farrington, secretary. Ice and Cold Storage: The business of supplying natural ice at Reading by the construction of a dam, erection of an ice- house and the cutting and storing of ice in the winter, was begun by Abraham Vivens before 1840 and he carried it on successfully for many years. William I. Clous was also active in it for a long while before 1885. The dams were within the city limits. Since then numerous persons have come to engage in the business, but they secure their sup- plies elsewhere. The Mt. Penn Ice Company is extensively en- gaged in supplying natural ice which is secured and stored in Cumru township. Artificial ice was first made at Reading in 1892 by the Reading Cold Storage Company, which erected a large plant capable of producing sixty tons daily, and of storing 100 cars of materials, such as apples, eggs, butter, etc., and has operated it since very successfully. Other plants were es- tablished subsequently and carried on for a time. Its use is becoming more general annually on ac- count of its recognized purity. The brewing companies' have also equipped their plants with machinery for producing artificial ice in great quantities for their own use, and also for certain private customers according to demand. Ice-cream : Ice-cream was made in limited quantities in the early history of Reading. For forty years before 1876, Alfred M. Souders and his brother George were' active and successful in this business, besides making different kinds of candies and chocolates. During the past thirty years the following persons have been prominently identified with its manufac- ture in large quantities throughout the year, more especially in the summer season: /. R. Sharman (succeeded by A. M. Kershner), C. M. Groff, John M. Fries, J. 0. Roller, D. E. Houck and Isaac Barrett. Jewelry : The jewelers at Reading always manufactured various articles, but almost entirely to order, and they were mostly dealers. After members of dif- ferent secret societies began to make frequent de- mands for badges, charms and emblems of various designs, the business of manufacturing them was established. Thomas W. Sweney was the first to engage in it extensively, having started about 1865, and continued it for forty years. Charles G. Willson engaged in the business for himself in 1887, being the successor of his brother Thomas A. Willson, who started in 1868. He man- ufactures many articles to order and employs 6 hands. G. A. Schlechter has been in the business since 1870, and, besides conducting a large jewelry busi- ness, carries on manufacturing quite extensively, more especially of badges and charms for secret societies, which are forwarded to all parts of the country. Anderson' Jewelry Company was started in 1903 by L. D. Anderson and J. H. Snyder for manufac- turing jewelry of various kinds, but mostly badges, charms, rings, pins, wire-work, etc., and they em- ploy from 12 to 18 hands. They are successors of C. T. Anderson, father of Mr. Anderson, who be- gan at Reading in 1886. Upward of thirty persons are engaged in the jewelry business as dealers, and they manufacture articles to order. Ladies' Garments: In 1903, the Great Eastern Manufacturing Com- pany started manufacturing ladies' garments, of various kinds, consisting of wrappers, skirts, dress- ing sacques and kimonos, and since then has pro- duced large quantities which have been shipped to all parts of the country. The factory is situated at Sixth and Washington streets and employs from 30 to 50 hands; in brisk times over 100. The officers of the company are: D. E. Houck, presi- dent; J. W. Weidner, secretary-treasurer; and Mrs. M. E. Braungart, superintendent. Laundries : General laundry work was started at Reading in 1875, and the first Chinaman came here about 1880. The first steam laundry was started in 1879 by Joseph W. Auchenbach. READING 177 Excelsior Laundry was started in 1884 by Charles E. Witman and his brother Morgan, and it has been continued by different owners until the pres- ent time; by William F. Wilkinson since 1899, and he employs 35 haiids. Penn Troy Laundry, by William Y. and Frederick Schmucker in 1893, and continued till now, employ- ing 48 hands. Snow-Flake Laundry, by John W. H. Harpst in 1896 and operated since with 15 to 30 hands. City Laundry was carried on by Wesley K. Loose from 1897 to 1900, when P. G. Patton became the owner "and has operated it since with 14 hands. Modd Laundry, by Frank C. Stringer since 1897, employing 5 hands. Gem Laundry, by Frank M. Heffner until his death in 1908, when he was succeeded by his son Harry. He employs 12 hands. A. S. Templin carried on a laundry from 1903 to February, 19,09, when he was succeeded by Wil- liam Knabb, who continues the business with 6 hands. His laundry is called the "Bee Hive." People's Laundry, by Lewis O. Davis in 1905, and he employs from 7 to 10 hands. Snow White Laundry, by H. G. Ellis in 1908, and he employs 10 hands. Reading Overall Supply Company was organized by John B. Bowers in 1903 and operated since, for washing overalls, with 3 to 5 hands. Four Chinamen are also engaged in the business. Leather : The tannery business was prominent in Reading for over one hundred years, with plants in different parts of the place, but then it began to decline until the tanning by bark passed away entirely. Ferdinand Goetz Sons Co. — This plant was started by Ferdinand Winter and Anthony Blatz in 1869 and operated by them until 1875 ; then Ferdinand Goetz took the place of Blatz, and the business was carried on by Winter & Goetz in a very successful manner until the decease of Goetz, in 1904, when the partnership business was set- tled by the retirement of Winter, and the sons of Goetz (Frederick W. and Karl) and his son- in-law, W. C. Billman, organized the firm of Fer- dinand Goetz Sons Co. and have since carried on the business very extensively, employing 75 hands. They prepare cow, calf and sheep skins, using the alum process. It is the only industry of the kind now at Reading. Leather Goods: The Reading Saddle Manufacturing Company was organized by Daniel F. Printz and incor- porated in the year 1900, for the manufac- ture of leather goods, consisting of bicycle saddles, school bags and cases, lunch boxes, etc. The plant is situated at Nos. 316-320 Maple street, and in its different departments (including hardware spe- cialties) employs 60 hands. It has been very suc- cessful and its several lines of goods are shipped to all parts of the country. The officers of the com- 13 pany are : Daniel F. Printz, president ; Samuel H. Fulmer, treasurer; and Miller M. Deam, secretary and manager. Malt: The manufacture of malt was carried on quite extensively at Reading for about forty years by different parties, having been started in 1863 by Frederick Schuldt and Moses K. Graeff. P. Barbey & Son, brewers, began in 1885 manu- facturing malt for their own consumption and have carried on this department of their extensive plant until the present time. Mantels : The marble mantel business was started at Read- ing by Daniel Miller about 1865, he having been engaged in the marble business at Fourth and Washington streets for some years; and about 1875 Henry C. Geissler and Thomas Watt em- barked in the business of supplying slate -mantels, which they carried on for a number of years un- til the decease of Watt. Geissler then established the Penn Tile and Mantel Company with his sons as partners and they have developed a large trade, which extends to all parts of the country. About twenty years ago wooden mantels began to be introduced and then gradually took the place of marble and slate mantels. They are manufactured almost entirely in the West. . Marble, Granite and Sandstone Works: p. F. Eisenbrown Sons &• Co\ — In 1875, P. F. Eisenbrown located at Reading, started a Marble and Granite Works and carried on the business until 1889, when he formed a partnership with his sons. The firm name has been continued until the present time. The works were located at Sixth and Elm streets until 1906, when they were re- moved to Muhlenberg township, along the P. & R. railroad, a short distance north of Reading. This firm is extensively engaged in preparing granite work of all kinds and its trade extends throughout Berks and the surrounding counties. They employ from 50 to 60 men. They still re- tain their yard in Reading. Ernst Epp embarked in this business in 1891, and has been actively engaged in it until the pres- ent time. He employs from 25 to 30 hands. Spangier Brothers, from Kutztown, located in Reading in 1908, having purchased the marble yard of F. F. Bressler after his decease. • . John F. Moers and his son Frederick were en- gaged in the marble business on Penn street, above Second, for upward of one hundred years, more especially relating to cemetery work. Herman Strecker and his father were also identified with this business in a prominent manner for seventy years, the former having been distinguished as a designer and sculptor of rare talents. One of his most notable pieces of work is "Christ on the Cross" (also called the "Crucifixion") in Charles Evans cemetery. Flagstone. — Jacob Mayer has been engaged at Reading, putting down flagstone pavement, since 178 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1890, securing the stones from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania; also concrete and cement work. He employs from 10 to 30 hands. Sandstone work for building operations was common before 1890; but since then it has not been popular, being used only in a limited way. Mattresses : In 1896, Frederick G. Hodges came from Wil- mington, Del., and located at Reading for the manufacture of mattresses and springs for beds. He has carried on the business successfully until the present time, and now employs 16 hands. Metallic Cornices: The manufacture of metallic cornice and orna- mental work for churches, public buildings and dwellings was started at Reading by William T. Hain and A. J. Geissinger in 18'72 at No. 824 Court street. -In 1873, Hain became the sole owner of the business and he has carried it on since at the same place. His work is forwarded to all parts of Pennsylvania. He employs from 3 to 5 hands. William B. Y eager started in 1886 and has con- tinued till now, employing from 6 to 10 hands. Daniel H. Sohl started in 1895, and employs 12 hands. He is also engaged in manufacturing sheet- metal specialties for automobiles, etc. Paints : Aaron Wilhelm began the manufacture of paint at Easton, Pa., in 1857, and continued the business there until 1871, when he removed to Reading. His brother William H. was then as- sociated with him under the name of A. Wilhelm & Bro., and they continued the business until 1878, when William H. retired and Walter S. Davis was admitted in his stead. From that time the firm traded as A. Wilhelm & Co. In 1889 Aaron Wil- helm died and a company was incorporated under the name of "The A. Wilhelm Co.," of which Charles W. Wilhelm became president and Walter S. Davis secretary and treasurer, they serving these positions until the present time. They manu- facture paints of every description and ship them to all parts of the country through distributing houses at Boston, Baltimore, Buffalo and Pitts- burg. The establishment was situated on Poplar street beyond Walnut until 1902, and until then was the largest paint enterprise in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia. In 1902 it was removed to Exeter street, in Reading, and there it has con- tinued in active and successful operation until the present time. The average number of hands em- ployed is 75. B. Frank Ruth was employed in the Wilhelm works from 1873 to 1884, when he organized a company for the manufacture of paints of all kinds, fillers for wood and iron, varnishes, japans, putty, etc., consisting of himself, C. Edward Hecht and Edward Scull. They traded as B. F. Ruth & Co. and established a mill at No. 229 South Eighth street. They carried on the business until 1894, when the mill was removed to No. 210 South Eighth street, where larger facilities were provided and Mr. Ruth became the sole owner. His produc- tions are forwarded to all parts of the United States. He has continued there until the present time, em- ploying from 5 to 10 hands. In 1887 F. H[. Morgan, after being in the employ of the Wilhelm works for some years, began the manufacture of paints in a limited way with James Ruth as a partner, on Court street above Second, and in 1890 William G. Moore became associated with them. They located the works at Eleventh and Muhlenberg streets and carried on the same exten- sively. In 1896 H. H. Jackson and Jenkin Hill be- came the purchasers when Mr. Morgan established a place for himself at No. 122 Wood street, where he has continued until the present time, employing several hands. Pants Factories: In the year 1885, Solomon Hirshland and Isaac Samuel started a pants factory, trading as the Reading Pants Manufacturing Company, and carried it on until 1891, when Hirshland became the sole owner. In 1896 he located at No. 533 Penn Square and has continued there until now. He does a large and successful business and employs from 25 to 30 hands. In 1895, Albert J. Brumbach established a fine three-story brick factory at Fourteenth and Muhl- enberg streets for the manufacture of pants out of his own woolen cloths produced at the St. Law- rence Mills in Exeter township. He employs 100 hands. In 1904, J. G. Leinbach & Co. also began the manufacture of pants and vests from their own cloths, which they produced at the Reading Woolen Mills, and they have since produced great quan- tities, employing about 80 hands. Paper : The Reading Paper Mills is a corporation organized in 1886 with a capital of $300,000, for the purpose of operating three superior mills in the manufacture of fine book and plate paper. The following sketch embraces the important facts of the three establishments : Penn Street Mill. — In 1841 Philip Bushong, a prominent and successful distiller, moved from Reamstown to Reading, purchased a large brick building at the foot of Court street on the west side of Front (which had been occupied for several years previously as a machine shop) and converted it into a distillery. He carried on the business of dis- tilling whiskey there until 1865, when he substi- tuted the manufacture of paper, equipping the building with the necessary machinery for that pur- pose. He died in 1868. The mill was then carried on for several years by his son George and his son-in-law Alexander Jacobs for the estate, and afterward by his sons Jacob and Henry until 1887, when it was sold to the corporation named. Packerack Mill.— In 1838 Asa Packer and Rob- ert W. Packer purchased a large lot of ground at READING 179 the foot of Bingaman street adjoining the Schuylkill canal from Daniel Seiders, a boat-builder, and erected thereon a large warehouse for storing mer- chandise in connection with operating boats on the canal. In 1863 the premises were sold to George R. Frill, who then converted the building into a large gristmill, and he and Solomon Brubaker car- ried on the milling business until 1873, when it was sold to Jacob Bushong, Henry Bushong and George B. Connard, and changed into a paper-mill. This mill was then operated by Mr. Connard for some years, and afterward by him, Christopher Loeser and James Symington, trading as the Read- ing Paper Company until 1882, when George F. Baer became the owner; and after the organiza- tion of the Reading Paper Mills, it was conveyed to the corporation. The building was enlarged and improved and subsequently an addition was built to it to supply a department for coating paper. Tulpehocken Mill. — Samuel Bell owned and op- erated a gristmill at the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek, in Bern township, for a number of years, and subsequently until 1866 it was known as the Kissinger Mill. Then Benjamin F. Schwartz and William H. Schwartz became the owners. They converted it into a paper-mill, and carried on the manufacture of paper for two years. George W. ■Bushong then purchased the mill and operated it successfully until 1876, producing a superior grade of paper which had a wide reputation and came to be known in the market as the "Bushong Paper." The mill was afterward operated by different par- ties until 1883, when George F. Baer became the owner, and in 1887 he conveyed it with the two mills mentioned to the Reading Paper Mills. The three mills 'have been operated by the cor- poration named very successfully until now, the Penn Street Mill producing fine book and plate papers; the Packerack Mill, book and coated pa- pers; and the Tulpehocken Mill, manila paper ex- clusively. The product of the first two mills has been disposed of principally to publishers and lith- ographers in the United States for fine book work; and of the last in the United States and England for making sandpaper. Hands employed number 300, with James M'. Miller as the general manager. The ofBcers of the company are: George F. Baer, president; James N. Mohr, vice-president; Charles A. Bushong, treasurer; and Heber Y. Yost, sec- retary. Pattern Works: In 1900, Howard F. Hawk started trading un- der the name of Reading Pattern Works for the manufacture of a,ll kinds of patterns. He employs 3 hands. In 1908, Henry Adams and William Betz began trading as the Mt. Penn Pattern Works and they employ 2 hands. They are successors of Daniel Madlem, who started at Reading in 1874 and con- tinued until his decease in 1906. In 1906, J. 5". Creitz established a pattern works for supplying patterns of all kinds for machinery. automobiles and ornamental work. He employs 5 hands. Robert McLean started trading as the Ideal Pat- tern Works in 1905. He employs 3 hands. Picture Frames and Gilding: Godfrey Graeff, a German, came to Reading m 1858, and carried on the business of gilding and manufacturing picture-frames of all kinds at No. 635 Penn street until 1871, when he was succeeded by Francis Woerner, and Mr. Woerner remained at the same stand until 1893, when he located at No. 33 North Fifth street, where he continued actively and successfully engaged in the business until his decease in 1903. His son Oscar L. Woern- er succeeded him and he has carried on the busi- ness successfully until the present time. He made several displays of paintings by local artists, which attracted much favorable attention and his enter- prise in this behalf was highly appreciated. He employs from 5 to 7 hands. Reinhard Rieger learned this business under Mr. Woerner and continued with him from 1874 to 1879, when he went to Philadelphia to learn more about it. In 1883, he returned to Reading and be- gan business for himself on Sixth street below Penn, where he continued with increasing success until 1900, when he .removed to No. 5 North Fifth street, where he has continued until the present time. He employs 4 hands. Jarius W. Ziegler started in the business in 1900, and he employs from 3 to 5 hands. Planing Mills: In the year 1869, George Gasser, Sr., came to Reading from Myerstown, established a plan- ing-mill at Ninth and Green streets, and car- ried it on successfully until his, decease in 1887, having traded under the name of Northeastern Planing Mill. It was afterward carried on by dif- ferent parties until 1903 when the Northeastern Planing Mill Company became the owner and it has since operated the plant in a successful man- ner, with 45 to 50 hands. John L. Rhoads has been the president, treasurer and manager of the company, and Daniel C. Roth the secretary. From 1835 to 1855, William B. Hertzel was a prominent builder at Reading and he tihen estab- lished a planing-mill which was operated by him successfully until 1873. It was afterward run by different parties until 1893, when the F. Shunk Planing Mill Company became the owner, and it w^s operated by this company until 1903, when it was succeeded by tJhe Penn Planing Mill Company, which has carried on the plant until the present time, employing about 65 hands. The ofidcers of the company are: Harry Shunk, president; Con- rad B. High, 'secretary-treasurer. In 1874, a planing-mill was established on Spruce street below Third by Eisenhower, Fink & Co., and operated by them until 1877, when the firm name was changed to Fink & Co. ; it was op- erated by this company until 1894, and afterward by different parties until 1901, when it came into 180 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the possession of the Sheeder Planing Mill Com- pany, with Benjamin F. Sheeder as president, which has carried on the plant since in a success- ful manner, employing 15 hands. The Neversink Planing Mill Company, Ltd. (Frederick Hendricks, Joseph H. Wade and John H. Bechtel as partners), was organized in 1901 for carrying on a planing-mill along the Lebanon Val- ley railroad at Gordon street, and has since oper- ated the plant successfully, with 30 and 40 hands employed. This mill is equipped for cabinet work as well as general mill work, which is a specialty. Ropes, Cords, and Twines: The first ropewalk conducted at Reading was established there in the year 1829 by Thomas Jackson, an EngHshman, along the southerly side of the Schuylkill canal between the Lancaster bridge and Jackson's lock. He then employed 5 hands and manufactured all kinds of ropes and twines. By 1850 he had developed his plant so as to employ from 15 to 30 hands. The superinten- dent of the Schuylkill canal, Samuel Griscom, pat- ronized him extensively, whereby he came to make nearly all the ropes for the company and for per- sonal owners of boats. In 1850 the large freshet swept away his factory, and he located on First Hockley lane, between Eighth and Ninth streets (now beyond Greenwich street), transferring the plant from the extreme southern end of the city to the then extreme north- ern end. He erected a large two-story building and continued to manufacture ropes and twines by hand-spinning. About 1862 his business in- creased very much and he then introduced machin- ery, increasing the employes to 25. His ropewalk was built to the length of 1,450 feet. In 1875 his son Flenry H. was admitted as a partner, and from that time the business was conducted under the name of Thomas Jackson & Son. The senior partner died in 1878, when the entire plant became the property of Henry H. Jackson, but the firm name was continued. The business has been carried on very successfully until now. The works comprise three mills, and employ 150 hands. The productions are fine manila, sisal and jute ropes and cordage, twines and packing yarns of different kinds, which are forwarded to all parts of the United States. This ropewalk has been the only establishment of its kind carried on at Reading. Other persons were engaged in the business of manufacturing ropes, cords and twines at different times, in a lim- ited way, but it was previous to 1860. William H. German has been connected with this plant as the chief clerk since 1890. Rubber Stamps and Stencils : In 1873, Francis H. Paff began making rubber stamps, stencil work of all kinds, police badges and corporation seals ; and in 1882 he located his shop at No. 60 South Seventh street, where he has continued since, manufacturing the articles named on orders. Rugs: F. S. Kelley started manufacturing rugs out of rags in 1907, at Reading, and has continued until now, employing 4 hands. Sand and Spalls: For a period of upward of forty years sand has been removed from the base of Mt. Penn, near the extension of Buttonwood street, and the parties who engaged in the business of supplying sand from that vicinity for building purposes were Anthony Brown and WilHam Sweimler; and the son of the former is still engaged in the business. Mr. Sweimler was succeeded by John Roth, and Gallagher & Brisse, and since 1904 by Gallagher- Brothers (John and James), who employ from 12 to 15 hands and remove annually about 7,000 tons- of superior sand for all purposes, with the aid of a crusher. James Gallagher has been doing business there also since 1905 as the Construction Supply Com- pany in supplying sand and spalls. He employs- from 10 to 15 hands. George L. Kestner, Jr., has operated a sand works- adjoining, for upward of ten years, employing sev- eral hands and a crusher. He has named his place "Alsando." Haak Crusher. — Michael Haak owned a tract of land on the northern declivity of Mt. Neversink and there he opened a place in 1850 for supplying gravel and building sand. Operations were carried on in a Hmited manner until 1895, when the heirs of Mr, Haak with George E. Haak as manager put up a crusher plant, and since then they have supplied large quantities of sand for buildings and concrete paving, also large quantities of sienna paint. Sewer Pipe: E. S. Fox & Co. manufacture large quantities of sewer pipe at their Terra Cotta Works since 1870. Shirts : The manufacture of men's and boys' shirts at Reading was begun by Samuel L. McCulloch about 1872, and he carried on the business for a number of years; and during that time it was carried on also by William Laramy. Nathan N. Sprecher began making shirts ex- tensively in 1886, and he continued until 1890, when he was succeeded by John G. JMcGowan. In 1895 he established a large gents' furnishing store in the Y. M. C. A. building. No. 630 Penn street, and he continued there until his decease in 1907, when he was succeeded by his brother, J. Wallace R. McGowan, who then incorporated The John G. McGowan Company to continue the busi- ness, including the manufacture of shirts. The company employs 5 hands in this department. In 1880, James S. Brusstar and Albert C. Weile engaged in the business and after trading together for a year Mr. Brusstar became the sole owner. He then operated the factory until Jan. 1, 1898, when his brother, George M. 'Brusstar, and Henry READING 181 M. Rettew were admitted as partners. Since then they have traded as James S. Brusstar & Co. The firm soHcits orders for custom shirts of all kinds in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, in which a large trade has been established. They •employ 50 hands. Albert L. Smith came from Trenton in 1882 and located at Reading, opening a gents' furnishing store at No. 431 Penn Square. In 1887, he began the manufacture of men's and boys' shirts, which he continued until his decease in 1904, when he was succeeded by his son, who has since carried on the business, employing 5 hands. 6". Liebovits and his two sons located at Reading in February, 1909, for the manufacture of men's and boys' shirts, and on April 1st established a factory on the third floor of the P. & R. R. Co. shop at Seventh and Chestnut streets, where they "have become extensive manufacturers, employing upward of 150 hands. They are interested in num- erous factories of this kind, the largest being at Reading, Pottstown, Myerstown and New York City. In March, 1908, George H. Kaufman and Charles H. Wesley began trading a^ Reading Shirt Com- J>any, for the manufacture of men's and boys' shirts ■of all kinds, made out of woolens, percales and madras. They employ from 40 to 50 hands and their factory is located at Seventh and Bingaman -Streets. In October, 1908, S. K. Cohn and I. Sattenstein began to trade as Wide-awake Shirt Company, for the manufacture of men's and boys' shirts. They •employ from 30 to 50 hands. Isaac M. Fidler started in 1889 at No. 1043 But- tonwood street, and has continued until the pres- ent time, employing from 10 to 12 hands. .Shoes : Curtis & Jones Co. — Frederick W. Curtis and Frederick S. Jones came to -Reading and embarked in the wholesale and retail shoe business in the old Academy Building on Penn Square and continued for three years when they sold out the retail depart- ment and started the manufacture of infants' and ■children's shoes at No. 527 Penn Square, occupying the second, third, and fourth floors of the building, in connection with the wholesale business. They remained there until 1883, when they removed their plant to the Felix Building, northwest corner of Fifth street and Penn Square. They then employed 25 hands and produced 500 pairs daily. In the year 1889 they erected a substantial four- story brick factory at Fifth and Court streets which they supplied with the latest improved machinery to meet the demands of their rap- idly increasing business, and they then employed 175 hands a:nd produced 3,000 pairs daily. In 1902, upon the incorporation of the company, the plant was removed to a much larger and more improved :building at Nos. 724-732 North Eighth street. where this great enterprise has continued until the present time, with increasing success. The employes have come to number 700 and the daily product has been increased to 10,000 pairs of infants', children's and misses' Goodyear-Turn shoes, which are shipped to all parts of the country. The officers of the company are: Frederick W. Curtis, presi- dent; Frederick S. Jones, secretary-treasurer; and Clement H. Quinn, manager. Penn Shoe Company was incorporated in 1902 for the manufacture of infants' shoes. Its plant is located at No. 320 Maple street, and employs 100 hands. It has been operated very sucessfully, and its goods are shipped to all parts of the world. The officers are Daniel F. Printz, president and manager; Samuel H. Fulmer, treasurer. In 1906, Charles W. Sharman and George A. Raab, trading as the Crescent Shoe Company, be- gan the manufacture of children's shoes at No. 222 Pearl street, and have continued until now, employ- ing about 50 hands. There are numerous boot and shoe makers at Reading, numbering upward of 150, who manu- facture for customers in a limited way, but their attention is chiefly directed to repairing. Silk: Grimshaw Mill. — In the year 1887 John, George and David Grimshaw, trading as Grimshaw Broth- ers, came from Paterson, N. J., for the purpose of establishing a silk-mill at Reading and operating it in connection with their large plant at that place, if properly encouraged in their proposed enter- prise. In this behalf, a number of public-spirited citizens organized an association and secured sub- scriptions, amounting to $65,000. The building committee comprised Henry Eppihimer, George D. Stitzel, Lewis Kremp, Jerome L. Boyer and William Rosenthal, who purchased a half-block of ground at Eleventh and Marion streets and erected a superior three-story brick structure 50 by 250 feet and leased it for a term of years, with an option of purchase, to the Grimshaw Brothers, who then equipped it with machinery for the man- ufacture of silk, costing about $75,000. They carried on the mill successfully until Jan. 1, 1908, producing large quantities of dress goods, linings, thrown silk, and yarns, which were shipped to New York. Then they became an in- corporated body, trading under the name of Grim- shaw Brothers Company, and the plant was trans- ferred to this company which has since operated it, employing from 300 to 400 hands, mostly girls. The officials of the company are: John Grimshaw, president; David H. Grimshaw, treasurer; and George Grimshaw, secretary. On Jan. 9, 1889, the building was blown down by a tornado, the most destructive storm that ever visited Reading. The mill was in full operation at the time. Many of the hands escaped, but 17 were killed and over 100 injured. A public meet- 183 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVAJSIIA ing of citizens assembled in the Court-House on Jan. 10th for supplying aid to the suffering fam- ilies, and altogether $12,000 was received from the people of Reading and elsewhere, which was judi- ciously distributed by a committee appointed for that purpose. In 1905, Charles Steiner and William H. Talcott associated together as the Steiner & Talcott Silk Company, for the manufacture of broad silks, 3G inches wide, in all colors, and have since carried on the business at Nos. 234-240 Moss street, employ- ing 85 hands. Slate Sinks: Martin R. Hoch has manufactured slate sinks for dwellings since 1894, and employs 3 hands. His trade is mostly local. Slate mantels constituted a prominent industry for thirty years until about 1900 ; then they became too costly and the business was discontinued. Soap: In 1883, Franklin K. Miller began making fulling, laundry, scouring and toilet soap, and also wash- ing powders for local customers. His factory was established on Eighteenth street, near Perkiomen avenue, and there it has continued until the present time. He employs 4 hands and produces annually about 400 tons. Spectacles : In the year 1871 Thomas A. Willson erected a three-story brick factory for the manufacture of spectacles and equipped it with machinery es- pecially designed by him. He began operations in 1872 and then established the only place in the world at which were made all the parts that consti- tuted a complete pair of spectacles. The sand for the lenses was ;obtained at Berkshire, Mass., and the steel wire for the frame was also obtained mostly in Massachusetts. The lens was tinted. All kinds of spectacles were made and a large business was developed that ex- tended throughout the world. In 1885 employment was giyen to 240 persons, and the average daily production was 3,800 pairs. The several machines were manufactured in the factory under Mr. Will- son's direction and they are perfect specimens of superior workmanship. Owing to the great compe- tition in trade, the manufacture of lenses was dis- continued in 1886, and these are now imported from Europe in great quantities, of which a large stock is kept constantly on hand. Now the factory is devoted entirely to the manufacture of low-priced and medium grades of spectacles and this factory and that of the Pennsylvania Optical Company, also at Reading, are the only ones in the United States which produce exclusively the cheaper grades of steel spectacles and eye-glasses. The daily production is 10,000 pairs, arid the average number of hands employed is 200. The proprie- tor's son, Frederick Willson, has been manager since 1893. There are only eight other factories in the United States, but their product is mostly gold and silver frames. In 1886 William W. Essick started making chea.p spectacles and eye-glasses at his home on Third street, near Franklin, and continued there until 1901, when he moved into a large factory which he established at No. 125 South Fifth street. He enlarged this plant in 1906. He now employs 120 hands, manufactures daily nearly 1,000 dozen, in- cluding goggles, and ships his productions to all parts of the world. He has been trading from the beginning under the name of Pennsylvania Op- tical Company. Spice and Roasting Mills : George W. Moyer came from Easton, and in 1872 associated with John McKnight for the manufac- ture of spices of all kinds. In 1878 Mr. Moyer started for himself and carried on the business until his decease in 1889, when the mill at Rose and Elm streets was purchased by Kurtz & Mayers, whole- sale grocers, by whom it has been operated since. Employees, 4; monthly product, 30 tons, which is shipped to all parts of Pennsylvania. Large quanti- ties of coffee also are roasted in the establishment. In 1861 Francis X. Blessing and John Shoemaker began roasting coffee on Carpenter street near Spruce. In 1870 they removed to No. 311 Chestnut street, and shortly afterward Mr. Shoemaker -died. Mr. Blessing then became the sole owner and he carried on the business until his death in 1902, when his son Henry succeeded him, carrying on business as the Reading Steam Coffee and Spice Mills. He employs 3 or 4 hands and roasts 1,500 pounds of coffee and peanuts weekly, which are dis- posed of in Reading and different paSs of Pennsyl- vania. Augustus C. Kleinschmidt was engaged in this business at No. 27 Peach street for many yeairs, until his decease in 1904, when he was succeeded by his son Charles, and the son and son-in-law, Irvin Schick, have carried on the establishment since under the name of Kleinschmidt &■ Schick. George Becker has also carried on the roasting of coffee and peanuts for some time, but in a lim- ited manner. Stained-Glass Works : J. M. Kase, trading as /. M'. Kasc & Co., began making stained-glass work in 1885 at No. 511 Washington street, and has continued there. He designs and manufactures memorial windows for churches and artistic work for private residences, which he puts up in different parts of Pennsylvania. He employs 20 hands. Stove Lining: The Terra Cotta Works of E. S. Fox & Co. pro- duce stove lining at their plant in large quantities. Terra Cotta : Fo.r Works. — John Lotz carried on a hat factory at the foot of Franklin street from 1800 to 1824; READING 183 then Riah Gillson purchased the property and con- verted the building into a general store for the pur- pose of supplying boatmen with groceries, provis- ions, etc. It was continued as a store for about forty years. In 1868 Eli. S. Fox, Walter K. Hagy and William Keely, trading as Fox, Hagy & Co., established a terra cotta works on the premises. In 1870 Hagy and Keely sold their interests in the business, and George K. Whitner became a partner, the firm trading as E. S. Fox & Co. Eli S. Fox died in 1890, and his sons, William, Benjamin F. and Eli W., succeeded him. In 1896 the interests of Mr. Whitner and the son William were pur- chased by Benjamin. The firm manufactures all kinds of terra cotta ware, especially stove lining, sewer pipe and vases, which are shipped to all parts of the United States, and they employ from 35 to 30 hands. Tobacco : The following persons are engaged at Reading in manufacturing shorts for chewing and smoking tobacco : Breneiser Brothers, trading as the Atlas Tobacco Company. George W. Green, trading as the Reading Tobac- co Manufacturing Company. Morris Goldman. Hantsch & Rhein. George W. Lehr. George Maltzberger. Walter Orth, trading as the Pompey Manufac- turing Company. Charlies Shirk & Company. Trunks : Joseph J. Weightman started making trunks at Reading in 1888 and continued for twenty years. His son Burt E. started for himself on Jan. 1, 1906. Besides making trunks of various kinds to order, he also manufactures suit cases. Umbrellas : Leopold Hirsch located at Reading about 1847 and manufactured umbrellas until 1860, when he removed to Philadelphia. In 1869, August Rolland, a Frenchman, came to Reading and embarked in the business and it was continued successfully by him, and afterward by his wife until her decease in 1902, when their sons Augustus and Charles carried it on together until 1905, when they separated and established places of their own. Augustus I. Rolland is located at No. 722 Penn street and makes a specialty of a "brass- tip" umbrella, employing several hands. Charles L. Rolland is at No. 631 Penn street and makes a specialty of a "silver-tip" umbrella, employing 5 hands to meet the demands of his trade. Wall-Paper : In 1905, a plant was established at Reading in one of the large buildings of the P. & R. R. Co. at Seventh and Chestnut streets, for the pur- pose of manufacturing a medium grade of wall- paper by a number of enterprising gentlemen who organized a company which was incorporated under the name of Sun Wall Paper Manufacturing Company. J. W. Screven has been the manager of the plant. A large and successful business has been developed which extends throughout the coun- try. Washing Machines: In 1894, James H. Knoll and Nathan S. Alt- house, associating together as Knoll & Althouse, designed and patented an improved washing-ma- chine which they called the "Queen", and until 1906 made large quantities of them, when Mr. Knoll became the sole owner and he has since carried on the business. He employs 7 hands. In 1899, Augustus G. Christman designed and secured a patent for the "Royal" washing-machine, and large numbers of them' have been made and sold throughout the country. He died in. July, 1908, and since then his son H. Herbert Christ- man has conducted the business for the estate. The Reading Manufacturing Company was in- corporated in 1904 for the manufacture of wash- ing-machines and since then has manufactured them in large quantities, known as the "Lehigh," "Five Arrow," "Big Five" and the "Reading Motor." The manager of the plant is James A. Kalbach, and the president of the company Paul K. Leinbach. The company employs 13 hands. In 1907, Daniel F. Printz designed and patented an improved washing-machine called the "Printz," which is manufactured in large quantities at the Reading Wood Pulley Works. Window Ventilators: In the month of December, 1908, Wil- liam G. Hintz, William E. Althouse, and Howard B. Heath associated together under the name of Hintz & Althouse for the purpose of manufacturing win- dow ventilators out of wood and metal, after a spe- cial desigft of their own, and since then have manu- factured large quantities of them at No. '640 Cherry street. They employ 3 hands. Wood Pulley Works : In the year 1893, the Reading Wood Pulley Company was incorporated and its factory was established at No. 247 Poplar street. In 1899, the plant was removed to Eleventh and Muh- lenberg streets, where it has continued until the present time, manufacturing all sizes of wood pulleys, which have been shipped throughout the United States and foreign countries. The hands employed number 75. The officers of the com- pany are: Daniel F. Printz, president; Samuel H. Fulmer, treasurer; and Henry J. Glaser, manager. Woolen Goods: Robert M. Shouse, of Easton, Pennsylvania, came to Reading in 1859, and began the manu- facture of gingham' and shirting check. Some months afterward, his enterprise was destroyed by fire. He then selected a lot on Fourth street beyond Elm as a suitable location and erected a 184 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA two-story stone factory with basement, where he resumed the manufacture of the articles mentioned, and continued the same until 1864, when he con- verted it into a woolen-mill for manufacturing jeans, plaids, and doe-skin cloths. Jonathan G. Leinbach became the manager and in 1867 he was made a partner, the firm trading under the name of R. M. Shouse & Co. They employed 50 hands, and their annual production amounted to $100,000, which was shipped to commission houses at New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The firm con- tinued operations until 1875, when Mr. Leinbach became the sole owner. Shortly afterward he formed a co-partnership with Aaron S. Leinbach and William F. P. Davis, who traded as J. G. Lein- bach & Co. In 1880 John Shadel became a part- ner. In 1887 Rev. Mr. Davis died and his interest was purchased by Mr. Leinbach. In 1889, the senior member gave an interest in the business to his three brothers, Daniel, Albert and Mahlon; and in 1894, appreciating the long- continued fidelity of certain of the older employes who had worked in the mill from twenty to thirty years, he also gave them an interest. In 1896 Aaron S. Leinbach died, and the surviving partners (Leinbach and Shadel) purchased his interest. After the firm had organized in 1875, improve- ments were made to the plant, additional ground was purchased, and new machinery was introduced from time to time. In 1880, the manufacture of jeans was discontinued. The volume of business increased steadily, and with it the number of hands. The plant is equipped with the best machinery, including four self-acting spinning machines with 1,508 spindles, and a 100-horse-power Corliss en- gine. The enterprise has been named the Reading Woolen Mill, and the manufactured cloths are so known in the market, having a superior reputation. This is the only enterprise at Reading in which the older and more experienced hands have been per- mitted to share in the profits of the business. The generosity of the senior member has been appreci- ated and it has resulted in mutual benefits, as well to the firm as to the recipients. In 1904, the company introduced the manufacture of pants and vests from their owns cloths, and has since been very successful. In all the departments of this enterprise, the employes number from 180 to 200. The officers of the company are : J. G. Leinbach, president ; A. Ellsworth Leinbach, treasurer; Samuel W. Reiff, secretary. Department Stores. — The dry-goods merchants at Reading continued to handle distinct lines of merchandise in their respective stores until about the "Centennial" year; then the most enterprising proprietors began to add different lines of goods in order to satisfy the demands of their increasing trade. Kline, Eppihivicr & Co. — In 1862, Amos K. Kline and Henry Eppihimer engaged in the general dry-goods business at No. 523 Penn Square. Jer- ome L. Boyer was a partner from 1865 to 1869 and Calvin K. Whitner from 1869 to 1877. In 1888 they enlarged their store, adding the greater part of the adjoining building on the west, four stories in height, and then it became a recognized depart- ment store. In 1892, they re-organized the firm by admitting William W. Khne ( son of the senior partner), Richard Lenhart and Franklin Rieser as partners, and thence they traded as Kline, Eppi- himer & Co. In 1905, they made another enlargement of their store by taking in the adjoining building to the west (excepting the first floor), which gave them superior accommodations for their rapidly increas- ing trade. At first the store employed 5 hands ; in 1900, over 100, and in 1909, upward of 200; which shows the development of their business. Their trade extends throughout Berks and the sur- rounding counties. C. K. Whitner & Co. — Calvin K. Whitner began his business career in 1861, in Oley township, Berks county, not far from the place of his birth, when he entered the country store of Jacob S. Spang & Son at Spangsville. He remained there as a clerk until 1865, when he went to Friedens- burg and with Edwin S. Bear as a partner, trad- ing as Whitner & Bear, carried on a store for two years. He then removed to Reading and was em- ployed as bookkeeper with Kline, Eppihimer & Co. for a short time, when he became a partner. After continuing in this firm until 1877, he started a dry- goods store for himself at No. 432 Penn Square, with six employes. By the year 1883, his trade had increased so much that he was obliged to obtain larger quarters, and in that behalf he removed to the commodious store building at Nos. 442-444 Penn Square. In 1887, his son Harry became a partner and the store was enlarged to iwice its previous capacity. The firm traded as C. K. Whitner & Son until the son's decease in December, 1890. In 1891, Mr. Whitner added other fines of goods and he made his place a department store; and by way of anticipating additional facilities for his growing business, he purchased two properties on the west, Nos. 438 and 440. In 1896, a faithful employe for many years, John A. Britton, was admitted' as a partner, and the firm name was changed to C. K. Whitner & Co.; and Jan. 1, 1907, Mr. Whitner's son-in-law, John Rick, became a partner. In April, 1898, the adjoining buildings, Nos. 438-440, were attached to the store as an annex, and an interior direct connection was made, evidencing the con- tinuous growth of the firm's trade. In 1909 they employed 175 hands and upward, and the stock comprises many lines of goods generally carried in a large department store. Their patrons come from all points in the Schuylkill, Lebanon and East- Penn Valleys. /. Mould & Co.^ln 1872, Jonathan Mould re- moved from Newburgh, N. Y., to Reading, and opened a general dry-goods store, which came READING 185 to be popularly known as the "Bee Hive." He then employed ten hands and did an annual business •of $40,000. As his trade increased he made several changes in location for enlarged accommodations. In 1887 his brother-in-law, George H. Bell, became a partner and the business was thence carried on under the name of J. Mould & Co. In 1892 the firm erected a large four-story brick building at Nos. 647-649 Penn street and made it a department store to supply all kinds of articles, such as dry goods, notions, laces, furnishings, chinaware, jewel- ry, etc., and placed each department in charge of a competent manager. Shortly afterward, they added a wholesale departnient, and set apart the third and fourth floors of the building for this branch of their business. They have several travel- ing salesmen on the road, supplying many orders to merchants in Berks and the surrounding coun- ties. The employes number 100 hands and up- ward. Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart. — Josiah Dives, •George M. Pomeroy and John Stewart came from Hartford, Conn., in 1876 and began a general dry- goods business at No. 533 Penn Square, trading as Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart. Their establishment was known as "The Globe Store." In several years they removed to Nos. 443-444 Penn Square, and the store at that place also becoming too small in a short time they secured the premises at Nos. •606-612 Penn street in 1882 and established a large store there. From that time, owing to increasing trade, they have made enlargements in the various -departments of the building, more especially in 1901, when they secured the adjoining premises to the corner at Sixth street and erected a large seven- story building as an extension. They employ 550 hands. Lord & Gage. — Charles Lord and R. B. Gage of New York City, trading as Lord & Gage (incor- porated), located at Reading in 1908, for the pur- pose of conducting a large and progressive depart- Tnent store in connection with a syndicate of high- grade stores, now numbering twenty-nine, which ■extend from New York City to Tacoma, State of Washington, and they established a superior place -of business at Nos. 432-426 Penn Square, in a commodious four-story brick structure whose di- mensions are 60 feet wide and 330 feet deep, with a superficial area of 65,000 square feet. The store was opened to the public in November with a full line of goods in twenty-fouT departments, and im- mediately attracted great public attention, and though here less than a year has nevertheless de- veloped a large volume of business. The appur- tenances of the store are of a superior order, the rosewood show-cases and the mahogany shelving costing $50,000. The store employs 350 hands and upward. Mr. Gage (the president of the corpora- tion) is general manager of this store, having moved with his family to Reading and made the city his place of residence. Iron Industries. — The industries at Reading en- gaged in the manufacture of iron articles before 1836 consisted entirely of blacksmith shops and they were limited in extent, like those we see still in the country districts to-day, employing at most several hands ; but the introduction of the railroad stimulat- ed iron works of various kinds. More and more from that time every year and for the past fifty years they have been the most prominent in the industrial life of Reading and have exceeded the other establish- ments in furnishing constant employment to the greatest number of working-people. The P. & R. R. Company works and the Reading Iron Com- pany . works started "practically together in the de- velopment of Reading and they are properly placed at the beginning of the description of the iron in- dustries. P. & R. R. Co. Works. — The extensive works of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at Reading deserve special mention at the head of this part of the chapter detailing the industrial affairs of the city, on account of their continued existence here for the past seventy years, the large number of men constantly employed, and the im- mense amount of wages paid. The construction of the railway in 1836 immediately stimulated enterprises of various kinds, arid caused large sums of money to be invested in manufacturing concerns. On that account not only capital but many mechan- ics concentrated here, and buildings multiplied rap- idly to answer the demands of the increasing popu- lation. The first large shop was erected in 1838 on the half-block on the west side of Seventh street be- tween Franklin and Chestnut streets, where it has continued until now, and each decade found the company with additional facilities for the manu- facture and repair of engines and cars, and for the. handling of freight not only in the vicinity of Sev- enth and Chestnut streets, but on both sides of the railroad, extending beyond Walnut street for nearly two miles. The total income to a large number of working-people of Reading from this source since 1836, exceeds $60,000,000, and it can be stated that a great proportion of the substantial growth of Reading in buildings, stores, factories, churches and schools is directly attributable to the company's disbursements here. The possessions of the company at Reading are valued at an enormous sum; from which it is ap- parent that a considerable part of its receipts was also expended here in making large permanent im- provements of the most substantial character. The principal office of the company at Reading is sit- uated in the main railroad station at the conjunc- tion of its several, branches with the main line, and this has come to be the territorial center of the city. The aggregate number of hands employed in the offices and shops and on the railroads at Reading in December, 1908, was near 3,000 ; and the monthly wages exceeded $125,000, or a total for the year exceeding $1,500,000. 18G HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The present locomotive shops were built during 1901 and 1902, and their capacity was almost dou- bled during 1905 and 1906. At the passenger station there were 2,452 trains during December, 1897, which carried 66,650 pas- sengers to and from Reading; at the freight depots there were 4,193 trains which moved 167,700 cars ; and the aggregate tonnage directly affecting local interests at the several freight depots was 127,000. The following statistics are supplied in this con- nection for the year 1897 to give the reader an idea of the wonderful extent of the business done by the company at Reading : — Passenger trains, 27,000 ; passengers carried, 800,000; freight trains over 50,000; freight cars moved, over 2,000,000; ton- nage, 1,500,000 ; excursion passengers, 80,338. In 1908, these figures were exceeded. Most of its mechanics in the several departments have been recognized during the last forty years, here and elsewhere, for their skill and efficiency ; indeed so widespread has their reputation become that a statement in applying for work that they served their apprenticeship with the company, worked in its shops, operated an engine, or con- ducted a train, has been regarded as a sufficient recommendation. This can also be said of its clerks, many of whom have begun as messenger boys, and risen to the highest positions of different departments. A considerable number of its em- ployes have been in continuous service for thirty and forty, even fifty years. This feature of the history of the company is particularly noteworthy. Reading Iron Company: — The Reading Iron Com- pany was organized Aug. 12, 1889, and purchased from the assignee of the Reading Iron Works its various plants, consisting of the Tube Works, Reading Rolling Mill, Scott Foundry, Sheet Mill and Steam Forge, nearly all of which have since been rehabilitated, enlarged in scope, and vastly improved in equipment. The Keystone Furnace was acquired in 1889, and the Crumwold Furnace at Emaus in 1895. The Oley Street RoUing Mills were built iii 1896 and the Ninth Street Rolling Mill (formerly the P. & R. Rail Mill) was added in 1896, and re- modeled in 1899 and 1902. The Montour Rolling Mills at Danville (built in 1845, and where, in October of that year, the first T rails in America were rolled) were acquired in 1895, and rebuilt in 1901. The Danville Puddle Mill was purchased and repaired in the early part of 1905. The pres- ent forge on North Ninth street was built and equipped with powerful machinery and electric cranes in 1901-02, and took the place of the old Steam Forge, built in 1850. The Scott Foundry (originally built in 1854, aiid where guns were miade during the Civil war, as well as several since, including the Brown Segmental Wire Wound Gun) was rebuilt in 1905-06 and equipped (as are all the other plants) with modern, up-to-date machin- ery and appliances. The company owns and oper- ates 7,538 acres of coal lands in Somerset county. known as the Somerset Coal Department, which supplies the various departments with bituminous coal. The company owns a large interest in the Penn- sylvania Steel Company, one of the largest inde- pendent steel companies in the United States. The many separate departments of the company enable the management to control the manufacture from the assembling of the raw materials to their conversion into the finished article, the largest out- put of which is tubular goods, consisting of wrought-iron pipe, plain or galvanized, for gas, steam and water; charcoal iron and steel boiler tubes for locomotive and other uses; oil well cas- ing and tubing; hydraulic and line pipe, etc., rang- ing from 1-8 inch to 20 inches in diameter. The two Blast Furnaces have a total annual capa- city of 180,000 gross tons of pig-iron and foundry- iron of superior quality, and the five distinct roll- ing-mill plants have an annual capacity of some 200,000 gross tons of finished rolled products, skelp, bar-iron, etc., in the manufacture of which the mills consume over 170,000 tons of their own pud- dle-bar. Cotton compressors, sugar-mills, ordnance and general machinery are made at the Scott Foun- dry, and heavy marine, engine and general forg- ings, up to fifty tons, are made at the forge. The Tube Works was the nucleus from which sprang this splendid aggregation of industrial plants. In 1836, Benneville Keim, George M. Keim, Simon Seyfert and James Whitaker, trading as Keim, Whitaker & Co., erected a rolling-mill and nail factory, known as the Reading Iron & Nail Works, at the foot of Seventh street, between the Schuylkill canal and the Philadelphia & Reading railroad (which had just been constructed). It was here that the first large stationary engine in Berks county was introduced for driving machin- ery. Bar-iron was made in large quantities; also cut nails by twenty-six nail machines. The em- ployes numbered 250. In 1846, the firm name was changed to Seyfert. McManus & Co. (Simon Sey- fert, and his son Simon; John McManus, a rail- road contractor, who had helped to build the Phila- delphia & Reading railroad in the earlv forties ; J. V. R. and Nicholas Plunter, Horatio 'S. Trexler, and a few others, were at various times members of the firm) and it so remained up to 1878, when the Reading Iron Works was incorporated. The first pipe-mill was built in 1848. Butt-weld pipe was made by the old tong process, drawing first one-half, and then the other, and lap-weld pipe was made shortly after, the edges of the skelp being then scarfed with sledge hammers ; but these meth- ods have since been greatly revolutionized. Char- coal iron tubes were made a few years later. There has arisen from this modest beginning not only one of the largest independent tube works in the country, alone comprising nine mills, capable of producmg 150,000 gross tons of tubular goods annually, but as well the many other important plants or departments above mentioned, some of READING 187 which comprise several estabhshmients in thenj- selves. The products of the company have an unrivaled reputation at home and abroad, and there is a con- stantly increasing demand for them in all sections of the world. The utmost care is exercised to main- tain the highest standard of excellence in the vari- ous lines of manufacture. It is the largest indus- trial enterprise in Berks county ; in fact, one of the most important in eastern Pennsylvania, and it em- ploys in the neighborhood of 5,000 men. The success of the Reading Iron Company is largely due to a few men. George F. Baer, pres- ident from 1889 to 1901 (now president of the P. & R. Ry. Co.), with the assistance of F. C. Smink, formerly treasurer and general manager, now president, financed the company in a most con- servative manner. With a small capital at their command, by careful, judicious and economical business management, judgment and acumen, there have been created extensive plants and valuable as- sets with art aggregate value manifold in excess of the nominal capital upon which the company was founded. The rebuilding and reconstruction of the old plants and erection and creation of new ones, as well as the physical management of the various def>artments, have been and still remain under the personal and efficient direction of Mr. Schuhmann. George F. Baer is chairman of the board; F. C. Smink, president ; George Schuhmann, vice-presi- dent and general manager ; Frederick Butler, treas- urer; George W. Delany, secretary. Automobiles. — The first automobile as a means of improved locomotion in the United States by the use of gasoline was made at Springfield, Mass., by Charles E. Duryea in 1891. In February, 1900, he located at Reading, in Berks county, and es- tablished a plant on River Road at the foot of Elm street, for the purpose of building automobiles driven by gasoline. He organized a company and carried on the business for about seven years, in which time the company built 300 cars. They were named "Duryea" and disposed of successfully, but the capitalists associated with him having de- clined to advance the necessary money to carry on the plant more extensively in order to meet in- creasing competition, the further operation of this new enterprise at Reading under the management of Mr. Duryea was suspended. He was then suc- ceeded by the Middleby Auto Company, which had started a similar enterprise and manufactured an automobile which was named the "Middleby." The plant has been made very successful, turning out weekly a number of popular cars and affording employment to upward of 70 men. About or shortly before this time, James L. Eck (who was engaged in manufacturing knitting ma- chines) began the manufacture of automobiles driven by steam, in a limited manner, and disposed of several cars. Soon afterward, James C. Reber also engaged in the enterprise (having previously for some years been very prominently identified with the manufac- ture of bicycles) by organizing the Acme Motor Car Company, and he produced a popular car, called the "Acme." He carried on the plant until 1904; then it passed through several ownerships until 1907, when it was purchased by H. M. Stern- bergh and he has been at the head of the company since, giving the car great popularity throughout the country. The plant employs from 135 to 150 hands and produces annually about one hundred large and powerful cars, driven by gasoline. The Relay Bicycle Company was also changed by Henry C. England into the Relay Motor Company for the manufacture of automobijes, and the plant was carried on several years. Arthur H. Yocum and his father, George Y. Yocum, started manufacturing the "Speed-well" au- tomobile and motor engines in 1904. Since then they have enlarged their plant and formed a com- pany with Isaac Hollenbach and J. S. Homberger as partners, trading as A. H. Yocum & Co. They employ upward of 20 hands. The following parties manufacture parts relat- ing to the automobile: Parish Manufacturing Company, steel frames. , Biiehl's Carriage Works, metal bodies. Keystone's Wagon Works, bodies (aluminum, steel, and wood). American Die & Tool Works, transmission and gear. A. H. Yocum & Co., motor engines. Automobile Frames. — N. E. Parish organized the Parish Manufacturing Company for the man- ufacture of pressed steel automobile frames and chrome nickel steel specialties, and established a plant at Reading in June, 1906, in the P. & R. R. Co.'s machine shops at Seventh and Chestnut streets, where the company has since carried on the 'business very successfully, employing 150 hands. Special expensive machinery is used for the pur- pose. Its production, numbering many thousand frames, is shipped to all the leading manufacturers of automobiles in the United States. The officers of - the company are: R. E. Jennings, president; N. E. Parish and J. E. Sullivan, vice-presidents; W. B. Kunhardt, treasurer; and E. J. Jennings, secre- tary. Bicycles. — The manufacture of bicycles was a large and well-conducted business at Reading for about ten years from 1890 to 1900, and thousands of bicycles were shipped to all parts of the world, which gave Reading a reputation in this line of business equal to any other place ; then it began to decline gradually until now there is only one estab- lishment actively engaged in the business, the Read- ing Standard Manufacturing Company, of which the active spirit since 1896 has been William F. Remppis. Several parties who are engaged in re- pairing bicycles also manufacture them in limited quantities : Rhode Brothers, John G. Nuebling, and James Mayo (who had been in the business at Potts- 188 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA town for seventeen years and became the successor ■of Charles T. Heckler after his decease in 1908). Boiler Works. — West Reading Boiler Works was started in 1870 by Enos M. Reazor, and he was succeeded in 1878 by Sterling, Weidner & Co. ; in 1894 by Thomas K. Dalzell, and in 1901 by Jacob S. Peipher (Reading Scale & Machine Com- pany). In this department of the works 25 men are employed. Penn Boiler Works was started in 1883, and is now carried on by Hiram P. Yeager with 10 men •and upward. Orr & Sembower, who started in business in 1884 and moved to Millmont in 1891, are also engaged in the manufacture of boilers in connection with ■engines, employing upward of 100 hands. Bolt and Nut Works. — J. H. Sternbergh located at Reading in 1865 and established a large bolt and nut works which he carried on in a very suc- 'cessful manner until 1899, employing upward of 700 men; then the American Iron & Steel Com- pany became' the owner and has since operated the plant in a very successful manner with James Lord •as president and J. L. Swayze as the local manager, •employing from 600 to 800 hands. The principal' 'office of this company is situated at Lebanon, where a similar large plant is operated. Car Wheels.— In 1897, the Reading Car Wheel 'Company was organized and incorporated by cer- tain persons from Buffalo, N. Y., for the manu- facture at Reading of chilled iron wheels for street and steam railway cars, and the plant has been op- erated successfully until now. H. H. Hewitt has been the president from the beginning, and the •plant errtploys from 50 to 75 men, and turns out daily upward of 200 wheels. Chain Block W'jrks. — Herman P. Roeper es- tablished a hoist works at Reading in 1896, and in 1904 sold the department relating to the manu- facture of chain blocks to F. H. Howard, of New York, who then incorporated a company for this special branch of business, and it has been carried on since in a successful manner, employing from 25 to 40 hands. J. G. Speidel has also been engaged in the manu- facture of chain blocks since 1896, in connection with other specialties, such as cranes, tramways, elevators, dumb-waiters, etc., and in his establish- ment employs from 20 to 40 hands. Coal Buckets. — George Focht began the manu- facture of iron coal buckets or tubs for the loading and unloading of coal on and from canal-boats, and he was succeeded by Warreil & Addison and 'from 1893 to 1908 by Robert D. Seidel, who then sold the factory to B. Franklin Biehl; and Biehl has operated it since, employing from 6 to 10 hands. Coke Ovens.- — ^The American Coke and Gas> Construction Company was incorporated in 1903 as a branch of a large New York enterprise for the manufacture of by-product coke ovens, accord- ing to the "United-Otto-Coke- System," and has since operated a plant at Reading employing from 35 to 40 hands, on Court street, below Second. Crane and Hoist Works. — In 1888, John G. Speidel began the manufacture of hoisting machin- ery and has continued in the business until the present time, excepting for two years, from 1894 to 1896, when Herman P. Roeper was a partner. In his iron works he also manufactures tramways, elevators, chain-blocks, etc., which are sent to all parts of the country. He employs from 20 to 40 hands. Herman P. Roeper, under the name of Reading Crane & Hoist Works, since 1896 has been en- gaged in the manufacture of overhead tramways, elevators, hoisting machinery, etc., which he has forwarded to all parts of this country and foreig;n countries. He employs from 20 to 50 hands. Die Works. — The American Die & Tool Com- pany was organized at Wilmington, Del, in 1894, for the manufacture of tools, dies and special machin- ery, and removed to Reading in 1901 ; incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 1906, with a capital of $60,000, and employs upward of 80 men. C. S. Dundore is the secretary, treasurer and gen- eral manager of the company, and the others as- sociated with him are J. H. Sternbergh and H. M. Sternbergh. Their product is shipped to all parts of the country. This is an important industry at Reading for its exceptional productions. Elevators. — John G. Speidel and Herman P. Roeper have been engaged separately in the manu- facture of elevators since 1896 ; also Adam W. Haag (under the name of A. W. Haag & Co.) in connection with the manufacture of milling machin- ery, and he employs 15 hands. Engine and Boiler Works. — In 1884, W. Harry Orr and Clarence H. Sembower, trading as Orr & Sembower, began the manufacture of vertical, hor- izontal and hoisting engines, and vertical and hor- izontal boilers at Second and Pine streets, but their business developed so rapidly that by the year 1891 they were obliged to remove into larger quarters, which they established at Millmont, in Cumru township. Since then they have been very successful, their productions being sent to all parts of the world. A corporation was formed in 1890 with a capital of $150,000. The employes number 250. W. Harry Orr has been the treasurer and general manager from' the beginning, and Mr. Sembower the president. The Reading Oil & Gas Engine Company, A. H. Yocom & Company and John G. Xander are also engaged in manufacturing engines. Expansion Steam Joints. — William King em- barked in the business of manufacturing expansion steam joints and has been successfully engaged un- til the present time, employing 40 to 60 hands. READING IS* Fences. — The first to engage in the business of manufacturing plain and ornamental iron fences at Reading was Louis Nendoerflfer, who began before 1860 and continued until his decease in 1884, when he was succeeded by his son Frederick, and Fred- erick carried on the business for twenty years. William L. Remppis has also carried on this branch of business in his large establishment since 1896; and William L. Kiefer, in his works since 1895. Fire Escapes. — William F. Remppis began man- ufacturing ornamental iron work at Reading in 1885, in a small frame building and by the year 1892 his trade had developed to such an extent that he was obliged to erect a large brick building and he has continued actively engaged in the business until the present time. He employs from 40 to 70 hands. Besides carrying on the manufacture of fire escapes extensively, he supplies plain and orna- mental iron work, stairways, elevator inclosures, railings, window guards, grill work, etc. William L. Kiefer has been engaged in a similar business in a successful manner at Reading since 1895, and employs from 15 to 30 hands. Foundries. — A number of iron foundries at Reading are carried on in connection with estab- lished works of various kinds, such as the Reading Iron Company, the P. & R. R. Company, the Hard- ware Works and the Stove Works, but are used en- tirely in carrying on their own business. There are three foundries which take in outside work as a regular business : the Gray Iron Foundry Company (A. L. Frame) J which employs 15 to 25 molders for all kinds of small castings ; the Reading Scale & Machine Company (Jacob S. Peipher), which em- ploys 15 to 20 molders for heavy and light castings of all kinds ; and Mohn & Kershner ( W. H. Mohn & E. L. Kershner), who embarked in the general foundry business in 1908 (in the plant of the National Brass Works), and manufacture all kinds of small castings for the trade here and elsewhere, employing from 50 to 75 hands. Furnaces. — Two large iron furnaces have been very prominent industries at Reading for many years: the Henry Clay, erected by the Eckerts in 1844, and latterly owned and operated by the Em- pire Iron & Steel Company (but not in operation for two years) ; and the Keystone, erected by the Bushongs in 1869, which has become a part of the extensive works of the Reading Iron Company. Hardware. — Hardware of all kinds, for build- ing and other purposes, has been produced at Read- ing for upward of fifty years, and the works have been very prominently identified with the welfare and development of Reading. Three large plants are carried on, the Reading Hardware Company ( founded by the Harbsters and their brother-in-law, William M. Griscom), the Penn Hardware Com- pany (founded by the Heizmann Brothers), and the Chantrell Tool Company ; and they together employ about 2,500 hands. Reading Hardware Works. — In 1851, William Harbster established a blacksmith shop at the foot of Sixth street for general blacksmith work, and in 1852 his brothers Matthan and John became as- sociated with him, under the name of Harbster Brothers, for the manufacture of builders' hard- ware, such as locks, bolts, fasteners, latches, etc., when they erected a foundry. Shortly afterward their brother-in-law, William M. Griscom, became associated with them as a partner, and they then traded as Harbster Brothers & Co. until 1872, when the name was changed to Reading Hardware Company. As their business increased their plant was gradually enlarged until 1895 and by that time the establishment covered five acres of ground, all substantial buildings, three and four stories high, with their employes numbering nearly 1,000 and the annual wages paid exceeding $100,000. Their productions included all kinds and styles of hard- ware, both plain and ornamental, and these came to be shipped to all parts of the world. Their trade was largely increased by making a specialty of fur- nishing all the necessary hardware in the construc- tion of large hotels and office buildings at New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and other large cities in this country and foreign coun- tries, their unique and artistic designs in fine bronze obtaining the preference with the most prominent architects and builders, and in this behalf they es- tablished branch offices in the cities named. Their volume of business for some years has exceeded a million dollars, the number of employes 1,500, and the annual wages $500,000, which truly evi- dences the wonderful development of this great industrial establishment from an ordinary black- smith shop, and its importance and influence in the history of Reading during the past fifty years. Its productions have been displayed at all the great expositions in the United States and Europe, and their superiority was recognized by the awarding of medals and diplomas. The business was incorporated in 1886. In 1887, the greater part of the plant was destroyed by fire, but it was immediately rebuilt and much improved in arrangement and equipment, making it one of the finest industrial plants in the United States. The officers of the corporation are: Matthan Harbster, president ; William M. Griscom, vice- president; S. Y. Reigner, treasurer (since 1903 and also secretary since 1907) ; and John E. Harb- ster has been the manager for upward of twenty years. Penn Hardware Works. — In 1877, C. Raymond Heizmann and his brother Albert A. Heizmann be- gan the manufacture of builders' hardware and specialties of all kinds, at the foot of Spruce stree|, between the canal and river and, like the forego- ing, grew in size and importance until their plant came to cover several acres of ground, their em- ployes to number 1,000 and their annual wages to exceed a quarter of a million dollars. Their goods 190 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA likewise have found a market all oyer the world. A nail department was added in 1898. The business was incorj>orated under the name of Penn Hardware Company in 1896. The officers of the company are: C. Raymond Heizmann, presi- dent; Theodore I. Heizmann, vice-president; W. A. Heizmann, treasurer; and I. S. Ermentrout, secretary. The Reading Saddle Manufacturing Company also manufactures large quantities of hardware specialties, cast-hammers, hatchets, ice-picks, shears, pincers, pulleys, can openers, glue pots, vises, clamps, tongs, etc. A specialty is made of nickel- plating. The plant is at Nos. 316-320 Maple street. The company employs 60 hands. It was incor- porated in 1900. Chantrcll Hardware and Tool Company (Inc.) was organized in 1888 (being named after John Chantrell, an EngHshman, who designed certain improved tools) and the business was conducted successfully on Seventh street near Chestnut for several years, when the plant was removed to Mill- mont, where large brick buildings were erected to meet the demands of increasing trade. The company manufactures screw drivers, nail pullers, and some hardware specialties, but its principal line is build- ers' hardware, consisting of locks and design goods. It has a large domestic and foreign trade. Hands employed, 165. Harry C. Shaaber has been man- ager since 1903. Knitting Machinery. — James L. Eck located in Reading in 1891 and engaged in the manufacture of knitting machines after a pattern with improve- ments designed and patented by himself, being a "new improved 15-16 automatic and plain seamless rnachine," and known as the "Boss" ; and in 1898 be established a factory at Reed and Elm streets. He has continued in a successful manner until the present time, employing from 30 to 50 hands, and turning out about 600 machines annually. In 1898 he built the first steam automobile in Reading and operated it successfully. Windsor Knitting Machine Works. — The Wind- sor Machine Company w^s incorporated in 1903 with a capital of $100,000 for the manufacture of full-automatic split-foot knitting machines and full- automatic striping machines, as a specialty, and a large trade has been developed, the machines being sent to all parts of this country, and from 70 to 80 hands are employed. John B. Hipwell is president of the company; George D. Horst, secretary-treas- urer; and William W. Hout, manager. Lawn-mowers. — The manufacture of lawn-mow- ers is included with the hardware specialties of the Reading Hardware Works. The American Die & Tool Company is also en- gaged in their manufacture. Machine Specialties. — A number of shops and factories are carried on constantly for the man- ufacture of specialties in the line of machinery and they employ from several to a dozen hands : King Machine Works Samuel Davis W. D. Mohn Jacob S. Peipher A. W. Haag & Company G. W. Francis Gretli Machine Company Motor Cycles. — In 1896, William F. Remppis organized the Reading Standard Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of the "Reading Standard" bicycles, and this company has since carried on the business very extensively, shipping thousands of its bicycles to all parts of the coun- try and the world. In 1903, the company began the manufacture of motor cycles, with the same name, and this branch has also become very suc- cessful. In 1908, the company produced 2,700 of them, and for the year 1909 has arranged to pro- duce from' 4,000 to 4,500. Over 6,000 bicycles were manufactured in 1908. From 300 to 400 hands are employed. B. Frank Royer, of Phila- delphia, is president of the company and Mr. Remp- pis is general manager. Motor Engines. — Arthur H. Yocum designed a; special engine for automobiles which has become very popular, and since 1904 he has been manufac- turing many of them, having formed a company with his father, George Y. Yocum, and traded un- der the name of A. H. Yocum & Co. Nails. — The Penn Hardware Co. manufactures great quantities of nails in connection with general builders' hardware. This was one of the iron pro- ducts of Seyfert, McManus & Co. and their suc- cessors, the Reading Iron Company, for many years. Pipes and Tubes. — ^A large and principal depart- ment of the extensive Reading Iron Woorks is the manufacture of large quantities of wrought-iron pipes and tubes, of various sizes ; which is men- tioned in connection with the description of the Reading Iron Company. Plumbers' Supplies. — ■ J. W. Van Meter began making plumbers' supplies at Reading in 1907, and after a year was succeeded by W. S. Cooper, of Philadelphia, who has carried it on in connection with similar works at Philadelphia. He employs from 45 to 50 hands, his plant being established in the old Johnson Foundry at Eighth and Chest- nut streets. Radiator Works. — In 1883, Daniel L. Adams be- gan the manufacture of steam and hot water radia- tors and boilers at No. 212 South Eighth street, Reading, and continued the business at that place until 1892, when the plant was removed to a larger and much improved building along the Lebanon Valley railroad at Front street, and there it has con- tinued until the present time with increasing suc- cess. In 1896 he organized and incorporated a" com- pany under the name of Reading Radiator Com- READING 191 pany. Its radiators and boilers are shipped to all parts of the country. The employes number 110. Mr. Adams has been the manager of the works from the beginning, and Grant Nagle has been the secretary -and treasurer since 1897. Razors. — Frederick H. Arnold of Reading de- signed and patented a fountain-pen safety-raz- or, and then organized a company for its extensive manufacture. The company was incorporated in 1907, and capitalized at $200,000 ; and it has been successful in shipping its- razors to all parts of the world. It employs 25 hands, and is located at Third and Buttonwood streets. The officers are: Edward C. Nolan, president; John H. Keppelman, secretary and treasurer; Robert B. Lance, man- ager. Rotary Meters. — The Rotary Meter Co. of New York City established a plant at Reading in 1906 for the manufacture of rotary meters, intended for large gas consumers who wish to measure their consumption. It is the only industry of the kind in the United States, and its product is. shipped to all parts of North and South America. These meters weigh from seventy-five pounds to five tons. Hands employed, from 6 to 8. Charles T. Mayers has been the superintendent here. It is located at Seventh and Franklin streets in a portion of the P. & R. R. Co. machine shop. Scales. — In 1845, Levi K. Mohr and Andrew De- hart began manufacturing large scales, estab^lishing a factory at the corner of Cherry and Carpenter streets. Dehart retired in 1850 and Mohr carried on the business until 1872. Different parties oc- cupied the plant in the production of scales with turbine water-wheels and general machinery until 1887, when the Reading Scale & Machine Company was organized by Jacob S. Peipher, Levi M. Fran- cis and J. L. Balloch, and this company continued their manufacture in connection with engines and boilers. The plant was removed to the foot of Chestnut street in 1903 and Peipher became the sole proprietor. He has continued the manufacture of scales, engines, boilers, etc., in large quantities until the present time, under the same name, em- ploying from 50 to 75 hands. Levi M. Francis, who was connected with this company for a number of years, is also engaged in the manufacture of large scales on orders. Shears. — In 1895, the Wilkinson Shear Co. was incorporated for the manufacture of shears of all kinds for shearing sheep, horses, grass and hedge, and located a plant at Ninth and Bingaman streets, where the business was continued in a successful manner until 1903, when the plant was removed to a new and improved building erected by the com- pany on Laurel street, below Fifth. The trade extends to all parts of the country, and 30 hands are employed. The company also produces scythes for cutting grain, grass and bushes. The officers are : John J. Kutz, president ; Cyrus G. Derr, treas- urer; and Philip Bushong, secretary. The Reiser Manufacturing Company (David H. Keiser) produces shears, besides metal fixtures, he having been connected with the Wilkinson $hear Company for a number of years. His plant is sit- uated in West Reading. D. P. Harris and Samuel Monroe of New York City, and W. M. Sillhart and Melot Deam, of Read- ing, associated together and established the Penn Shear Works at Reading in 1904, for the manufac- ture of shears of all kinds, and since then have produced large quantities which have been shipped to all parts of the country. They employ 5 hands. Sheet Iron is made in great quantities by the Reading Iron Company in its sheet-mill, which is situated along the Schuylkill river between Chest- nut and Spruce streets. This mill became the prop- erty of the Reading Iron Works (afterward the Reading Iron Co.) in 1865. It had been put up several years before by Lauth, Berg & Co. as an individual enterprise. Special Machinery. — In the year l901 Messrs. W.D.Mohn, Austin Riegner and Robert Riegner, of Mohnton, located at Reading for the manufacture of special machinery, established a plant at Cherry and Carpenter streets (where the Reading Scale & Machine Company had been), and have since carried on the business under the name of W. D. Mohn & Co. They employ 10 men. Steel Cabitjets. — This new product is man- ufactured by the Keiser Manufacturing Company in connection with, sheep shears, in its plant at the west end of the Penn street bridge, opposite Read- ing; which is mentioned in the description of the Borough of West Reading, Chapter XL Steel Works. — Carpenter Steel Company. James H. Carpenter located in Reading in the year 1889 and with the aid of New York cap- italists organized a steel company for the man- ufacture of armor-piercing projectiles for the United States government. A large plant was es- tablished along the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley railroad at the foot of Exeter street and in 1890 the company began to supply the government with large numbers of projectiles ranging in diameter from four inches to thirteen inches, and weighing from a few pounds to half a ton, and continued to furnish them for nearly ten years, when the plant was gradually changed to the manufacture of com- mercial crucible tool steel of a superior character, for which a large trade has been developed. This plant is one of the largest and most important in Reading, and employs from 600 to 1,000 hands, which evidences the importance and value to the community of this local enterprise. The company was reorganized in 1904 with a capital of $1,300,- 000. The officers are Robert E. Jennings, presi- 193 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA dent; W. B. Kunhardt, secretary and treasurer and general manager. Reading Steel Casting Company. — In 1906 the Reading Steel Casting Company was incorporated with a capital of $125,000 for the manufacture of steel castings for the general trade and then pur- chased the Brylgon Steel Works at the foot of La- fayette street for its plant, and it has since carried on a very successful business, employing 150 hands. Arrangements are now being made to double the capacity of the plant to meet the increasing demands for its product. The officers of the company are W. D. Seargent, president ; D. W. Yeckley, secre- tary-treasurer ; and J. Turner Moore, vice-presi- dent and general manager. Stoves and Heaters are made in great quanti- ties by the Reading Stove Works, the Mt. Penn StO've Works^ and the Prizer-Painter Stove and Heater Works (the last situated at Millmont oppo- site Reading), which are sold to all parts of the world. Reading Stoz'c Company. In the year 1866, Jesse Orr, John R. Painter, Peter W. Nagle, William Grander, Henry C. Posey, Elijah Bull, William H. Schick, Jasper Slieeler and Charles Egolf associated together under the name of Orr, Painter & Company for the manufacture of stoves, furnaces and heaters of all kinds, and located their foundry on Canal street, be- tween Chestnut and Spruce streets, beginning with fourteen molders. They carried on the busi- ness in a very successful manner with increasing success for twenty years, when they became incor- porated under the name "The* Reading Stove Works, Orr, Painter & Co.," with a capital of $400,000. The business has been so developed that branch offices have been established in different parts of the United States, at the large cities, Phil- adelphia, New York, Boston, Buffalo and Chicago, for the distribution of their productions. For a number of years this company supplied the Postal Department of the United States with the postal boxes for the street collection. The employes num- ber from 275 to 300. Daniel F. Printz has been the president since 1902, and Edgar Amole the secretary and treasurer since 1900. Mt. Penn Stove Company. — William M. Stauffer was connected with Orr, Painter & Co. from 1869 to 1881 and then retired from the firm for the pur- pose .of organizing another stove company in Read- ing and with John McKnight established a plant along the Lebanon Valley railroad at Third street. In 1882, a company was incorporated by them un- der the name -of Mount Penn Stove Company and this company has conducted a successful business since then, enlarging the plant and increasing the employes as the developing trade demanded. They manufacture superior stoves and heaters and their trade extends throughout the country. They em- ploy from 100 to 125 hands. M. Brayton Mc- Knight was one of the organizers with his father, and served the company as secretary and treasurer from 1882 to 1907, when he was succeeded by his nephews, John R. McKnight, as the treasurer, and William R. Schaeffer, as the secretary, and he be- came the president. P riser-Painter Stove & Heater Company. — Orr, Painter & Co. established a large stove works in Millmont as an addition to their plant at Reading, to meet the demands of their trade, and it was used by them until 1899, when a new company was formed and incorporated by the name of Prizer- Painter Stove & Heater Company, with a capital of $350,000, for the manufacture of stoves and heaters of all kinds and sizes, and this company then became the owner and has carried it on suc- cessfully until the present time. They employ 150 hands and have a large trade. The officers are C. S. Prizer, president; E. T. Painter, vice-presi- dent; R. L. McCall, treasurer; and W. W. Light,, secretary. Occupations.* — ^The following list is presented to show the number and character of the several occupations at Reading in April, 1909 : Architects Artists Attorneys-at-law Auctioneers Automobiles or parts.., Barbers Baths (Turkish) Bell Hangers Bicycles Billiards and Pool Bill Posters Birds, etc Blacksmiths Bleaching Straw Goods. Boarding Houses Book-sellers, etc Bootblacks Bowling Alleys Bricklayers Brokers Building Contractors . . . Butchers Carpet Cleaners Carpet Dealers Caterers Chair Caners Chair Makers Chewing Gum Chinaware, etc Chiropodists Cigars and Tobacco Civil Engineers Clothiers Coal, Wood, etc Commission Agents ... Confectionery Coopers Coppersmith Cough Drops Dancing Masters Dentists Detectives 10 119 7 16 134 2 4 9 6 2 5 27 1 65 7 20 4 135 41 '37 88 3 7 5 2 2 1 3 2 76 5 41 40 7 75 4 1 2 4 50 2 Directorv Publisher .... 1 Dressmakers 290 Druggists 44 Dry Goods, etc 71 Dyeing 12 Electrical Contractors . . 10 Electrotypers 2 Embalmers 6 Emplovment Bureaus ... 2 Engraving 3 Express Companies .... 2 Fish, Truck, etc 21 Flag Stones, etc 12 Florists 20 Flour, Feed, etc 29 Fruit 15 Furniture 22 Furrier 1 Gas Fixtures 3 Gents' Furnishings, etc.. 20 Grain Shippers 4 Grocers, Retail 367 Grocers, Wholesale 7 Gunsmiths 2 Hardware 18 Hair Workers (human) 5 Harness-makers 10 Hides 4 Hotels and Saloons 174 Ice Dealers 13 Installment Houses .... 7 Insurance, Fire 30 Insurance, Life 15 Jewelers 31 lunk Dealers 18 Layers-out of dead 10 Leather 4 Liquors 18 Live Stock 3 Local Express 18 Locksmiths 2 Lumber 15 Machine-shops 20 * For Table, Nature of I; States Census Department, ndustries, 1900, published by the United see page 237. PENN SQUARE, LOOKING WEST FROM FIFTH STREET PENN SQUARE, LOOKING EAST FROM FIFTH STREET SOUTH SIDE OF PENN SQUARE, LOOKING iVEST FROM FIFTH STREET PENN SQUARE, LOOKINO EAST FROM FOURTH STREET READING 193 Manicures 5 Map Publisher 1 Marble Yards 8 Massage 4 Mercantile Agencies ... 6 Milk Dealers 30 Milliners 32 Millwrights 2 Music Teachers 89 Newspaper 'Dealers .... 4 Newspapers, etc 27 Notaries 43 Notions, Wholesale .... 1 Novelties 3 Nurses (Trained) 33 Oculists 6 Opticians 12 Painters, etc 125 Patent Solicitors 2 Pattern-makers 5 Pavers 4 Pawn Brokers 5 Pension Attorneys 6 Photographers 9 Physicians 157 Piano Dealers 15 Piano Tuners 14 Picture Frames, etc 5. Plasterers 75 Plumbing, etc 40 Printers 30 Produce Dealers 7 Publishers 10 Rags, Paper, etc 10 Real Estate Agents 50 Restaurants 62 Roofers (Slate) 6 Roofers (Tin) 10 Saddlery, etc 10 Sewing Machines 4 Shoe Dealers 34 Shoemakers 120 Shoe Uppers 1 Sign-makers 6 Stables, Boarding 26 Stables, Livery, etc 12 Stables, Sale 4 Stair Builders 3 Stamping 2 Steamship Agents 4 Stenographers 8 Stock Dealers 4 Stone Masons 80 Stone Yards 12 Storage 7 Tailors 100 Teachers, Music 92 Teachers, School 331 Tea and Coffee 4 Telegraphers 48 Telephoners 100 Theatres 4 Ticket Offices 5 Tinsmiths 40 Tool Sharpeners, etc ... . 2 Toys 3 Typewriter Dealers .... 6 Undertakers 9 Upholsterers 10 Veterinary Surgeons ... 7 Wall Paper 16 Wax Workers, etc 4 Wheelwrights 7 Mercantile Licenses for 1909. — The mercan- tile appraiser, John G. Her.bine, reported the fol- lowing retail and wholesale licenses for business places in the county for the year 1909 : Retail Reading 1,546 Boroughs 491 Townships 894 Wholesale Reading 108 Boroughs 5 Townships 9 Total ..N. 122 appraiser Total 2,931 Pool and Billiards. — The mercantile reported for 1909 the following tables: Reading 47 Boroughs 18 Townships 4 69 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS The internal improvements of Reading comprise those buildings and constructions of a public nature, whether paid for by the government or by private individuals and corporations. The following com- prise those that have contributed to the general wel- fare, whose total cost to the community and to the projectors amounts to many millions of dollars. Market-Houses. — In 1766, the Penns granted a charter -to the town for holding semi-weekly mar- kets; also semi-annual fairs on June 4th, and Oct. Z'i'th; and then a market-house was erected in East Perm Square. It was a building about 120 feet long 13 and 20 feet wide, consisting of a double row of square brick pillars, covered by a double-pitched shingle roof, and contained 32 stalls. A similar building was erected in West Penn Square in 1799, which contained 38 stalls. They were rebuilt in 1846 with iron columns and paved extensions for increased accommodations at a cost of $6,400, and abandoned in 1871, when they were sold and re- moved. The semi-annual fairs were discontinued in 1853, when the Berks County Agricultural So- ciety was organized to give annual exhibitions in their stead. Private Market-Houses. — In 1871, three large private market-houses were substituted in the place of the public buildings on Penn Square: — ■ South Reading, West Reading, and Farmers'. In 1874, two more were erected: — Northeast, and Keystone; and in 1884, another, Tenth and Chest- nut. In 1886, the Keystone market-house was con- verted into the Academy of Music, and the Fifth street market-house substituted, having been altered from a skating-rink, now Woodward and Church streets; it was discontinued in 1904. In 1894, the Tenth and Windsor was erected; in 1897, the West Buttonwood, near Schuylkill avenue; and in 1903, the rear part of the "Crystal Palace Hotel" was converted into a market-house. There are now nine in the city. The Farmers' has three annexes and is the largest in Reading, having altogether 414 stalls. The West Reading had the Potteiger An- nex from 1895 to 1906. Waterworks. — The inhabitants were supplied Yith water from wells and cisterns until 1821. The first pump at Reading was erected in East Penn Square in 1750 by direction of the Penns, and when the market-house was built in 1766, this pump occupied a position in the center. The well was fifty-three feet deep, and the water was of a limestone character. It was abandoned in 1871, when the market-house was removed. In 1821, a water company was formed to supply the inhabitants with water, and then a reservoir was constructed at the head of Penn street with a storage capacity of 100,000 hogsheads. In 1865 the city purchased the plant for $300,000. The sources of supply then were Hampden spring, Egel- man spring, and Bernhart creek. The supply was largely increased by introducing the water of Antie- tam' creek in 1874, and of Maiden creek in 1889, the former flowing by gravity through large iron pipes about three miles to the city line, and the latter being forced through similar pipes about six and a half miles to the city line, by three Worth- ington pumps, with a total capacity of 30,000,000 gallons. Total net cost of water supply to April 6, 1908, $3,060,934; debt, $280,806. Total storage capacity, 186,000,000 gallons ; daily possible sup- ply, 17,392,000 gallons ; average daily consumption, 12,242,564 gallons. Total quantity consumed for year 1907-08, 4,480,778,545 gallons. Supply is from six sources, which, with per centum, is as follows: 194 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Antietam, 36.35; Bernhart, 20.54; Maiden creek, 50.35; Egelman, 1.78; Hampden and Hampden drift, 0.98. Filtration. — Sand filtration of Egelman supply was begun in 1903, of Antietam in 1905, and of Bernhart in 1909. Total daily capacity, 7,000,000 gallons; estimated cost, $250,000. The Maiden creek supply will be filtered in 1910; estimated daily supply, 10,000,000 gallons, and cost, $400,- 000. Public Roads. — The public roads figured prom- inently in connection with Reading from the begin- ning of its history. The ford at the Schuylkill was a central point from which they were extended in various directions. When the town was laid out, there were regular highways ; north to the mouth of the Maiden creek, almost in a straight line for six miles ; northeast through Alsace ; southeast through Exeter to Philadelphia ; southwest through Cumru to Lancaster ; and west through Cumru and Heidelberg, also in a straight line, to Lebanon. And afterward others were established to facilitate travel from Reading to the diflFerent sections of the county. Streets. — The streets were estabhshed when the town was laid out; and the personal and royal names given to them by the proprietaries were con- tinued until changed by the borough council in 1833. The numeral system was then substituted for the streets running north and south ; and those running east and west, excepting Penn, Washing- ton ■ and Franklin, were named after trees ; and those subsequently laid out, after the townships of the county. They are at right angles with one another. Some of them, however, run at an ob- lique angle, the most prominent being Bingaman street, Perkiomen, Centre and Schuylkill avenues. The total number of miles of projected streets is 135 ; of which 83 miles are open for pubHc use. The first grading of the streets was made in 1833. A topographical survey was made from 1864 to 1868. The plans, in eleven sections, are on file in the Quarter Sessions' office of Berks county. In 1863, the system of numbering the houses along the streets was adopted by councils, allowing 100 for each square from Front street eastward, and also for each square north and south of Penn street. This was effected by Jacob Knabb while postmas- ter, to facilitate and dispatch the delivery of let- ters, having had numerous petitions signed by the citizens recommending it. After considering for a long while the subject of permanent street improvements, councils even- tually, in 1883, purchased a steam road-roller, weighing fifteen tons, and began a gradual im- provement of the streets in the interior sections of Reading by macadamizing the surface, and they kept at it year after year until 1897, spending annually about $35,000. This not proving satis- factory, they then determined to lay sheet asphal- tum, and during that year expended over $120,000 on Penn street and Perkiomen avenue from Front street to Thirteenth, and on south Fifth street from Penn to Pine. During the next five years, other streets were paved with asphaltum and vitrified brick, covering a total length of ten miles, and costing altogether $350,000. In 1908 there were fifty-two miles of macadam street, six miles of as- phaltum, fourteen miles of vitrified brick, and six miles of rubble stone. Sewers. — In 1893, the West system of house sewers was adopted by councils. The city was di- vided into eight districts, and the first four were constructed at the expense of the abutting property holders, amounting to $231,000, of which the city paid for the mains, about $50,000. The pumping station was erected at the foot of Sixth street at a cost of $60,000 ; and the disposal plant one and one- half miles below Reading along the west bank of the river at a cost of $79,600, which was paid by the city without increasing the tax rate. The sew- age is purified to 99 per cent. The cost of the three districts was $350,000. The first storm-water sewer was constructed grad- ually in small sections from the foot of Court street to Buttonwood, to Eighth, to Walnut, and to Elev- enth, the beginning having been made forty years ago. The Bassett system was adopted by councils in 1889, comprising twenty districts. In 1897, the North Reading sewer was made out of concrete, in oval shape, starting at Eleventh and Douglass, and ending at the river near the Carpenter Steel Works, a distance of two miles. The dimension at the east end begins at five feet, and ends at the west end at fourteen feet. The depth below the surface varies from ten to twenty-five feet. It is now the largest and longest concrete sewer in America. The total cost was over $300,000, paid mostly by a loan granted by a vote of the elec- tors. In 1908, there were one hundred and two miles of house sewers ; and fourteen miles of storm- water sewers, with eleven additional miles pro- jected. Subway. — The subject of a "crossing" over the P. & R. railroad at Spring street was agitated un- successfully for many years until 1904, when the city authorities and the railroad company reached an understanding and the necessary steps were instituted for its construction. The work was giv- en to Hawman Brothers, contractors of ReadTng, and they started Nov. 18, 1907, with an allowance of three hundred working days for its comple- tion. It was a difficult undertaking on account of the very heavy traffic on the railroad constantly passing and repassing that point, but they succeed- ed in finishingthe bridge within the limited time. The bridge is constructed of cement work and when completed will cost about $150,000. A large bronze tablet, five feet high, is set in the face of the arches on both sides, in the form of a keystone. It was opened to travel in April, 1909, and the grc-at convenience of passing at all times from the POST OFFICE AT READING READING 195 northeastern section of the city to the northwest- ern, or in an opposite direction, without detention, was immediately appreciated. It is one of the most important improvements to the city in recent years. Ferries and Bridges. — The ford was used in crossing the Schuylkill for many years ; then a ferry was introduced to facilitate passage to and fro. In 1795, the first steps were taken to establish a bridge at this point; and repeated and persistent efforts were made by legislation, lottery schemes, and county appropriations for twenty years be- fore this great improvement was accomplished- A roofed wooden structure became passable in 1815 ; and it was finally completed in 1818. The cost was $50,000. It took the name of "Harris- burg Bridge" from the public road to Harrisburg. There was also a ferry at the foot of Bingaman street. The first privilege was granted by the Penns to a man named Levan, and it was contin- ued until a roofed wooden bridge was erected by the county in 1831, at a cost of $10,000. It took the name of "Lancaster Bridge," being on the road to Lancaster. Toll was charged at both bridges until 1883, when they were declared free. The subject of free bi^idges had been agitated as early as 1831 ; and in 1848 a special effort was made in this behalf, but without success, because the county commis- sioners alleged that the expenses exceeded the in- come, by nearly $30,000. In 1883, the city coun- cils took the matter in hand, and by application to court, the purpose was at last accomplished March 28, 1883. Both bridges were swept away by the great freshet of 1850, and immediately rebuilt. In 1876, the latter was destroyed by fire, and an iron struc- ture was erected in its stead, which was the first large iron bridge in the county. And in 1884, a superior iron bridge was erected in place of the former at a cost of $100,000. The first bridge across the Schuylkill in this vi- cinity was "Kissinger's." It was on the road to Sunbury through Bern township. An Act was passed in 1810, authorizing Ulrich Kissinger to erect and maintain a toll bridge at that point where this road crossed the river, and he then put up a chain bridge in two spans. A covered wooden bridge was substituted in 1830. This was also swept away by the freshet of 1850, and rebuilt. It was known for many years as "Bushong's," and last as "Ahrejis'." The Schuylkill avenue bridge near by was erected by the county commissioners in 1893 to take its place. The Lebanon Valley railroad bridge was erect- ed in 1857, and it was then regarded as one of the finest structures in the State. It was destroyed by fire by the rioters in July, 1877, and rebuilt by the company. The Wilmington & Northern rail- road bridge was erected in 1874; the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley in 1884; and the Reading & Southwestern in 1891. Altogether ten fine bridges span the river within a distance of three miles. Schuylkill River. — The river Schuylkill is a prominent feature of Reading, and has always, con- tributed many advantages to the place. In res- pect to carrying away the surface drainage from all the streets, its value has been incalculable. Its improvement for navigation was a subject for the inhabitants as early as 1807, when a society was formed for this purpose. It was forded until about the time when the borough was erected, then the ferries were introduced, and these were car- ried on utitil the two bridges were built. Freshets. — The freshets of this water-course occupy a noteworthy place in local history for over one hundred years. The most important of them occurred in 1757, 1786, 1823, 1839, 1841, 1850, 1862 and' 1869. The one which caused the most damage was in 1850, when the water rose twenty- five feet above its ordinary level, nearly six feet higher than the great freshet of 1786. Fire Compajjy Buildings. — ^For many years, the fire companies owned the buildings in which they kept their apparatus, but when the city began to appropriate liberal sums annually for maintain- ing them, it became the owner of all, excepting that of the Liberty Fire Company. The buildings number thirteen. They are all substantial struc- tures, finely furnished. Public Parks. — Penn Common was reserved by the Penns for the dwellers of the town when the plan was laid out. But it was not improved for park purposes until 1878 ; then a strip along -Perkiomen avenue was ornamented by private subscription. In 1884, legal proceedings were instituted by councils to recover possession of the entire tract (fifty acres) from the county com- missioners, Wayne Hayman, Esq., city solicitor, Richmond L. Jones, Esq., .and George F. Baer, Esq., appearing as counsel for the city. The court refused to award a writ of mandamvrS to .compel them to execute a deed to the city for the land, but the Supreme court ordered it to be done^ and the transfer was' made in 1886. Then councils es- tablished a park commission, and annual appropria- tions have been made since that time for its im- provement. Until 1909 about $250,000 was ex- pended. Besides Penn Common, the city owns Mineral Spring' park, sixty-four acres, which has also been beautified by annual appropriations, exceeding $15,000; Egelman park, thirty acres; Hessian Camp, thirty-two acres ; and other tracts, twenty-two acres — altogether nearly two hundred acres, highly appreciated by the people. Post-Office. — The post-office was established at Reading in 1793. Since then there have been eighteen postmasters. The letters were called for until 1835, when they began to be delivered by pri- vate enterprise at a cent, and subsequently two cents, a letter. This practice continued until the free delivery system was introduced in 1864. Mail 196 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA boxes were put up in 1864 for dropping letters to be collected by carriers, and boxes and carriers were increased as demands required. The money order system was introduced in 1864; postal cards in 1873 ; two-cent postage in 1883 ; and the special delivery of letters in 1885. In February, 1909, there were 240 boxes and 43 carriers ; 8 sub-carriers and 2 rural carriers. The office employed 25 clerks, and 3 sub-clerks. The total business for 1908 was $180,709. On Oct. 1, 1891, seven stations were established in different sections of Reading for the sale of stamps, registering letters and issumg money orders. The post-office was located at No. 16 South CITY HALL Fifth street from 1793 to 1801; No. 146 North Fifth street, 1801 to 1829; No. 504 Penn Square, 1829 to 1841; No. 423 Penn Square, 1841 to 1845; No. 508 Penn Square, 1845 to 1849 ; No. 533 Penn Square, 1849 to 1852; "State-house" (Fifth and Penn), 1852 to 1866; Sixth and Court streets, 1866 to 1889; Federal building, Fifth and Wash- ington streets, since 1889. In 1887 the United States government commenced the erection of a fine, large building for a permanent post-office. The department took possession Sept. 16, 1889. The total cost was $180,000. In 1908, Congress appropriated $60,000 for an addition to the build- ing. City Hall. — There was no separate building for town officials until 1870. A city hall (three-story brick building) was then erected at Fifth and Frank- lin streets to supply at one place a "lock-up," city offices, and council chambers, costing $36,000. Pre- viously the councils had met in the Court-House. Cemeteries. — From the beginning of Reading until 1846, interments were made in burying- grounds which adjoined the several churches; then a cemetery was established by Charles Evans. He was authorized by law to organize a company for its perpetual management, and when this was done he transferred to the "Charles Evans Cerne- tery Company" a tract of twenty-five acres in the northern section of the city, with the buildings thereon erected, representing an expenditure of $84,000. The present area embraces 127 acres, laid out in lots, and those sold 6,000 ; and burials to Jan. 1, 1909, 28,230. A fine bronze statue of the founder stands inside, facing the entrance. Many costly monuments have been erected, the most prominent being the "Soldiers' Monument" in granite, and "Christ on the Cross" in Italian marble. In 1849, two cemeteries were laid out and es- tablished on the northern slope of Mt. Neversink, the "Trinity Lutheran" by the congregation of that- name, and the "Roman Catholic" by St. Peter's congregation. And in 1851, the "Aulen- bach" was laid out along the southeast border of Reading. When these ceme- teries were established, burials in them were encouraged, and the remains of numerous persons in the different burying grounds were transferred to them. Turnpikes. — Turnpikes were projected along the prominent highways which ex- tended to the north, to the southeast and to the west of Reading to enable business men, farmers and travelers to carry on in- tercourse more quickly with near and dis- tant places. In 1805, the Centre Turnpike Company was incorporated to maintain a ^ turnpike on the road to the north, leading to Sunbury, and before 1812 it was com- pleted. Tolls were collected until 1885, when it was abandoned and the charter for- feited. In 1810, another was incorporated for a turnpike southeast to Perkiomen Mills and Philadelphia; which was completed in 1814. It was conducted until 1902 when it was declared free, the county having paid damages for appropri- ating it. And in 1805, a third was incorporated for a turnpike west to Harrisburg; which was finished in 1817, and has been conducted until now.* Their connection with and value to Reading are not fully appreciated at this time, but for fifty years, from 1810 to 1860, they contributed a great deal toward its prosperity. To the stage business they were indispensable. * Part made free from Reading to Wernersville. McKlNLEY MONUMENT IN PENN COMMON MONUMENT TO FIRST DEFENDERS IN PENN COMMON FIREMEN'S MONUMENT IN PENN COMMON G. A. R. MONUMENT IN CHARLES EVANS CEMETERY READING 197 Stage-Coaches. — The stage-coach was intro- duced as the first public conveyance at Reading in 1789 by Martin Hausman. It made weekly trips to and from Philadelphia, distance fifty-one miles; fare $2; letters 3d. The round trip was made in two days. William Coleman became the owner of the line in 1791, and from that time for seventy years the Coleman family was prominent- ly identified with the stage enterprise at Reading STAGE-COACH and in eastern Pennsylvania. This business was active for a long time, especially from 1810 to 1858 ; but it was discontinued as the railroads were ex- tended in different directions from Reading. Six stage lines still carry passengers, merchandise and mail as follows: northwest to Krick's Mill, and Bernville; south to Angelica and Terre Hill, and also to Plowville, Alleghenyville, and Hummel's Store; east to Boyertown, to Pleasantville, and to Friedensburg. Canals. — The canal, as a means of transporta- tion to and from Reading, was started in 1811. It was constructed along the Tulpehocken creek to its source, and thence along the Swatara creek to the Susquehanna river, being finished in 1838. It, was known as the Union canal. It was very prosperous for a time, and many boats ran to and fro, carrying lumber, merchandise and passengers,, but railroad competition caused it to be abandoned. The Schuylkill canal was constructed alorig the Schuylkill river from Pottsville to Philadelphia, especially for transporting coal. It was begun in 1817 and completed in 1833; and it was suc- cessfully carried on for over fifty years. It is now controlled by the P. & R. R. Company but little used. • i. Steam Railroads. — Railroads were extended in directions to correspond with the public roads ; southeast to Philadelphia, 58 miles, in 1838 ; north- west to Pottsville, 35 miles, in 1843; west to Har- risburg, 54 miles, in 1858; northeast to Allentown, 35 miles, in 1859 ; southwest to Lancaster^ 43 miles, and to Columbia, 46 miles, in 1864; south to Wil- mington, 73 miles, in 1874; and north to Slating- ton, 44 miles, in 1874. The "West-Reading" was constructed in 1863, from the "Lebanon Valley" via Third street to and along Canal street, to ac- commodate the numerous enterprises in the west- ern section of the city. It was operated by the company for ten years; then transferred to the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. The P. & R. R. Co. operate all the lines concen- trating at Reading, excepting the Pennsyltvania Schuylkill Valley railroad. The passenger sta- tion was located at Seventh and Chestnut streets from 1838 to 1874, when it was removed to the "Junction" where the Lebanon Valley railroad and East Penn railroad connect with the P. & R. rail- road. The volume of business is enormous. In 1884, a station was established also at Franklin street. The Schuylkill Valley railroad was extended along the Schuylkill river from Philadelphia to Reading in 1884, and to Pottsville in 1885. It is under the control of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company. Street Railways. — There was no street rail- way in Philadelphia until 1857, but during that year the first line was put down, and cars began to run in January, 1858. The first move in this behalf at Reading was in 1865, when an Act was passed incorporating the "Reading Passenger Railway Company," to construct and operate street railways on Penn street, from Front to the Mineral Spring; on Fifth and Centre avenue, and also on Sixth from Canal street northward to Hiester's Lane, beyond the cemetery; and ninety-six of the most prominent business men and capitalists subscribed for stock. The construction was to be begun within one year and to be ended in five years, and the fare was to be five cents ; but nothing was done. Several years afterward, an effort was made to establish an omnibus line, which was to run from the foot of Fifth street to the cemetery, but this also failed, after being operated for a while. In 1873, another Act was passed, incorporating the Penn Street Passenger Railway Company, to construct and operate the Penn street line from Front street to Nineteenth. The construction was commenced early in 1874, working eastward and westward from Sixth street, and by August the road was open for travel with a single track. The cars were drawn by one horse, but soon afterward by two horses. In one year, the road was sold by the sheriff and reorganized under the name of the Cen- tral Passenger Railway Company of Reading; but in 1878, this was also sold out by the sheriff, and for a time the road was not operated. In April, 1880, another reorganization was ef- fected under the name of the Perkiomen Avenue line. New cars were placed on the road, and its operation proved so successful that extensions were made along Ninth and Tenth streets, and then to the Mineral Spring, where a barn was erected for the cars and horses. After all these lines had been laid, a consolida- tion of the two companies was effected in 1889 under the name of the Reading City Passenger Railway Company. In 1890, the Penn street line was extended along Perkiomen avenue to Nine- teenth street from. Thirteenth; and in 1891, a line was laid along Bingaman and Eighth streets. At the same time that the Act was passed in 1873 for the Penn street line, another Act was passed for the Sixth street line, and the construe- 198 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA tion of it was then also started. Extensions were made as follows : In 1885, to the cemetery ; in 1886, to East Reading, via Laurel and Cotton streets, and also along Third, Fourth, Washington and Walnut streets; and in 1887, along Fifth street and Centre avenue, and along North Eleventh street. In 1893, electricity was substituted for horses and a marked improvement in the service was irn- mediately appreciated by the public, and the travel was increased very much. The United Traction Company was organized in 1895 for the purpose of leasing and operating all the lines. The East Reading line from Ninth street to the Black Bear Inn and to Stony Creek was con- structed in 1890, the Reading Electric Light and Power Company supplying the electric power to propel the cars. This Hoe was the first at Reading to use electricity for street car service. The Reading and Southwestern Railway Com- pany was organized in 1890 to operate a street rail- way from Third and Penn streets to Mohnsville by way of Shillington, a distance of five miles, and this was constructed in 1891 with an electric power plant at the foot of Chestnut street to propel its cars. In 1894 a branch was extended to Eleventh and Penn streets, by way of Franklin street, and to Nineteenth street by way of Eleventh, Spruce and Haak streets, for the purpose of making con- nection with the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad. In 1894, a steam railroad was constructed from the terminus at Mohnsville to Adamstown. In 1901 the Mohnsville line and its connections were leased to the United Traction Company, and since then have been operated by this company. In 1894, a street railway line was extended from Reading west to Womelsdorf, a distance of fifteen miles, and since then has been operated by the Unit- ed Traction Company. In 1902, a line was extended to Temple, five miles to the north, by the Reading and Temple Company, and another to Boyertown, eighteen miles to the east by way of Jacksonwald, Friedensburg and Shanesville, by the Oley Valley Railway Com- pany, from' a point near the Stony Creek terminus of the East Reading line, both also operated by the United Traction Company. And in 1904, the Temple line was extended to Kutztown, thereby opening connection with the Allentown and Kutz- town line of street railway, which had been con- structed through Maxatawny township to Kutz- town in 1898. Shortly before the line was laid along North Ninth street in 1886, Abraham F. Reeser and Lewis Kremp projected a line of herdic coaches to run the entire length of Ninth street and these coaches were run for a while, but not proving successful the enterprise was discontinued. Mountain Railroads. — In 1889, the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad Company was organized, and in 1890 it constructed a railroad from the east end of the street car lines to the top of Mt. Penn and thence by a circuitous route to the point of begin- ning, altogether eight miles long. The cars are drawn to the top one and a half miles by a steam engine, and also by electric power, but they des- cend by gravity six and two-thirds miles. In April, 1898, an electrical equipment was supplied to propel the cars by trolley. A stone tower fifty feet high is at the top. Total elevation, twelve hun- dred feet above the sea, and one thousand feet above Reading. The view from this tower em- braces an area of territory thirty miles square. Prominent points can be seen in the six adjoin- ing counties, Montgomery, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill and Lehigh. A large pavil- ion for dancing is connected with the tower; and to the north, near by, there is another for playing ten-pins, shuffle-boards, and billiards. Investment, $150,000. The "Summit House," a three-story stone build- ing, was erected in 1890, near the tower, by Henry and William Schwartz. The railroad in descend- ing passes four other resorts : "Kuechler's," "Stei- gerwald's," "Spuhler's," and "Mineral Spring." The Neversink Mountain Railroad Company was organized in 1889, and in 1890 the company laid a track eight miles long from Ninth and Penn streets around and across the mountain to Klap- perthal. It has an investment of $250,000. Su- perior views from different points overlook Read- ing and the surrounding country for many miles. A power-house was erected at the Big Dam at the same time to propel the company's cars with electricity, but it was leased to the Metropolitan Electric Company, which now provides the neces- sary power for the cars. A fine pavilion for danc- ing was erected by the company along the road, opposite the "Highland House." Telegraph. — Reading was reached by telegraph in 1847 along the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, thereby opening communication with Philadelphia to the south and Pottsville to the north, and inter- vening points. As the other railroads were es- tablished, additional telegraph lines were extend- ed in the same directions from Reading. In 1879, this concentrated system was connected with the Western Union lines, thereby opening direct corn- munication with all parts of the United States. The office at Reading has come to do an enormous business, the commercial messages alone (not in- cluding the railway business and the extensive newspaper service) averaging one thousand, eight hundred every day. It is open all the year. There are in use in Reading by this company sixty wires with a total length of two hundred miles; also the call bell system for messenger and cab service and to deliver letters and packages ; and a storage battery and motor generator have been substituted in the place of the gravity bat- tery. This company enjoys the distinction of be- ing the oldest in continuous service in the United States. l/,___ READING 199 To accommodate the increasing business, a "du-" plex" of the largest kind was introduced in 1897 on the direct wire between Reading and New York, by which two messages can be sent over the same wire at the same time in opposite direc- tions. Another is in daily use between Reading and Philadelphia for the exclusive accommodation of the railroad business. The company operates at this office one hundred self-winding synchronizing clocks, distributed in different parts of Reading, and regulated hourly by observatory time from Washington, D. C. These clocks were first introduced here in 1891. In 1880, the Lehigh Telegraph Company was organized and formed connection with Reading. The line passed through several hands. Now it is known as the Postal Telegraph Cable Company. It has at Reading twenty miles of wire, three op- erators, six messengers, transmits and receives 100, 000 messages annually, and has connection with 39,756 places. Telephone. — The first telephone company in Pennsylvania was organized at Philadephia in 1878, and in 1879 Henry W. Spang introduced the in- strument at Reading. Obtaining from councils the right to maintain overhead wires, he established an exchange in the Eagle building, Sixth and Penn streets, in October, 1879. He began with ten in- struments and after carrying on the business until January, 1881, he sold it to the East Pennsylvania Telephone Cornpany. By that time he had intro- duced one hundred and twenty-four instruments at Reading, seventy-four at Pottsville, and twenty- three at Lebanon. In December, 1882, the Pennsylvania Telephone Company became the owner. By 1895, the wires overhead had become so numerous that the com- pany prepared to put them underground where most numerous in the central part of the city, and, anticipating this undertaking, purchased a prop- erty at Nos. 31-33 North Fifth street, altered it to meet the demands of the business and equipped it with the most improved electrical appliances. During 1895, 1896 and 1897 the first conduits were laid along Fifth, Court, Penn and Cherry streets, together measuring seventy thousand feet and containing one thousand miles of copper wire (there being eight cables, each comprising two hun- dred and two wires). Reading was the third city in Pennsylvania where wires were laid under- ground, Pittsburg being the first, and Philadelphia the second. The company took possession of its new quarters in February, 1896. In 1879, the service was conducted on a single iron wire, and the longest distance over which a conversation could be carried on successfully was from thirty to fifty miles, but the introduction of electricity for propelling street cars and for public lighting rendered the telephone service on the sin- gle wire system practically useless, and the company was obliged, at great expense, to substitute the two- wire system, which necessitated a reconstruction of the whole plant and the use of hard-drawn cop- per wire and of imported superior cedar poles. The Reading Exchange in February, 1908, com- prised 3,332 subscribers at Reading, and 444 in the surrounding districts of Berks county. It is open day and night throughout the year; employs 45 operators and answers from 20,000 to 25,000 calls daily; total employes in the county, 115. The en- tire territory of the company embraces 38 counties (36 in Pennsylvania and 2 in New Jersey), and about 1,000 persons are constantly employed. The company has altogether nearly 36,000 subscribers, with communication in all the States reached by the long distance telephone, from the lakes to the gulf of Mexico, and from Maine to Colorado. The Consolidated Telephone Company of Penn- sylvania established an exchange at Reading in 1902, and since then has introduced all the latest improvements. [See Chapter II, Industry of County, under head of Telegraph and Telephone lines.] Gas Light. — The inhabitants of Reading used tallow candles and oil for producing light during the first and second periods of its history. In 1848 the Reading Gas Company was formed by a num- ber of enterprising citizens for introducing gas, and it supplied many dwellings, stores, shops, the Court-House and streets and the City Hall until 1885, when the plant was leased to the Consumers Gas Company. The works are situated at the foot of Fifth street. In 1861 a telescope gasometer was erected at the works with a capacity of 75,000 feet ; in 1873, another on Elm street, near Fourth, with a capacity of 360,000 feet; and in 1901 a third, at the foot of Fifth street, with a capacity of 500,000 feet. The total capacity of the company is now over two million feet. The total length of main pipe in usp covers seventy-eight miles, and all the consumers number fifteen thousand. David Fox was the superintendent from 1857 to 1887, and John H. Keppelman from 1887 to the present time. Electric Light and Power.— In 1883, the Read- ing Electric Light and Power Company was formed to supply electric light and power to the local gov- ernment and to private consumers, and then it es- tablished a plant at Eighth and Cherry streets, where it remained for some years. The company afterward erected a superior power-house on South Seventh street, near Chestnut, and- in 1894 leased the plant to the Metropolitan Electric Company, which had been organized shortly before. The lat- ter company largely increased the plant and equip- ment. It has in use twenty , engines whose com- bined horse-power is 10,000. It supplies the city with 800 arc lights and 300 incandescents ; and private consumers with 950 arc, and 20,000 incan- descents. A storage system was established on Chestnut street, east of Seventh, in 1903, with capacity of 740 amperes. 200 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA A new power plant is being erected at the out- let of the Wyomissing creek opposite Reading which will be completed by the end of 1909, and the total cost of the improvement to the traction and lighting systems is estimated at $3,000,000. Steam Heat.— In 1887, Isaac McHose, William Mcllvain, Levi Quier, John R. Miller, James Nolan and others, organized the Reading Steam Heat and Power Company for the purpose of supplying pubHc and private buildings in Reading with steam heat, and a large plant was established on Elm street, near Reed, comprising ten boilers with a capacity of 1,800 horse-power. Mains were put down alon^ Fifth, Sixth, Elm, Walnut, Washington and Penn streets, with total length exceeding ten thousand feet, and three hundred patrons were secured. The plant has been improved and the patrons have been increased under the management of Jerome L. Boyer since 1905. John R. Miller has been the president of the company since its incorporation, and Lewis Crater the secretary and treasurer. Halls. — Before 1846, there were no public halls at Reading for public meetings or amusements. A large room on the second floor of the State-House at Fifth and Penn streets was used for these pur- poses from 1793 to 1840 and then the large audi- torium in the Court-House began to be used. In 1846 the Odd Fellows (a beneficial society of Reading) erected a four-story brick building on the southwest corner of Fifth and Franklin streets, to provide a meeting place for their lodges, on the third and fourth floors, and also a large hall for amusement purposes, on the second floor. It was a popular place for receptions, assemblies, balls, and public meetings for fifty years. In 1868 it became the property of the Reading Library Company. During the succeeding twenty-five years, several other halls were erected, notably the "Keystone," at Sixth and Court, the "Aulenbach," on Penn above Sixth, and "Breneiser's," at Eighth and Penn. Joseph Mishler erected the first modern hall at Reading in 1872. It was at No. 533 Penn Square and many high class entertainments were given there until 1886. It was called the "Academy of Music," and had a seating capacity of 1,800. There are numerous halls at Reading for social meetings of all kinds, but only those for amuse- ment and balls can be mentioned. For amusement : Grand Opera-House, 1873 ; Academy of Music, 1886 (North Sixth street) ; Y. M. C. A. Hall, 1895; Masonic Hall, 1897; Bijou Theatre, 1894. For balls: Maennerchor Hall, 1874; Deppen's Hall, 1884; Rajah Temple, 1892; Auditorium, 1895. Location of City. — The lines enclosing the plan of Reading form an irregular figure, about three miles long and two and one-half miles wide; and the tract contains about four thousand acres. The eastern boundary line is along the base of Mount Penn, and the western along the west bank of the Schuylkill, the latter being nearly five miles long. The greater part of the area has a gentle declination westward from Mount Penn to the river and affords superior drainage. The territory to the northward and southward comprises the Schuylkill Valley and that to the westward the Lebanon Valley. ELEVATIONS ABOVE SEA LEVEL Mount Penn ' 1,110 feet Mount Neversink 800 feet Egelman Reservoir 673 feet Antietam Lake 510 feet Hampden Reservoir 415 feet Charles Evans Cemetery 373 feet Penn Street Reservoir 345 feet Fifth and Penn Streets 339 feet Front and Penn Streets 180 feet RELIGION AND EDUCATION CHURCHES Three religious congregations were organized at Reading in 1751, Friends, Lutherans and Reformed, and they then caused churches to be erected. The last two still maintain their churches in the same locality with a large membership. The Roman Catholics began in 1755, and the Protestant Epis- copalians in 1763. These and other congregations together contributed an influence in behalf of the moral and social welfare of the community that can- not be fully measured. The major part of the peo- ple of Reading, connected with the denominations, have always been Lutherans and Reformed, these two having the largest proportion of congrega- tions, and the Reformed denomination having the greatest number of members. There are twenty-three different religious denom- inations at Reading, which have altogether seventy- six churches. In the statement which follows, they are arranged in the order of priority, and the year mentioned after each congregation signifies the time when it was organized, or when the church was improved. Sunday-schools are conducted with the several congregations. STATEMENT OF CHURCHES AT READING Lutheran Name Founded Pastor Members Trinity 1751-1791 Edward T. Horn 1,625 Chapel 1873-1891 St. Matthew's 1844-1890 G. W. Nicely 425 St. James 1850-1892 M. L. Zweizig 660 St. John's 1860-1896 J. J. Kuendig 1,520 Chapel 1874 Philip Kirchner (Junior Pastor) St, Luke's 1868-1886 F. K. Huntzinger 1,600 Grace 1877-1888 W. H. Myers 1,200 Peace 1885 J. F. Snyder 50 Hope 1885-1904 H. W. Warmkessel 676 St. Mark's 1890-1900 E. S. Brownmiller 490 St. Paul's 1900 M. H. Stettler 295 St. Peter's 1908 H. C. Shindle 50 8,591 Reformed Name Founded Pastor Members First 1753-1761-1.8.S2 T. F. Moyer 1,.S37 Second 1848-1853-1898 S. R. Bridenbaugh 690 St. John's 1865-1871-1876 T. H. Leinbach 680 St. Paul's 1872-1905 B. Bausman 900 Zion's 1881-1883 C. H. Gramm 600 St. Stephen's 1883-1899 T. W. Dickert 1 152 Calvary 1889 A. V. Casselman 556 North Reading 1S90 Trvin M. Beaver 112 St. Thomas' 1891 Lee M. Erdman 461 St. Andrew's 1891-1904 H. H. Ranck 889 St.. Mark's 1891-1904 C. E. Schaeffer 1,230 Faith 1891 W. E. Harr 410 9.017 .g£5£3s3 NORTH SIDE OF PENN SQUARE, LOOKING WEST FROM FIFTH STREET V , — i_^ iiiffeia NORTH SIDE OF PENN SQUARE, LOOKING EAST FROM FIFTH STREET READING 201 Friends 1751-1765-1867 Protestant Episcopal Name Founded -Christ 1760-1825-1873 Parish Building 1884 St. Barnabas 1860-1889 5t. Luke's Chapel 1894 - 1905 Pastor William P. Orrick Franklin J. Clark Franklin J. Clark William B. Burk Harvey P. Walter Members 427 409 95 77 1,008 Roman Catholic Name Founded Pastor Members St. Peter's 1755-1791 ) 1845-1904J Thomas S. McCarty 1,500 St. Paul's 1860 George Bornemann 3,500 St. Joseph's St. Mary's 1887 James Flanagan 1,200 1888 A. Maluseckl 3,000 Italian 1904 A. Varelli 300 Slavonic 1907 500 10,O0U Presby terian Name Founded Pastor Members First 1812-1823-1847 R. M. Blackburn 460 Washington St. (Colored) 1823 William R. Templetor 77 'Olivet 1889-1892 R. H. Kirk 298 835 Methodist Episcopal Name Founded Pastor Members Fourth Street ( 1822-1827 1 1868-1900 H. E. Walhey 154 (People's) St. Peter's 1848-1883 W. A. Ferguson 463 Covenant 1869 W. H. Smith 405 Memorial 1890 J. Richards Boyle H. T. Isenberger 553 Windsor Street 1904 236 •Grace 1909 Vacant Baptist Name Founded Pastor Members First 1829-1836-1845-1893 James A. Maxwell 790 Berean ' 1869-1879 H. J. Roberts 235 Zion 1905 W. H. Dabbs 46 Memorial 1908 Henry P. Hoskins 65 Shiloh (Colored) Moses Braxton Universalist Name Founded Pastor Members Church of Our Father 1831-1889 Hendrick Vossemer 250 Evangelical Name Founded Pastor Members Salem 1846-1877 A, N. Metzger 221 Immanuel 1862-1884 W. F. Kline 275 Ebenezer 1870-1885 J. I. Yotter H. E. Harner 350 St. Matthew's 1883 100 Christ 1901 W. L. Bollman 100 1,046 United Evangelical Name Founded Pastor Members First 1894 A. W. Brownmiller 858 "Grace 1894 F. S. Borkey 398 Trinity St. Paul's 1898 A. G. Flexer 155 1900 George W. Hangen 500 Bethany 1908 J. S. Harper 125 2,036 United Brethren Name Founded Pastor Members "Zion's 1847-1898 G. D. Batdorf 310 Otterbein 1856-1879 C. J. Brane 194 Salem 1886 W. B. Fridinger 407 Memorial 1894 H. Jones 196 Church A ttendance at Reading, 1905. — ^At a meet- ing of the executive committee of the Thirteenth District of the Berks County Sunday School Asso- ciation, in October, the committee appointed several months before to make a house-to-house canvass of the city for the purpose of gathering statistics of persons attending or not attending church or Sunday-schools and the denominations to which they hold, if any, presented its report. The canvass was made under the supervision of sixteen superintendents, one for each ward, and each superintendent had charge of a corps of vol- unteer visitors, the whole number being 231. Each ward superintendent laid out the districts of visita- tion so as to equalize the work of the canvassers. As each visitor completed the task assigned, re- turns were made to the superintendents, who, in turn, tabulated the cards for the different denom- inations, with the following result: Name Oheb Sholem _ Shomro Habrith Name Name Founded Bethel African M. E. 1837-1869 Hebrew Founded Pastor 1864-1885 Julius Frank 1888 E. Mayer Kaplan German Baptist Brethren Founded Pastor 1895 David W. Weaver Miscellaneous Friendship Reformed Disciples of Christ Mennonite Brethren Gospel Tabernacle People's -Mission Holiness Christians Christian Missionary Alliance ChnrcTi of God Scronth Day Adventist 1873 1897 1884 1901 1904 Pastor J. R. Reed J. Addison Kutz Horace G, Weaver C. H. Brunner J. H. Von Neida H. M. Lengel Adam Sommers H. Miller Herr Isaac Becker J. H. Krumm 1,107 Members 240 Members ■70 Members 76 85 115 DENOMINATIONS ^ Advent 37 Baptist , 866 Catholic, Roman 6,551 Christian (Disciple) 85 Christian Science 21 Church of God 101 Congregational 7 Dunkard 80 Episcopal (Protestant) . . 1,088 Evangelical Association... 1,180 Friends (Quaker) 19 Friendship Mission 64 Gospek Tabernacle 44 Hope Rescue Mission.... 46 Holiness Christian 76 Hebrew 581 Lutheran 14,653 Mennonite 105 Methodist Episcopal 3,129 Methodist, Primitive . : . . . 10 Moravian 3 Neversink Mission 81 No preference 849 Not at home 7,192 Presbyterian 1,473 Reformed Church 13,912 Refused information 166 Salvation Army 53 Spiritualist 28 United Brethren 1,577 United Evangelical 3,052 Universalist 306 Home Department Cradle Roll a 3 o 252 2,212 35 3 43 23 390 399 2 33 16 15 35 343 4,917 56 944 29 359 2,384 464 4,358 55 16 6 577 1,107 73 ho rt 28 495 4,130 71 17 67 34 685 803 12 46 18 8 25 283 8,474 60 1,960 3 24 281 4,046 853 7,389 83 28 7 946 1,826 109 a ho.2 c 3 '■Zl bo C u V 17 419 1,853 60 3 45 21 405 740 43 34 12 38 77 5,677 52 1,470 1 1 28 268 3,414 553' 5,638 63 9 11 760 1,678 133 1,509 1,446 57,435 18,850 33,611 36,446 203 HISTORY OF BERKS' COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS Early Education. — Education was encouraged at Reading from the beginning of its history. It was carried on mostly in connection with the churches. Two of the earliest teachers connected with the Lutherans, who taught for many years, were Jo- .1". . " ' ■ -^■' '■ '?■' FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE AT READING seph Fleischer and Paul Fuegner. John Philip Foesig was the teacher with the Reformed for over fifty years, having begun in 1751. The Trinity Lutheran school at Sixth and Washington streets was used for educational purposes for nearly one hundred years, 1765 to 1855. The Reading Academy was a prominent school for sixty years. It was incorporated in 1788 and given aid by the State. The building stood on the southwest corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets. The trustees sold it in 1838, and then erected an- other at Fourth and Court streets (site of Girls' High School), which was occupied as a private school until 1853, and since then as a public high school '', %^ ) ■^n^™ F til U3HI T^ FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL Common School System. — The common school system of 1834 was adopted at Reading in 1836. The first directors had been, however, elected in 1835. Then there were seventeen schools, seven- teen teachers, and 1,439 scholars. The first public school buildings were erected in 1838, four in num- ber, and the illustration given represents the build- ing at Sixth and Walnut streets. The High School was organized in 1853, and the co-education of boys and girls was carried on from 1857 to 1881. The Boys' High School was erected in 1883 at a cost of $65,500; the Girls' (iii place of the Reading Academy) in 1895, at a cost of $110,000; and the new Boys' High School in 1905, at a cost of $375,000. The revised char;ter of 1864 for the city, consoli- dated the five wards into one district, under the name of the Reading School District. The city charter of 1874 made provision for school affairs, but it was not accepted. The district is therefore a separate organization. Under the provisions of the Act of 1864, the district is authorized to assess and collect taxes for school purposes. The manage- ment of the school affairs by the board since then has 'been very successful. A local normal school was organized in 1853. The first city superintendent was elected in 1867. COMPARATIVE TABLE, 1854-1908 -3 u i - m aj ti) a, rt «« >f^ Jesse Orr 1 189-0 360 $ 20,000 $ 1,200 Thomas Severn 2 1880 360 15,000 1,200 Ninth & Spruce 2 1896 360 20,000 1,200 Bingaman & Orange. a 1854 270 15,000 900 J. H. Hagenman .... 3 1875 360 16,000 1,000 Park 3 1898 270 24,000 900 George Lerch 4 1868 450 23,000 1.200 Chestnut Street 5 1890 360 20,000 1,000 Franklin Street . . . •. 5 1868 360 18,000 1,000 Washington Street . . 6 1886 540 27,000 1,800 Ricktown 6 1889 360 18,000 800 Buttonwood & Pear. 6 1897 360 23,000 1,300 High School for Girls. 7 1896 600 125,000 6,000 Lewis Briner 7 1873 360 19,000 1,300 Elm & Madison Ave. 7 1899 180 9,800 400 Administration 8 1883 61.500 600 High School for Boys. 8 1906 1,000 329,000 45,000 Poplar Street 8 1891 360 16,000 1,200 Henry S. Eckert 8 1873 360 16,000 1,200 Elm and Moss 9 1901 500 35,000 1,300 12th & Buttonwood.. 9 1895- 360 21,000 1,200 John S. Richards ' 10 1872 360 13,000 1,200 Maple & Cotton 10 1904 180 16,800 650 Mulberry Street 11 1892 360 23,000 1,200 Tenth & Green 11 1904 540 40,000 2,000 Mount Penn '. 11 1899 180 13,600 600 Edwin Ziegler 12 1882 360 18,000 1,200 12th & Greenwich . . . 12 1895 360 26,000 1,200 Ninth & Windsor... 12 1900 360 23,600 1,200 Spring & Moss 13 1899 360 23,000 1,000 Eleventh & Pike.... 13 1898 360 19,100 1,200 Marion 13 13 13 1870 1889 860 360 16,000 20,000 16,000 800 Site Twelfth & Windsor. 1,000 Tenth & Union 13 1890 360 21,200 ;,200 C. B. McKnig-ht 14 1880 180 6,000 600 Spring & Church 14 1894 180 12,000 600 Site 14 14 1900 360 1,200 25,000 Fifth & Spring 1,200 2d & Oley, No. 1 14 1894 180 9,000 600 2d & Oley, No. 2 14 1898 360 18,000 1,000 J. H. Jacobs 15 1880 180 7,000 400 SchuylkillAve., No. 1, 15 1894 180 10,000 600 SchuylkillAve., No. a. 15 1898 360 21,300 1,200 Douglass & Weiser. . 15 1903 360 23,000 1,200 Site 15 16 1875 360 4,600 15,000 Samuel Frees 1.000 17th & Cotton 16 1884 .180 10,000 600 Sixteenth & Haak. . . 16 1898 360 ■ 20,700 1,200 Perkiomen Ave 16 1892 360 38,000 1,200 Total 16,230 $1,381,400 $ $97,450 1,381,400 Total Valuations . ' $ 1,478,850 Private Schools. — Private schools have been car- ried on at Reading since the beginning of the town- They were well patronized until 1840, when the effect of the common system began to be felt. But the growth of the public system did not cause the private schools to be abandoned, for patronage of them has continued to be more or less active. Of the non-secular class,, there are the Bena^de school for children, started in 1870; and Mrs. Adele Ruenzler's, in 1877; Stewart Academy, founded by J. A. Stewart in 1881, and conducted successfully by his daughter Anna since his decease, iti 1890; Inter-State Commercial College, founded by Rev- Henry Y. Stoner in 1885; Schools of Stenography by Eteer W. Deck in 1890, by J. T. Kerst in 1898- and Rev. J. V. George in 1900 ; and L. C. McCann> The last named has been at Reading since March, 1908; pupils, thirty-six; came from Mahanoy City, where he had conducted a school for thirteen years. His place was former School of Commerce (con- ducted by Strickler & Shoop) and George F. Klein- ginna's Business College, carried on altogether up- ward of ten years. The sectarian schools are Academy of Immacu- late Heart, founded in 1859 ; St. Peter's Roman Catholic, in 1859 ; St. John's German Lutheran, in 1865; St. Paul's Roman Catholic, in 1869; St. Mary's Polish Roman Catholic, in 1895 — all of which are largely attended and successfully con- ducted. Schuylkill Seminary. — The institution was found- ed by the East Pennsylvania Conference, in the city of Reading, August 19, 1881, and removed to Fred- ericksburg, Pa., in September, 1886. The location of the institution there was due to the liberality of Col. John H. Lick, a native of the place, by whose munificence, together with the contribu- tions of the Conference and of the community, a large and beautiful structure was erected, iEur- nished with apparatus, supplies and furniture, and made attractive by the beautifying of the grounds.. The institution remained at Fredericksburg un- til the close of the academic year, June 19, 1902. A few weeks prior to this, the property known as the Selwyn Hall School, comprising over seven acres of land at Thirteenth and Exeter streets, Reading, Pa., was taken under consideration by the trustees of Schuylkill Seminary as a profit- able investment and a providential opportunity for removing the school to Reading. The trustees and the entire Conference had thought for some time that the school would have a larger sphere and greater patronage in the vicinity of a city, made easily accessible by good railroad facilities. They accordingly secured an option on the property, ■ and at a meeting of the voting members of the .East Pennsylvania Conference, held July 1, 1903, on the proposed site, it was unanimously decided to purchase the property. The members at the 204 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA same time requested the city of Reading to raise a certain sum of money needed to purchase the property and make the necessary repairs. An ac- tive canvass had been instituted presumptive of favorable action by the members of the Confer- ence for the removal of the school. A large por- tion of the sum had already been subscribed. It was decided that the canvass should be continued, the assurance being given that the city would meet every expectation, thus reflecting great credit up- on its liberal citizens and thereby showing an in- tense zeal in the cause of education and the wel- fare of its promising youth. Schuylkill Seminary is uniquely located at the base of Mt. Penn, near Thirteenth and Exeter streets, Reading. The campus, consisting of nearly ■eight acres, is admirably adapted for school pur- poses. The excellent tennis courts, the baseball diamond, and the croquet plot, furnish ample op- portunity for the necessary outdoor exercise of the student. On the grounds is a spring of the purest water. That, in itself, is an invaluable aid to the institution. The buildings are three in number, consisting of the main building, the chapel and the gymna- sium. In the main building are the office, the li- brary, class-rooms, the dining-room, dormitories for ladies, etc. The second' floors of both the chapel and the gymnasium are used as dormitor- ies for men. All the buildings are lighted with electricity, heated with steam and provided with 'hot and cold water. These well-equipped build- ings, together with the beautiful grounds, make -the Seminary a very attractive institution. It has an endowment of $65,000. The purpose of Schuylkill Seminary is to pre- pare young men and women for college and for life. For those who do not intend to enter col- lege, the courses offer special advantages to those preparing to enter theological or other professional schools. Though originally opened as a Seminary of a higher grade, which nature it still retains, it was the desire of its founders that it should grad- ually mature into a college, by raising the standard, of scholarship for admission, extending its courses of study, and completing its equipment in the way of increased apparatus and facilities for instruc- tion. This plan has met with a marked degree of public favor, and is now in progress of ful- fillment. The Seminary is under the patronage of the East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangeli- cal Association. Bishop S. C. Breyfogel, D. D., is president of the trustee board. Rev. W. F. Teel, Ph. M., is principal. NEWSPAPERS From the beginning of the town until 1800, som.e inhabitants received the Pennsylvania Gazette, pub- lished at Philadelphia, which gave them foreign news, and events of surrounding places which oc- curred weeks before. Local news was not reported. An occasional letter from Reading was published; but the important happenings, such as we are now accustomed to read daily, were not noticed, for they were communicated by social intercourse at stores and taverns. The first newspaper at Reading was issued in 1789, but did not continue long. It was printed in the German language and was called Der Neue Unparteiische Readinger Zeitung (The New Impar- tial Reading Newspaper). The next appeared in 1796. In that year several were begun and one of them has been published until now, the Reading Adler. Another, the Weekly Advertiser, was pul> lished until 1816, when the Berks and Schuylkill Journal took its place. Afterward, for forty years, many were issued, but with few exceptions they were not published many years. They were all weekly publications, issued on different days of the week, but mostly on Saturday. Until 1847, the daily newspaper was not issued, not even suggested. The first English daily was established in 1858, and the first Gemian daily in 1868. [For list of Newspapers of County, see Chapter III.] ASSOCIATIONS Associations have occupied a prominent place in the social life of Reading for over a hundred years. At first they were few in number, but as the popu- lation increased a desire to organize bodies of vari- ous kinds and for different purposes manifested itself more and more, particularly after the incor- poration of Reading as a city. Then the secret so- ciety became very active, and this activity has been kept up until the present time. They are classified and treated in the following- order: Military Protective Secret Financial Industrial Literary- Patriotic Professional Musical Charitable Religious MILITARY The first association at Reading was organized in 1754 for purposes of defense against the Indians. It was during the French and Indian war, which affected this section of Pennsylvania from that time until 1763. Conrad Weiser was the most promi- nent military officer. Small companies of men were constantly quartered here, and the spirit of co-op- eration was shown until peace was declared and the Indians departed. Associations of this character were again organ- ized in 1774, and they prepared the way for a long and costly participation in the Revolution. They became compulsory in 1775 by legislation. The system, which was established during that trying .period for eight years, was preserved- and thereby a mditary spirit became a noteworthy feature of READING 205 the social life of the people. Whenever a call for troops was made, they responded with such alac- rity as to be among the very first of the Nation's defenders. From the close of the Revolution until the Civil war of 1861-65, the "Militia System" was very active both in the city and county. In 1856 the militia comprised altogether twenty-four companies with a total enrollment of 1,463 men, of which six companies were from Reading with a total en- rollment of 539 men. At the close of the Civil war, the military spirit was greatly reduced, but the system was nevertheless continued by virtue of an Act passed in 1864 under the name of the "National Guard of Pennsylvania," with a limited representa- tion from the city and the county. Since 1865, there have been three companies, which were engaged in the Spanish war of 1898, two from Reading, and one from Hamburg. [See Chapter VIII.] Armory. — Capt. H. Melvin Allen, of Company A, 4th Regiment, N. G. P., revived the subject of providing an Armory for the National Guard at Reading. He raised $12,000 by soliciting subscrip- tions from the business people of Reading and pur- chased a lot (77 feet by 155 feet) at the northeast corner of Walnut and Rose streets, and, with the encouragement of the State authorities, a superior and commodious building was erected in 1908 and 1909, costing $50,000. PROTECTIVE Before 1773, the inhabitants of Reading were in a primitive state with respect to their ability to extingfuish fires, but the town was small, the build- ings were limited and comparatively scattered and the investments in property were inconsiderable. FIRE ENGINE A fire, therefore, seldom, if ever, occasioned great loss to the community. Leathern buckets were commonly used in which to carry water from the nearest pumps for the purpose of extinguishing fires; and they sufficed for a score of years. But the progress and increasing compactness of the town required an improved method. The demand was satisfied by the introduction of a forcing en- gine, operated by manual labor, in 1773, when the Rainbow Fire Company was organized, and it was used until 1860. Buckets were then not entirely dispensed with ; they were useful still in filling the body of the engine with water, from which it was pumped upon the fire. Water was thus carried until 1831, when the Reading Water Company laid pipes through the streets for the purpose of supplying water by gravity. Then the hand engine was placed at the plug nearest the fire, and water was con- veyed into it by a short hose. A long hose ex- tended from the engine to a point near the burn- ing building, and the water was forced through it upon the fire. The steam fire-engine was introduced here in 1860 by the Reading Hose Company, and within the next few years four additional engines were added to the Fire Department. The following table shows the organization of the several companies and their membership: FIRE COMPANIES Company Instituted Members Rainbow 1773 587 Junior . . ., 1813 690 Reading Hose 1819 432 Neversink 1S29 261 Friendship 1848 620 Liberty 1854 875 Washington Hook & Ladder 1855 386 Keystone Hook & Ladder 1856 187 Hampden 1867 320 Marion 1881 175 Riverside 1890 205 Schuylkill 1892 350 Union 1898 350 Soon after the introduction of the steam fire- engine, the companies considered the propriety of forming an association for more readily accom- plishing the object of their existence. Representa- tives from eight companies assembled on March 18, 1861, and formed a "Firemen's Union." This was an ordinary association for four years, com- posed of five delegates from each company; but finding its powers inadequate, it was incorporated on March 15, 1865, under the name of "Firemen's Union of the City of Reading," and the Union has since acted under this charter. The management is vested in a board of trustees, elected by the Union annually, composed of one member from each company represented in the Union. In 1873, the electric fire-alarm was introduced into the city. Previously, the alarm was sounded on the bells of the Trinity Lutheran Church for many years, till 1840 ; then upon the bell of the Court-House for a period of thirty-three years. The locality of the fire was indicated by a number of strokes on the bell to correspond with the num- ber of the ward where the fire was. Now, the alarm is given publicly in different sections of Reading. Alarms are also struck in the buildings of the respective fire companies. During 1871 and 1872, there were numerous false alarms of fire, and these became so annoying that a remedy had to be provided. Henry W. Spang advocated the Gamewell fire-alarm system, and through his efforts councils adopted it in 1873. The battery, m'^chanical apparatus and switchboard are located in the City Hall. This system embraces 206 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 89 boxes, distributed in seven circuits, connected with 43 miles of copper wire. The circuits are as follows : No. 1 fire-alarm circuit is 7.022 miles long and has •eighteen alarm boxes, two engine houses and one tower striker connected with it. No. 2 fire-alarm circuit is 5.73 miles long and has on it seventeen fire-alarm boxes, five house gongs, two engine houses and two tower strikers. No. 3 fire-alarm circuit is 3.56 miles long and has on it ten fire-alarm boxes, two engine houses and one tower ■striker. No. i fire-alarm circuit is 4.48 miles long and has on it ■eleven fire-alarm boxes, two engine houses and one tower striker. No. 5 fire-alarm circuit is 2.02 miles long and has on it seven fire alarm boxes, one office gong, one engine house and two tower strikers. No. 6 fire-alarm circuit is 17.19 miles long and has on it sixteen fire-alarm boxes, one engine house and one tower striker. No. 7 fire-alarm circuit is 3.41 miles long and has on it ten fire-alarm boxes, one engine house and one tower striker. The first State convention of the Firemen's Asso- ciation of Pennsylvania, held at Reading, was in September, 1881, and the second in October, 1895. On both occasions there were great parades, the latter having been particularly distinguished for the great number of companies and men in line. Growing out of the Firemen's Union, two asso- ciations of great utility were organized, the Vol- unteer Firemen's Association, and the Reading Firemen's Relief Association, which hold monthly meetings. The Veteran Firemen of Reading have also formed an association which meets regularly every month. The membership is at present 440 ; presi- dent, Charles F. Brissel. The Firemen's Union caused a fine granite mon- ument to be erected on Penn Common, at the Penn street entrance; it was dedicated Sept. 2, 1901. It occupies a prominent position and represents a vol- unteer fireman on a shaft. The fire department in 1909 had the following equipment, valued at $138,000: Fire Engines 11 H. &L. Trucks 2 Chemical Engines 3 Chemical Comb'n Wagons 11 Fire Extinguishers 26 Horses 62 Ambulances 2 Feet of Hose 20,000 Hose Wagons 4 Hose Cart 1 Patrol Wagon 1 Smoke Protectors 60 Life Saving Nets 7 Chief Engineers. — The following persons have ■officiated as chief engineers : David A. Stout 1867-1868 John A. Buch 1860 John F. Weitzel ] 870 Henry A. Albright 3870-1871 Lewis L. Moj'er 1 873 Howard F. Boyer 1873-1885 George W. Miller 1885-1909 SECRET The secret society was started as a distinct or- ganized body by the Free and Accepted Masons at Reading in 1780, but it was not maintained. It was started a second time in 1794 and has contin- ued until the present time. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was started here in 1838. These two were the only secret orders carried on at Read- ing when it became a city in 1847. Since then num- erous other societies have been organized and car- ried on with each succeeding decade and each order has come to include various bodies with a large total membership. A brief description of all of them cannot be attempted in this compilation. F. and A. M.— In 1894, Lodge No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, celebrated the centennial of its institution, and caused a souvenir history to be published. The order has six lodges at Reading. These lodges, two Royal Arch Chapters, and two Knight Templar Commanderies, erected a superb four-story granite front Masonic Temple on North Fifth street beyond Washington, at a cost exceed- ing $150,000. The first Knight Templar State • Conclave at Reading convened in 1872, and the second in 1895. On both occasions, the event was signalized by a superb parade. Shrine Reception. — The Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, No. 50, at Reading, gave a public recep- tion in Penn Square to a number of distinguished Nobles on Wednesday, May 19, 1909, including Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley (member of Alma Temple of Washington, D. C,), Maj. Gen. J. P. S. Gobin (member of Zembo Terhple of Harrisburg, Pa.), and Rt. Rev. Ethelbert Talbot (member of Irene Temple of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.), whilst on a fraternal visitation. The pupils of the public schools, of the several grades, numbering about 9,000, participated in the parade. Their behavior during the public reception was highly creditable, and their singing of the "Star Spangled Banner," "America," and "Onward, Christian Soldiers," with the accompaniment of the Ring- gold, Philharmonic and Allentown bands of music, was truly inspiring, more especially during the re- peated waving of small American flags by the thou- sands of pupils in the center of the Square. A larger public assemblage was never before witness- ed in Reading. The weather was ideal and the orderliness of the great throngs of people whilst moving into and out of the Square was remarkable. At Rajah Temple, in the evening, a regular meeting of the Shrine was held at which a large number of applicants for membership were ini- tiated, and afterward the distinguished guests and members were entertained at "a banquet, nearly a thousand having participated. /. O. 0. F. — The first lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted at Reading in 1838. An association was incorporated in 1845 for erecting a hall for use of the Odd Fellows and all other benevolent societies of the place ; a lot was purchased at Fifth and Franklin streets, and a four- story brick building was erected thereon. At the dedication on Oct. '26, 1847, dignitaries of the Su- preme Lodge, and of the Grand Lodges, of the order of this and other States were in attendance. READING 207 In 1868, this hall was purchased by the Reading Library Company. In 1880, the Grand Lodge met at Reading, and again in 1893. At the latter con- -vention, John Wunch, a resident of Reading, was elected Grand Master, and in that year he laid the corner-stone of the I. O. O. F. Temple at Phila- delphia. Since 1847, only one grand parade has been given by the order at Reading, and this was in 1882. K. G. E. — The first castle of the Knights of the Golden Eagle was instituted at Reading in 1885. The Grand Castle convened at Reading in 1886, and the Supreme Castle in 1897. G. A. R. — The following bodies have been organ- ized at Reading by men who were enlisted in the Civil war, or by members of their families: McLean Post, No. 16, ipstituted 1866; and Womans Re- .lief Corps. Keim Post, No. 76, instituted 1878. Meade Camp, No. 16, Sons of Veterans, instituted 1881; and Ladies' Aid Society, No. 6. Union Veteran Legion Encampment, No. 43, instituted 1889 ; and Ladies' Auxiliary. Ladies of the G. A. R., instituted 1883. Ringgold Light Artillery, First Defenders, organized at Reading in 1892 with the four other corripanies which were the first to respond to the call of President Lincoln for troops in 1861. They caused a granite monument to be ■erected on Penn Common which was dedicated on July 4, 1901. Through the efforts of the members of the two posts an imposing granite soldiers' monument was ■erected in Charles Evans Cemetery, and dedicated with interesting ceremonies in 1887. P- O. S. of A. — The Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica was instituted at Reading in 1860, and has come to be the strongest secret beneficial society here, com- prising fourteen camps, with a total membership ex- ceeding 3,835. In June, 1888, the National and State Camps held their conventions at Reading, and to signalize the extraordinary occasion, the Order gave a monster parade, which, in respect to the great number in line, and to the public decorations, exceeded all demonstrations of every kind thereto- fore given. In the latter part of August, 1897, the National convention was held at Reading, and the semi-centennial of the order was celebrated. The first camp had been instituted at Philadelphia in 1847, but it was obliged to suspend on account of the members enlisting in the Civil war. Camp No. 61, at Reading, maintailned its organization, notwith- standing many of its members had enlisted also, and kept the order in existence, for which reason Reading was selected by the State Camp, and also by the National Camp, as the proper place for the celebration. To signalize the extraordinary occasion, a mon- ster parade of the Order was given on Aug. 26th, in which over nine thousand menibers participated. The local camps of Reading and the country dis- tricts manifested much enthusiasm and were un- tiring in their combined efforts to make the dem- onstration a grand success. The streets along the route of the parade, more especially Penn street, were profusely decorated. /. 0. R- M. — This society was established at Read- ing in 1854 by the name of Ancient Order of Red Men, but this was changed to Improved Order in 1867. Jr. 0. U. A. Af.— The Junior Order United American Mechanics was instituted at Reading in 1867. For some years it was noted for presenting, the national flag to the school authorities for dis- play over the public school buildings. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was insti- tuted at Reading March 10, 1889. It established superior quarters at the northwest corner of Fifth and Franklin streets in 1904, costing $30,000 ; and in 1908 erected a large and costly addition. "Elks' Hall" is a complete establishment in all its depart- ments ; the total cost is $90,000.. The membership in February, 1909, was 402; of which fifty were not resident in Berks county. , It is the only society of the kind' now in the county. Fraternal Order of Eagles. — This beneficial so- ciety was organized at Reading in 1900, as Aerie No. 66, and since then has been very successful, having in May, 1909, 1,075 members. In 1903, the Order established a superior place in Lower Alsace township, a short distance beyond the Min- eral Spring Hotel, as a resort for the members, costing $20,000. It comprises a substantial build- ing and six acres of land. The Aerie also secured a fine property on Penn street. No. 1040, for the members, which has been much improved, at a total cost of $30,000. The president of the Aerie is William J. Moore, and the secretary William H. Croessant. Other Societies. — Other secret societies, worthy of mention, with the time when first instituted at Reading, are the following: Order United Ameri- can Mechanics, 1847; German Order of Harugari, 1849 ; American Protestant Association,, 1857 ; In- dependent Order of Good Templars, 1858 ; Brother- hood of the Union, 1864 ; Knights of Pythias, 1867 ; Knights of Friendship, 1871 ; Knights of Mystic Chain, 1871; Royal Arcanum, 1880. SOCIETY STATISTICS In the following table the various bodies of these orders are enumerated, showing membership, date of institution, assets, etc.: Free and Accepted Masons Members Lodge No. 62 .1794 318 Lodge No. 227, Chandler ' 1848 416 Lodge No. 367, Teutonia 1866 109 Lodge No. 435, St. John's 1869 239 Lodge No. 549, Reading 1876 266 Lodge No. 660, Isaac Hiester 1908 123 Reading Chapter, R. A 1827 Excelsior Chapter, R. A. De Molav Commandery, No. 9, K. T 1854 Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. 1871 Nobles of Mystic Shrine, No. 50 1892 COLORED LODGES, F. & A. M. Lodge No. 73, Victor, 1890 Mt. Olive Chapter, R. A., No. 23, 1891 King David Commandery, K. T., No. 15, 1893 208 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Patriotic Order Sons of America Members Assets Camp No. 61 188 $ 3,060 Camp No. 89 400 45,915 Camp No. 163 1,113 30,514 Camp No. 312 347 11,939 Camp No. 339 314 6,380 Camp No. 330 177 4,411 Camp No. 509 306 3,280 Camp No. 553 90 448 Camp No. 560 287 8,395 Camp No. 663 309 3,032 Camp No. 676 44 784 Camp No. 678 145 995 Camp No. 689 243 3,398 Camp No. 691 74 1,847 3,835 $113,398 Boroughs, 11 camps 2,115 81,454 Townships, 28 camps 3,419 148,152 Total 9,369 $343,004 Patriotic Order of Americans Camps No. 17, No. 117, and No. 131. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Members Assets Germania Lodge, No. 158 1846 30 $1,800 Emblematic Lodge, No. 169 1846 190 9,200 Vigilance Lodge, No. 194 1884 258 21,600 Oky Lodge, No. 218 1846 311 12,853 Progressive Lodge. No. 470 1889 264 12,840 Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 518 1874 250 9,200 Muhlenberg Lodge, No. 1085 1895 198 6,300 Reading Encampment, No. 43.... 1846 Mt. Penn Encampment, No. 152 Esther Lodge, No. 4, Daughters of Rebekah, 1886, 400 Improved Order of Red Men Members Juniata Tribe, No. 74 1867 855 Opekasset Tribe, No. 122 1870 210 Ogalala Tribe, No. 186 345 Wyanet Tribe, No. 301 365 Manangy Tribe, No. 316 223 Unamis Tribe, No. 330 257 Neversink Tribe, No. 351 242 Metacomet Tribe, No. 416 335 Narragansett Council, No. 67, Degree of Pocahontas Indianola Council, No. 70, Degree of Pocahontas Opitsah Council, No. 117, Degree of Pocahontas Knights of Friendship Fidelia Chamber, No. 5, 1880 Charity Chamber, No. 23, 1886 Reading Chamber, No. 26, 1888. Friendship Chamber. No. 28, 1889. Lincoln Chamber, No. 36, 1892. Prosperity Chamber, No. 48, 1899. Knights of Golden E.a.gle Members Reading Castle, No. 49 1885 323 Mt. Penn Castle, No. 51 1885 244 Sirius Castle, No. 63 1885 255 Fraternity Castle, No. 302 1889 172 Muhlenberg Castle, No. 372 1890 268 Victory Castle, No. 433 1893 96 Prosperity Castle, No. 481 1894 77 West Reading Castle, No. 487 1895 116 Columbian Temple (Ladies), No. 17 St. Bernard Temple (Ladies), No. 21 Lady Bayard Temple (Ladies), No. 78. . .1895 Mt. Penn Comimandery, No. 51, Company B. St. Bernard Commandery, No. 0, Company C. Knights of Pythias Friendship Lodge, No. 5 1867 Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65 1868 Endowment Rank, No. 9 1877 Cashmere Temple, No. 37 United American Mechanics Reading Council, No. 46. Seminole Council, No. 88. Reading Council, No. 122 (Daughters of Liberty). Independent Americans Perseverance Council, No. 19. Resolute Council, No. 27. Thaddeus Council, No. 252. Neversink Council, No. 371. Randall Council, No. 448. Laing Council, No. 995. United Americans Leona Evelyn Smith Temple, Vo. 78. Old Glory Temple, No. 80. Riverside Temple, Na 81. Protestant Societies Charity Lodge, No. 34. Lady Ruth, No. 36. Aaron Lodge, No. 95. Neversink Lodge, No. 104. Aaron Juvenile Lodge, No. 13. Brotherhood of the Union Freedom Circle, No. 7, 1864. Lady Jefferson Home Communion, No. 5, 1867. Foresters of America Members- Court Progress, No. 115 1895 265 Court Wyomissing, No. 130 1897 192 Court Conrad Weiser, No. 199 1899 193 Court Victory, No. 123 German Order of HARUG.^RI Members Goethe Lodge, No. 60, D. O. H 1857 12 Improved Order of Heptasophs Reading Conclave, No. 67. Berks Conclave, No. 133. ^Modern Woodmen of America Neversink Camp, No. 7634. Reading Camp, No. 9289. Roman Catholic Societies Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 1 and No. 2. Bonifacius Brotherhood, 1866. Holy Cross, 1868. Emerald B. A. of St. Peter's Church, 1869. American Catholic Union, Reading Assembly, No. 28. Reading Knights of St. John. Knights of St. Casimir, 1898. Knights of St. John. Knights of Columbus. St. Peter's T. A. B. Society, 1883. St. Stanislaus Beneficial Society. Royal Arcanum Members Mt. Penn Council, No. 495 1880 440 Reading Council, No. 1104 1889 136 Wyomissing Council, No. 1584 1894 .".or READING 209 Club Houses. — Five club houses have been estab- lished at Reading: Wyomissing, 1890; Ivy Leaf, 1891; Independent Gun Club, 1891; Combine, 1891; Nursery, 1893; Elks, 1908; and. Eagles, 1909. FINANCIAL Banks. — The first bank at Reading was estab- lished in 1808. It was a branch of the Pennsylvania- Bank and continued until 1857, when it sus- pended. Its place of business was in the building now occupied by the National Union Bank. The next was the Farmers, organized in 1814, which has been continued in the same building where it started. The Eckert family was promin- ently identified with it from 1836 to 1908. The following list embraces the banks and trust companies at Reading, showing the time of organ- ization, capital stock, resources, deposits, etc., in November, 1908. The banks are all national banks, excepting the last two, which are State banks : and it has been kept up over sixty years. But it has not been so successful for the past ten years. Previous to 1876, the associations received moneys only and made them profitable on mortgage securi- ties; then they begai) not only to erect dwellings, but also market-houses and business places. In 1897, there were 53 associations at Reading, but in 1905, only 8, and in 1908, 2. . Insurance Companies. — The first fire insurance company in Berks county was organized in 1844; and the first at Reading was in 1867. The Read- ing Fire Insurance and Trust Company was incor- porated in 1868; the Trust company was incorpor- ated as a separate institution in 1886. The Insur- ance company carried policies on properties through- out the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, with risks exceeding forty million dollars. _ It was discontinued in 1903, having transferred its risks to the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Reading was organized in 1870, and since then it has not Trust Companies at Reading w « Pennsylvania Trust Company Reading Trust Company Berks County Trust Company Colonial Trust Company Commercial Trust Company * $128,000 paid in. Banks at Reading 1886 1886 1900 1900 1904 $250,000 500,000 250,000 *250,000 125,000 $4,011,464 1,872,749 1,380,931 1,144,979 346,282 $2,831,169 1,035,427 982,240 697,575 204,900 $ 527,224 335,209 147,145 197,405 16,382 $2,820,175 4,207,644 337,822 ' 151,505 2,542 5,751,311 $1,223,365 $7,519,688 Name •3 3 u o u5 s o o a V a u V 'a u 3 Farmers '. 1814 1857 1863 1871 1881 1883 1893 1890 1901 $400,080 200,000 500,000 100,000 300,000 100,000 200,000 100,000 . 50,000 $3,229,115 2,498,801 1,491,664 975,472 1,898,652 1,800,881 1,580,840 684,537 201,378 $1,513,347 1,341,147 693,378 605,568 785,373 1,356,917 830.661 411,791 113,809 $856,275 796,064 First National . . Keystone Second Nat'l . . . Penn 97,266 193,646 541,966 248,944 Reading: Schuylkill Val.. Neversink 331,352 172,74tS 22,494 7.651,991 3,260,753 Channing Bingham was the bank examiner of the national banks of the city and county for up- ward of ten years, until November, 1908, when, owing to illness, he was succeeded by Lloyd M. Tillman, who for thirteen years had been connect- ed with the Treasury Department at Washington, D. C. ' B. & S. A. — The building and sayings associa- tion as an institution for the acquisition of prop- erty or accumulation of money out of savings by working people was organized at Reading in 1848, 14 levied a single assessment. Its insurance extends throughout Pennsylvania, and amounts to $3,900,- 000; the policies number 3,000. INDUSTRIAL- Board of Tra,de. — The first Board of Trade at Reading was formed in 1807, for the purpose of considering the possible navigation of the Schuyl- kill, a number of prominent men having at that time founded -an association under the name of The So- ciety for Promoting and Cleaning the River Schuylkill. The same men were interested in other local improvements, such as turnpikes, canals, bridges, and railroads ; and they accompHshed great good in the development of Reading. ' A second board was, started in 1870, but it had a short existence. The third, which is the present board, was organized in 1881, and it has kept up a successful existence until now. It was incorpor- ated in 1889. The membership in March, 1909, was 350. Unions. — All classes of working-people have formed unions for maintenance in sickness and co- operation in reference to employment, wages, etc., and they have had an active existence at Reading 210 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA for many years. Over thirty societies have been organized. LITERARY Libraries. — The Reading Library was organized in 1808. It contained 1,000 volumes in 1842, and 1,500 vohimes in 1850. A reorganization was effected in 1868, when it purchased the Odd Fel- lows' Hall. It was made free Jan. 1, 1898, through the liberality of twenty-three men who each con- tributed $500 toward extinguishing the debt on the hall. The present number of volumes is over 37,000. Dr. A. R. Durham was a most efficient librarian from 1898 until his decease in March, 1907, when he was succeeded by E. A. Howell as the librarian. Reading German Library was organized in 1808, and began with 685 volumes. Subsequent addi- tions were made until it had 1,500. The society disbanded in 1847, and the books were distributed amongst its members. Berks County Law Library v^ras organized in 1843 and kept up by appropriating certain fines allowed by law. The books are on the third floor of the Court-House. The collection of reports, text and miscellaneous books numbers 6,500. Harmonie Maennerchor Library was started when the Reading Maennerchor was organized in 1847. The nucleus was the collection of books of the German Library, which disbanded about that time. An addition of 1,200 volumes was made in 1877 by the disbanding of the Schiller Verein. Historical. — ^A historical society was formed in 1840, but no record of its transactions was pre- served. In 1869, a second society was incorporated under the name of Historical Society of Berks County, but only several meetings were held. In February, 1898, a reorganization was effected with A. G. Green, Esq., as president, and George M. Jones, Esq., as secretary, and quarters were secured in the Court-House, third floor, for its meetings and for storing its papers. In 1904, a building was purchased at No. 519 Court street and a collection of historical publications was then begun. Mr. Green continued as president until his decease in 1903. He was succeeded by Louis Richards, Esq., who has served since. The library contains about 1,500 volumes, and the collection now includes many curios. PATRIOTIC Daughters who were descendants of soldiers en- listed in the Revolutionary war organized a society at Reading in 1893, which they called the Berks County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A national society was organized at Washington in 1890 ; and in 1897 a State Associa- tion. The niembers of the local society in 1909 num- bered ninety-seven. The principal officers then were as follows : Mrs. de B. Randolph Keim, Regent. Mrs. John C. Illig, Secretary. Mrs. John B. Dampman, Historian. Miss Addie Owen, Registrai. A children's branch of the D. A. R., called the Conrad Weiser Branch, was organized in 1895, and in 1909 it had forty members. In October, 1905, the Eighth Annual Pennsyl- vania State Conference of the D. A. R. met at Reading and was largely attended. PROFESSIONAL Medical. — ^A medical society was organized at Reading in 1824. It was the second society of this nature formed in Pennsylvania, the first hav- ing been at Philadelphia. Dr. Isaac Hiester was the first president and he continued to fill this po- sition for twenty-five years. In 1849, the second annual convention of the State Medical Society was held at Reading, and in 1891 another was held here. In 1866, the name was changed to Berks County Medical Society, which it has held until now. The transactions began to be published in 1896. The Reading Medical Association was organized by physicians of Reading in 18.50. It was chiefly instrumental in establishing the Reading Dispen- sary, and the Reading Hospital. For some years, the meetings of both societies have been held in the Raser D:rug Store at Sixth and Walnut streets. A Homoeopathic Practitioners Association was organized and it was instrumental in estabhshing the Homoeopathic Hospital in 1887. It was re- organized in 1896, and in 1908 the name was changed to Berks County Homoeopathic Medical Society. Legal. — Men learned in the law have been ad- mitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county since 1752, but no society was organized until 1867; then the Legal Association of Berks County was established. Nearly all of the members of the Bar have resided and continue to reside at Reading, some of them having their residences and offices in the more prominent boroughs. VOCAL MUSIC Beethoven Society. — The first singing society at Reading was organized about 1832. It as called the Beethoven Society. The first concert was given in the "State-House" which was a great success. Concerts were given by the society for a number of years afterward. Harmonie Maennerchor. — The second society was the Reading Maennerchor, organized in 1847. This has maintained an active existence ever since, and is now one of the oldest singing societies in the United States. The first National Saengerfest was held at Philadelphia in 1850, and William Ros- enthal (then living at Philadelphia, but at Reading since 1860) was the presiding officer. There were READING 211 only four societies in attendance, the Reading Maen- nerchor being one of them. The first Saengerfest at Reading was given under the auspices of the society in 1868. It was attended by seventeen German singing societies. In 1874, the Harmonic Maennerohor (which was organized in 1866) con- solidated with the Reading Maennerchor, and the former name was adopted. In 1878, the society secured quarters in the large structure on Sixth street near Walnut, on which account the building was named Maennerchor Hall, and there the so- ciety has remained until now. In 1884, the second Saengerfest was given at Reading and it was at- tended by several thousand Germans from differ- ent parts of the country. The National Saenger- fests at Newark in 1891. at New York in 1894, and at Philadelphia in 1897, were attended by the. society and the members acquitted themselves most creditably. The third Saengerfest at Reading was in 1892, known as the "First Pennsylvania Saen- gerfest," because only societies from the State ■were allowed to participate. On Aug. 5, 1897, the society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, there being present many delegates from German sing- ing societies from the Eastern and Middle States, besides delegations from all the German societies at Reading. Reading Musical Society. — The third society was formed in 1855 by H. D. Torrey, an artist, and named the Reading Musical Society. Annual con- certs were given and the organization \yas main- tained until 1860. Mozart Musical Union. — The fourth society was formed in 1862, and called the Mozart Musical Union. Concerts were given annually here and elsewhere until *1872. Reading Chorall Society. — In 1875, Prof. Edward A. Berg organized the fifth, by the name of Read- ing Choral Society. It participated in thfe May Musical Festival at New York City in 1882, which was given under the leadership of Theodore Thom- as. The grand chorus comprised 3,500 voices, and in rendenng one of the pieces on the program, the tenor part was sustained by the Reading Choral members so effectually as to win the special com- mendation of Thomas himself. The society was represented on that occasion by 103 members. Num- erous concerts were given by the society at great , expense, at which nearly all the renowned oratorios were rendered. The members reorganized in Octo- ber, 1897, and participated in the Eisteddfod at Allentown, Pa., on Thanksgiving Day, where they won four cash prizes. Reading Church Choral Society was organized from the Reading Choral Society shortly after E. A. Berg's decease in 1897, and Edward H. Knerr has been the director until the present time. It numbers 100 miembers and gives three concerts each year, which are largely patronized. Its rehearsal meetings are given in the First Baptist Church. Reading Liederkranz was organized in 1885. Its first festival was held in Deppen's Hall in 1890 ; on which occasion German societies were in attendance from Reading, Pottsville, Allentown and Wilming- ton. In 1891 its quarters were established in Li- brary Hall. In 1894 the society participated in the singing contest at Allentown and won the first prize, scoring the highest number of points. The quar- ters of the society were continued in Library Hall until 1901, when it purchased a property at No. 834 Chestnut street and remodeled the building to suit its purposes, where it has continued in very active and successful existence until the present time. It has given annual concerts here and elsewhere which were largely patronized and heartily appre- ciated. The membership in 1909 was forty-five active members, and 250 passive. The society attended the State Saengerfest at Al- lentown in 1905, and at Wilkes-Barre _ in 1907, winning at the latter place the second prize in the first class. During the "German Week" in 1908 at Pendora Park, the society gave three concerts on alternate days, assisted by the Germania Orchestra, and the attendance at the secondconcert was estimated at 15,000, evidencing the great popularity of the so- ciety and its superiority as a musical organization. Prof. George D. Haage has filled the position of director in a superior manner since February, 1903. Previous prominent directors were John Dersch and Jacob Schmidt. The officers for 1909 were : Presi- dent, William Aisdorf; secretary, Henry Schorn; treasurer, Levi Weitzenkorn. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC The first brass band at Reading was organized in 1814. From that time until 1852, several bands flourished for a while, the Reading Military Band, and afterward the Mechanics' Brass Band, having been quite prominent. RinggoM Band. — In 1852, eighteen men of Read- ing, rtiostly mechanics but fond of instrumental music, associated together and organized a band, which they named the Ringgold Brass Band, after the Ringgold Light Artillery, of which the men were members. John A. Hook was the leader. When the Civil war broke out, its services were tendered to the government. It was connected with the 25th Regiment, P. V., and served the term of its enlistment, three months. Joseph Winter became the musical director in 1868, and filled this position for thirty years, and brought it to a high state of efficiency. It accompanied the State Fen- cibles of Philadelphia to the centennial celebration of Bunker Hill; and by special request of the com- missioners, it participated in the opening ceremon- ies of the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876. In 1878, it took part in the centennial celebration at Valley Forge. In 1881, it was attached to the 1st Brigade, N. G. P., with 35 members; and in that year it was detailed to accompany a provisional brigade as an escort to the Governor and members of the Legislature at the centennial celebration at 212 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Yorktown, Va. In 1888, it participated in the one hundredth anniversary of constitutional govern- ment at New York City; in 189G, in the centennial celebration at Huntingdon, Pa. ; and in 1897, in the centennial celebration at Waynesboro, Pa. Besides these great occasions, it led political clubs in parades at nearly all the inaugurations of the Presidents of the United States, and of the Governors of Penn- sylvania, since 1852. Its annual concerts are superb and well patronized. It furnished the music at the Princeton College reunions in 1903 and 1906. Germania Band was organized in 1887 with Mon- roe A. Althouse as leader and had a very success- ful existence for fourteen years under his leader- ship, when it was consolidated with the Ringgold. Prof. Althouse has been the leader since then. Other bands organized within the past ten years : Cadet, 1898, 40 members; Arthur Yocum, leader since 1907. White Eagle (Polish), 1899. Colonial, 1901, Archie Boyer, leader. Philharmonic, 1903, Harry E. Fahrbach, leader. Italian, 1905, Ignatius Sparagana, leader, 30 members. Municipal. Prof. 0. H. Unger has been teaching and or- ganizing bands since 1865. In 1876 he had on hand thirty-two bands in Berks and surrounding coun- ties. He directed the Liberty Band from 1877 to 1889; and the Philharmonic (formerly Athletic) for seven years. He also organized a Symphony Orchestra in 1904 with 15 members. It has been gradually enlarged to 50 members, and its concerts have been very popular. Drum Corps. — The fife and drum corps was a musical institution at Reading from the time of the Revolution and its identity has been preserved until the present. It constituted three pieces: fife, small drum and large drum. When the Civil war was carried on from 1861 to 1865, several fifes and small drums were included in the corps, which made the "martial music" more demonstrative and effec- tive. Since then the pieces have been gradually in- creased until they number twenty and more, in- cluding cornets and slide-trombones. The "Big-Six" Drum Corps are old soldiers who were enlisted in the Civil war and they have main- tained their musical organization until the present time. The leader is William Klineyoung. There are now three other corps at Reading: Military, organized in 1898, embracing 20 pieces; leader, Daniel Raudenbush. Schuylkill, 21 pieces ; leader, Harry Rickenbach. Liberty, 16 pieces ; leader, William Weidman. CHARITABLE Soup Society. — The first public association for indigent persons of Reading was formed in 1823. Owing to the construction of the Schuylkill canal, much sickness and distress arose in numerous fam- ilies at Reading, and also along the canal to the county line beyond Birdsboro. The organization was called a "soup society," and much relief was afforded. After the prevailing epidemic subsided, the society disbanded. Benevolent Society. — In 1835, the Reading Be- nevolent Society was established. The first annual meeting was held on Jan. 1, 1836, and annual meet- ings have been held regularly ever since. The reg- ular meetings of the managers were held in private houses until 1874; since then the building of the Relief Society has been occupied. Relief Society.— In 1866, the Reading Relief So- ciety was organized for distributing soup to the poor. It co-operates with the Benevolent Society. In 1874, a fine building at Franklin and Plum streets was erected for the society. It operates two build- ings during the winter months, the other being on Spring street at Moss. Bureau of Employment. — The Bureau of Employ- ment was formed in 1875 by a number of women who were connected with the Benevolent Society, for employing deserving and self-respecting women at sewing and paying them fair prices for their work, either in money or clothing. Quarters were established in the Relief Society building. Dur- ing the first winter, over two hundred women were supplied with work. This society has had a successful existence until the present time. William M. Staufifer, a generous and public-spirited man, has served as president since its organization, and the society has had its quarters in his building at Sixth and Franklin streets since its erection in 1898. The society an- nually secures employment at household work for upward of five hundred women, which evidences the extent of its usefulness to the community. Mrs. James B. Brusstar has been its secretary since 1900 ; and its superintendent, since 1907, Miss Sarah Wentzel. The previous superintendent for seven years was Mrs. Anna E. Weissfiog. Reading Hospital. — A society was organized in 1868 to provide medical aid to the indigent sick and wounded people of Reading, and in 1869 it was in- corporated under the name of Reading Dispensary. In 1883, this name was changed to the Reading Hospital. Then the directors raised $25,000, and the State appropriated $20,000 toward a building which was erected in 1884 at Front and Spring streets, which was opened in 1886. An addition was made to it in 1890, called the Wootten Wing (John E. Wootten) at a cost of $20,000, and a Training School was erected on the lot for student nurses in 1896, by the efforts of the Ladies' Aux- iliary. Annual contributions have been received from the State since its erection. The medical staff is selected from the Reading Medical Associa- tion and consists of six surgeons, six physicians and a resident physician, who are elected annu- ally. Total cost, $75,000. Annual reports have been issued showing its guperb management. The board of managers comprise some of the most in- fluential men of Reading. < a. in o X o z Q < Ul K o z Q < S o I U) o o READING 213 A training school was established in 1890 for professional nurses and since 1891 there have been graduates annually, numbering altogether eighty- three. The number of beds in the hospital is sixty-five. Patients treated during 1908 numbered 886, the largest since the opening of the hospital in 1869. The next largest number was 769, in 1898. The number of patients treated have been as follows : In-patients previously reported 11,038 During 1908 886 11,924 Out-patients previously reported 27,418 During 1908 1,405 28,823 Total treated 40,747 Officers of the Hospital : President, Charles Kessler, 1867-72 ; Dr. Joseph Coblentz, 1872-81; W. E. C. Coxe, 1881-91; William D. Smith, since 1891. Treasurer, H. H. Muhlenberg, 1867-69; A. F. Boas, 1870- 72; Dr. W. M. Weidman, 1873-74; Dr. P. M. Ziegler, 1875-88; P. R. Stetson, 1889-1905; Frank S. Livingood, since 1905. Secretary, Dr. P. M. Ziegler, 1867-72 ; Dr. J. B. Brooke, 1872-81; Dr. William F. Muhlenberg, 1882; Dr. Israel Cleaver, since 1883. St Joseph's Hospital— In 1873, the Vollmer property at Twelfth and Walnut streets was pur- chased for hospital purposes by Rev. George Borne- mann, and a small brick dwelling thereon was placed under the charge of the Sisters of St. Fran- cis. In 1885, a superior large brick building was erected costing $60,000, and in 1895, an addition was made to it costing $85,000, all paid by contribu- tions from the community, solicited by the Sisters. A large, superior and attractive annex was built in 1904. The medical attendance is supplied from the physicians at Reading. The total number of patients treated has been 14,512 (in 1908 being 992, and in 1907, 975). Sister Anastasia was the Mother Superior from 1885 to 1887 ; Sister Julianna, from 1887 to 1907 ; and Sister Fulgentia, from 1907 to the present time. A- training school for graduating nurses was established in 1905 ; three nurses were graduated in 1906, two in 1907, and three in 1908. James Nolan has officiated as president of the hoard of managers since 1908, and Frederick Steph- an as secretary since 1901. Homoeopathic Hospitdl. — In August, 1887, sev- enteen womp.n started the Homoeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association, and for its maintenance funds were obtained from parlor entertainments, donations and membership duel The demands for treatment increasing, a board of trustees was organized two years afterward, and premises No. 126 Nofth Sixth street were purchased for $21,- 000. The building was completely furnished by the Ladies' Auxiliary, and the hospital was formally opened July 1, 1891. A fine, large and substan- tial annex was built in 1905. Total number of beds in the hospital is seventy- five. There are four public wards; two private wards; and thirteen private rooms; also a con- tagious ward. It is equipped with all the most recent medical and surgical appliances. Cost of institution, $75, 000. The following statistics are presented to show the extent of its services to the community: In-patients, 1905 to 1908 1,241 Out-patients, 1905 to 1908 8,048 Prescriptions, etc., 1905 to 1908 16,548 Accident cases, 1900 to 1908 8,146 A training school for nurses was established at the Hospital in 1895, and since then annually, ex- cepting 1896, 1903 and 1907, nurses have been graduated, numbering altogether twenty-six. , Officers of the Hospital : President, Isaac McHose, 1890-94; C. H. Ruhl, since 1894. Treasurer, James L. Douglas, 1890-92; Jerome L. Boyer, 1892-1896; Charles E. Leippe, since 1896. Secretary, C. H. Ruhl, 1890-94; W. W. Light, since 1894. Dr. Lewis A. Shollenberger has been the super- intendent of the hospital since 1897 ; and he has been serving on the medical staff since 1887. Widows' Home. — The Society of the Home for Widows and Single Women was established in 1874, for the purpose of affording humane and charitable relief, assis'tance and support to widows and single women of Reading, and incorporated Jan. 11, 1875. A building was rented for a time; then a property on Eighth street near Chestnut street in which a "Home" was established, and there it continued until July 7, 1886, when it was re- moved to the present place at Sixteenth and Haak streets. The superior building then erected was occupied until Feb. 5, 1905, when it was destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $15,000. It has been managed in a most success- ful manner, many people of the city contributing annually toward its support, and the spirit con- stantly displayed is truly admirable. The officials from 1875, who have carried on this charitable institution, are the following: First Directress, Mrs. M. A. DeWolfe Howe, 1875-94; Mrs. H. H. Muhlenberg, 1895-1901; Susan E. Benson, 1902-09. Treasurer, Susan E. Benson, 1875-1900; Mrs. Jerome L. Boyer, 1901-07; Mrs. G. A. Schlechter, 1908- 09. Secretary, Rachel D. Griscom, 1875-89; Mrs. P. M. Ziegler, ■ 1890-1909. Matron, Elizabeth R. Lea, 1877-78; Mrs. Elizabeth Knox, 1878-80; Mrs. Emma Silheimer, 1880-81; Pamelia P. Draper, 1881-84; Mrs. Mary A. Filbert, 1884-87; Miss Sarah R. Filbert, 1887 (June-Nov.) ; Emily T. Hamlin, 1887-98; Mrs. Margaret Nevin, 1899-1903; Mrs. Belle Wor- rell, 1904-09. From 1875 to 1908, the society had secured forty- three life members. The inmates who died in this time were 56; and the inmates during the year 1908 were 36. 214 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Home for Friendless Children. — The Home for Friendless Children began as a day nursery in May, 1884, under the auspices of the Bureau of Employ- ment at No. 236 Franklin street, and a widow as matron, and five children were then placed there. The Home becoming too small, a lot was purchased on Centre avenue near Spring street, and a fine double two-story building erected, which was ded- icated on Thanksgiving Day, 1888. The number of children averages from 35 to 40. The society endeavors to secure private homes for these chil- dren, and theire they are kept until eighteen years of age. Two additions were built to it, the north wing in 1903, "the gift of that staunch friend of the Home, Mr. William D. Smith," and the south wing in 1906, also the gift of Mr. Smith, who, at the same time, presented a kindergarten outfit and swings for outdoor amusement. The incorporators in 1888 were Margaretta C. Ermentrout, Elizabeth S. Richards, Emma A. End- lich, Amelia D. Leaf and Hannah Cotterel. The first named served as president from 1888 to 1894,. and the second from 1804 to 1898. Mrs. Rev. B. Bausman has served this position since 1898. Miss Cotterel has served as treasurer since 1888; and Miss Endlich served as the secretary from 1888 to 1908, when she was succeeded by Miss Addie C. Owen. The matrons of this most commendable insti- tution have been: Mrs. Lucy Frankum, 1888-96; Miss Kate Williams, 1896-98; Miss S. R. Hem- perly, 1898-1904; Mrs. Flora C. Bricker, 1904-06; Miss Margaret J. Durr, 1906-10. St. Catharine's Female Orphans' Asylum was founded by Mrs. Catharine Madary, who, in 1871, devised her property at Franklin and Maple streets to Archbishop Wood in trust for the rulers of the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity at Em- mittsburg, Md. Three sisters came from Emmitts- burg, and took possession in April, 1872. In 1873, a superior large brick edifice was erected, and in 1887, a large addition was built to it. The pres- ent number of girls in the asylum is 90 ; total number cared for is 410. Eight sisters are in the institution. House of Good Shepherd was established at Fourth and Pine streets in 1889 by the Roman Catholics at Reading, and a colony of sisters from the Provincial House at Philadelphia came to Reading to take charge of it. It continued there until January, 1900, when it was removed to Glen- side, where a superb institution was established on eight acres of ground at a cost of $180,000. The object is to reclaim fallen girls and women, and teach them sewing and laundry work, so that when they leave the place they can earn a living. They are allowed to remain if they wish to do so, and then they become Magdalens. There are 25 cloistered sisters, 3 outdoor sisters and 13 Mag- dalens connected with the institution. Total num- ber of girls cared for is 228 ; present number, 160. .S'^ Paul's Orphan Asylum for Boys was estab- lished at No. 137 North Ninth stree't in 1889 by the St. Paul's Roman Catholic congregation, and 16 boys became its first inmates. Now it harbors 70 boys; total number cared for, 200. In 1897, the institution was enlarged. It is supervised by the rector of St. Paul's Church and supported by voluntary contributions; 10 sisters are in charge. Canstatter Volks-Fest Vcrein was organized in 1882, for celebrating annually the "Canstatter Volks-Fest," and for fourteen years was very suc- cessful, the celebrations attracting many people, contributing much pleasure, and developing great sociability. The members were almost entirely Germans and at one time numbered 275. It was discontinued in 1903. 5". P. C. A. — The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized in 1891. It has been maintained successfully until now. Thereto- fore cruelty to animals was a common occurrence in Reading, but after a number of inhuman persons had been prosecuted and fined for their cruelty to horses and cattle (about one hundred, mostly persons from the country districts,) a much im- proved public sentiment followed. As a consequence, cruelty to animals is seldom seen upon the streets and complaints on that account are rare. This was succeeded by the "Humane Society of Berks County," incorporated in 1900 to protect children, as well as animals, from cruel treatment; it has since exerted much influence. Hon. H. Willis Bland was president until 1903, and George J. Gross has filled this office since then. The society established comfortable quarters at No. 114 South Sixth street ; its membership is 250. Beulah Anchorage. — This noble institution was founded at Reading in 1907 by Mrs. M. L. Lan- dis. Its purpose is to rescue wayward and erring girls and women, and help them to secure positions of honorable self-support. The building is situated on Fifth street below Bingaman, having been secured at a cost of $6,000. Mrs. Kate L. Schultz is the matron. It has upward of six hundred con- tributing members and is generously assisted by donations. Through its influence, many girls and women have been reformed and found comfortable homes. RELIGIOUS Y. M. C. /4.— The Young- ]\Ien's Christian As- sociation began at Reading m 1860, but it did not continue long in existence. A second attempt was made in_ 1869, and the organization then effected has continued until the present time. From 1879 to 1895, it was situated in the Breneiser building at Eighth and Penn streets. Its quarters were es- tablished at No. 626 Penn street in 1895, at a total cost of $75,000._ The exterior appearance is im- posing and the interior compartments for reading, lecturing, educational, athletic and entertainment purposes are complete. F. S. Livingood, Esq., has been president since 1886; James H. Edwards, secretary since 1889. Special efforts were made to increase membership in 1909, with great success. W. C. T. C/.— In 1884, Frances E." Wlllard vis- ited Reading in behalf of the Women's Christian HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN, READING PLAY GROUNDS-HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN, READING READING 215 Temperance Union and through her influence a society was formed which has been kept up since. The members number 360. In 1904 a granite drink- ing fountain was erected on the north side of Penn Square in memory of Miss Willard. The Boys' Brigade was originally started in Scot- land in 1883. The first company in the United States was organized in California in 1889, and the first at Reading in 1895. The object of the brigade is to advance Christianity amongst boys through military organization. All religious de- nominations are represented in it. Some years ago, there were at Reading eighteen companies, which constituted the 5th Regiment of Pennsyl- vania, and the total membership was 800 boys over eleven years of age. Each church supplied the equipment for its respective companies. Re- cently, however, the enthusiasm has subsided and the regiment has dwindled to two companies con- nected with the First Baptist Church, numbering about 125 members. P. & R. Y. M. C. A.— On March 15, 1896, ten men met at the home of Samuel Monasmith' in response to a call from Edward A. Homan to discuss the question of engaging in religious work among their fellow employees of the P. & R. Rail- way Company, and of providing a place where influences and surroundings would prove morally and physically beneficial. Through the kindness of George F. Baer, Esq., then president of the Reading Iron Company, the building and grounds familiarly known as "Green- Willow Park" (on Eighth street, just beyond Green) were set aside for the use of the new or- ganization, which became the P. & R. Railway Department, Young Men's Christian Association. The purpose of the Association was to provide an attractive place for the intellectual, social, physi- cal and spiritual welfare of the employees and it has been productive of beneficent results to all such individuals who have come under its influ- ence. The Association is controlled by a Com- mittee of Management, elected annually by the members. Any male employee, or male member of his fam- ily, in the service of the Reading Railway, Read- ing Iron Company, or affiliated lines of service, resident in or near, or running into Reading, not less than sixteen years of age, may become a mem- ber. On March 1, 1909, there were 524 memibers, including men of all creeds. E. J. Dunlap became the first secretary in March, 1898. He was succeeded by James W. Leach in September, 1902; by Henry E. W. Simon in Jan- uary, 1905 7 and by Edwin R. Gobrecht on Oct. 1, 1908, who served efficiently until March 31, 1909, when he resigned to become the general sec- retary of the Y. M. C. A. at Empire, Panama Canal Zone, under the auspices of the Panama Canal Commission. Variety of Associations. — In order to show the great variety of the associations at Reading, they have been presented in the following class- ification. They are indeed numerous and it is apparent from the extent of the variety that very few of the citizens are not connected with any of them. No attempt has been made to give the membership; and the compiler can not even pre- tend to have given the names of all the associa- tions. Agricultural Athletic and Sporting Baseball Golf Basket-ball ' Gunning Bicycle Gymnastic Boating Quoiting Bowling Tennis Foot-ball Charitable Associated Charities Home for Friendless Chil- dren Home for Widows and Single Women Hope Rescue Mission Hospitals, Reading, Hom- eopathic, St. Joseph's Financial Banks 9 B. & S. Associations ... .2 Historical ■ Historical Society of Berks County Medical Berks County Medical Reading Medical Military Baptist Boys' Brigade Reading Artillerists (Com- pany A, 4th Regt., N. G. P.) Miscellaneous 50 Musical — Instrumental Amphion's Musical Club Big Six Drum Corps Cadet Band Colonial Band Drexel's Orchestra Fahrbach's Orchestra Germania Orchestra Italian Band Ladies' Symphony Or- chestra Musical — Vocal Harmonie Maennerchor Reading Choral Society Patriotic Daughters of American Revolution Political Americus Club Eleventh Ward Democra- tic Club Fifth Ward Democratic Club Jackson Democratic Club Lincoln Republicans McKinley Club Protective Reading Underwriters Humane Reading Benevolent Reading Relief W. C. T. U. Woman's Employment Y. M. C. A. Y. W. C. A. Trust Companies 5 Berks County Homoeo- pathic Reading Dental Reading Rifles (Company I, 4th Regt., N. G. P.) Liberty Drum Corps Military Drum Corps Philharmonic Band Polish Band Ringgold Band Schuylkill Drum Corps White Eagle Band Reading Liederkranz Conrad Weiser Branch of D. A. R. Northeast Democratic As- sociation Northeast Republican League Sixth Ward Democratic Club Southeast Republican League Volunteer Fire Companies 13 216 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Religious All the different denominations have societies of a literary, sociable or charitable nature, numbering about one hundred. Secret and Beneficial American Protection As- sociation 6 American Mechanics ... 10 Elks F. and A. M 11 F. O. E. Foresters of America G. A. R 2 German Order of Har- ugari 2 Heptasophs Knights of Friendship.. 7 Knights of Golden Eagle 10 Knights of Labor 32 Knights of the Maccabees Knights of Malta 3 Knights of Mystic Chain Knights of Pythias ... 5 Modern Wbodmen .... 2 Odd Fellows 7 P. O. S. of A 17 P. O. of Americans... 4 Red Men 11 Roman Catholic 25 Royal Arcanum 3 Temperance 4 Temple Club Social Alumni Berkshire Country Club Combine Club Elm Leaf Club Ivy Leaf Club Letter Carriers' Nursery Literary Associa- tion Reading Reading Club West End Club Woman's Club Wyomissing Club f': ,^ GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS STATE REPRESENTATIVES Under the provisions of the Act of ■ May 19, 1874, the State was apportioned into senatorial and representative districts. By this apportionment, the ■city of Reading was made a separate district for representatives, and authorized to elect two mem- bers. Previously the county, including the county- seat, was one district and the Assemblymen chosen from the city are therefore included with the coun- ty officials. The following persons were repre- sentatives from Reading: Name Term Amos B. Wanner 1875-76 Jacob Miller 1875-78 Jeremiah Boone ' 1877-80 George McFarlan 1879-82 John S. Wagner 1881-83 Asa G. W. Smith 1883-86 Henry D. Green 1883-86 Spencer H. Smith 1887-88 James L. Douglas 1887-88 Allen S. Beck 1889-92 Samuel D. Missimer 1889-92 John R. Laucks 1893-94 John B. Goodhart 1893-94 Edward HI Luden 1895-98 David West 1895-98 Daniel K. Hoch 1899-1902 Harry E. Drase 1899-1902 W. Frank Mohr 1903-06 James B. Gabriel 1903-06 W. Wayne Weber 1907-08 John W. Morrison 1907-08 Richard W. F. Reuther 1909-10 Robert G. Bushong 1909-10 RE.ADING OFFICIALS Town. — The local government at Reading from 1748 to 1783 was that commonly incident to a township for the regulation of road affairs. Un- til 1760, it was included in Alsace township; then it was established into a separate district. Borough. — On Sept. 13, 1783, the town was incorporated into a borough, and the people were invested with enlarged powers for local affairs, which related chiefly to the streets and the public peace. Provision was made for the annual elec- tion of two burgesses, four assistants (who with the chief burgess constituted the council), high constable, town clerk, two supervisors and two assessors. The charter continued the same, ex- cepting several modifications about elections. City. — The borough was incorporated into a city on March 16, 1847. The Act preserved the wards previously created: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and Spruce, and it provided for the election of one select and one common councilman from each ward by the electors, the former for three years and the latter for one year; for the annual election of a mayor, treasurer, and three auditors; for the election of select and com- moii councilmen from the several wards, the for- mer for three years and the latter for one year; and it provided further for the annual appoint- ment by councils of a solicitor, street regulator, SLirveyor, two street commissioners, market com- missioner, high constable, and scavenger, and pres- idents and clerks of councils. It created two dis- tricts for aldermen (Penn street being the divid- ing _ line), with two aldermen for each district, having similar term of office and powers as jus- tice of the peace; and the day of election was fixed for the third Friday of March. The Act was modified March 13, 1861, and among other things provided by this second charter the terms of mayor and treasurer were extended to two years, and of auditor to three years ; and it was again modified April 26, 1864, when a third char- ter was provided, changing the day of election to the second Friday of February, and increasing the term of common councilmen to two years, one-half of the number to be chosen every two years alter- nately. The general Act of May 23, 1874, accepted by the people as a fourth charter, made a num- ber of changes in the local government of Read- ing. The day of election was changed to the third Tuesday of February. Each ward became en- titled to an alderman for five vears, and a consta- ble and assessor for three years. It substituted a controller in the place of "the auditors, with a term of two years; and increased the term of en- gineer and solicitor to two years. All the com- mon councilmen were to be elected every two years. A general Act was passed May 23, 1889 for cities of the third class (which included Reading) and the terms were made as follows : Mayor, treas- urer, controller, three assessors and engineer, three years ; solicitor, two years ; select councilmeri, four years, and common councilmen, two years The Act of May 16, 1901, increased the term of solici- tor to three years. READING 5217 Wards. — The first sub-division of Reading was made in 1817' for election purposes. The divisions were two, North ward and South ward, with Penn street as the dividing line. In 1840, it was sub- divided into four wards, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest, with Penn street and Sixth street as the dividing lines. And in 1844, a fifth ward was established called Spruce, com- prising that part of Reading which lay between the Schuylkill and the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road south of Spruce street. In 1861, the names of the wards were changed to numerals : Spruce vvard to First ; Southwest to Second'; Southeast to Third; Northeast to Fourth; and Northwest to Fifth. In 1864, the city was di- vided into nine wards. In 1876, two wards were added, the Tenth ward having been taken from the Second (constituting that portion lying east of Tenth street) and the Eleventh from the Ninth, constituting that portion lying north of Button- wood street. In November, 1885, two additional wards were created out of parts of the Eleventh ward, the Twelfth constituting the portion between Greenwich and Windsor streets, and the Thirteenth constituting the portion north of Windsor. In November, 1893, two additional wards were created out of parts of the Sixth and the Seventh wards, the Fourteenth constituting that portion of the Seventh north of the Lebanon Valley railroad, and also that portion of the Sixth north of the Lebanon Valley railroad and east of Second street and Centre avenue; and the Fifteenth constituting the remaining portion of the Sixth, north of the Leb- anon Valley railroad. And in November, 1894, the Sixteenth was created out of that portion of the Eighth which lay east of Eleventh street, and that portion of the Tenth east of Thirteenth street. The Act of March 23, 1889, provided for repre- sentation from the wards in councils as follows: In select, one member for four years; in common, two members for two years until the city came to comprise fifteen wards, when the representation in common should become one member. Elective Officials. — The following officials are elected by the electors of the entire city every three years at the municipal election on the third Tues- day in February : Mayor, controller, treasurer, and three assessors; and the following by the electors of the sixteen respective wards : select councilmen for four years and common councilmen for two years. Appointive Officials. — The following are ap- pointed : By the mayor: Chief of police, four sergeants, sixty-five patrolmen, two operators of the police telegraph, two turnkeys, two patrol drivers, elec- trician, police clerk, commissioner of markets and city property, and scavenger, all subject to approval of councils. , By council: City clerk (four years) ; four water commissioners ,(four years) ; city engineer (three years) ; city solicitor (three years) ; five members board of health, who select two physicians (indefin- ite period) ; four common commissioners (four years) ; four commissioners of public works (four years) ; superintendents, clerks, assistants, etc., for the several departments. Matron appointed since March, 1898. Officials for Wards. — Officials are elected at the municipal election in February by the voters of each ward: Alderman (term five years) ; constable (three years) ; and assessor (three years) ; besides the representatives in the select and common coun- cils, and in the school board. Officials for Precincts. — All the wards of Read- ing, excepting the Fourth, are divided into precincts, numbering altogether fifty. Each of these pre- cincts is an election district, and annually, on the third Tuesday in February, the voters elect a judge, two inspectors and a registry assessor. The Fourth ward constitutes an election district by itself; as to this district, there is no registry as- sessor, the ward assessor performing the duties of that office also. BURGESSES The Act of Sept. 13, 1783, provided for the an- nual election in May of two burgesses and four as- sistants, the first appointees until May 1, 1784, hav- ing been: burgesses, Daniel Levan and William Scull ; assistants, Peter Nagle, John Spohn, Benja- min Spyker, Jr., and James Mjay. A complete list of the burgesses from 1783 to 1847 was not obtainable. After dihgent search the names of the following persons who officiated were discovered (no minutes between 1786-89, 1791-93, 1795-96-97-98) : Name Term Daniel Levan and William Scull 1783 Charles Biddle and John Mears 1784 James Diemer and Jacob Winey 1785 James May and William Green 1790 Christian Barrenstine and John Otto ,. . . .1793-94 Jacob Bright ' 1799-1800 Henry Hahn a:nd Peter Stichter 1803 Jacob Bright (Brecht) and John Strohecker 1804 Fred'k Fritz 1807-08 Nicholas Dick 1810 John Spayd 1815-22 William Witman 1822-25 Peter Nagle, Jr 1825-31, 1832,-33, 1837-39 Henry A. Muhlenberg 1831-32 George M. Keim 1833-34. Anthony Bickel 1834-35 Thomas Keppel 1835-36 William Schoener 1836-37, 1839-43 William High 1843-44 William Betz 1844-47 Name Term Peter Filbert ,. . . 1847-48 William H. Keim • 1848-49 George Getz ,. 1849-53 Daniel R. Clymer 185i3-54 John S. Richards 1854-55 William M'. Baird , 1855-56 Joel B. Wanner 1856-57 A. Jordan Swartz 1857-58 Benneville Keim 1858-61 Joel B. Wanner 1861-63 >A8 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Joseph S. Hoyer 1863-63 Nathan AI. Eisenhower •■ . 1865-67 William H. Gernand 1867-71 Samuel C. Mayer 1871-73 Charles F. Evans 1873-79 Henry A. Tyson 1879-81 William G. Rowe . . .' 1881-85 James K. Getz 1885-87 James R. Kenney 1887-90 Thomas P. Merritt 1890-93 William F. Shanaman 1893-96 Jacob Weidel 1896-99 Adam H. Leader 1899-1903 Edward Yeager 1902-05 Edwin R. Gerber 1905-08 William Rick 1908-11 CHIEFS OF POLICE Name Term John L. Morris 1847-49; 1858-59 Henry Seitzinger 1849-51 John H. Nagle 1851-54 Reuben Goodhart 1854-55 William Y. Lvon lS5r>-.-,T ; 1860-61 Samuel Folk 1857-58 Henry Wunder 1859-60 Howard L. Aliller 1861-63 Jacob B. Mast 1863-65 Joseph Deysher 1865-67 William McNall 1867-71 Peter Cullen '. 1871-79; 1893-96 Daniel Housum 1S79-81 Raymond B. Lewis 1881-85 Frederick H. Fleck 1885-87 Mahlon Shaaber 1887-90 Richard M. Whitman 1890-93 ; 1902-08 John F. Albrecht 1896-98 Jacob Etzel 1898-99 Milton J. Miller 1899-1902 Charles E. Auman 1908-11 TREASURERS Name Term George Feather 1847-55 George R. Frill 1855-56 Daniel S. FIoU 1856-57 George W. Bruckman 1857-58 Miichael Kraemer 1858-59 Peter Cleaver 1859-61 Peter Shaneman 18G1-63 William Heidenreich 1863-71 John E. Arthur .■ 1871-85 Horatio Jones 1885-87 John Obokl 1887-03 John M. Bertolet 1893-96 Henry G. Young 1896-98 John Y. Hoffman 1898-1903 Walter M. Tyson 1902-08 Edward H. F'ilbert 1908-11 AUnlTORS Name Term Lewis J. Hanold 1847-48 Nathan Eisenhower 1847-49; 185.9-61 John L. Reifsnyder 1847-49 Frank B. Miller 1848-49 Jacob B. Smith 1849-50 Z. H. Maurer 1849-51 ; 18o4-:.rj Jeremiah Bitting 1849-50 John Darrah 1850-53 George Heckman 1850-51 James L. Rightniyer 1851-52 John F. Evans 1851-54 John F. Moers 1852-53 A. W. Nagle 1852-53 ; 1 854-55 John Pfleager 1853-54 William Briner 1853-54 John J, Tyson 1854-55 Peter Cleaver 1855-56 William Geiger 1855-56 John A. Banks 1855-56 Matthias Babb 1856-57 William Henry 1856-57 Albert G. Green 1856-57 William Umbenhower 1857-58 Wharton Morris 1857-58; 1861-62 James Van Horn 1858-59 Amos B. Wanner 1858-59 John O. Schoener 1858-59 Peres Hain 1859-60 Charles Scull 1859-60 Henry Eppihimer 1860-61 James A. Fasig 1860-61 B. Frank Haas 1861-63 Charles F. Smith 1861-64 Lewis Briner 1863-65 Henry Kerper 1863-66 Isaac R. Fisher 1864-67 John S. Aulenbach 1865r-68 William M. Goodman 1866-69 John E. Arthur 1867-71 Hiester j\L Nagle 1868-71 W. Murray Weidman 1869-73 Levi H. Liess 1871-74 JJohn Keppelman 1873-73 Jacob Lenhart 1873-75 Isaac T. James 1ST3-75 Henry M'. Keim 1874-75 CONTROLLERS Name Term William Briner Chester N. Farr, Jr 1875-76 Henry A. Tyson 1876-79 William A. Runkel 1879-81 Joseph Housum 1881-88 J. Lawrence Getz 1888-93 Samuel R. Kerper 1892-93 Walter B. Koch 1893-96 Adam H. Leader 1896-99 Charles L. Moll 1899-1908 Obadiah B. Dorward 1908-11 Water Boaed. — The city was divided into four districts for the election of commissioners of water by an Act passed March 21, 1865. Sixth street and Penn street were made the dividing hnes ; and city councils were required to elect four persons, one from each district. Of the first board, two were to hold office for two years and the remaining- two for four years. Thereafter every two years, councils have elected two members for four years. The office is without compensation. The 'board is authorized to employ a superintendent and work- men for carrying on the department. The follow- ing have been the commissioners : COMMISSIONERS First District N^me Term David A. Stout 1865-73 Solomon L. Snyder 1873-77 George K Levan '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 1877-80 Matthias Mengel 1880-81 Charles K. Hillegas ' is81-83 Jacob Holl .■.'.'.■.'.'.'.■.■.':: 1883-90 Frank A. Tyson 1891-98 i; ,^- ■^.'■y ; ■ 1898-1901 Edward Elbert 1901* Second District Tohn Malzberger 1865-67 Thomas L. Addison 1867-73 ; lS77-s.-> READING 219 Aug. C. Greth 1873-77 Charles Melcher 1877-77 Albert A. Heizmann 1885-&2 Jesse Orr 1892-92 Abner S. Deysher 1893-93 Frederic P. Heller 1893* Third District Jacob Bushong .* 1865-67 Jacob C. Hoflf 1867-71 William -R. Mcllvain 1871-83 Isaac McHiose 1883-87 James Rick 1887-91 M'atthan Harbster 1891-1907 A. Ellsworth Leinbach 1907 Fourth District Joseph Mishler 1865-67 Levi J. Smith 1867-75 ; 1879-83 Addy Gehry '. 1875-79 F. S. Jacobs 1883-91 George H. Felix 1891-1904 Solomon H. Close 1904* SUPERINTENDENTS Name Term Marks B. Scull 1865-82 William B. Harper 1882-92 William B. Albright 1892-95 Emil L. Nuebling 1895-1909 Park Commissioners. — The board of common commissioners was established by an ordinance passed Sept. 28, 1887, and the councils in joint convention were authorized to elect four commis- sioners, for four years, one from each section, with Sixth and Penn streets as the dividing lines. At the first election, the two having the highest num- ber of votes, and the two having the lowest, were to be declared as elected, and one of each was to be elected for four years, and one of each for two years ; and thereafter every two years two commis- sioners were to be elected for four years. The elec- tion was to take place on the first Monday of Sep- tember. The following persons have been mem- bers of the board; and the board was empowered to appoint a superintendent and employ laborers. Name Term George F. Baer 1888-1910 Walter S. Davis 1888-1910 Thomas P. Merritt 1888-92 David F. Lotz 1888-92 David E. Benson 1892-1902 Philip Bissinger 1892-98 Jacob A. Strohecker 1898-1909t James L. Douglas 1902-10 PARK SUPERINTENDENTS Name Term William H. Burke 1887-1906 William I. Hoch 1906-10 ASSESSORS From 1874 to 1889, the voters of each ward elected an assessor for three years to assess real and personal property for purposes of taxation. Then, under the Act of May 23, 1889, cities of the third class were authorized to elect three persons as a board of city assessors to serve from the first * Continued by re-election. t Died Feb. 27, 1909, and William K. Leithiser appointed suc- cessor. Monday in April for three years. This board has accordingly from that time assessed the property in Reading for city purposes, and city councils have fixed the rate of taxation according to the demands for revenue. Ward assessors are still elected, how- ever, at the municipal election every three years, for county purposes. The following have been the assessors : Name Term Frederick Stephan 1890-93 William W. Werner 1890-93 Henry A. Ruth 1890-93 Christian C. Frantz 1893-96 Daniel Beidler 1893-99 Adam H. Leader 1893-96 Abraham H. Reeser 1896-99 Aaron H. Dunkle 1896-99 Charles F. Yeity 1899-1902 Henry S. Young 1899-1902 Mlahlon Fies 1899-1908 Howard O. Sharman 1902-05 J. Peter Koch 1902-08 William Luppold 1905-11 Charles J. Hoff ' 1907-10 Charles M. Brissel 1909-12 BUILDING INSPECTORS The office of building inspector was established by ordinance passed on Jan. 5, 1889, and the mayor was authorized to appoint a suitable person for a term of three years. The following persons have officiated : Name Term Joseph A. -Heine 1891-92 Monroe A. Moser 1892-93 Abraham Seiverd 1893-96 John S. Wagner 1896-1902 Harry A. Heckman 1903-08 Oscar D. H'enne ; 1908-11 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS A board of public works was established by city councils Nov. 30, 1895, for the purpose of super- vising the grading, paving, repairing and regulat- ing of the streets, and of controlhng the house sewerage, pumping and disposal system ; which was to comprise four commissioners, who were to be appointed by city councils, the appointees to be se- lected from the electors of the four districts of Reading, and the dividing lines of the districts to be Chestnut, Walnut and Douglass streets. This board has officiated since that time, having directed its attention more particularly toward the establish- ment of sewers for surface and house drainage, and of paved streets. The following have been members of this board: First District Name Term Henry Eppihimer 1896-98 James L. Douglas 1898-1900 Charles E. Leippe 1900-02 John M. Archer 1902-04 Andrew J. Fink, Jr. • 1904-10 Second District Jerome L. Boyer 1896-98 Charles W. Potteiger J.898-1906 Walter Essick 1906-10 220 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Third District George Eltz 1S96-1906 Frank A. Schofer 1906-10 Fourth District Ferdinand Goetz 1896-1901 Edwin R. Gerber 1901-05 Charles H. Hunter 1905-10 SELECT COUNCILMEN UNDER CHARTERS OF 1847 AND 1861 Northeast Ward Name Term John Y. Cunnius 1847-51 Peter F. Na^le 1851-54 Joseph Henry 1854-57 Joseph Ritter 1857-60 George Foos 1860-63 Levi J. Smith 1863-65 Northwest Ward Hiester H. Muhlenberg 1847-49 Joel Ritter 1849-52 Tobias Barto 1853-5'5 Ivens Benson '. 1855-58 Francis Bright 1858-61 Jacob C. Hoff 1861-64 Jacob Bushong 1864-65 Southeast Ward Henry Nagle 1847-50; 1854-56 Frederick Printz 1850-53 Joshua Keely 1853-54 Hiram C. Ritter 1856-59 Robert Caldwell 1859-62 David Levan 1862-65 Southzucst Ward Richard Boone 1847-49 Charles H. Hunter 1849-52 Augustus Boas 1852-55 Samuel Frees 1855-58 Frederick S. Boas 1858-61 Isaac McHose <-. 1861-64 Peter Hoch 1864-65 Spruce Ward John Darrah 1847-49 Thomas Hill 1849-53 Henry W. Raudenbush 1853-56 John D. Mlorris 1856-62 Samuel Robinson 1862-65 UNDER CHARTERS OF 1864 AND 1874 First Ward Name Term Amos H. Deysher 1865-68 John D. Morris 1868-71 Matthan Harbster 1871-74 Jesse Orr 1874-80 Glauser Miller 1880-88 Matthew Rhoda 1888-1908 Frederick H. Robitzer 1908-12 Second Ward Zeno Hoffmaster 1865-69 Henry C. Hain 1869-73 Henry Seiders 1873-75 Levi Richards ; 1875-77 Simeon S. Sands 1877-80 Samuel -Robinson 1880-83 Michael MtCullough 1 883-87 Israel S. Fry 1887-88 Daniel Auchenbach 1888-90 John H. Thamm 1890-94 William R. Madden '..1894-1902 Joseph MicCulloueh 1902-06 James M. Cummings 1906-10 Third Ward Adam Kutz 1865-67 John S. Schroeder 1867-70 Calvin Goodman 1870-73 Charles S. Herb 1873-76 William G. McGowan 1876-79 Jacob Goodman 1879-83 Richard S. Dunkel . . . '. 1882-85 Jeremiah G. Mohn 1885-87 Charles B. WeIIs ; . 1887-89 Samuel G. Heinly 1889-90 Henry C. Schroeder 1890-94 Jacob B. Stout 1894-1900 John R. Mast 1900-13 Fourth Ward Peter Hoch 1865-67 J. Timothy Jackson 1867-70 George W. Morgan 1870-73 James L. Douglas 1873-76 William S. Monyer 1876-79 James Lord 1879-82 Albert A. Heizmann 1882-85 John A. Rigg 188di-94 Dr. H. L. Johnson 1894-1902 Dr. F. W. Frankhouser 1903-06 E. B. Slichter 1906-10 Fifth Ward Frederick Lauer 1865-71 William Call 1871-74 F. P. Heller 1874-77; 1883-86 Benjamin Lichtenthaler 1877-80 Harrison Harner 1880-83 Frederic P. Heller 1883-86 John R. Miller 1886-88 William H. Bitting 1888-1913 Sixth Ward George W. Garst 1865-70 George W. Bushong 1870-76 George Rader 1876-82 Levi J. R. Krick 1883-87 Edward Yeager 1887-88 Francis M. Henning 1888-89 William F. Shanaman 1889-90 John H. Keppelman 1890-98 William W. \Vunder 1898-1910 Seventh Ward Levi J. Smith 1865-66 George J. Eckert 1866-69 Frederick W. Lauer 1869-72 Henry R. Hawman 1873-75 George Foos 1875-77 John H. Maltzberger 1877-80 F. Snyder Jacobs '_ 1880-83 J. G. Leinbach 1883-90 b. F, Bressler 1890-93 Dr. G. Benton Beaver , 1892-96 Howard L. Boas "...'.!! !i896-1906 Ira W. Stratton 1906-10 Eighth Ward Joseph Henry 1865-66 Eh S. Fox 1866-67 Franklin S. Bernhart 1867-69 Charles Breneiser , 1869-72 Henry S. Eckert 1873-75 Joseph Ganser 1875-80 George W. Bruckman 1880-83 J. A. Strohecker '.','.'.'. 1883-86 Solomon S. Kind 1886-90 William B. Laucks 1890-94 William H. Wetherhold ..1894-98 John H. Close \,\ 1898-1910 READING 321 Ninth Ward Frederick Printz 1865-68 Isaac R. Fisher 1868-71 Mahlon Kline 1871-77 Jacob B. Mast 1877 John. Stark 1877-80 Dominic Kremp • 1880-86 John Sauer 1886-88 Charles F. Fink 1888-90 Joseph Goldsmith 1890-92; 1900-04 George W. Romig 1893-1900; 1904-13 Tenth Ward Owen S. Swartz 1876-83 John L. Lawrence 1883-89 Peter S. Holl 1889-98 John A. Rauen 1898-1902 Edward Taenzer 1902-05 Harry C. Weber 1905-10 Eleventh Ward William Geiger 1876-79 William H. Kelly 1879-83 Hayward H. Heckman 1882-87 George B. McC. Hess 1887-96 Harry J. Wentzel 1896-1900 Elmer E. Hess 1900-04 Jacob F. H'ollenbacher 1904-06 John H. Stoner 1906-13 Twelfth Ward Harrison S. Hartman 1886-88 Samuel Millmore 1888-90 Amos H. Beard 1890-1910 Thirteenth Ward M. Leroy Wenger 1886-90 John S. Wagner 1890-93 Charles H. Ramsey 1892-95 W. Abbott Whitman 1895-1900; 1904-08 Edwin K. Mersinger 1900-04 Irwin S. Riegel 1904-12 Fourteenth Ward Isaac W. Hull 1893-1906 John B. Raser , 1906-10 Fifteenth Ward Henry S. Young 1893-96 P. Monroe Krick 1896-1904 A. E. Keeport 1904-08 William M. Smeck 1908-13 Sixteenth Ward Paul D. Millholland 1895-97 George B. Qouser 1897-1902 Lyman H. Ruth 1903-06 Richard Hull 1906-10 PRESIDENTS OF SELECT COUNCIL Name Term Henry Nagle 18^7-50; 1854-5.5 Joel Ritter ! 1850-52 Peter F. Nagle 1852-54 Samuel Frees 1855-58 Hiram C. Ritter 1858-59 John D. Morris 1859-60; 1861-62 Frederick S. Boas 1860-61 Jacob C. Hoflf 1862-64 Jacob Bushong 1864-65 Levi J. Smith 1865-66 George W. Garst 1866-67 ; 1868-70 Frederick Lauer 1867-68 George W. Morgan : . . 1870-71 ; 1872-73 Frederick W. Lauer 1871-72 Henry S. Eckert 1873-75. James L. Douglas 1875-76 Frederic P. Heller 1876-77 Jesse Orr 1877-79 Joseph Ganser 1879-80 William H. Kelly 1880-83 F. Snyder Jacobs 1883 Levi J. R. Krick 1882-83 John L. Lawrence 1883-84 Michael McCulIough 1884-85 Hayward H. Heckman 1885-86 John A. Rigg ' 1886-89 George B. McC. Hess 1889-92 George W. Romig 1892-94 Peter S. Holl 1894-95 Amos H. Beard 1895-96 Isaac W. Hull 1896-97 Jacob B. Stout 1897-98 George B. Clouser 1898-99 Matthew Rhoda . . '. 1899-1900 William H. Bitting 1900-01 Howard L. Boas -.1901-03 John H. Close 1903-09 Ira W. Stratton 1909-10. CLERKS OF SELECT COUNCIL Name , Term John L. Rightmyer 1847-51 James L. Rightmyer 1851-52 Nathan M. Eisenhower 1853-61 A. Lucius Hennershotz 1861-63 Adam Waid 1862-64 B. Frank Haas ". 1864-73 Edward A. Howell 1873-79 John H. Keppelman 1879-84 George H. Felix 1884-88 Cyrus T. Fox 1888-89 I. Comley Fetter 1889-95 Edwin L. Lindemuth . ' 1895-98 John H. Thamm 1898-1901 Lincoln S. Ram,sey 1901-04; 1908-10 James J. Burns 1904-08 Harry R. Zimmerman 1909-10 COMMON COUNCILMEN UNDER CHARTERS OF 1847 AND 1861 Northeast Ward Name Term Jacob Malsberger 1847-51 ; 1853-55 Daniel Spang 1847-49 ■ Henry Herbold 1849-50 Christian Filer 1850-51 William Fricker 1851-52 Joseph Henry 1851-53 Joseph Ritter .' 1852-53 Mbrris Rambo 1853-55; 1859-60 Francis Roland 1853-55; 1856-57 George Cutler 1855-56 David Gross 1855-56; 1860-61 Henry Hahn 1855-56 Henry Heckman .• 1856-57 George A. Struben 1856-57 Henry A. M. Filbert 1857-59 Jacob B. Mast 1857-59 Christian Schultz 1857-58 Isaac R. Fisher 1858-59 Henry Grouse 185.9-60 George Foos 1859-60 Daniel Kline ,, 1859-61 Henry P. Herb 1860-62 Jacob Donahower 1861-63 Ferd. S. Ritter 1860-62; 1863-64 William Umbenhower 186 1-r:j William Heidenreich 1863-63 Joseph S. Hoyer 1862-63 Levi J. Smith 1862-63 Peter Tinsman 1863-64 James Donagan , 1863-64 James T. Reber 1863-64 Frederick R. Fritz ■. .1864-65 Henry Miller 1864-65 George K. Levan 1864-65 Amos B. Wanner 1864-65. 222 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Northwest Ward Lewis Briner 1847-49 Herman Beard 1847-49 William Henry 1849-50 Peres Hain 1849-50 Charles F. S. Fisher 1850-51 Levi Malsberger 1850-51 Adam Moyer 1851-54 William Yeich 1851-53 M. A. Bertolet 1853-54; 1856-58 Charles Seiders 1854-55 D. Bright Yerger 1854-56 Jacob C. Hoff 1855-56 Henry Riegel 1856-57 Jacob Bushong 1857-58 William Rhoads, Sr 1857-58 Jacob Boyer 1858-59 Franklin S. Bickley 1858-59 William Krick 1858-59; 1862-63; 1864-65 D. Llewellyn Beaver 1859 -60 George de B. Keim 1859-60 Adam Plank 1859-61 George Frees 1860-61 Samuel U. Hollenbach 1860-61 Frank M. Cooley 1861-62 Amos W. Potteiger 1861-62; 1863-64 Benjamin Weis 1 S61-'32 Charles Seiders 1SU2-63 Augustus S. Thompson 1852-63 Jacob Bushong 1 S63-b4 Casper Reifsnyder 18i".3-65 Jacob Mishler 1S64-65 Southeast Ward John Goodman 1847-49 Jacob Young 1S47-50 Thomas Barret 1S49-50 Daniel Borkert 1850-51; 1564-65 Matthias Babb 1850-51 D. M. Eisenhower , 1851-52 Frederick H. Miller 1 851-52 Matthias Eisenbeis 1852-53 Jacob Geiger 1852-53 Hiram C. Ritter 1853-55 Robert Caldwell 1853-54 Joseph Rambo 1854-55i John Shaaber 1855-56 Solomon L. Snyder 1855-56; 1862-63 Aaron Steinbach 1855-56 Jacob Geiger 1856-57 Adam Kutz 1856-57 William S. Young 1856-58 ; 1861-62 Michael Rightmyer 1857-58 David A. Stout 1857-58 Nicholas A. Felix '. 1858-59 Isaiah Jennings 1858-59 William Harden 1858-59 James M. Roland 1859-60 Amos Seidel 1859-60 John Yerger 1859-50 Daniel Beyerle 1860-61 Joseph Shearer 1860-61 George W. Ubil 1860-61 William Eisenbise 1861-62 William S. Ritter 1861-62 Charles Breneiser 1862-63 Andrew Davis 1862-63 Jacob Goodman 1863-64 Henry Seidel 1863-64 John Tigh 1863-64 Sebastian Lieber 1864-65 Jacob Ringgold ■ 1864-65 Southwest Ward Isaac T. James 1847-48 Samuel Frees 1847-50 Philip K. Miller 1847-50 Reuben Haus 1848-50 Nathan M. Eisenhower 1850 5 1 William Peacock 1850-51 John Malsberger 1850-51; 1854-55 M. H. Nimnemacber 1851-52 Augustus C. Ho£f 1851-53 N. V. R. Hunter 1851-52 Daniel Housum 1852-54 Peter D. Getz 1852-53; 1857-58 Howard L. Miller 1853-54 Adam Waid 1853-54; 1859-61 George Heckman 1854-56 Cyrus J. Hunter 1854-55 John Fink 1855-57 Peter R. Lotz 1855-56 Peter Hoch 1856-57; 1858-60; 1862-64 Philip Lotz 1856-57 Isaac Bertolet 1857-58 Reuben Goodhart 1857-58 J. Frederick M'oers 1858-59 David Rhein 1858-59 Henry Eppihimer 1859-60 William Call 1860-62 J. Timothy Jackson 1860-61 Frederick S. Hunter 1861-62 Arnold Mellert 1861-62; 1863-64 William B. Hertzel 1862-63 John H. Kelly 1862-63 James L. Douglas 1863-65 William I. Clous 1864-65 Hiram S. Getz 1864-65 Spruce Ward George W. Bruckman 1847-48 Jacob H. Boyer 1848-49 Abraham S. Whitman 1849-50 William Yeager 1849-50 William A. Wells 1850-51 Edmund Morris 1850-52 George Newkirk 185.1-53 Samuel Spatts 1852-53 David E. Evans 1853-54 William Call 1853-55 John D. Morris 1854-56 Joseph A. McLean 1855-56 Jacob H. Deysher 1856-57 William L. Lotz 1856-57 Wm. B. Albright 1857-59; 1861-62 Lewis Hagenman 1857-58 Zeno Hoffmaster 1857-58; 1860-62 Wile Bright 1858-59 Miartin Deysher 1858-60 Samuel Craig 1859-60; 1862-63 Smith P. Ubil 1859-61 Samuel M. Fillman 1860-62 Philip Albright [ 1862-63 John Hetrich 1862-65 Amos Deysher 1863-65 Redmond MtManus 1863-64 Henry Seiders ,',[[ 1864-65 UNDER CHARTERS OF 1864 AND 1874 First Ward Name Xerm Charles Ringel 1865-66 Marks Drumheller 1865-67 Enos M Reazor ][[ 1866-68 Daniel B. Rhoads 1867-69 Solomon Brubaker 1868-70 Matthan Harbster '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.V. 1869-71 William J. Frame 1870-72 D. Young Jones 1871-73 ■Ix°r''n- ^- V^'X^^U- ; 1872-74; 1878-80 Wilham A. C. Oaks 1873.-5 Henry W. Corbit 1874 76 John stieff ■..'.■.::;;; is75-8o Louis Richards 1875-78 George J. Kilmer .'.'....'....!."!.'!.".' 1875-76 Amos H. Deysher 1876-78 READING 333 George H. Corbit ...1876-78 Henry S. Gaul 1878-80 Glauser Miller 1878-80 G. M. D. Albertson 1880-83 William Morris 1880-82 William J. Bobst 1880-86 Charles Broschkowsky ' 1880-81 Amos Huyett 1881-84; 1885-86 B. Frank Kupp . , 1883-84 James E. Yoder 1883-84 Matthew Rhoda 1884-87 Albert Moore 1884-86 D. Elmer Dampman 1887-95 Theodore Dickinson 1886-87 Aaron E. Killmer 1887-89 Daniel A. Kreisher 1887-89 Charles N. Frame 1889-89 W. Harry Orr 1889-90 Morris E. Barber 1889-90 James B. Gabriel 1890-91 Wellington G. Woods 1891-93 William Templin 1895-1905 James A. Clark 1905-07 George J. Butter 1907-11 Second Ward Mallory Geiger 1865-66 Henry Schroeder 1865-66 Michael McCullough 1865-69 Valentine Wilk 1866-68 William Eisenbeis 1866-68 William Denhard 1868-70 Jacob Harner, Jr 1868-70 William Fix 1869-71 George W. Grant 1869-71 Henry Seiders 1870-72 George Field 1870-73 Fidel Weber 1871-73 Michael Hasson 1871-73 Gregory Heine 1872-76 James J. Driscoll 1872-74 Philip Y. Gilham 1873-75; 1882-84; 1885-86 George D. Boyer ; . . . 1873-75 Edward A. Howell 1873-75 Wesley C. Hall 1874-78 George G. Hoflfmaster 1875-76 Simeon S. Sands 1875-76 H. A. M. Obold 1876-78 Samuel D. Missimer 1876-78 Daniel Whitman 1876-78 Isaac B. Greenleaf 1876-78 William C. Becker 1878-80 Philip Leisz ■ 1878-80 Joseph B. Reinhart 1878-80 Peter M. Snyder 1878-80 Paul Young 1878-80 John P. Miller 1880-82 Ellis L. Castor 1880-85i Marks Boyer 1880-83 Rufus Wolfskin 1880-82; 1898-99; 1900-02 William A. Thompson 1880-82 William Troop 1880-85 Isaac D. Whitman 1882-85 Thomas J. Dott 1882-85 Israel S. Fry 1885-86; 1890-94; 1896-98 H. A. Harner 1885-88 Tames M. Roland 1885-87 F. X. Wolf 1885-87 John Smith 1887-88 George Beyerle 1887-88 Charles W. Kieflfer 1887-88 Frank A. Tyson 1888-90 Richard M. Whitman 1888-89 Henry Whitman 1888-89 William R. Benninger 1888-90 John H. Thamm 1889-90 Aaron P. Arnold 1890-94 Griffith W. Jones 1894-96 Reuben D. Boas " 1903-06 James J. Flemming 1906-08 Irvin Cramp 1908-10 Third Ward Isaac Levan 1865-66 Charles M'elcher 1865-67 Michael Shultz 1866-68 Jacob Mjiller 1867-71 Calvin Goodman 1868-70 John H. Printz 1869-71 Charles B. Wells 1870-76 Frederick R. Fritz 1871-73 Charles S. Herb 1871-73 William Lott 1873-75 Daniel Beyerle 1873-75 William S. Ritter 1874-76 John G. Mohn 1875-76 David F. Lotz 1875-76 ; 1878-82 Charles Henninger 1875-76 Amos Miller 1876-78 George Mast 1876-78 William Dease 1876-78 Albert Babb 1876-78 Abraham B. Bechtel 1878-83 Conrad F. Kessler 1878-80 Isaac W. Levan 1878-80 Jacob Hillegas 1880-82 Edward O. Immel 1880-83 Albert C. Borgert 1883-85 David J. Greth 1882-83 Milford N. Ritter 1882-85 Frederick W. Lehman 1883-85i John S. Boas 1883-85 A. J. Fricker ....'. 1885-86 William High 1885-86 Levi W. Coller 1885-86 Thomas Leinbach 1886-87 John H. Printz 1886-87 Cyrus G. Schultz . . ." 1886-87 Samuel M. Hartman 1886-88 Charles B. Wells 1886-87 Samuel D. Missimer 1887-89 Richard H. Pawling 1887-88 George W. Hassinger 1887-88 Samuel G. Heinly 1888-89 ; 1903-07 Richard H. Savage 1888-89 Henry M. Ahrens 1888-89 Monroe S. Eby 1889-90 Alfred L. Weitzel 1889-90 James Hangen 1889-91 Henry ML Heller 1889-90 Henry Dick 1890-91 Charles H. Fisher 1891-93 Oliver S. Geiger 1892-93 Peter J. L. McKinney 1893-97 James M. Morgan 1897-99 Fred H. Witman 1899-1902 Edward Fritz 1907-09 C. P. Pfaffman 1909-11 Fourth Ward Henry Fry 1865-66 Daniel Spohn 1865-67; 1868-73 Edwin C. Hiester 1866-68 Harrison Mlaltzberger 1867-71 George L. Jenkins 1871-73 Adam Bard " 1872-74 Abner K. Stauflfer 1873-76; 1882-85 Thomas D. Stichter 1874-76 William S. Monver 1875-76 Amon L. Boyer ." 1875-76 William H. Houck 1876-78 Henry D. High 1876-77 Joseph Shirey 1876-77 Davis P. Harden 1876-78 William H. Clous 1877-78 John Jones 1877-78 '.2i HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Benneville H. Brown 187S-80 Albert A. Heizmann 1878-80 Henry Koch 1878-80 Prince R. Stetson 1878-80 Horcatio R. Trexler, Jr 1880-82 Wellington M. Saylor 1880-83 Edwin A. Wilkinson 1880-83 John H. Printz 1880-83 Joshua K. Righter 1883-85 Calvin K. Whitner 1883-85 William Brandt 1882-85 James A. O'Reilly 1885-87 William A. Fink 1885-SS; 1889-93; 1900-03 Isaac Geiger 1885-86 Samuel Hantsch 1885-86 Harrison T. Witman 1886-87 Jeremiah S. Benner 1886-87 Milton H. Schnader 1887-88; 1889-90 Charles W, Hendel 1887-88 Georate W. Raudenbush 1888-89 Henry A. Zieber 1888-89 Amos H. Phillippi 1889-90 Dr. H. L. Johnson 1890-93 Frank W. Eben 1893-94 William F. Reeser 1893-91 Otto Mellert 1894-97 John M. Archer 1897-1900 Harvey C. Johnson 1903-06 Charles H. Krouse 1906-10 Fifth Ward Jacob Lehman 1865-66 Levi Wimder 1865-67; 1869-71 Peter Brown 1866-68 Jacob Schwenk . . .' 1867-69 William. L Clous 1868-70 John F. Orth 1870-73 ; 1873-75 George W. Yeager 1871-73 Frederic P. Heller 1873-74 Harrison Harner . 1873-76 J. Henry Cheetham 1874-76 Jeremiah H. Boone 1875-76 Charles Spangler 1875-76 William Call' 1875-76 William Grander 1876-80 William P. Reid 1876-80 John Kissinger 1876-80 John R. Bechtel 1876-78 John B. Goodhart 1878-80 Daniel Moser 1880-82 Thomas Seiders 1880-82 James K. Getz 1880-83 August C. Wertz 1880-83 John R. Miller 1883-85 William S. Monyer 1883-86 Thomas O. Yarington, Jr 1882-86 Frederick Shunk 1882-85 C. A. Golding 1885-86 John Strouse 1886-87; 1891-93 Alfred Franks 1886-87 Henry Loeb 1SS6-R8: 1899-1901 William H. Bitting 1887-88 George E. Haak 1887-88 Luther Schick 1888-89 Edward C. Eben 1888-90 ; 1897-99 Augustus Potteiger 1888-90 Edward Yeager 1889-90 James Cotterel 1890-91 Marion Larkin 1890-93 Samuel A. Buckley 1893-95 Edward W. Alexander ■ 1895-97 Harrison Posey 1901-05 John S. Matthias 1905-11 Sixth Ward George B. Connard 1865-66 Daniel Mliller 1865-73 Aaron Getz 1866-68 Adam Frees 1868-70 Edward Frill 1870-73 John McKnight 1873-74 Cornelius Stamm 1873-75. Levi J. R. Krick 1874-76 Joseph S. Riegel 1875-76 William G. Rowe 1875-78 Charles Rick, Jr 1875-76 George M. Krick 1876-78 William G. Lash 1876-78 Charles Miller 1876-78 Jeremiah Y. Bechtel 1878-80 Benneville Hemmig 1878-80 William Keppelman 1878-80 Charles Miller 1878-82 Wm. G. Robinson 1880-82 ; 1883-84 James Weitzel 1880-86 Ferdinand Winter 1880-84 Frederick B. Roe 1882-84 George W. Grouse 1882-83 C. Kaltenbach 1884-86 J. H. Schaeffer 1885-86 Alvin S. Schroeder 1885-86 John H. Keppelman 1886-90 Edward Yeager 1886-87 Howard E. Ahrens 1886-87 Charles W. Bechtel 1886-87 William T. Snyder 1887-89 W. Howard Wells 1887-88 William F. Shanaman 1887-89 Wellington M. Hiester 1888-90 Howard O. Sharman 1889-90; 1891-92 Israel L. Groman 1889-92 John S. Thompson 1892-94 B. Franklin Fink 1893-93 Michael 'Coller 1894-96 R. B. Harris 1896-1900 Theodore F. Hayman 1900-03 Adolph Eichner 1903-06 W. E. Mills 1906-07 J. William Roe 1907-10 Seventh IVard William Brison 1865-68 Jacob Schmucker 1865-67 Henry R. Hawman 1867-69 Samuel C. Mayer 1868-70 Abner K. Stauffer 1869-71 William A. Medlar 1870-73 William Stoltz 1870-73 Lew Wanner 1871-73 Charles A. Saylor 1873-74 Edward Scull 1873-76 Charles H. Schaeffer 1873-75 Frank C. Smink 1874-76 Henry Bennethum 1875-76 Samuel Weitzel 1875-76 George J. Eckert 1876-78 J. Heyl Raser 1876-78 B. Frank Nagle 1876-78 William Reiff 1876-78 B. Frank Dettra 1878-80 Daniel Housum 1878-79 Joseph W. Richards 187S-S0 George P. Zieber lS7S-so Jonathan G. Leinbach 1879-83 George L. Kestner 1880-83 Casper H. Lotz 1880-S4 Wellington S. Levan 1880-83 Amos B. Wanner 1883-84 James P. Sellers ' . , ' 1883-84 John C. Hepler 1883-84; 1886-88; 1888-90 Le™0" B"=h 18S4-86 E. S. Miller . 1386-88 Harry Whiteside . jggg L'^T> ^?^"* '.'.■. ■.'.'. ■.'.■.'. '.v. '.■.1886-87 W. B. Aloser igse^g^ John H. Ruth 1886-88 READING • 335 Thomas D. Bausher 1886-88 Thomas B. O'Brien 1888-90 George B. Clouser 1888-89 John Luigard 1888-91 Maurice A. Arnold , .1888-90; 1891-93 Isaac W. Keim 1890-91 Adam B. Waid 1891-93 Wellington W. Light 1893-95 Charles G. Willson 1895-97 John H. Millhollana : 1897-98 Robert D. Millholland ^ 1898-99 Evan L. Shomo 1899'-1903 George W. Sassaman 1903-09 L. Howard Gehris 1909-11 Eighth Ward George Gehman, Jr 1865-66 Charles Hill 1865-67 Franklin S. Bernhart 1866-68 Christian Schick 1867-69; 1882-86 Henry Hiller 1868-70 Jacob R. Ritter 1869-71 Nicholas Heckman 1869-71 Daniel Mast 1870-72 B. Frank Boyer 1871-73 Andrew J. Fricker 1872-74 David C. Keller 1873-75 Charles E. Wannamacher 1873-75 Solomon S. Kindt 1874-76 Francis Roland 1875-78 ; 1884-86 George Reisinger 1875-76 Christian Geissler 1875-76; 1878-80 Mayberry M!oser 1876-78 Charles Orth 1876-78 William Griesemer 1876-78 Daniel S. Francis 1878-80 William K. Leithiser 1878-80 Hiester M. Nagle 1878-80 John P. Dauth 1880-82 Peter Helfrich 1880-84 • Henry Reiger 1880-82 Jervice W. Edes 1880-82 Lewis Heilman 1882-86 John F. Rote 1882-84 John Moyer 1884-88 Frank Aulenbach 1884-86 Frank P. Esterly 1836-89 William B. Laucks 1886-90 W. A. Witman 1886-88 Adam D. Fasig 1888-89 Abraham Briel 1889-90 Thomas C. Ancona 1889-90 Adam K. Drexel 1889-92 George B. Clouser 1890-94 William F. Re^sler 1892-94 John M. Fritch 1894-96 John H. Close 1896-98 Kilbern H. Cleaver 1898-1900 William F. Remppis 1900-02 William A. Smith 1902-07 Harry G. Davis 1907-10 Ninth Ward Henry Miller 1865-66 John Barth 1865-67 Theodore Homan ; . . 1866-68 Addy Gehry 1867-71; 1873-75 Harrison Smith 1867-69 John Stark 1868-72; 1873-76 D. S. Himelreich 1869-71; 1873-75' Daniel Ritter 1870-72 John S. Wagner 1871-73 John H. Clay 1871-73 Joseph A. Frees 1872-74 William J. Woodland 1872-74 Christ. Bauknecht 1874-76; 1878-80; 1882-85 James Y. Hartman 1874-76 Thomas McGovern 1875-76 15 David Henry 1876-78 Isaac Rohrbach 1876-78 Leonard Herbst 1876-78 Edward M. Castor 1876-78 John C. K. Heine 1878-79 Henry P. Herb 1878-80 Daniel L. Strunk 1878-82 Lewis L. Moyer 1879-80 John Babst .1880-82 Henry Schofer 1880-82 Obadiah Romig 1880-82 John E. Steinel 1882-85 William Loyd 1882-85 Thomas D. Castor 1882-85 John Sauer 1884-86 John H. Kline ...1884-86 Conrad Bower • ■ ■ 1884-86 E. N. Kline 1884-86 A. H. Kretz (resigned) 1884 George J. Hain 1884-86 M. S. Umbenhauer 1886-88 John P. Martin 1886-87 I. Comley Fetter 1886-89 Joseph Goldsmith 1886-90; 1893-95 B. F. Hunsicker 1887-88 Augustus Resch 1888-89 W. M. Smith 1888-89 Walter B. Craig 1889-90 Jefferson Quinter 1889-90 Harry Dungan 1889-90 E. B. Wingert 1890-91 George L. Mast 1891-93 Howard Thompson 1891-93 Joseph Witman 1895-99 William F. Ritter 1899-1900 John F. Larkin 1900-03 Joseph N. Vogel 1903-05 Jacob Duser, Jr 1905-09 Herman J. Croessant 1909-11 Tenth Ward Hiram M. Trout 1876-78 Charles W. Hulshizer 1876-78 Thomas Lillis 1876-78 Edward W. DeHaven 1878-80 Isaiah Hoyer 1878-80 George E. Wisner ' . . 1878-79 Tames D. Long 1879-80 Eli W. Fox 1880-84 William F. Weber 1880-81 Joseph K. Bauman 1880-82 John L. Lawrence 1881-82 William H. Sproesser 1882-84 Thomas West 1882-83 Luther Seiders 1883-84 William H. Bellman 1884-86 William Kensil 1884-86 James Matz 1884-88 B. F. Sheeder 1884-86 Daniel Auchenbach 1886-87 Robert Smith 1886-87 Zacharias D. Saylor 1887-96 Harry Hines ' 1887-88 Charles F. Yeity 1888-90 Jacob Hunsberger 1888-89 John M. Weber 1889-94 John B. Houp 1889-90 John A. Rauen 1896-98 Richard L. Lawrence 1898-1910 Eleventh Ward Daniel K. Zwoyer 1876-79 ; 1883-86 Charles Rohrbach 1876-78 David Rauenzahn 1876-78 Samuel P. Mays 1876-77 William H. Klineyoung 1877-78 Frederick M. Fisher ■ 1878-79 John K. Howden 1878-80 John S. Wagner 1878-80 236 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Christian Stolz 1879-80 Thomas Croiian 1879-80 Daniel Dillon 1880-83 Hayward H. Heckman 1880-82 Engrlebert L. Missimer 1880-82 Ernst Nuebling 1880-82 James Y. Hartman 1882-84 Charles H. Koch 1882-84 Charles Eck 1883-84 Reuben Matz 1883-83 Charles M. Clouse 1884-86 H. S. Hartman 1884-86 Leo Rehr 1884-86 Lavinus Rhoads 1884-86 Henry Seibert 1884-86 George M. Hess 1886-87 Lender Trickel 1886-88 Paul Kerschner 1886-88 William F. Weber 1887-88 Alfred Gunkel 1888-91 William H. Hippler 1888-90 John R. Laucks 1889-90 Charles Gorkes 1890-91 H. G. Johnson 1891-93 John Rock 1891-93 Samuel E. Cumrai'ngs 1893-99 Jacob F. Hollenbacher 1899-1903 John M. Alt Z 1903-07 John Gallagher 1907-09 Isaac Haller 1909-11 Twelfth Ward Samuel Millmore 1886-88 Spencer H. Smith 1886-88 Eugene C. Flemming 1887-94 George W. Kinsey 1888-89 Adam H. Fies 1889-92 Adam H. Beard 1889-90 James P. Yorgy 1892-1900 Charles J. Kestner 1900-02 Daniel Smith 1902-06 Michael Kestner 1906-08 Joseph W. Kellar 1908-10 Thirteenth Ward Henry Seidel 1886-88 Benneville Rohrbach 1886-88; 1903-05 Joseph Borky 1888-90 Jacob Bower, Jr 1888-90; 1891-93 John B. Weidner 1890-93 Charles H. Ramsey 1890-91 Mayberry K. Spatz 1893-97 J. Ashton Parker 1897-1903 Levi F. Templin 1905-08 B. Frank Bott 1908-11 Fourteenth Ward Morris Arnold 1893-94 William R. Dunn 1894-96 John H. Mast 1896-1902 M. M. Lenhart 1903-04 Earnest V. Bechtel 1904-06 George A. Rick 1906-10 Fifteenth Ward George W. Shaffer 1893-1901 Isaac Hollenbach 1901-03 Heber Ermentrout 1903-08 George A. Ritter .'.'.'.'.'. 1908-11 Sixteenth Ward Alfred Will 1895-96 John H. Bach 1896-1900 James M. Hutchison 1900-02 Howard R. Brown '.'.'.'..'.'.'. 1902-04 William G. Hmtz 1904-06 Charles M. Smeck 1906-08 j ohn A. L. Flemmmg 1908-10 PRESIDENTS OF COMMON COUNCIL Name Term Lewis Briner 1847-49 Samuel Frees 1849-50 William A. Wells 1850-51 Augustus C. Hoff 1851-53 Adam Waid 1853-54; 1859-60 Hiram C. Ritter 1854-55 Joseph A. McLean 1855-56 John Fink 1856-57 Henry A. M. Filbert 1857-59 J. Timothy Jackson 1860-61 Samuel M. Fillraan 1861-62 William B. Hertzel 1863-63 James Donagan 1863-64 William S. Ritter 1864-65 George B. Connard 1865-66 Levi Wunder 1866-67 Michael McCullough 1867-69 Addy Gehry 1869-71; 1874-75 Lew. Wanner 1871-73 Abner K. Stauffer 1873-74 Charles B. Wells 1875-76 Wesley C. Hall 1876-77 William G. Rowe 1877-78 Hiester M. Nagle 1878-79 Christian W. Geissler 1879-80 Edward O. Immel 1880-81 James K. Getz 1881-82 Amos B. Wanner 1882-83 Ellis L. Castor 1883-84 Lewis Heilman 1884-85 James A. O'Reilly 1885-87 I. Comley Fetter 1887-88 Samuel D. Missimer 1888-89 Alfred Gunkel 1889-90 Israel S. Fry 1890-92 George B. Clouser 1892-94 D. Elmer Dampman 1894-95 Griffith W. Jones 1895-96 James P. Yorgy 1896-98 Samuel E. Cummings 1898-99 John H. Bach 1899-1900 Rufus W. Wolfskin 1900-01 Charles J. Kestner 1901-02 Jacob F. Hollenbacher 1902-03 Richard L. Lawrence 1903-08 George A. Rick 1908-10 CLERKS OF COMMON COUNCIL Name Term John W. Tyson 1847-52 A. L. Hennershotz 1852-58; 1859-61 Michael P. Boyer 1858-59 B. Frank Haas 1861-62 Nathan M. Eisenhower 1862-63 John Ralston 1803-72 Solomon A. Stout 1872-73 Charles S. Butler 1873-74; 1875-76 John C. K. Heine 1874-75 Jonathan Holt : 1876-78 Henry H. Holl 1878-79 Luther Seiders 1879-80 George PI. Felix 1880-83 ; 1889-90 Charles J. Tyson 1883-86 John H. Focht 1886-89 William F. Weber 1890-91 Alfred Gunkel 1891-94 Edward C, Eben 1894-95 Howard N. Goodman 1895-98; 1902-04 Luther Seiders 1898-99 Lincoln S. Ramsey 1899-1901 Rufus W. Wolf skill 1901-03 Edward McCann 1904-09 READING 237 CITY CLERKS Name Term George H. Felix 1884-89 Cyrus T. Fox 1889-90 I. Comley Fetter 1890-96 Horace H. Hammer 1896-99 Edwin L. Lindemuth 1899-1902 Charles C. Weltmer ■ 1902-08 Caleb Weidner -, 1908-09 SOLICITORS Name Term James Donagan 1847-48 George G. Barclay 1848-50 J. Bright Smith 1850-52 William F. Filbert 1852-53 Edmund L. Smith 1853-55 Charles K. Robeson 1855-57 Albert G. Green 1857-59 A. Lucius Hennershotz 1859-61 Wharton Morris 1861-62 George j. Eckert 1862-63 James B. Bechtel 1863-64 Edward H. Shearer 1864-65 J. Glancy Jones 1865-67 Daniel Ermentrout 1867-70 Edwin Shalter 1870-73 J. Howard Jacobs 1873-74 William M. Rightmyer 1874-75 Harrison Maltzberger 1875-77 Daniel H. Wingerd 1877-79 Christian H. Ruhl 1879-81 Benjamin F. Dettra 1881-83 Wayne Hayman 1883-85 William J. Rourke 1885-96; 1897-1903; 1904-08 W. Kerper Stevens 1896-97 Walter S. Young 1903-04 Henry P. Reiser 1908-H ENGINEERS Name Term Matthias S. Richards ' 1847-48 Aaron Albright 1848-57; 1859-61; 1862-63 William Davis 1857-58 Christian Stolz 1858-59 D S. Zacharias 1861-62; 1863-68; 1874-76 Samuel M. Rea 1868-74 Henry T. Kendall 1876-79 Levi Wunder 1879-81 A. Harvey Tyson 1881-85 Daniel Housum 1885-88 J. Gerhart Young 1888-89 Samuel S. Hoff 1889-94; 1897-99 Edwin C. Chamberlain 1894-97 Alexander Murdoch 1899-1902 Elmer H. Beard 1902-09 Edmund B. Ulrich 1909-12 MARKET COMMISSIONERS Name Term John Boyer 1847-49 William Keen 1849-50 J. H. Griesemer 1850-51 John Moyer 1851-52 William E. Wilson ; 1852-55 Daniel M. Weand 1855-56 John E. Yeager 1856-57 Isaac Heckman 1857-59; 1861-62 Daniel Setley 1859-60 B. F. Ermentrout 1860-61; 1862-63 William S. Young 1863-66 Jacob Goodhart 1866-68 Jacob Goodhart, Jr 1868-70 Henry J. Smith 1870-73 Benj. Weiss 1873-74 John Denhard 1874-75 Peter Texter 1875-76 James W. Longacre 1876-77 William Clark 1877-78 Lawrence P. Ressler 1878-79 Levi J. R. Krick 1879-80 Bertolet Grant ■ 1880-84 Jacob Rapp 1884-86 Daniel Baus 1886-89 Charles M. Clous 1889-93 Adrian S. Loewen 1893-96 Albert Merz 1896-1900 Peter Texter, Jr 1900-02 Martin Hauck 1902-05 Frank Menges 1905-08 Howard S. Weaver '. 1908-11 Board of Health. — ^An Act of Assembly was passed on April 22, 1873, specially authorizing the establishment of a board of health for Reading, with powers for the preservation of the public health. The board was made to consist of seven members, with an indefinite term of service and without compensation, who were to be appointed by the presidents of the city councils. The city was divided into four districts, with Sixth and Penn streets as the dividing lines. One member was to be appointed from each district and one from the city at large ; and these five were to select two physicians. And provision was made for the annual appointment of a health commissioner by the board, with a compensation to be fixed by councils. The board of health effected a permanent organ- ization on March 10, 1874. The following persons have been members: First District Name Term Charles Breneiser 1874-80 Dr. Wm. F. Marks 1880 Second District David Ermentrout 1874-82 Garrett B. Stevens 1882-83 Charles H. Schaeffer 1883-1902 D. N. Schaeffer 1902-05 B. F. Dettra 1905 — - Third District Dr. W. Mlirray Weidman 1874-82 Thomas P. Merritt 1882 Fourth District Dr. S. S. Stevens 1874-82 David P. Schlott 1882-1902 Daniel S. Esterly 1903 — At Large Dr. Martin Luther 1874-94 Dr. John N. Becker 1894 — PHYSICIANS Name Term Dr. Israel Cleaver ^ 1874-79 Dr. Frank Rieser 1874-80 Dr. M. Albert Rhoads 1879-94 Dr. William F. Muhlenberg 1880-83 Dr. Adam B. Dundor 1883-1902 Dr. S. L. Kurtz 1894 — Dr. Charles Roland 1902 — HEALTH COMMISSIONERS Name Term Charles F. Frick 1874 Howard L. Miller 1874-82 Roland Laing 1882 — Note. — The dash after the year indicates continuance in office. PLUMBING INSPECTORS At the request of the board of health, the office of plumbing inspector was created by an ordinance passed Nov. 9, 1895, which was modified by an- 228 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 11, 1896. The ap- other ordinance passed Jan. pointees have been : Name Term Thomas E. Weber l^l'i'll John E. Drexel 1899-1902; 1905-08 T. Edward Dehier 1902-05 John D. Corbit 1908-11 TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY By ordinance, approved Feb. 23, 1899, whereby the city of Reading accepted the donation of the Reading Library (including the real estate and all books and manuscripts), situated on the southwest corner of Fifth and Franklin streets, a board of sixteen trustees for the management thereof was established, to be constituted as follows : The Mayor to be an ex-oMcio member ; ten members to be appointed by the city councils in joint conven- tion ; and five members to be appointed by the "Reading Library." The first board was consti- tuted as follows : Adam R. Leader, Mayor, cx-officio. Appointed by Councils George M. Ermentrout Peter S. HoU Charles S. Hunter John H. Keppehnan Frank S. Livingood James A. O'Reilly John A. Rigg William Rosenthal Reuben G. Shaker W. Kerper Stevens Appointed by Reading Library George F. Baer Nathaniel Ferguson Richmond L. Jones John R. Kaiicher Abner The following is since 1899: K. Stauffer complete list of the trustees Term Name George F. Baer 1899 — George M'. Ermentrout 1899 — Nathaniel Ferguson 1899 Peter S. Holl 1899 — Charles S. Hunter 1899 — Richmond L. Jones 1899 — John R. Kaucher 1899 — John H. Keppelman 1899 — Frank S. Liyingood 1899 — James A. O'Reilly 1899-1903 John A. Rigg 1899— William Rosenthal 1899-1900 Reuben G. Shalter 1899-1902 Abner K. Stauffer 1899-1907 William Kerper Stevens 1899-1903 Adam R. Leader, Alayor 1899-1903 Isaac Hiester igoi Albert S. Ibach 1903 Thomas P. Merritt .' 1903 — Henry W. Snyder 1903 — Edward Yeager, Mayor 1902-05 Thomas C. Zimmerman 1904 — Edward R. Gerber. Mayor 1905-08 William Rick, Mayor 1908-11 Officers since Organization of Library Richmond L. Jones, president; Charles H. Hun- ter, secretary and treasurer. Number of volumes in library, July 1, 1909, 27,000. Books loaned during 1908, 125,658. Bor- rowers registered, 18,553. This shows the suc- cessful management of the library. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Under the Act of 1783 Reading became entitled to elect two justices of the peace as a separate dis- trict. In 1803, the County Commissioners divided the county into fifteen districts. They made Read- ing the First District, and under the Act of April 4, 1803, it was entitled to four incumbents. _ In 1840, Reading was divided into two wards for just- ices, with Penn street as the dividing line. The names of the following officials and time of appointment were secured from the records at Har- risburg : Valentine Eckert l'^84 Henry Christ l'''^* John Otto '""' James Diemer Peter Nagle Aug. 3, James May (did not act) Aug. 31. John Christ Oct. 3, Peter Frailey Matthias Richards Henry Hahn April 1, Frederick Heller Jan. 1, Jacob Miller Nov. 13, John M. Hyneman Sept. 3, 1S13 Christopher Scherrer Sept. 17, 1813 John Addams May 13, William Schoener March 24, John Frantz March 24, Frederick Fritz June 38, John Spayd June 3S, Matthias Richards Nov. S, Edward B. Hubley Dec. 3, Joseph Tyson Dec. 8. Curtis Lewis Dec. 8. Peter Aurand Dec. 13. John Miller Dec. 12. Henry Betz Dec. 12. Matthias Richards April 4. Jonathan D. Hiester June 5, Peter Nagle. Jr Aug. 1, Jacob Sallade March 5, David Rightmyer July 35, Lloyd Wharton Oct. 19, Lewis Rees April 3, Thomas Morris Jan. 4, Jacob Fritz Feb. 12, Henry Tothers Sept. 22, Henry Bowman iNIarch 26, North Ward Wm. Schoener April 14. Henry Betz April 14, William Betz April 13, William Schoener April 15. William Betz April 14^ South Ward 1785 1788 1791 1791 1799 1806 1807 1811 1816 1818 1818 1831 1831 1833 1823 1823 1823 1823 1823 1833 1837 1837 1838 1830 1831 1831 1832 1836 1838 1838 1839 1840 1840 1841 1845 1846 Charles Troxell April 14.1840 William A. Wells .A.pril 14, 1840 Marks B. Eckert April 13, 1842 David Medary April 9, 1844 Matthias Mengel April 15, 1845 READING 329 ALDERMEN In 1847 the city was divided into two districts for aldermen, that portion north of Penn street com- prising the Northern District, and that portion south, the Southern ; and each district was given two aldermen with a term of five years. An addi- tional alderman was given to the Northern District by a special Act of Assembly, passed Jan. 31, 1873, by reason of its extent and large population. In 1874 the new charter gave each of the nine wards an alderman. Two wards were erected in 1876 ; two in 1885; two in 1893; and one in 1894; and thence the electors of those wards also elected an alderman. FROM 1847-75 Northern District Name Term William Betz . . : 1847-51 William Schoener 1847-51 Frank B. Miller 1851-65 William B. Schoener 1851-75 Washington Richards 1865-73 Lewis Kremp 1873-75 Israel C. Becker 1874-75 Southern District David Medary 1847-55 Matthias Mengel 1847-60; 1868-73 George Printz 1855-75 John Quimby 1860-63 Peter Cleaver 1863-68 Ezekiel Jones 1873-75 UNDER CHARTER OF 1874 First Ward Name Term Enos Morris 1875-78 John B. Maxton 1878-84 John W. Ringler , 1884-89 George W. Mannerback .' 1889-94 Charles E. Stout 1894-1902 Charles E. Stout (Jr.) 1903-13 Second Ward Joseph R. Pawling 1875-80 Christian M'. Deem 1880-85 George W. Ritner 1885-90 Henry H. Wentzel 1890-95; 1897-1902 Georg-e H. McFatridge 1895-97 John Undheim '. 1902-12 Third Ward Ezekiel Jones 1875-83 John Hippie 1883-88 Frederick H. Printz 1888-93 Monroe S. Eby 1893-98 Howard Koch 1898-1913 Fourth Ward Matthias Mengel 1875-85 Edmund Sheetz 1885-95 Llewellyn S. Levan 1895-97 William H. Houck 1897-1903 Milton C. Kreider 1903-13 Fifth Ward Daniel Potteiger 1875-86 C. A. Griesemer 1886-97 Lyman H. Wilson 1897-98 C. W. Yarnell 1898-1913 Sixth Ward Jonathan L. Reber 1875-77 George M. Ermentrout 1877-93 Francis C. Clemson 1893-1903; 1908-09* John A. Hiester 1903-08 Seventh Ward William' B. Schoener 1875-81 Israel C. Becker 1875-78 John G. L. Brownwell 1881-1901 George M. Miller 1901-11 Eighth Ward Lewis Kremp 1875-78 William L. Graul 1878-83 John Denhart 1883-90 Henry O. Schrader > 1890-95 Albert H. Fegley 1895-1900 Eugene I. Sandt 1900-08 William H. Thornburg 1908-09 Clarence C. Dumn 1909-14 Ninth Ward Isaac R. Fisher 1875-90 Edward C. Kirschman 1890-1905 George L. Mast 1905-10 Tenth Ward Henry H. Holl 1876-94 John A. Mfcrkel 1894-1909 Herman Hermann 1909-14 Eleventh Ward Israel M. Bertolet 1876-80 David Rink 1880-81 George H. Long 1881-90 George Kreamer 1890-91 William F. Weber 1891-1913 Twelfth Ward John K. Howden 1886-96 Henry S. Yocum 1896-1901 Henry L. Wickel 1901-11 Thirteenth Ward Peter T. Phillippi 1886-92 Daniel C. Boyer 1892-1902 Jacob H. Scheifele 1903-07 George W. Millmore 1907-12 Fourteenth Ward Edwin P. Van Reed 1893-1903 Joseph E. Bruce 1903-13 Fifteenth Ward George M. Ermentrout 1893-94 William T. Snyder : ' . 1894-1914 Sixteenth Ward George W. Brown 1895-1902 N. Robert Tomlinson 1902-07 George B. Clouser 1907-13 CONSTABLES Two constables were elected annually for the city from' 1847 to 1875. The new charter of 1874 required the election of one constable for each ward for three years. Since 1875 constables for the city have been elected accordingly. FROM 1847-75 Name Term Peter J. H. Griesemer 1847-51 Reuben Goodhart 1847-51 ; 1860-72 William B. Yahn 1848-50; 1854-55 Christian Snyder 1850-54; 1860-62 William Keen 1851-54; 1857-60 William Y. Lyon 1854-55 Jeremiah Griesemer 1855-56 William Fasig 1855-57 John W. Lash 1856-60 * Resigned May, 1909, and Irvin H. Tobias appointed. 230 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Joseph Deysher 1862-63 Benj. F. Ermentrout 1862-63 Wood M. Schwartz 1863-65; 1866-73 James Sheidy 1863-65; 1867-68 John H. Printz 1865-66 John Guiles 1865-66 Charles Frederick 1866-67 W. W. Diehl 1868-74 W. L. Graul 1873-75 Alfred W. Glase • • ■ • • 1874-75 UNDER CHARTER OF 1874 First Ward Name Term George Harner ■ 1875-81 George Mannerback 1881-87 William C. Graul 1887-90 Lewis M. Rhoads 1890-1905 Harry M. Ould 1905-11 Second Ward Zacharias Oswald 1875-78 Michael McGrann 1878-82 John Ehrgood 1882-85 Henry Witman ■ 1885-89 George McFatridge 1889-96 Jacob S. Wentzel 1896-99 George M. Gehret 1899-1905 Francis W. Ganter 1905-11 Third Ward Aaron Roland 1875-7? William P. Graul 1878-81 Richard h. Adams 1881-84 Benneville Ehrgood ' 1884-90 Samuel Shirey 1890-93 Charles H. Derr 1893-99 Charles H. Dietrich 1899-1905 William Miles 1905-11 Fourth Ward Alfred W. Glase 1875-89 Henry A. Maurer 1890-93' William Y. Lyon 1893-96;1903 Milton C. Kreider 1896-1902 Jacob Royal 1903-05 Franklin E. Kreider 1905-11 Fifth Ward Thomas Shunk 1875-77 Joseph Heifer 1877-83 Lyman H. Wilson 1883-87 Charles H. Fisher 1887-96 Charles M. Deem 1896-99 John F. Feger 1899-1905 William F. Stehman 1905-11 Sixth Ward Lewis Neuland 1875-78 Augustus Lessig 1878-80 John M. Sharp 1880-1899 Harry J. Focht 1899-1908 Heber F. Buckwalter 1908-11 Seventh Ward Wood M. Schwartz 1875-78 Raymond B. Lewis 1878-80 Henry W. Lash 1880-83 Leslie Strubell 1883-1911 Eighth Ward William L. Graul 1875-78 John Denhard 1878-83 Lawrence P. Ressler 1883-87 George B. Wagner 1887-1908 Seneor A. Phillippi 1908-11 Ninth Ward George Kreamer 1875-87 George Miller 1887-96 Harry T. Beck ■. 1896-1905 John J. Sparely 1905-11 Tenth Ward Michael Doyle 1876-79 James Malson 1879-83 Henry C. W. Matz 1882-87 John H. Bobst 1887-88 Jacob Matz 1888-89 George H. Goodwin 1889-90; 1893-96 Augustus Luebka 1890-93 Harry Wise 1896-1902 George J. Brown 1902-11 Eleventh Ward Jacob F. Hollenbacher 1876-79 Amos A. Bechtold 1879-86 Jacob B. Reifsnyder 1893-1905- J. Edward Reifsnyder 1905- George S. Straub 1905-11 Twelfth Ward Samuel James 1886-87 Augustus Buchter 1887-90' Tohn Borrell 1890-1911 Thirteenth Ward Samuel Bechtold 1886-94- Oscar Detwiler 1894-96 Isaiah J. Beck 1896-99; 1902-11 Franklin E. Kreider 1899-1902 Fourteenth Ward John Gottshall 1893-99 Williarn W. Hinkle 1899-1902 Frederick J. Fegley 1902-11 Fifteenth Ward Edward O'Connor 1893-1903 John F. Fisher 1902-11 Sixteenth Ward Samuel Focht 1895-96 Irwin S. Close 1896-99 Robert Graul .1899-1907 Howard Brown 1907-08 John W. Smith ; 1908-11 SCHOOL CONTROLLERS From the beginning of the school system in 1834 to 1854, the several wards of Reading were separ- ate organizations for carrying on school affairs; but there were so many inconveniences in the system that in the latter year another was provided by law, by which the boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania were constituted single school districts. Reading having then been a city, the school controllers of the five wards held a joint meeting, May 16, 1854, and effected an organization by electing John Banks as president, John S. Richards as secretary, and Samuel Frees as treasurer. The first school board, after this organization,, was composed of the following controllers: Northwest Ward Southeast Ward J. S. Richards John Banks W. H. Strickland Ezekiel Jones Ephraim Armstrong Isaac Brenholtz William Ermentrout George Printz Ivens Benson Frederick Printz Charles Fritz George W. Graul READING 231 Northeast Ward Southwest Ward George Foos Samuel Frees C. W. Shultz A. G. Green Samuel L. Young William B. Hertzel J. Bowman James Van Horn Jacob Mast David McKnight Daniel Zacharias Benjamin M. Hoag Spruce Ward • Amos Hooker Evan B. McCord A. S. Whitman John Miles Jacob H. Deysher Thomas Barnet On April 36, 1864, the charter of Reading was revised, and in this revision the consolidation of the five wards into one school district was pre- served. Each ward became entitled to four con- trollers; with a term of four years; and two of them were to be elected alternately every two years. The voters at the biennial elections after 1865 were to vote for one person, and the two persons hav- ing the largest number of votes were to be declared elected. This provision was made to preserve the political equipoise of the board. The first control- lers were elected in February, 1865, and the school affairs of Reading have been carried on ever since under the Act of 1864. The board was authorized to assess and collect taxes for school purposes. A revision of the city charter was again made by the geneml Act of 1874, including a provision for school affairs, but it was not accepted by Read- ing. Therefore, the school affairs of Reading are carried on separately from the city afifairs. The names of the controllers of the several wards are given in the following statement, from 1873 to the present time — the names for the years from 1865 until 1873 not having been obtainable, because the reports are missing: First Ward Name Term Jesse G. Hawley 1873-75 John B. Maxton 1873-75 Solomon Sprecher 1873-77 Henry J. Fink 1873-77; 1883-87 William B. Albright .' 1875-79 James E. Yoder 1875-79 H. A. Corbit 1877-79 • A. J. Darlington 1877-79 J. Henry Hoffmaster 1879-81 Matthan Harbster 1879-81 Albert D. Boas 1879-81 Josiah H. Hiltebeitel 1879-83 Joseph R. Robison 1881-83 Jesse Orr 1881-93 William S. Humbert 1881-85 Isaac W. Hull 1883-86 Georsre B. Albright 1885-89 Frank W. Eben 1886-87 William D. Wolfinger 1887-91 Franklin Heifer '. 1887-93 John M. Adams 1889-97 Frank K. Flood 1891-95 Harry W. Orr 1893-98 John E. Harbster 1893-97 George E. Tyson 1895-1910 WiUiam A. Barber 1897-1905 George F. Hagenman 1897-1907 Henry T. Melcher 1898-1910 Frank G. Wilson 1905-10 Jeremiah G. Hagenman 1907-10 Second Ward Henry W. Moyer 1873-75 Daniel Shaaber 1873-79 Redmond McM'anus 1873-74 Henry C. Hain 1873-77; 1879-83; 1887-91 Samuel Holl 1874-77 J^mes J. Driscoll 1875-83 A. J. Fink 1877-85 Peter N. Snyder 1877-81 Griffith W. Jones 1881-89 John Morris 1882-1907 John P. Miller 1883-87 Ellis L. Castor 1885-93 Edward A. Howell 1889-97' Edward H. Kreamer 1891-95 Henry A. Harner 1893-1901 Elmer A. German 1895-1903 Frank Kissinger 1897-1905 Peter Schlarb, Jr 1901-10 George W. Ubil 1903-07 Edward C. Price 1905-10 Henry E. Keeler 1907-10 Edward S. High 1907-10 Third Ward Henry Johnston 1873-75 William G. McGowan 1873-75 E. J. Ranch 1873-74 John Wise 1873-77 Henry H. Holl 1874-76 James M. Lyons 1875-79 Levi H. Liess 1875-79 Charles Scull 1876-77 John G. Mohn 1877-89 Henry D. Schoedler 1877-79 Frank Schaeffer 1879-81 Joshua Clouser 1879-83 Jacob Holl 1879-87 William Kerper 1881-89 James R. Kenney 1883-87* William High 1887-91. Alfred Snavely 1887-91. Chester B. Jennings 1889-1901 B. Frank Ruth 1889-1901 ; 1903-10' Fred H. Witman 1891-95 Thomas G. Printz 1891-9&' Henry W. Schick 1895-1910-' Oscar B. Wetherhold 1899-1903 William B. Harper 1901-04 John W. Morrison 1901-OT Ira G. Shoemaker igod-lOi John G. Rhoads 1907-ia Fourth Ward Jeremiah Hagenman 1873-83 William M. Rightmyer 1873-77 Charles McKnight 1873-79 Harrison Maltzberger 1873-83; 1889-93 William H. Kelley 1877-81 Levi Quier ',[',',', !i879-89 Jefferson M. Keller 1881-1900 Henry G. Young 1883-87 Henry D. High 1883-91 John H. Obold 1887-1910 William J. Bobst 1891-99 Edward W. James 1893-1908 Walter A. Rigg 1899-1907 Cha'''es Jv,^,°^ ■ • ; 1900-05 John H. Rothermel , 1905-06 Henry H Herman ] ,\ '. !l907-08 Thomas H. Morgan 1908-10 Henry S. Fichthorn 1909-10 William S. Dickinson " 1909-10 Fifth Ward James Mulligan j 1873-79 John F. Moers ;i873-75 Samuel Frees ig^.g^ George W. Phelps 1873-79 233 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Henry D. Schoedler 1875-7'6 Wellington Van Reed 1876-1910 Ephraim Armstrong 1879-81 John F. Orth 1879-82 William H. Wilhelm 1881-89 Charles A. Z. Griesemer 1881-89 Edgar W. Alexander 1883-83 ; 1887-90 Peter W. Nagle 1883-87 John B. Goodhart 1889-93 Peter A. Fritch 1889-93 Frederic P. Heller 1890-95 John R. Miller 1893-97 John C. Wollison 1893-97 Harry F. Hahn 1895-1903 ; 1904-10 Alvin N. Beyer 1897-1904 Lloyd M. Nunnemacher 1897-1905 George Y. Yocum 1903-06 Emanuel Loeb 1905-10 John B. Kre'bs 1907-10 Howard F. Hawk 1909-10 Sixth Ward George W. Bushong 1873-75 Alexander Jacobs 1873-75 Daniel P. Shenfelder 1873-77; 1879-83 Lewis Briner 1873-77 Wharton MIorris 1875-79 John McKnight 1875-83 John M. Sharp 1877-81 Jacob Snell 1877-81 ; 1883-91 George W. Boas 1881-87 Jones O. Thomas 1881-89 Stephen M. Meredith 1883-84 Joseph S. Riegel 1884-91 Daniel E, Schroeder 1887-93 Daniel Beidler 1889-93 John S. Thompson 1891-95 Walter Prutzman 1891-99 Charles N. Seitzinger 1893-1901 William Hutchinson 1893-97 John G. Beck 1895-1902 Charles H. Frederick 1897-1901 ; 1903-05 Daniel P. Kramer 1899-1903 John A. Britton 1901-03 Charles O. Ream 1901-06 John H. Riegel 1902-10 Jacob Diener 1903-07 William Prutzman 1905-10 Harry P. Yost 1907-10 ■Edward S. Wertz 1907-10 Seventh Ward Edwin Shalter 1873-79 Daniel Ermentrout 1873-77 Joseph T. Valentine 1873-77 J. Howard Jacobs 1873-75; 1877-85; 1887-91 Charles A. Saylor 1875-83 Daniel D. Lerch 1877-89 W. Benton Stoltz 1879-82 Frank C. Smink 1882-86 J. C. A. Hoffeditz 1883-87; 1891-95 Henry B. Hendel 1885-89 William M. Goodman 1886-90 Stephen M. Meredith 1889-97 John H. Maltzberger 1889-1901 J. Harvey Tyson 1890-94 J. Edward Wanner 1894-1910 Ellsworth A. Leinbach 1895-99 Howard Keppelman 1897-1906 Harry T. Shick 1899-1903 Reuben H. Spangler 1901-10 Charles H. R. Leinbach 1903-06 James F. Mohn 1907-10 J. Newton Rhoads 1907-10 Eighth Ward Nicholas Heckman 1873-77 Mahlon K. Taylor ] . 1873-74 A. T. C. Keffer 1873-61 Henry S. Eckert 1873-89 Henry W. Burkey 1874-75 Harrison Shultz 1875-79 S. E. Ancona ' 1877-83 ; 1887-95 James M. Lyons 1879-86 Jacob H. Goodman 1881-89 Christian \\/. Geissler 1883-87 Adam W. Schwartz 1886-87 George Foos 1887-95 Eugene L Sandt 1889-93 Hiester M. Nagle 1889-93 Thaddeus A. Hoyer 1893-97 Edwin B. Gettis 1893-1901 James R. Mercer 1895-99 Charles S. Prizer 1895-99 Cyrus Wertz 1897-1901 Abram Herr 1899-1910 Seymour T. Schmehl 1899-1910 J. Wilmer Fisher •■ 1901-08 Eugene Rhein 1901-08 Thomas K. Leidy 1909-10 George E. Dillon 1909-10 Ninth JJ'ard William Geiger 1873-76 Levi H. Liess 1873-74 Jacob Bissikumer 1873-77 William Beardsworth 1873-76 David Rhein 1874-76 Edwin Ziegler 1876-81 Nathan Rohrbach 1876-79 J. William Landis 1876-81 Ferdinand Goetz 1877-81 Joseph T. Smith ■. 1879-83 Abram Herr 1881-83 Hermann C. Rees 1881-91 John B. Snyder 1881-89 August H. Bartels 1883-87 William Weis 1883-92 Augustus M. High 1887-91 Henry S. Bard 1889-93 Harrv A. Heckman 1891-1900 Eli D. Emerich 1891-99 John M. Becker 1892-95 Jonathan S. Ebling 1893-97 EUas H. Frantz 1895-1904 Benjamin F. Hunsicker 1897-1905 George Scheirer 1899-1910 William H. Luppold 1900-04 John M. Smith .' ' 1904-10 Robert Strasser 1904-05 William Bauknecht i905-09 Peter Eyrich ;;;;;; 1905-10 Robert B. Machemer 1909-10 Tenth Ward Fidel Weber 1876-78 Samuel B. Ruth 1876-77 John A. Neidert 1876-79 George W. Johns 1876-80 James Vanstavoren 1877-78 Wellington Boyer. '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'. 1879-83 Hiram M Trout 1878-82 John D Witman 1878-82 Charles Y Levan 1880-82 James D Long 1882-84 Herman Hermann •. 1882-86 Edward W De Haven 1882-90 Isaac J. Hale 1883-88 Richard Mohn " igg^ gg Michael A Buckley '.'.■.'.'.'.■.■.'.'iVse-gS;" 1900-04 Luther Seiders ; iggg-go Joseph A Byers iggp.gg James E. Howe . 1893.94 Ben am.n F Sheeder 1893,95 William HLongacre 1894.99 Daniel W. Levan 1395-99 READING 233 Henry H. Weitzel 1896-1900 Charles F. Brissel 1898-1910 John J. Phillipson 1899-1904 William L. Moser 1899-1900 Edward Taenzer 1900-02 Walter D. Fichthorn 1902-10 Joseph L. Gehris 1904-10 Albert F. East 1904-10 Eleventh Ward W. H. Chapman 1876-78 Griffith W. Jones 1876-77 John F. Bellemere 1876-78 Samuel M. Guss 1876-78 Frederick Setley 1877-78 James Mendenhall 1878-80 William H. Kelley 1878-80 John G. Kalbach 1878-82 Alfred S. Jones 1878-82 Frank Menges 1880-86 Henry H. Hartman 1880-84 Henry M. Spuhler 1882-83 Jeremiah Seiders 1882-86 Daniel Dillon 1883-84 Adam Filbert 1884-94 Henry H. Jackson 1884-86 Isaac M. Bechtel 1886-89 Calvin S. Gerhard 1886-88 Peres S. Fisher 1886-94 Thomas G. Harper 1888-95 James A. Fisher 1889-98 Alfred Gunkel 1894-1900 Milton J. Miller 1894-98 Charles R. Haman 1895-96 Charles A. Hawk 1896-1910 Urias A. Fisher 1898-1904 Howard G. Becker 1898-1910 Charles P. Saylor 1900-01 Harry M. Laucks 1901-10 George C. Straub 1904-08 Thomas M. Richardson 1908-10 Twelfth Ward Henry H. Jackson 1886-88 George W. Reisinger 1886-91 Franklin Menges 1886-98 Jeremiah Seiders ' 1886-94 George W. Ketner 1888-92 Henry Stine 1891-92 William R. Kirn .' 1892-96 Jenkin Hill 1892-96 Harry S. Levan 1894-1910 John T. Seiders 1896-1910 Daniel K. Biehl 1896-1904 Albert G. Bauman 1898-1902 Thomas A. Shoemaker 1902-10 Eph. S. Browrlmiller 1904-10 Thirteenth Ward George C. Suender 1886-90 William B. High 1886-87 Franklin S. Shimer 1886-88 Henry Seibert 1886-88 William A. Mengel 1887-90 H. Bouchat 1888-95 Abr. Whitman 1888-1908 Frederick W. Cranston 1890-93 Llewellyn Gehret 1890-94 Albert J. Frezeman 1892-94 Albert S. Ibach 1894-98 Reuben G. Shalters 1894-98 Wesley B. Marcks 1895-98 Evan C. Wentzel 1898-99 Hiram M. Trout 1898-1902 George J. Trievel 1898-1910 William W. Britten 1899-1900 Charles H. Ramsay 1900-04 William R. Eaches 1903-06 George W. Millmore 1904-08 Huysinga Bouchat 1906-10 Harry C. Wanner : . . .' 190S-10 David J. Moyer 1908-10 Fourteenth Ward Henry S. Keffer 1893-95 William W. Fetter 1893-99 Daniel E. Schroeder 1893-97 William P. Keim 1893-97 Samuel J. Waid 1895-1910 B. Frank Fink 1897-99 George R. Hoover 1897-1901 Morris Arnold : 1899-1903 John E. Harbster 1899-1901 Frank Bendel : 1901-03 Charles S. Shalters 1901-03 James F. Mohn 1903-07 Joseph E. Hess 1903-05 Walter B. Koch 1903-05 Henry M. Obold 1905-09 John M. Frame 1905-09 C. Clarence Long 1906-10 James A. Kalbach 1909-10 Frank H. Doremus 1909-10 Fifteenth Ward George W. Wagner 1893-99 David K. Kaufman 1893-99 Charles H. Kiesling 1893-1910 Howard E. Ahrens 1893-1904 Ezra Schmehl 1899-1910 James M. Smith 1899-1910 Robert L. Wilson 1904-09 W. Irvin Renninger 1909-10 Sixteenth Ward Daniel F. Printz 1895-1901 John B. Houp '. 1895-1900 Samuel H. Fulmer 1895-99 S. E. Ancona 1895-99 Andrew J. Fink, Jr 1899-1904 Frederick C. Printz 1899-1907 John H. Giles .• 1900-10 N. Robert Tomlinson 1901-04 John E. Clouser ' 1904-10 David C. Lotz 1904-10 Nevin M. Davis* 1907-09 The following persons have been officers of the board' from 1865 to the present time : PRESIDENTS Name Term J. K. McCurdjf 1865-67 John S. Richards 1867-73 Henry S. Eckert 1872-88 J. Howard Jacdbs 1888-90 S. E. Ancona 1890-93 E. A. Howell 1893-97 George W. Wagner 1897-98 J. Edward Wahner 1898-99 ; 1905-10 B. F. Hunsicker 1899-1905 SECRETARIES Name Term Lewis Briner 1865-67 John L. Barnes 1867-70 Charles Scull 1870-72 Thomas Severn 1872-73 William M. Rightmyer 1873-77 A. J. Darlington 1877 Harrison Shultz 1877-79 James M. Lyon 1879-92 Francis Roland', Jr 1892-1910 * Died April 11, 1909, and Bohlke Luersson appointed successor. 234 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TREASURERS , Name Term James Bell 1865-06 Matthias Mengel 1866-68 Peter Jones 1868-69 William Ermentrout 1869-77 Levi H. Liess ,. . . . 1877-80 Ephraim Armstrong 1880-92 James M. Lyons 1892-94 Albert R. Hoover 1894-1900 John B. Renninger 1900-10 CITY SUPERINTENDENTS In 1867 the school directors of cities containing a population exceeding 10,000 were authorized to elect a city superintendent of the common schools for the term of three years. The directors oi Reading elected the first superintendent in 1867, Thence, till now, the superintendents have been : Name Term John L. Barnes 1867-69 Thomas Severn 1869-78 Robert K. Buehrle 1878-80 David B. Brunner 1880-81 Samuel A. Baer 1881-84; 1889-96 Joseph T. Valentine 1884-85 Thomas M. Balliet 1885-88 Z. X. Snyder 1888-89 Ebenezer Mackey 1896-1903 Charles S. Foos 1902-10 MEAT AND MILK INSPECTOR A new office was established by councils on Feb. 4, 1909, for the inspection of meat and milk, and the mayor selected as the first appointee Dr. George R. Fetherolf, a resident veterinary surgeon for ten years and a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. His legal authority extends throughout the city and into the surrounding district for twenty miles for the purpose of inspecting all butcher-shops and dairy farms which furnish meat or milk to consumers in Reading. CENSUS The first correct enumeration of the population of Reading was made by the national government in 1790 ; and subsequently every ten years. The numbers at the several periods whilst Reading was a borough were as follows : 1790 2,335 1820 4,332 1800 3,386 1830 5,856 1810 3.463 1840 8,410 CENSUS ENUMERATION— 1850-1900 Ward 1 1850 | 1860 1870 1880 ■. 1890 1900 ]st 2d 2,963 3,774 3,165 3,204 2,038 4,019 4,189 4,905 5,760 4,389 3,834 5,530 3,732 3,611 3,305 3,763 3,541 3,690 6,034 3,044 5,553 4.455 3,836 3,399 3,763 4,130 3,874 4,206 3,834 5,195 3,694 5,947 4,665 3,758 3,467 5,977 5,185 4,403 4,800 6,156 3,899 4,110 3,600 3,993 6 656 3d 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th nth 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 4,717 3,631 3,433 8,011 3,861 3,789 5,454 4,759 5,460 6,617 6,811 4,005 3,874 4,911 15,743 33,163 33,930 43,378 58.661 78,963 Sexes of Population. — The population of Read- ing by sexes was as follows : Male Female 1830 2,785 2,846 1840 4,098 4,837 1850 7,760 7,983 1860 11,183 11,979 1870 16,535 17.405 1880 21,099 32,179 1890 39,126 39,535 1900 39,128 39,833 Population North and Soutpi of Penn Street. — By the following table it appears that the major part of the population of Reading was south of Penn street from 1840 to 1880; and by averaging the increase from 1880 to 1890, it is evident that the major part had shifted north of Penn street in the year 1882. 1 1840 1 1850 1 I860 1 1870 | 1880 | 1890 i 1900 South Xorth 4,991 3,419 9,901 5.842 13,113 10,049 17,912 16,018 33,111 31,167 26,687 31,974 31,080 47,881 1 1,573| 4,059| 3,064| 1,894| 944| | Colored Population. — The colored population at Reading since 1830, by the United States census enumeration, has been as follows: 1830 — 192; 1840 —221; 1850—357; 1860—285; 1870—311; 1880— 350; 1890—390; 1900—534. Gctc Enumeration. — In 1847, J. Lawrence Getz, publisher of the Reading Gazette and Democrat, made an enumeration of the population at Read- ing, with the following result ; M-ales, 6,641 ; fe- males, 6,403; total, 13,044; houses, 2,138; families, 2,398. There were then nearly twice as many per- sons south of Penn street as there were north. Lez'an Enumcratioii. — In 1877, Edgar M. Levan, an attorney at Reading, published a directory of the city. While registering the names of the in- habitants, he collected interesting facts, showing the number and sex of the population, stores, dvv'ellings, etc., with the following result: j\Iales over 21 years, 9,765; under 21 years, 9,- 787; females over 21 years, 10,784; under '21 years, 9,773: total, -10,109; stores, 1,044; dwellings, 8,186; manufactories, 117. Number of persons to each inhabited dwelling, 5.19. Comparative Statistics. — The following statis- tics are submitted to show the relative growth of Reading as compared with the country districts of Berks county at three different periods. Reading 1856 1885 1908 Taxables Property assessed Money at interest 4.094 $4,011,763 380,853 13,279 $23,780;222 5,049,482 35,414 $53,724,600 13,434,847 Country Districts 1856 1885 1908 Taxables Property assessed Money at interest 13,480 $19,691,1:20 2,020,575 20,879 $40,806,570 8.741.821 31,337 $40,545,193 8,977.903 Assessment for 1898.— The city assessors of Reading made an assessment of property in the several wards from September to December, 1897, which was revised by city councils from January to March, 1898, with the following result : " READING 235 Wards 1 n o > Property Assessed II 1st 1,272 1,992 1,600 1,040 1,173 2,291 1,887 1,269 1,661 1,524 1,742 1,805 1,899 1.126 931 1,227 983 1,407 1,306 682 881 1,874 1,079 996 1,381 1,100 1,319 1,606 1,450 872 659 1,048 $ 2,046,200 2,311,500 3,682.000 3,370,250 2,074,300 3,688,225 ■ 5,266,100 2,902,550 2,144,100 1,270,300 1,773,300 2,277,875 2,345,850 2,806,808 1,957,291 2,168,884 $ 250,400 30,000 357,700 238,500 42,000 88,000 1,101,000 499,500 2d 3d 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 342,800 76 800 10th 11th 192,400 443,800 244,800 187,650 149,600 451,700 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th Total 24,439 1 18,643 $42,085,533 | $4,696,650 The property exempted from local taxation em- braces all churches, parsonages, school-houses, pub- lic buildings, charitable institutions, and corpora- tion buildings not including establishments that pro- duce revenue. PRESIDENTIAL VOTE, NOV. 3, 1908 Taft Rep. 1st Ward, 1st Precinct 154 2d Precinct 135 3d Precinct 130 2d Ward, 1st Precinct 57 2d Precinct 75 3d Precinct 64 4th Precinct 128 3d Ward, 1st Precinct 143 2d Precinct .,..188 3d Precinct 129 4th Ward, 295 Bryan Dem. 75 75 66 79 104 69 140 140 205 84 156 5th Ward, 1st Precinct 163 127 2d Precinct 127 50 6th Ward, 1st Precinct 128 71 2d Precinct '204 141 3d Precinct 181 244 4th Precinct 97 61 5th Precinct 73 86 7th Ward, 1st Precinct 174 112 2d Precinct 299 126 8th Ward, 1st Precinct 176 133 2d Precinct 217 183 9th Ward, 1st Precinct 78 122 2d Precinct 93 123 3d Precinct 79 133 4th Precinct 80 240 10th Ward. 1st Precinct 138 195 2d Precinct 198 309 11th Ward, 1st Precinct 149 161 2d Precinct 110 335 3d Precinct 122 151 12th Ward, ^st Precinct 118 93 3d Precinct 133 169 3d Precinct 303 364 4th Precinct 132 134 13th Ward, 1st Precinct .° 143 140 2d Precinct 200 175 3d Precinct ; 323 309 4th Precinct 170 197 14th Ward, 1st Precinct 169 57 3d Precinct 135 75 3d Precinct 51 40 4th Precinct 225 116 15th Ward, 1st Precinct 149 156 2d Precinct 43 44 3d Precinct 285 136 4th Precinct 269 Sl.^i ' 5th Precinct 121 92 16th Ward, 1st Precinct 150 131 2d Precinct 250 140 3d Precinct 172 176 Totals 7,825 6,959 Taft's plurality 866 Roosevelt's plurality over Parker in 1904 3,369 TABLE OF STATISTICS* Property READING Taxables Real Estate Real Estate Taxable Exempt Taxed by County 1st Ward 1,436 $ 395,500 $ 1,855,550 $1,983,650 2d Ward 2,235 44,800 2,292,500 2,497,475 3d Ward 1,826 2.799,200 3,386,400 3,486,100 4th Ward 966 423,000 3,621,050 3,757,600 5th Ward 1,161 20,000 1,763,325 . 1,883,465 6th. Ward 3,373 93,700 3,660,000 3,993,520 7th Ward 1,714 1,260.000 5,463,825 5,737,250 8th Ward 1,567 697,400 2,792,435 2,963,875 9th Ward 1,945 390,000 2,078,275 3,269,080 10th Ward 1,827 97,000 1,230,820 1,389,055 11th Ward 1,921 172,700 1,817,395 1,992,440 12th Ward 2,698 104,000 2.392,850 2,645,375 13th Ward 4,761 338,450 4,004,490 4,409,180 14th Ward 3,476 348,500 4,170,440 4,445,990 15th Ward 3,315 , 264,000 3.823,650 4,160,500 16th Ward 3,303 ' 507,400 2,660,145 2,884,445 Total for City 35,414 $7,845,650 $46,913,150 $50,488,000 County 31,337 2,835,846 37,709,346 41,807,680 Total for County 66,751 $10,681;496 $84,622,496 $93,395,680 Horses, 2,266 ; assessed at $150,010. Cows, 32 ; assessed at $1,200. ♦Assessment reported by County Commissioners to State, August, 1908. Tax Money Levied at Interest $ 5,948 $ 754,338 7,492 126,085 10,458 816,515 11,273 1,781,995 5,650 600,422 11,981 384,732 17,182 4,626,043 8,893 573,006 6,807 187,845 4,167 91,115 5,977 95,633 7,936 170,432 13,228 170,600 13,338 2,143,325 12,481 300.012 8,653 613,751 $151,463 $13,434,847 125,476 8,977,902 $276,939 $33,413,749 236 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA COMPARATIVE STATEMENT— 1898 Not including exempted real estate, $4,696,650. ** One-fifth valuation. Popula- tion Taxa- bles Property Assessment Total Debt Tax Rate in Mills City School County Allentovvn 35,000 30,000 40,000 16,000 60,000 73,000 106,000 55,000 33,000 9,000 4,738 13,750 34,439 38,789 11,200 7,000 • $19,500,000 11,000,000 15,416,646 8,680,000 24,000,000 *42,085,533 33,452,916 **7,000,000 9,150,060 $ 433,200 305,900 044,500 267,600 1,000,000 1,352,500 579,538 464,500 729,500 31 6J 9 4i 7 6 13.8 23 15 6 6 4 31 6 4 4 18 7 24 Easton 2.8 Lancaster 3 Lebanon 2 4 Reading .... 2i Scranton 7 Wilkes-Barre 7 Williamsport 5 NUMBER OF BUILDINGS Statement showing number of buildings in Reading Dec. 31, 1908: Brick buildings 18,993 Stone buildings 1,552 Iron and frame 2,195 Iron 402 Cement 37 Grand total; 33,179 The following statement gives a comparative list of the buildings erected during 1907 and 1908 : (D t^ 00 o ■;; Pi OO WARDS "q 4-. S i 1^.51 V M j; „- „- O S^ bo ^"C ■ c ^ S 'u p (V 'o o 6---- t/3 m ^^5 U H H ^ 1st 6 1 13 7 1,014 2d 2 4 6 10 1,510 3d 1 3 1 4 8 1,218 4th 1 2 3 13 1,009 5th 4 4 4 1,003 6th 9 13 9 31 50 3,526 7th 7 7 3 1 17 3 1,171 8th 4 4 1 9 5 934 9th 2 4 6 37 1,356 10th 10 4 14 20 1,169 11th 17 2 3 21 46 1,376 13th 3 4 6 37 1,643 13th 2 8 11 1 S3 139 2,326 14th 2 1 2 5 102 1,508 15th 19 3 5 1 27 153 1,881 16th 2 14 4 1 21 156 1,546 Total 48 95 59 7 209 790 33,179 BUILDINGS, 1908 Statement showing the amount of money invested in the construction of buildings in the several wards in the city during 1908 : 1st Ward $ 20,400 3d Ward 8,775 3d Ward 13,900 4th Ward 30,150 5th Ward 17,500 6th Ward 114,850 7th Ward 64,700 8th Ward 10,650 9th Ward 3,800 10th Ward 30,935 11th Ward 37,500 12th Ward 6,750 13th Ward 19,450 14th Ward 7,550 15th Ward 58,750 16th Ward 36,300 Grand Total $459,950 LIQUOR LICENSES FOR 1909 1st Ward 5 2d Ward 17 3d Ward 19 4th Ward 11 5th Ward lo 6th Ward 14 7th Ward 25 Sth Ward 13 9th Ward 15 10th Ward 4 11th Ward 9 13th Ward 7 13th Ward 13 14th Ward 3 15th Ward 4 16th Ward 5 174 In Boroughs 49 In Townships gj Total 314 Variety and Value of Industries in 1900. — The great extent, variety and value of the indus- trial affairs at Reading in 1900 are exhibited in the accompanying, comprehensive table. The inforhia- tion was secured and published by the Census Department of the United States Government, and it is the first time that this important subject re- ceived so much attention at Reading, showing the exiact situation as it then existed. It is extremely valuable for reference. READING 237 Nature of Industries, 1900 M I W feW J3 fc! u 3 ■a o 3 Bicycles •. Bicycle Repairs Blacksmiths and Wheelwrights. Book-binding Boot and Shoe Repairs Bottling . . , Boxes — Cigar Paper Brass Castings Bakeries Breweries Brick and Tile Brooms and Brushes Carpenter Shops Carpet Works Carriages and Wagons Car Shops Cigar Factories and Tobacco. . . Clothing Factories — Men's . . . . Women's . . Clothing, Custom — Men's Women's. . . Coffee and Spice Roasting Confectionery Dyeing Electrical Construction Foundry and Machine Furniture, etc Hats — ^Fur Wool Hardware Hosiery . . '. Iron and Steel Ironwork — Architectural Jewelry Lime and Cement Marble Works Masonry — Brick and Stone.... Millinery Newspapers Optical Works ". Painters and Paper Hangers.. Paint Works Paper Factories Pattern-makers Picture Frames Paving Materials Photography Planing Mills Plastering Plumbing, etc Pottery and Terra Cotta Printing Roofing ; Saddleries Shirts Tin and Copper Smiths Other Industries 4 7 27 3 52 6 3 5 3 51 6 3 7 47 8 12 4 76 4 5 41 11 3 21 4 6 27 14 3 4 4 31 7 4 22 3 15 14 11 10 3 45 5 3 4 4 9 9 5 8 25 3 17 8 7 5 38 67 354 7 27 14 12 28 35 26 15 213 119 19 35 367 5 203 1,963 526 46 4 129 4 3 191 21 13 1,565 18 498 157 1,380 183 3,733 49 •25 5 108 275 81 147 14 167 21 90 5 7 '57 30 146 40 138 84 54 43 15 3 82 1,056 26 19 3 35 66 3 5 541 114 39 185 50 111 198 104 80 1,184 14 126 3 39 17 71 675 27 4 19 41 12 6 1 26 35 34 237 300 1 197 656,816 7,276 21,640 37,100 21,065 63,150 67,030 66,109 81,763 284,713 1,032,510 9,750 27,550 194,492 11,425 443.731 2,069,203 750,497 185,292 18,465 336,094 9,850 12,158 164,191 36,771 15,311 2,799.240 28,326 623,408 450,149 1,734,544 710,128 8,132,619 50.663 34,326 950 169,045 87,903 64,547 391,723 268,090 99.273 154,776 549,913 7,517 9,675 11,911 49,287 178,949 12,170 125,583 248,815 . 121,607 24,945 25,235 41,456 158,281 4,154,734 $ 165,106 3,508 13,721 10,671 6,642 12,478 19,892 37,444 9.170 104,413 66,361 7,887 13,805 132,190 1,910 83,115 1,045,675 431,775 53,583 12,013 111.504 15,109 1,728 71,076 9,050 6,805 681,574 9,272 283,000 136,558 600,861 390,857 1,613,011 31,299 15,735 1,605 55,788 139,945 26,136 88,999 34,640 75,671 9,484 52,031 1,738 3,778 19.353 16,354 69,467 18,179 58,808 27,011 27.485 19,995 6,116 16,905 37,585 585,300 ■ 816,332 16,306 48,318 26,071 57,526 88,541 104,456 99,544 34,503 501,197 881,665 17,525 73,604 ^82,571 13,529 307,859 6,315,128 1,683,466 359,771 55,341 407,149 30,869 24,761 420,169 32,942 61,163 2,437,355 37,010 1,133,688 328,150 1,611,268 1,326,397 9,530,286 113,267 46,327 6,100 148,217 314,184 163,102 309,266 184.770 208,786 168,846 429,305 7,61'J- 11,195 57,837 52,116 302,339 43,966 249,163 105,128 99,447 73,725 28,261 76,155 300,746 3,682,006 Reading, 1900 | 843 34,443 Reading, 1890 | 435 3,706 I 955 I $27,975,628 | $7,544,950 | $36,902,511 I I 14,083.374 1 4,780,470 | 20,855.165 238 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA Other Industries Other industries of Reading in 1900, as enumerated by the U. S. Census, were as follows : Artificial Feathers and Flowers 1 Bags — Paper 2 Baskets and Willow Ware 2 Boots & Shoes — Factory. 1 Boxes — Wood Packing.. 1 Brassware 1 Carriage and Wagon Material 1 Cars— Street Ry., etc.... 2 Cheese & Butter 2 Condensed Milk 1 Cordage & Twine 1 Cotton Goods 1 Cotton Small Wares 1 Cutlery & Edge Tools ... 1 Dveing and Cleaning.... 1 Electroplating 1 Fancy Articles 1 Flour-mill 1 Food Preparations 1 Furnishing Goods for Men 1 Gas Illuminating 1 Glass 1 Glass, Ornamental, etc. . . 1 Grease and Tallow 1 Hairwork 1 Hand Stamps 1 riats and Caps 3 House Furnishing Goods. 2 Ice 1 Iron Bolts and Nuts 1 Iron and Steel Forgings. . 1 Lamps and Reflectors.... 1 Leather Curried, etc 1 Lock and Gun Smith .... 1 Malt 1 Mattress 1 Mirrors 1 Patent Medicines 1 Photolithographing, etc. 1 Regalia and Society Banners 1 Sewing Machine Repairs. 1 Silk Mill 1 Slaughtering and Meat Packing 1 Soap 1 Stereotyping, etc 1 Tobacco, Chewing, etc. . . 2 Toys and ^ Games 1 Trunks and Valises 1 Umbrellas 1 Washing Machines 1 Window Shades 1 Wire-rope, Cable, etc.... 1 Wood Carving' 1 Woolen Goods 1 CHAPTER XI -BOROUGHS ERECTION The county of Berks was erected in 1752. All the districts in the county at that time were town- ships, the simplest form of local government, and it was not until 1783 that the first borough was established. This was Reading, the county-seat, and it was erected by a special Act of Assembly. The next was Kutztown, in 1S15, situated six- teen miles northeast froan Reading, and the third was Womelsdorf, in 1833, fourteen miles west from Reading ; which were also established by Act of Assembly. In 1834, the State Legislature empowered the courts of Quarter Sessions of the several coun- ties, with the concurrence of a grand jury, to es- tablish boroughs, but the territory to be set apart was to include three hundred inhabitants ; this was modified by the Act of 1851, since when appli- cation and decree have been made without regard to population. From that time, the boroughs in the county have been established in this manner, and until 1909, fifteen additional boroughs have been created. Reading was advanced to a city in 1847, but no other borough in the county has been similarly advanced. The boroughs are seventeen in number. The following table shows their names, when estab- lished, the taxables, the voters and assessment of property. Other facts might be mentioned in con- nection with the several boroughs, especially of an industrial nature, but they have been omitted to avoid repetition, because they are mentioned in the sketches of resident patrons of this work. General statistical information relating to the boroughs will be found in the tables which include the whole county, in Chapter IX. COMPARATR'E TABLE— 1908 Boroughs Eastern Division •3 3 o CJ CO U o > s Ul en OJ en en < Kutztown 1779 1779 1835 1800 1859 18.54 1852 1800 1815 1837 1866 1873 1875 1887 1890 1902 658 912 761 497 ,297 55 77 277 486 675 592 364 219 46 119 200 $ 793,175 951,910 1,188,444 609,514 347,250 65,410 137,485 426,705 Hamburg Bovertown Fleetwood * Topton Lenhartsville Bechtelsville Mount Penn ** Western Diinsion Womelsdorf Bernville Birdsboro Centreport West Leesport Wyomissing West Reading Mohnton Sbillingtonf * Formerly Coxtovvn. ** Formerly Dengler's- t May, 1909. 1762 1833 608 375 552,439 1819 1851 151 111 135,310 1760 1872 885 731 1,246,204 1868 1884 48 32 48,910 1842 1901 189 136 154,275 1896 1906 626 205 774,809 1873 1907 598 483 658,725 1850 1907 495 405 338,910 1860 1908 461 387 431,765 INDUSTRIES CiG.AES. — ^The manufacture of cigars is a large industry in all parts of the county. Nearly one hundred establishments are carried on in the coun- try districts, almost wholly in the boroughs. The largest plants, producing over 500,000 annually, are : Christian Brothers, in Womelsdorf. John J. Eshelman, in Mohnton. Otto Eisenlohr & Bro., in Boyertown. H. F. Fidler, in Womelsdorf. George Gruber, in Stouchsburg. W. H. Goodman, in Millersburg. BOROUGHS 239 Henry Hackman, in Womelsdorf. Kramer Brothers, in Shillingjton. C. S. Peiffer, in Stouchsburg. Pioneer Union Cigar Company, in Shillington. John J. Seiz, in Stony Creek. A. S. Valentine & Son, in Womelsdorf. C. M. Yetter, in Shillington. The STATEMENT OF BANKS following statement exhibits the financial tion of the banks in the boroughs in November, condi- 1908. •a •g. J3 in w a o en PL^ 3 O 1-1 J3 'S. 3 O en O e-o" o en 3 C m a U et; Q wtD Bernville . . . 1907 $ 25,000 $ 122,462 $ 81,405 $ 2,973 Bjrdsboro . . 1888 50,000 358,896 177,844 81,852 Boyertown National . . 1874 100,000 1,118,378 690.760 196,713 Farmers . . 1883 50,000 267,006 162,756 4,739 Fleetwood . . 1907 25,000 143,675 90,479 3,296 Hamburg . . . Savings 1872 50,000 642,710 495,232 97,300 First Nat'l. 1908 25,000 129,818 78,176 1,509 Kutztown . . 1897 50,000 448,262 250,404 86,187 Mohntqn . . . 1907 25.000 137,702 91,422 1,270 Topton 1906 25,000 137,484 82,750 3,875 Womelsdorf 1903 50,000 405,985 316,352 35,159 MERCANTILE LICENSES The mercantile appraiser, John G. Herbine, appointed by the county commissioners for the year 1909, reported the business places in the several boroughs of Berks county, liable to county tax, their number being as follows : Bechtelsville 14 Bernville 19 Birdsboro 49 Boyertown 70 Centreport 6 Fleetwood 32 Hamburg 61 Kutztown 65 Lenhartsville 12 . Mohnton 12 Mount Penn 11 491 Reading 1,546 Townships 894 Total 2,931 LIQUOR LICENSES Bernville 2 Birdsboro 3 Boyertown 4 Bechtelsville 2 Centreport Fleetwood 4 Hamburg 8 Kutztown 6 Lenhartsville 2 Mohnton 2 Mt. Penn 2 Shillington 1 Topton 3 Womelsdorf 4 West Reading 2 West Leesport 2 Wyomissing 2 49 Bernville: Name Founded Pastor Members Friedens (L.), S't. Thomas (U.) 1739-1791-1897 1897 (Vacant) ■ T. C. Leinbach (R.), 450 Birdsboro: St. Paul's (R.), St. Mark's (L.), Chapel 1881 1877 1899 J. V. George, Z. H. Gable, 30 230 BoyertOTsni: St. John's (L.), 1811 (Union, 1811 to 1871) Good Shepherd (R.), 1871 Fleetw'ood: St. Paul's (^U.), 1841 Chapel (U.), Hamburg: 1884 A. M. Weber, 1,046 G. G. Greenwald, 428 M. H. Brensinger (R.), 840 J. O. Henry (L.), 375 Shillington 20 Topton 20 West Leesport 10 West Reading 30 Womelsdorf 29 Wyomissing 18 St, John's (L.),1789-1811-'57-'98 (tjnion from 1789 to 1898, when destroyed by fire and rebuilt by Luth- H. C. Kline, 571 erans.) First (R.), 1888 (Vacant), 312 Kutztown: St. Paul's (R.), St. John's (U.), Trinity (L.), 1753-1790-1876 1874-1894 G. B. Smith, E. H. Leinbach (R.), J. J. Cressman (L.), R. B. Lynch, 1,120 451 315 296 Lenhartsville Friedens (U.), 1856-1892 R. S. Appel (R.), D. D. Trexler (L.), 110 110 Mohnton: St. John's (L.), 1900 M. H. Stetler, 393 Mt. Penn: Faith (L.), Trinity (R.), 1885 J. F. Snyder, M. L. Herbein, 93 112 Shillington: Emanuel (R.), Grace (L.), 1874-1908 1902 W. J. Kershner, F. F. Buermyer, 80 40 Topton: St. Peter's (U.) 1869-1881 G. B. Smith (R.), J. O. Henry (L.), 130 West Reading) St. James (R.), Bethany (L,), 1R93 1896 George W. .Gerhard, W. 6. Laub, 204 238 Womelsdorf: Zion's (U.), 1793-1867-1803 L. D. Stambaugh (R.), O. E. Pflueger, (L.), 245 357 Wyomissing: Reformed 1909 H. H. Rupp Other Churches Mennonite Boyertown: Old, 1790-1819-1879 New, 1883 i Andrew Mack - John Ehst A. S. Shelly, Protestant Episcopal Birdsboro 1852-1885 Methodist Episcopal Birdsboro 1839-1869 Boyertown Hamburg 1876 1854 CHURCHES OF BOROUGHS Lutheran and Reformed Evangelical Birdsboro (Trinity), 1904 Mohnton (Salem), 1849-1872 United Evangelical 1874 18— 1866 (L.. indicating Lutheran; • ■ • ch using the church Bechtelsville: Name Trinity (U.), R., alternately.) Reformed ; and U., Union, both Founded Pastor Members 1886 George W. Roth (R.), 65 J. J. Kline (L.), Birdsboro Boyertown Fleetwood Hafnburg Ktttstown Mohnton Shillington Topton West Leesport Womelsdorf 1872. 1850-1885. 1872 1835-1867 1895 1895 ■1895 1895 ■1895 1895 1904 1895 •1895 ■1895 Francis Yarnali, A. F. Collom, F. Herson, E. F. Hoffman, B. W. Luckenbill, F. Solver, George S. Kauffroth, C. W. Heffner, C. E. Hejs, (I. J. Reitz I A. S. Mengel H. J. Kline, J. R. Hensyl, C. D. Haman, J. R. Hensyl, ( I. T. Reitz I A. S. Mengel F. B. Yocum 26 145 185 54 113 352 150 145 155 65 161 125 303 125 303 240 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA United Brethren Name Birdsboro Church of God Fleetwood (United), Founded 1886 1868 SCHOOL AFFAIRS— 1908 Borough Bechtelsville . . Bernville Birdsboro Boyertown . . . . Centreport .... Fleetwood . . . . Hamburg Kutztown Lenhartsville . . Mohnton Mount Penn . . Shillington * Topton West Leesport West Reading Womelsdorf . . Wyomissing . . 2 2 11 9 1 5 12 . 4 1 7 3 3 3 7 6 3 to ;-! a O o ^ (J m y-i u dj rt rt ;n fA LLi 151 129 22 24 236 222 185 217 14 19 103 120 240 226 97 106 11 12 148 151 73 62 77 65 30 43 161 144 89 124 52 65 o $ 1,176 1,369 10,206 7,695 429 4,808 16,110 5,220 517 4,361 2,774 2,773 1,549 4,323 5,195 30,486 ^ 320 337 1,988 1,561 120 707 1,866 1,041 137 1,909 495 513 424 2,022 981 859 ■ Established after report published and appropriations made. ODD FELLOWS 6 bo 3 Borough in u s Value of Property 122 65 295 118 260 160 $ 4,000 7,000 1,500 514 708 Birdsboro 103 Hambur"* . ... 12,000 159 Womelsdorf 3,000 Reading, seven lodges . . . . Townships, eleven lodges. $26,500 . 73,792 . 36,400 $136,692 P. O. S. OF A. CAMPS z; 07 78 103 104 113 172 211 324 417 446 531 Borough Xi a Womelsdorf Hamburg . . Fleetwood ■ • Boyertown . Bernville . . . Topton .... Mohntpn . . . Bechtelsville Birdsboro . . Centreport . Lenhartsville 136 321 180 224 207 211 233 130 293 116 64 7,440 11,901 6,994 8,668 10,270 6,262 7,791 5,931 11,134 3,393 1,670 Camps at Reading (14) Camps in townships (28) 2,115 3,835 3,419 $ 81,454 113,398 148,152 9,369 I $343,004 KUTZTOWN Incorporation. — ^Kutztown was the second bor- ough erected in Berks county, Reading having been the first. It was incorporated by a special Act of Assembly in 1815, the Act having been framed after the Act of 1783, by which Reading was incorporated. It is situated in the northeast- ern section of the county along the Sacony creek, and the territory within the boundary lines was taken from Maxatawny township. The lands in this vicinity, embracing one thou- sand acres, were patented to Peter Wentz in 1728 ; and he, in 1755, conveyed 130 acres to George Kutz. In 1779, Kutz laid out a town and named it Kutztown, and soon afterward the first dwell- ings were erected. In 1817, there were 106 tax- ables, with a total valuation of $56,465. The tax- rate was U mills. In 1835, there were 159 tax- ables; 105 "dwelhngs ; 800 population. In 1908, there were 622 resident taxables, with a total val- uation of $670,500. Proceedings were instituted in the councd to add to the borough the improved aiid connected portions of Maxatawny township which adjoin it on the east, north and west, comprising 567 acres and making the total area of the borough 742 acres; and these proceedings were filed in court on March 1, 1909, for legal action. Taxables of 1817.— The first list of taxable in- habitants, of the borough was prepared in 1817, and the following list comprises their names, with their rating, numbering altogether 106 : Angstadt, Joseph, gunsmith $ 20 Baity, Jacob, Sr., blacksmith 592 Biehl, Daniel, tinman 905 Baity, Jacob, Jr., blacksmith 32 Bryfogel, George. Sr., farmer 932 Busby, Samuel, shoemaker 20 Bieber, Dewald, merchant 1,617 Bast, Dewald, farmer 2.904 Becker, Ephraim, doctor 705 Barner, Michael 390 Benjamin, John, hatter 20 Cupp, Conrad, town-crier 600 Cupp, Andrew 150 Cupp, Christian, cabinet-maker 20 Dennis, John, shoemaker 752 Dum, Thomas 813 Deisher, John 350 Dennis, Jacob Ernst, Nicholas, farmer 1.123 Essert, Jacob, cabinet-maker 1,384 Essert, Daniel, cabinet-maker 30 Essert, George, cabinet-maker 20 Fister, George, inn-keeper 1.573 Fister, John, saddler 20 Fritz, Peter, cabinet-maker 532 Gross, Joseph 92 Geehr, Philip, Esq., justice 33 Gifft Peter, clock-maker 103 Geehr, Benjamin, saddler 20 Graeff, Jacob, blacksmith 760 Grube, Christina 350 Glasser, Daniel, hatter 420 GeS'chwind, John Geehr, Samuel, and Levan, Jacob 580 Grim, Jonathan , 2,852 BOROUGHS 241 Geisweit, Peter, laborer 32 Herbine, Samuel, cooper 954 Humberd, Jacob, carpenter 32 Hottenstine, Catharine 682 Heist, Henry 962 Heist, Hannah, widow 500 Heninger, John, shoemaker 882 Harmony, Benjamin, tailor 32 Jung, John, laborer 20 Kutz, Peter, tinman 1^272 Kutz, Adarri^ carpenter 1,762 Kutz, Jacob, mason 33 Knoske, John, minister 772 Keaffer, Joseph 302 Kutz, John, tailor 1,077 Keiser, Joseph 1,037 Kutz, Peter, Revolutionary soldier 1,209 Kutz, Daniel 462 Kemp, George, Jr 900 Kohler, Henry, proprietor of Kutztown Hotel 1,600 Klein, Philip 500 Kaup, Andrew, wheelwright 20 Klein, Jacob, tailor 20 Klein, Isaac 430 Keller, Israel, shoemaker 20 Kutz, Solomon, butcher 722 Kister, George, tailor 820 Keiser, Jacob, weaver 433 Levan, Jacob, Esq 1,107 Levan, Daniel, inn-keeper 1,602 Levan, Jacob, inn'-keeper 1,923 Lehman, Jacob, tinman 20 Levan, Charles, inn-keeper 95 Levan, Isaac, inn-keeper 44 McCandless, Robert Neff, John, mason 1,494 Nevel, Jacob, laborer Neff, Henry, mason 692 Neff, Peter 1,464 Neudorf, Susanna, widow 420 Owerbeck, Jacob, tobacconist 140 Old, Gabriel, carpenter 32 Palsgrove, John, weaver 854 Rudenauer, Samuel 52 Reifsnyder, Abram 20 Rever, Adam 760 Sharodin, John, hatter 1,072 Sander, Henry 820 Strasser, Michael, carpenter. . ■. 70 Seigfried, John, Sr 490 Seigfried, John, Jr 50 Selfridge, Mathias, merchant 32 Schofield, Ebenezer, shoemaker 232 Smith, Catharine (estate of) 300 Till, Jacob, teacher 40 Wolff, P«ter, laborer 20 Wickert, Jacob, tailor 20 Wilson, Motheral 2,110 Winck, Dewald, hatter 744 Wanner, Abram, hatter 1,052 Rate of taxation, li mills on the dollar. Single Freemen, each 75 c.ents Bast, Jacob Mehrman, William Becker, Samiuel Owerback, Henry Becker, Benjamin O'Neal, David Essert, Jacob , Odenheimer, George Glasser, Jonathan Smith, James Harmony, Jonathan Total valuation $56,465 . Houses, 69 ; horses, 47 ; cows, 63. Geoege Breyfogle, Assessor. 16 List of Officials. — The names of the chief burgesses, town clerks and justices of the peace from the beginning of the borough to the pres- ent time, and the time when the incumbents filled their respective positions, are as follows : CHIEF BURGESSES Dewalt Bieber 1816-17 Daniel Levan 18I8 George Breyfogle 1819-21 Henry Heist 1822 John Kutz ; 1823 Jonathan Prime 1824 John Palsgrove 1825-26 ; 1831 Jacob Esser 1827 Geo. A. Odenheimer 1828 John Fister 1829 ; 1832 ; 1834-35 ; 1854 Daniel Bieber 1830; 1846; 1848 Peter Gifft ' 1833 ; 1837 William Heidenreich 1836 ; 1842-43 ; 1847 George Bieber 1838-39 ; 1845 John V. Houck 1840 Dr. William Bieber 1841 Jacob Graeff 1844 ; 1852 David Fister 1849; 1865-67; 1871 Daniel B. Kutz 1850; 1855 David Levan 1851 Reuben Sharadin 1853 Fayette Schaedler 1856 Hiram F. Bickel 1857-58 J. S. Trexler. 1859 B. H. Kutz 1860 William Helfrich 1861 Jacob Sunday 1862 C. H. Wanner 1863-64 Paul Hilbert 1868-69 John Humbert .' 1870 Lewis Hottenstein 1873 J. D. Wanner 1873-74 David Hinterleiter '. 1875 S. S. Schmehl 1876 John M. Graeff , 1877 R. Dewalt 1878 Walter B. Bieber 1879-80 D. W. Sharadin 1881-82 D. F. Bieber 1883-86 J. D. Sharadin ' 1887 Jacob B. Esser 1888 Dewalt F. Bieber ; 1889 Reuben Dewalt 1890 Conrad Gehring 1891-97 John R. Gouser 1897-1900 Charles D. Herman 1900-03 Charles J. G. Christian 1903-06 Jeremiah T. Fritch 1906-09 H. W. Saul 1909-12 TOWN CLERKS James Scull 1816-17 John Fister 1818-19 James Donagan 1820-33; 1825-32; 1834 Lloyd Wharton 1824 Henry Heist 1833 George Bieber 1835-36 Wm. F. Sellers 1837-40 David Neff 1841-42 George Hartzell 1343 Wm. S. Bieber 1844-51; 1853 Henry C. Kutz 1852 James M. Gehr 1854; 1859 H. B. Van Scheetz 1355 J. David Wanner 1856-58; 1860-66; 1871; 1879; 1881-96 243 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA A. C. Beidelman 1867 H. H. Schwartz 1868-70 ; 1873-74 Jonas Hoch 1872 E. D. Bieber 1875 J, H. Marx 1876-78 ; 1880; 1899-1901 Oliver H. Sander 1897 Dr. Henry W. Saul 1898 Charles H. Wanner 1903 Albert S. Heffner 1903-10 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Jacob Levan 1814-23 Benjamin Gehr 1818 James Donagan 1820 John Wanner 1830-23 Lloyd Wharton 1828 Henry Heist 1840-45 Jacob Graeff 1840-44 Charles Weirman 1844-47 William S. Bieber 1845-55 John B. Scbeutz 1847-52 H. B. Von Scheutz 1852-56 James M. Gehr 1855-60 J. Daniel Wanner 1856-67 Charles W. Esser 1860-64 Hiram H. Schwartz 1864-83 Allen K. Hottenstein 1867-71 John Humbert 1871-76 ; 1883-94 John H. Marx 1876-1906 A. S. Heffner 1894-1904 H. S. Sharadin 1906-11 A.J.Rhode 1904-09 , r-, , ,^ x^-. George H. Smith 1905-14 °y Charles M. Richardson (Bernville). POSTMASTERS Wcntc Marble Works, 15 to 20 hands; carried The postmasters for the past thirty years have been: °" ^^ father, Philip, until 1895, and since by his Jonathan Bieber son William as Wentz & Co. Christian Bieber Keystone Shoe Factory (1885), 100 hands; car- 1893-97 ried on by Dr. J. S. Trexler, \\-ilHam Stimmel and Charles Miller until 1902, and since b^^ Lewis Stein. ious trades incident to every community were car- ried on with more or less activity, but without any marked improvement. Some establishments were operated for a number of years and then discon- tinued. The introduction of the steam railway in 1870 was a great assistance. The East Penn railroad was opened for travel from Reading to Allentown in 1859, and in 1870 a branch was con- structed from Topton to Kutztown. This facility for the shipment of goods stimulated manufactures and the erection of different kinds of shops and factories. This industrial activity has been kept up with increasing success until the present time. In 1909 all the places employed about four hun- dred hands, and their productions were sent to all parts of the United States. Estahlishments Sharadin Shirt Factory (1896), 30 to 35 hands; carried on by Howard Sharadin from 1896 to 1902 ; by his brother Francis from 1902 to 1907; and by S. Liebowitz since 1907. H. K. Dcisher Knitting Mill (1890), 45 to 50 hands. Knt::tozvn Creamery Compan\ (1881-1907) ; milk depot established near railroad station in 1907 Tczi.'n Council, William Sander ]___ Michael T. Donmoyer 1889-93 John P. S. Fenstermacher Since 1897 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Dr. H. W. Saul L. A. Stein, President James S. Heffner Nicholas M. Rahn William F. Stimmel Stephen W. Keinert William B. Schaeffer Pierce Schell A. S. Heffner, Clerk Walter B. Bieber, President George C. Bordner, Secretary A. W. Fritch, Treasurer George Glasser Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger John H. Barto C. L. Gruber J. H. Marx A. F. DeLong Llewellyn Angstadt Charles A. Frey N. S. Schmehl Justices of file Peace, Howard S. Sharadin George H. Smith Constable, Charles Glasser Board of Health, Dr. E. K. Steckel, President Solon A. Stein, Secretary George H. Smith, Treasurer Fred T. Williamson David James, Health Officer Industries.— The place being inland, for nearly one hundred years its development was slow. Var- School Board, Auditors, Assessor, Collector, Treasurer, Sacony Shoe Factory, Inc. (1897), 40 hands. James S. Heffner Roller Flour Mill (1887) ; al- so lumber, coal and grain. Kutztown Foundry and Machine Works Inc (1896), 90 to 110 hands. U. B. Ketner Paper Box Factory (1906), 10 to 12 hands ; carried on by Charles Ahn from 1906 to 1907. R. Miller's Son Carriage Factory, 10 to 12 hands • Richard Miller started before 1850, and succeeded by son Charles. Bieber s Brick Yard. 10 to 15 hands; started by Jonathan Bieber before 1860, and succeeded by son William. Stimmel Brick-Yard (1906). 20 to 30 hands; brick machinery driven by steam Kutatown Silk Aim (1900), 70 to 80 hands; started by Hartley Brothers and operated until 1907, and since by the Merchants' Silk Company. And then there were at Kutztown, besides the industries named, the following: Cigar factories 2 Hat and shoe stores 4 Blacksmith shops 2 General stores . . 5 Wheelwright shops 3 r, , , \. Carpet weaving shop 1 Department store 1 Book-making factories ...2 Printing office 1 Millinery shops 5 Hotels 7 Hardware stores 2 Law office 1 BOROUGHS 343 Physicians r> Drug store 1 excavations are still visible at numerous places Dent'sts 2 Amusement Halls 2 along the route, evidencing the fruitless expen- diture of large sums of money in behalf of an at- _, . . , . . ■ , Tr tempted establishment of this much needed enter- Bank. — A national bank was organized at Kutz- pj-jgg town in 1871 and carried on twelve years, when previous to 1857 the mode of public travel to It was removed to Reading and there re-organ- ^nd from this place was by stage-coach, and its ized as the Keystone National Bank._ In 1897, ^^-^ ^^.^j^^j ^^^ departure were a matter of much another national bank was organized in the bor- -^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ comnuinity. ough under the narne of Kutztown National Bank Strcets.-The principal streets have been macad- with a capital of $50,000, and it has been carried ^^-^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ ■ ^-^^ nitrified brick on in a very successful nianner In June 1906 ^r asphaltum has been introcjuced as yet. The the total resources were $458,480; par value of ^ct of 1815, establishing this borough, was found shares, of stock $100 market value $218 ; loans defective in respect to the improvement of streets, and discounts $369 598; deposits, $376,745; sur- ^nd therefore nothing was done in this behalf for plus and profits, $65,966 John R. Gonser has f^.^y years. In 1854, by petition to court, the been the president since its organization ; and O provisions of the amended Act of 1851, relating P. Gnmley the cashier. In 1908. the bank erected f^ boroughs, were accepted; and in 1855 an ordi- a superior building with an attractive sandstone ^^nce was passed by the council to effect this local front and all the latest improvements for protec- improvement, but it was enforced more especially tion against fire and burglary, at a cost of $20,- for Securing better sidewalks. 000. ihe directors took possession in February, ~ „ °. >■■,,■ j 1909, and its financial status then was as follows: , Tro'lleyLmes.-A street railway line was opened Resources, $464,388; deposits, $378,434; surplus for travel from Kutztown to Allentown m 1903 and undivided profits, $86,000. and from that time dwellings began to be erected A new State bank is about being established in V' Maxatawny township, east of the Sacony creek, the borough by the name of the Farmers' Bank fornriing until 1909 a large and valuable addition of Kutztown, v^rith a. capital of $50,000. 1° ^nnJ'^'^"^''; ^ y^ ^^^""'^ '*', ^^""^^^y i'"^- In 1903, a trolley line was extended to the bor- ough from Reading, thereby opening through trav- PuBLic Improvements el from Reading to Allentown, Bethlehem and Water Supply. — In 1889, the Kutztown Water Easton, via Kutztown. Company was organized and incorporated by Dr. Similar building operations have been carried J. S. Trexler, Sell D. Kutz, J. Daniel Sharadin and on beyond the western limits of the borough, op- Peter D. Wanner for supplying the town with wat- posite the Keystone State Normal _ School, mak- er. They established a reservoir on Kutz's Hill, ing that section also very attractive. As else- a mile west of the town, with a capacity of 1,000,- where, the influence of this railway has been felt 000 gallons, and put down mains to and through in the general development of the place. A power- the borough. The water was secured from springs, house was established at Kutztown in 1903, and Kemp's run, and an artesian well, 800 feet deep, this has supplied the power to and from Trexler- with a flowing daily capacity of 100,000 gallons, town, and to and from Temple since the exten- Dr. Trexler was' president of the company until sion from Reading. his death in 1902; and Mr. Wanner has officiated Fire Protection. — An association was incorpor- since. Theretofore, wells had been used by the ated in 1844 for the purpose of affording protec- residents from the beginning of the place. tion to the inhabitants of the borough against Light. — In 1905, the council established a muni- fire, and the necessary apparatus was procured, cipal electric light plant to supply the borough In 1871, the borough council erected a building with light along the public highways. Previously, for the apparatus. The association was not reg- coal-oil lamps had been used. Many persons have ularly kept up until recently; then a reorganiza- adopted its use in their dwellings and business tion was effected and a new building is being put places. up, costing $7,000. When an alarm of fire is i?at7road.— Railroad communication was opened given, the community respond in general and all with Kutztown from Topton in 1870. From 1859 able-bodied men are expected to lend their aid in to that time the- nearest railroad station was Ly- extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, no costly fires ons, on the East Penn railroad, to which place have arisen to require organized effort under ex- the residents went by conveyance for the purpose pert direction. The pressure of water fom the of visiting Reading to the westward by train, and reservoir is strong owing to the elevation of the Allentown to the eastward. water-supply. The fire ai)paratus consists of two A railroad had been projected from Allentown, hand-engines, hose-carriage, and hook and lad- by way of Kutztown to Hamburg and Auburn, der truck. in 1854, and subsequently the road-bed was par- Fair-Ground. — 'A local fair-ground, situated on tially constructed between Kutztown and Ham- the south side of the borough, was carried on by burg, but never completed. The embankments and a society for upward of thirty years from 1870. 244 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Then the society was obliged to vacate the pre- mises, and it purchased a superior site on the north. In 1905, it erected the necessary buildings and constructed a fine half-mile track; and in the fall of that year the first exhibition was given on the new ground. Park. — A large park, comprising ten acres, was established in 1903 by a private corporation. It is situated in the eastern addition to the borough, along the main thoroughfare to Allentown, and since then it has attracted much public attention. It has been improved by the planting of selected shade trees and shrubbery under the supervision of H. K. Deisher, who served as a director for a time and continues an active interest in the wel- fare of the park. A ball-field is included in the park improvement. The small monument, which had been erected be- fore the Keystone State Normal School in 1876, was removed to the park in 190C. Auditorium. — An improved and modern amuse- ment hall was provided by the Kutztown Audi- torium Compan}^ in 1907, and a superior brick building was erected and equipped at a cost of $30,000, with a seating capacity of one thousand persons, which has been well patronized by the com- munity. A frame music hall, with a seating capacity of five hundred, was established in 1890, and various entertainments there have been much encouraged. Band of Music. — A band of music has been main- tained at Kutztown for many years, which devel- oped a great reputation for the rendition of classi- cal music in a superior manner. The instructors and leaders have been James Sander, Henry Druck- enmiller, Theophilus Wagonhorst and Preston Wagonhorst. B.-VTTALiONS. — Kutztown was a prominent center for seventy years after the Revolution in the mat- ter of assembling of the local militia companies for the purpose of keeping up familiarity with military exercise, and the dav was commonly known as "Battalion Day." Multitudes of people went from the surrounding districts for ten miles to witness the exhibition and the day came to be recognized as a holiday for amusement and .hilar- ity. The following announcement made in 1831 will give a correct idea of its character at that time, over seventy-five years ago : "The yearly fair will be held August 12th and 13th, 1831. Persons fond of military parade will see Capt. Grim's company of Horse, and Capt. Bieher's company of Infantry, and the Kutztown Band of Music parade on these days. Shows and pastimes of all kinds will be ex- hibited. Hucksters will be well provided with beer, mead, sweet-meats, and all the fruits in season. The youth are informed that there will be an abundance of good music, and plenty of pretty girls to dance to it." For sorne years after the Revolution, these an- nual meetings in May and September were rec- ognized as of a serious nature in order to main- tain a preparation for war in time of peace, but then they gradually drifted away from its bene- ficent purpose. By 1840, more especially by 1850, they had come to be particular occasions for rev- elry and dissipation; and this peculiar character was observable all over the county. They were discontinued before the Civil war. Cultivation of Ginseng. — The cultivation of ginseng at Kutztown was begun by Henry K> Deisher in 1904 and he has been very successful. The beds cover several acres of ground situated at the rear of the premises, where he resides on Noble street, and they contain upward of fifty thou- sand roots. He is also cultivating beds several miles from Kutztown which contain upward of fifteen thousand roots. Newspapers. — The Kutztown Journal, a Ger- man newspaper, was begun in 1870 by Isaac F. Christ and published by him until 1875, when Conrad Gehring and A. B. Urich became the pur- chasers. In 1877, Mr. Gehring bought the interest of Mr. Urich and continued publishing the paper until 1887, when he sold the plant, including a book and wall-paper store, to Jacob B. Esser, who had learned the printing business there ; and Mr. Esser has continued its successful publication until now. The American Patriot, an English-German news- paper, was also started by J\Ir. Christ in 1874. He sold it to Gehring and Urich in 1875, and Urich sold his interest to Gehring in 1877. In 1887 Geh- ring sold it to Esser, who has published it since. In 1888 the use of the German department in the news- paper was discontinued. It has been issued con- tinuously from the Journal office. In 1905, Mr. Esser introduced the linotype machine, with mat- rices for English and German composition; and he enlarged the Patriot to eight pages. Both newspap- ers have a large circulation, but that of the Patriot has been the larger of the two since 1895. The National Educator was published at Kutz- town as an English educational journal by Rev. Dr. A. R. Home from 1872 to 1877, when it was transferred to Allentown. He had removed to that place in 1877. The newspaper was printed in the Journal office. The Normal Vidcttc was first issued in INIarch, 1894; and has been published quarterly in Octo- ber, January, April and July. It is mailed to the majority of the graduates and former students of the Keystone State Normal School, to school teachers, to school superintendents, and to school directors ; and sent as an exchange to a great many colleges, normal schools, academies, and high schools of Pennsylvania as well as to other States. Its staff consists of Prof. Harry T. Stein, man- ager; Prof. James S. Grim, editor; Prof. George C. Bordner, alumni editor ; Caroline V. Hov, editor of school news; and Prof. PI. W. Sharadin, art- ist. Professor Stein has been connected with it almost from its very inception. It has proved a strong medium in bringing alumni in closer touch with their alma mater. It has been printed and issued by the publisher of the Journal. o o I o (0 DC S O Z z z years. The first public enterprise affecting this place was the construction of the Centre Turnpike from Reading to Pottsville. It was completed in 1812, and operated' until 1885, when it was abandoned. Stages ran to and fro on this turnpike until 1842. A canal was constructed along the eastern bank of the Schuylkill from 1815 to 1822, which was opened for traffic in 1824. Active operations were carried on until about 1895, with a large annual tonnage, but then they almost entirely ceased be- cause the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Com- pany (which had become its lessee) diverted the coal and merchandise traffic to the railroad. Boat- building at Hamburg was a prominent industry for forty years. Railroad communication with Reading and Phil-, adelphia to the south, and Pottsville to the north, was opened in 1842 by the extension of the Phila- delphia & Reading railroad along the we,stern bank of the Schuylkill. In December, 1885, additional railroad facilities were afforded to Reading and to Pottsville by the completion of the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley railroad along the eastern bank of the river. The company estabhshed a station at the crossing on State street, where a superior and attractive building was erected to accommodate the patrons of the road. Telegraph communication was opened in 1847 ; and telephone, in 1881. Incorporation. — The borough was erected by a special Act of Assembly, passed April 3, 1837. Several previous attempts had been made in this behalf (the first having been in 1830), but they 248 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA were not successful. This movement was encour- aged by the operation and increasing importance of the canal. The borough was divided into two wards m 1886: North and South. Early Inhabitants.— Among the early inhabi- tants of Hamburg, whilst a town, from 1800 to 1820, were the following, whose employments are indicated in the statement: John Meyer, broker Henry Heinly, tailor John De Wald, hatter John Shomo, Jr., teacher David Newhart, tobacconist George Miller, miller Charles Guss, mason William Feather, tanner Moses Levy, store-keeper Daniel Levan, tavern-keeper Jacob Snell, butcher Joseph Shorao, St., tinsmith Abraham Wolff, saddler Henry Groh, yeoman Adolphus Hatzfield, justice Dr. Klein, physician Philip Sousley, cordwainer Andrew Helwig, yeoman Penry Schoener, chair- maker Wm. Coulter, chair-maker Henry Lewers, tinsmith Henry Fister, hatter John Schenk, tailor John Beideman, clock-maker Mrs. Peter Schatz, cake baker Henry Lindenmuth. shoe- maker Abraham Bailey, tavern- keeper William Schau, tailor Abraham De Wald, cigar- maker Dr. Benj. Becker, physician Philip Hummel, farmer Frederick Felix, shoemaker Michael Reese, cooper John Eherhard, carpenter William Machemer, dyer John Moyer, tobacconist John Shomo, St., inn-keeper Andrew Smith, blacksmith First T.\xables. — The resident taxables of Ham- burg, at the time of its erection into a borough, were as follows: John Derr, tanner Robert Scott, store-keeper Jacob Glatt, laborer John Miller, cabinet-maker Andrew Forsyth, merchant Jacob Fisher, coffee-mill- maker Capt. Leitheiser, Revolu- tionist Sebastian Leonard, black- smith Daniel Kern, store-keeper David Davidheiser, tavern- keeper Andrew Hummel, laborer Jacob Hains, carpenter Christian Lochman, weaver John Miller, cooper Peter Dile, laborer Henry Roi, watchmaker Wra. Lochman (Hessian), laborer John Scharff (Hessian), hostler Abraham ShoUenberger, potter John ShoUenberger, black- smith Hetrich, cooper Silliman, ferryman Fred'k ShoUenberger, butcher Abraham Keiser, butcher Kennedy, mason Killian May, cooper Joseph Miller, farmer Wm. V/illiamson, wheel- wright Casper Diehl, tavern-keeper Jeremiah Shappell, farmer Ab'm Williamson, spinning- wheel-maker Benjamin Harman Widow Humel Henry Heinly Est. Jacob Heins John Hartzel Henry Hoffman Charles Harthne William Hensher Enoch Jones Conrad Kolp Benjamin Kline Peter Kern Est. Daniel Kern William Keiser Abraham Keiser Est. Samuel Kline Charles Keller Solomon Klein John Leise Christian Lochman Sebastian Lenhart Henry Lindemuth William Lochman Jacob Lindemuth Henry Lewars, Esq. Jacob Laub Charles Loy Daniel Laub Samuel Lilly Widow Leitheiser Frederick Miller John Miller George Miller John Moyer Est. Peter Miller James G. Moyer William Neyer John Naragang, Sr. David Nice Est. Benjamin R. Nice, M. D. Lewis J. Pauli Josiah H. Reichelderfer John F. Reeser Benjamin Reeser Solomon Reese Michael Reese John Roth John Roth, Jr. Frederick Albright William Ames John Baily William Berger Augustus Bailer Peter C. Baum Peter Baucher, Jr. John Beiteman John Boyer Est. Jacob Buck Widow Benseman ' Jacob Billman Solomon Borrel Jacob Cramp David Dewald Israel Derr, Esq. Jesse Dewalt Isaac Dewalt William Evans Casper Ehman Jacob Fisher William Feather Henry Fister Simon Fister Joseph Filbert Arthur Fesig Reuben Freed Henry Groh Est. Joseph Groh William Gifft Joseph Geiger Tacob Geiger Felix Hartman Adolph Hatzfield Single Samuel Burns Frederick Beitenman Samuel Bauch Daniel Cremer Jacob .-K. Dietrich Peter Feather Daniel Feather Alexander Gross Henry Kern Peter Longalow Nathan Levi Charles Roth ' ^ Henry Rapp William Rothenberger Lewis Rhubear Barbara Savage John W. Scott Israel Smith Boas Smith Egedius Smith Andrew Smith Est. WUham Shomo Joseph Shomo Jacob Snell John Schwoyer Godfrey Seidel Samuel ShoUenberger John Shenk Joseph Smith Jacob Siegfried Jonathan Sweitzig (of Jacob) Jacob SchoUenberger John ShoUenberger John ShoUenberger (bl. sm.) Dewald ShoUenberger Est. Fred'k ShoUenberger Peter ShoUenberger Augustus Shultz, M. D. Joseph ShoUenberger Philip Shatz John Sunday William Smith Benjamin Stitzel Jacob Smith Joseph Seidel Jacob Shaeffer Thomas Smith Casper Snell John Tolbert Isaac Thompson Jonathan Waidman Christian Wild Abraham Williamson Daniel Wolf John Wehren George Wagner, Jr. John Williams Benjamin Williams Joseph Weidman Freemen John P. ^Tiller \\'illiam Mengel Martin Pauter Jacob Roth John Ring Daniel Stambach WiUiara Smith (of Michl.) Thomas Smith (of Andw.) Charles ShoUenberger Joseph Yeager Property in 1906.^The amount of the assessed property of Hamburg in 1906, and the number of ta.xables, were as follows : Property Money at interest Taxables $334,403 $121,138 580,053 204,826 458 South ward 456 $914,456 1 $325,964 | 914 List of Officials. — The early minutes of the town council have been lost. The names of the BOROUGHS 349 chief bvrrg^SBes, town clerks and justices of the peace since 1867 are as follows: CHIEF BURGESSES John Sunday 1867-68 ; 1874-75 James Prutzman 1869-71 Reuben Seidel 1872-73 ; 1880 Jacob Geiger 1876 Fred. Gordfleck 1877-78 John A. Tobias 1879 Dr. William Harris 1881-83 Solomon K. Dreibelbis '. 1883 ; 1885-86 Alton F. Luburg 1884; 1887; 1897-1900; 1903-06 Dr. Jonathan B. Potteiger 1888 Christian Baum 1889 Frank R. Wagner 1890-91 J. Albert Sunday 1892 Thomas M. Raubenhold 1893 ; 1903-06 ; 1909-12 William K. Miller 1894-97 John R. Wagner 1900-03 Dr. Frank M. Nice 1906-09 TOWN CLERKS George A. Xander 1867-73 ' J. Jerome Miller 1874-77 B. S. Gardner 1878-80 ; 1882 R. J. M. Miller 1881 ; 1884-90 B. F. Bean 1883 Monroe M. Dreibelbis 1890-93 Benneville Derr 1893-98 Frank I. Tobias 1898-1910 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE* Ephraim Dreibelbis 1873-78 Oliver J. Wolff 1875-88 JacksonLevan 1878-88; 1893-98 Solomon K. Dreibelbis 1888-93 M. M. Dreibelbis 1898-1903 ;Solomon K. Hoffman . .■ 1888-1913 "W. A. B. Ketner 1903-13 Post-Office. — A post-office was established at Hamburg in 1798. The postmaster since 1897 has "been Abel H. Beyers. Previous postmasters back to' 1870 were: B. Frank Bean, Allen L. Shomo, Dr. William Harris, Elias Shomo, Henry Rothen- l)erger, Peter S. Haintz. Industries. — The oldest recognized industry in the town was the gristmill established about the "beginning of the town by Martin Kaercher, Jr., and the site is still occupied as a mill by the Savage Brothers. ,It has been operated for upward of one hundred and twenty years by different parties. Numerous industries, such as for the 'distillation of whiskey, the brewing of beer, the building of boats, the manufacture of leather, bricks, chains, nails, wool hats, etc., were carried on for many years in the early history of the place as a town and afterward as a borough, but these have been abandoned for many years. One of the most prominent plants is the Ham- burg 'Plow Works on Main street, operated by S. A. Loose & Son. It was first started as a tannery by Israel Derr and operated till near 1850. Then it was converted into a foundry by his son Benne- ville for the manufacture of stoves and the "Derr Plows." He employed from ten to fifteen men. It was carried on by him until 1881, when he was : succeeded by S. A. Loose, C. F. Seaman and P. M. * Record previous to 1873 -not on file. Shollenberger, who traded as Loose, Seaman & Co., and they changed the name of the plant to the Hamburg Plow Works. They manufactured ex- tensively the "Champion" plow, and the "Bower" slip-point plowshare, which they shipped to all parts of this country and foreign countries including South America and Spain. Loose became sole owner in 1893, and his son was admitted as a partner in 1903. The Keystone Foundry on State street was erec- ted in 1841 by Reuben Lins for manufacturing farming implements, rolling-mill castings, and stoves. He and others in succession carried it on extensively until 1881, when Henry Seivert became the owner, and he operated it successfully until 1905, when he sold the plant to William Neiman and Llewellyn K. Saul, who have since manufac- tured all kinds of engine and elevator castings, em- ploying twenty-five hands. The manufacturing of building brick was started at Hamburg about 1845 by John Tobias. The yard and kiln were operated by him and his brother, and then by his son Charles and son-in-law William G. Sheradin until 1902, when they were removed to Tilden township on the farm of Jeremiah A. Bausher. The industrial affairs at Hamburg in 1909 were in a flourishing condition. Twenty-seven plants were in operation. The following statement shows the nature of the several plants and the names of the proprietors, the year when started, and the number of employees : W. Irving Wilhelm established a large bicycle works at Hamburg in the year 1893 and carried it oh with great success several years until it was destroyed by fire in 1898. The plant was rebuilt and afterward converted into a silk-mill. B'leachery Works: Allen J. Kummerer (1897- 1907) with 4 hands; W. Scott Fisher & Son (1899- 1908) with 6 hands; Solon D. Bausher (1904), with 8 to 10 hands; Hamburg Knitting Mills (1909). Boiler Works: Henry Seider'? (1901) ; 30 to 30 hands. Bottling Works: W. H. Raubenhold (1899), 3 hands (formerly operated by J. W. Heinly from 1880 to 1898). Broom-handle Factory: William E. Schmick carried on the manufacture of broom handles at Hamburg in 1905 and 1906, when he and five other persons of the place organized the Schmick Handle & Lumber Co. with a capital of $35,000 for the purpose of manufacturing broom-handles and chair stock and transferred the industry to a town called William, in West Virginia, where they have since carried on the business in an extensive and successful manner, employing from forty to fifty hands, and producing daily 35,000 handles, which are shipped to all parts of the country. The parties from Hamburg, interested in this industry, are Mr. Schmick (president), Charles D. Burkey (vice-president), J. Jerome Miller (treasurer), J. Edward Miller (secretary), J. A. Bausher and his son Solon, who constitute the board of directors. 250 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Broom Factories: W. E. Schmick (1803), 40 to & Co. of Reading in 1903 and operated until 1905, 60 hands; John H. Miller (1899), 10 hands; A. B. when discontinued. A previous industry had been Heller (1900), l:i hands. carried on in this building by the Byers Hat Co. Carriage Factories: Samuel Scott and James (Inc.), for the manufacture of hats, from 1891 Kemmerer, trading as Scott & Kemmerer (1901), to 1902. 5 hands (previously carried on by \V. A. Scott, Silk Mill: Incorporated in 1902, with capital of from 1865 to 1902, when he died). William G. $25,000, by Irwin A. Diener and Henry J. Diener Hahn (1898) ; his brother Adam became a partner of Hamburg, Lee D. Madeira of Fleetwood, and in 1902, and they have carried on the business since four non-residents. The Dieners sold their inter- as W. G. Hahn & Bro., with 15 hands. _ est in September, 1906, to New York dealers who Chain Hoists: The Hamburg Manufacturing have carried it on since; 70 hands. Company was organized in 19(J7 by Henry J. In 1909, besides the plants named, there were two Schmick and others of Hamburg (who had se- lumber yards, five general stores, two furniture cured several valuable patents) for the manufac- stores, four hotels, four saloons, and one liquor ture of chain hoists, with a capital of $50,000. store. The company established a plant and since then Vocations in 1909. — The miscellaneous employ- has been very successful in producing a hoist ments at Hamburg in 1909 were as follows: which has become very popular. The United p^y^ieians 5 Undertakers 2 States government has placed a number of them Dentists 2 Milliners 3 on some of the battle-ships and also in the con- Blacksmiths 3 Butchers 2 struction work of the Panama canal, which evi- Tinsmiths 3 Builders 2 deuces the superior character of this particular Wheelwright 1 hoist. B.-vNKS. — The Hamburg Savings Bank (State) Cigar Factory: John W. Wertley (18G1) ; son, was chartered in 1872 with a capital of $50,000. John H., was a partner from 1905 to 1907, and The par value of the stock was fixed at $20, but then became sole proprietor ; G hands. it gradually increased until November, 1908, when Creamery: Nathan A. Confer (1892-1906), 2 the market value was nearly $60, which evidences hands (converted into nickel-plating works) ; Al- the superior management of this financial institu- fred P. Wertley (1899), 10 hands. tion. Then the resources were $642,710, with de- Electric Light and Pozt'er Company: Incorpor- posits at $495,232, and the surplus and undivided ated in 1892; 27 arc lights for borough use, and profits at $97,300. It occupies a superior building 1,000 incandescents; John Snell, president; George on Main street, which is worth about $15,000. J. F. Meharg, secretary and treasurer. Jerome Miller has been the cashier since 1877 — a Engine Works: John Snell and George F. Me- continuous period covering thirty-two years — the harg, trading as Snell & Meharg (1889) ; 40 hands previous cashier having been Charles S'homo. It (formerly at Reading from 1880 to 1889). has been placed on the State Bank Roll of Honor, Flour Mills: George Walter (1884), 6 hands, being the twenty-sixth in Pennsylvania. 50 barrels daily; Bausher & Seaman* (1S99), 5 ^j^ second bank was instituted Feb. 13, 1008, hands, 50 barrels daily; Savage & Bro. (1901), 5 called the First National Bank of Hamburg, with hands, 18 barrels daily. .,..,. o^, , a capital of $25,000. In November, 1908, die re- Fomidrics: S. A Loose & Son (190b), 30 hands; ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^.^ $129,818, with deposits $78,176 and Will. Neiman and L. K. Saul trading as Neiman .undivided profits $1,509. It secured a property on 6 Saul (lOOo), 22 hands; Nathan Confer, Jr., ^j^j,^ 3^,^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^,^^^.^ ^^.^ post-office' had Thomas L. Smith and N A Confer, trading as ^een located for ten years), and erected a bank Confer, Smith & Co. (1903), 40 hands. building with an attractive front, worth $12,000. on^nn ^V ?\ Incorporated '" lOQ- : holder, jo^ ,,-3. Hepner has been the president, and H. 20,000 cubic feet ; 200 consumers ; H F. Pnntzen- R^vmond Shollenberger the cashier. hoff president of the company to 1908, then sue- ^^^^^ ^^ Tr.vde.-Iu 1889 a Board of Trade ceeded by William O. Hemly ,,,^3 organized at Hamburg by the merchants and Gr.c;«/,o»... Stephen Sousley 1904. business people, and James L.' Merkel, a prominent Hosiery Mill: James L. Merkel (1903), 25 and successful merchant, was selected as its presi- Tee'Cream Factories: Alfred P. Wertlev (1888; .t"!" ,Jj Z'^fj^^ '" f ^f -'"^'f "" !°' f "^ started by father in 1861) ; D. M. Baer (1892). ^^^rf^t , ^ successful in stimulating local Knittil, Mills: Dr. Alkn J. Fink, Solomon K. f"To'o6 fv^tlf Air M.H :', ^' was re-orgamzed TT /v ^iT I T^i aV T) u 1 r 1 i J '" 190(1 with i\ir. Merkel as president and he has Hoftman, Esq., and Thomas M. Raubenhold, trad- r,^-, ,.^ „ ■,.■ ■ rr.,^ . ut na^ ing as Hambii;g Knitting Mills (1896), 40 hands; S"'!''?" ^uT.l J ' "^^et'ngs are held Solon D. Bausher (1895), 90 hands; W. Scot( '" '''" *°*" ^^^^' ^^^ members number about 150. Fisher & Son (1903 to 1908), 30 hands. Public Improvements Shoe Factory: Bigney, Sweeny & Geiger (1905 Water Company. — In 1889, the Windsor Water and 1906). The plant was started by Curtis, Jones Company was organized and incorporated by Peter * Bausher & Belong previously, from 1886 to 1899, having in- D. Wanner of Readinsf, T. Terome Miller and troHnced the first roller process machinery in northern section r-i. i t^ c ,- tt < , "hva of the county. Lharlcs t. Seaman of Hamburg, and several other BOROUGHS 351 persons, with a capital of $50,000, for the purpose of supplying Hamburg with water. They estab- lished a reservoir with a capacity of 1,000,000 gal- lons at the base of the Blue Mountain, three miles northeast of Hamburg on Mill creek, a short dis- tance below the old Windsor iron furnace; also an auxiliary artesian well, 300 feet deep, with a daily capacity of 100,000 gallons by means of a com- pressed-air purriping engine. Peter D. Wanner was president of the company until 1901, when he was succeeded by George F. Meharg. Fire Company. — In 1838, shortly after the in- corporation of the borough, a fire company was organized to afford the inhabitants protection against fire. It was a private association and it was not until 1866 that the borough authorities supplied a building for its apparatus. The second story of the building was set apart as a town hall for the meetings of the town council. In 1906, the company had 193 members; a Silsby steam fire-engine ; hook and ladder truck ; and three hose carriages, with 1,000 feet of the best cotton hose (one carriage being located in the North ward, and two in the South ward where the building is situ- ated). Newspapers. — A number of newspapers have been issued at Hamburg. The Schnellpost was started in 1841 and continued until 1897 ; the Advertiser, in 1865, and continued until 18G8, when it was removed to Pottstown; the Rural Press,J\n 187.3, and continued until 1875, when it was re- moved to Ohio ; the Berichtcr, in 1 873, and contin- ued until 1874, when it was removed to Reading. The Hamburg Weekly Item was started by Sam- uel A. Focht in 1875, in the country three miles east of Hamburg, but in 1876 the publication office was removed to the borough and here it has con- tinued until now. Focht continued its publication until his death in 1887; then (Jan. 1, 1888) Wil- liam O. Heinly purchased the plant and he has since issued the newspaper with increasing success. A printing office is carried on in connection with the newspaper. Hamburg Motor Club. — In 1908, the automo- bilists of Hamburg and the surrounding towns within a radius of seventeen miles organized an association, called the Hamburg Motor Club. In May, 1909, there were upward of thirty automo- biles at Hamburg; and then the club had eighty- two members. Hamburg is generally recognized as having more automobiles in proportion to pop- ulation than any other town in Pennsylvania. Churches. — ^There are four churches at Ham- burg. The fir^t was erected in 1790 as a "union" church, comprising the Lutheran and Reformed denominations. The land for the purpose had been donated and set apart by Kaercher in 1773. The building was of logs, two stories, the lower story being used for school purposes and the upper for religious services. Within twentv years, it became too small to accommodate the increasing attend- ance, and arrangements were made to erect in its stead a larger building; but, not being able_ to collect the necessary amount by personal solicita- tion, a lottery scheme to raise $3,000 was granted by an Act of Assembly passed in 1807. The cor- ner-stone was laid in 1811; the final drawings in the lottery were made in 1813 ; and the church was consecrated in 1815. In 1857, the building was remodeled. In 1898 it was destroyed by fire, a large burning ember from the Wilhelm Bicycle Works (then on fire) having been blown several squares and fallen on the roof of the church. Many devoted members ran to the rescue, but their ef- forts were futile, because water was not then avail- able. St. John's Lutheran Church. — Immediately after the fire, the members of the Lutheran congrega- tion purchased the interest of the Reformed con- gregation in the premises and erected a magnifi- cent church on the old site, costing upward of $40,000. In this great and successful undertaking the pastor. Rev. Harry C. Kline, was particularly active and persevering, for which he has been high- ly complimented. Trinity Reformed Chitrch. — The members of the Reformed congregation, having separated from the Lutheran congregation, on account of the destruc- tion of the church as mentioned, they also exerted themselves in erecting a modern structure, and in this they were equally successful. They secured a lot on Third street at the corner of Pine, and thereon erected a superior building, costing up- ward of $30,000. Roman Catholic Church. — A Roman Catholic church was erected in 1853 and services were held in it for nearly fifty years, without a resident priest. The congregation was at no time large. The members of this church who continue to re- side at Hamburg attend services at Port Clinton, several miles to the north. Methodist Episcopal Church. — In 1859, Rev. H. H. Davis began to preach in behalf of establish- ing a Methodist Episcopal Church at Hamburg. About a year afterward, a lot was secured and a brick building was erected on it, which was dedi- cated on Nov. 29, 1860. It has been improved several times since. The congregation maintains a successful organization. United Evangelical Church. — The Evangelical Association established a church at Hamburg in 1873 and a congregation was maintained for up- ward of twenty years. Then the factional distur- bance in the national association showed itself here and in the settlement of the legal contro- versy in 1894 this church became the property of the United Evangelical Association, and as such it has been occupied for religious purposes until now. Schools. — When the Union Church was built in 1791, provision was made for the education of the children at Hamburg in the building; and af- ter a new church was erected in 1815 to take its place, the first floor was used for school purposes. The public school system was accepted in 1838. 253 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In 1854, there were 5 schools and 236 scholars; in E, 4th Regiment, N. G. P.) and those most ac- 1884, 8 schools and 400 scholars; and in 1905, tive in the matter were Monroe M. Dreibelbis 10 schools and 428 scholars. In 1889, the bor- (Captain), Wilson H. Lewars (First Lieutenant), ough erected a superior three-story brick school Wilson I. Lesher (Second Lieutenant), Mandon building in the center of a large lot of ground at l_ Machemer (Sergeant), William H. Yeager the corner of Third and Island streets. (Sergeant), William Bailey and Franklin Sterner. Public Library. — A public library building was Company E has had its meetings and drilling erected in 1903 by a committee of prominent men exercises there since its erection. The cost is about of Hamburg, by reason of a donation of $10,000 $7,000. It adjoins the Carnegie Free Library, from Andrew Carnegie; and this building was Band of Music. — A band of music has been named after the donor. It is one-story, built of maintained for upward of thirty years. For a brick, and presents a fine appearance. It is sit- ^j^ig j^ was called the Citizens' Cornet Band, and uated on Third street, north of State. A collec- afterward it took the name of Burkey's Cornet tion of miscellaneous books was then made by pur- g^^^ ^j^^ directors and instructors of the band chase and donation. In April, 1909, it embraced ^^^^ ^^^^ ^ Shollenberger, Dr. William Har- over twenty-five hundred vo unies. J Edward [ ^^^ Wellington J. Confer, Miller, Esq., has been president of he Library ^^ j^^^ ^^^ f^^^,^^ ^-^^^ ^^^^^ j^ j^^^ Commission since 190o, and he has taken much ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^- members, interest m its success. ^^ -' „ ™, ^^^ ^■- Secret SociETiES.-The secret societies which Destructive FLOOD.-There was a severe ram- have carried on an active organization at Ham- storm of short duration at Hamburg and vicinity burg for a number of years are the following: «" Friday afternoon Aug. 3 1906, which shock- * ■' ed the community and caused losses which amount- Odd Fellows gjj jQ ^^^^^^ $30,000, one-third to the borough, Kn?ghfs°offhe SolTen Eagle and two-thirds to property holders. The down- Knights of Friendship pour of ram to the north and east of the borough Red Men collected in a depression of the Surface of the American Mechanics g^^^h, which extends from the eastern portion of Maccabe^^'' ' the borough in a northeasterly direction for sev- Royal Arcantim eral miles, forming the bed of a creek, but the Military Company.-A military company was ^^^""^1 *™"gl^ the borough, by way of the Sho- organized at Hamburg in 1875 with 100 men and ^° mill-dam, was too narrow to allow the unus- E F. Smith as captain, and it became a part of "al quantity of water to flow away and as a nat- the National Guard of Pennsylvania as Company ^''^1 ,'?T'!'^"f"'^i^ ^^'^^'^ away the dam. and E, 4th Regiment. In 1877, the company was demolished altogether a dozen dwellings, and in- called out to render service in assisting to quell J">'ed fifty others The most serious damage was the riot at Reading in the month of jSly, occas- "^ the vicinity of the Savings Bank, where the ioned by the strike of the locomotive engineers, street was flooded to the depth of three feet. One While there it led the march through the cut "^^n- ,^11"^ j- ^°'^'^^'' '" attempting to escape, along Seventh street, from Walnut to Penn; and 7"^] drowned The, water and gas mams were in its movement down Penn street, the captain broken, which deprived the inhabitants _ of the was knocked down three times, and one of the "^e of drinking water, and gas lor lighting pur- privates was seriously injured. It was engaged PO^es- Many persons had narrow escapes, the in the Spanish war of 1898; and responded to most prominent being the bank directors who were the several calls of the Governor of Pennsylvania ^^oMmg their regular meeting at the tmie of the in assisting to quell the riots in the coal regions, -'"^den visitation. A change m the drinking wat- rSee Chapter VIII 1 " ^^ caused a typhoid epidemic and ten persons The company was a continuation of a distin- died from the affliction, guished company called the "Blue Mountain Le- gion," which had kept up its organization in a BOYERTOWN successful manner for upward of fifty years. It The first settlement atBoyertown was one of the was originally an artillery company and then oldest in the countv. David Powell secured two changed to infantry. Whilst the former, it parti- hundred acres bv patent in 1718, and this land cipated m a parade at Pottsville and won the ig now embraced' in the northern and western sec- first prize for its perfect maneuvers. tions of the borough. About that time, iron ore Armory Hall was erected on Third street, north was discovered on this land and shortly after- of State, in 1889, by the military company called ward, about 1720, a furnace was erected near by. the Blue Mountain Legion, and the title to the As a consequence, this land came to be known as premises was taken in the name of the Hamburg the furnace tract. The furnace was called Cole- Athletic and Military Association, which became brookdale, named after a town in England, and an incorporated body in 1903. The members were it was the first iron furnace erected in Pennsyl- connected with the military company (Company vania. Upon the creation of the township, in BOROUGHS 353 1741, it was named after the furnace. This in- dustry was carried on for about fifty years. Incorpoeation. — Boyertown is situated along the Colebrookdale railroad, eight miles northwest from Pottstown. By public road it is about seventeen miles east of Reading, not far from the Mont- gomery county line. Henry Boyer was among the early settlers, he having secured a tract of land from Henry Stauffer, who in 1769 had pur- chased a large farm which embraced this section of country. Boyer established a tavern and gen- eral store and in time a settlement was formed, which took the name of Boyertown. His descend- ants have occupied great prominence in the business, financial and social affairs of the place to the pres- ent time. In 1835 the place was regularly laid out in town lots; and in 1866 it became an incor- porated borough. In 1851, an effort had been made to establish a borough, but it was unsuccessful. A second at- tempt was made in April, 1866. which received the favorable consideration of the ^rand jury and the court, and in October of that year the decree of incorporation, was made. The first town council was composed of William Fegley, Sam- uel Shaner, Dr. John Todd, Samuel Lefevre, and William Binder. In 1869 the Colebrookdale railroad was con- structed from Pottstown through the borough to Barto and this stimulated enterprises of various kinds, the increase of buildings and population. In 1895 the limits of the borough were ex- tended by the addition of forty-three acres, forty perches. In 1909 the borough contained: Dry goods stores 3 Fire companies 3 Large general store 1 Grocery stores 10 Clothing store 1 5 and 10 cent store .... 1 Hotels 4 Liquor store 1 Drug stores 2 Printing offices 2 Livery stables 2 Millinery stores 2 First Taxables. — The names of the first tax- ables of the borough were as follows: . William Fegely Halls 3 Newspaper office 1 Photographer ^. 1 Local Insurance Co 1 Tinsmith shops 3 Carpet weaver 1 Barbers 5 Church.es 6 Banks 2 John Addams Mrs. Bechtel Sophia Lafayette Bleyler Henry H. Borneman Daniel B. Boyer Daniel Boyer, Sr. George Bliem John H. Borneman William Bender Daniel Borneman Joseph H. Borneman Franklin Buchert John-Deysher David K. East William Fegley Jacob Freed David H. Fox William Grim Philip Gable Frederick W. Graff Daniel Heller I. B. Hankey Harrison Houck Jonathan Kepler Mrs. Koch William A. Kehl Samuel Leaver David H. Leaser George Mull Anna Neidig Catharine Rhoads Guard Shaner Peter Reidenauer Jacob K. Stauffer Henry B. Rhoads Frank Stauffer Sarah Reidenauer Henry Stauffer Elam C. Rhoads Jeremiah Staffer Jeremiah Schweinhart Henry Schwartz William K. Stauffer John Todd, M. D. Guard Stauffer Zepheniah Undercefler Levi B. Stauffer Stover Worman Christian Stauffer Lewis Worman Frederick Stauffer Jacob L. Weidner -Frederick Schweinhart George Yahn Samuel Shaner Conrad Yerger John K. Stauffer Joseph Yo.ung Thomas Shaner Tenants Maybury Brumbach Henry Nice Josiah Bear Benneville Prutzman Samuel Connard Albert Pennypacker George Endy , Franklin Pennypacker Henry H. Eshbach Samuel Pennypacker Jonathan Engel Richard Richards Alfred Fritz J. T. Rhoads Aaron Fisher Jonas Reifsnyder George Fegely Jonas Reitenauer John H. Funic Benjamin Riegner John Fegely James Sands Charles Grant Frederick Steltz Joel Grim Ephraim Sands Isaac Gehris Edwin Schuler Gabriel Ganser John Steinneck Mahlon Grant Jacob R. Shaner Henry Hoffman William Shaner Frederick M. Heller Jacob Shaeffer Henry M. Heller Henry Siesholtz Abner M. Heller Henry Shaner Mrs. HoUenbach Jonathan Siesholtz Charles Kline Joseph Turner Daniel Moyer Joseph Terrill Moses Moses Augustus Wentzel Joseph Moses Samuel Wentzel Aaron Mory William Weller Susan Neidig • Ephraim Yorgey Single Men Joel B. Bauer Ephraim Ganser Franklin Brendlinger Adam R. Gilbert Joseph Case Thomas Henrich Henry Eshbach I. C. Hankey Jonathan East Andrew Krobgewicht David Erb Samuel Moses Charles Frey John Sassaman Orlando Fegely Jacob B. Stauffer Alfred Ludy Leonard Shilling Urias Ludy John Siesholtz Jeremiah Gehris Frederick Weaver List of Officials. — The following list embrac- es the names of the chief burgesses and the jus- tices of the peace who have served the borough: CHIEF BURGESSES Jonathan Kepler 1866-68 Samuel Shaner 1869 Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads 1870-75 William K. Grim 1876-81 ; 1884-85 John Stauffer 1883 John Deysher 1883 ; 1890-94 Franklin Hartman 1886 Richard Richards 1887 John Schaeffer 1888-89 John G. Schealer 1894-97; 1900-03 George G. Hartman 1897-1900 Dr. Reuben B. Rhoads 1903-06 Dr. D. R. Kohler 1906-09 Levi E. Lef eaver 1909-12 254 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JUSTICES OF THE PEACE William K. Stauffer 1857-72 Jeremiah K. Grant 1870-75 Isaac B. Hankey 1873-81 Levi M. Koons 1875-83 Henry B. Rhoads 1881-86 William H. Fox 1886-1911 Calvin F. Eames 1883-92 V. B. Emery 1892-93 Irvin T. Ehst 1893-98 Charles R. Buck 1898-1903 Lewis M. Wartman 1903-08 Oswin A. H. Jacobs 1908-13 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Levi E. Lefeaver Town Council, George K. Moore, President John G. Schwenk Jacob H. Sassaman Conrad Lochman B. F. Nyce Raymond Schaeffer Dr. Charles B. Dotterrer School Board, Henry H. Reinert Effinger W. Leaver Wallace Y. Reigner William W. Wren William L. Rhoads John L. Bauer* Justices of the Peace, William H. Fox O. A, H. Jacobs Constable, Charles E. Kline < Auditors, George P. Rahn Thomas R. Houck William D. Schoeney Assessor, Lewis M. Wartman Collector, Richard B. Rhoads Post Office.— The post-office at Boyertown was established in 1828. It has daily twenty mails. There are two -rural free delivery routes from this office— one to Englesville, and the other to Greshville and Gablesville ; and three "Star" routes by stage— to Reading, to Limerick Square, and to New Hanover. Postmasters since 1885: Wil- liam K. Grim, 1885 to 1889; William W. Wren, 1889 to 1893; Benjamin J. Rhoads, 1893 to 1897; and William W. Wren, since 1897. Industries Iron Ore Mines. — Iron ore has been mined in the Boyertown mines for upward of 150 years. The deposit is a high-grade Bessemer magnetic ore, pronounced by experts as superior in quality and yielding 55 per cent of metalHc iron. Four shafts have been sunk in the operations and their depth is respectively 500, 515, 615 and 720 feet. Large engines were used to raise the ore and pump out the water. H:orse-power applied to large drums was used until 1855. The mines were op- erated extensively by different parties ; ajnong them Gabel, Jones & Gabel, and the Phoenix Iron Com- pany. In 1901 the Boyertown Ore Company was organized to carry on the mines, with a capital of $300,000, and it was in active operation until Januar_\', 1902, when Wm. G. Rowe, a practical mine * Dr. Charles A. Smith resigned as a school director in Feb- ruary, and John L. Bauer was elected to fill the vacancy. operator, and identified with this plant for many years, became the purchaser for a syndicate of capitalists. The property was then put in condition for operating the works and since then over 17,000 tons have been taken out. It is estimated that over eight hundred thousand tons of ore have been re- moved from this deposit. Next to Cornwall, it is the largest mine opened in Pennsylvania. Cigar Factories. — D. S. Erb started the manu- facture of cigars in 1864 and he has continued with increasing success until the present time. For some years past he has traded under the name of D. S. Erb & Co. with his sons as partners. He erected a fine three-story brick building for his business in 1882. He employs about one hundred hands and produces 400,000 cigars monthly. Otto Eisenlohr & Bros., of Philadelphia, located at Boyertown in 1902, erecting a large three-story brick factory, 40 by 175 feet. In 1906 they erect- ed an addition 40 by 80 feet. They employ from 425 to 450 hands and produce annually over 20,- 000,000 cigars. Alfred P. Graver is their manager. They started at Philadelphia in 1850. This firm also operates a large factory at Reading. Cigar-box Factory.— hi 1876, William W. Wren started the manufacture of cigar boxes at Boyer- town and carried on the business until 1897, when F. S. Koons became associated with him under the firm name of Wren & Koons. They operated the factory in a 'Successful manner, employing from twenty-five to thirty hands and producing weekly from 12,000 to 15,000 boxes, until Feb- ruary,' 1909, when Mr. Wren was obliged to re- tire on account of the condition of his health and of his position as postmaster, and he sold his in- terest in the business to his partner. Machine Sliops. — Daniel Schlegel has operated a machine shop since 1875, and also dealt in en- gines, pumps and machinery supplies. Charles O. Megerly, after learning the trade of machinist under Mr. Schlegel and remaining with him several years, started a shop for himself in 1907. Bakeries. — Albert S. Leidy embarked in the bak- ing business at Boyertown about twenty-five years ago and carried on the bakery until 1906, when he was succeeded by his son Albert. Six hands are employed and two delivery teams. George W.^ Carver started a bakery in 1898, and has carried it on since. He employs ten hands and four delivery teams. Besides supplying the borough with bread, pies and cakes, a large quantity is distributed daily in the surrounding country districts. Furniture.— Tht D. C. Brumbach Furniture Company was organized in 1880 for the purpose of dealing in _ furniture, carpets, rugs, oil-cloth, etc., and has since carried on a large and success- ful business with J. J. Brown as its efficient man- BOROUGHS 255 ager. It carries a large and valuable stock on establishment in December, 1908, to the Boyer- hand. An undertaking department has been con- town Paper Box Company, which was then ,or- nected with the enterprise. ganized by a number of business men from Potts- Nyce Planing-Mill was established by Benjamin town. J. A. Parker became the general man- F. Nyce in 1886 and he has carried it on since, ager and Mr. Hartman the foreman. The plant He employs from ten to fifteen hands. was much enlarged. Twenty hands are employed. Hartman Carriage Factory.— Frank Hartman Marble Fard.— William Shollenberger carried and M. R. Strunk started the manufacture of car- ^^ ^ rmLvhle yard for some years until he was riages and business wagons m 1887 but after op- i^jued in the Boyertown &re; then he was succeed- eratmg the works for a year, Mr. Sbrunk retired, ^^ ^ ^-^ ^^^^^'^^ Franklin. to become manager of the Boyertown Burial Cas- „, ^, vt ,,.,., i j ^ ket Company. Mr. Hartman has been carrying ^M^c/^^r Shop.-ilzm Y. Lechner has conduct- on the plant in a successful manner until the pres- ed a butchering establishment and general meat ent time. He employs from twenty to thirty hands shop since 1890. and disposes of his product in Berks and the sur- Horse Market. — Boyertown has been a prom- rounding counties, inent horse market for fifty years. William Bind- Burial Casket Works.— The largest industrial er was the first dealer to develop an extensive plant at Boyertown is that of the Burial Casket trade and he was succeeded by his sons Henry M. Company. This was organized and incorporated and Franklin, who followed the business for in 1893 with a capital of $20,000. Since then the twenty years. management of this great enterprise has been a Jacob Wallach started as a dealer in horses at continuous and increasing success. The capital Eshbach in 1866. He located at Boyertown in wa's increased to $100,000 and four large four- 1870 and since then has been very active and suc- story brick structures have been put up tp answer cessful in the business, more especially in supply- the demands of its trade. Now it is next to the ing heavy draught horses, weighing upward of largest concern of the kind in the United States, 1,800 and 2,000 pounds, to New York parties, with a complete equipment in every department. In 1904 he and his sons-in-law, Mark Rosenberg The company employs over three hundred hands, and Moses Deegan, established a large stock stable ships daily about one hundred caskets and con- several miles from Boyertown near Grim's Mill, sumes annually over three million feet of lumber, where they have on hand from fifty to two hun- It has always on hand a large stock of caskets, dred heavy horses, which command large prices lumber, and furnishing materials. A large branch on account of their exceptional size, weight and establishment is maintained at Philadelphia. The strength. manager of the plant is M. R. Strunk, and he has Orchards. — Dr. John H. Funk started the cul- filled the position most satisfactorily since its in- tivation of fruit at Boyertown about 1881 and corporation. continued until 1892, when John G. Schealer be- Union Foundry. — The Union Manufacturing came his successor and he has operated the or- Company was organized in 1894 with a capital of chard, containing about eighteen acres, until the $50,000 for manufacturing all kinds of castings, present time. His crops are almost entirely apples but more especially sad-irons. It has been op- and pears, though he cultivates large quantities of erated since in a successful manner, employing strawberries. He also manufactures annually in from fifty to sixty hands. John G. Schealer (ex- the fall of the year about twenty-five hundred bar- burgess, an enterprising builder of the place), has rels of cider. teen its president since 1897. Sixty .hands are In 1894, Dr. Funk started a large peach and employed. apple orchard on the Jacob K. Stauffer farm, con- Knitting Mills. — In 1895 George W. Unger re- taining sixty acres, and since then has produced moved from Shoemakersville to Boyertown and great quantities of peaches and apples. His son erected a knitting-mill for manufacturing ladies' is engaged in the truck business; also in the cul- tmderwear. He has carried it on since, ■ and em- tivation of flowers. ploys from fifty to sixty hands. In 1900 Dr. L. Hotels. — The first pubHc house was opened here K. Francis & Son erected a similar plant and they in 1805 by Michael Boyer and it occupied the site employ, from forty to fifty hands. of the Union House. The present large brick Paper Box Factory. — Mahlon J. DeUicker start- building (three stories) was erected in its stead ed making paper boxes in 1896 in the Rhoads by William Binder. Daniel B. Boyer purchased it building. After operating the enterprise in a lim- in 1861, and owned it until he died in 1890, when ited way for several years he sold out to Amos it became the property of his two sons, James Hartman and the industry was removed to the and Horace. The Keystone House was erected old school building opposite the railroad station, by Henry Boyer in 1850; and the William Penn which was leased for that purpose. In 1904, Mr. (afterward called the Mansion House) by Charles Hartman's son Augustus became the owner. The Fegley in 1870. Subsequently other places were factory was finely equipped and provided em- licensed and for a time the borough had six; but ployment for ten to fifteen hands. He sold the for several years it has had only four. , 256 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA National Banks. — The National Bank of Boy- reached in efforts to extend the line to Potts- ertown was chartered in 1874 with a capital of town, through the borough by way of Ringing: $100,000. In November, 1908, the resources of Rocks Park and Gilbertsville, this line being: the bank were $1,118,378. The individual depos- opened for travel Oct. 1, 1906; and the line from its then were $255,525, and the time deposits $434,- Reading to the borough boundary was extended' 403, with undivided profits of $21,713. The par to the railroad crossing on Philadelphia street in, value of the stock is $100, but the market value 1908 while the vitrified brick pavement was be- was then over $300, evidencing the superior man- ing laid, and the transfer of passengers was start- agement of this banking institution. E. _K. ed June 1, 1908, affording through travel froni'i Schultz is president, and M. H. Schealer cashier. Reading to Pottstown. Daniel L. Rhoads was the first president, until his p-^^ Companies.— In 1865, a volunteer fire com- death in 1896 ; the second was Jacob Wallach, who ^^^^^ ^^^ organized for protection from fire, and: served until 1904. ^ small hand-engine was secured by a popular The Farmers' National Bank of Boyertown was g^ibscription, but in a few years the borough pur- chartered m 1883 with a capital of $o0,000. In chased the apparatus. In 1873, a second company November, 1908, the resources were $267,005 ; in- ^^^ formed by the name of Keystone Fire Corn- dividual deposits, $113,742; and certificates of de- ^^^^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^ supplied with a Silsby steam fire- posits, $49,013. Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads has j^g^ h^se carriage and truck, with 600 feet of been the pTCSident since 1883; and Dr. Edwin le^^her hose. A leased propertv was used un- M. Herbst the cashier sin^ 1907. .jj ;^8^8, when the borough purchased a lot and' Insurance Company.— The Boyertown Mutual ejected thereon a two-story frame building for Fire Insurance Company was incorporated Jan ^j^^ apparatus, and this has been occupied until 2, 1886, and has been successfully maintained ^,^g present time. The upper story was set apart until now, levying only twenty assessments m ^^ ^ town-hall, and it has been used since by the twenty-four years. The total insurance in force (-q^^^^-ji amounts to four millions of dollars. L P. G. Feg- j^ jggg^ ^ ^^^^ ^,^j j^jj^j. company was or- ley was the orgamzer and has been the secretary ^j^ed, which was named "Friendship" ; and this- from the beginning; and Dr._ T. J. B. Rhoads ^^^ ^^^^ maintained since. In 1902 this com- the treasurer. William K. Grim officiated as the ^^^^^^j ^ ^^^^ two-story brick building for president until he died in August, 190o and he j^^ apparatus. The second story has been used as was succeeded by William D. Kehl, who has serv- ^^^ amusement hall, and for fairs, lectures, etc. ed since. Newspapers.— In 1858, O. P. Wink started the- Public Improvements publication of a German newspaper called the Water Company.— A water company was or- Boyertown Bauer {Farmer.). It was continued ganized and incorporated in 1856 to supply Boy- until 1868, when George Sassaman purchased the ertown with water, and it established a res- publication and changed the name to Bovertown ervoir on the hill west of the town. The plant Democrat. In 1860, Charles Spatz became the was carried on by the company until 1902, when proprietor. Some years afterward, he added an it was transferred to the borough, and enlarged. English department. He continued the publica- Light. — The streets were lighted for many tion in a successful manner until his decease in years by oil lamps on posts along the sidewalks, 1884, when his son Charles became the proprie- until Dr. Reuben B. Rhoads became the burgess tor, and the son has issued it with increasing sue- in 1903, and in his term gasoline lamps were sub- cess until the present time. The use of the Ger- stituted, which made a great improvement. In man language was discontinued in 1889. It has 1906 a gas company was organized to introduce been a consistent advocate of Democratic princi- illuminating gas for lighting the streets and build- pies from the beginning. In 1906 a linotype ma- ings, and the pipe-mains were put down just be- chine was introduced to facihtate the printing of fore the streets were paved with vitrified brick. the newspaper. A job printing office is connect- In 1908 an electric company was incorporated ed with the establishment. He also published the and the streets began to be lighted by electricity Boyertown Bauer in the German language from^ on April 1, 1909, under contract with the borough. 1889 until 1907, when it was discontinued. Trolley Line. — The Oley Valley railway was Churches. — The first church was erected here- constructed from Reading to Boyertown, by way in 1790 by the Mennonites on land donated by of Friedensburg, Pleasantville and Shanesville, Henry Stauffer. In 1819 a brick building was and opened for travel by means of electric pro- erected in its stead. In 1847 a dissension ■ arose pulsion in 1902. The subject of this railway line in the congregation on account of dress and some had been agitated unsuccessfully for many years, of the fundamental doctrines of this denomina- The eastern terminus was fixed at a point in the tion, which resulted in the formation of two con- southerly end of the borough on account of cer- gregations, called the old church and the new. tain conditions exacted by the council for reach- The two congregations, however, occupied the ing the center of the borough which the company same church on alternate Sundays unltil 1'87'?', could not accept, but in 1906 an agreement was when the old body determined to tear down the BOROUGHS 257 church and erect a larger building in its stead, the leader for several years, until 1906, when he The new body tried to restrain them by proceed- was succeeded by John Heydt. ing at law, but failed, and then they also erected Physicians. — iThe active and prominent phy- a building which was dedicated in 1884. The sicians at Boyertown since 1840 have been Dr. two bodies still maintain separate organizations Henry W. Johnston, Dr. William Keely, Dr. Eras- with a small membership. tus R. Scholl, Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads, Dr. Members of the Lutheran and Reformed denom- John Todd, and Dr. John S. Bornemann. inations united in erecting a "Union Church" in Local Author. — Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads, 1811 on land donated by Henry StaufEer, adjoin- notwithstanding a very active medical practice cov^ ing the Mennonites. It was occupied by them ering the surrounding country for many miles, jointly until 1873, when the Reformed became and an enterprising disposition in forwarding the the sole owner and they proceeded to erect a new industrial and financial affairs of Boyertown, _ for building in 1874, which was dedicated in 1876, forty years, devoted some of his time to reminis- the total cost reaching $35,000. The Lutherans cence and authorship, which resulted in the pub- had determined in 1870 to erect a new building, lication of two very interesting octavo volumes. They started in 1871 and the church was formal- entitled "Onkel Jeff's Reminiscences of Youth and ly dedicated in 1873, the cost being also $35,- Other Poems," the first having been issued in 000. 1904, and the second in 1906. They display keen Adherents of the Methodist Episcopal denom- observation, much humor and pleasing original- ination organized a congregation at Boyertown ity. and erected a church in 1876. Opera House Fire.— An exhibition v(^as being The United Evangelical Association erected a held in the Rhoads Opera House of Boyertown small one-story brick church in 1895 in the east- for the benefit of the Sunday-school attached to em section of the town, and the congregation St. John's Lutheran Church, on Monday evening, has maintained its organization until now. Jan. 13, 1908, and the performance, relating to Schools. — Education was encouraged by the "The Scottish Reformation," was being produced people from the beginning of the town. The under the direction of Mrs. H. E. Monroe, of township accepted the free school system in 1838. Washington, D. C. The auditorium on the second A township school was in the borough when es- story was crowded with an interested audience, tablished in 1866, which was enlarged in 1876, A large calcium light was being used for the pur- and in 1887 a second building was erected, on the pose of showing the tableaux effectively and sud- rear of the lot, which ■w^as used for high school denly a cap on one of the tanks exploded which purposes. These two buildings were used until startled the audience. Immediately there were the new and commodious two-story brick build- shooting flames and instantaneous shrieks and ing was erected by the borough in 1898, whqn cries, when a sudden movement of the audience all the schools excepting the high school, were was made for the front door. The calamity that transferred to this building. The property is still followed is indescribable, for 171 persons lost their owned by the borough, the front building being lives by the fire, 123 from Boyertown, 48 from rented. The schools were graded in 1878. In other places. 1906, there were ten schools, with 428 scholars. Victims of Fire. — The following Hsts show the By a special election in February, 1909, it was names and residences of the victims, decided to erect a new school building in Ithe Boyertown^i^s . Edwin C. Emrick western section of the borough to accommodate Emma Engle the children in that vicinity. James Anderson Esther Erb* Several select schools were carried on here in ^"■. J^^^^ Anderson Lulu Fegley tJ'T/t '"""f p/"^ manner for about forty years. Morr!s° M. AnderTon* MrTHfr°ry Foreman The Mount Pleasant Seminary was founded by Mrs. Morris M. Anderson Sophia Foreman John Stauffer in 1842. Jacob Whitman vvas the Norman Anderson Nellie Foreman first principal. The Hankeys were prominent ed- Annie Bauman Irene Foreman ucators here for thirty years. The building af- Walter Bauman Mrs. L. K. Francis forded accommodations for fifty resident schol- ^^nrBaumTn" ShTs' frftz*" ars. Day scholars were also in attendance. It Mrs. John Becker Ida Fritz* was a popular institution for both sexes, and had Alma Becker Abraham Gabel a wide and excellent Teputation. Mary Becker Daniel Gabel When Prof. Isaac B. Hankey severed his con- Mrs\r'annl Bort m"' r^"'^' ^^^^^ nection, in 1866 he opened ariother and similar ^d'na B^oye""^ °' ' Herbert" Gottshall academy which he named "Kallynean, and car- j. Keely Boyer'^ Mrs. Herbert Gottshall ried it on for nearly twenty years. Clara Brendlinger Ellen Gottshall Keystone Cornet Band was organized in 1875 ?^''?- ^f '^ Christman Mabel Graeff J , , , ^ i-1 ^1. i i- ^1. Irvin Clemmer John Gravert and has been kept up until the present time, the Mrs. Esther CuUen* Lottie Graver! performers numbering twenty and upward. Rosie Diamond Lillie Grim Charles O. Megerly was a recent instructor and Florence Eddinger Ruth Guard 17 258 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Mrs. Amos Hartman Carrie Hartman Vernia Hartman Charles Hartman Charles Hess Mrs. Wallace Hoffman Lottie Hoffman* John Hoffman Russell Houck Ephraim Johnson* Mrs. Ephraim Johnson Jacob Johnson J Mrs. Charles Kline, Jr.t Mabel Kochel Blanche Kochel Stella Kolb Mrs. William Krause Stella Krause Daniel Krause Robert LaPish* Marie LaPish* Maggie Lefever Hiram Leidy* Laura Leidy Horace Leidy Mrs. Horace Leidy Franklin Leidy Howard Leidy Mrs. Harry Leinbach Mrs. Isaac Lichtel-* Newton Lichtel* Mary Ludwig Charles W. H. Maurer Charles E. Mayer Guendolyn Mayer Mrs. George Moore Mrs. Harry Moyer George Moyer Charles Nuss Mrs. Charles Nuss Harold Nuss Aaron Ochsenford Mrs. Aaron Ochsenford George Parsons Mrs. George Parsons Stella Peters Laura Rhoads Edith Rhoads Annie Ritter Mrs. George Romig Mrs. Addison Schmoyer William S. SchoUenberger Mrs. W. Shollenberger Mrs. F. Shollenberger Mrs. George Schoenly* Mrs. Henry Shaner Charles Shaner Paul Shaner Ira Shober Mrs. Ira Shober Mrs. George J. Smith Edwin B. Stauffer Emma Stauffer Lulu Stauffer Mrs. Isabella Tabor Mrs. Amos Thompson Mrs. R. Turner, Jr. J. Warren Van Reed Venia Weand ' Martha Weber Mrs. Henry Wien* Carrie Wien Florence Wien Elizabeth Yoder Carrie Verger Amityville Mrs. Rebecca Francis Eshbach Dr. Frank F. Brunner Carrie Leaver* GabeUville Mrs. Henry Johnson Cilberisville Mrs. Reuben Hoffman* Alice Hoffman* Austin Mensch Sallie Romig Robert Taggert* Mrs. Robert Taggert* Rose Taggert* Lizzie Ziegler Hill Church Jacob Weller Mrs. Jacob Weller Ida Weller Landis Store Nora Herbst Lobachsville Edwin Fry M orysvillc Mary Fisher Matilda Grabert Sallie Hartman Bertha Reinhart Mamie Toms Mrs. William TomsJ Nezv Berlinville Mrs. Martin Bauman Mrs. Oswin Bauman* Carrie Bauman* Mrs. Hiram Clouser* Annie Derr Mrs. Willoughby Engel Hannah Haring Mrs. C. Ephraim Johnson Mrs. Herbert Johnson Alice Moyer Edna Moyer Florence Moyer Frances Moyer Stella Moyer New Hanover Catharine Knipe Lizzie Knipe Emily Knipe Jeremiah Rhoads Passmorc Mrs. John Glase Reading Clarence Miller Sassamansville Stella Heinbach Mamie Jones Shanesville Willoughby Bucher Washington, D. C. Mrs. Delia E. Mayers W orman Wayne Romig * Unidentified. t Run over by a fire engine tl"ie evening of the fire and died from injuries received. t Died after tiie fire. Coroner's Inquest. — 'The coroner of the county, Dr. Robert E. Strasser, impaneled the following- jury of inquest: William H. Fox, Levi S. Delleck- er, Edwin K. Shultz, Irvin T. Ehst, Daniel K. Hoch, and William Y. Levan (the first four from Boyertown, and the last two from Reading), to inquire into the cause of the deaths of the victims of the fire. The jury held six sittings, viewed the remains of 170 victims (which were not named), examined 48 witnesses, and on Jan. 30, 1908, agreed to the following report, which was filed in the office of the clerk of the court of Quarter Sessions on March 10th : "That they (the 170 persons) came to their death on Jan. 13, 1908, at about 9 :30 p. m., during a rendition [performance] under the auspices of St. John's Lutheran Church, Boyertown, in which a stereopticon picture-ma- chine was used in Rhoads's Opera House, by stupefaction, suffocation, and fire. "We find the primary cause thereof to have been the employment, by Mrs. Harriet E. Monroe, of an inex- perienced and incompetent operator of the calcium light in the person of Henry Fisher, and the laxity of the Department Factory Inspector of this District, and the Department of Factory Inspector of the State of Pennsyl- vania, in the failure to enforce proper and adequate fire escapes and fire appliances, as well as its failure to en- force existing laws insuring public safety. "We request the prosecuting attorney of Berks county to arrest, and, if possible, convict Mrs. Harriet E. Mon- roe, and Harry McBechtel, the Deputy Factory Inspector of this District, on the charge of criminal negligence. "We recommend the enactment of laws as follows : "1 — Creating Departments of Public Safety and Build- ings whose province shall be to provide for means and appliances to insure public safety in the Boroughs of this Commonwealth. "S — Requiring that all operators of lights used in stere- opticon and moving picture machines be obliged to under- go an examination, and if found competent certificates be issued to them by the Department of Factory Inspector." Relief Committee. — The next day after the fire, the citizens held a meeting at Boyertown, and the following Relief Committee was appointed to look after the suffering families and- provide the neces- sary relief: Irwin T. Ehst, Chairman Samuel I. Henry O. A. H. Jacobs, Secretary James S. Fryer Wm. D. Schealer, Treas. Ephraim S. Gehris Milton R. Strunk Daniel Fritz Daniel B. Bower Benjamin F. Nice The total relief forwarded to the Relief Commit- tee was as follows : From Reading $6,375 From Philadelphia .. 2.708 From Kutztown 333 From Allentown ... 370 From Fleetwood 230 From Ashland 100 From Hamburg 200 From Pottstown ... 2,868 Total $13,184 From Eisenlohr Brothers $1,000 From Burial Casket Company 'eoo From sundry persons, including Boyertown 7,391 $8,891 Total relief forwarded $22,075 Part of this money was expended for the burial of the victims and the payment of various expenses ; and certificates were issued by the National Bank of Boyertown (which was the depositary) in trust for the following orphans : BOROUGHS 359 Wayne Bauer '. $300 Leonard Bowman 300 Paul Bowman 200 Emma Bucher 275 Irene Bucher 175 Edna Bucher 150 George Bucher 100 Mary Bucher 100 Helen May Bucher 300 Esther Cullen 3O0 George Cullen 175 John Cullen 100 Francis Cullen 100 Florence Cullen 100 Annie Foreman 100 Frederick Foreman ... 125 Florence Foreman 100 John Graver 275 William Graver 250 Rebecca Hoflfman 175 Ernest Johnson 150 Mary Johnson 100 Ella Krause 100 William Leidy 100 Paul Leinbach 200 Florence Leinbach .... 175 Royden Mayer 250 Leon Mayer 100 Henrietta Moore 125 Ruth Moyer 250 Paul Moyer 200 Leonard Moyer 150 Grace Moyer 125 Gladys Moyer 100 Edna Moyer 100 Mabel Nester 125 Ethel Peters 300 Norman Schoenly 125 Lawrence Schoenly . . . 100 Russell Tabor 250 Lloyd Tabor 250 Beulah Tabor 200 Mabel Tabor 200 Anna Thompson 250 Alfred Thompson .... 125 Helen Wien 100 Stuart Wien 100 Total $7,950 Public Sympathy.-^Fuhlic sympathy was express- ed by people everywhere in a truly Christian man- ner, and thousands of persons from the surround- ihg districts and places for many miles went to Boy- ertown in appreciation of the awful visitation. The display of mourning on all the streets, the funerals day after day for a week, and the solemnity of the whole town, were most affecting ; but the order, dig- nity and composure of the people under these extra- ordinary circumstances displayed in a remarkable degree the Christian character of the community. Indian Conflict. — In 1728, the' early settlers of this section of the county had a conflict with the Indians and therefore a petition was subscribed by a number of the inhabitants who presented it to the Governor, having referred particularly to their suf- ferings and prayed for relief. The Governor visited the place and reported to the Executive Council that the Indians had been there for a number of days, and were well armed under the command of a cap- tain. Some shots were fired, several were wounded and then the Indians left. FLEETWOOD The borough of Fleetwood is situated along the East Penn railroad, in Richmond township, twelve miles northeast from Reading. The settlement was first known as Coxtown, having been so called from a time anterior to, 1800 until the establishment of the railroad in 1859, when the increasing settle- ment took the name of Fleetwood, after a promi- nent English capitalist who encouraged the con- struction of the railroad. The first considerable town plan was laid out and acknowledged by Thomas Mellon on May 11, 1868, the lots lying wholly to the east of the railroad. The growth of the town was very slow, the total number of buildings erected there until the con- struction of the railroad not having been thirty; then there was a perceptible increase on account of the concentration of trade at that point, farmers coming for many miles from the southeast and the northwest for the shipment of their freight and the purchase of their coal and lumber, and this increase has been kept up by the enterprising spirit of the place until the present time. During tha past ten years there was a marked improvement in the erec- tion Of dwelling-houses, which included a number of costly and attractive houses. Incorporation and First Taxables. — The town was incorporated into a borough on Oct. 4, 1873. The names of the first taxables were as follows : William Adam John Angstadt Gideon Bridegam Franklin Barto William Bernhart Leinbach Bernhart Augustus Bierman Levi Boyer Bushong & Co. Manf . Becker & Keller George Cox & Co. Adam Delp Jairus Deisher George Dewees Samuel Dumn Jacob Dengler Moses Folk Daniel Focht Peter Gehris Solomon Hoch Conrad Hill Benjamin Hilbert George Heydt William Kline Isaac Koch Jacob Kelchner Samuel Kelchner EliaS Kline George Knoll George Kline Jonathan Kutz Joel Kelchner Kline, Wanner & Co. Amandus Kerns Thomas Kreidler Daniel Koch Koch Mill Samuel Kieffer George Keller Israel Kline Est. Charles Leise Christian Laudenslager Dr. L. R. Lentz Lentz & Maurer John W. Leise Abby Leaman Thomas Leinbach Mary Messersmith Messersmith & Shafer Charles A. Messersmith John Maurer John Madeira Amos Melot Daniel Melot Levi Madeira Madeira Shop William Madeira Melot & Hilbert Melot, Kline & Co. Daniel Barnet Nicodemus Noll Maria Peter Reuben Rauenzahn Betty Rothermel Elizabeth Reifsnyder Peter Rothermel Samuel Rothermel Cyrus Reifsnyder Joshua Reber William Reifsnyder Reifsnyder & Snyder Widow Resler Isaac Reiser Amos Rider Jacob Rothermel Edwin Shollenberger William Scholl Leonard Sweitzer George Scholl Solomon Schlegel Henry Schaefler H. W. Schaeflfer William S. Schaefler James Schaeflfer John Swartz Daniel Schaeflfer, Sr. Widow Schlegel George B. Schaefler Samuel Schaeflfer Joseph Slegel Lewis Schaeflfer George D. Schaeflfer Moses Sayer George Sanders Henry Sanders Shaeflfer, Merkel & Co. Cyrus Staudt Widow Schugar D. K. Snyder Samuel - Schlegel Widow Strohm Henry Schlegel William Schlegpl John SchoUenberger William Schaeflfer Levi Templin Templin Shop Melot Templin Jolin Weiandt Lucy Weston ' Jonas Weaver Weaver Shop Peter Wentzel Kelchner Wanner Widow Wanner E. C. Weston Lewis Wanner Joel Wartzenluft John Yoder Tenants P. T. Brumbach 260 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA George Krick Peter Koch Kline & Bros. Jacob Lutz Peter Leise John Merkel E. M. Mill Jonathan Mertz Lucian Miller 'Jacob Noll Ephraim Peter John Rothermel James Readinger Amos Rothermel William Reiff Jacob Reaser Jacob Rightenour Henrv Reifsnyder John Shadier P. P. Schaeffer Joshua Schlegel James Templin Monroe Weaver Davis Weidner Peter Yoder E. D. G. Yorgey Jacob Zern Single Men Wilson Leiby Amos Madeira Peter Mertz William Melot Samuel Madeira Daniel K. Rothermel Peter Rothermel Jacob Schlegel Henry Schlegel Daniel Schaefifer Edwin Strohm Zacharias Schugar Levi Wartzenluft Henry Wartzenluft Peter Wanner John Boyer Benneville Buskirk Martin Boyer William D. Becker Jacob Becker Benneville' Brown Solomon Billman Levi Dumn Benneville Dewees Davis Dieffenderfer William Ehring Clinton Ely Samuel Fisher William Folk Henry Gehris Jacob Gift Samuel Gruber Hiram Gamier Daniel Heydt Abraham Heck Nathaniel Heck Isaac Heydt Mandon Hawk John Kline Adam Kline Alfred Kamp Jacob Koch Jacob Kline Aber Adam John Boyle Joel Bushey William Becker William R. Becker Daniel Coller Levan Chauncey James Dumn Gideon Deisher Daniel Krainer Obediah Keller Jacob Keim Isaac Kline John B. Keller Daniel Kelchner Cosmus Leise In 1906 the taxables numbered 251 ; the taxable property was assessed at $452,980 ; money at in- terest was $198,734; and the boroug-h then included the f ollowinsf : Physicians 2 Churches 4 School Buildings 2 Restaurants 3 Industries 12 General Stores 4 Hardware Store 1 Drug Store 1 Coal and Lumber Yards. 2 List OiF Officials. — The names of the chief burgesses, town clerks and justices of the peace from the beginning of the borough to the present time, and the time when the incumbents filled their respective positions, are as follows : CHIEF BURGESSES Levi Templin 1874 John E. Maurer 1875-76 Lewis Schaeffer 1877 William H. Madeira 1878 William S. JNIerkel 1879-80 Cosmus Schwoyer 1881 A. C. Kemp 1882 E. :M. Shollenberger 1883 John Herbein 1884 J. P. Hoch 1 88:)-86 Isaac R. Merkel 1887-88 George D. Schaeffer 1889 ; 1903-06 John E. Maurer 1890 Isaac Mertz 1891-93 John B. Bertolette 1894-1900 Nathan Henry Gehris 1900-08 Cyranus F. Boyer 1906-09 Charles F. Hill 1909-12 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Samuel Dumn 1873-76 George D. Schaeffer 1873-79 ; 1904-05 James F. Dumn 1876-99 William Bernhart 1879-87 Dr. A. N. Fretz 1887-1912 John H. Reifsnyder 1899-1900 Harry D. Schaeffer 1900-04 David K. Kline 1905-10 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Charles F. Hill Town Council, Ambrose Hoffman, President M. H. Brensinger, Treasurer Titus H. Schaeffer Uriah Eisenhart John W. Lease William R. Down Calvin H. Adams, Secretary School Board, D. M. Herbine, President O. M. Roller, Secretary E. D. Dengler, Treasurer Simon B. Stoudt John Brown N. S. Schaeffer Justices of the Peace, Dr. A. N. Fretz F. W. Balthaser Constable, George Herring Auditors, George Schlegel Howard Herbine Assessor, Elias Dries Collector, Elias Dries Post-Office. — The post-office was established in ] 852, and was named after the place, Coxtown ; which name was continued until Fleetwood was in- corporated. Industries. — The first important industry at Fleetwood was the large foundry erected by the Schaefifer BTOthers (Lewis, George D., Daniel, and Jonathan) in 18G4 for the manufacture of farm- ing implements and mining machinery, and they carried on the plant successfully until ISTS. The firm name was then changed to Schaeffer, ]\Ierkel & Co., and they carried on the business for thirty years, employing from 125 to 150 hands. In 1903 the buildings were destroyed by fire. The industrial establishments now at Fleetwood are the following, the number of hands employed in- dicating the large extent of the business : Rcadins; Metal Body JJ'orks, 175 hands. York Silk Mill, lOO'to 150 hands. Hosiery Alills : D. F. Kelchner, 75 hands ; Wan- ner & Madeira, GO hands; Kutz Hosiery ]\Iill, 35 hands. Charles F. Hill Granite JVorks, 50 hands. Seaman & Merkel Implements Works, 12 hands. Eagle Roller Mills (carried on by Webster D. and Llewellyn D. Schaefler, trading as Schaeffer, Wan- ner & Co., whose business includes a large coal and lumber yard) ; 8 hands. Jacob C. Goitshall Bakery. 3 hands. BOROUGHS 361 D. F. Kelchner Creamery. William Down Tool Works, 3 hands. Wesley Kern Pick Works, 2 hands. Schlegel, Adam & Co., coal and lumber, 4 hands. Fleetwood Metal Body Company. National Bank. — The First National Bank of Fleetwood was chairtered on June 30, 1907, with a capital of $25,000 and the business was started Dec. 7, 1907. In November, 1908, the resources of the bank were $143,675; and the loans and discounts, $67,924; individual deposits, $56,429; and the sav- ings deposits, $34,050. The president from the be- ginning has been Daniel F. Kelchner (a prominent manufacturer at Fleetwood) ; and the cashier, War- ren G. Hartman. Public Improvements Water Works. — In 1889 water works were estab- lished, for supplying the inhabitants of the borough with water, by George B. Schaeffer, Dr. Levi R. Lentz and Peter D. Wanner, who organized and in- corporated a company for that purpose with a capital of $25,000. The reservoir was located a mile east of the town in an elevated position, with a capacity of 300,000 gallons, and since then the town has been supplied with an abundance of pure spring water. Steps have been instituted by the borough authorities for the purchase of the works. Trolley Line. — The trolley line was extended from Temple to Kutztown, passing through Fleet- wood, in 1904. Churches. — There are four churches at Fleet- wood : St. Paul's Union Church (Lutheran and Reform- ed) is situated 'a short distance west of the borough on the road to Blandon. It is a two-story stone building, plastered, which was erected in 1841. Ser- vices have been held regularly in it until the present time. It has a large membership. The Evangelical Association erected a two-story brick church on Franklin street in 1866 and worship- ed there until 1890, when they sold it and erected another on Washington street. In this the members continued until the separation occurred in 1894, when the United Evangelical Association became the owner, and the latter organization has since main- tained a congregation in it. The United Mennonite Church was erected in 1868 by a small number of zealous Christians of that faith and they have shown much devotion un- til the present time. A fourth church was erected in the borough by a number of members of the St. Paul's, Union Church, for the purpose of carrying on worship as an organized Christian body not connected with any synod. The movement was started in 1883 and culminated in the erection of a fine brick building on Franklin street, which was formally dedicated in 1884. The premises cost upward of $7,000. It was named St. Paul's Chapel. The organization, under the direction of a board of trustees, has been carried on successfully until the present time. Church services are held regularly. A flourishing Sunday-school is also maintained and heartily en- couraged by the members. Cemetery. — In 1867 a large cemetery was laid out in the place on a lot 231 feet by 769 feet, situate ed on the main thoroughfare, and it has been made very attractive. Schools. — In 1877, the borough erected a fine two-story brick school building on a large lot of ground at a cost exceeding $6,000. A superior ad- dition was built to it in 1908-09, costing $10,000, with all the modern improvements. The schools are graded, well managed, and the scholars nurnber over 500. TOPTON Topton is situated along the East Penn railroad, in Longswamp township, near the line of Maxa- tawny. It was started with the construction of the railroad in 1859 and derived its name from its lo- cation at the highest point on the railroad between Reading and Allentown. A branch railroad to Kutztown was opened for travel in 1870, the length being five miles. When the railroad was completed in 1859, Top- ton became a prominent shipping point, more es- pecially for great quantities of iron ore mined in that vicinity, and this induced the immediate erec- tion of a hotel and several business stands. The coal and lumber yards are patronized extensively and have developed a large trade. Incorporation and First Taxables. — (The town was incorporated into a borough in 1877, and the following list shows the names of the first taxables : Bear & Miller Adam J. Lighty Charles Bear Michael H. Miller Benjamin C. Bear Lewis Moll James Butz David Merkel Henry Butz John H. Miller Henry C. Bear James Madarey John Bobst Michael H. Miller Bear & Merkel Co. Benjamin Raut Manoah Carl Henry C. Raut Peter L. Diener Joshua Smith Tilghman DeLong J. D. Sander Philip Delong Casper Seyebartyn William Fenstermacher Abraham Siegfried Frank Fenstermacher Peter Sterner Henry M. Freed Eugene Sholl Peter W. Fisher Llewellyn Shabbel Fenstermacher, Trexler & Co. Joshua Smith James George Sallie Siegfried William M. Hoffman Charles D. Trexler Abraham Hilbert Daniel Trump John Hemmig Jonas Trexler Daniel D. Hinterleiter William Trexler, M. D. Hilbert Hinterleiter Charles D. Trexler Hannah Hinterleiter Trexler & Moll Nathan Heffner Benjamin Wisser Levi Kunes Esther Zangley Reuben S. Leibelsperger Tenants William Baus Matthias Deckert Bear, Dieroft & Miller Henry Diener Samuel Baus Stephen Dankle Jacob Bechtel Diener & Carl Bear & DeLong John Delp Peter C. Conrad Thomas Eck John Drollinger Josiah Fisher 262 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Herman Fetterman William F. Kerchner Assessor, Lewis Keller Wilhelm Frederick James Miller Collector, Charles H Wisler , ^ ^ ^ t, ^ r Isaac Fegley John J. Reader Auditors, I. R. Madeira, Elwood F. DeLong, Frank J. John Gamier William Reinhard Fister Charles A K Grime Thomas Reichelderfer Justices of the Peace, Harvey A. Miller, George E. Moll David Ge^han William Scheerer Constable, Jacob H. Wisler ■ Joshua Hinterleiter Henry Sox Road Commissioner, Frank Fenstermaker Jonathan Herring Amentes Sterner JJ'ater Commissioner, John G. Miller William Halman Jj,^"^}^^ fxT^°^^ Post-Office.— A post-office was established at Tf7 Hoch""" ™Twi.r'' Topton in 1861. Daniel D. Hinterleiter became the William Hubert J. S. Ward postmaster in 1897 and he served until his decease. Single Men when he was succeeded by his widow, and then by Charles Butz Solon H. Fisher his daughter Hannah, evidencing the satisfactory Benjamin Carl Jonathan Sterner service to the community rendered by his family. Henry Ebert Henry Wiser ^ INDUSTRIES.— After the Kutztown branch of rail- LiST OF Officials. — The following lists show j-q^^ was opened, steps were taken to establish an the names of the chief burgesses, town clerks and jj-on furnace along the main line, a short distance justices of the peace since the incorporation of the gag)- gf the junction, and this was put in operation borough: in 1S71 by a company, of which Isaac McHose, of CHIEF BURGESSES Reading, was the president. It was operated sev- Petc-r W Fisher 18''''' I 1891 era! years but then, owing to the panic, suspended. John Henning 1878-82 The Eckert Brothers at Reading carried it on suc- S. H. Fisher 1883-86 cessfully for about ten years until the decease of A. C. S. Herman ^^^^889 Henry S. Eckert ; then it'was purchased by the Em- TilghmM'^DeLon.^ ' '^'///^y^y^y^y.'.'.'.'■'■'.'.'■'■'.'■'■'.■. AS^O Pire Steel & iron company, which since 1894 has Charles H. Wisler! 1892 operated it successfully. This was the only prom- Daniel B. Heist 1893-96 inent industry at the place for upward of twenty Cyrus Lessig 1897-1900 years. Then the DeLong Furniture Factory was- w"" e" Ebe" 1903-06 started in 1880, and the Rohrbach Roller Flour Mill Benjamin E. Biehev' '.'//.'.'.'.'...'...■.■■■.■..■■ ■■.■AQ06-09 in 1885, both of which have been kept in active James McKeever 1909-12 operation ever since, with their trade extending- TOWN CLERKS many miles into the surrounding counties. The E T S Hoch 18"8 store, office and bar fixtures of the former have be- (Record lost from 1879 to 1888) come very popular for their neatness and durabil- C. D. Trexler 1888 ity. F. H. Moyer 1889-93 Since 1900, o-reat improvements have been made A.- ^1 „ ""'r.'^. lOQi ian=; here in the erection of industrial establishments and M. H. Brendlinger 1894-1900 in- -n • i ^u • i ^ • i ^i Charles H Schlenker 1905-1910 hue dwelhngs. Besides the industries named, the JUSTICEs'oF THE 'peace boTough includes the following : L F Kuhns 1877-85 Underzvcar Factory, carried on by O. C. Rohr- E. J.' S. Hoch .'."...! ... '. 1877-83 bach; Silk I\IiU, by the Hartley Manufacturing- Dr. W.' D. Trexler 1883-89 Company ; Hosicrv Mill, by the " Crown Knitting: John H Miller • iff-^o Company ; Creamery, by A. S. H eflfner ; Bakcrv. Daniel H. Heffner 1 sqn 04 by F. A. Trexler ;fo/>ioH Fonndrv and Machine Cyrus Lessig 1890-94 r// , ,t n /^ r 1 j: --n -n x D. D. Hinterleiter 1894-99 vv orks (Inc.) (transferred from Bernville) ; two Harvey A. Miller 1899-1914 lumber and coal yards ; three general stores ; three Eldridge Zimmerman* 1901-06 hotels. George E. Moll 1907-13 'pj.jg number of employees in the several industries BOROUGH OFFICIALS FOR 1909 will indicate the extent of the business affairs in the Chief Burgess, James McKeever borough in 1909 : Furnace, 100 hands ; DeLong fac- Town Council, Jacob M. Gery, President tory, 60 ; silk mill, 100 ; hosiery mill, 100 • under- Idfm h" Folk ^^ "•^^"- "^ill' 30: Topton foundry, 25. Jeremiah' Titlow In 1907, twenty new dwelling houses were erec- C. H. Schwartz ted; in 1908, six; and arrangements have been made Irwin Madeira for erecting twenty in 1909. William H. Smith William T Fritz has been nneratino- a laro-P anrT Charles H. Schlenker. Clerk v\ luiam j. rruz nas oeen operating a large ana School Board, Dr. C. D. Werley successful saddlery for several years, which is Levi Walbert equipped with the latest machinery for the manu- Frank Moyer facture of harness, affording constant employment Jacob Gallmoyer for six hands. Ew^cJ^lf" Business in mining and shipping iron ore here- , „ . ■ , , . fl- , T, .u , , .. , ^ is gradually resuming in 1909 after having beem Resigned upon takinf? office or Prothonotary, to which he was i i r i . r- ^, ^ elected in November, 1906. suspended lor about fifteen years. BOROUGHS 263 Josiah Fisher carried on the manufacture of building brick for upward of thirty years until in the spring of 1909, when the plant was sold to George Keiser. Practising physicians at Topton are Dr. C. D. Werley and Dr. George Pflueger, the former hav- ing been here upward of twenty years. The following persons prominent in business at Reading reside at Topton: Martin S. Croll and William H. Smith, extensive wholesale dealers in hats since 1900. Mr. Croll had been the deputy Internal Revenue collector of the district comprising Berks county from 1893 to 1899. James Trexler has been filling the office of stamp clerk in the Internal Revenue office at Reading since 1900. Eldridge Zimmerman has been officiating as pro- thonotary of the county since January, 1907. National Bank. — A national bank was estab- lished in the borough in 1885 with a capital of $50,000, and carried on for several years. A sec- ond was organized in 1906 with a capital of $35,- 000, and since then Martin S. Croll has been its president, and Albert H. Smith, cashier. In Nov- ember, 1908, the total resources were $137,484 ; the individual deposits, 56,023 ; and time deposits, $25,- 427. Public Improvements Water-Works. — In 1893, the borough established water-works, embracing two reservoirs with a total capacity of 350,000 gallons, in an elevated situation one mile south of the place, having secured a large supply of superior spring water. The streets are lighted by oil lamps. A fire com- pany was organized by citizens of the town in Feb- ruary, 1909, and named the Topton Hose Company. It has secured a hose carriage with several hundred feet of hose and over fifty taxpayers have been en- rolled as members. Trolley Line. — ^A trolley line of railway is about being constructed from Lyons to Allentown by way of Topton and Alburtis. Auditorium. — In 1905, M. T. Butz erected a frame auditorium for entertainments. It has a seating capacity of several hundred, and is well patronized by church festivals, fairs, lectures and local institutes. Churches. — iln 1872, members of the Lutheran and Reformed denominations residing at Topton united in erecting a brick church, and the congrega- tions have been carried on successfully since then, over 180 of the former having taken communion on Easter Day, 1909, and over 160 of t'he latter. Ar- rangements are being made for the erection of a larger building. The members formerly attended re- ligious services in churches at Bower's, Mertztown and Longswamp. The Evangelical Association organized a congre- gation in 1885 and caused the erection of a church in 1886, which has been maintained until now. Schools. — The borough supports three schools in a superior two-story brick building. The scholars number more than one hundred and the annual ex- penditures exceed $1,200. Orphans' Home.— In 1897, the Lutheran Church established a fine home for orphans in an elevated position a short distance south of Topton, which has been managed in a very successful manner. It was started with three inmates; now it has ninety (49 boys, 41 girls). Annual excursions in the fall of the year for the benefit of this worthy institution are very largely patronized. A similar home is maintained by the Reformer Church at Womelsdorf. [Mentioned in Ontelaunee Section, Chapter XII.] LENHARTSVILLE Incorporation. — Lenhartsville is the second smallest borough in the county. It is situated along the Ontelaunee creek in the western end of Green- wich township, from which it was taken at the time of its incorporation in 1887. It embraces 48 dwellings, 2 hotels, 3 stores and a blacksmith shop, with a population of 140, the number having grad- ually decreased for the last twenty years. The ho- tels are supplied with superior running spring water. The place was named after the Lenhart family which Settled in the township at this point before the erection of the county. It has been known by this name for over a hundred years. The opera- tion of several large grist-mills in the vicinity gave it prominence ; and its situation on the "State Road" (which extends across the northern section of the county parallel with the Blue Mountains) contrib- uted toward its importance as a business center. First Taxables of Borough. — The taxable res- idents of the borough at the time of its incorpora- tion were as follows : Daniel Adam John B. Levan Daniel Fenstemaker Mrs. George Leiby James S. Focht Mrs. James Leiby Mrs. Peter Fister John Miller, Sr. Malinda Greenawalt Joseph Mattern Samuel Gehret J. William A. Mattern George F. Huy John Pfeifly Henry Hardinger Benjamin Riegelman Jonathan G. Hinkle John K. Seaman Frank Kramer Moses Stein Charles A. Leiby William Waxwood Allen B. Levan Benjamin Weiss Fraftcis B. Levan Wilson M. Werley William B. Levan Mrs. Seth Ziegler Jacob B. Levan Tenants William Adam Glancy Dry William Eberly James Grayham Frank Hill Benjamin Leiby John Miller, Jr. John W. Reber Single Men Clayton Adams Irwin W. Leiby George De Long i George W. Ziegler List of Officials. — The following lists comprise the names of the principal officials who have Jacob Rhoads Daniel Reidenaur Daniel B. Seip O. G. Yenser Lafayette Zettelmoyer Allen Zettelmoyer Charles D. Ziegler 204 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA served since the incorporation of the borough. On- ly one justice of the peace has been elected (though entitled to two as a district), owing to the small- ness of the place : CHIEF BURGESSES George F. Huy 18S7-91 Charles D. Ziegler 1891-92 James S. Focht 1892-95 Charles A. Leiby 1895-98 ; 1902-05 ; 1909-12 Daniel J. Seip 1898-1902 William V. Herring 1905-09 TOWN CLERKS Oliver G. Yenser 1887-89 Wilson AI. Werlev 1889-91 George F. Hiiv 1891-94 J. Wm. A. Slattern 1894-1905 ; 1907-09 Dr. O. F. Kunkel 1905-07 Dr. L. R. Rothermel 1909-10 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE James S. Focht 1887-95 J. Wm. A. Mattern 1895-1910 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Charles A. Leiby Tozvn Council, William F. Peters, President Albert Hein, Treasurer William Wa.xvvood Benjamin Leiby .Alfred Balthaser F. B. Levan Dr. L. R. Rothermel. Secretary School Board, Dr. L. R. Rothermel, President J. William A. Mattern, Secretary Jacob Levan, Treasurer Glancy L. Dry Harvey A. Sarig Alfred F. Hein Justice of the Peace, J. William A. Mattern Constable, C. Clayton C. Adams Auditors, George F. Huy Jacob Rhoad G. Frank Eberly Assessor, Robert J. Peters Collector, (Vacant) Post-Office. — The post-office was established in 1854, at the furnace store, east of the creek. When the borough was erected, it was removed to this place, and since then Glancy L. Dry and John W. Reber have been the postmasters. Business. — F. B. Levan has been successfully and extensively engaged in the general store busi- ness for upward of twenty years. He is also oper- ating a creamery and butcher shop. A. F. Hein for several years has carried on a wheelwright shop and blacksmith shop. He is also engaged as a dealer in farming implements. Stage lines were operated from Lenhartsville to Strausstown to the west and to Allentown to the northeast, for upward of twenty years until 1904, when, on account of the Rural Free Delivery, the former line was discontinued, and the latter was limited to Weisenburg. The Maiden-creek charcoal furnace was erected in 1854 by George Merkel a short distance east of the village, and successfully operated for thirty years, the last proprietor having been Jacob K. Spang of Reading. When the Berks County rail- road was constructed along the creek in 1874, the Lenhartsville station became a busy shipping point. [Statistics relating to the borough will be found in Chapter IX.] Education.— iA school building was established upon the erection of the borough, and this has been occupied since for school purposes. But the num- ber of pupils has been small, being now 33. There is no church in the place and no factory, the spirit of manufacturing enterprise never having been en- couraged by the property holders. The "Sons of America" (Camp No. 531) organ- ized here in 1893, and they erected a fine hall for their meetings, costing $1,400 "Blue Rocks" is a point of interest within two miles northwest of the town. It comprises a depos- it of large rocks, blue in appearance from exposure, which cover an area of thirty acres. The rum- bling of hidden waters underneath is distinctly aud- ible. The formation has the appearance of having been caused by a washout on the hillside many years ago, and is situated several hundred yards below the top of the hill. BECHTELS\TLLE Incorporation. — The borough of Bechtelsville was incorporated on Sept. 11, 1890, the boun- dary lines including 194 acres. The territory was taken from Washington township. It was named after the John S. Bechtel famity which has been prominent in that immediate vicinity from the time of the first settlements before the erection of the county. It is situated along the Colebrookdale- rail- road, three miles beyond Boyertown. The construc- tion of this railroad in 1869 was the direct cause of the formation of a considerable settlement at this point; and the erection of a large iron furnace here in 1875 also encouraged building operations. First Taxables. — The first taxables of the bor- ough were as follows : Elam Bechtel Est. Marv Bechtel Est. EH Bechtel David H. Bechtel Oliver Brtmner James Bechtel Sarah Bechtel Jacob Bowman William Conrad John Conrad Allen F. Deysher Jeremiah Dierolf Nathaniel Dengler Mathias Dotterer Sarah Deysher Horace Fisher Walter Fisher Ezra Frey Elizabeth Frehn Henry Geist William Groff Henry S. Geist Henry S. Gilbert Joseph Heydt John Hoffman Jacob F. Heydt Orlando Haas William Haas, Sr. Thomas Hofifman William F. Knerr Frank Minner Thomas R. Miller Tobias Moyer Joseph H. Moyer Jeremiah Moyer Charles Mover Henry W. Miller David Miller Jacob Moyer Amelia Moyer Amanda Morey Jacob B. Oberholtzer Amos Oberholtzer Lizzie Oberholtzer Henry F. Sheiry Henry H. Stauffer Charles E. Stangier Harrison Schoenly Daniel Shollenberger John S. Stauffer Henry Young BOROUGHS 265 Tenants , Ambrose Ackerman Henry Kehl David O. Bechtel Daniel Keller Fremont Borneman George Moser William Bechtel Henry Miller Amos Conrad Horace Miller Nathaniel Erb Samuel Mest Allen Fretz Joseph Morey Horace Fisher Jacob L. Reif James Fronheiser John Reitenauer Jacob Gottschalk Augustus Reinhart Reuben Glaes Joseph Reitenauer Oliver Hoffman William Specht Henry R. Herb Frank Specht Henry Houck Anthony Sharp Jacob Haas Reuben Styer J. K. Hinkel Lewis Weller Josiah Hunsberger Irwin Yoder Single Men John Kehl David Stangier Samuel Kehl Samuel Stauffer Menno wberholtzer , In 1906, there were 83 dwellings in the place, and 147 taxables. The total assessed property amounted to $133,700 ; and the money at interest, $36,365. List of Officials. — The following persons filled the positions of chief burgess and justice of the peace : CHIEF BURGESSES Orlando Haas 1891-97 Irvin Yoder 1897-1900 Jacob B. Oberholtzer 1900-03 Guldin G. Yoder .' 1903-06 Jeremiah Dierolf 1906-09 Amos B. Oberholtzer 1909-12 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE M. H. Dotterer 1891-1907 H. C. Schoenly 1891-93 Frank H. Minner 1893-96 Franklin M. Glaes 1896-1903 William A. Henry 1903-13 Bernard L. Kutz 1907-13 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Amos B. Oberholtzer Town Council, Henrv W. Miller, President George Bartholomew, Treasurer Orlando Haas Adam Hess Reuben Kramer Henry H. Stauffer Henry Shirey Peter Brumbach Irwin B. Kehs, Secretary School Board, Jacob F. Moyer, President Allen Erb, Secretary James Fronheiser, Treasurer William A. Henrv Isaac Moyer George Bartholomew Justices of the Peace, William A. Henry Bernard Kutz Constable, William M. C. Grofe Auditors, Abraham Heydt Charles Hirsch Assessor, Jacob F. Moyer Collector, Horace B. Fisher Post-Office. — The post-office was established in 1852 by the name of Bechtelsville, evidencing that the place was so known at that time. David Lat- shaw has been postmaster since 1903. He succeeded Jacob L. Reiff. Business. — In April, 1909, the borough contained the following: Hotels 2 Tinsmith shop Stores 2 Shoemaker shop Hardware store Coal yard Liveries 2 P'lour and feed store Millinery store Blacksmith shops 2 Saddlery Painters & paper hangers. .2 Barber shop Tailor Printing office Restaurant Butcher shop Physician The estimated population then was 500 ; dwelling- houses, 100. Since the erection of the borough, the streets have been Hghted at night by oil lamps set on posts. Pumps are still used for water supply. Industries. — The oldest industrial plant at Bech- telsville is the three-story stone grist mill which was operated as such for upward of seventy years, hav- ing been started by Alfred Siesholtz. It is equip- ped with roller process machinery for the manu- facture of flour. But for the last several years it has been engaged in chopping feed for the farm- ers of the vicinity. Previously it had been a prom- inent oil-mill for many years. It is now operated by Abraham Heydt (since 19.05), with two hands. Another chopping-mill is run at the southern end of the town by Mahlon Reidenauer (since 1901) ; which had previously been a grist-mill for many years. In connection with this mill, Mr. Reidenauer established a planing-mill in 1908, which he has been operating with four hands. Near this mill, Hen-ry Young started a cream- ery about 1885 and carried on business extensive- ly for a number of years. It has been operated by H. H. Stauffer for about fifteen years. William Conrad engaged in the undertaking bus- iness about 1875, and several years afterward es- tablished a large cabinet-making shop, which he carried on extensively in the manufacture of fur- niture. He is still in the business, and also deals in furniture and household goods. Fisher Brothers (Walter and Horace) have been engaged in manufacturing carriages at Bechtels- ville since 1887. They employ five hands. A wheelwright shop is also carried on at this plant for heavy wagons and repairs. Nathaniel G. Erb started a bakery here in 1886 and since then has developed a large trade which extends into the surrounding country for many miles. He manufactures and distributes daily about a thousand loaves of bread ; also large quan- tities of cakes and pretzels. He employs nine hands and requires three delivery teams. During the summer season he manufactures many tons of ice-cream and candy for picnics. Owen Hoffman has carried on a marble yard for upward of twenty years. He located at- Bechtels- ville in 1877. Effinger Erb started a cigar factory in 1908 and employs two hands. He also manufactures chew- ing tobacco. 366 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Kutz Knitting Mill.— In 1905 S. Jairus Kutz of Reading- located at Bechtelsville and started the manufacture of men's and ladies' hosiery on the second floor of the tinsmith shop, but his busi- ness grew so rapidly that he was obliged to put up a building. In 1907 he erected a fine three- story cement block factory and equipped it with machinery. His two sons Calvin J. and Bernard L. are associated with him, and they are trading under the name of Kutz Knitting Mill. They em- ploy from forty to fifty hands. Dicrolf Orchard. — Jeremiah Dierolf was engaged in the manufacture of pants at Bechtelsville for upward of fifteen years until 1905, when his hands left and entered the hosiery mill. He then direct- ed his attention to the cultivation of fruit and ber- ries on a tract of land adjoining the borough and he has been very successful. He planted upward of 2,500 trees — apple, peach and plum. Crusher. — In 1875, a large blast furnace was erected here at a cost exceeding $150,000, and it was operated for ten years by the Pottstown Iron Company and the Gabel Brothers from Pottstown. Some years afterward it was dismantled and torn down by the P. & R. R. Co. The large and val- uable cinder bank induced the erection of a crush- er plant by Jacob V. R. Hunter and William Kline, who operated it until 1904, when Mr. Kline be- came the sole owner, and in 1907 he sold it to the Ehret Slag Company. The estimated deposit of cinder there is 100,000 tons, superior for concrete work. Church and Schools. — A fine, large, two- story brick church was erected in 1886 by mem- bers of the Lutheran and Reformed denominations, and services have been conducted since. The mem- bers support a flourishing Sunday-school. The Lutheran members number 150 ; the Reformed, 75. Two schools are maintained in the borough. The scholars number 73. A one-story brick build- ing was erected by the borough in 1890. Hall. — The Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp No. 324, erected a fine three-story cement- block building. The first and second floors are occupied for dwelling purposes ; and the third floor is set apart as the Camp's Hall. An auxiliary camp meets there also — the Patriotic Order of Ameri- cans, No. 40, composed of women ; it has upward of fifty members. The cost of the building was $6,000. MOUNT PENN Incorporation. — Mount Penn was established as a borough out of a small portion of Lower Al- sace township on Nov. 7, 1902. The boundary lines inclose 242 acres, 116 perches. It adjoins Reading on the southeast. The place was known as "Dengler's" from 1841 to 1902, having been named after George Den- gler, Esq., the first prominent citizen of that vicin- ity ; who, in 1 840, purchased the Keehn tavern and fifty-six acres of land there and took posses- sion in 1841. He conducted the tavern several times himself, altogether about ten years, but the premises were mostly rented until his decease in 1866. He served in the office of justice of the peace from 1855 to 1865, and was highly respect- ed in the community. The tavern was an old- established stand in 1840, and had been a popular stopping place for teamsters on their way from upper sections of the county to Philadelphia with grain, etc., before the opening of the railroad in 1838. After the East Reading Street Railway line was extended to Black Bear and to Stony Greek in 1890, more especially after the opening of Car- sonia Park, dwelling-houses at this place began to increase rapidly. When the trolley line to Black Bear was extended to Birdsboro, the street cars to that place from Reading proceeded by way of Mount Penn. In 1909, the borough included 140 dwellings; about 400 inhabitants; two churches (Lutheran and Reformed), two-story brick school building, two carriage factories, organ factory, paper-sack fac- tory, coal yard, two hotels, four stores, and a res- taurant ; there were three painters, a large con- tractor, and a physician. Many of the houses are attractive, and one is particularly worthy of notice, John G. Speidel's, formerly Dr. D. B. D. Beaver's, erected by Edward S. Kremp, Esq. The Aulenbach cemetery is situated in the west- ern section ; also the Antietam filtering beds of the Reading Water Works. The former was es- tablished in 1851 ; the latter in 1905. In 1884, A. F. Reeser and Kendall Brothers laid out a town, including Dengler's, and named it "Woodvale." Many lots were sold, and a num- ber of dwellings were erected, but the name was not adopted by the public. A post-office, by the name of "Dengler's," was established in 1884, and this was continued until the borough was erected in 1902. The streets are lighted by arc electric lights un- der contract with the Metropolitan Electric Com- pany. A hose company, with hook and ladder truck, chemical engine, and modern appliances, was or- ganized in 1903, and it has eighty members. A town hall was erected in 1906. Water Company. — In 1903, the Mt. Penn Sub- urban Water Company was organized and incor- porated with a capital of $12,000, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of Mt. Penn and vicinity with water for domestic uses and for protection against fire. The Adams farm, a mile east of Den- gler's, was secured and there the company estab- hshed a reservoir with a capacity of 600,000 gal- lons, and a large dam with a capacity of 3,000,- 000 gallons. Mains were then put down, in length about six miles. The patrons number 210. The organizers were Dr. M. L. Bertolette, Martin D. Hunter, Louis Kraemer, E. D. Nein, and H. S. BOROUGHS 267 Hinnershitz-T-the first having been the president of the company, and the second the secretary and treasurer, since its organization. Pipe lines are extended to Stony Creek and Black Bear. The sanitary conditions are superior and highly com- mended by the State authorities. First Taxables. — The names of the first taxa- bles of the borough were as follows: Charles W. Hinnershitz William P. Hilbert Jacob L. Ketterer Charles O. Levan Blasius Leightham Charles H. Longacre Howard Longacre George Irvin Longacre Samuel Nein Wilson Nein John Schlegel Albert Schlegel Morris Trout Samuel Texter Daniel N. Albright Marguerite Albright William H. Albright John D. Barth Andrew Bernhart Est. Henry E. Barth Elizabeth M. Brown James D. Bady Catharine Bertolet Dr. M. L. Bertolette Julia L. Brown Dr. Beaver John H. Clark David D. Dundore Howard Deysher Emma A. Endlich Henry C. Esterly John S. Esterly John R. Folk Herman Fisher Annie Griesemer Elizabeth Glasser H. S. Hinnershitz Gregory Heine George B. Hartman Christian Hartman George C. Hartline L. W. Hinnershitz Loyal Burkholder Charles Broodman Wesley M. Burd- A. Mason Bright George T. Brown Amos Boyer John W. Barth Christian Conz Sarah A. Canfel Joseph Davis Jacob Esterly J. W. Eyrich Michael Eyrich George Fox Jacob Folk William O. Fry Daniel D. Gehras Peter Glasser Valentine Graeff Howard E. Gerhard Edward Howard Thomas Hartrrian William Homan Jacob Hilbert William Massen James H. Harner J. F. M. Koch Charles A. Keehn Charles Keffer Louis Bernhart Harry Barth Harry Bitzer Charles Barth Harvey Bernhart Daniel B. Keehn Peter B. Keehn John B. Keehn Emily D. W. Kline William O. Leinbach Percival Leinbach George A. Levan Henry S. Lutz Philip Louman James Longacre John T. Miller Irvin Manwiller J. H. Mohn David Nein Jonathan Nein Elmer E. Palm Adam Palm Daniel Q. Reider Samuel Steiger Charles R. Seyfert Mrs. Solomon Stoner Adam Schlegel Charles Schlegel Amos Schlegel Mrs. Ellen Trout James Texter John Zechman Joseph Zuber Te7tants Charles M. Kline Frank E. Kauffman Edward Kiebach Harry Kemp Harvey Keehn John Lindemuth Levi Lessig Reuben Moyer Charles Miller James J. Madeira Samuel Nein Milford Nein Daniel R. Quinter Charles B. Prutzman Francis B. Palm Charles H. Ruppert George W. Russel John Rudy Benjamin E. Rake Mrs. Sarah S. Reider Ira J. J. Reber John J. Scarlet John Sutters Alvah O. Schaefifer Boyd W. Von Neida G. W. Wagner Thomas Weidner Edward Yergey Charles Youse Single Men Frank Clark Jacob B. Esterly Harry S. Esterly George S. Esterlv James Finerfrock First Officials. — The first officials were elect- ed in February, 1903, and their names were as follows : Chief Burgess, George C. Hartline Town Council, John Clark, (3 years) D. D. Nein (3 years) Dr. M. L. Bertolette (3 years) W. O. Leinbach (2 years) G. A. Levan (2 years) David D. Dundore (1 year) J. D. Brady (1 year) Auditor, I. N. Manwiller Tax Collector, John R. Folk School Director, E. W. Hinnershitz (3 years) Elmer E. Palm (3 years) John G. Esterly (2 years) George C. Hartline (2 years) Samuel Reifsnyder (1 year) David D. Dundore (1 year) Judge of Election, Milford Nein Inspectors, Samuel Nein, Sr. Peter B. Keehn In 1906, H. S. Hinnershitz was elected as the sec- ond chief burgess for a term of three years. BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, George L. Dengler Town Council, Irvin N. Manwiller George Hartman Henry Barth Henry Esterly Ira Reber William Albright William Leinbach Town Clerk, George C. Hartline- School D'irectors, H. S. Beiteman, President George C. Hartline, Secretary John Keehn Mason A. Bright Edward G. Christian Albert R. Schlegel Auditors, Joseph B. Gauter W. Hinnershitz R. Tomlinsen Assessor, John Leedom Tax Collector, John Folk Justice of the Peace, George C. Hartline Constable, Harry Neff Industries Carriage Factory. — The first industry at this place was the carriage factory of Joseph Albright. He had been engaged in carriage-making at Kutz- town and Pottsville for some years and removed to Dengler's about 1867, where he continued in the business until 1886, when his sons William and Daniel succeeded him. After being together for a year, William retired and he then worked at different places as a journeyman coach-maker for several years, when he returned to Dengler's. His father dying then, William became the owner of the property, and he has since carried on the busi- 268 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ness, manufacturing carriages and light business wagons and making a specialty of rubber tiring. When he took the old place, his brother Daniel established a carriage factory on the opposite side of the street, and he too has been engaged in the business until the present time. Organ Factory. — Samuel Bohler was engaged in manufacturing pipe-organs at Reading from 1850 to 1890. Elmer Palm learned organ-building under Bohler and continued with him until his death when he established a factory at Dengler's, and here he has been engaged in the business un- til the present time, manufacturing organs accord- ing to orders Teceived, for private dwellings and for churches. His trade is confined almost en- tirely to Pennsylvania. He employs from six to ten hands. Paper Bag Factory. — Wellington Hinnershitz started the manufacture of paper flour-sacks at Mt. Penn in 1904 and has continued until the present time. Nein Coal Yard.— In 1887, Augustus H. Went- zel and D. D. Nein established a large coal yard and a flour, feed and grain business. After con- ducting them for two years Wentzel retired and Mr. Nein's brother Joseph D. took his place. Since then the business has been carried on by them in a successful manner under the name of Nein Brothers. General Store. — Irvin N. Manwiller established a general store at the place in 1893 and has con- tinued in business there until the present time. Building Contractor. — Charles Schlegel located here in 1903, in the business of ejecting houses, and has been successfully engaged until now, em- ploying upward of thirty hands. Churches. — In 1885, the Trinity Lutheran Con- gregation of Reading erected a one-story frame chapel at Dengler's, which was called "Faith,'' and church and Sunday-school services have been conducted in it until now. In 1897, many adherents of the Reformed de- nomination (about thirty in number), who resid- ed at and near Dengler's, organized a congrega- tion and erected a fine one-story brick church; and since then they have held regular services. School. — The school board of Lower Alsace township erected a fine, two-story brick school building at Dengler's in 1898, and when the bor- ough was established in 1903 it became the prop- erty of the borough. In 1906 an addition was made to the building. It has three graded schools and 130 scholars. Stony Creek is a flourishing village which ad- joins Mount Penn on the east. It took its name from the Stony Creek Mills, which were estab- lished there in 1864. In April, 1909, it contained fifty single houses and fifteen double houses, three stores, wheelwright shop, blacksmith shop, cider- mill, grist-mill, broom factory, barber shop, and the Kraemer Woolen Mills ; also a superior two- story brick school building (erected in 1905), hotel, bowling-alley, and a hose company for pro- tection against fire. A beautiful stone chapel has been maintained since 1900 for Sunday-school pur- poses. The place is suppHed with water by the Mt. Penn Suburban Water Company, the pipe having been laid in 1908. It is the eastern termi- nus of the East Reading street railway, situated a short distance from Carsonia Park. Many years ago, the Burkhart Forge was carried on along the creek near-by; and afterward, the Feger Paper Mill. The Antietam Lake, of the Reading Water- works, whose capacity exceeds 100,000;000 gal- lons, is situated half a mile to the north. The growth and improvement of the place are attribut- able to the influence of the woolen mills. The estimated population is 400. WOMELSDORF The borough of Womelsdorf is situated in the western section of the county, about a mile from the line of Lebanon county. The town was laid out by John Womelsdorf in 1763 and from him it takes its name. In that year the first house was erected by Jacob Seltzer; which afterwaid came to be oc- cupied as a tavern and it has continued as such until the present time. It is the oldest tavern in the county. Whilst President Washington was on his way through Berks county to Carlisle, in 1794, he stayed over night at this tavern. The town-plan comprised seventy-five lots. The place was then called Middletown, because it was situated midway between Reading and Lebanon, and it was known by this name for upward of fifty years. The following list comprises the taxable inhabi- tants in 1790: Wm. Bergenhoff Christian Bricken Imhoff Benedict John Bonawitz George Bodle Jacob Egle John Fleisher John German Daniel Graeff Henry Hersh John Henry- Christian Miller Elizabeth Newman Jacob Pleini George Rapp John Rose George Seidle Conrad Stouch John Smith Jacob Seltzer Weyrich Seltzer Maria Sherman Nichola Saladin Andrew Saladin Michael Wolford Incorporation. — The town was incorporated in- to a borough in 1833, by an Act of Assembly, and the taxables assessed that year were as follows: Adam Anspach Geo. Brownwell (of John) George Anspach Daniel Claus William Arnold Est. Conrad Claus John Arnold Hannah Clark Jacob Arnold Est. George Conrad Abraham Arnold Henry Cornwell George Brownwell Thomas Cox Lot Benson Elizabeth Deppen Benjamin Bressler Emanuel Deininger Joseph D. Biles Isaac Deppen Magdalena Brownwell Daniel Diehl John Bennethum Samuel Dechert David Bennethum Elizabeth Dreon (Tryon) Michael Bennethum Peter Eckert James Bryan John Ermcntrout BOROUGHS 269 Samuel Ermen'trout Mrs. George Ege (widow) Abraham Fisher - George Fry Henry Fidler Adam Fidler William Gries, M. D. Abraham Guldin John Goodman John German Benjamin German Mary German William Hendel John Haak William Hoff Catharine HefBy Widow Hirsh John Horn Thomas Horn Frederick Herman Jacob Ilger Conrad lauch Leonard lUick George Keiser Adam Kalbach Henry Kendall Adam Kantner Valentine Kantner Esther Krist Peter Lousdorf Jonathan Leas Peter Leininger William Laucks Phillip Lippel Daniel Leininger John Levengood Peter Levengood Jacob Lesher Henry Moyer Valentine Miller George Miller, Jr. Jacob Miller Jacob Moyer (Inkpr) George Martin Jacob McCally Francis Moore John Mountz Jonathan Mover John Moyer Michael Nunemacher Elizabeth Oswalt Samuel Petry William Petry Michael Petry Samuel Parson William Poff Single John Aulenbach Daniel Brady William Fisher Daniel Fidler John Fidler Henry Kendall Adam Kantner Adam Kantner (of Val.) Reuben Long Michael Nunemacher Isaac Petree Officials. — The following persons have filled the positions of chief burgess, town clerk and jus- tice of the peace from the incorporation of the bor- ough until now. CHIEF BURGESSES Lewis Richards 1833 George Parson William Price Lewis Richard Joseph Reutter Samuel Reifsnyder John Rees George Redman Casper Reed Henry Reed John Reber Frederick Shulze Conrad Stouch William, Seivert Michael Seltzer Peter Stahl Catharine Seltzer John Sallade Christian Seiverd Philip Swalm John Smith, Jr. Walker Steven Daniel Smith George Sallade Andrew Stouch Isaac Stouch John Simon Daniel Snyder John Smith, Sr. Jacob Sallade George Seltzer Leonard Seltzer George Sea Samuel Shulze John Schoener Peter Sholl Henry Shaner John Swalm John Sell John Smith, Est. William Sallade John Schoener Solomon Sea John B. Smith Jacob Shartel George Von Neida John Von Neida Est. John Vanderslice, Esq. Peter Womelsdorf Godfrey Wiegerunan William Witmyer Solomon Weiser George Wiegenman Daniel Womelsdorf Adam Weber John Yost Freemen John Price Isaac Reber Samuel Stahl Benjamin Seltzer Samuel Seltzer Hamilton Stouch Henry Vanderslice William Vanderslice Aaron Weiser Jabetz W'eiser John Vanderslice 1834-38 Peter Womelsdorf 1839-43 Henry Kendall ' • 1844-45 George Von Neida 1846 John Miller • • . . 1847-50 James Moore 1851-52 ; 1874 William Bennethum 1853 Joseph Smith 1854 Henry Brinkley 1855 ; 1860 J. A. Claus. 1856 William Anderson 1857 Martin Manderbach 1858-59 Henry H. Manderbach 1861 John G. Keiser 1862 William Smith 1863 E. Penn Smith 1864-65; 1869 William G. Moore 1866 ; 1868 Isaac Y. Kintzer 1867 B. Frank Shortell 1870-71 ; 1879 John A. Matthew 1872 Charles B. Fisher 1873 Michael Kolbach 1875 Jacob A. Wolf 1876 Samuel Mowry 1877 George K. Valentine 1878 Franklin S. Haak 1880-81; 1886-87 Frederick A. Fidler 1882 Simon P. Moyer 1883 Samuel Kurtz 1884 John F. Petree 1885 John W. Petree, Jr 1888-89 Henry Eberly 1890 Thomas L. Reed 1891-94 John M. Smith 1894-97 C. Lewis Kintzer 1897-1900 Franklin Kreitzer 1900 Daniel Bobb 1901-03 Charles J. Good 1903-06 Harry D. Noll ' 1906-09 Dr. Horace F. Livingood 1909-12 TOWN CLERKS Francis Wessels 1834-43 David Steach 1844-65 Franklin Zerby 1866 Wm. M. Sallade 1867-69 ; 1872 Isaac Y. Kintzer 1870-71 ; 1873-86 ;• 1888-89 John M. Smith 1887 Thomas E. Haak 1890-1901 William W. Lengel 1902-10 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE William F. Duncan 1829 Frederick Foltz 1829 David Steach 1846-71 Isaac Womelsdorf 1850-76 Isaac Y. Kintzer 1871-86 James Moore 1876-81 John M. Smith 1881-89 Charles B. Kintzer 1886-96 ; 1899-1904 John H. Kintzer 1889-94 Thomas E. Haak 1894-99 ; 1909-14 John J. Sallade 1896-1911 Jacob H. Mays . . : 1904-09 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Dr. Horace F. Livingood Town Council, Samuel H. Illig, President Howard M. Hafer Stephen Kintzer Wilson Dundore Jefferson T. Good I. C. Christman Samuel Hoffa W. W. Lengel, Clerk Assessor, Adam Lengel Collector, George Bright 270 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Justices of the Peace, John J. Sallade Thomas E. Haak Constable, Jacob Kintzer School Board, Charles P. Kreitzer Calvin Christman, Secretary Rev. Edwin Leinbach, Treasurer John I. Filler Thomas Wilhelm William Moore Post-Office. — A post-office wa« established here in 1807. The postmaster since 1897 has been Wal- lace W. Oberly. Previous postmasters were Charles Petree, Cyrus Oberly, George Miller, Isaac Miller and William W. Petree. Industry. — ^Besides the usual vocations incident to a country town, some of the inhabitants were en- gaged in the making of wool hats from the begin- ning of the place for nearly an hundred years. A tannery was operated for a longer time, and a gun factory was a successful enterprise for many years. The product was shipped by teams to Reading and Philadelphia. About the time of the opening of the Lebanon A^alley railroad in 1857, the manufacture of these articles was gradually discontinued and the extensive manufacture of cigars was begun, though these had also been made here and in the vicinity for a while in limited quantities. Unfortunately for the borough, the route of the railroad was selected a mile to the south because of an alleged indifference of certain capitalists at Womelsdorf to encourage the enterprise by subscribing for the stock; hence industrial shops were not developed from that time for about forty years. The articles now produced which are worthy of special mention are cigars, ci- gar-boxes and hosiery. Cigars. — !A. S. Valentine began the manufacture of cigars in a modest way in 1852, and within thirty years he had become one of the largest manufac- turers in the county with trading relations extend- ing throughout the Middle and Western States. He died in 1899. His son, George, succeeded him ; and he has kept up the business in a very success- ful manner until the present time. He also operates a large plant at Philadelphia. In 1900, a grandson, Roy Valentine, became associated in the business with his father, retaining the old name of A. S. Valentine & Son ; hands employed, from 125 to 150. Henry F. Fidler started in 1880 and continued until 1903, when he retired from the business, then transferring it to his sons, Plarry I. and Edgar G., and his nephew, John I., who have been trading since under the name of H. F. Fidler & Co. They employ 75 hands and manufacture annually three million cigars. In 1891 Henry D. Hackman began making cigars in limited quantities. In 1906 he employed from 40 to 50 hands and produced over 1,500,000 cigars, all hand-made, Havana filled; which were disposed of at retail in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. His several bra-nds are very popular. Other manufacturers who have started business more recently are George Moyer, Christman Broth- ers, E. A. Schenk, Claude Taylor, and Charles M. Petree. Cigar-boxes. — In 1890, M. S. Weidman started a cigar-box factory with 4 hands and produced 500 boxes weekly. In 1892, S. P. Moyer became a part- ner and he continued in the firm until 1905, when Mr. Weidman's brother took his place and they have since been trading as Weidman Brothers. In 1906 they employed 30 hands and produced weekly 10,- 000 boxes. In 1905, they estabHshed an additional factory at Sinking Spring, with 15 hands, and a weekly capacity of 5,000 boxes. Hosiery. — In 1900 Darius H. Hiester and John D. Horst began the manufacture of hosiery. In 1906, they employed 25 hands and produced daily 115 dozen, which they shipped directly from^ the factory to all parts of the country upon orders received through their office in New York City. In 1907, Wilson Dundore and William Dundore became the owners and have since carried on the business under the name of Dundore & Dundore. J. J. J. Moyer carried on this business for up- ward of twenty years until his death, in March, 1909, when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Howard V. Fitler. Creamery. — Frank N. Moyer, of New Berlin- ville, established a creamery in the eastern part of Womelsdorf about 1890, and it has been carried on since by different owners ; since 1902 by Wilson Degler. Three hands are employed. General Business. — In April, 1909, the following business places were carried on at Womelsdorf : General stores 4 Blacksmith shops 3 Hardware store 1 Printing office 1 Flour and feed store 1 Ice houses 2 Leather store 1 Hotels 4 Agricultural implement Restaurant 1 store 1 Printing office 1 Liquor stores 3 Barber shops 3 Wheelwright shops 3 Bank. — In 1903, a bank was established in the place with a capital of $50,000, under the name of Womelsdorf Union Bank (State). The presi- dent from the start has been John M. Schonour. A superior and attractive building was erected as the place for the transaction of its business, in- cluding a fire-proof and burglar-proof vault. In November, 1908, the resources were $405,985 ; the deposits, $316,598; the surplus, $35,159. Public Enterprises Turnpike. — The first public enterprise here was the construction of the Berks and Dauphin turn- pike through the town in 1817; and this has been maintained until now. Canal. — The next was the extension of the Un- ion canal along the Tulpehodcen creek about a mile north of the town in 182S; and this was carried on successftilly for forty years, when its traffic be- gan to decline on account of the Lebanon Valley railroad, which was constructed in 1857 through Heidelberg township a mile south of the town. Trolley _ Line. — A trolley line of street railway was supplied in 1894, having been constructed along the turnpike from Reading. Upon its completion BOROUGHS 271 the passenger traffic was almost wholly transferred to it from the railroad on account of the inconven- ience in reaching the railroad station. A car-barn was established at the western end of the bor- ough. Water Supply. — ^A water company was organized and incorporated in 1895. The water was at first secured from the Manderbach spring, near the Orphans' Home, and pumped into a reservoir in the northern section of the town near the Union church. This supply was used several years, then a larger reservoir was established in the "gorge" of the South Mountain, east of Newmanstown ; whence the town has since been supplied by grav- ity with flowing water taken from springs and runs on the mountain. Peter D. Wanner was president of the company until 1900, and he was succeeded by Martin D. Filbert. This company began to supply the residents of Robesonia with water in 1904, and of Sheridan in 1908, mains having been extended to these plac- es. On account of the elevation of the reservoir, the pressure is very strong. Town-Hall. — In 1897 the borough erected a two- story brick town hall on the square, costing $6,- 500. It was established mostly to accommodate the Volunteer Fire Company with a convenient building for its fire apparatus. Fire Company. — A fire company was incorpor- ated in 1897 and supplied with hose carriage, hook and ladder truck, and chemical engine. It has up- ward of fifty members. H. H. Hafer has since been the chief of the fire department. It is sup- ported by voluntary contribution. Electric Plant. — The borough established a su- perior electric plant in 1907 at an expense of $30,000. It has been. located on the old and his- toric Charming Forge property which is situated along the Tulpehocken creek, three miles north- east of the borough. It supplies the light for the streets, hotels, and many of the stores and dwellings. Its management by the town council is highly praiseworthy. Churches. — In 1793, members of the Lutheran and Reformed denominations united in erecting a stone church in the town. It was improved in 1805 by means of a lottery authorized by an Act of the Legislature; and it was rebuilt in 1867. It is still maintained as a union church, with a large regular attendance. In 1834, members of the Presbyterian denomin- ation established a church in the town, and the congregation was maintained for twenty years. About the same time, certain Universalists erect- ed a small church and encouraged services for a number of years, but the society was disbanded and the building was sold to the school board for educational purposes. Some years before, adherents of the Evangelical denomination had effected an organization and erected a meeting-house. They conducted their meetings in a successful manner until 1867, when they erected a more pretentious church and in this they have carried on services until the present time. A Young Men's Christian Association was or- ganized in May, 1907, and since then has held its meetings in the old Presbyterian Church building and been managed in a successful manner with an increasing membership. Henry D. Hackman has been its president and most active and influential member. Cemeteries. — In 1858, an association was formed for establishing a Union cemetery, a tract of three acres of land having been purchased, adjoining the Union church, and laid off in burial lots. In 1883, a tract of three acres was purchased by the Zion's Reformed church and laid off into lots for burial purposes. Several costly monu- ments have been erected, including those to David Laucks and Dr. James C. Livingood. The re- mains of Hon. George Ege (a prominent iron man- ufacturer and county official for many years) were buried in this cemetery, and his grave is marked by a marble shaft. Schools. — Education was encouraged from the beginning of the town. The first teacher was Bar- on Stiegel, the earliest manufacturer of iron in the western section of the county, he having di- rected his attention to teaching after his failure in business. Walker Stephen was the most promi- nent teacher and the longest in continuous service, having taught the children of the town for over sixty years, from 1800. Higher education was encour- aged as early as 1828 by establishing an academy in the town. The institution became incorporated in 1834, and it was conducted successfully for thir- ty years. In 1880, the borough erected a superior two-story brick high school on the site of the academy, at a cost of $4,500. In 1906 there were six graded schools in the place, with over two hundred schol- ars. Band of Music — In 1906, Calvin Reinhold or- ganized a band of music which was called the Min- nehaha Cornet Band and he has since been the leader, with upward of twenty members whom he has instructed. Washington's Visit. — In 1794, President Wash- ington, while on his way to Carlisle, in reference to the Whiskey Insurrection, stayed over night at Womelsdorf, and the extraordinary occasion was celebrated in a proper manner by the inhabitants. In the proceedings, Capt. Samuel Dewees took a prominent part on account of his personal acquain- tance with the President, which he had made dur- ing his services in the Revolution. In a published biography of Captain Dewees (1844) this event and his connection with it are mentioned quite extensively. BERNVILLE Bernville was laid out as a town in 1819 by Thomas Umbenhauer, on land which he owned. 272 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA It was situated in Bern township on a public road from Reading, by way of the Bern Church, to the Blue Mountains. The projection of the Union can- al near by, along the Tulpehocken creek, led to the selection of this locality as a convenient place for a town. It was named in 1820 after one of the principal towns of Switzerland, the native place of the founder's father. In 1828, the canal was opened for traffic, and it was operated successfully for thirty years until the establishment of the Lebanon Valley railroad, and then its business began to decline rapidly. During this time, Bernville was a great shipping point and business of all kinds was in a flourishing condi- tion ; but the final abandonment of the canal caused a great change to take place, ending in deprecia- tion of property and values, and the discontinu- ance of various successful enterprises. The nearest railroad station is Robesonia, on the Lebanon Valley railroad, seven miles to the south. A branch of the South Mountain railroad -was projected from Strausstown to Reading by way of Bernville, and it was partly constructed along the North-kill through the western section of the borough, but it was not finished. Many per- sons of this vicinity responded liberally in sub- scriptions and credits, which became a total loss to them. The projected roadway is still visible. Purchasers of First Lots. — The following per- sons purchased lots of the town which were sold on March 7, 1820: Philip Filbert Nicholas Haas John Umbenhauer Samuel Filbert Matthias Stoudt John Heck, Jr. ' Henry Waters John Miesse Peter Filbert Jacob Wagner Philip A. Good John Wagner Samuel Umbenbauer Daniel Strause Catharine Stoudt John Aulenbach, Jr. Joseph Seybert John Heck, Sr. Samuel Seybert Occupants of First Dwelling-houses. — The first houses were occupied by : Henry Witman tinsmith William Runkle merchant Abraham Reber merchant Andrew Greth blacksmith John Haag wheelwright Joseph Burkhart chair-maker Jacob Allenbach hatter Rev. Bover minister Peter Bennethum tanner Michael Parst paper-box maker Benj. L. Kerschner , . .coach-maker Jacob Wagner butcher Joseph Kauffman hatter Catharine Stoudt cake-baker Lewis Porr tailor John Umbenhauer weaver William Umbenhauer tavern-keeper Daniel Klopp tavern-keeper John Daniel tinsmith Incorporation. — The town was advanced in- to a borough in 1851. The taxables at that time were as follows: Abraham Andrews Samuel W. Miller Tohn Boyer John Miller Henry Byerle Jonathan Miller Daniel Bentz Dr. A. A. McDonough Enoch Burkhart Rev. George Minnig Adam Bohn Est. Samuel Madden Maria Brossman Catharine Mohn Rebecca Brossman Ludwig Porr Enoch Bricker Est. John Runkle John Burkhart Elijah Richardson Joseph B. Conrad Joseph Renno Elizabeth Conrad Runkle & Son Daniel Deppen William Runkle Samuel K. IHindore George Rick Valentine Epler Est. Jacob Strouse Edward B. Filbert Catharine Stoudt Daniel R. Faust Benjamin Seyfert Solomon Faust William Sheidy William Greim Rev. John C. Smith John Heck Adam Snyder William Huber Daniel Umbenhower Jonas Hetrich Thomas Umbenhower Est. John Haag John Umbenhower Samuel Hicks Henry Witman Joseph Hertzler John Wenrich Henry Kleim John Yeager William Kalbach Rev. Jacob Zehring Benjamin Kershner Lenhart Zerbe Abraham Koenig Tenants Jacob Adam Jacob Riegel John Daniel John Rick Lewis Fair Jacob Rieser John Greiner J°hn Resh Andrew Heilman J?^" ^"dy Benjamin Himmelberger p ^".''y .^'|"^^ , John Harbach ^r^hT ^"'''" iir I,- i Tj • Jacob Werner Washmgton Hem ^adock Weber ^Y TjJ'^^ J°^«Ph Wolfinger John Heffelfinger John Witman fe^n-^'"^?*, John Walter William Noll Joshua Yeager Single Men Adam Bohn Jonathan Snyder Alfred Kershner Matthias Trompater Jonathan Spengler Jacob Werner In 1906, the taxables numbered 134; and then the taxable property was assessed at $123,690. Officials. — The following lists comprise the names of the chief burgesses, town clerks and justices of the peace from 1851 to 1909 : CHIEF BURGESSES E. B. Filbert -^gj^ A. R. Koenig ] ^^gjg William Runkle -j^ggg Henry Witman 1354 Abraham Andrews j^gjg Joseph B. Conrad ■.'.'.'.■.■.'.■.■. ISog';' 1872';' 1887-88 ti. iiarner ^f..„ Adam Stoudt "" Paul Wenrich ]lll Levi M. Gerhard i860 61 D-D- Deppen 1862V I868 ; ' 1889-90 John F. Burkhart irr^ • issr A. M. Bright ^^^^' ]lll David R. Koenig. . .■ ]lll Adam M. Dundore isfifii'is?? Jefferson Haag :; ^^"^ ■ HH Abraham Witman ,111 F. M. Harbaugh [W;; ]^J,l Ephraim Witman ,„° Jacob S. Werner HH BOROUGHS 273 Charles F. Rentchler 1875 John A. Hiester 1876 Lewis P. Kerschner 1877 ; 1899 Levi Ludwig 1878-80 ; 1900-03 Levi Berger 1881 John S. Wenrich 1883-85 Edwin Umbenhauer 1891-93 Jonathan B. Miller 1894-96 Levi S. Bright 1897-98 Levi D. Kalbach 1903-06 Ephraim Miller ; 1906-09 Charles M. Richardson 1909-12 TOWN CLERKS A. R. Koenig 1851 John S. Rick 1852-54 Harrison Harner 1855-56 ; 1858-63 Wm. H. Kintzle 1857 C. W. Hetrich 1864; 1866; 1868-70; 1874-76; 1881-96 Peter Sands 1865 L. W. Rentchler 1867 John H. Riegel 1871-73 H. S. Machemer 1877-80 Charles M. Harbach 1897 Charles P.' Kalbach 1898-1900 H. C. Kerschner 1900-03 Geo. C. Kline 1903-08 P. F. Burkhart 1908-10 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE John H. Riegel 1869-74 Simon Riegel 1872-77 Charles W. Hetrich 1874-99 Henry S. Machemer 1877-82 Benjamin Klahr 1882-97; 1898-1913 James F. Talley 1897-98 Samuel T. Bordner 1899-1908 S. P. Wilhelm 1908 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Charles M. Richardson Town CouncU, George Moll, President S. P. Wilhelm, Treasurer John Snyder John Haag Frank Stamm Willis Bright Paul F. Burkhart, Secretary School Board, William Heffelfinger Dr. C. E. Schloppig Thomas Kalbach James Burns Joeah Sheidy Howard Dietrich Justices of the Peace, Benjamin Klahr S. P. Wilhelm Constable, John Christ Auditors, Willis Bright Alfred Rentschler J. Paul Burkhart Assessor, James Grofif Collector, Levi Ludwig Industries. — Previous to 1819, this locality was entirely a farming community. Industrial estab- lishments could not be encouraged because there were no facilities for shipping manufactured ar- ticles. The prospects of a canal stimulated en- terprise, and then different industries were start- ed, which were operated successfully for about forty years. Some were continued longer, but they too had to succumb. Tanning was intro- duced in 1830, and was actively carried on for six- ty years, but it finally passed away in 1900. Sev- eral foundries were operated for a number of years. The last was removed in 1906, having been taken to Topton. Creamery Business. — (Charles M. Richardson (the burgess of Bernville) has been very success- fully engaged in conducting creameries in differ- ent parts of Berks county for a number of years, having directed their affairs from Bernville as a central office under two firms with which he is connected, Ahrens & Richardson and Richardson Brothers, the former controlling eight creameries and the latter six. Those in the county are' situated at Bernville, Strausstown, Mount Pleasant, Wer- nersville, Berne, Mertztown, Longswamp, Maxa- tawny, Topton, Schofer, Kutztown, Bowers, Ly- ons and Dryville. He is also connected with the Harford ' Dairy Company, at Harford, Pa., which controls eight creameries. A creamery was erected by Jonathan B. Miller at Bernville in 1889 and operated by different par- ties. It has been carried on successfully since 1891 by Ahrens & Richardson. Electric Light Plant. — ^An electric light plant was established by Harrison Kalbach of Lebanon in 1904 for supplying the borough with an improved light. It is managed by Dr. Charles P. Kalbach. The lights supplied number 300. Bakeries. — Two bakeries have been established, one by J. B, Miller in 1894, carried on by Harry Sheetz; and the other in 1896 by J. D. Reeser, who after operating it ten years was succeeded by his brother Charles C. Reeser, who has carried it on since 1906 with increasing success. Recently two additional industries were started: a shirt factory by Hoffman Brothers, and a hosiery mill by High & Son. Stores. — Several stores in the place have been continued in a successful manner until now, not- withstanding adverse circumstances. The Miller store was started in 1847 by Samuel W. Miller. His son Jonathan B. succeeded him in 1878, after being a partner for fourteen years. It was then much enlarged and improved by the son and came to be recognized as one of the largest and best stocked country stores in Pennsylvania. James F. Talley became the purchaser in 1903 and he has carried it on since. Albert F. Schock began the store business here in 1872. He established a , larger stand on the opposite corner in 1884, with a costly stock, and continued until a few years before his death, in 1908. John F. Burkhart began the stove and tinsmith business in 1848, and he and his sons have kept it up successfully until now. Their trade extends throughout the surrounding townships. There are three practicing physicians in the bor- ough; thyee hotels; a drug store; and a saddlery^ Physicians. — A num'ber of medical practition- ■ers lived at Bernville who were very successful and won the respect and confidence of the sur- 1 374 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA out Aug. 8, 1862, by reason of an Act of Congress which was passed to dispense with regimental bands. rounding community for many miles: Dr. George Ham H. Keim. The grand review of all the com- Beyerle, Dr. Enoch Bricker, Dr. Daniel Deppen, panies in dress parade was witnessed by Gov. David Dr. A. A. McDonough, Dr. Philip R. Palm, Dr. R- Porter. Many persons were m attendance. The George W. Ditzler, Dr. Wellington G^ B eyerie ^ jr^Tr^rc" rmH.-The Bernville Dr. Danus D. Deppen, and Dr. John A. Brobst. ^omet Band with Henry Grime as leader and thir- National Bank.— a national bank was organ- ^^^^ musicians, was enlisted in the Civil war for ized at Bernville in October, 1907, with a capital j-^g^rly a year.' It was mustered into the service of $25,000, with James F. Talley as president 5gpt_ 26, 1861, with the 26th Regiment, Pennsyl- and Augustus M. Brown as cashier. In Novem- yania Volunteers, as the regimental band, and con- ber, 1908, the total resources were $122,462; in- tinued with the regiment until it was mustered dividual deposits, $57,590; time deposits, $20,607; ' ■ - - loans and discounts, $77,585. Stage Lines. — iTwo daily stage lines maintain business intercourse with other places : From Read- ing by way of Bernville to Millersburg; and from Robesonia to Bernville (twice daily). Two rural free deliveries have been established from Bernville. Churches. — The first church was established here by the Lutherans in 1745, and worship was continued by them alone until 1834, when the Reformed members were permitted to unite with them. The union character of the church was maintained until 1897, when they separated. The Lutherans erected a superior church at a cost of $16,000 ; and the Reformed, with the co-operation of the New School Lutheratis, also erected a sim- ilar church, in the same vicinity, on the opposite side of the public highway, at a cost of $18,000. The Evangelical Association also established a church here in 1852 and the limited membership was active for a number of years. Schools. — Education received early encourage- ment. In 1878, a large two-story brick building was erected to take the place of two small build- ings, and this is still used. Three schools are graded, with over seventy scholars. Secret Societies. — The first secret society es- tablished at Bernville was a lodge of Odd Fel- lows, No. 122, instituted Sept. 6, 1845, and the members have maintained the organization un- til the present time, the membership being 65. This was one of the first lodges of the order established in Berks county. They dedicated a hall in 1851. The assets of this body are $4,000. Another society here which has been quite suc- cessful and whose members have exerted consid- erable social and political influence in the communi- ty is Camp No. 113, Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica, which was instituted in 1869, with 12 charter members. On Dec. 31, 1908, the members num- bered 208, and the total assets of the camp were reported as $10,270. Military Encampment. — A large military en- campment was held at Bernville on Aug. 27, 1841, comprising seventeen companies of militia, almost entirely from Berks county. Several companies were from Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. At that time, Berks county had altogether twenty- three companies, indicating that the majority of the local companies were present upon that occasion. The principal officer in command was Gen. Wil- BIRDSBORO Birdsboro is a flourishing borough in the county through the influence, encouragement and great success of the Brooke iron works. William Bird established at this place one of the first iron in- dustries in the State. This was in 1740. It was a forge. He erected additional forges here; also a grist-mill and saw-mill. He took up several thou- sand acres of land in the vicinity south of the Schuylkill, stretching along Hay creek. Upon his decease, in 1762, he was succeeded by his son, Mark. Within twenty years, the son became one of the largest producers of iron in the country at that time. He' was particularly prominent in the Revolution. The development of the Bird industries caused the formation of a considerable settlement on both sides of the creek near its outlet into the river, and it naturally took the name of Birdsboro. At the time of the erection of the county in 1752, besides the township names for local districts, there were only two named towns, Reading and Birds- boro. After 1762, this town became more prom- inently known through the industrial energy of Mark Bird, and it has continued to be the most prominent center in the county next to Reading in respect to population and wealth from that time until now. The Brooke family came to be identified with the place before 1800, and its greatest development is owing to the enterprise of Edward Brooke" and George Brooke (sons of Matthew Brooke), be- tween 1837 and 1878, when the former died. Since 1878, George Brooke has been at the head of the works and, as a matter of course, of the entire community. Incorporation. — The town was incorporated as a borough in November, 1872, the limits includ- ing territory one mile square, with the northerly line along the Schuylkill river. It embraces sec- tions which are known locally as Lincoln-town, Brooklyn, Texas, and Mexico. The streets were regularly surveyed and graded in- 1883. A wat- er department was then established, the water be- ing supplied by the Brooke Iron Company from a large reservoir containing 37,000,000 gallons, constructed on Indian run two miles south of Birdsboro. In 1900 the Birdsboro \\''ater Com- BOROUGHS 275 pany was incorporated by the Brookes, which pur- chased the plant for the purpose of supplying the growing town with water. In 1906 the company enlarged the main pipe to sixteen inches. The small mains were also enlarged, thereby increas- ing the daily supply and improving the service to meet the demands of the community. In 1885 the streets were first lighted by naph- tha gas lamps; and in 1896 by electric lights, the plant being run by water power from the canal. A fire company was organized in 1883. A build- ing for the apparatus was supplied by the bor- ough in 1884, and enlarged in 1905. The upper story is occupied as a town hall. Two wards (East and West) were erected in 1889. In 1906, the taxables numbered 969; the total assessed property amounted to $1,233,264; and the money at interest, $472,534. The buildings numbered 450 ; East ward, 280, and West ward, 170. First Taxables. — The following list embraces the first taxable inhabitants of the borough : Enoch Alderman James Brusstar Dr. B. F. Bunn George Brinly Jeremiah Beard John R. Bechtel Edward Brooke George Brooke Zacharias Bishop Augustus Britton Henry Biedencup Richard Bull Reuben Beidler Samuel Bland Lewis R. Bland Daniel Bower John Bechtel James Bradley John Britton Effenger Dengler William DeWitt Ferdinand Egelman Henry A. Esterly Reese Evans Benjamin Grubb Samuel Goheen Charles Glass Jacob Geiger Joseph Hale Michael Hoffman Jacob R. Hunter Henry Houck Elisha B. Houck Hannah Huyett G. W. Harrison Dr. Isaac B. Hallman Caleb Harrison Jacob E. Hook Susan Hale Adam Hoyer Robert Arnold Daniel Aldenderfer Ammon Albright Henry Albright Albert Borden William Hart John E. Hook Levi E. Hook Henry E. Hook Henry M. Houck George W. Hains William Hayflicker Anna Kline John Keinard Joseph R. Kerst George W. Knabb James Liggett David J. Lincoln Michael Lacy Ellen Luft Peter Moll Raymond Mohr Daniel R. Miller John T. Miller Enos Morris James Price Cyrus Painter Edward Parlaman Isaac L. Pauling Andrew Painter John Rork Cyrus Rhoads Samuel Rhoads Augustus Redcay Moses Stubblebine Hannah Steinmetz Elijah Shirey Augustus Schlichter Daniel Spencer David Vanneman George Wert Elizabeth Wood George Yocum Henry Yeager John Yeager Tenants Reuben Breidegam John Bailey John H. Brinley Jeremiah Babb Williaih Bortz Andrew Bivens Joseph Bigley John Boyer John Brown William Bishop Thomas Conner Edward Conner Jacob Cramp Charles Coughlen Uriah Carson Peter Detemple William Davis James Doaty Jeremiah Dieter John Deeds John Davis James Davis William Davis, Jr. Henry Davis Tames Daub David Dieffenderfer Aaron Ellis Lacy Epstein Joseph H. Fisher David Focht John Fillman Samuel Fair Isaac Fair Peter Frymoyer William Fosnacht Jacob Fry John Geary George Grubb Samuel Goheen John Goheen Frederick Garrick William Haggins Rudolph Hayflirker William Harbeson Thomas Hesser Owen Hamilton John Hoffman, Sr. John Hoffman, Jr. Charles Hoyer James Henry Henry Henry Daniel Hoyer Amos Harner Henry Haws William D. Homan James Homan Charles Hoffman Levi Hartman Isaac Hahn Charles Hoyer Joseph M. Hale Henry Hoffman William Ives John Incheliff George Irey David Johnson Perry Jones Samuel Kachel Henry Kline David Kline Samuel Kring John Kutz Charles Lacy Edward F. Alderman James Biedencup Samuel Bland Edward Bland Charles Bland Henry Bechtel John Lacy Jacob Lichty Henry Lichty Joel Moore Benjamin McCord Edward Mohr David McCord Joseph McKim William Morris Adam McMullen James H. Minker Isaac Minker Augustus Minker Levi Mover John Mock John Mills Caleb W. Mann William March John Nichols William Nagel George Painter Lewis Phillips Henry Quimby Colbert Reamstein David Rhoads B. F. Rorke Franklin Reed Caleb R. Rhoads Augustus Redge Benjamin Roberts George Rotz Robert Rhoads John Rhoads Peter Rorke Henry Reimert George Siegfried William Seidel Daniel Spencer Jacob Steinmetz Aaron 'Sloyer James Schule Henderson Sample William Stanley John Siegfried Edward Siegfried William Siegfried George ichirey Ezra Smith Isaac Steinruck Samuel Shealer J. S. Scheffey Samuel Troop James Tolbert William Thompson Charles Vanderslice Hugh Vaneman Owen WoJff David Watts Daniel Witman John White Jonathan Woomer Oliver C. Wilson Benjamin Weidner George Wert Francis M. Weaver A. B. Young John H. Yeager Peter Zeller Single Men William Britton George Britton William Dengler Lewis Delavan George Engelman Edward B. Evans 376 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Levi Focht William March Aaron Francis Amos Miller Lot B. Foreman George Mohr Samuel Green John Phillips Joseph Henderson Benjamin F. Rork Edward Hesser Enoch Rhoads Caleb Harrison, Jr. John Shiner Samuel M. Harrison ^acob Steinmetz William H. Harrison Andrew Steinmetz John Haws Albert Shirey Joseph Lacy Samuel Westley Peter Luft David Waltz George C. Mohr Thomas White Officials. — The following chief 'burgesses, town clerks and justices of the peace have officiated from the beginning of the borough to the present time : CHIEF BURGESSES George W. Hain 1873 James Ligget 1874-75 George Beard 1876 D. K. Miller 1877 George W. Hook 1878 Dr. Henry B. Brusstar 1879-80 C. B. Beard 1881-83 Cyrus Painter 1883 Michael Hoffman 1884 Abner S. East 1885-89 Jacob M Prutzman 1889-92 Isaac W. Miller ■. 1892-93 David Kline 1893-94 Julius R. Langner* 1894-97 James A. Hoffman 1897-1900 Jacob Derr 1900-03 Oliver W. Eck 1903-06 John W. Davis 1906-09 Elmer E. Squibb 1909-12 * First elected for three years u'nder Act of 1893. TOWN CLERKS Caleb K. Rhoads 1873-1903 Albert Fritz 1903-06 Howard Deam 1906-10 JUSTICES -OF THE PEACE Joseph R. Kerst 1873-88 James S. Brusstar 1873-90 Jeremiah Beard 1888-93 Jacob Prutzman 1890-1911 Oscar S. Hertzog 1893-98 Zacharias Bishop 1898-1903 Harry E. Flart* 1903 James A. Hoffman* 1903-09 John Wells, Sr 1909-14 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Elmer E. Squibb Toiun Council, Howard L. Hook, President Enos Rhoads, Treasurer Samuel C. Ward George Brooke, Jr. John W. Slipp W. Oliver Geiger Horace Fry Howard C. Deam, Clerk School Board, Robert F. Brooke, President Harry A. Beard, Secretary Jacob Shaner, Treasurer Lyman B. Umstead William K. Young Philip Brown Justices of the Peace, Jacob M. Prutzman James Hoffman * Hart resTRlied shortly after receiving his commission; Hoffman was appointed in his stead and elected in 1904. Constables, Samuel Kirby Mahlon Donner Auditors, D. Harvey Whitman Daniel Meinder George F. Bierman Assessors, John H. Beidler George W. Reeser Collector, Charles H. Miller Board of Health, Frank P. Lytle, M. D., President Frank Arters, Secretary Charles H. Miller Henry H. Davis Harry Henderson John Murray Industries. — The industries at Birdsboro are nu- merous and together make the place the most pros- perous town in the county next to Reading. The lairge and flourishing works of the E. & G. Brooke Company constitute the conspicuous industrial life of the place and its chief support. WilHam Bird established the first iron works here in 1740 and upon his decease in 1763 they passed to his son Mark, who operated them until his fail- ure in 1788. They embraced several forges, roll- ing-mill, slitting-mill, nail-mill, grist and saw-mill, and about eight thousand acres of land, which lay to the east, south and west of the works for sev- eral miles. John Nixon, Cadwallader Morris, James Old, and James Wilson then became owners. John Louis Barde (the grandfather of Edward and George Brooke) had located here in 1788 and run the .forges until 1796, when James Wilson sold them to him, including 2,200 acres of land, and upon his decease in 1799, Matthew Brooke (the father of Edward and George) became the owner. Brooke Works. — In 1837, the two sons named purchased the plant, and they and their sons have been operating it successfully until now, covering a period of more than seventy continuous years and altogether in the family for more than a hundred years. In 1846 a charcoal furnace was erected by them along the creek about a mile to the south, to take the place of the "Hampton Forge"; in 1848, an enlarged rolling mill and nail factory; in 1852, an anthracite furnace (known as No. 1 and operated until recently when it was dismantled) ; in 1870, another anthracite furnace, No. 3, and in 1873 a third, No. 3, both of which are still in active operation. No. 2 aiTords constant emplovment to 100 hands, and No. 3, to 200 hands. In 1878, Edward Brooke died, and the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company was organized, which be- came the owner of the extensive plant. The capac- ity has been gradually enlarged until the present time. Now the works produce annually 80,000 tons of pig iron, and 250,000 kegs of nails ; and furnish employment to 775 men and boys. The company own altogether 250 dwelling-houses, which are oc- cupied by its employees ; and 150 are owned by em- ployees, which evidences their industry and tbri'ft. In 1867, a foundry company was organized for manufacturing stoves and machine castings, but it was operated only several years when the Brookes purchased the large building. In 1885 the Penn- BOROUGHS 277 sylvania Diamond Drill Company removed their plant from Pottsvil-le to this building and engaged in the manufacture of diamond-drilling machinery, mining tools, and high-speed electric light engines. Owing to the increasing business a new stone build- ing was erected in 1888, and equipped with the finest machinery for manufacturing machinery for ■rolling mills, blast furnaces and steel plants; and subsequently the old building was enlarged and changed to a cast-iron foundry for producing all kinds of grey-iron castings. In 1903, the plant was destroyed by fire; but it was immediately rebuilt, with a modern equipment to produce the largest and most difficult castings. In 1903, a steel-casting branch was added. The total cost of this great industry exceeds $1,000,- 000, and over four hundred hands are afforded constant employment. The Brookes became the owners, and they operated the plant under the name of the Birdsboro Steel Foundry & Machine Com- pany. It is estimated that 150 men from Reading are employed in the different works at Birdsboro, who travel by train to and fro daily. Bird Mill. — Next to the iron works, the oldest industry in long-continued operation is the large stone grist-mill at the corner of Main and Mill streets, along Hay creek. It was first erected by William Bird about the time he started in the iron business, for the purpose of supplying flour and feed to his working-people and live stock. In 1844, the third building was put there. In 1879, this was remodeled with roller-process ma- chinery, and flour was manufactured until 1898; since then it has been used as a chopping-mill, operated by George C. Riegner. Shoe Factories. — In 1881, H. M. Willits started the manufacture of infants' shoes and has con- tinued until the present time, employing upward of sixty hands; and in 1890 Albert H. Huyett and Charles S. Rhoads, trading as Huyett & Rhoads, sta/rted in the same business and have since employed from sixty to seventy-five hands. Hosiery Mill. — William B. .Byers and son Charles have been engaged in the manufacture of hosiery since 1904, employing twenty to thirty hands. They succeeded William Cavanaugh, who had car- ried on the factory for about ten years. Creamery. — A creamery was started at Birds- boro about 1895 by Herbine & Khne and they oper- ated it until March, 1909, when they sold it to Harry Koch, who has been operating it since, with his brother Roy Koch as manager. Glove Factory. — A new enterprise for the manu- facture of canvas gloves has been recently start- ed by James Sponagle and his son. Besides the industries named the borough con- tained in April, 1909, two bakeries, two tinsmith shops, eight grocery stores, one drug store, one bottling works, and four physicians. Bank. — ^A national bank was organized and chartered in 1888 with a capital of $50,000, which has been managed very successfully. In 1901, a new and attractive building was erected for the transaction of its business. In November, 1908, the resources of the bank were $358,896, with in- dividual deposits $177,844. Edward Brooke has been the president since its organization. Railroads. — The Philadelphia & Reading rail- road was constructed along the northerly bank of the Schuylkill river opposite Birdsboro in 1838; the Wilmington & Northern, through the central section of the town and thence southward along Hay creek, in 1874; the, Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley, also through the central section, extend- ing east and west, in 1884; and a trolley line of electric railway was extended from the Black Bear Inn, via Seyfert and Gibraltar to Birdsboro, in 1904. They are all of great impoitance to the place, not only In respect to its industries but also to the convenience and encouragement of its inhabitants in visiting the county-seat for business, political, social and amusement purposes. Fire Company. — 'In 1883, a fire company was organized at Birdsboro to afford the place protec- tion against fire, named Friendship Fire Company No. 1. In 1884 the company erected a fine two- story engine-house, on a lot donated by George Brooke, in which to place its apparatus. It was enlarged in 1905. The equipment comprises two hose carriages with 1,000 feet of hose; and the membership numbers 120. The building includes all modern improvements, with four bath-rooms and pool-room for the convenience and entertainment of the members. Newspapers. — The Birdsboro Pioneer was the first newspaper published at Birdsboro. It was an English weekly started by B. F. Fries on April 27, 1873, and he continued its publication until Jan- uary, 1876, when he moved to Reading, changed the title to Industrial Pioneer, and continued its publication for several months. The Birdsboro Dispatch was started by Rapp & Ryan in 1884 as an English weekly and they carried on its publication until Jan. 1, 1894, when Luther S. Mohr became the purchaser and he continued its publication until July 1, 1908, when he sold it to Harry E. Hart, who has issued it since in con- nection with The Birdsboro Review, which he had founded in 1893 and published successfully until the consolidation. Churches. — The first church in this locality was the Methodist Episcopal church, erected in 1839 near Mt. Airy, several miles to the east. The ad- herents of this denomination at Birdsboro attend- ed services there and continued to do so until 1869, when a church was established in the town; and this has been maintained until now. Members of the Protestant Episcopal Church at- tended services at Douglassville until 1853, when they secured a church at Birdsboro, which was named "St. Michael's." The building was remod- eled in 1885 and made one of the mpst attractive 278 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA churches in the county, A fine rectory was added to the property in 1877 ; and also a library hall in 1884. The members of this denomination were mostly instrumental in laying out a cemetery a mile east of the town in 1870. A soldiers' monument was erected there in 1905, and dedicated with im- posing ceremonies on July 4th. The Evangelical Association erected a small church in 1874; the Lutherans, in 1877 (after main- taining an organization since 1873) ; and the Re- formed, in 1880. Members of the last two denom- inations until then had generally attended church services either at the "Plow Church" to the south; or at the "Schwartzwald" to the north, or at the "St. John's" to the west. In South Birdsboro, there are two brick church buildings, one erected by Grace United Brethren Association in 1886, and the other by Trinity Evan- gelical Association in 1904. Schools. — The citizens of the community adopt- ed the free school system in 1836. Previously there were pay schools, as elsewhere in the county. An academy for higher education was established in 1855 by Prof. B. F Boyer, a graduate of Yale College, who afterward practised law at Reading. The site is now included in the cemetery. It was carried on for about twenty years, and commonly known as the "Philomathean Academy." Educa- tional matters have been much encouraged, as evi- denced by the superior and costly school buildings in the town. A fine modern structure was erected ' in 1896. In 1906, there were eleven graded schools, with 459 scholars. Bands. — There are three popular bands of music at Birdsboro: The 46th Regiment Band (organized before the Civil War) ; the Birdsboro Band, with twenty performers ; and the Orpheus Band, with twenty performers. The Birdsboro Drum Corps, with fifteen members, has also been a popular or- ganization for a number of years. Cornet Band in Civil War. — iThe Birdsboro Cornet Band was enlisted in the Civil war, and the musicians were R. J. Stanley, leader, Augustus Dewitt, John W. Deeds, Benneville Evans, Dan- iel Fix, Isaac Hoyer, George W. Horner, John H. Karch, William V. Light, Joseph Lacey, Au- gustus Minker, James H. Minker. It was mus- tered into service Aug. 27, 1861, for three years, as the regimental band of the 46th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. It accompanied the reg- iment in its movements but was mustered out of service Aug. 16, 1862, in pursuance of an order dispensing with regimental bands. It was rec- ognized as a superior band. It has kept up an active organization until the present time, known as the 46th Regimental Band. The members num- ber forty, all expert players on their respective instruments. Samuel Nagle has been the leader for the past twenty years. It is popular and parti- cipates in many public demonstrations. Lodge Hall.— In 1904, the Knights of the Gold- en Eagle and the Odd Fellows jointly erected a fine, large, three-story brick building to provide a hall for their meetings, and all the secret socie- ties (including Sons of America, Mechanics, Mac- cabees and Red Men) meet there, excepting the Freemasons, which meet in Brooke Hall. The Auditorium for public meetings and amusements was erected in 1892, and has been patronized lib- erally. Hotels. — There are three licensed hotels in the borough, Washington, Mansion, and St. Elmo. The first was rebuilt in 1904 by John Barbey of Reading to supply a modern hotel; the Reading Brewing Company secured the second also in 1904, and made costly improvements. Homes. — Birdsboro is remarkable for beautiful homes, more especially in the sections known lo- cally as Lincoln-town and Brooklyn. The Brooke homes are palatial. First Bridge. — In 1778, a ford was reported at Jacob Huyett's farm along the Schuylkill river which was above the mouth of Hay creek, and then the water was eight inches in depth. This ford was used until 1845, when a covered wooden bridge was erected by a stock company and it was main- tained as a toll-bridge until 1887, when it became a free county bridge. In 1850, it was swept away by the great freshet. It was immediately Tebuilt and is still in daily use. Flood of 1902. — In February, 1902, there was a considerable fall of rain and on account of the rushing swollen waters in Hay creek the dam above the Brooke nail-mill was swept away and the lower section of Birdsboro along Main street was flood- ed to the depth of seven feet. After the waters had passed away, there was a deposit of fourteen inches of mud on the street and six inches in the dwellings. CENTREPORT Incorporation. — Centreport was incorporated as a borough in 1884, having been taken from Centre township, for the purpose of securing better school facilities. The borough, which is the smallest in the county, includes one school building, with 35 scholars; 38 dwellings; and a population of 150. First Taxaules.— ^The taxable residents at the- time of incorporation were as follows : William B. Borkey Marv Blatt William W. Haag George W. B. Kauffman Daniel H. Kline William R. Kline Alfred A. Lesher George P. Rentschler David Stepp John H. Stepp Henry Stover Benjamin Schlappig Esther Stoudt Joshua Bucks Elias Boltz James Dunkelberger William Deweese Samuel Heffner Tames A. Hoffman, M. D. Samuel B. Kantner William Knauer James W. Klapp James T. Kline Ephraim C. Moyer Tenants David Myers James H. Moll Daniel H. Noecker John E. Pautsch Elias S. Rentschler IMorris Reeser John H. Soatz, M. Elizabeth Seaman Adam S. Williams Charles S. Yoder D. BOROUGHS 379 Officials. — The following have served as chief burg-esses and justices of the peace since the incor- poration of the borough: CHIEF BURGESSES Morris Reeser 1884-85 James Kauffman 1886 Darius E. Sheidy 1887 ; 1890-91 William Knauer 1888 M. G. Rentschler 1889 James Lengel ■ 1892-97 Frank Dewees 1897-1900 James H. Moll 1900-03 Frank H. Borkey 1903-06 P. S. Ludwig 1906-09 James S; Miller 1909-13 Justices of the peace James Klapp 1884-89 George W. B. Kauffman 1884-88 I>arius E. Sheidy 1888-92 Michael S. Rentschler 1889-1909 J. M. Yerger 1892-93 M. D. Winter 1894-1909 BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, James S. Miller Town Council, H. E. F. Deitz, President David Porter John Bagenstose William Reber Levi Haag M. S. Rentschler, Secretary School Board, James S. Miller, President M. D. Winter, Secretary Thomas D. Moyer, Treasurer William Rick M. S. Rentschler H. E. F. Deitz Assessor, M. D. Winter Collector, H. E. F. Deitz Auditors, D. B. Rentschler Thomas Moyer William Reber Justice of the Peace, M. S. Rentschler Constable, T. D. Moyer Industries. — Before 1890 there vs^ere no indus- tries at the place. The first was a creamery es- tablished by M. S. Rentschler, Esq., in 1891. It has been operated since 1900 by H. S. Frauenfel- der, of Mohrsville, in connection with three other creameries'. In 1893, Jonathan G. Reber started the manu- facture of light and heavy farm wagons at this place and he has continued until the present time, employing from ten to fifteen hands, with a capi- tal of $8,000. His wagons are sent to all parts of the county, being appreciated for their strength and durability. The same year F. R. Hiester began the manu- facture of cigars, moving here from Shartlesville, where he had been in the business from 1885. He and his son produced annually about 200,000, which were sold mostly in the coal regions oi Pennsyl- vania. They discontinued in 1906. In 1895, a knitting-mill was established by J. E. Pautsch, M. M. Kline and D. E. Noecker for making ladies' and children's underwear. In 1901, Mr. Pautsch became the sole owner, and he oper- ated the plant for five years ih a successful man- ner, employing from eighteen to twenty-five hands, with an investment of $10,000; then it was des- troyed by fire, and Mr. Pautsch died shortly after- ward. In 1895, C. K. Miller opened a marble yard for supplying gravestones and marble work, and has continued it since. Itr that year M. D. Win- ter began the making of ice-cream and confec- tionery, enlarging his business in 1903 by the addi- tion of a gasoline engine. His trade extends in- to the surrounding townships. In 1900, Joseph D. Naftzinger engaged in the manufacture of kitchen furniture, continuing un- til now \yith three hands. The top floor of his factory building is used for lodge purposes. He also deals in furniture and carpets. He is the undertaker for this vicinity. In 1902, William Boyer, began a small saddlery for the manufacture and repair of harness. A similar shop had been at the place for many years. M. D. Winter started a shirt factory in 1908 with eighteen hands ; and J. S. Balthaser an imple- ment store in 1907 with five hands. M. D. Winter has been the postmaster for six-, teen years. The previous postmasters were J. E. Pautsch and William B. Borkey. The enterprise of the place is commendable, con- sidering its smallness and situation from the rail- way. [Statistics relating to the borough will be found in Chapter IX.] About 1818, a public house, including a general store, was opened at this point by John Haag, and from this time forward it gradually became a center for the transaction of business. The store was sep- arated from the tavern in 1857, and William Bor- key was the first store-keeper. M. S. Rentsch- ler's father carried on this store for many years. The son succeeded him in 1886, and has operated a large general store in a successful manner ever since. In the erection of the borough, the tavern was excluded, though the premises adjoined the line. A post-office was established there in 1868. Curb- stones were set along the gutters in 1895 ; and the streets came to be lighted in the night-time by large oil lamps set on posts. The nearest railroad point is at Shoemakersville about two miles to the east, but the station generally taken is Mohrsville, though farther distant, on account of the shorter distance to Reading. Physicians. — The medical practitioners at this place have been Dr. William Palm, Dr. J. H. Spatz, Dr. C. G. Loose, Dr. James A. Hoffman, and Dr. J. G. Matternes. Band of Music. — A band of music was organ- ized in the borough in 1906, with upward of fif- teen members, who are instructed by Byron Miller, of Bernville. 280 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA WEST LEESPORT When the Philadelphia & Reading railroad was being extended from Reading northward, Samuel Lee laid out a town along the Centre Turnpike in Maiden-creek township (now Ontelaunee) a short distance east of the Schuylkill river, nine miles from Reading, and named it "Leesport." But the railroad was constructed on the western side of the river, and the station was located at the point where the public road from Leesport into Bern township crossed the railroad. This station was named Leesport by the railroad company in 1842; and the name has been continued until the present time. The business at the station encouraged the for- mation of a settlement at this place and in time it developed into an important and popular trading center. Samuel H. Lenhart was actively and suc- cessfully engaged in the general store business here for fifty years, taking great interest in the wel- fare and enrichment of the community; Leonard F. Schock was the railroad station agent from 1870 until his decease in 1908; and Isaac H. Rahn the justice of the peace from 1868 until his decease in 1907. The Lenhart store was established by Abraham Herbein about 1850, and in 1858 he sold it to Mr. Lenhart. In 1890 Harry Lenhart became associat- ed with his father, and they have since traded under the name of S. H. Lenhart & Son. Sam- uel Bell has been here as a tinsmith and stove ■dealer since 1862, having removed from Reading. Incorpoeation. — In May, 1901, an application was made to the court of Quarter Sessions for the incorporation of the settlement west of the river into a boroug'h, and the decree v.'as made on Dec. 30, 1901, with the name West Leesport, because the place was situated west of the river. Immediately after a municipal organization was effected in March, 1902, local improvements began to be made in the streets and sidewalks and also in the ap- pearance of the dwellings, showing the beneficial influence of an elevated political status. In 1906, there were in the borough 100 dwell- ings; 185 taxables ; 3 stores; 2 hotels; a church; a school (4 rooms) ; a wheelwright and a black- smith shop ; a knitting-mill ; - a physician ; and a veterinary surgeon. The taxable property was as- sessed at $138,385; money at interest, $72,055; estimated population, 550. First Taxables. — Names of resident taxables of West Leesport, when first established as a borough in 1902: George B. Hoyer Samuel Haines Abraham Kaiifman Charles Ketner Isaac Keener Francis Kavifman S. H. Lenhart Benjamin Leinbach Mrs. Esther Lengel Reuben Loose George B. Moser William Mengel Charles E. Mengel Mrs. John Riley Est. Mrs. Lovine Ruth "Levi Reeser Isaac Rahn D. H. Reeser James Rentchler Morris Rieser William F. Radey William Z. Rahn Esther Richard Tacob Rickenbach Kate Seaman Charles Schock L. F. Schock Reuben schock Mrs. Levi Snyder Est. Mrs. Samuel Spayd, Est. Emanuel Straus William Spayd Aaron Schrack Mandus Schloppig Gideon Stoudt Samuel Spayd, Jr. Edward C. Spayd Mrs. Leah Spatz Elias Spatz Benneville K. Seidel Mrs. Angelina Strauser Wilson Strauser Jacob H. Wangee Tenants Charles Adams Samuel Bagenstoes Bagenstoes & Loose James G. Bear Samuel Bell William Bell Wallace Blatt Frank Brown Edward Brobst Jacob Bagenstose Mary Bagenstose Thomas R. Christ Franklin Dundore Samuel Z. Deck William Epler Est. Charles Fisher Mary Fisher Edward Gromis Reuben Huff Samson Hoyer John Hans George C. Hartman Frank W. Adam Howard S. Blatt i^harles S. Becker Harry Balthaser Oscar Clay Charles O. Collins Thomas R. Dunkel Benneville K. Dundore Charles R. Deisher Jacob Dimkelberger Samuel M. Deck James B. Freeman Isaac Freeman, Sr. Robert H. Freid Silas Gass Milton G. Grater Aaron L. Graff James H. Gauker Tacob H. Hollenbach William C. Hafer John J. Keim Charles E. Keller Charles L. Ketner John G. Kramer Adam W. Kendell Harry G. Lenhart George Lerch Francis B. London William L. Loose Solomon E. Moser Lewis D. Mervine First Officials. — At the February election of 1902, the first borough officials were elected, and the following list comprises the names of the per- sons chosen to fill the several positions : Chief Burgess, Morris Reeser ' Town Council, Gideon Stoudt D. H. Reeser Silas Reeser Samuel H. Lenhart Charles Fisher F. P. Dundore Auditor, Oscar Mengel Assessor, Samuel Spayd School Directors, J. J. Kieni Wallace Blatt Samuel Roth Wilson Strauser Charles D. Snyder Cliarles Reeser Franklin Mengel Morris Miller Rufus C. Marks Wilson Mens Frank P. Nocker James Naragan Ephraim Nettinger Charles L. Reeser John Z. Reeser Samuel Roth Levi R. Roth Sallie Reeser Sarah Reeser George A. Rahn Owen Reeser Alfred H. Strause Rev. D. E. Schaffer Israel Strause James Shade Alvin Snyder Girtie Strause Wash Shell Austin Smith John Shell Joseph Spangler Elias Spatz Charles B. Snyder EUenie Schrack Rufus P. Ulrich James Unger William P. Unger BOROUGHS 281 Justice of the Peace,* B. F. Leinbach Constable, George B. Moser Judge of Election, George A. Rahn Inspectors, C. E. Keller Frank A. Adam The- second chief burgess was elected in 1905 for three years, Samuel H. Lenhart (Republican). Pohtical status of council: four RepubHcans and three Democrats. The third burgess elected, in 1908, was Gideon Stoudt. BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 Chief Burgess, Gideon Stoudt Town Council, James B. Rentschler, President Samuel H. Lenhart John Z. Rieser M. T. .Schlappig Wilson Strauser George C. Hartman Dr. C. O. Collins, Secretary School Board, Samuel Roth, President D. E. Shaffer, Secretary- Charles L. Ketner, Treasurer Edward Gromis Jacob Bagenstose Jacob Rickenbach Auditors, Owen Reeser John Rickenbach Wirt R. Rahn Assessor, Morris Rieser Collector, Samuel Z. Deck Justice of the Peace, B. F. Leinbach Constable, George B. Moser Board of Health, S. M. Deck, President Rufus Marks, Secretary George B. Hoyer Samuel Bell Dr. F. P. Dundore Industry. — Before 1890, there was no manufac- turing establishment at West Leesport; but in that year the subject was discussed in the stores and taverns, and the discussion resulted in a public meet- ing in February, 1891, which was addressed by Mor- ton L. Montgomery, Esq., at the request of S. H. Lenhart, R. Wanner & Son, Isaac H. Rahn, L. F. Schock and others for the purpose of stimulating enterprise. Some time afterward, a company was organized by the citizens named for manufacturing hosiery, and the factory was located in the ware- house of S. H. Lenhart. It was operated several years, then abandoned on account of competition and scarcity of .hands. In 1899 the machinery was sold to Samuel L. Miller and Charles Balthaser, who then revived the industry as a knitting-mill and after operating it for a year removed the plant to the Evangelical Church building which they had purchased. Here they have been manufacturing ladies' underwear and misses' hosiery until now. They employ forty hands. Franklin Baer is engaged as a wheelwright and blacksmith ; and John Narragang as a pump-maker. The Eagle Knitting Mill (carried on by parties from Hamburg in the manufacture of underwear) is situated on the east side of the river, opposite the borough, and employs from forty to fifty hands. The post-office was established in 1872. * The other official was Isaac H. Rahn, elected as of the borough in 1904, after having served as of Bern township continuously since 1868. He died March 15, 1907. Water and Light. — Waterworks have not yet been established and the community still adheres to the use of wells and pumps. The streets are not lighted at night. Secret Societies. — ^A lodge hall has been main- tained on the third floor of the Lenhart store since 1858. Four beneficial organizations hold their meet- ings in it: American Mechanics (No. 141) ; Odd Fellows (No. 141); Daughters of Rebekah; and Daughters of Liberty. The first society has $10,000 at interest; and the second, $6,000. Church. — ^A brick church was erected on the main street in 1873 by Salem's Evangelical Asso- ciation which was dedicated in 1873. The congre- gation continued to worship in harmony for about twenty years, but then the religious disturbance of the national body reached this congregation also and in the final adjustment this church was retain- ed by the original association. Its membership, however, was too weak to survive and in 1900 the building was sold to Miller & Balthaser, who con- verted it into a factory. The other faction, Bethany United Evangelical, maintained their organization, erected a church in 1896 and have supported it until now; membership, 35. The members of the Lutheran and Reformed de- nominations attend religious services at Epler's Church in Bern township or at Belleman's, in Cen- tre, or at Trinity, in Leesport. School. — The school in the borough was erected by the township and became the property of the borough in its establishment. It is a two-story brick building, with four rooms, and a graded system of education. The scholars number about ninety. WYOMISSING Incorporatiion. — The borough of Wyomissing was erected on July 22, 1906. It takes its name from the stream which flows near the dividing line be- tween Cumru and Spring townships for several miles. It is situated along the main thoroughfare which extends westwardly from Reading, two miles from the city. The area embraced 510 acres, 92 perches of land (taken from Spring township), when incorporated, and included sixty-one resident taxables and eleven non-residents. Ten years before its erection, Thomas P. Merritt, an enterprising lumber dealer and capitalist of Reading, purchased several farms exceeding six hundred acres, organized the Reading Suburban Real Estate Company with a number of other per- sons, principally from Reading (among them Albert Thalheimer, David Keiser, David H. Keiser, Mat- thias Mengel and Levi W. Mengel, who were the largest subscribers of stock), laid off the land into a large number of lots with boulevards and side- walks, planted 25,000 shade trees, and called the place "Wyomissing." They advertised the subur- ban place extensively and sold many lots. Some of the purchasers erected dwelling-houses for them- selves immediately and located there with their families, which popularized the place very much. 282 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In this way it soon came to be the most attractive suburban town in the vicinity of Reading. The first real impetus in the development of the place was given by Ferdinand Thun and Henry Janssen in 1896, who selected a site along the railroad for establishing a new enterprise in the manufacture of textile machinery, and erected a large building 45 feet wide and 225 feet long, with an office building adjoining, capable of employing over one hundred hands, and shortly afterward dwelling-houses came to be put up for the accom- modation of some of the employees. The dwelHng of Mr. Thun near the main thoroughfare was made particularly attractive which showed his strong faith in the future development of the place as well as of his own industrial enterprise. Since then, the growth of the town has been truly remarkable, both in manufacturing establishments and dwellings of a suj>erior character. Several years afterward, the subject of establish- ing a borough began to be agitated for the purpose of securing the regulation of the streets and the ad- vantages of municipal government, and public sen- timent in its behalf was developed gradually in spite of much opposition. Several petitions were presented to the court in 1904 and 1905, and the decree was made on July 22, 1906. The boundary lines embrace territory about one mile square, ex- tending from the Lebanon Valley railroad on the north to the Wyomissing road on the south, and from Smith street on the east (now the western boundary line of West Reading) to a public road on the west commonly known as "Mengels' Mill Road." A reservoir with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons was constructed on the top of "laeger Hill," north of the railroad, elevated about three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the borough, and spring water was forced into this reservoir from a large spring, situated near the Wyomissing road, which was provided as the water supply for the inhabi- tants ; but the water having been condemned after- ward by the State authorities, it has been set apart for fire purposes only, and the borough has made arrangements with the Sinking Spring Water Com- pany for its water supply, the water mains having been recently (1908) extended along the public road to the borough. Since the establishment of the borough, great improvements have been made in the grade and ap- pearance of the streets and in the sidewalks. A large, superior and very attractive two-story brick school building was erected by the borough in 1907-08, costing $25,000. It occupies a promi- nent position. And an attractive "Town Hall" is now in course of erection along the main thoroughfare. Post-Office was established May 27, 1899; and the postmasters have been: William Romberger, Aaron S. Hieter, Allen U. Baer (1901-03), George W. Hefifelfinger (1903-06), Alfred B. Yorgey (since May 1, 1906). In April, 1909, the borough contained the follow- ing improvements: Textile Machine Works, NaT- row Fabric Mill, Berkshire Knitting Mills, Lein- bach's Hosiery Mill, Paul K. Leinbach's Planing Mill, Ruth's Coal Yard, Stetler's Apartment House, four green-houses (Farr's, Hoskin's, Shearer's, and Heck Brothers'), two hotels, and two stores. The Reading Shale Brick Works and the Mon- tello Brick Works are situated outside of the bor- ough limit, along the northern boundary line. First Taxables. — Names of resident taxables of Wyomissing, when first established as a borough in 1906: Charles Brehner Napoleon Bickelman John Bitler Nelson J. Boltz Alvin Becker James N. Brannan Clarence H. Dittes H. D. Dimkelberger Adam G. Eyrich Henry Faust Bertram H. Farr H. M. Fry Jacob Graefif CUnton Grimes Henry Ganter Robert Ganter Ernst L. Hahn Harry H. Huyett George W. Heffelfinger Adam D. Heffelfinger Mrs. Aaron Heiter Caleb Harrison Edward L. Hart Charles Hart Est. Charles A. Henning J. Fred Hartgen Henry K. Janssen Harvey P. Kline William E. Keyte E. D. Kains Frank D. Leinbach Harvey D. Leinbach Richard A. Leinbach Mrs. George F. Lance Henry Lorah Edwin Lichtenthaler Charles H. Mathias Henry A. Miller Charles H. Meyer John Miner Harvey L. Noecker Thomas H. Becker Monroe Balmer Rudolph Binckey William Bewley Edward Beam Charles Brannan Chester Baer Elijah Brossman George Brossman William Buchman Charles M. Culver Elmer Carlson Ammon Dearolf Daniel Noecker Mrs. Anna Nyce Joseph Ohlinger Christopher Prill Samuel B. Palm A. B. Pott Charles Reifsnyder Calvin Ruth Robert Carl Rahm James P. Ruth Marx Reimer John Rentz Adam H. Schroeder John Stroup William E. Sheidy Mrs. Joel Steffy Daniel Spatz Howard L. Seidel Mrs. Ida Simmons Henry Y. Stoner R. R. Snyder Charles C. Stetler, Sr. Henry M. Stetler Obadiah F. Sander Jacob B. Sweitzer Frank D. Schearer Jacob R. Sonon Robert Starke Samuel Shaub Lender Trickel Andrew 1. Torbert Charles M. Tiehel Ferdinand Thun Allen Van Steffv Paul L. Walter" Thomas V. Willson John A. Watson Evelyn Williams William A. Walter A. B. Yorgey James R. Yost Tenants Albert Dunkelberger George W. Daniels William Diamond Feli.x Degner Norbert Dornhecker Edward Eschbach Robert Eschbach Josiah Eschbach George W. Endy Paul Eifert James A. Eyrich Alexander Ender Mrs. Daniel Ermentrout BOROUGHS 283 Cyrus Ferker Otto Floren .Edwin Gougler Allen Gaul Adam Z. Geiss William Grohs William Grim Thomas E. Hornberger William J. Hornberger Lester R. Heffelfinger Ernest Hoffman Lewis C. Hulshizer Charles M. Huber Fritz Hoover James Hill Frederick Heath George H. Hoffman Elias Y. Johnson Robert F. Kinzer Albert Kutz Ernst Kolditz Joseph Koontz Howard Keener Herman KotternbacK William Loehrig August Lippke William Long Isaac Lessley Daniel Lorah Joseph C. Lance August Lumbert Robert Lance Harvey Master William McGuire John McNabb William Moyer Ambrose Madeira Irenaeus Miller William Mohn Alvin Moyer Howard Moyer Edward Moyer S. D. Mullinux Charles Molly Robert Molly Monroe Naftzinger Gustav Oberlaender Wilson C. Price Carl Peterson Daniel Pleam Jacob Ruth Adam Ruth Richard Reese Jesse Ritter Julius Rettberg Albert H. Rentz Otto Riese Augustus Rill John G. Reigner Henry A. Stetler Allen V. Steffy Cleaven Steffy George A. Stely John N. Stillinger William B. Sheidy Steward Smith Harry Smith George Schmidt Frank Shappel George Shaub Charles C. Stetler, Jr. Charles Sheidy Charlie Thus Francis Tiehel Ezra Triest William Vanreed Peter Wanner Thomas Weichard George Wilson Robert WoUer Thomas K. Watson Harry Weik Charles Wieand Melchoir Zwicky First Officials. — In the decree of incorporation, the court fixed Aug. 28, 1906, for the election of borough officials, and the following persons were elected : Chief Burgess, Bertrand H. Farr Toziin Council, Ferdinand Thun (3 years) Henry Y. Stoner (3 years) James H. Brennan (3 years) George W. Endy (3 years) Henry M. Stettler (2 years) Henry K. Janssen (1 year) R. R. Snyder (1 year) Assessor, Henry A. Stetler Auditor, Allen V. Steffy Constable, Jacob K. Graeff School Directors, H. M. Fry (3 years) A. H. Schroeder (3 years) Max Reimer (2 years) Frank Leinbach (2 years) Robert C. Rahn (1 year) John Stroup (1 year) Judge of Election, Charles M. Huber Inspectors, Eugene Bowers George Brossman At this election, the electors voted in favor of making a debt for local improvements (95 having voted for it and 19 against it). In the organization of the town council, Ferdi- nand Thun was chosen president, and he filled this then continued as the president. Charles M. Hu- ber has served as clerk of the council since 1906. The justices of the peace for the borough were elected in February, 1907, for five years: Charles M. Huber and A. B. Madeira. Thomas V. Willson officiated as treasurer from 1906 to 1909 ; and Prof. Henry Y. Stoner was elect- ed to succeed him. The second chief burgess was elected in 1909, Horace G. Riegner, t-o serve three years. BOROUGH OFFICIALS— 1909 . Chief Burgess, Horace Riegner Town Council, Ferdinand Thun, President , H. Y. Stoner, Treasurer Henry K. Janssen Henry M. Stetler R. R. Snyder George Endy Henry A. Miller Thomas Watson Charles M. Huber, Secretary School Board, Robert Carl Rahn, President John McNabb John Stroup Norman B. Wamsher Harry Weik Harvey Noecker Auditors, Allen V. Steffy W. C. Loehrig Paul Moyer Assessor, Henry A. Stetler Collector, A. I. Torbert Justices of the Peace, Charles M. Huber A. B. Madeira Constable, Jacob R. Graeff Board of Health, Gustav Oberlaender, President Thomas V. Willson, Secretary Dr. C. E. Lerch John Stroup Norman Wamsher Lender Trickel, Health OfRcer Industries Textile Machine Works. — The most important in- dustry in Wyomissing is the large plant of the Tex- tile Machine Works, operating a pattern shop, foun- dry, and machine shop, and employing over three hundred hands. In 1892, Ferdinand Thun and Hen- ry K. Janssen, after having been employed in New York City for several years, located at Reading and established a small machine shop in a rented build- ing at Nos. 230 and 222 Cedar street, for the man- ufacture of braiding machines. They started with about a dozen hands, but in a few years increased their business to such an extent that. they employed from forty to fifty hands and their quarters in town becoming too small another location with greater facilities was necessary. They selected a site at Wyomissing along the Lebanon Valley railroad and secured a tract of several acres of land where the Van Reed road crosses the railroad and there they erected a large, substantial building, 45 feet wide by 325 feet long, and a two-story office-building ad- joining, which enabled them to employ over one hundred hands. When the business was organized in 1892, the position until his re-election to council in 1909, and braid industry in .this country was comparatively 284 HISTORY OF , BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA unimportant. Mr. Thun had for four years prior to 1892 been the superintendent of the Sutro Broth- ers Braid Company factory in New York City, and had become thoroughly familiar with the manufac- ture of high-grade braids and dress trimmings. Mr. Janssen had been in the employ of the Castle Braid Company of BTOoklyn, N. Y., as the foreman of their machine shop, and had been the first builder of braiding machinery of the German system in the United States. When the'partnership of Thun & -Janssen was formed, it was done with the idea of supplying the demands for high-grade machin- ery for manufacturing braids and dress trimmings in this country to a growing business. Previously, this class of machines had always been imported from Barmen, Germany, from which place both Mr. Thun and Mr. Janssen came originally. During the first fifteen years, a great many new factories for braids, dress trimmings, millinery trimmings, laces, etc., were established in the Uni- ' ted States, and all of them, without exception, were supplied with machinery from their plant, known as the Textile Machine Works (Inc.). A thor- ough knowledge of the needs of the business en- abled this company to ■ make important improve- ments in the construction of the machines and to produce a great variety of new patented machines upon which new lines of business were built up. The millinery braid business, for instance, is only twelve years old and today nearly all the hats worn by lad- ies are manufactured on braiding machines, or rather, are made out of braids produced almost exclusively on machines built by this establish- ment. The concern owns over twenty patents cov- ering new machines or elements thereof, and it is the recognized headquarters for braiding ma- chines and auxiliaries used in the manufacture of dress and millinery trimmings. In 1900, a large addition to the original plant was built, extending the main building to a width of 105 feet, so as to embrace a main erecting floor, and basement used for storage. A foundry was also erected in which an average of five thousand pounds of castings were made daily for the construc- tion of textile machinery. At that time, the manufacture of "full-fashioned" knitting-machines was commenced, an industry also entirely new in the United States. On this machine, the highest grade of hosiery is manufactured. It is the ma- chine invented about sixty years ago in England, and afterward sent to Chemnitz, Germany, and up- on it the entire British and German hosiery trade has been founded. The production of this depart- ment is about equal to that of the braiding ma- chines. In 1903, a large factory building. 50 feet by 200 feet, four stories high, was erected, of re-inforced concrete construction. This building is partially used by some of the departments of the Textile Ma- chine Works, but the other floors are occupied by the Narrow Fabric Company, which is the largest manufacturer of high-grade shoe laces in the Uni- ted States. It makes a specialty of silk shoe and corset laces, using exclusively machines built by the Textile Machine Works. Across the public road, on Frill avenue, there is situated one of the finest factory buildings in Berks county. It was built for the Berkshire Knitting Mills, being constructed of dark red-faced shale bricks with elaborate terra-cotta ornamentations. It is three stories high, with a basement for yarn storage. The dimensions of the building are 84 feet wide by 180 feet long. In addition to the main building, there is a one-story building 80 feet by 150 feet, used for dyeing, boarding and pressing. These three industries at Wyomissing together employ nearly eight hundred hands and their com- bined pay rolls amount to over $350,000 annually. Another important product of the Textile Ma- chine Works is machinery for insulating electrical wires. The principal machines used for this pur- pose are braiding machines, similar to machines used by trimming industries, but specially adapted for handling wires and covering the same with insu- lating materials. The Textile Machine Works have succeeded in introducing their machines into all the impiortant plants which make insulating wires in the United States and they have won the reputation of making the best grade of machinery of this kind. They also manufacture cabling machinery, rubber covering machines for electrical wires, telephone cord machines, and a great variety of special ma- chinery for insulating copper wires and cables which are used by the electrical industries. Narrow Fabric Company. — This company was in- corporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 1900, by Ferdinand Thun, Henry K. Janssen and Harry Feder of New York City, and was started in Read- ing in the building formerly occupied by the Acme Bicycle Works at No. 920 Court street. In 1904 the plant was removed to Wyomissing, in order to secure more room, the plant having outgrown the limited dimensions of the Court street factory. The main product consists of shoe laces, and only the highest grade is made. A large portion of its product consists of silk laces which are used for low shoes, but a great many skirt braids are made, which^ can be found on sale in nearly every retail store in the country. The factory is a model plant, inasmuch as the machinery is driven electrically by direct-connected motors. There is not a belt in the building, and everything is scrupulously clean. The company employs much female help, drawn largely from the surrounding country (West Read- mg, Sinking Spring and Wernersville). Commodi- ous wash-rooms and dining-rooms are provided for the comfort of the employees, the management de- sirmg to have the equipment of the factory unsur- passed by any of the textile plants in this' part of the State. Ploward M. Fry is the superintendent of the factory, Ferdinand Thun is treasurer of the company, and Harry Feder is president. Berkshire Knitting-Mills.^This company was in- corporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 1906, BOROUGHS 385 for the purpose of manufacturing the highest class of "full-fashioned" hosiery (ladies' and men's half- hose) and it met with marked success immediately. In April, 1906, Gustav Oberlaender (of Indian- apoHs, Ind.) became a stockholder and director and he has since been serving as secretary, treasurer and general manager. The building is 84 feet by 170 feet, on Frill ave- nue, together with a dye and finishing house. It is equipped with eighty machines, each of which is 30 feet long and makes eighteen stockings at a time. From 350 to 300 hands are employed, and its product is approximately five hundred dozen per day. The principal product is lisle and mercerized ladies' hose, which are equal to and sold in direct competition with the finest goods imported from Europe. The machines are built by the Textile Machine Works. This "full-fashioned" hosiery is superior to the seamless hosiery made in this dis- trict, inasmuch as it is of finer texture and so made as to conform to the leg and foot. PaiM K. Leinbach's Planing Mill (1908) employs 10 men (had been operated previously from 1904 by William A. Walters, and was destroyed by fire) . Leinbach's Hosiery Mill (1905), 35 men. erected for the convenience of the people who were employed in the factories established along the creek, and the thriving settlement came to be known as Mohnsville. For fifty years it has been recognized as a most flourishing settlement, notwithstanding its distance from the railroad. In this respect, it has been an exceptional community. Its success under adverse circumstances is attributable to the superior character of the men who located there. Shortly after the beginning of the settlement, a wool-hat factory was erected by Absalom Ruth near the Mohn grist-mill. His successor was John Spatz, who operated the plant for twenty years in a very successful manner until his decease in 1898, when it was purchased by his son, Isaac S. Spatz, who has carried on the business since that time. Subsequently, other wool-hat factories were es- tablished along the stream higher up, by Cyrus D. Hornberger, Jacob Kessler, and Henry Wer- ley. And about this time, William Pennepacker erected a gun-barrel factory, also along the stream but below the Mohn mill, which he carried on for a number of years. All the plants were operated by water-power, supplied by the Wyomissing creek. First Taxables. — The following list contains the names of the first taxables of the borough when first established, in 1907: MOHNTON Incorporation. — The borough of Mohnton was established by a decree of the court of Quarter Sessions of Berks county on March 18, 1907, and the boundary lines embraced 391 acres, 116 perches. The petition for the borough, signed by 117 free- holders, was presented to court on Oct. 31, 1904, and shortly afterward an earnest remonstrance was filed against it. Depositions were taken and filed, for and against the granting of the petition, and the matter was before the couct at different times until favorable action was finally secured on the day first named. The freeholders of the town number- ed 313. Benjamin Mohn, from Mohn's Hill in the south- ern section of Cumru township, purchased a farm in 1846 from John Schwartz. This was situated along the Wyomissing creek and embraced the land which afterward came to be known as Mohnsville. He then erected a dwelling-house, and some years afterward this was converted into a tavern by John Griner^ It is now owned and carried on by Aug- ustus R. Anderson. About the same time his cousin, Samuel K. Mohn, opened a general store in a grist-mill along the creek, erected by Benjamin Mohn; and a few years afterward he erected a store building opposite the mill along the public road which was laid out through this section on the way from Reading to New Holland, and at this stand he carried on busi- ness for many years. The character of the surface here is very hilly, and Benjamin Mohn sold off lots without first mak- ing a regular plan or survey; but, in spite of these uninviting circumstances, many houses came to be Aug. R. Anderson Daniel Anthony- John K. Binkley Henry Bechtel Savilla Slimline Hiram J. Bigony Barton Z. Bealer. John M. Bicher Alfred Burley Albert Burley Amanda Blankenbiller Frank H. Bitler Mary Binkley John T. Beidler Henry Blimline Franklin B. Bickel William D. Bickel Reuben K. Bucher Archibald Boyer William R. Blankenbiller Oscar Blankenbiller Adison D. Clark Jacob De Tambel Nelson W. Dickenson Wilson A. Dunkelberger Nelson H. Dickenson Samuel De Long' John R. De Hard James Epler John Epler John J. Eshelman Arabella Eshelman Electric Hose Co. Frank T. Eckenroth Peter F. Eberly Charles T. Eckenroth Charles S. Epler Daniel S. Epler Levi Edwards James B. Fleisher Albert O. Fisher John Fry Adam G. Fox Samuel P. Frankhouser Aug. M. Griffith Hiram M. Griffith Charles R. Groff Martin D. Grill Charles W. Gaul Harriet Godshak James I. Gougler John Gramer William R. Glassmoyer Biram M. Griffith Amelia Godshalk William D. Grill Adam M. Grill William S. Groff Tyson L. Huyett James R. Hoffert Abraham Hoffert James W. Harting A. Chas. Harting John T. Hertzog Chas. B. Hornberger James Hornberger A. S. Hornberger Josephus S. Hornberger Emma D. Hornberger 'Milton G. Hornberger Harry G. Hornberger Priscilla Hemmig Henry Haas Adeline Hoover John R. Hornberger Sarah Y. Hill George S. Hill . Wellington Harting William M. Hartman Amilia Hill Emma B. Hinnershitz George W. Hatt Harrison S. Krick Calvin S. Krick 286 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Monroe C. Killian John J. Klopp Daniel Krick Sallie A. Kleinginna Isaac Krick Daniel M. Kindt C. D. B. Kindt Walter S. Kleinginne Sarah Karternian Frank Kleinginna Clayton Killian Adam H, Lutz George H. Leininger James H. Lutz Martin H. Lutz John D. Leininger Frank S. Leininger Wm. G. Leininger Carolina Leininger Howard S. Leininger Irvin R. Musser B. K. Mayberry Harvey W. Mohn Hiram Matz Est. John G. Mosser John S. Mohn Westley D. Mohn Mohnton Water Co. Maggie Mohn John Musselman Harry W. Miller Henry Miller Est. Emma K. Mohn Dr. M. L. Miller Robert L. Miller William C. Miller Dr. B. H. Miller Jonathan H. Miller Richard Marks Jacob W. Miller William H. Muckel Frank W. Matz Adam S. Miller Adam L. Matz Martin L. Matz Jonathan K. Miller Albert G. Miller Luke H. Marks Charles S. Mohn Reese Muckel Charles W. Miller Harry L. Musser William J. Marks Chas. F. Madeira Caroline Musser H. Irvin Mohn Susanna Mohn Aug. S. Mosser Samuel K. Miller Samuel H. Musser Mohnton K. of P. Hall Harry N. Noll James O'Neal Jacob Palm Jacob Peters Daniel N. Peifer George K Pawling John A. Auchenbach Wim. R. Auchenbach James G. Boate Edward Blankenbiller Edward Bennetts Homer Blimline Samuel Palm David Reider Charles S. Richwine Robert E. Ri-egner Austin H. Riegner Henry E. Remp Henry K. Ruth Hiram W. Reigner James G. Ruth William G. Ruth John R. Regar Irvin L. Shonour D. S. Sensenig Samuel Steffey John R. Slote John N. Steffey George Sheaffer John H. Spatz Est. Isaac S. Spatz William E. Shirk WiUiam H. Seifrit Pierce S. Strunk Dr. A. A. Stamm John A. Seitzinger Howard W. Sheaffer Frank W.^ Slichter Katie Smith George W. Strunk Levi Strunk Benjamin K. Steffey William P. Stoner Frank Sweigard George Tothero Isaac Tro'stel William S. Trostel George Vogel Bessie Werner William H. Weber Walter S. Werner John C. Werner Walter Weber James L. Weber Adeline Wenrich William Weber Est. Wesley M. W'orley Alice M. Worley Worley Brothers Isabella Worley Charles M. Worley Charles G. Werner Frank M. White Henry H. Wise Frank K. Wal finger Aaron K. Warner Annie S. Warner E. J. Werner H. H. Worley William G. Werner Jeremiah Werner John G. Werner Samuel F. Westlev Ellen R. White John Y. Weidner Frank R. Warner Daniel W. Young John S. Zeller Tenants Harry Blimline Harvey Boone Cyrus Brendel James Blankenbiller John A. Blankenbiller Jerome Boyer George G. Baker Jacob E. Baker S. S. Burkholder Christian Burkhart Nathaniel Bickel William G. Beam George Bush William H. Bicher Harry S. Bicher Edwin Binkley Charles F. Boyer Chester W. Baer Harvey J. Clay William Coleman John R. Dehart Christian De Binder Felix K. De Binder George W. Delong Wayne Epler David S. Edwards Fred Eckenroth Curtis Eberly Harry M. Embich Monroe Ebling Howard Eckenroth George S. Epler Reuben Eckenroth Harry H. Eckenroth H. T. Epler William M. Fry Elmer E. Fox John J. Frankhouser John H. Fichthorn Charles K. Frymoyer Dr. J. W. Frankhouser Harry H. Fritz William F. Gaul Walter M. Griffith Richard Gehman William Gehman Henrv R. Groff William Groff John W. Glass Benjamin Griffith J. B. Gougler Harry H. Gring John S. Gring Albert A. Griffith Abraham Godshalk Harry Gehman Harry D. Godshalk Frank R. Good Charles S. Holtry James M. Hartz Henry Hoster Samuel Hoster Harry W. Hughes William E, Hughes John H. Hartman Harry L. Hill Rudy Hoffert Henrv Hoffert William Hoffert Flarry High Freeland J. Houghton David Hoffert William S. Hower Herbert Hornberger George L. Happ C. C. Houck Peter F. Hartman Jonathan B. Hatt Daniel B. Hill Samuel B. Hill Wm. E. Huvett Edwin M. Hatt Aaron Hagy Joseph S. Hornberger Frank B. Hartman Frank L. Hartman John F. Herb Robert B. Hatt Edward Hartman Martin B. Hill Walter G. Hill Harry G. Hill Pierce B. Hatt J. R. Hensyl Lewis Hartranft Webster G. Hertzog- Martin D. Kohl Howard F. Kindt Michael D. Kegerise Howard Krick Miles Keller Samuel S. Keyser Harry S. Krick Frank F. Kline David Long William I. Lebo Daniel S. Lutz David Longenecker Israel Longenecker Adam Long Benjamin H. Lorah William M. Leininger Samuel Longenecker Leon Miller William R. Musser Adam B. Mayer Charles J. Mosser Nicholas Mosser Edwin F. Miller Matthew F. Miller Henry G. Matz Solomon D. Mohn Levi H. Miller Samuel K. Mohn Elmer D. Miller David D. Mell Harry G. Mohn John P. Marks Charles E. Mohn Wayne L. IMusser Thomas j\Tohr Raymond W. Musselman David F. Mohn George Muckel Nicholas H. Mosser William R. Mosser Carroll A. Miller John B. Pawling Thomas Palm Harry C. Peters Frank Peters Howard Remp Henry S. Riegel Frank A. S. Riegel Edward Rudy John F. Reber John C. Reber Henry Reitz Frank D. Ruth William H. Ruth Augustus C. Rohland Wallace Resh Joseph Ressler Jacob S. Riegel William E. Riegel Charles Staudt BOROUGHS 287 Israel Saylor Wayne Steffey George W. Smith Alfred H. Stuber Willis Stirk Adam F. Showalter Elmer G. Spatz William E. Showalter Jeremiah V. Shonour Zenas M. Shonour George Shutter Daniel F. Spatz Elwood Sensenig Edward H. Smith Edward Strunk Claude Strauss Benton E. Shonour F. W. Solver Charles Steffey Frank Sweigaft Edward Smith M. K. Sponagle Charles Trostel Frank Trostel James G. Vierling George W. Vogel William Vogel Charles L. Vogel Charles T. Valentine Aaron M. White Harry Wise Paul S. Warner Elmer Werley John S. Wenger Harry H. Witmer David W. Weiler L. Tyson Warner James E. Werley M. H. Werner J. B. Werner Jeff P. Wolfskin Pierce Wenrich Joseph M. Wenrich William F. Werner George D. Wolfskill Francis S. Wolf George L. Wolfskill Charles S. Wenrich Officials. — The following persons served the offices named for the year 1909 : Chief Burgess, Aaron R. Wanner Town Council, William Leininger, President Charles Miller, Treasurer Frank Kleinginna Irwin Shonour John Mosser John Beidler A. S. Hornberger, Secretary School Board, Dr. A. A. Stamm, President Allen Fisher, Secretary Dr. M. L. Miller, Treasurer Harry Noll Charles T. Eckenroth Charles Werner Justices of the Peace, D. N. Peifer Frank W. Matz Constable, John L. Seitzinger Auditors, Albert Miller Charles Madeira John Eshelman Assessor, John B. Werner Collector, Joseph S. Hornberger Board of Health, Dr. B. H. Miller Reuben Bucher John Zeller William Miller Ellis Werley Post-Office. — A post-office was established in the store of Samuel K. Mohn in 1857 by the name of Mohn's Store and this name was continued until the erection of the borough, when it was changed to Mohnton. Mr. Mohn was the postmaster for fif- teen years. John Yocom Weidner has filled the position since 1897. He has been engaged in the general store business at this place for forty years. He started the business of cutting, storing and sup- plying ice in this section of the county and has been engaged in it for thirty years. Industries. — The following varied industries were carried on at Mohnton in 1909 : Bakeries, by Augustus Griffith (established 1892), with 4 hands ; Groff & Ressler (1898) , with 4 hands. Cigar Factory, by J. J. Eshelman (1886) , with 40 hands. Cotton Lap Factory, by Werley Brothers (1908), with 4 hands. Grist Mill, by John Spatz Estate (1888), with 2 hands. Hosiery Mills, by George Leininger (1898), with 75 hands; Wm. G. Leininger (1898), with 120 hands; Isaac S. Spatz (1903), with 35 hands; Wer- ley Brothers (1904), with 25 hands. Paper Box Factory, by E. G. Werner & Sons (1894), with 35 hands. Planing Mills, by Frank Wanner (^now son Ty- son) (1880), with 8 hands; Isaac S. Spatz (1901), with 6 hands. Saw Mill, by John Y. Weidner (1903), with 3 hands. Shirt Factories, by William Werner (1897), with 30 hands; Biram Griffith (1908), with 18 hands; Dr. A. A. Stamm* (1900), with 30 hands. Underwear Mill, by Hornberger & Killian (1908), with 25 hands. Wool-hat Factories, by Jacob Kessler (1878), with 40 hands; Isaac S. Spatz (1898), with 50 hands. Wheelwright Shops, by Henry Knoll (1880), with 4 hands; Henry Wise (1895), with 3 hands. Besides the industries named, the borough con- tained then five stores, two hotels, three doctors, two barbers and an undertaker. These industries demonstrate the importance and great value of the stream to the community by affording constant employment to several hundred hands. Besides the water-power, coal is also used for steam-power and heating; it is hauled by teams from Reading. , Local Express. — Howard H. Leininger started a local expi^ss business at Mohnton in 1902 for haul- ing manufactured goods, merchandise, coal, etc., for the local industries to and from Reading, and since then has required the constant use of twenty-five to thirty horses to fill the orders of his patrons. The manufacturers also do much hauling to and from Reading in their business, and employ upward of seventy horses. Their nearest shipping point on the railroad is at Reading. Bank. — The Mohnton National Bank was char- tered Dec. 7, 1907, with a capital of $25,000, and it was opened for business Jan. 21, 1908, with the following directors: George H. Leininger, L. G. Hain, John Von Neida, M. C. Kauffman, Jeremiah Horning, Augustus R. Anderson, Charles M. Yet- ter, Jacob C. Kessler, E. G. Werner, William G. Leininger, Henry H. Werley, Harry Dumn, S, K. Remp and Aaron A. Hornberger; of whom George H. Leininger was elected president. Public Improvements Mill Dams. — The Wyomissing creek, which flows through the southern section of the borough, has been a valuable water-power to the residents of this vicinity from the time of the earhest settle- ments dating back to about 1735. Within the dis- tance of two miles at and above the borough, seven dams have been constructed, which have been very * Sold to Mary Strouse in February, 1909. 288 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA useful in supplying water-power to the industries erected along the banks of the creek. These dams are operated by the following: Josephus Horn- berger (covering several acres of ground and used for swimming and pleasure purposes in the sum- mer time and skating in the winter time) ; Mohn- ton Knitting Mill; Isaac S. Spatz Planing Mill and Hat Factory; Werley Hosiery Mill; Kessler Hat Factory. Electric Plant. — In 1894, Isaac S. Spatz establish- ed a plant at Mohnton for supplying electric light in the residences and along the streets. He oper- ated the plant until 1901 when he sold it to Aaron R. Wanner, who increased its capacity and has operated it since. Besides supplying electric light, it is used also for pumping water into the local reservoirs which furnish the town with drinking water. IVdtervLiorks. — Samuel K. Mohn started water- works at this place in 1883 for supplying the town with water, and he carried on the plant until 1901, when he sold it to Howard Ahrens and W. D. Mohn, who enlarged the plant and have carried it on since. They put down an 8-inch main. The inhabitants of Shillington receive their water from this plant. The water is obtained from Klein- ginne's creek. The draft of the water pipes of the Mohnsville Water Company was acknowledged and filed July 1, 1886; Charles S. Mohn, president; John A. Bohler, secretary. Additional reservoirs were established on the Betzler property, south of the borough, and on the Binkley propei^y to the north, each holding about 500,000 gallons. They occupy elevated positions above the borough and afford a sufficient supply at all times. At the latter place, an artesian well, about 150 feet deep, has been provided for an ex- tra supply of pure water. Trolley Line. — The Reading & Southwestern Street Railway was constructed from Reading to Mohnsville in 1890, and since then has been oper- ated successfully. In 1894:, a steam railroad was constructed from Mohnsville to Adamstown. A small engine was used for several years ; then elec- tric power was substituted. Pennwin.— In 1904, WiUiam High purchased a tract of farming land near the eastern border of the borough from Jesse Matz, laid it off in lots and named the place Pennwin. Pie sold some of the lots, on which a number of dwellings have been erected; also a fine, two-story brick school build- ing. Churches. — There are three churches at Mohn- ton: Salem's Evangelical Reformed, established in 1872, and rebuilt of sandstone in 1897; Zion's United Evangelical in 1892, built of brick, with a sandstone base ; and St. John's Lutheran in 1900, built of sandstone. Schools. — The first school-house in the vicinity of Mohnton was on "Cedar Top," a short distance east of the village. The first township school in the village (one-story stone) was erected about 1850, where the church stands, opposite the post- office, and continued there until 1890, when it was removed to the place where it now stands. Several additions were made to it. It has six' rooms. Two additional rooms have recently been supplied in another building to accommodate the increasing number of children. Some of the teachers during the past forty years have been Valentine Guldin, Leo Hess, A. F. E. Grill, Mrs. B. H. Miller, Miss Kate Lewis, Hiram J. Bigony and William F. Big- ony. In .1908, there were seven schools and 300 scholars ; and the total expenditures for school purposes were $4,360. Secret Societies. — Different secret societies have been instituted here, prominent among them being the American Mechanics, Knights of Friend- ship, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, and P. O. S. of A. Auditorium. — In 1906, Augustus R. Anderson erected a fine large two-story frame auditorium op- posite the trolley station with a seating capacity of 800, in which various entertainments have been held. WEST READING Town Plan. — In 1864, Frederick R. Frill pur- chased from William Leinbach a farm of 116 acres, which now comprises the eastern section of West Reading. In 1873, he laid this land off into lots, and most of the lots in the blocks south of Penn street (West Penn avenue) were numbered con- secutively from 1 to 200. The surveyor was Dan- iel S. Zacharias, who prepared the draft, dating it Oct. 21, 1873. Mr. Frill sold many of these lots during the sum- mer of that year, and delivered the deeds in Oct- ober. The first purchaser was James F. Matz, car- penter (now superintendent of the West Reading Water Company). He erected the large three-story brick building at the southeast corner of Second and Penn streets, which became the Farmers' Hotel. The first row of dwelling-houses was erected in 1873 on Franklin street, between Third and Fourth streets, by Abraham F Reeser and William Geiger, of Reading. In 1883, George F Baer, Charles F Smith and Reuben E. Demmon laid off into lots a consider- able part of the Jacob W. Seitzinger farm which they had purchased, and the first blocks of lots then sold lay between Fifth and Sixth streets, south of West Penn avenue to Spruce street, the sales having been effected through the Pennsyl- vania Trust Company. Builders. — The first builders of the town who erected the dwelling-houses were: Reeser & Geiger Harrv Auman James F. Matz Henry Trostel Jared G. Yam ell James M. Hain Simon Kline Franklin Leinbach Incoeporation. — After the town of West Read- ing had come,_ through the course of thirty years, to be a flourishing community, with a number of important industries and an estimated popula- BOROUGHS 389 tion of 700, steps were taken in March, 1903, to establish a borough, but the remonstrance of many property holders was so vigorous during a course of six months that the proceedings were dropped. A second effort was made in Novem- ber, 1906, with the conditions greatly improved, and though earnest objections were again present- ed the court made the -decree of incorporation March 18, 1907. The boundary lines inclosed 373 acres, extending from the Wyomissing creek on the south to the Lebanon Valley railroad on the north, and from the western bank of the Schuyl- kill river on the east to the eastern boundary line of the borough of Wyomising on the west. The first public election was held May 7, 1907, when the first borough officials were elected. F. R. Himmelberger, a prominent carriage manufactur- er of the town for upward of twenty years, was chosen the first burgess, and this election started the community in its political career as a separ- ate district. First Taxables. — Names of resident taxables of West Reading, when first established as a bor- ousfh in 1907: Gustav Albrecht Milton A. Albright William Alvine Aaron F. Adams Aaron Adams, Sr. William F. Adams David F. Brown Michael M. Baker Thomas J. Brossman Simon Blankenbiller Walter A. Bleiler Valentine Behringer John Blankenbiller Adam R. Blatt Harry B. Blankenbiller Daniel B. Blankenbiller William B. Blankenbiller P. W. Brubaker Charles H. Boyer William F. Brobst Charles Clark Benjamin Cohn Theodore M. Deck Lloyd F. Dunkelberger J. Adam Dieffenbach Wellington Dunkelberger Michael Eckenroth Therese Engels D. L. George Ellis Est. John Eyrich Est. Clara Esterline William M. Edris Robert C. Etchberger Mrs George Eckert J. W. Forry & Son John Fisher Sarah Freeman John Fox George F. Fritz William Foreman George W. Fisher Claudius J. F. Gruber Joseph A. F. Ganster Daniel K. Graeflf Daniel S. Good 19 John J. Geiger Augustus Glaser John Gerhart Milton A. Gring William S. Gruber William H. Gring Morris J. Geiss John P. Ggjff Fred K. Graeff John H. C. Heflner Jefferson B. Himmelberger Benjamin F. Holl John J. Haederle Jacob S. Hill Thomas A. Hechler James F. Holl Jacob D. Hilbert Albert B. Heist John Holzinger Oscar P. Holl Charles M. Hain George M. Hain John H. Hinnershitz Francis Y. Hemmig William E. S. Hinnershitz Peter Horn rich Frank R. Himmelberger James M. Hain Abraham W. Hain Cornelius Himmelberger John Hollenbach Augustus Hushower Elizabeth Hechler Hilbert & Lamm William F. Hechler William A. Hechler Levi Jones Thomas Kocher John J. Kocher Martin Kussler George W. Kaucher Annie S. Krick Mary H. Kutz J. Frank Kline John Keener William Latshaw Est. Otto Lind Jacob D. Leinbach Howard Leinbach Charles G. Labe Walter Xarkin J. Calivin Leinbach J. P. Lee William W. Leinbach Charles H. Lotz Charles J. Link Jacob A. Leightheiser Calvin A. Leinbach George F. Mertz Elizabeth Matz William W. Matz Nathan H. Miller William H. Moyer John Mish Thomas Mogel WilHam A. Miller John Miller George Manning Ezra O. Miller Frank J. Moyer Wilson E. F. Miller Daniel M. Miller Peter F. Mogel McQuade Bros. Henry F. Miller Frank P. Matz William W. Machemer Lizzie E. Markley Charles Mee Daniel A. Mosser Christian Ortmiller Patrick M. Odear Jacob D. Potts Irvin W. Potteiger William H. Quinter Charles R. Quinter Howard N. Rishel James M. Reifsnyder John H. Reinert J. S. Reber Mary Ringler Solomon Ringler Arus Rhode William H. Riegel Ralph L. Ritzman James L Rishel C. Milton Rintz Frank Anderson William J. AUgaier Harry Anderson Dr. Silas Bums Claude R. Bright Raymond C. Bright Edwin J. Bixler Edgar J. Becker Irvin M. Becker Charles D. Bailey Charles L. Becker Adam E. Baer Herbert S. Bryson A. H. Bright Levi F. Clay Charles R. Clay S. Irvin Christman Fred Crossland Harry E. Clark David Care Reuben Roth Clarence L. Rahn Thomas P. Rahn Martin L. Ruth David Roth Conrad S. Reber Edwin G. Ruth Fred V. Shearer Elijah B. Smith Jacob P. Struble Henry Schlegel Joseph K. Strause James C. Seltzer Henry J. Smith Angline Jane Shunk Paul Schnabel William J. Stamm Mary M. Shanaman Cletus Setley Victor Setley Reuben W. D. Schell Lando Seitzinger Charles H. Seiders George H. Schwartz George W. Swartz Jacob Snyder Monroe Stauffer Ed. Spatz & John E. Hain Benjamin H. Seidel Joseph W. Shanaman James G. Spatz Isaiah B. Seibert Mary A. Seibert Mary A. Tobias Henry F. Trostle William F. Texter John A. Ulrich Ezra Von Neida & Bro. Charles Voelker, Sr. William F. Welder Joseph Wounderly Eva F. Weil John H. Wise Ernst Wolschendqrf Stephen S. Wisser Wisser & Lesher Frank Wanner John B. Withers Florence Frey Weidner Jonas Weaver Jacob C. Wolf Homer S. Yost J. G. Yarnell Tenants H. Walter Care John F. Crouse Thomas J. Crimmins Henry I. Clay Lewis L. Conrad John R. Dellicker Harry D. Dean Walter Y. Dauber Howard R. Deisher William G. Dierolf J. Frank Dohner Frank Day Albert H. Deeds George Dundore Harvey Y. Dauber Thomas Eckenroth John H. Ellis John H. Eyrich Stewart Esterline Charles H. Ellis 290 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Ezra P. Etchberger Charles A. Eyrich Harry East R. Resley Eckert John J. Freyberger William I. Fritz Harry J. Fisher Charles Folk E. M. Feltenberger Alfred B. Fies George K. Fox Charles J. Feather Milton Fisher Newton W. Fry W. Calvin Fisher Nathan F. Fisher Irvin P. Fessler Frank S. Forry Harry Good George W. Geiger Jacob A. Geiger Joseph Gahbler John H. Gerhart James A. Gerrett John Grady William A. Gring Howard Groff R. H. Gibson Elmer L, Henne William C. E. Herman John E. Rain Oliver S. Heck Jacob Oscar Hill Herbert W. Hechler Henry Hoyer John H. Hoyer Wellington R. Hiester Walter W. Heist Charles Himmelberger Stephen Holzinger Jacob S. Heft James M. Huber Bert Heffelfingei George Huffnagle George R. Himmelberger Irvin D. HefBeger Irvin D. Hinnershitz Charley A. Hinnershitz William J. Hemniig Frank M. Hain John Himmelberger George W. Hechler Jacob A. Flechler William C. Hechler Curtis M. Flertz Frank K. Hertz Harry W. Hinnershitz George Haldeman Henry W. Haupt George Jones Henry A. Kemp Simon S. Kline Walter S. Kline Elias Kunkelman Charles Kalbach Evan F. Kalbach William G. Klopp Granville M. Keim Samuel Kummerer Harry J. Kramer Charles W. Koch H. Urias Kliem John H. Klopp Charles A. Keller William Killinger Lewis O. Kantner John A. Kintzer Irvin D. Klopp Thomas C. Lott Joseph Livinghouse Frank S. Lebo Jeremiah H. Lebo John Lind Thomas Latshaw Charles C. Lamm Jonathan Lesher John E. Leibensberger Henry E. Leader Robert W. Latshaw William C. Lewars Edward Law Marion Larkin George E. Leisey Nathaniel W. Lieb George R. Lieb J. Edwin Lieb Richard Leinbach Milton Lamm Harry S. Lobach Nelson J. Leinbach George W. Magargle Samuel A. Machmer William JNIadeira James F. Matz Robert B. Moyer Isaac Moyer George E. Moyer John F. Morgan William H. Martin I. Lawrence Moyer Harvey W. Moyer Jacob E. Mnrry Charles F. Mover Charles B. Miller Edwin Malev Edward M. Miller Howard G. ]\Tercer Franklin S. Miller William J. Mays Isaac K. ^Miller David Miller David J. Miller Charles Miller Oscar E. Miller George C. IMiller George ^Mnimtz William McAdoo William H. Mays Harry W. Moser John L. Moser Frederick G. Nunnemacher Thomas G. Noll Charles Noecker John W. Noll David Oswald Patrick Odear Charles E. Painter Frank Peiffer Charles F, Reichert Howard H. Ritter Wellington Reber Edwin W. Ritz Harvey C. Ritz William J. Ritz Howard H. Reifsnyder Henry Ruffner FT ward S. Rentz Albert Rollman Christian A. Reese ■ Charles P. Riegel S. W. Rhoads Samuel Rhoads Henry H. Reber Webb J. C. Rightmyer John M. Shiffer Harry Stuber Thomas Stables Walter C. Snyder Howard J. Siegfried William Stadelmyer Benjamin F. Staram Reginald E. Smith Franklin H. Stoudt John A. Stoudt Martin Sweigert Benjamin F. Spatz Harvey E. Swisher Eugene Sterner John L. Shuler Charles Y. Shaner Alvin S. Schlegel David H. Shunk David F. Shunk John Shunk George A. Spavd Frank H. Struble John L. Steckler Wilson K. Strauss Charles Schaeffer Oscar C. Schaeffer Richard J. Stein J. David Schaeffer John Jacob Shanaman Albert Stoudt Irvin Stoudt Charles H. Stoudt Frederick S. Seidel Frank B. Steigerwald T. William Stamm Levi S. Stamm Edward Sohl Harry A. Schneider Charles A. Strunk William H. Spatz Howard S. Schaeffer Oscar S. Schaeffer Charles M. Schaeffer William S. Schaeffer William H. Tyson Edward F. Thiele Samuel A. Trupp William B. Thomas Frank P. Ulrich Lewis Z. Voelker Charles T. Voelker John M. Wilson Isaac Wolfinger Harvey C. Wayne Wellington B. Wayne Joseph Weitzel John Weitzel Adam Weitzel Cyrus W. Weller Oscar W. Weil Charles E. Wiedinmyer William E. Wounderly H. William Wagner Clarence Wennell Charles Waesner John A. Wails John T. Wails Jacob Wenrich John Woundly _ Charles A. Weidner Howard W. Whitmoyer Samuel Weaver Oscar Weible William Weathers Amel Ernst Wolf Joel Ziemer John Ziemer John Ziegler William Zechman Paul P. Spahn Arthur G. Smith Officials for 1909. — The following list com- prises the officials of the borough for the year 1909: Chief Burgess, Arus Rhode Toivn Council, Benjamin Seidel, President Thomas Brossman. Treasurer William Machmer Walter Heist Morris Geiss William Hechler Wilson Miller Charles Voelker Charles Miller, Secretary School Board. Milton A. Gring, President Thomas Flechler, Secretary R. W. D. Schell, Treasurer James T. Rishel Wm. E. S. Hinnershitz John Hetterly Justices of the Peace, Frank Dohner Ezra Etchberger Constable, Flamilton Brown Assessor, Claude Gruber Collector, William H, Riegel Auditors, Frederick Nunnemacher Richard J. Stein Irvin P. Fessler Post-Office.— The post-office was established June 23, 1,S92. The postmasters have been: S. S. Wisser, William Tyson, Charles Schaeffer, and Blankenbiller Brothers (the last named since 1904). BOROUGHS 391 Industries Brick Yards. — ^About 1847, Drexel Brothers (John, Reuben and Jacob) started the manufac- ture of common clay brick on a tract of land along the Tulpehocken road several hundred feet north of West Penn avenue and carried on the yard for many years. George W. Drexel (a brother of those named) was the last of this family to en- gage in the business and he ceased in 1904. Moyer & Co., of Reading, engaged in the manu- facture of clay brick in West Reading in 1885, and have continued until the present time. They start- ed with a limited annual production, but gradually developed their business until they came to em- ploy from seventy to one hundred hands and to produce annually 5,000,000; which are sold almost entirely to local trade for building and paving purposes at Reading and West Reading. Conrad Kaltenbach started in 1894 and estab- lished a large plant for the manufacture of brick by machinery and carried on the business exten- sively until 1900, when he sold it to Simon Kline; and Mr. Kline has continued until the present time. His trade is local. He employs twenty- five to thirty hands, operates the plant the whole year, and produces about 5,000,000 annually. He owns in a connected tract about twenty-five acres of land, which lie betwen Third and Sixth streets, south of Chestnut. Crusher Plants. — ^About 1870, while the project- ed South Mountain railroad was being extended from Strausstown by way of Bernville to a point opposite Reading, a quarry was opened at "Lein- bach's Hill," adjoining the west end of the Penn street bridge. Different parties operated the quarry and a crusher to supply crushed stone with more or less success for upward of thirty years, when the property was leased from the owner. Rev. George Bornemann, by the McQuade Brothers (James P. and Michael), of Pottstown, in 1906, when they substituted a larger and more improved crusher with a daily capacity of six hundred tons and have since operated it very successfully. Ar- rangements are now being made (April, 1909) to enlarge the daily capacity to nine hundred tons, to meet the demands of their business. Most of' their product is supplied to the city of Reading. They employ fifty hands and ten teams. In 1906, . Simon Kline established a crusher on his premises and has since carried it on in con- nection with his brick works. He employs ten men and produces about an hundred tons daily. Hat Factory. — In 1880 George W. Alexander erected a large three-story brick factory for the manufacture of wool hats and equipped it with the necessary machinery, and after carrying on business in a very successful manner for ten years the plant was destroyed by fire. He immediately rebuilt the factory and equipped it with the most improved machinery for the manufacture of soft fur hats. His son Edgar then became a partner and they traded under the name of George W. Alexander & Son. In 1903 the father died and since then the son has continued the business in the same firm name. This enterprise provides employment for about three hundred hands. Keiser Manufacturing Company. — David PI. Keiser, after having been connected with the Wilkinson Shear Company at Reading for upward of ten years, embarked in the business of manu- facturing sheep and grass shears at West Reading in 1903. He established a plant and 'has since de- veloped a large trade which extends to all parts of the world. He employs twenty-five hands. Himmelberger Carriage Works. — F. R. Himmel- berger started making buggies and wagons at Reading in 1883, and carried on business two years, when he located in West Reading, a short distance beyond the Penn street bridge, and oper- ated a plant there with George H. Smith as a partner, trading as Himmelberger & Smith, for thirteen years. Then Smith withdrew, to engage in the same business at Reading, and Himmel- berger established a larger plant on Second street, which he has conducted in a very successful man- ner until the present time, manufacturing all kinds of buggies, light wagons and heavy wagons, which are forwarded to all parts of this and the sur- rounding counties. In 1907, he erected another large building to meet the demands of his trade. His plant is equipped with the latest improved machinery. He has superior drying lumber sheds, with upward of 75,000 feet of lumber (hard and soft) on hand. He employs upward of thirty mechanics and laborers. It is the largest works of the kind in the county outside of Reading. Mr. Himmelberger is interested in the local gov- ernment, having served as the first chief burgess. George M. Hain started a wagon works at Sink- ing Spring in 1894, and after carrying on busi- ness for five years located at West Reading, where he has been engaged until the present time, mak- ing carriages and wagons to order. He employs five hands. Bonnet Factory was established in 1907 by Charles Voelker and his son Charles, trading as ' the Berks Manufacturing Company. They erected a three-story brick building and equipped it with machinery adapted to the making of sunbonnets, children's plain suits, aprons, and dry-goods speci- alties; with a complete laundry in the basement. They employ from thirty to thirty-five hands, most- ly females. Previously they had been engaged in this business at Reading for several years. Flour-mill. — In 1884, the large brick flour-mill of Irving Shaneman at the foot of Penn street, adjoining the bridge on the south, was removed in the construction of the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley railroad, and he then purchased a lot of ground from Frederick R. Frill at the intersec- tion of the river road with the turnpike and erect- ed a large stone grist-mill to take its place for carrying on his established trade. In 1891 Dan- iel F. Dietrich became the owner and he equipped 292 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the building with the latest improved roller-process machinery. He carried on the business extensive- ly with his son Wellington as a partner until 1898, when he sold the plant. It was afterward owned and operated by different parties until 1905, when Benjamin Cohen becamie the purchaser and since then the mill has been carried on by him. Five hands are employed. He lives at Altoona. Sausage Factory. — -In 1890 Thomas Rahn estab- lished a sausage factory at West Reading and has since manufactured many tons of "summer" sau- sage annually, which he disposes of at wholesale. He started in the business at Shoemakersville and was engaged there one year and in Muhlenberg township several miles north of Reading four years, when he located at West Reading. Eagle Soap Works has been carried on since 1906 by Theodore M. Deck, manufacturing hard and soft soaps, with several hands. Holl Bakery has been carried on since 1894 by Oscar P. Holl, employing several hands and de- livery teams. He produces from two hundred to five hundred loaves of bread daily and serves many families. He also bakes pastry and cakes of all kinds. Brass Works was established at the west end of the Penn street bridge in 1906 by John Fasig and it has been occupied by several parties. It is a two- story brick building. Crew-Levick Company established an oil station at Wyomissing in 1900 and removed it to West Reading, adjoining the Belt Line railroad, in 1902. Heck Coal Chutes. — In 1904, H. J. Heck, of Reading, established large coal chutes along the "Belt Line" which he has since enlarged, develop- ing their total capacity to 20,000 tons. He sup- plies a large trade at Reading as well as his patron- age in West Reading. First Store. — WilHam E. S. H^innershitz estab- lished the first grocery store here in 1880, and has carried it on since, though latterly in a limited way. He has served as a school director of Spring town- ship and the borough for twenty years and was chiefly instrumental in securing a large and modern school building for the eastern end of the township, to answer the demand of the rapidly increasing pop- ulation. [See biographical sketch in this publi- cation.] Wisser Store. — S. S. Wisser, after being in busi- ness at Reading f6r several years, located in West Reading in 1883 and established a grocery store which he developed into a large and successful stand. In 1902 he added a furniture department. [See biographical sketch in this publication.] In April, 1909, there were in the borough, besides the industries and improvements detailed, the fol- lowing : Grocery stores 8 Hotels 2 Drug store 1 Restaurant 1 Retail meat shops 3 Barber shops 2 Blacksmith shops 2 Shoemaking shop 1 Wheelwright shops 3 Painter and paper-hanger 1 Carpet weaving shop .... 1 Physicians 2 Saddler and harness shop 1 Minister 1 Puhlic Improvements Water Company. — George R. Frill and Charles H. Schaeffer estabHshed the West Reading Water Company in 1886, locating a pumping station and filtration plant at the foot of Chestnut street, and the reservoir (consisting of two cedar tanks) with a total capacity of 50,000 gallons, where the large iron stand-pipe was substituted in 1902^ 60 feet high and 20 feet in diameter, with a capacity of 150,000 gal- lons. Mr. Frill was president until his decease in 1894 when he was succeeded by Mr. Schaeffer (who had served as secretary) and Mr. Schaeffer has of- ficiated since. Mr. Schaeffer's son, E. Carroll Schaeffer, Esq., is the secretary and James F. Matz, superintendent. The company has about four hundred patrons. It also supplies the inhabitants of the borough of Wyomissing whose residences are situated east of the Bernville road. Fire Company. — The West Reading Fire Com- pany was organized in 1901, secured a chemical en- gine and erected a frame building with a bell tower. It has one hundred members. Belt Line. — A line of railroad was constructed through the eastern section of West Reading and opened for traffic in 1902 for the purpose of running coal and freig-ht trains around Reading, in order to avoid the congestion of trains at the depot and limit the interruption to business at the Penn street cross- ing. Halls. — The third floor of the West Reading Ho- tel has been set apart for amusement purposes. The old one-story brick school building with its extension, situated on Franklin street between Sec- ond and Third streets, was purchased by William F. Behringer, retail butcher, upon its abandonment by the school directors when they took possession of the new school building, and he converted it into a hall for entertainments of all kinds. It is convenient of access and has a seating capacity of several hun- dred. Churches .-vnd ScHOOLS.^JMembers of the Re- formed denomination residing in West Reading or- ganized a congregation in 1891 and erected a one- story brick church building where they have held services until the present time. A.rrangements are being made to erect a superior new church in a more prominent locality. Members of the Lutheran denomination also formed an organization and erected a one-story brick church building in 1896, where they have held services since. In 1898 a large double two-story brick school building was erected by the school district of Spring township, which displayed the enterprise of the directors and their appreciation of the future prom- ise of West Reading, and when the borough was BOROUGHS 293 established this school building became its prop- erty. The total cost was near $30,000. EcKERT Residence. — George J. Eckert (fire brick manufacturer of Reading) was one of the first purchasers of lots in West Reading, having in 1874 purchased a block of lots along Penn ave- nue extending from Second to Third streets, and several years afterward erected on a knoll a fine two-story mansion for his residence which has oc- cupied much prominence in the town until the present time. SHILLINGTON Incorporation. — The borough of Shillington, embracing an area of 284 acres of land, was erected by the court of Quarter Sessions of Berks county on Aug. 18, 1908. The application was presented on Sept. 9, 1907, and signed by 160 citizens of Cumru township, who resided in the vicinity of the "Three-Mile House," a long-es- tablished public place at the intersection of the Lancaster road with the thoroughfare commonly known as the "Philadelphia road," three miles southwest from Reading. Many property holders had entered a determined protest, but without avail. In 1844, John Beidler secured the farming land there from the Valentine Stroup estate, upon which the "Three-Mile House" came to be established as a hotel, and the Beidlers have continued to own it until the present time. In 1848, Samuel Shil- ling purchased 128 acres, part of the same farm. In 1860, he laid off part of the land into lots, and soon afterward the' place came to be known as Shillington. James G. Lash purchased part of the farm and in -1891 laid it off into lots; after which time the place grew rapidly by the erection of dwellings. The post-office was established in 1884. In 1893, the heirs of Jonathan Miller, deceased, sold seventy-two acres, 107 perches of land to the west of Shillington to Henry Ahrens, George Eltz and J. B. Sterley, of Reading, and they laid it off into lots, which they called Edison, and then that section came to be improved rapidly. _ The hotel was a popular resort for many years, more especially after a racing track had been es- tablished there in 1868. Previously the highway from that point toward Reading was occasionally used in spirited running races by ambitious own- ers of speedy horses, which attracted much public attention. This section of road from the hotel to the bridge (crossing the Schuylkill river) was the first in the county to be improved by the State Highway de- partment. The improvement was made in 1904-07, at a cost of $18,326. Shillington became connected with Reading by trolley line in 1890; and the same year the line was extended to Mohnsville (now Mohnton). First Officials. — The first election of borough officials was held on Sept. 1, 1908, resulting in the election of the following officials : Chief Burgess, Adam Rollman Council, Martin Fritz (3 years) Geo. E. Schupp (3 years) A. Harry Boyer (3 years) James Fry (2 years) John T. Strunk (3 years) Oswin F. Kroyer (1 year) Albert T.obias (1 year) School Directors, William A. Miller (3 years) Chas. M. Yetter (3 years) Levi Lausch (2 years) W. H. Dankle (2 years) Frank Miller (1 year) Harry G. Hain (1 year) Auditors, Calvin Wise (3 years) Enos Messner (2 years) Judge of Election, Frank M. Grill Inspectors, Charles Weiders Oscar B. White On Feb. 16, 1909, the regular spring election was held and the following officials were elected to complete the local government established the previous September : Chief Burgess, H. L. Hartman Town Council, Oswin F. Kroyer Irwin Bitting School Directors, William Fichthorn Harry G. Hain Collector, Henry G. Fritz Auditor, John W. Wertz Justices of the Peace, Cyrus Brendle , Cyrus Hemmig Constable, Charles Bossier First Taxables. — The following list embraces the names of the first taxables of the borough: Joseph F. Artz Cyrus D. Althouse Howard W. Althouse Caroline Artz David U. Bortz A. Harry Boyer James Beckey David B. Becker Harry A. Beyler Frank W. Bitting David B. Becker Lillie M. Baer Emeline Body Annie M. Bitting Cornelius Beechert Esther J. Bickel Aaron E. Baer Sophia Burkhart Samuel G. Burkhart Lydia Bickel Irwin W. Bitting Monroe Blankenbiller Wellington Bickel James M. Bartron David A. Brensinger Andrew G. Burkhart Adam Brown William H. Bohn Augustus G. Body William S. Bachman Orville F. Becker Frank F. Royer Charles Bassler Henry L. Clouser Rosa Coldren Samuel Curley Elias H. Coldren William B. Conrad Addison F. Dietrich Henry P. Deeds Mary Deeds William H. Dankle Edward Dehart Christian W. Erb George B. Erb Frank R. Eshelman Lizzie Frees John L. Fritz Annie E. Fastnacht Cyrus W. Fastnacht Hannah Fry James H. Fry Charles H. Fisher Annie Fromm Matilda Fritz William H. Fichthorn Catharine Foreman Harry T. Fritz Catharine Fritz Mary Flickinger Henry Fritz Henry G. Fritz Martin H. Fritz Harrison D. Foreman L. W. Frankhouser Ella C. Goodman George H. Gaul Franklin P. Gaul Benneville M. Gaul Frank M. Grill 294 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Adam iF. E. Grill John M. Grill Howard G. Gettis Daniel D. GoU Annie M. Hartman Nelson Hoffert Benton L. Hemmig Abner M. Harding Harvey' T. Huyett Cyrus H. Hemmig Annie Houser Nicholas J. Hoffert Grace T. Hoffert Jacob C. Hoshauer Dr. M. Luther Huyett Henry T. Hofifert Martin H. Hertzog Ella R. Hornberger Benneville H. Hemmig Mary M. Hill Harry G. Hain Dr. L. G. Hain William P. High Sallie A. High Amelia Hill Sallie Knauer Oswin F. Kroyer Susan Kring Harvey Kring William S. Krick Wellington S. Krick Amos Kurtz Levi W. Kachel George S. Kleinginna Henry K. Kieffer Elizabeth Kurtz Wellington Kachel John Kefifer Pierce Killian S. B. Klopp Frank J. Klopp Charles W. Lorah Isaac G. Leininger Mrs. Gordon Lutz James G. Lash Estate Charles Marks Priscilla Marks Ella A. Matz Rachel Moyer F. P. Matz Estate Charles G. Moser David Matz Henry V. Mohn William V. Mohn Frank H. Miller John Y. Matz Louisa Matz Jacob U. Matz Mary H. Mohn S. H. Miller Estate James N. Miller Lillie W. Miller Amanda Moore Rhein B. Messner William W. Miller Harrv O. Moyer William A. Matz William A. Martin Henry B. Matz George H. Matz Ida R. Miller Eugene H. G. Arnold Jacob B. Artz Joseph R. Naugle A. Frank Naugle Elizabeth Oberholtzer Mary Ott James H. Pennapacker James F. Pennapacker William H. Palm John H. Price Katharyne J. Porter Charles Rintz Cyrus Reber Ella Reber Rebecca Reber Francis Ruflner Adam Rollman Henry R. Ruth Howard E. Ruth Amos E. Ruth John H. Romig Mary N. Savage John Streitberger George Shupp Amanda Schnader Catherine Schnable Wilson Sweitzer James A. Stafford Maria Schaeffer Charles T. Scott Maria Schweitzer Anna Schweitzer Jacob Schadle L. W. Spires Samuel B. Schweitzer Herman G. Sowa Amelia Spears George E. Schaefifer Jacob S. Steininger Levi D. Stetler Clinton E. Shilling Frederick E. E. Shilling Howard M. Shilling William M. Stetler John T. Strunk David L. Stoner Edwin E. Smith George H. Trout Albert H. Tobias Jacob S. Tothero Isaac Tothero Lucy N. Tothero James R. Trout Iilichacl Thiry Elmer F. Trostel William Trostel James Von Neida . Ezra G. Von Neida William A. Wentzel John M. Wertz Carolina Wertz Jonathan Wanger Oscar B. White Mary H. White Sarah B. Wilson John Wolfkill J. Calvin Weiss Peter White Charles M. Yetter Emma B. Yetter Harry W. Zwally Matilda B. Zellers Tenants Edwin L. Artz Irvin Artz Nathan Althouse William H. Arnold Jacob R. Artz Frank Althouse William H. Bitting Marvin C. Beck Alvin Binkly Daniel D. Brendel Dyson S. Bradley Irvin Bright Howard H. Bitting John H. Behm William K. Brendel Jesse M. Bauder George W. Bushman Samuel M. Bitting David C. Bohn John G. Body Harvey C. Boone John T. Behler Hiram W. M. Bickel Cyrus U. Bensing Richard S. Bitter Cyrus K. Brendel Jacob M. Bickel Adam S. Body Raymond F. Becker John Bitting Augustus M. Brown Champion B. Bartron Christian E. Coller Benjamin F. Coller Clair B. Cooper Lemon Conrad Frank B. Conrad John K. Coldren Walter F. Curley James Coleman Owen P. Deeds Dr. L. V. Dillon Charles M. Englert John Eckert William Eyrich Frank H. Eshelman John D. Erb Daniel J. Erb Isaac H. Eshelman John H. Evans William P. Fleisher Nathan T. Fritz Abraham S. Foltz Bentley G. Foreman Elmer E. Fair Abraham Foltz Christ S. Flickinger Clinton F. Flickinger Wallace C. Fritz Daniel Fry Harry Fitterling Daniel S. Freeman Thomas H. Fromm David T, Field John S. Farrell Ploward F. Folk Henry B. Freese John Fisher Alvin J. Griffith Fred A. Gehret Thomas J. Goodman Charles A. Goodman Gottlieb Gouse Harry G. Gouse John A. Gaul Walter M. Geiger Samuel J. Gerhard Levi M. Grill Howard F. Goodman Daniel Hummel Elmer J. Heinly Carolina Hatt Charles Himmelberger William B. Hendel Jesse Herneisen George W. Hartman Ezra Homan Lester A. Hemmig Jacob Hoffert Howard L. Hartman Zacharias H. Hornberger William A. Hofifman Pierce B. Hatt Rev. C. S. Haman William A. Huyett John J. Hoffert Irvin B. Huyett Charles Haag William T. Hill Walter G. Hill Harry G. Hill Adolph Jalin John L. Knauer William T. Keffer Jacob T. Kline Frank G. Keffer Charles A. Klopp James P. Kleinginni Milton Kachel Lewis A. Lehman Jacob A. Lesher John T. Lotz Lester A. Lutz Gordon Lutz Washington Leinbach George F. Lee Almah S. Lutz Levi H. Lausch John Lessley Harry Lausch Walter IT Lantz Vallie A. Matz Evan Mover John FI. "]\Iarks Bentley Aloore John S. ]\Iiller John M. Miller Robert W. Moyer Frank Moyer Daniel H. Miller Charles G. Miller William H. Miller Harvey C. Miller Samuel S. Miller Adam Miller Frank P. Mohn Charles S. Mohn William M. Mohn Chester A. Mohn William H. Mohn Katie Matz Frank R. Myers Chester A. Martin Edwin P. Moyei' John Mahley Harry R. Mahlschnee Charles Matz James W. Messner William Manabeck Reuben H. Nye George Newkirk Martin Ott BOROUGHS 395 Joseph W. Oberholtzer Benjamin Putt Thomas Putt Harry Putt ' Charles Putt Daniel Pleam Claude W.'- Palm Richard H. Porter Franklin E. Phillips Herbert V. Ruth William H. Rollman Harry Reber Aldus K. Royer Samuel A. Richard John Rupp Charles Ritzman Wallace Reddig Mary Rollman Warren Reifsnyder Hiester Rhime Harry Rhime Augusta C. Rohland Howard C. Remp Edwin C. Rollman John Reiner * ' Emlein K. Royer Wesley Rollman Elbina Sweitzer Albert C. Savage Francis Savage Alvin J. Savage John R. Schnabel Adolph Schwetzke Harry C. Schaeffer Howard D. Sitler Isaac Schaeffer Charles J. Strause Edward Sweitzer John A. Spears Berton Schonour Pearson Schaeffer Morris S. Schaeffer Zenas W. Schonour Martin L. Steffy Irvin Savage John G. Stutzman Oliver Titton Fred J. Thurrow B. F. S. White Thomas White Charles F. Wieder Frank Wieder Thomas Wieder William S. Willis Daniel I. Wentzel John G. Wentzel Evan J. Wentzel Charles W. Wentzel Harry W. Wertz John W. Wertz John- Wertz, Sr. John Weiss Jeremiah F. Wanner Milton Wanner Francis S. Wolf William H. Watt James Wieder John White Elmer E. Yoder Charles Yoh William M. Zellers Levi H. Snyder Property-holders ^^^ Tenants ®30 Total valuation $421,765 Luke Deeds started in 1905 and after carrying on the plant a year died, when his wife, Aaron Stein and A. J. Fink incorporated the business. They have seven houses. Cigars. — Charles M. Yetter started manufactur- ing cigars' at Mohnsville in 1889. After carrying on the business eight years he located at Shilling- ton, where he erected a large three-story brick factory, and has carried on the business quite ex- tensively since then, employing from eighty to ninety hands, manufacturing about 100,000 cigars weekly. The business was incorporated in 1905. The members of the Cumru Cornet Band start- ed manufacturing cigars at Shillington about 1890, and after carrying on the business several years the Kramer Brothers of Lancaster county (who were engaged in the leaf tobacco business) be- came their successors and have since carried on the business, employing from eight to ten hands. Howard Gettis and Irvin Bright have been en- gaged separately for some years manufacturing cigars in a limited way. Planing Mill. — David Becker established a small planing-mill at Edison in 1898 and has since done various kinds of planing-mill work by himself. Bakery. — Charles Strauss began a bakery busi- ness in 1901 and has since carried on an increas- ing business with several hands to assist him. Scenic Painter. — Dyson Bradley and Clinton Shilling erected a large frame building in 1897 on the premises of George W. Shilling for the Business in Borough. — The borough contained purpose of painting " theatrical scenery and have in April, 1909, the following: since carried on the business successfully. Mr. gj^j.gg g Hotel 1 Shilling has also shown considerable skill as a car- Flower Houses 3 Machine Shop 1 toonist on political and other subjects. Cigar Factories 2 Yu*^""^"^"!.,;;: \ Howry.— Martin Fritz began the manufactur- fhiirches 3 Shoemaker Shops i . , , -^ . ^ oi -n- ^ ■ -,r^r^-, ji Hat Factory' 1 Cemeteries 3 mg of hosiery at Shillmgton m 1901 and has smce Grist-mill ' ' ■ ■ • 1 'Rs.ct Course 1 carried on the business sucessf ully, making men's Grist- Butclier Shops Barbers ±juL^i>.i ^"v.^,.. J half-hose, employing fifty hands. Blacksmith Shops 3 ^^''^|^(g^j,(i;'j,g •;;;;;;;;; i Telephone.— The^ Ephrata Telephone Company Wheelwright Shop 1 Tinsmith Shop 1 Doctors 3 established a telephone exchange at Shillington in 1908. , Churches. — (Members of the Reformed and Lu- Grist-Mill.—A grist-mill was established alon^ theran denominations associated together in 1874 the Lancaster road, near the Wyomissing creek, ^^^ erected a brick church, but after remaining Industries Lilt xja.i*.\.-c«.^ i.—* *" J - - , — . ainav-i »_»^Lv-u. a, t^x j.^_i.v v-i-n-** %-.i±j t^i-ti. ti-j. i-^-^ j. v-ij.At4.*j.ii.»*^ many years ago. It was converted into a plan- ^pg,gjjjgj. ^jjj.gg years, occupying the building alter- ing-mill by John Waren, and then destroyed by ^^^^^^^ ^^^ Lutherans withdrew. The Reformed fire. Jacob Shadel became the owner of the prem- ^.^ngregation, under the name of Immanuel, have ises, including the water right, and he restorea ^^^^j^^^g^ ^j^g^g ^^^^y ^^it present time. The edifice the building as a gnst-mill. ^^^ rebuilt in 1908. Rev. W. J. Kershner has Flower-Houses.-^UowiiTd M. Shilling estabhshed ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^j^^^g T^gge. a hothouse for the raising of all kinds of flowers ^^^^^ Lutheran congregation erected a brick in 1880, and he has carried on the plant until ^^ .^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ organization now. excepting whilst enhsted m the Spanish War, now, excepting kSed''his'^plant"'and has now 17,000 feet under Members ottne unuea ^vangeiicai laimunaer largeu Ilia Fi ^jjg name of St. Luke's, erected a fine sandstone Harry A. Beyler started in 1898 and has five church in 1904 and have since been worshipping^- houses in use. when his wifi attended to the busmess. He en- ^"J;J^^°J;^ ^^ ^^^ ^^.^^^ Evangelical faith, under there. 296 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Cemeteries. — Three cemeteries have been es- tablished along the southern border of Shilling- ton: The Fairview, in 1876, for members of the Protestant denominations in the vicinity ; Mt. Si- nai, in 1897, for the Reformed Jews at Reading who had maintained a small cemetery along South street for upward of fifty years ; and the Russian and other Orthodox Jews several years afterward, having secured the land from Jacob Lash. Graded School. — The Cumru school board erect- ed a fine two-story brick building in 1901, and upon the erection of the borough it became the property of Shillington. Poorhouse. — The Poorhouse of the county ad- joins the borough. It was established there by the county authorities in 1825, and has been main- tained since then at the public expense. Miller Monument. — In the center of the street leading to Mohnton, near the southerly line of the borough, a unique monument was erected in 1900 by the grandchildren of Christian Miller, who had for many years owned the farming land in that vicinity, and when he died his remains were interred in a private burying-ground on the farm adjoining the pubHc road. It is a large dark granite stone about six feet high and is surrounded by a stone wall inclosing a lot about twenty feet square. The inscription on the stone reads thus : "In Memory of Christian Mil- ler, Family and Friends." CHAPTER XII -TOWNSHIPS The Schuylkill river divides the county of Berk.'; into two nearly equal divisions of territory, the eastern containing about 280,000 acres and the western about 246,000 acres, together 526,000 acres, or 822 square miles. Four Sections. — The eastern division can be divided into two sections by an irregular line ex- tended eastwardly from the Great Bend of the river, along the upper boundary lines of Muhlen- berg, Ruscombmanor, Rockland, District and Here- ford townships, to Lehigh county. The southern section embraces about 133,000 acres, and the north- ern about 147,000 acres. Each section was iden- tified from the earliest settlements by conspicuous streams of water, the southern section having come to be generally known by the name of Manatazvny, and the northern section by Ontelaunce. Both these words are of Indian origin. The Indians having first possessed the entire territory, their names naturally became attached to it. These streams extend northwardly through the respective section.s and drain the greater part of the territory. The western division can be similarly divided, for a natural boundary line divides it also into two sections. It extends from the outlet of the Tulpe- hocken at the Schuylkill river along the northern and western boundary lines of Spring township to Lancaster county, and is formed by the creek named and its first tributary, the Cacoosing. The upper section was called Tulpehocken by the first settlers, a word also of Indian origin. This creek extends westwardly and northwardly, then again westwardly and drains the section almost entirely. And the lower section was called Schuylkill, from its connection with a large district of territory in Chester county which was known by this name. This latter section has two prominent creeks which are known by Indian names, Wyomissing and Allegheny, but neither of them was large enough to give identity to the entire section. The upper section embraces about 130,000 acres, and the lower about 116,000 acres. Erection of Townships. — The townships estab- lished in the county number altogether forty-three. In the descriptions of the respective Sections in this chapter they have been arranged to show the origi- nal townships at the erection of the county and the time when settled and established ; and the ad- ditional townships established since 1752, and from which districts they were taken. This arrangemenc has been adopted for convenience of reference, as well as to avoid much repetition in description. The names of the first taxpayers have been given in Oiapter I, relating to the erection of the county : but the names of the taxpayers of the townships subsequently established, before 1800, have also been included in this Chapter, in connection with the Section where situated. Development. — When the county was erected in 1752, there were twenty-three townships — eighteen regularly established and five commonly recognized ; and one town, Reading, the only place where a considerable number of dwellings had collected. Prominent highways extended from Reading through the several sections to the extreme limits of the county in eight diflferent directions, to enable the taxpayers to visit the county-seat conveniently for the transaction of business relating to their own personal affairs and to affairs con- nected with the government of the county. As time advanced, decade after decade, intersecting highways were laid out; new townships and bor- oughs organized: post-offices established; newspa- pers issued; turnpikes, canals and railroads con- structed ; manufactures of all kinds encouraged ; and numerous schools and churches erected. Now, after the lapse of one hundred and fifty-seven years', there are sixty-one political divisions, comprising one city, seventeen boroughs and forty-three town- ships, with a population of about 175,000, and a total valuation of property exceeding $100,000,000. TOWNSHIPS 297 And fifty towns are scattered throughout the coun- ty, each of whose population exceeds one hun- dred. Government. — The townships are under the gen- eral government of the county. For' local affairs, they have a government of their own, the elected officers being two justices of the peace, a constable, six school directors, an assessor, three supervisors of roads, and three auditors. Their government is government in the simplest form and it is practically the unit of government. It is thoroughly democratic. There are only two purposes which it serves, the maintenance of roads and schools, and without these there would be no necessity for its existence. Being so simple, it is not seen or felt until the payment of taxes for road and school purposes is demanded. The taxpayers thus take a direct interest in their local government and are closely connected with it. But the higher the government advances, as into a borough, city, county. State, or nation, the farther they become removed from it, and their connection is necessarily only by representation. It is apparent that the township is the beginning of our system of free government, just as the nation is the end of it. The aggregation of townships compose our county; of counties our State ; and of States our nation. Railway and Telegraph. — Besides the public thoroughfares for teams, the county is also well supplied with prominent railways which run gener- ally parallel with them ; the Philadelphia & Reading, and the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley, along either side of the river Schuylkill, from the southern ex- tremity to the northern; the Lebanon Valley to the west, the East Penn to the northeast, the Schuylkill and Lehigh to the north, the Reading & Columbia to the southwest, and the Wilmington & Northern to the south — all of these five from Reading; and the Colebrookdale, to the north, from Pottstown ^o Barto, through the eastern portion. The eight railroads cover a .total length of one hundred and fifty miles. The street-car lines were confined to Reading from 1874 to 1890. Then electricity was introduced for propelling the cars, and trolley lines began to extend from Reading into the surrounding coun- try; first, southeast to Exeter township, and south- west to Mohnsville (now Mohnton) ; then west to Womelsdorf, and east to Boyertown, and north to Temple; and then the line to Mohnsville was extended to Adamstown and Lancaster; the line to Temple, to Kutztown and Allentown; and the line to Exeter, to Birdsboro; thus reaching out in every direction, excepting to the north to Ham- burg and to the northwest to Bernville and Mil- lersburg, and covering a total distance of seventy- five miles in the county. The introduction of electricity as the motive power was the direct cause of these extensions. Horses were the motive power for sixteen years from the time that street railways were introduced at Reading. Before 1890, the extensions of the sys- tem into the rural districts for ten and twenty miles were not encouraged because of the cost and impracticability of running them; but by that time the feasibility of introducing electricity became more apparent and then the extdnsions began to reach out in the several directions from Read- ing as mentioned. And just as connections were made for travel by railways, communication was opened to all parts of the county by telegraph and telephone, the former having started in 1848 and the latter in 1879. Through these channels, the energy of steam, and electricity is displayed in a wonderful manner; and when we come to compare the methods and customs of the first settlers in respect to transpor- tation and communication with the facilities and conveniences which we now have, we cannot help but be amazed at our social progress as a com- munity. But another feature of this social progress, equally surprising, is the fact that so few per- sons were actually engaged in devising and creat- ing the agencies by which this progress was ac- complished. The roads and railroads, arid also the telegraph and telephone, have been referred to more fully in Chapter II. Industrial Situation. — In respect to the farm- ing operations, there has been a gradual diminution in the past twenty years, and the condition of the farmers has been generally more or less depressed. All the_ numerous furnaces and forges, with a few notable exceptions, have been abandoned. The num- ber of grist-mills in all the sections has been greatly reduced, and most of them have been converted into chopping-mills, if not altogether discontinued. In many places, creameries have been substituted ; and where heretofore great quantities of flour were ground from wheat and rye raised in the vicinity, now great quantities of fine butter are being manu- factured and shipped to large centers of population ; or many thousands of gallons of milk are delivered at railroad stations and forwarded to Philadel- phia and other places. Religion and Education. — The religious senti- ment of the people has remained about the same. At a number of places throughout the county, fine new churches or chapels were erected, reflecting the earnest spirit of the several denominations, and the two most prominent denominations, Lutheran and Reformed, have been particularly ac- tive and successful. As to the common school system, fine, graded schools were established, but the ten- dency has been to lessen the number of buildings in some of the townships on account of the decrease of population ; and where certain children became too far removed from school-houses in consequence of the abandonment of some of the buildings, the local directors made provision for conveying them to and from school, if not able to get there by themselves. ^98 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Towns. — In the county there are one hundred and three towns and villages, and the names of the greater number have been given after individuals. They are distributed in the several sections as fol- lows: Manatawny 43 Tulpehocken 18 Ontelaune-e 27 Schuylkill 16 Their names are given in connection with the sections. The figures opposite the names indicate the number of dwellings, and the population can be estimated by multiplying these figures by four. The figures adjoining the names indicate the year when the town was started. Fifty of the towns have over one hundred inhabitants. Statistics. — Statistics relating to population, property, taxables, voters, etc., of the several town- ships will be found in the tables which embrace the entire county, in Chapter IX, Census. Mercantile Licenses. — The mercantile ap- praiser reported the number of licensed retail busi- ness places in the several townships of the county for the year 1909 as follows : Albany 24 Alsace 4 Alsace, Lower 14 Amity 39 Bern IS Bern, Upper 18 Bethel 27 Brecknock 10 Caernarvon 19 Centre 34 Colebrookdale 15 Cumru 33 District 8 Douglass 15 Earl 2 Exeter 34 Greenwich 26 Heidelberg 30 Heidelberg, Lower 40 Heidelberg, North 8 Hereford 25 Jefferson 9 Longswatnp 31 Maiden-creek 32 Washington 7 Windsor i In Boroughs 49 In City of Reading 174 191 Total .414 Marion 16 Maxatawny 37 Muhlenberg 32 Oley 37 Ontelaunee 13 Penn 17 Perry 24 Pike 16 Richmond 17 Robeson 28 Rockland 14 Ruscombmanor 13 Spring 45 Tilden 9 Tidpehocken 28 Tulpehocken, Upper ... 15 Union 16 Washington 32 Windsor 6 Boroughs 491 Reading 1,546 Total 2,931 LIQUOR LICENSES IN TOWNSHIPS FOR 1909 Albany 4 Alsace 3 Alsace, Lower 7 Amity 5 Bern 4 Bern, Upper 2 Brecknock 1 Bethel 7 Caernarvon 3 Cumru . . .■ 9 Centre 3 Colebrookdale 2 District 3 Douglass 3 Earl 3 Exeter 11 Greenwich 4 Heidelberg 4 Heidelberg, North 1 Heidelberg, Lower .... 10 Hereford 4 Jefferson 3 Longswamp 9 Maiden-creek 4 Maxatawny 10 Marion 3 Muhlenberg 9 Oley 4 Ontelaunee 5 Penn 4 Perry | 3 Pike 3 Rockland 2 Richmond 7 Robeson 6 Ruscombmanor 3 Spring 7 Tilden 2 Tulpehocken 7 Tulpehocken, Upper ... 3 Union 1 P. O. S. OF A. Camps.— The Patriotic Order Sons of America has estabhshed camps at the fol- lowing places in the county, outside of the city and the boroughs : No. 68 69 99 107 128 133 141 365 213 214 231 230 237 240 250 278 382 347 375 388 399 427 470 480 592 597 664 679 Place Members Assets Hyde Park 316 $ 9,172 Mt. Aetna 77 4,360 Wernersville 186 7,818 Temple 110 831 Grimville 35 915 Shartlesville 161 8,075 Maxatawny 55 1,193 Leesport 342 8,150 Amityville 71 5,273 Millersburg 130 6,592 Lime Kiln 362 13,653 St. Lawrence 249 28,319 Stouchsburg 206 8,277 Douglassville 60 2,015 Blandon 88 7,196 Virginville 95 2,998 Sinking Spring 198 9,750 Henningsville 65 831 Robesonia 115 3,508 Geigertown 72 3,563 Bagenstose 56 1,471 Molltown 36 762 Siesholtzville 53 1,504 Pleasantville 117 2,441 Gibraltar 146 6!965 Rehrersburg 52 1,905 Strausstown 96 1,368 Morgantown 71 1,046 3,419 $148,152 Reading 3,335 113,398 Boroughs 2,115 81,454 Total 9,369 343,004 P O. S. of A. Halls. — Camps in the countv which own their respective halls where the meetines are held : Bechtelsville Oley Line St. Lawrence Hyde Park Lenhartsville Shartlesville Gibraltar MANATAWNY SECTION The Manatawny Section comprises fifteen town- ships, and the time of their settlement and erection is set forth in the following table. ORIGINAL Alsace Amity Colebrookdale , Douglass Exeter, Hereford Oley Ruscombmanor Settled 1735 1701 1730 1720 171S 1732 1712 1749 Erected 1744 1719 1741 1736 1741 1753 1740 1752 TOWNSHIPS }i99 ADDITIONAL Taken from Erected Rockland Oley 1758 District Oley 1759 Earl Oley 1781 Pike Oley 1812 Washington Colebrookdale and Hereford 1839 Muhlenberg Alsace 1851 Alsace, Lower Alsace 1888 Derivation of Names.— The derivation of the names was as follows : Alsace, from the name of the principality in Ger- many whence the first settlers had emigrated on account of long continued religious intolerance and persecution. Amity, from the friendliness of the Indians with the Swedes, the first settlers who had been in- duced to locate here by the persuasion of William Penn. Colebrookdale, from a district of territory in Eng- land, called Colebrook, whence some of the first settlers had emigrated. They were Englishmen, familiar with the manufacture of iron, and the early discovery of iron ore in this region led to the taking up of grants of land here and to its -settlement and improvement by them. The first iron furnace was established here about 1717 along the Ironstone creek, a tributary of the Manatawny (the locality being now within the southern por- tion of Boyertown) ; and the first forge was estab- lished several miles to the southwest along the Manatawny at the same time, the selection of the place having been made on account of the strong flow of water for power to carry on the process of forging. German, but the name was doubtless suggested by English ironmasters who were interested in the territory. Oley, commonly supposed to have originated from an Indian word, Olink, meaning a hollow, the prin- cipal portion of land being rich and productive, al- most surrounded by hills; but it may have been taken from Oleye, the name of a community in Waremme, a province in Belgium, and some of the early settlers may have emigrated from that vicinity. Ruscombmanor, from the name of a district, Rus- comb, in Wales. The Penns, in 1739, had directed 10,000 acres in this vicinity to be set apart for their use, and this having been done, the land was called "Manor of Ruscomb." DANIEL BOONE'S BIRTHPLACE Douglass, from a distinguished name in the an- nals of Scotland, and supposed to have been sug- gested to the court at Philadelphia by the petition- ers. Exeter, from the name of a district in Englajid, whence the first settlers emigrated. They were in- fluential Friends, named Boone, Ellis, Hughes, Lincoln and Webb; Hereford, from the name of a district also in England. The first settlers were almost entirely ■i^piy fTome ?■? Rockland, from the character of the land, many large rocks having been found here; which are still standing like great monuments, undisturbed. They are very hard granite, and therefore capable of resisting the "tooth of time." District, from the locality of the land as lying between Oley and Colebrookdale, by way of de- scription. Earl, from a title of nobility. For a number of years before 1781, District was called "East Dis- trict," and Earl "West District," designated by the county commissioners to facilitate the assessment of real property. Pike, from the name of a species of fish which abounded in the local streams before 1813. Washington, from the name of General George Washington, out of respect to the memory of the first President of the United Staies. Muhlenberg, from the name of the family which owned a large area of land in the proposed town- ship at the time of its erection. Alsace, Lower, from the locality, as distinguish- able from the remaining or upper portion of the original township. Boroughs. — The following boroughs have been established in this section: Boyertown,- in 1851. Bechtelsville, in 1890. Mt. Penn, in 1902. 300 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Waterworks and electric lighting have been sup- plied at the first and last; but pumps and springs and oil lamps are still used at the second. Towns. — The following towns are situated in this section : Name Houses Amityvillel (17S2) 16 Bally2 (1800) .So Barto (1869) 19 Baumstown (1796) 60 Black Bear (ISIO) iO Douglassville (1829) '-9 Dryville (1853) 13 Engelsville (1360) 45 Eshbach (1858) 15 Friedensburg (1831) 145 Frush Valley (1858) 52 Gablesville (1850) 12 Glendale (1871) 30 Greshville (1853) 6 Herefordville (1830) 15 Huff's Church (1874) 15 Hyde Park (1870) 1.90 Tacksonwald (1870) 8 Junctions (1870) 15 Little Oley (1871) .10 LobachsviUe (1835) 7 Name Houses Lorane* (1838) 30 Monocacy Station (1870) . . 12 Morysville (1850) 55 New Berlinville (1835) 87 New Jerusalem (1828) 30 Oley "Line (1870) 7 Pikeville (1834) 20 Pleasantville (1850) 14 Pricetown (1780) 63 Schultzville (1833) 7 Shanesville (1867) 16 Siesholtzville (1849) 5 St). Lawrence (1856) 80 Stonetown 10 Stonersville (1847) 14 Stony Creek Mills (1804).. 45 Temple (1857) 126 Treichlersville (1830) 10 Tuckerton (1843) 47 Weavertown (1775) 33 Yellow House (ISOO) 10 ROCKS OF ROCKLAND First Settlers. — The first settlement in this sec- tion was made b}' a small colony of Swedes in 1701 along the Schuylkill river, four miles above the outlet of the Manatawny creek, in the vicinity of where Douglassville is now situated. They took up large tracts of land, which extended from the river northward for five miles. Some of their descendants are still there, notably the Joneses, Lud- wigs, and Yocoms. The second settlement was made in the central portion by Huguenots, English, and Germans, from 1712 to 1730, who also took up large tracts and then extended their movements to the north, even to the Blue Mountain, and to the west toward Read- ing. Many of their descendants are still in the vicinity; and in several instances (Bertolets, Boones, Deturcks and Lees) the land has been transmitted in a direct line of descendants of the first settlers, from generation to generation, from the beginning until now, a period covering one hundred and eighty years. And the third settlement was made in the portion along what is now the eastern line of the county and within several miles of it, by English and Ger- mans, for a distance of fifteen miles ; and here, too. ^Formerly New Storeville. -Churchville. ^Towerville. Station. ^Exete there are many of the first settlers, notably the Bauers, Bechtels, Livingoods, Rhoadses, Stauflers and Schultzes. The hilly country of Earl township is the habita- tion of more old residents than any other district in the county. To the pure fresh air and most excellent water the old residents attribute their longevity. This township was the birthplace and home of Betzy Trout, who lived to be 101 years old. In the spring of 1909 the following were among the oldest residents in the township : Matil- da (Weller) Motz, aged 87; Aaron Weller, 86; Henry Clauser, 86 ; Philip Haring, 85 ; Joseph Heckman, 85 ; Ezra HartHne, 84 ; Isaac Heydt, 84 , Charles Clauser, 83 ; Mary Mathias, 83 ; Jonathan Swavely, 82, and wife, Emmeline (Shollenberger) Swavely, 77 ; William Dilliplane, 80, and wife, Sarah (Clauser) Dilliplane, 79; Catharine (Swavely) Mathias, 80; Mary (Focht) Clauser, 78; Samuel Rhoads, 78 ; Jacob Rhoads, 76, and wife, 73 ; David M. Mathias, 76; Simon Clauser, 73; WiHiam Rei- chart, 73; Hannah (Mathias) Clauser, 73; Ephraim Weidner, 73. Among the old residents immediately outside of Earl township in the county are : Adam Levengood, 95 ; Abraham Ehst, 93 ; Jacob Bechtel,88 ; Levi Hess, 86 ; Godlieb Falkenstein, 82. Industrial Prominence. — This section was par- ticularly active for over an hundred years in the successful operation of numerous large industries for the manufacture of iron, every township hav- ing had one or more furnaces or forges ; but shortly after the close of the Civil war, and more especially before 1880, they passed away like the dying twi- light of evening. It may well be asked, "What was the cause, or what were the causes, of this great change?" Iron industries at comparatively few pop- ulous centers have, since 1880, developed extraordi- nary capacities whose annual production runs into thousands of tons, whereas the earliest industries together produced only limited quantities; and the general prosperity of the State and nation (1909), as evidenced by congested railroads and overflow- ing banks, surpasses everything heretofore known or experienced in industrial affairs. And yet these great centers, with all their success, wealth and power, are apparently as helpless in directing and controlling political policies and municipal matters as the depopulating centers in the townships, with exterminated plants of various kinds (furnaces, forges and grist-mills), are in improving their en- vironment, social as well as financial ! Various and opposing causes .are assigned for the peculiar and inexplicable, if not inextricable, condi- tion ; but the one great overshadowing cause is the manipulation of the ramifying railway systems in the interest of stock speculation for the enrichment of managing financiers. The three other sections were similarly situated as to iron industries and grist-mills, though the num- bers were not so large ; and they, too, became sim- ilarly affected. TOWNSHIPS 3.01 Iron Ore Mines. — In Colebrookdale township (now within the limit of Boyertown), the mining of iron ore was started at the very beginning of the settlements in connection with the manufacture of iron, and operations have been carried on there until now. The main shaft of the mine has been sunk to a depth of seven hundred feet. The deposit is inexhaustible notwithstanding the removal of many hundred thousand tons. Operations were carried on also at Barto for fifty years, and for half of this period quite extensively. The shaft was sunk to a depth of five hundred feet. The mine was abandoned about 1900. The ore was rich in character and many thousands of tons were removed. Highways. — Numerous roads have been laid out in this section and consequently each township is well supplied. The most prominent are the follow- ing: Four from Reading, to Boyertown, seventeen miles; to Friedensburg, nine miles; to Pricetown, nine miles ; and to Kutztown via Temple, seventeen miles. jOne from Douglassville, via Amityville and Pleasantville, to Kutztown, with a branch at Yellow House, via Friedensburg to Pricetown and Blandon. And one from Boyertown via Barto to Alburtis in Lehigh county. Four turnpikes were constructed in the section: the Perkiomen, from the southern county line, via Douglassville and Baumstown, to Reading; the Douglassville, from Douglassville, via Amityville, to Yellow House ; the Oley, from Pikeville, via Pleas- antville and Oley Line, to Black Bear ; and the Cen- tre, from Reading to Tuckerton, which extended northwardly through Ontelaunee Section, via Lees- port and Hamburg; beyond the county line to Potts- ville and Sunbury. The Centre turnpike was aban- doned as a toll-road in 1885 ; the Douglassville in 1898 ; and the Perkiomen in 1902. Additional Taxables. — The names of the first taxables of the several townships at the erection of the county are given in Chapter I ; but the names of those in Douglass, Rockland and District are given in this connection because the townships were sub- sequently established. Previously, the taxables within their limits had been included with Amity and Oley. They are given to show the place in the section where the earliest settlers were located. DOUGLASS First list of taxables, Christian Bender James Burns Samuel Buzzard Derick Clever John Clous Michael Cougler Christian Conrad Jacob Davidheiser Valentine Foght George Fritz George Gearinger George Hanselman Philip Hapelbaker Leonard Hersger Michael Hoffman prepared in 1756 Andrew Huling Christian Kasebeer, Michael Kaspotz Valentine Keely William Keepers John Keffer ^ Peter Leyengood Adam Miller Andrew Miller Jacob Nagle Yoakam Nagle Martin Nahr Philip Parthner John Potts, Jr. Nicholas Reem Sr. Andrew Ringberry Simon Ringberry George Shadier Christian Sheeler Peter Sheener Henry Shomberger John Slice First list of John Albrecht George Angstadt John Angstadt Peter Anstat Conrad Bair Mathias Beck Nicholas Benninger Lorentz Berig Philip Berminger Charles Bernhard Gasper Bicking Peter Breifogel Ludwig Bitting Nicholas Blatner Jacob Boger Jacob Boral John Bot William Bot Ludwig Brem Nicholas Clementz William Dabitsch Nicholas Debb Henry DeLong Melchoir Donner Michael Dressier Jacob Drog Deobald Drumheller John Eck Jacob EUinger Herman Emrich Peter Ernst George Fleck Peter Folck William Folck George Hefner Jacob Hefner Christian Henry Frederick Hersch George Hoffman Jacob Hoffman Michael Jacobi Nicholas Jacobi Hieronimus Spies Philip Walter, Sr. Frederick Wambach Christian Wigle Daniel Wills, Sr. Peter Yoakam ROCKLAND taxables, prepared in 1758 Jacob Keim Michael Keim Michael Kerber Simon Kerber Peter Kieflfer Peter Klassmoyer Michael Klein Christian Kobb Jacob Krebs Andreas Krett Peter Lobach Henry Long Ludwig Long Michael Long Nicholas Long Peter Luder Henry Mertz Henry Mertz John Moll Nicholas Moyer George Oberdorfl Casper Rap George Reif Frederick Reish Peter Remer Conrad Roth Ludwig Rouzanner Peter Rufif, Jr. Peter Ruff, Sr. Casper Rubbert Frederick Schackler George Scheffer Michael Scheflfer John Scheuerer Christian Schumacher George Schumacher George Seibert (Seuwert) Henry Showash Frederich Ubrick Adam Wagner Adam Wecht Jacob Ziegemfuss DISTRICT First list of taxables Conrad Arnold Jeremiah Bacon Thomas Banfield John Barns Jacob Bernhard Chrisiian Brensinger George Brown Israel Burget Jacob Bush John Colron Joshua De La Plain Henry Dener George Dotterer Nicholas East Daniel Eyst John Fare Jacob Frey Jacob Fridpre (Fretts) Bernhard Gembling Jacob Gross Andreas Hacker George Haltzshoe prepared in 1756 Jacob Hard Peter Hardman George Hartlein Michael Hartman Paul Hartman Lorentz Hauck Stephen Hauck Jacob Herb Jacob Hill Michael Hoffman John Kabron' Conrad Keim Adam Kildan George Klauser George Koutz Michael Klein Nicholas Koutz George Lantz Henry Machanet William Mackey Tobias Mauck Frederick Martin 302 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Dietrich Mathias Jacob Mathias S. Mayberry Frederick Mayer John Miller Peter Miller William ]\Iiller John Moatzer Frantz Moser Andreas Norgang George Oyster Samuel Oyster Frederick Potts Michael Radecher John Reidenauer Jacob Roth Valentine Schaeffer George Schall Nicholas Schlister Christopher Schock Henry Schoerham Michael Schnhmacher Jacob Schweitzer Laurence Sheeler, Jr. Laurence Sheeler, Sr. Jacob Steinbrenner George Stevenson William Stork George Trust Adam Ulrich Jacob Walter George Adam Weidner Charles Weis Philip Weismiller Casper Weisner Peter Weller NOTEWORTHY ENTERPRISES Friedensburg Bank. — The First National Bank of Oley was chartered April 27, 1907, with a capi- tal of $25,000, and located at Friedensburg. Israel M. Bertolet was selected as president and Sydney J. Flartman as cashier. In November, 1908, the total resources were $141,277. Reading A^'ater Supplies. — The Egelman sup- ply, appropriated in 1838, and the Antietam supply, in 1874, both from Lower Alsace ; and the Bernhart supply, in 18.58, from Muhlenberg. The first filtra- tion plant was established at the Egelman reservoir in 1904, with a capacity of 500,000 gallons daily; the second plant in East Reading, in 1905, with a capacity of 3,500,000 gallons daily ; and the third plant at the Bernhart reservoir in 1009, with a ca- pacity of 3,000,000 gallons daily. MouNT.viN Railro,\ds. — j\It. Penn Gravity rail- road was constructed on Penn Mountain in 1890, length eight miles ; and the Neversink, in 1890, length eight miles ; both in Lower Alsace. They have had increasing success for the past ten years, thereby popularizing Reading very much. Carsoni.v Park, established by the United Trac- tion Company in Lower Alsace in 1896, embracing 150 acres. It has become a popular resort, there having been 250,000 visitors during the season of 1908. Brumbacii AIills, established in 1853 in Exeter bv William Brumbach for manufacture of woolen goods, and operated, since 1862, by his son Albert J., who rebuilt and enlarged the plant. Stony Creek Mills, established in 18G4 in Lower Alsace by Louis Kraemer & Co., for manu- facture of woolen goods, and operated successfully since then. Temple Furnace, established in Muhlenberg in 1867 by Clymer & Co. In 1873, the company se- cured a special charter. In 1900 it was re-organized with a capital of $30,000,000 ior the purpose of op- erating anthracite coal mines. On account of its extraordinary powers it occupies great prominence in financial and industrial circles. The furnace pro- duces 40,000 tons of pig metal annually. Seidel Forge, established in Exeter in 1870 by John Hennon. In 1872, Harry Seidel purchased the plant and has carried on operations since then. It produces forged iron for locomotive engines. Brooke Furnace, No. 3, established in Exeter along the P. & R. R. by the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company in 1872. Annual product, 21,000 tons. Carried on with the Birdsboro works. Neversink Distillery, estabhshed by John H. Close and A. H. Kretz at Exeter Station (Lorane) in 1892. Plant was enlarged in 1899 by Neversink DistilHng Company. Jilashing capacity, 434 bushels. The Muhlenberg Brewing Company was or- ganized in 1895 and a large plant was erected along the Kutztown road in the southern end of Hyde Park, with annual production exceeding 10,000 bar- rels. Simson Becker served as president of the company for fourteen years. Colebrookdale Iron Works, established in Douglass by Brendlinger & Co., in 1867. Thirty years before, W. W. Weaver had started a foundry and tilt-hammer for the manufacture of wood-burn- ing stoves. The works were enlarged several times. They produced sad-irons, kettles, fixtures, etc. Railroads. — The Reading Raikvay was con- structed in this section in 1837-38 from Reading to the Montgomery county line along the Schuylkill river, a distance of fourteen miles ; and the Cole- brookdale Railroad in 1869 from the county line via Boyertown northwardly to Barto, a distance of eleven miles. Street Railway. — The trolley line to Stony Creek was constructed in 1890, and extended to Boyer- town, via Oley Line, Friedensburg and Shanesville, in 1902. State Roads. — ^A section of State Road was put down from Barto to Bally, two miles, and thence to Schultz's Mill, two miles, in 1907 and 1908, being the second in Berks county and the first in this sec- tion. And another section was put down from a point near the Exeter meeting-house to Amity- ville, four miles in length, in 1908, which was the third in the county. Colebrookdale Mines. — Iron ore was discov- ered in Colebrookdale, now within the southern portion of Boyertown, as early as 1720, but it was not worked extensively until about 1845. In 1854 the first engine was put there by the Phoenix Iron Company to lift the ore, and from that time until now the mines have been in almost continuous oper- ation. During this period of fifty years, it is believed that fully 800,000 tons were removed. It is one of the best ec|uipped underground plants in the coun- try; and next to the great "Cornwall," near Leban- on, it is the largest mine opened in Pennsylvania. There are four fire-proof shafts in operation: Phoe- nix slope, 500 feet deep ; AVarwick four-compart- ment shaft, 720 feet ; Gable No. 2, four-compart- ment shaft, 665 feet; and Gable No. 1, three-com- partment shaft, 515 feet. The character of the ore is "Bessemer Magnetic," yielding 55 to 56 per cent of metallic iron. On account of the great depth of the shafts, enormous quantities of water must be TOWNSHIPS 303 pumped out ; for which purpose four , large pumps were put there at great expense. Prospecting for Ore. — In 1907 certain persons from Philadelphia organized the Berks Develop- ment Company for prospecting for iron ore in the eastern j>ortion of the county. They secured min- eral rights on different tracts of land in Earl town- ship in the vicinity of Shanesville, aggregating fif- teen hundred acres, and have discovered consider- able quantities of ore. They sank a number of shafts and found the best grade of magnetic ore. The general superintendent of the company is Jacob Schupp, of Reading. They employ twenty-four men. Aside from agriculture this is the only indus- try in the township. The company has its office in Philadelphia. Similar companies are being or- ganized to secure such rights in District, Hereford and Longswamp townships, where large quantities of iron ore are also sujjposed to exist. Oil Pumping Station, established at Barto in October, 1908, on tract of land covering twenty acres, for propelling oil along pipe-line.. Manatawny Iron Works, established along the Colebrookdale railroad in 1883 to take the place of the Pine Iron Works on the Manatawny creek, where the Bailey family had been prominently iden- tified with the iron business for nearly forty years. The site of the "Pool Forges," started about 1730, was near the latter. St. Michael's Seminary was founded by direc- tion of the last will of Henry F. Felix at Hyde Park, in Muhlenberg township, in 1894, for the education of young ladies by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of West Chester, Pa., they hav- ing secured fifty acres of ground and erected a superior building for that purpose. Telephone Exchange. — The long distance tel- ephone exchange of the Pennsylvania Telephone Company, is situated at the cross-roads on the Kutz- town road, at the upper end of Hyde Park in Muh- lenberg township, about three miles north of Read- ing. It was established in the "Centre Hotel" in December, 1889; the first building was erected Aug- ust, 1896 ; and a brick fire-proof two-story building- was substituted Jan. 1, 1905, with latest switch- board improvements. Annual messages outward from Reading, about 30,000; inward to Reading, 35,000. Fair Ground, established in Muhlenberg town- ship along northern city line in 1888, with area of twenty-four acres, at an expense of $40,000 ; for annual exhibitions of the Agricultural Society, in place cf the Fair Ground at the head of Penn street, Reading, where they had been held for thirty years. Suburban Towns. — Edward A. Larter and Sig- mund Morris purchased 120 acres of land in Muh- lenberg township, along the Kutztown road, beyond Hyde Park, and laid off eighty acres 'in 1903, and forty acres in 1907, comprising altoarether 1,200 lots, which they named Rose Dale. The plan ex- tends from the road eastward beyond the East Penn railroad. Up to June, 1909, 1,100 lots were sold, forty dwellings erected, and also a public school-house and Union Chapel. They also laid off forty-two acres of land in Low- er Alsace, east of Carsonia Park, into lots (400), which they named Melrose. They had sold oy June, 1909, upward of 300 of them. Several dwell- ings have been erected there. Chapel Rock, a remarkable collection of rocks, in Alsace township, two miles north of Antietam Reservoir, exceeding any other natural wonder in the county ; visited by many pedestrians from Read- ing in all seasons of the year. Oldest Buildings. — The oldest buildings in the county are in this section. The Mounce Jones build- ing was erected in 1716, in Amity, near Douglass- ville, along the Schuylkill, and it is still standing, though somewhat altered. A Moravian church was erected in Oley in 1743 and this also is still standing. The walls and win- dows are as they were then ; but the roof has been removed and the interior altered. Dwelling-house on the eastern half of the Ber- tolet farm in Oley, erected in 1754. ONTELAUNEE SECTION The Ontelaunee Section comprises nine town- ships, and the time of their settlement and erection is set forth in the following table : ORIGINAL Settled Erected Albany 1740 1752 Longswamp 1734 1761 Maiden-creek . .' 1732 1746 Maxatawny 1732 1742 Richmond 1732 1752 Windsor 1740 1752 ADDITIONAL Taken from Erected Greenwich Albany 1755 Perry Windsor 1821 Ontelaunee Maiden-creek 1849 Derivation of Names. — The derivation of the names was as follows: Albany, from -the name of a place in England. Longsmamp, from the peculiar condition of the soil of a large portion of the township. Maiden-Creek, from the stream which flows through the township. Maxatawiiy, from an Indian word, Machksi- thanne, which means a bear's-path creek. Richmond, from the name of a ^lace in England. Windsor, from the name of a place in England. Greenwich, from the name of a place in England. These English names were suggested by the Friends, who exerted a controlling influence in the local government. Perry, from the name of a distinguished naval officer in the United States Navy, Commodore Oli- ver Perry, who said, after the successful battle on ■Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." One of the companies in the English war of 1813-15 was commanded by Capt. 304 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John May from Windsor township, which included thirty-five men also from this township: and the political influence of these men led to the selection of the name for the new township. Ontelaunee, from an Indian word, Ontelaunee, which means a little maiden; and from this transla- tion Maiden creek was derived. Boroughs. — The following boroughs have been established in this section : Kutztown, in 1815. Hamburg, in 1837. Fleetwood, in 1873. Topton, in 1875. Lenhartsville, in 1887. Waterworks have been supplied at the first four, and electric hghting at the first three. Towns, — The following towns are in this section : Name 'Houses Name Houses Blandon (1869) 135 Mertztown (1857) 54 Bolwers (1860) 20 Mohrsville (1836) 20 Buena Vista 8 Molltown (1S39) 16 Eagle Point 10 Monterey (1830) 13 East Bankley (1820) 7 Moselem (1856) 10 Farmington 15 Rothrocksville (1830) .... 23 Hancock (1870) 16 Shamrock (1859) 26 Halfway House (1800) . . 12 Shoemakersville (1833) . . 140 Kempton (1874) 22 Virginville (1874) 33 Klinesville (1825) 10 Walnut-town B Krurasvillel (1885) 18 Weilersville (1812) 28 Loesport (1840) 131 Wessnersville (1858) 24 Lyons (1860) 95 Windsor Castle (1856) 6 Maple (jrove 12 First Settlers. — The territory embraced in this section was not released by the Indians to the heirs of William Penn until 1732, and on that account there was no general influx of immigrants before that time. Immediately afterward, a number of Friends entered and took up large tracts of land in localities now included in Ontelaunee and Maid- en-creek townships. About 1752, nearly the entire area of these two townships was owned and occu- pied by Friends. The names of the more promi- nent families were Meredith, Parvin, Penrose, Lightfoot, Starr, Wily and Willits; and some of the descendants are still in this vicinity. These settlers went there by way of the Schuylkill Valley. About the same time, a considerable number of immigrants of different nationalities, but mostly Germans, entered the section by way of the Mana- tawny creek and the Oley hills, and also by way of the West Branch of the Perkiomen creek and the Hereford hills, and they took up great quantities of land which reached from one end of the section to the other; indeed, they were so numerous and energetic that by 1740, within the short period of eight years, they had es- tablished six townships, embracing the entire sec- tion. There are numerous descendants of the first settlers in the several townships, notably the Mer- kels, Rothermels, Greenawalds, Dunkels, Heffners, Kutzes, Belongs, Hottensteins, Levans, Wanners, Kemps, Steins, Sells, Winks, Sharadins, Schaeffers, Zimmermans, Fenstermachers, Longs, Mertzes' Luckenbills, Mayberrys, Shappels, Grims, Smiths, Wessners, Dietrichs and Kistlers, as will be readily seen by comparing the taxables of 1909 with the lists of the taxables published in Chapter I. ^Formerly Smithsvillc. Indian Atrocities. — Along the Blue Mountain in Albany, in 1755 and 1756, Indian cruelties were inflicted upon the settlers during the progress of the French and Indian war. [See Chapter VIII. ] Blue Rocks. — There is a natural curiosity lo- cated in Albany township, near the Greenwich town- ship line, about three miles northwest from Len- hartsville, which has attracted much local attention from the time of the first settlements in the county in that vicinity. It consists of a large collection of rocks tumbled together irregularly, covering an area of thirty acres, which have a bluish appear- ance. They are surrounded by trees and vegeta- tion, and visitors can distinctly hear the roll- ing and splashing of waters underneath, though invisible. The rocks can be seen from the State road, and the origin of the peculiar formation has excited much comment. Iron Ore was discovered in Richmond, Maxa- tawny and Longswamp townships before the erec- tion of the county in 1752. Active and successful operations in mining ore and manufacturing iron were carried on here for over an hundred years ; but the industries were not so numerous as in the Manatawny Section. The Moselem Forge was one of the early iron industries. Highways. — This section is intersected by many roads in all the townships. Three prominent high- ways are worthy of particular mention : Centre Turnpike, from Reading via Leesport to Hamburg and beyond the county line, which was abandoned as a toll-road in 1885, after having been maintained for over seventy years; the Kutztown Road, from the Centre Turnpike at Berkley, via the Halfway House and Kutztown to Allentown ; and the "State Road," across the upper section, from Hamburg via Lenhartsville to the Lehigh county line, being a continuation of the highway from Harrisburg and Jonestown, in Lebanon county, to Millersburg and Hamburg, in Berks county. Canal. — The Schuylkill canal was constructed in 1822 along the river from Leesport to the county line, twelve miles in length, and operated success- fully for fifty years with numerous boats owned by private individuals. R-'ULROAD. — Five railroads have been constructed in this section : The East Pciiii, in 18.57, from Temple northeast- wardly to the Lehigh county line, a distance of twenty miles. The Kiifz:tozvn Branch, in 1870, from Topton, about five miles in length, on the bed of the pro- posed line from Allentown to Auburn, by way of A'irginville, \A"indsor Castle, and Hamburg, partly constructed about that time. The Red Lion Branch of the Catasauqua & Fog- elsville railroad, about 1880, two miles in length, in Longswamp, for shipping iron ore. The Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad (formerly Berks county), in 1871, from near Tuckerton to the Lehigh county line along the Ontelaunee creek, a distance of eighteen miles. TOWNSHIPS 305 The Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad in 1885, from near Tuckerton to Hamburg, along the Schuylkill' river, a distance of twelve miles. Early Iron WoEKS.^-The Moselem Forge, in Richmond, the Brobst Forge, in Albany, the Dela- plank (Union) Furnace, in Windsor, and the Mary Ann Furnace in Longswamp, were operated for nearly a hundred years from the time of the Revolution. NOTEWORTHY ENTERPRISES Leesport Furnace, established in Ontelaunee at Leesport in 1853, and carried on for about forty years. The plant was sold in 1899 and it has been carried on since by the Leesport Furnace- Com- pany. Blandon Rolling Mill was built in Maiden- creek along the East Penn railroad in 1867. It has been successfully operated since 1892 by Simon Seyfert. Annual product, 33,000 tons; hands em- ployed, 335. Topton Furnace, erected at Topton in 1871, and in operation since then, excepting several inter- vals. The Empire Iron & Steel Company has owned and operated it since 1900. Production, 500 tons of iron weekly. Shoemakersville Clay Works, established in Perry, near Shoemakersville, in 1897, for manufac- turing glazed sewer-pipe, and the Schuylkill Valley Clay Manufacturing Company conducted opera- tions there for ten years. Brick Company. — The Clay Works were pur- chased in 1908 by A. A. Gery and W. A. Gery, who organized the Glen-Gery Brick & Cement Company, for the manufacture of vitrified brick for building and paving purposes, and established a plant with a daily capacity of 60,000. Inlaid Tile Company. — In 1907, the Reading Cement Inlaid Tile Company was incorporated by a Greek from Patras, in Greece, named Constan- tinn H. Geannakopoulos, and he established a small plant in Reading at the southwest corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets. In June, 1908, it was trans- ferred to Shoemakersville, where a place was se- cured with a capacity of 300 square yards. The company manufactures all styles, colors and designs, and employs six hands. The machinery was im- ported. It is the only enterprise of the kind in the United States. Cement Works.— A large cement works was established in Richmond township in 1899 by the Reading Cement Company (composed of Reading capitalists), at a cost of $350,000. The property comprised 100 acres, in which there is a large de- posit of superior limestone, and the plant was equipped with machinery. It continued in opera- tion for several years and employed from eighty- five to one hundred and thirty men and produced daily 450 barrels of cement. It was succeeded by the Vindex Portland Cement Company, which im- proved the plant and carried on operations several 30 years with a daily capacity of 600 barrels. In 1908 the plant was leased to the Vindex Corporation, under the control of Charles Matcham, of Allen- town, an experienced manufacturer of cement. Mr. Matcham also organized the AHentown Port- land Cement Company and secured a large adjoin- ing tract to the north and west with intention of ' establishing a costly, modern plant with a daily capacity of 3,500 barrels. Pumping Station, established near the mouth of the Maiden creek in Ontelaunee, seven miles from Reading, in 1889, for increasing the water supply of Reading. Daily capacity, 30,000,000 gallons. A large and costly filtration plant is being established at East Berkley by the Reading Water Board to be operated in connection with the Pumping Sta- tion. Keystone State Normal School, established in 1866, ii;i Maxatawny, adjoining Kutztown. The buildings are large and commodious apd the man- agement has been very successful. [See Kutztown, Chapter XL] Clay Works. — A number of clay works have been operated in Longswamp at and near Mertz- town, during the past thirty years. Ochre has been produced in large quantities since 1883; and gra- phite since 1880. Iron Ore Mines. — Twenty-five years ago over one hundred iron ore mines were carried on in Longswamp, Maxatawny and Richmond town- ships, yielding very large quantities of ore, but nearly all have been shut down. Only five are now in operation, with 100 hands and a production of 4,000 tons of hematite ore monthtly. Gery Country Home. — In 1904, A. A. Gery, of Reading, erected a costly country home in Onte- launee, along the Maiden creek, on the old Wily Mill property, which has become known as Glen- Gery. Topton Orphans' Home, established in 1897 by the Reading Conference of the Lutneran Minister- ium of Pennsylvania, on a commanding site in Longswamp, near Topton. The property comprises 115 acres. The Home is a three-story brick, com- modious structure, with modern improvements. Inmates, boys and girls, 90; all denominations. Kutztown Fair Ground, established in 1870, in Maxatawny, adjoining Kutztown, on the south, and the local Agricultural Society held exhibitions there for about thirty years. In 1905 a new place was established on the north side of Kutztown, with a superior half-mile track, and the first ex- hibition was held there in October. Leesport Bane. — A number of enterprising business men of Leesport and vicinity org'anized a bank with a capital of $35,000, for the accom- modation of the neighborhood, and named it the First National Bank of Leesport. The following directors were elected as the first board and the bank was opened for business in July, 1909 : A. 306 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA F. Mogel, president; S. M. Deck, cashier; Charles Dunkel, D. H. Reiser, Jacob Bagenstose, Charles O. Collins, James A. Reiser, O. A. Keim, James H. Wagner, James R. Keim, M. S. Rentschler, Joseph Naftzinger, Sassaman Schappell, Lloyd Miller, James R. Weisner. Electric Plant. — William F. Krick established an electric plant at Sinking Spring in 1903 for sup- plying light to the residents of that town and also at Wyomissing and Shillington and extended wires in and to the places named. George F. Wertz, of Wernersville, established a similar plant at that place in 1904. TULPEHOCKEN SECTION The Tulpehocken Section comprises thirteen townships. The time of their settlement and erec- tion is set forth in the following table : ORIGINAL Settled Erected Bern 1733 1738 Bethel 1733 1739 Heidelberg 1733 1734 Tulpehocken 1723 1739 ADDITIONAL Taken from Erected Bern, Upper Bern 1789 Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken 1820 Penn Bern and Bern, Upper . . . 1841 Heidelberg, Lower Heidelberg 1842 Centre Bern and Bern, Upper . . . 1843 Marion Tulpehocken 1S43 Heidelberg, North Heidelberg 1845 Jefferson Tulpehocken 1851 Tilden Bern, Upper 1887 Derivation of Names. — The derivation of the names was as follows : Bern, from the name of a canton in Switzerland, whence some of the early settlers emigrated. Bethel, from the name of a Moravian meeting- house in this vicinity, showing the religious nature and influence of the inhabitants. Heidelberg, from the name of a distinguished place in the southern portion of Germany, whence a large number of the earliest settlers emigrated. Tulpehocken, from an Indian word, Tulpewihaki, which means a land of turtles. Bern, Upper, from its location, being the upper portion of the township from which it was taken. Tulpehocken, Upper, named for the same reason. Penn, from the name of William Penn, who had been the proprietor of all the land in Berks county. Heidelberg, Lower, from its location, being the lower, or eastern portion of the township in its division ; and Heidelberg, North, from its location. Centre, from its location. Marion, from the name of a distinguished gen- eral, Francis Marion, in the United States Army. Jefferson, from the name of the first Democratic President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, indicating the political opinion of the petitioners. Tilden, from the name of the unsuccessful candi- date for President of the United States on the Dem- ocratic ticket in 1876, Samuel J. Tilden, who was supposed by the Democrats to have been elected, but counted out. This was a firm conviction of the Democrats in this township. Boroughs.- — -The following boroughs were estab- lished in this section: Womelsdorf, in 1833. Bernville, in 1851. Centreport, in 1884. West Leesport, in 1901. Towns. — The following towns are situated in this section : Name Houses Bern (18S0) 18 Blue Marsh (1776) 18 Brownsville (1864) 5 Fritztown (1813) 50 Freystown (1830) 13 Lorahl (1884) 10 MjUersburg (1814) 76 Mohrsville Station (I860).. 45 Mt. Aetna2 (1810) 55 Name Houses OboldS (1835) 50 Rehrersburg (1818) 76 Eobesonia (1855) 190 Schaefferstown (1836) 21 Shartlesville (1860) 50 Stouchsburg (1833) 83 Strausstolwn (1840) 84 Wernersville (1855) 200 West Hamburg (1860) 12 First Settlers. — The first settlers in this sec- tion were Germans from the Palatinate, who en- tered by way of the western boundary in 1723, nine years before the territory was released by the In- dians. They ha(i_landed_at New York in 1712, and gone up the Hudson river about an hundred miles, but having been grossly deceived and imposed upon there, they migrated by way of the Susquehanna river and the Swatara creek to the headwaters of the Tulpehocken creek and settled in the vicinity of what is now Womelsdorf and Stouchsburg. The colony comprised thirty-three families, and among them were the Rieths, Fitlers, Scharfs, Walborns, Schaeffers, Zerbes, Fischers, Lashes and An- spachs. And five years later, there were other German families who migrated from New York, by the same course, to the Tulpehocken settlement ; among them being the Hains, Schneiders, Loewen- guths, Noeckers, Werners, Schmidts, and Katter- mans. Numerous descendants of these families are still in this section. In 1729 Conrad Weiser and his family also mi- grated from New York to the Tulpehocken settle- ment and his presence was a great help to the Penns in pacifying the Indians and preventing them from slaughtering the settlers. He was an accom- plished interpreter and a very useful man in var- ious waj'S. He took an active part in all local af- fairs, and he was chiefly instrumental in securing the erection of Berks county in 1752 out of the townships which bad heen previously established to the east and west of the Schuylkill river. The pressure of immigrating German families was so great that they entered the territory in spite of the protest of the Indians. The Proprietaries apologized and made various excuses and finally in 1732 secured a release from them. By that time, numerous settlers were in every part of the section ; and before 1740, four townships had been estab- lished by the court at Lancaster, which embraced the entire section. Highways. — This section is intersected by num- erous roads, three of them being especially promi- ^Formcrly State Hill. ''Wohleberstown. "Hetrichstown. ■ab<3!jrei a- ■3PS'"^'"1'£^ TOWNSHIPS 307 nent: the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike, from Reading, via Sinking Spring and Wornelsdorf, to Lebanon (occupying the old "Tulpehocken Road" to Wornelsdorf, which had been laid out in 1737, and subsequently extended northwestwardly, via Rehrersburg, to Pine Grove) ;' the State Road, across the upper portion from Lebanon, via Millers- burg, Rehrersburg, Strausstown and Shartlesville, to Hamburg; and the Bernville Road, from Read- ing, via State Hill and Bernville, to Millersburg. Canal. — The Union canal was constructed in 1828 along the Tulpehocken creek in this section, via Bernville and Wornelsdorf, to the Lebanon county line, a distance of about twenty-five miles, and operated very successfully for thirty years, with prominent store-houses at the two places men- tioned. Railroads. — The Lebanon Valley Railroad was constructed in 1857 in this section from Sinking Spring westward to the Lebanon county line at Newmanstown, a distance of ten miles. The Reading Railway, from the Schuylkill bridge above Tuckerton, to the Schuylkill county line, along the river, a distance of thirteen miles. Trolley Line. — A trolley line of street railway was constructed in 1894 from Sinking Spring to Wornelsdorf on the turnpikfe, a distance of nine miles. NOTEWORTHY ENTERPRISES Charming Forge, established in 1749, in Tulpe- hocken (afterward Marion) township, along the Tulpehocken creek, three miles north of Wornels- dorf; operated by George Ege from 1774 to 1824; and by Andrew Taylor and his sons William and B. Franklin from 1855 to 1885. A part of the forge site, including the water-power, was pur- chased by the borough of Wornelsdorf in 1906, and an electric plant was established for supplying the inhabitants with electric light on the streets and in their dwellings. Robesonia Furnace, established in Heidelberg on Spring creek in 1794 by George Ege and known for fifty years as the "Reading Furnace," during which time charcoal iron was manufactured. The ^•rst anthracite furnace was erected in 1845. Since then it has been much enlarged and improved by the Robesonia Iron Company. Daily capacity, 160 tons; men employed, 200. Hamburg Vitrified Brick Company, established in Tilden, above West Hamburg, near the Reading railway, in 1891, as a common brick plant and car- ried on as such until 1896, when the Mack Broth- ers of Philadelphia purchased it and began the manufacture of vitrified brick. They have oper- ated it since then, running nine kilns, producing 10,000,000 bricks annually, and employing 75 men. Paper-Mills. — Henry Van Reed started a pa- per-mill near the mouth of the Cacoosing creek, about 1825, and it continued in the family in a direct line from him, through his son, Charles, and his grandson, Henry Z., to his great-grandson Charles L., for a period of over seventy years. The plant was then sold, remodeled, and operated since by different parties. The Tulfehocken Paper Mill is a branch of the Reading Paper Mills, started by Jacob Bushong, in 1856, on the site of the old Kissinger grist-mill at the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek, and operated by him for twenty years. Dauberville Ice Plant. — Henry Ahrens and John R. Gonser established a large ice plant in 1888 in the lower eastern portion of Centre township on the Irish creek near its outlet into the Schuylkill. The dam covers thirty acres and the storage-house has a capacity of 25,000 tons. It was destroyed by fire in 1893 and immediately rebuilt. Health Resorts. — Lower Heidelberg township has tecome famous for its costly and successful resorts, established on the South Mountain for the restoration and preservation of health. In the or- der of priority they are as follows : Wenrich's Grand View, first established by Dr. Charles F. Leisenring, in 1849. Greatly improved and operated by Dr. R. D. Wenrich since 1897. The Wdlter Sanitarium, established by Dr. Rob- ert Walter in 1877, and enlarged several times, and become within .thirty years, under his management, one of the greatest resorts of the kind in the coun- try. Preston's Sunnyside, established by Dr. James S. Preston, in 1880, and operated by his son James since 1883. Grosch's Sunset House, by Francis Grosch, in 1876, and subsequently enlarged. His son-in-law, Dr. J. D. Moyer, has conducted the place since 1892. Hassler's Highland House, started in 1890 by James Schaeffer, and after he operated it for some years, purchased by Richard Hassler, who has car- ried it on since. Bethany Orphans' Home, established in 1867 in Heidelberg, one mile south of Womelsdorf, by the German Reformed Church. It was destroyed by fire in 1881, and immediately rebuilt. The man- agement by the Board of Trustees has been very successful. In 1909 there were 155 orphans in the Home; thirteen from Berks county. Wernersville State Asylum, established in 1894, in Lower Heidelberg, west of Wernersville. This is a very large and successful institution. [See Chapter VII.] House of Good Shepherd, first established at Fourth and Pine streets, Reading, in 1889, by the Roman Catholic Church, for the care of young girls ; and transferred to Glenside in Bern town- ship, where a superior structure was erected, in 1900, on a commanding site along the river opposite North Reading. Inmates in 1909 were 180 girls; 47 Magdalens, and 30 Sisters. The property in- cludes four acres of ground. Berkshire Country Club. — The Berkshire Country Club owes its inception to Alexander ,F. Smith, John J. Kutz and a few other gentle- ,308 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA men, who in 1897 obtained some golf clubs and balls, and essayed to play "the royal game of golf" on a six-hole course which John Reid, a profes- sional golfer from Atlantic City, laid out on grounds at Carsonia, where the present park is located. The Club was formally incorporated on May 10, 1899, by Wilson Ferguson, Wilham Ker- per Stevens, Herbert R. Green, F. C. Smink, George F. Baer, G. Howard Bright, M. Brayton McKnight, J. Lancaster Repplier, John M. Archer, William Seyfert and E. L. Parvin. Owing to numerous streams and marshes, it was found that the grounds at Carsonia were ill adapted for the purposes of a country club, and in 1899 ar- rangements were made with the Reading Suburban Real Estate Company to occupy vacant land sur- rounding the suburban town of Wyoraissing, where a nine-hole course, 2,159 yards in length, was laid out by Alexander F. Smith (architect), and where the Club flourished until the end of 1903. The house built by John B. Mull along the Wyomissing boule- vard was occupied as a clubhouse. In May, 1902, the Club purchased from George F. Baer sixty acres of farming land, situated in Bern township, near Reading, between the Schuylkill river (just north of Hain's Looks) and the Bernville road. A nine-hole golf course, 3,090 yards long, abounding in interesting features, was laid out by John Reid, as well as five tennis courts. In addi- tion, there is a swimming pavilion, with bathhouses, and shooting grounds and traps, also a fine base-ball diamond and grounds. A spacious clubhouse, equip- ped with all the essential comforts and conveniences, lockers, shower-baths, etc., including furnished rooms for members, occupies a commanding site (110 feet above the river level) within 2,500 feet of the Schuylkill. It is surrounded by broad porches, and affords an extended view of the grounds and of the charming scenery of the surrounding country. It is located upon an ideal spot. The reception hall, parlor and dining rooms are large and splendidly furnished, and well adapted for luncheons, teas, din- ners, dances and all social purposes. There is also a first-class cafe in charge of an experienced steward. Ample stable and shed accommodations are provided for horses, vehicles and automobiles. A private road has been constructed from the Bernville road direct to the clubhouse. The club automobile con- veys members from the clubhouse to the Schuylkill avenue cars at Windsor street. Many members are conveyed by launch or boat from Hain's Locks. The grounds and clubhouse were formally opened to the members on June 13, 1903, and instantly met with approval. In May, 1909, there were 360 members. The Silver Cup, presented by George F. Baer, Esq., for the Women's Golf Championship, was won in 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906 by Miss EHza- beth Smink; in 1907 by Miss Margaret Moss, and in 1908 by Mrs. Caroline Derr Archer ; and the Sil- ver Cup presented by F. C. Smink, for the Men's Golf Championship, was won in 1902, 1905 and 1907 by Alexander F. Smith ; in 1903 and 1904 by A. Ellis Barron and in 1906 and 1908 by T. laeger Snyder. F.W. Nicolls won the Tennis Championship in 1903, and Robert E. Brooke in 1904. The Silver Cup, presented by George F. Baer, Esq., for the Tennis Championship, was won by Robert E. Brooke in 1905, and by Randolph StaufFer in 1906, 1907, and 1908. In the Handicap Shooting Match, Mrs. Wil- liam Seyfert won the 1905 Silver Cup, presented by E. E. Stetson, Hunter Eckert and Samuel R. Seyfert. The officers of the Club are: F. C. Smink, presi- dent ; Wilham Seyfert, vice-president ; Frederick W. Nicolls, treasurer; George W. Delany, secretary. Glenside. — In 1902, George O. Runyeon, C. Q. Guldin and A. J. Brumbach laid off seventy-five acres into about 1,700 building lots along the Bern- ville road in Bern township, near the Schuylkill avenue bridge, and called the place "Glenside." About sixty dwelling-houses have been erected since. Some years before, a previous attempt had been made to establish a suburban town here. Wernersville Bank. — The Wernersville Na- tional Bank was chartered March 10, 1906, with a capital of $50,000. George W. Wertz was selected as president, and Leonard M. Ruth as cashier. In November, 1908, the total resources were $273,579. SCHUYLKILL SECTION The Schuylkill Section comprises six townships and the time of their settlement and erection is set forth in the following table : ORIGINAL Settled Erected Brecknock 1729 1741 Caernarvon 1700 1729 Cumru 1732 1737 Robeson 1720 1739 Union 1705 1752 ADDITIONAL Taken from Erected Spring Cumru 1850 Derivation of Names. — The derivation of the names was as follows: Brecknock, from the name of a distr':t in Wales ; but the name had been given to a township in Lancaster county, of which the portion cut off in the erection of Berks county was a part. Caernarvon, for the same reasons, as above stated. Cnnw'u, from the name of a district in Wales, whence the first settlers had emigrated. Robeson, from the name of Andrew Robeson, the first settler of this vicinity, who had taken up a large area of land. Union, from the circumstance of uniting two por- tions of territory in forming the township, one from Lancaster county, embracing about 5,600 acres, and- the other from Chester countv, embracing about 7,500 acres. Spring, from the circumstance of a large spring of water, situated near the central portion of the TOWNSHIPS 309 township, which frequently disappeared or sank Railroads. — The Reading & Co'lumbia Railroad' away in dry weather, on account of the limestone was constructed in 1864, extending from Realding fissure. westwardly through Spring township to Sinking This formation was the only new township estab- Spring, and southwardly to the Lancaster county lished in this section. A previous effort had been line, a distance of eight miles. made in 1845 for the division of Robeson township,. The Lebanon Valley Railroad was extended and though successful by petition to the court, the through Spring township in 1857. proceedings were set aside by a public election, which The Wilmington & Northern Railroad, in 1870, was held on March 7, 1846. The establishment of extending from Birdsboro southwardly to Chester the new township, named Hay-creek by the court, county line, a distance of ten miles; and in 1874 after the strong stream of water in this vicinity, to "Poplar Neck" on the High farm northwest- developed so much opposition that the objectors, wardly^a distance of six miles, headed by Levi B. Smith, of Joanna Furnace, se- j^^^^ Lines. -The Reading and Southwestern cured the passage of an Act of Assenibly by the gtreet Railway was constructed in 1890, in Cumru State Legislature which directed the submission of township, from Reading to Mohnton, a distance the question to public vote, and the vote was unan- ^f ^^^ ^^j^^ ^^^ ^^ ^gg^ extended to Adamstown, imous against the division of the towUship. ^ ^j^^^^^g ^^ ^^^ ^-^^^^ Boroughs.— The following boroughs were es- ^he Black Bear line extended in 1904 to Birds- tabhshed m this section: ^,^^0, via Seyfert, in Robeson township, a distance WoSn'"in%6 of four miles. West^Rea^ng" in 1907. Canal.— The Schuylkill canal was constructed Mohnton, in 1907. in 1838, in Robeson and Union townships along Shillington, in 1908. the river to the Chester county line, a distance of Waterworks have been established , at the bor- nine miles ; one level of six miles from the Big oughs named, excepting the last, which is supplied Dam to Birdsboro ; and another level of eight miles from Mohnton. to Laurel Hill, some distance beyond the county Towns. — The following towns are situated in line, this section: Early Industries. — Three iron works were es- Name Houses Name Houses tablished in Robeson, and One in Union, before AUeghenyviUe (18T0) SO Monocacy (1852) 44 1800, as f oUows : Bird's Forge, 1740; Gibraltar Beckersville (1852) 8 Montello (1896) 18 „ -i ivpvn t tt -irinn tt ii t? Browerviiie (1820) 8 Mocgantown (1770) 48 Forge, 1770 ; Joanna Fumace, 1790 ; HopewcU Fur- Geigertown (1828) S2 Oakbrookl (1885) 116 „„-„ 1 7Rt; Gibraltar (1836) 75 Seyfert (1881) 40 "acC, -I'OO. Gougiersviiie (18555 30 Sinking Spring (1831) ....230 Estabhshments at the first two places have con- Mmmont" (1885*)°\ .'.!'.'.!;' ! 05 wSfz^ffll ^}^^^^... '.'.'.'.'.'.' H tinued in operation until the present time, but the First SETTLERS.-The first settlers in this sec- ^''^^''^^ "^^'^ abandoned and dismantled many tion were Welsh, and it is believed that they took y^^^ ^^o- . . .„ , . ^- u up land in the vicinity of Morgantown before 1700, . ^""',^''°"'. ^"'*:"^'"'. ^"/,^. P"* "? <'P^'^l°f by having migrated up the Schuylkill Valley from the *e early settlers along the Wyomissing creekfor a tir 1 u 4.ri i • nu r.1. +,. Ttc <.o,-i;ocf distance of seven miles, which evidences their ap- Welsh settlements m Chester county. Its earliest ■ .• . ,, . ' r ■. ^„-,...u,]p .^^ter settlers along the western bank of the river were preciation of the stream tor its valuable water- Swedes, they having entered the section opposite PO'^^^e . the Molatton settlement in Amity township shortly Suburban Towns. — ^The first attempt at estab- after 1700. The Welsh settlers were numerous and lishing suburban towns in this section was made took up large quantities of land before 1740. The by George Frill, about 1870, he having purchased township of Caernarvon was erected in 1729; Cum- the Leinbach (formerly Bell) farm, situated along ru, in 1737 ; and Brecknock, in 1741, the names the Schuylkill river, to the west of Reading, which evidencing the nationality of the settlers. A num- came to be called West Reading, and as such it ber of English settlers also found their way to the was established as a borough in 1907. central portion of Robeson before 1740. Shortly afterward (1874) a number of cap- HiGHWAYS.— This section is intersected by many italists at Reading purchased the Muhlenberg roads, the following being the most prominent: farm along the Schuylkill river, to the south of Schuylkill road, along the west bank of the Schuyl- Reading, which they laid off into building lots kill, from the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek, (about 500) and called Millmont (translation via Flying Hill and Birdsboro to the Chester of the name Muhlenberg, mill-at-the-moun- county line ; the Morgantown road, via Green Tree tain) . Some lots were sold, but the county Tavern and the Plow Tavern, to Morgantown; New authorities then refusing to erect a bridge across Holland road, from Reading, via Angelica and the river at the foot of South Sixth street, the Knauer's, to New Holland; and the Lancaster road, establishment of a town there was not a success, from Reading via Shillington, Five-mile House and and their continued refusal has kept the place back- Gouglersville to Adamstown. ward. The construction of the Pennsylvania 1 Laid out as Oakland. Schuylkill Valley railroad through the proposed 310 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA town in 1884 encouraged the erection of industries and a large natural ice plant there. The rail- road company named the station "Orrton" after Jesse Orr, one of the founders of Orr, Painter & Co. The city "Disposal Plant" is near by along the river. While this was going on at Millmont, Henry T. Kendall and George Brooke laid off about seventy acres along the Lancaster road, two miles from Reading, into lots, which they named Brook- side ; the George Bechtel Estate laid off about forty acres, and named it Oakbrook, where a post-office was established in 1897 but discontinued in 1906 on account of the rural route; and Mrs. Mary A. Boyer laid off about fifty-five acres (234 lots) which came to be called "Boyer Heights." Along the river, George A. Boyer es- tabUshed in 1898 a bathing place with 100 booths for bathers, which came to be very popular. It was washed away by a freshet in 1902, and rebuilt. For several years past efforts have been made to annex the land embracing these suburban improvements to Reading. Springmont, in Spring township, along the turn- pike near Sinking Spring, was laid out by Benja- min Knowles in 1895, and embraced 950 lots. Arlington Place was laid out in Union township, along Schuylkill road, near Monocacy, in 1895. West Lawn, in Spring township, along the turn- pike beyond Wyomissing, was laid out by Irwin B. Dill, Warren H. and Frank H. Fenstermacher in October, 1907, and embraced 567 lots. NOTEWORTHY ENTERPRISES Hendel Hat Factory was established in Cumru near Mohnsville, in 1878, and has been operated by George Hendel and sons since then. Hands employed, 250. Millmont Works.— Orr &• Sembower erected a plant in Cumru in 1884, for the manufacture of engines, and have been very successful. The firm was incorporated in 1890. They employ from 220 to 250 hands. The Prizer-Painter Stove Company started the manufacture of stoves, ranges and heaters at Mill- mont in 1899 in a large building previously occu- pied by Orr, Painter & Co., in the same business. They employ 300 hands. The Chantrell Tool Company was first started in 1888, at Reading, and after carrying on business there for four years, removed to Millmont. They manufacture household specialties, and builders' hardware. Hands employed, 160. Belt Line, extended through Spring and Cumru townships, along and crossing the Schuylkill, in 1901, and opened for traffic in 1902, for the purpose of relieving the great congestion of traffic on the main line of the P. & R. R. The length through this section is five miles. Ice Plants. — The Angelica Ice Company was organized in 1886 and then established its first plant at Millmont for storing natural ice. Sub- sequently it secured additional plants along the An- gelica creek; total storage capacity, 60,000 tons. Mt. Penn Ice Company established a plant on the farm of William J. Shalter in Cumru, on Flying Hill creek, in 1903, and enlarged it in 1904. Total storage capacity, 7,000 tons. Gibraltar Iron Works^ established about 1770 in Robeson and maintained ever since. The Sey- fert family became connected with the plant in 1835, and has operated it with the rolling-mill at Seyfert on the W. & N. railroad since 1882. Trap Rock. — A large quarry was opened a mile south of Birdsboro in 1893 by Dyer & Company, of Norristown, on property of the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company, and has been carried on very exten- sively ever since. They operate four crusher plants and produce daily from 2,000 to 2,500 tons of crushed material, of various sizes, which is shipped to all parts of the country. They employ from 120 to 150 hands. The Schuylkill Valley Stone Company was or- ganized in 1907, by capitalists of Birdsboro, Nor- ristown and Philadelphia, who established a large crusher plant in Union township, one mile south of Monocacy, with a complete equipment for supply- ing crushed stone and Belgian blocks in great quan- tities. A railroad siding has been extended from the Pennsylvania railroad to the plant. Over half a million dollars has been expended thus far in this enterprise. Montello Brick Works was started by A. A. Gery in 1891 at Montello, in Spring township, a mile south of Sinking Spring, for the manufacture of vitrified brick. In 1899, a second plant was es- tablished at Wyomissing; and in 1905 the adjoin- ing plant of the Reading Shale Brick Company was purchased. Garbage Plant. — In 1902, a plant was estab- lished in Cumru, a mile south of Grill village, to dispose of the garbage collected at Reading, which is delivered there by teams. Electric Plant.— ^The Metropolitan Electric Company has secured property at the mouth of the Wyomissing creek and has arranged to establish a large and powerful plant on this side, opposite Reading in this section, for supplying power and light. PooRHOUSE, established in Cumru in 1825, by the county of Berks, for the poor people of the county. Various improvements were made until 1874. The farm contains over 400 acres. It has been maintained there ever since by county appro- priations. Reading Disposal Plant, estabhshed in Cumru along the river below the city, in 1894, at a cost of $130,000, for the purpose of disposing of the sew- age by a process of filtration, pumped there from the foot of Sixth street. Fertilizer Works, erected in Cumru township near the "Big Dam" in 1905. A phosphate works had been carried on previously for several years at Wy- FAMILY REUNIONS 311 omissing, which was discontinued on account of ad- verse Htigation. Globe Rendering Company. — In January, 1909, Dr. M. R. Adam, Dr. G. S. Rothermpl, John G. Rhoads and Wilson Rothermel organized this com- pany for manufacturing various oils, fertilizer pro- ducts and poultry food out of slaughter-house oflFals and the carcasses of dead animals. They estab- lished their plant in the Angelica barn at Millmont, adjoining the "Disposal Plant," one mile south of Reading. They employ four hands and ship their productions to all parts of the country. Country Homes. — Costly country homes of Jo- siah Dives, Richmond L. Jones, Mrs. Catherine Archer, Herbert M. Sternbergh, George Horst and Jacob Nolde, in Cumru township, are worthy of special mention. Polish Convent.-^A large institution was founded in Cumru township, beyond Millmont, by the "Bernardine Sisters of The Third Order of St. Francis, of Reading, Pa.," in 1905, for the purpose of educating teachers for Polish parochial schools, in different parts of the United States, being a con- tinuation of the Convent which had been carried on several years on "Flying Hill." An orphanage is included, which had fifty girls in 1909. Sixty-five teachers are connected with this worthy institution, who are sent to all parts of the United States where needed to carry on Polish schools. This is the "Mother House" of the Order in the United States. The property embraces twenty acres of land, and the value is about $65,000. Stock Farms.— rAe Hillside Stock Farm of W. Harry Orr, of Reading, was established in Spring township in 1893, for the purpose of rais- ing high-bred horses, breeding from the Ashland- Wilkes stallion particularly, whose colts have de- veloped remarkable speed on the track. The farm embraces 160 acres, situated along the Cacoosing creek, two miles south of Sinking Spring. The Spring Valley Stock Farm of Abner S. Dey- ' sher, of Reading, was established in 1902, in the southern portion of Spring township, a mile west of Gouglersville, along the head waters of the Little Muddy creek. The farm comprises nearly 200 acres. State Police. — A "Barracks" was established in Cumru in 1905 by the State Police for Troop C, but was removed to Pottsville May 31, 1909. State Road. — ^A section of State Road, three miles in length, was constructed, in 1906, in Cumru on the road from Reading to Shillington. It was the first public improvement of this kind in Berks county. [See Chapter II.] Milk Station. — H. Dolfinger, of Philadelphia, established a superior milk station at Joanna on the W. & N. railroad, in July, 1909. It is a large two story brick building, equipped with the latest im- provements for cooling the milk. A large ware- house and ice-house are connected with the plant; also a dam. John W. Jacobs (who had been in the coal and ice business there for many years) is the manager. CHAPTER XIII ^FAMILY REUNIONS FIRST FAMILIES The following article, prepared by the compiler of this history and published in the "Historical Register of Interior Pennsylvania," January, 1883, is regarded as applicable to this important chapter : You have, no doubt, been already in a forest. There, in looking over the vast collection of trees, you saw, at different places, great oaks standing like hoary sentinels that witnessed, as It were, the coming in and going out of years until they numbered a century. Their wonder- ful arms overshadowed the earth below for a hundred feet, and their magnificent tops stood high above the many trees surrounding. Have you not compared with one of these a great family, whose progenitor, by his powerful manhood, gave to society vigorous sons and daughters, who-, like the branches of the mighty oak, scattered their seed and their strength all over the land? In every forest there are such trees. In every county there are such families. The giant oaks are conspicuous for their strength and breadth and height. So are the families conspicuous in similar respects — strength of phy- sical character, breadth of mind in the various affairs of life, height of moral grandeur. The former are the pride and glory of the forest; so are the latter of the counties which comprise our great Commonwealth. Nature and time have been from the beginning creating and de- stroying both, but both are still living and flourishing. And as the one is necessary for the mountains and the valleys in respect to water and air and the intercourse of mankind, so is the other necessary for the counties in re- spect to government, growth, dignity, wealth and power. Pennsylvania is a great State. She comprises a vast area of territory, rich in forests, fields and mines, and especially rich in internal improvements; and she is pos- sessed by a magnificent people. She is proud of all these; and she can well be proud, for her possessions are well possessed. At the beginning of her history, her soil at- tracted energy and industry. Through these she has been developed to her present greatness, and these are still im- proving her by an ever-increasing greatness. It was a fortunate circumstance for her that such characteristics first found lodgment on her territory; and fortunate, too, that they transmitted their virtues, without wandering away, from generation to generation. She still holds to herself the blood of the first settlers. She is therefore distinctive- ly Pennsylvanian in settlement, in growth, in wealth, and in government. Her sons, to a very great degree, possess all, control all. These constitute her great families. They are all distinctive as they are conspicuous. They appear in manufactures and trade as well as in agriculture ; and they are as distinguished in jurisprudence as in legisla- tion. Pennsylvania was formed and named in 1683. Then three counties were set apart — Bucks, Chester and Phila- delphia. Within a score of years afterward a great feeling in her behalf was developed, attributable mainly to the wisdom and excellence of the policy of William Penn. It induced hundreds, even thousands, to immigrate hither. Upon landing, many proceeded northwardly and north- westwardly. Settlements succeeded each other rapidly, 312 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and, for convenience in local government, township or- ganizations followed. For a period of forty-seven years, no additional counties had been formed. Then settlers began to formulate them. In 1729, Lancaster was erected : in 1749, York; in 1750, Cumberland; in 1753, Berks and Northampton; in 1771, Bedford; in 1772, Northumberland; and in 1773, Westmoreland. These were erected in her history as a colony of Great Britain. As an independent State, they multiplied in rapid succession, numbering to the present time fifty-six, or averaging nearly one every other year. Altogether, the counties number sixty-seven. In each of these counties, local history is dependent upon families. Especially in the Provincial counties, prominent historical facts are inseparable from their respective first families. This feature is as plainly perceptible as the mountain ridges which extend through their territory. In the several respects mentioned, Berks county is con- spicuous. Her first settlers began to establish themselves along the Schuylkill river, several miles westward from the Manatawny creek, between 1700 and 1705. This district of territory did not then have a name. It was identified bv being near the Manatawny. Now it is called Amity. It has been so called since 1720. In 1713, settlers began to locate in Oley. Then this district was so called. It in- cluded a large area of territory, at least sixty thousand acres. In Caernarvon, along the head-waters of the Con- estoga, they began as early as 1730 ; along the Tulpehocken in 1723, and along the Maiden creek in 1733. They took up the lands, first by warrant and survey, then followed by patent. They possessed and improved them by cultiva- tion, and they generally remained upon them until their decease, when they were transmitted by devise or con- veyance to their children. In many instances they have been handed down to the third, and fourth, even fifth generation. In the several quarters mentioned, east, south, west, and north, the descendants of many of the first settlers are still flourishing in number, in industry, in wealth, and in social, religious, and political influence. In taking a hasty glance over its broad territory, I can mention in the eastern district, along the Manatawny and its tributaries, the Baums, Bertolets, Boones, DeTurks, Egles, Griesemers, Guldins, Hartmans, Herbeins, Hochs, Hunters, Kauffmans, Keims, Knabbs, Lees, Leinbachs, Leshers, Levans, Lin- colns, Lobachs, Ludwigs, Peters, Pottses, Reiffs, Rhoadses, Ritters, Schneiders, Spangs, VanReeds, Yocums, Yoders, Weavers,^ and Witmans ; and, on the border along the headwaters of the Perkiomen, the Bauers, Bechtels, Ben- fields, Boyers, Clemmers, Ehsts, Funcks, Gabels, Gerys, Greg- orys, Reidenaurs, Rohrbachs, Rushes, Sassamans, Schalls, Schultzes. Staufifers,Wagoners, Walters and Wellers ; in the southern district along the Allegheny, play creek, Little Conestoga, and Wyomissing, the Blands, Clymers, Eschelmans, Evanses, Gauls, Geigers, Grings, Harrisons, Huyetts, Joneses. Kurtzes, Morgans, Pennepackers, Planks, Redcays, Robesons, Scarlets, Smiths and Ziemers ; in the western district, along the Tulpehocken and its tributaries, and the Little Swatara, the Adamses, Althouses, Batdorfs, Bergers, Boeshores, Bordners. Brechts, Conrads, Eckerts, Eplers, Deppens, Dimdores, Ermentrouts, Fishers, Fillers, Frantzes, Groffs, Hains, Hiesters, Keysers, Kissingers. Klingers, Kricks, Kurrs, Livingoods, Millers, Newcomets, Obolds, Potteigers, Rebers. Reeds, Relirers, Riegels, Scharfs, Seiberts, Seltzers, Shaeffers, Speichers, Spohns, Tryons, Um- benhauers, Walborns, Weisers, Wenrichs, Wilhelms, Womelsdorfs, and Zerbes; and, in the northern district, along the Maiden creek and its tributaries, the Brobsts, Davises, Dietrichs, Belongs, Dreibelbises, Dunkels, Ger- nants, Greenawalds, Grims, Hahns, Heffners, Heinlys, Hottensteins, Kaufifmans, Kaerchers, Kellers, Kemps, Kief- fers, Kirbys, Kutzes, Leibys, Lenharts, Levans, Merkels, Mertzes, Parvins, Penroses, Piersons, Prices, Rothenberg- ers, Rothermels, Saylors, Schaeffers, Shalters, Shappels, Shomos, Starrs, Trexlers, Wanners, Weilers, and Zach- ariases. Others could be mentioned, but these, however, stand out prominently iii the development of the county from the first settlements of the several districts to the present time. The great majority of the descendants have continued persistently engaged in agriculture upon or in the vicinity of the original settlements. Some moved to other dis- tricts of the county; others to Reading. Many sons and daughters migrated to the West and settled, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas and Colorado. Some of the sons turned to the professions — divinity, law, and medicine, in which they shone with more or less distinction ; others to trades and manufactures, in which they realized rich rewards for their industry and well- directed energy. In tracing down all the pursuits of life carried on in the county, it is only occasionally that a complete stranger appears and identifies himself with her onward movements for any considerable period of time. This is especially the case in our politics. The names of the old families are continually on the surface. Not par- ticularly demonstrative, they are like expert swimmers in deep water. They float onward majestically in the great stream of time; their heads are always visible; their endurance prevails. In the development of the county through internal im- provements, the turnpikes, canals, and railways, they are likewise conspicuous. They began early, if not ahead of time, not behind it. Their correspondence in reference to the improvement of the Schuylkill river for navigation began before 1770, and their enterprise brought coal to light during the period of the Revolution. Transportation and its facilitation were always encouraged by them. Some opposition was develop^ed in the general endeavors to es- tablish new motive power, as there is in most enterprises everywhere; but they were successful. In laying them down, they actually walked in the footsteps of their fath- ers ; for the early settlers, in following the streams to locate their settlements, marked out, as it were, the courses for turnpikes, canals, and railways, which were to come after them, to facilitate the business intercourse of their children. In some respects, these improvements were slow ; but a consideration of all things leads us to the conviction that they came to us just when they were needed. In a political sense they have exhibited a persistent at- tachment to one leading principle. At first they were anti-Federal by a large majority. They opposed the great pohtical movement whose object was the establishment of a Federal government and constitution. They preferred the right of States, as States united by a confederation, and of local self-government. Of these rights they were firm advocates, and though their political sentiments have been transmitted through three generations of government of, by, and for the people, and though party names have to a great extent been transposed, they have preserved this principle. Through this period, and through all the ex- citement of party strife for power and policy, they have been thoroughly patriotic. Now the great majority are "Democrats," a political name created by partv leaders, and by it they are known. But, in reality, with "them it is not name; it is principle— it is self-government. This has their devotion, their love, their admiration. If, in a hun- dred years to come, party names should be re-transposed to what they were a hundred vears ago, the succeeding generations will neverthekss be found on the side of this principle which was advocated and sustained bv their an- cestors. This idea of local self-government won the first families, and induced them to locate here. It was simple. They soon understood it, and thev carried it on successfully in their various local affairs, their children took to it natur- ally, and naturally retained it. After the lapse of a cen- tury, it is now a fixed idea with them. Education has not changed it. The education, as dictated bv the State, has not even changed it. But this educational policy is, how- ever, making apparent one consequence — a general ten- dency in many men for political preferment. It is produc- mg many professional men of various kinds. All of them manifest a desire at some period or other to serve the State in one capacity or another. Of course, this is com- mendable; the State expects it— she encourages it. But FAMILY REUNIONS 313 are. they seeking preferment for emolument, or distinction through earnest labor for the public weal? They obtain the one with ease, because it is common, because the State is generous. But they seldom obtain the other, because it is not common — because it" is not the gift of the State ; it is rather the gift of nature, improved by time and well- directed efforts. As yet this principle of government in them has not been affected. Its virtue still prevails. In politics, therefore, as in agriculture and religion, the great majority of these first families have preserved their strength and greatness. This idea is not the notion .of "State Rights," which the late Civil war settled. That fallacious doctrine had not, in fact, their advocacy, though they had been identified with the party that was led on by certain leaders who claimed it as a most material part of their political creed. They promptly denounced seces- sion, and adrnirably sustained the National Government in her gigantic efforts to preserve the union of all the States. Their patriotism was then conspicuous as it had theretofore been in all the military periods. For upward of ten years the descendants of some of the "First Families" above mentioned have formed arid held "Reunions" at different places in the county, which have developed not only great interest in genealogy and genealogical research, but also much sociability and acquaintanceship amongst members of the respective families from all parts of the county, indeed, from all parts of the United States. The following families are among the more prominent which have kept up their reunions with muth success and are therefore worthy of special mention : Baer. — The Baer family of Berks and surround- ing counties is one of the very large families, which has had large annual gatherings since its reunion was first organized, in 1899. The place of meeting has been Kutztown Park, and the historian is Dr. Samuel A. Baer, A. M., Ph. D., who with the aid of assistants and secretaries has collected many valuable records. John, Melchior and Chri'stophel (or Stoffel) Baer came -across the ocean on the ship "Phoenix" in 1743. They settled in eastern Pennsylvania, and their descendants number today several thousand. The exact relationship between these three immi- grants is uncertain, but the fact is established that they came to America on one ship, settled in the same section of the State, spoke the same language, and adhered to the same religious faith. Some think they were brothers, or at least close relatives. Most of the Baers of Berks and Lehigh counties claim John (or Hans) Baer as their ancestor. Be- fore 1750, he settled in Weisenburg, which is now in Lehigh county. He had four children: John, Adam, Jacob, and Barbara (who married Henry Fetter). John moved to Windsor township, Berks county, and his descendants live in Hambui:g, and Windsor, Perry and Bern townships. Melchior Baer, the second of this trio of immi- grants, settled at Macungie, Lehigh county, and had several large farms. He had eight children, and made special bequests to Melchior and Jacob. Of these, Melchior Baer married Catharine Desch, and they had ten children: David, Jacob, Polly, Ehzabeth, Charles, George, Samuel, Henry, Susan and Catharine. Jacob Baer (son of Melchior, Sr.) likewise had a numerous offspring. He had eleven children: Rachel, George, Joseph, Melchior, Samuel, Susan, Judith, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Manasses and Benjamin. The third of the group of immigrant Baers was Christophel Baer, who prior to his coming to Amer- ica patented 560 acres of land in what is now White- hall, Lehigh Co., Pa. liis history is complete. The records at Easton show that he was a systematic business man and possessed of great force of char- acter. He was the great-grandfather of George F. Baer, the ' distinguished lawyer and railroad presi- dent. His family consisted of six children: Hein- rich, Melchior, John, Salome, Apollonia and Jacob. The Baer family traces its ancestors to Zwei- briicken, Germany, where a place known for gener- ations as "Baren JHiitte" ("Bruin's Rest") is still pointed out. Tradition in connection with the home- stead at Zweibriicken has it that one Peter von Baer, in the distant past, married the daughter of a count palatine, thus establishing rank. The family coat of arms is in the possession of American descend- ants. The Baers have large reunions and render inter- esting programs. They expect to have their reunion incorporated and to publish a family history. The following are their permanent officers : President, Henry C. Baer, Reading, Pa. Vice-Presidents, Rev. John B. Stoudt, Macungie, Pa., George E. Baer, Schwenkville, Pa., John P. Baer, AUentown, Pa. Secretary, Fred N. Baer, Kutztown, Pa. Treasurer, J. W. Baer, Phoenixville, Pa. Historian, Dr. Samuel A. Baer, Graham, Va. Beetolet. — The Bertolet family of Pennsylvania was founded in Oley township, Berks county, by two brothers, Peter (Pierre) and John (Jean) Bertolet. The family in France has beeh for cen- turies one of the highest and most honorable in that country, many of the name having been dis- tinguished" personages. They are of noble rank, and the family seat was originally in Picardy. Dur- ing, the Reformation the Bertolets were strongly Protestant, and many, owing to Papist persecution, took refuge in other lands. Some time during the Revocation period a family of this name fled from Picardy to Chateau d'Oex, in Switzerland, and to it belonged the Peter and John who came to Pennsylvania, the former in 1719, and the latter in 1726. Both settled in Oley. The large old fam- ily Bible brought to the New World was sold in ] 906 or 1907, at public vendue, to Sarah Bertolet, a maiden lady of Oley, for $183. This valuable book contains the family genealogy for several centuries. The family is traced back to 1470. In 1730 Peter Bertolet signed the petition for the erection of Oley township. He died about 1727, as is recited in an application for a patent of his land in 1734. His wife Elizabeth and several chil- dren survived him. 314 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA President, Charles Boyer, Tatamy, Pa. Secretary, Jacob L. Drumheller, Reading, Pa. Treasurer, Abraham Boyer, Schofer, Pa. Historian, Dr. C. C. Boyer, Kutztown, Pa. Croll. — The descendants of John Croll held their fifth biennial reunion in Hancock Park in 1908. At this reunion Martin S. Croll, of Topton (father of William A. Croll, the present treasurer of Berks re- in 1711 Jean Bertolet married Susanna, daughter Dr. Boyer's historical address at the last meeting of Duke Henri De Harcourt (1653-1703), a gen- was a feature and gave evidence of careful research. eral and marshal of France. Jean Bertolet, owing He has a deserved reputation for always domg to political unrest and religious persecution, fled to things well. Selz, in Alsace, where he was engaged in farming The officers of the reunion are as follows : for fourteen years, during which time five of his children were born. Thence he came to Pennsyl- vania, locating in Oley, near the Exeter line. Here in 1754 he built a large stone house which is still standing and occupied by a descendant, David Ber- tolet. On this original farm is a private Bertolet burial-ground where many generations are buried. Jean Bertolet was a man of great piety and benev- • -^ r, olence. He prayed with the Indians and performed county), read a paper on the previous Croll missionary work in his section among all classes unions, the first of which was held in 1895, being of men that lived there. He was one of the first one of the very first meetings of this character in Moravians of Oley, and was on terms of close in- this county. • timacy with leading men of the church, especially The Crolls are descended from Phihp and Ulrich Count Zinzendorf, who preached in his house in Croll, who came to this country on the same ship, 1741 and 1742. This noble man and pioneer died [^ 1728, on which Egidius Grim (the forebear of a in 1754. He founded a numerous and honorable l^rge family) also emigrated. posterity and many of his descendants have been John Croll, whose posterity held the reunions, eminent in various walks of life, Bishop N. Bertolet ^-^g a descendant of Philip Croll. He was a son of Grubb and Jacob Bertolet (deceased) being notable Joseph and Ehzabeth (Schlenker) Croll and was examples. born in Greenwich in 1814, being of the third gen- The family of Jean Bertolet was as follows : eration of American Crolls. The Grimville Church, Abraham (1712-1776) married Esther De Turk; in Greenwich township, is mentioned in old docu- Maria (1715-1802) married Stephen Barnett; John rnents as the "Crolle Kirche," so named after this (1717-1789) married a daughter of Peter Pallio; family. Esther (1720-1796) married Dr. George De Benne- Rev. P. C. Croll, A. M., in 1887, pubHshed "The ville; Susanna (1722-1800) married Jacob Fry; Croll Family," a volume of 106 pages, as a souvenir Frederick (1727-1779) married Esther, daughter of of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of John Abraham Levan. and Catharine Croll. The Bertolet family was one of the very first to hold a reunion in the county. Its first gathering was held in 1897 on ancestral grounds in Oley, and annually since then at different popular places. The eighth reunion was held at Carsonia Park in 1905. The officers of the Bertolet Family Associa- tion are: President, Levi A. Bertolette. Vice-Presidents, Israel M. Bertolet, Benjamin Bertolet. Recording Secretary, Samuel E. Bertolet, Esq. Corresponding Secretary, Daniel H. Bertolet. Treasurer, Dr. Isaac B. Yeakel. BoYER. — The Boyer Family Reunion of Berks county was founded by Dr. Charles C. Boyer, A. M., Ph. D., of Kutztown, in 1907, having then held its first reunion in Kutztown and the second at the Black Bear Inn (near Reading) in 1908. Both reunions were very largely attended and proved a success in every way. The historian, Dr. Boyer, of Kutztown, is a man of cultured mind, energetic and indefatigable, and his researches will undoubtedly result in the produc- tion of a concise history of the "Boyer Family in .-\merica." Its history dates back to ancient times, and is traced to many countries. The name is DeLong. — The DeLong family of Berks county was founded here by Peter DeLong, who was a pioneer of the county and a settler in Maxatawny township, near Bowers Station. He was a free- holder of Maxatawny prior to 1745 and his neighbor was Henry Luckenbill. Peter DeLong lived near the present Christ Reformed (DeLong's) church, at the place later owned by Reuben Grim. He died about 1760, and his remains rest at the church named after his descendants. He reared a family of seven children, namely: John, Henry, Jacob, Michael, Abraham, Barbara and Frederick. The DeLong family is most numerous in Maxa- tawny township. It is thrifty and thoroughly rep- resentative of the pioneer stock of this region. Its members have been holding reunions since 1900, with interesting proceedings. The sixth meeting was held at Kutztown Park in 1906, and the his- torical address on this occasion was delivered by Rev. Preston A. DeLong, of Chambersburg. Ad- dresses were also delivered by Rev. William^ F. DeLong, of Annville, and Richard J. DeLong, of Philadelphia. At the third reunion Rev. John F. DeLong de- ivered an able address on the pioneer, who came variously spelt. The historian has prepared fam- ily charts and trees of the different branches which to Berks county from Ulster county, New York, were on exhibition at the reunion in 1908. The officers of the reunion are : FAMILY REUNIONS 315 President, Joseph DeLong, Topton, Pa. Secretary, Irwin DeLong, Topton, Pa. Treasurer, A. F. DeLong, Kutztown, Pa. Executive Committee, Dr. W. D. DeLong. James DeLong, Rev. Calvin M. DeLong, Solomon DeLong, Martin S. CroU, Rev. William F. DeLong. DiEROLF. — The fourth annual reunion of this family was held at Bechtel's Park, near Gabelsville, July 24, 1909, and over three hundred descendants were present from Boyertown, Reading, and other places in Berks county, also from Pennsburg, East Greenville, Harrisburg and other places in Pennsyl- vania. The following officers were elected : President, John H. Dierolf, Barto, Pa. Vice-Presidents, John Strunk, Gilbertsville, Pa., Samuel Dierolf, East Greenville, Pa. Secretaries, Mrs. Henry Mertzler, Benjamin dinger, Potts^own, Pa., Ammon Dierolf, Wyomissing, Pa., Francis Saltzer, Pottstown, Pa., William Derolf,- Gilbertsville, Pa. Corresponding Secretary, Levan Dierolf. Treasurer, William Dierolf. Dietrich. — The Dietrich family held its first re- union at Lenhartsville, Pa., Sept. 26, 1903. This meeting was well attended and much interest was manifested. A permanent organization was effected, and at the instance of the founder, William J. Diet- rich, the name "Dietrich Family Association" was adopted. The second reunion was held in Kutztown Park in 1904, more than two thousand five hundred people being present — ^reputed to have been the largest family gathering ever held in Pennsylvania. Eight States and the Dominion of Canada were represented. At the third reunion, held in Kutz- town Park in 1906, over three thousand people were in attendance. Seventeen States, as well as Canada and Mexico, were represented. "The Dietrichs in Europe and America," an address by Rev. W. W. Deatrick, A. M., Sc. D., was a feature at this gathering. This Family Association is not merely a local organization, but it has members in most of the States of the Union. It has been the means of arousing much enthusiasm in the matter of re- unions of other families and of stimulating research into family genealogy. The Dietrichs trace their origin to Dietrich Von Bern, 454-526, the Champion of Civilization, and King of the Ostrogoths in southern Europe. Mern- bers of the family were leaders in the Crusades, in peace and in war, and in the Reformation, they helped to make history. The Dietrichs are promi- nently mentioned in the annals of Germany, and six distinct families in the German Empire have coats of arms. The association, having collected considerable data, has nearly complete records of the following immigrant forebears: Johannes, Adam, John Lud- wig, Elias and John Jacob Dietrich. The Dietrichs of Berks county are descendants of Johannes, Adam and Conrad Dietrich. Johannes Dietrich came to America on the ship "Phoenix" in 1751, and about 1760 settled in Green- wich township, where he died in 1785, in which year his widow, Barbara, took out letters of admin- istration. They had three sons: Johannes, Jacob and John Adam. The first two located in the upper end of this State, and John Adam lived and died in Greenwich township, where he was a farmer. His wife Susanna Arnold bore him twelve children, as follows: Maria, Rebecca, Jacob, Isaac, EHzabeth, Annie, Gideon, Adam, Moses, Rufena, Catharine and Reuben. Adam Dietrich (1740-1817), a brother of Johan- nes, crossed the ocean on the "Britannia," landing at Philadelphia, Oct. 26, 1767. He was accompanied by his brother, Casper Dietrich, who first located in Northampton county. Pa., and some time after the Revolutionary war settled in Virginia. Adam Diet- rich was a sergeant in Capt. Jacob Baldy's Company in the Revolutionary war. He located in Maxa- tawny first, but later because of good water settled in Greenwich township. He was a farmer. His wife, Maria Barbara Steinbruch, bore him the fol- lowing twelve children: Adam, Georg, Maria Bar- bara (married Johannes Zimmerman), Catharine married Rev. Johann Michael Schmidt), Jacob, Michael, Heinrich, Johan, a daughter that died in infancy. Christian, Polly (Maria Magdalena) (mar- ried a Becker), and Beckie (Anna Margaret) (mar- ried Jacob Heffner). Conrad Dietrich (1763-1841) was born in Balti- more, Md., and came to Berks county, locating in Hereford township. Here he married Elizabeth Seisholtz, from Longswamp township. About 1795 he and his family came to Reading, where he died and is buried. The following are four of their nine children: George, Jacob, Susan (married Henry Fry), and Conrad (born 1798, died 1861, who had sons Conrad and William H., the latter now living in Reading). The Dietrich Family Association is a flourishing organization. Its success in large measure is due to the efforts of the founder. The officers are : President, Lawson G. Dietrich, Esq., Kutztown, Pa. Vice-President, Henry O. K. Dietrich, Lenhartsville, Pa. Secretary, William J. Dietrich, Reading, Pa. Treasurer, Daniel F. Dietrich, Reading, Pa. Executive Comndttee, Mahlon C. Dietrich, Kempton, Pa., Rev. W. W. Deatrick, Kutztown, Pa., C. H. Dietrich, Hopkinsville, Ky., Jonathan P. Dietrich, Klinesvill^ Pa., C. Joseph Dietrich, La Grange, 111., Charles H. Dietrich, Kutztown, Pa., A. M. Dederick, Albany, N. Y., Samuel Detrick, Sunbury, Pa., Harry A. Dietrich, South Bethle- hem, Pa., Joel D. Dietrich, Virginville, Pa., Dr. Charles J. Dietrich, Reading, Pa. The Association has also ten active Assistant Sec- retaries. An illustrated pamphlet, really a finely gotten up souvenir program, contains a history of the Association, names of its officers, and the names and dates of emigration of the sixty-two immi- 31(D HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA grants; also a copy of the coat of arms with an ex- planation of same. Dries. — ^The Dries family held its first reunion in 1906, in Kutztown Park. It hails from the upper end of the county. The ancestor is said to have settled in Albany township. The second reunion was held in 1908, also at Kutztown. Be- sides a large number of vice-presidents and assist- ant secretaries, the following are officers : President, Worths A. Dries, Kutztown, Pa. Vice-President, James C. Driess, Oley, Pa. Secretary, Charles A. Dries, Maiden-creek, Pa. Manager, W. A. Dries, Reading, Pa. Historian, J. Heber Dries, Molltown, Pa. Fisher-Hartman. — The Fisher-Hartman fami- lies hold joint reunions because of the inter-mar- riages of their members. They hold annual meetings at Boyertown, Pa. They have succeeded in collect- ing many records. Their first meeting was held in 1907, and the second on Labor Day, 1908. The officers of the Association are: President, George W. Hartman. Vice-President, Charles T. Davies. Treasurer. George H. Hartman. Secretary, P. Henry Fisher. Historian, William Kehl. Furry. — John Furry, a native of Europe, came to America in 1727. In 1744 he located in Tulpe- hocken township, Berks county, on a tract of 346 acres of land. He had two sons and two daughters, namely: Michael, John, Rosina (wife of Henry Berger) and Catharine (wife of Leonard Emerich). John Furry, son of the forebear, settled on the west side of the Susquehanna river. Four sons and two daughters were born to him, the sons being as follows : John, Jonas, Lawrence and Henry. The first three upon their return from a grist-mill at Sunbury, Pa., found to their horror that the Oneida Indians had killed and scalped their parents and two sisters, and also burned down the house and taken a horse with them. The youngest son, Henry, they took with them to Canada, where he was afterward found. The three brothers buried their parents and sisters under an apple tree and came to Reading where some of the posterity now live. The family held the first reunion in 1904 and the fourth at Carsonia Park in 1908. The officers are : President, Henry S. Furry, of Reading, Pa. Vice-President, John C. Furry, New Cumberland, Pa. Secretary, G. H. Furry, Coopersburg, Pa. Treasurer, Ulysses Furry, Bethlehem, Pa. Executive Committee, Thomas Furry, Lionville, Pa., Harry and William Furry, Leban- on, Pa., D. C. Furry, Newmanstown, Pa., Mrs. Charles Furry, Lebanon, Pa., Mrs. Adam Furry, Richland, Pa., Mrs. Sallie Stephens, Allentown, Pa., Mrs. Jennie Shunk, Phoenixville, Pa. Gery. — The Gery family, numerous in Plereford township, Berks county, and in Montgomery county, where the forebear settled before the middle half of the eighteenth century, has been holding annual meetings since 1908. The last reunion of the family was held at Siesholtzville. The family traces its history to one Jacob Geary (Gery), who was a redemptioner, and came into the Griesemer family to work out his passage. Later he married his master's daughter, and they reared a family whose descendants are now many, scattered over Berks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. The officers are : President, Irvin C. Gery, Siesholtzville, Pa. Vice-President, William H. Sallada, Hereford, Pa. Secretary, Jacob M. Gery, Topton, Pa. Assistant Secretary, Charles O. F. Treichler, East Green- ville, Pa. Corresponding Secretary, Milton M. Gery, Zionsville, Pa. Financial Secretary, William B. Moll, Seisholtzville, Pa. Treasurer, Michael N. Gery, Hereford, Pa. Grim. — The Grim family of eastern Pennsylvania was founded by three brothers, natives of Wurtem- berg, Germany. Gideon Grim, also known and name written as Gitti and Egidius Grimm, was the first to emigrate, landing in Pennsylvania in 1738. His brothers Henry and Jacob followed in 1730. Gideon Grim located in Macungie township, Le- high county, at a point where Macungie and Weis- enburg townships, in Lehigh county, meet Maxa- tawny township in Berks county. Here he owned 1,000 acres of land, which was situated in the three townships mentioned. It is supposed that he sold part of this land to his brothers, who reared large families. Gideon Grim crossed the ocean on the same vessel in which the noted pioneer minister of the Lutheran Church, Rev. John Casper Stover, came to this country. The Grim family is of patrician origin and long seated in Normandy. One branch established itself in Alsace, whence "Egidus Grimm" came because of religious persecution and as the result of reading an English book containing fabulous accounts of the New World. An interesting circumstance at- taches to this family from the fact that an ancient pedigree, tracing the family back to a Norman baron who lived in the days of William the Conqueror, was brought by the emigrant to America. The first Grim family reunion was held at Han- cock, this county, in 1897, at which time the connec- tion numbered over one thousand souls. The reg- ular annual reunions in 1907 and in 1908 were held at Kutztown Park, both well patronized. Prof. Geo. A. Grim, superintendent of schools in Northampton county, Pa., delivered an historical address at the last gathering. The organization has succeeded in discovering a considerable number of records. Miss Anna M. Grim, of Allentown, Pa., as secre- tary, deserves commendation for her efforts in establishing a family tree. Most of the Grims in Berks county live in Maxa- tawny and Greenwich townships and in Kutztown. Grimville, a village in Greenwich township, perpet- uates the family name. It contains a store, hotel, tannery, church and school. The village was founded by "Col." Daniel Grim, locallv known as FAMILY REUNIONS 317 "Der Hellwedder Grim." He was colonel of the mil- itia of his district. The officers of the Grim reunion are : President, J. Peter Grim, Allentown, Pa. First Vice-President, A. S. Grim, Allentown, Pa. Second Vice-President, A. B. Grim, Allentown, Pa. Secretary, Anna M. Grim, Allentown, Pa. Treasurer, C. R. Grim, Monterey, Pa. Executive Committee, Stanley Grim, Oscar S. Grim, Dr. Charles E. Grim, William H. Grim, Charles A. Grim, Jacob L. Grim, Harry E. Grim, Walter J. Grim, William A. Grim. Hafer. — The Hafer family held its first re- union at Carsonia Park, Reading, in 1908. Much interest was manifested. It traces its history to Mathias Hafer, or Hoefer. He was a German, and emigrated in 1773 to Pennsylvania, locating in what is now Ruscombmanor township, Berks county. He first settled in Alsace township, and was married to Julia Schmid. They had eight children, viz. : John, Matthias, George, Benjamin, Isaac, Daniel, Henry and Maria. This is a long-lived family. The early Hafers were strong, robust people. The fam- ily is mostly settled in Reading, and the townships to the east of Reading, including Alsace, Exeter and Oley. Mr. E. E. Hafer, photographer, Reading, is the president of the permanent reunion committee, and ^much credit is due him for the interest taken in tracing the early history. The list of officers, all from Reading, is as follows : President, E. E. Hafer. First Vice-President, Adam E. Hafer. Sedond Vice-President, George M. Hafer. Corresponding Secretary, Samuel G. Hafer. Recording Secretary, William M. Hafer. Treasurer, Samuel L. Hafer. Heffner. — Descendants of Heinrich Haeffner (Heiifner) in 1901 celebrated the 15Sd anniversary of his landing in America at Moselem Church in Berks county. Heinrich Haeffner was a son of An- draes Haeffner, of Eberstadt, Germany. His wife, Maria Eva Kelchner, bore him six children, namely : John Henry, Hans Georg, Eva Catharine, Elizabeth, Eva Magdalene and Catharine. James S. Heffner, Esq., of Kutztown, was the president of the anniversary ceremonies. Prof. George H. Heffner, son of George, son of Jacob, son of Hans Georg, in 1886 wrote a complete genealogy entitled "Heffner Records." This was the first history compiled of an upper Berks county family, and its influence upon other families, to trace their forebears, was most valuable. Professor Heffner rendered a service to posterity. His un- selfish life has endeared him to the people of Berks county, among whom he lived and labored as teacher. The pioneer Heffner came to America in 1749. The family is mostly scattered in the upper part of Berks county, and about Kutztown and Virginville. Heinly. — The Heinly Family Association was organized in August, 1898. Its members are the descendants of David Heinly, who emigrated from the Duchy ,of Wurtemberg, Germany, sailing in the ship "Patience," Hugh Steel, Captain, and landing in Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1749. On July 31, 1774, he received from Thomas and John Penn, sons of William Penn, a patent for about 300 acres, now ir Greenwich township, Berks county, a portion of which land is still owned by his descendants. The original ancestor lies buried in Dunkel's Church cemetery, about three miles from Virgin- ville, and the original tombstone of sandstone still remains, in a fair state of preservation. On the obverse side the following appears, in German with English letters: "Hir ligd Dafid Heinle, 1st ge- boren 1728 den 17 Ockdober und gestorben den 3rd Ockdober, 1784-." On the reverse side appears the following from an old German hymn published in the "Leipsiger Gesangbuch," written in 1638 : "Die Krone des Gerechdigkeid 1st mein schmuck und ehrenkleid, Damid will ich for Got bestehen, Wan ich werd in himmel eingehen.'' On Aug. 15, 1903, the descendants erected a mem- orial to their first ancestor, adjacent to the old tomb- stone. It consists of a granite base rough hewn and a granite top in the shape' of a large book with old-fashioned clasps, on the open pages of which appear the following inscriptions : On the left-hand page — "In memory of David Heinly, Born October 17, 1728. Died October 12, 1784. Emigrated from Germany in 1749." On the right-hand page^ "Erected by his descendants, to their First American Ancestor, August 15, 1903, at the Fifth Annual Heinly Family Reunion.'' The Family Reunion was first held along the banks of the Maiden creek on the original home- stead, but latterly at Kutztown Park, Kutztown, Pa. It is held annually in August, and attended by from 400 to 500 descendants. The Association was organized mainly through the efforts of David Heinly, fonnerly of Albany township, lat- terly of Kutztown, who was its treasurer until his death in 1907. A complete Family Record has been compiled. . The present officers of the Association are as fol- lows : President, David L. Heinly, Reading, Pa. First Vice-President, G. Henry Heinly, Blandon, Pa. Second Vice-President, Chas. H. Heinley, East Texas, Pa. Third Vice-President, Henry Heinly, Schnecksville, Pa. Secretary, Harvey F. Heinly, Reading, Pa. Assistant Secretaries, Calvin H. Adam, Fleetwood, Pa., Charles H. Heinly, Klinesville, Pa., Titus Heinly, Reading Pa., Phares S. Heller, Allentown, Pa. Treasurer, Prof. Charles B. Heinly, York, Pa. 318 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Executive Committee, William Heinly, Manatawny, Pa., Enoch Heinly, Virginville, Pa., Samuel D. Heinly, Reading, Pa., John W. Adam, Fleetwood, Pa., Jarius Heffner, Kutztown, Pa. Historian, Samuel G. Heinly, Reading, Pa. Director of AiiMsements, William O. Heinly, Ham- burg, Pa. KiSTLEE. — The Kistler family is numerous in Albany and Greenwich townships, Berks county, and especially in the upper end of Lehigh county. The family traces its ancestry to George Kistler, called Jorg or Hanjorg (that is, Hans Jorg) — ^John George Kistler. He was from the Palatinate. In 1737 he came to the New World, and located in the Falkner Swamp, or Goshenhoppen, Montgomery Co., Pa. No doubt he brought his wife, Anna Dorothy, and his oldest children with him from Germany. In 1747 he settled in Albany township, Berks county. He died in 1767 and is buried at the New Jerusalem Church, in Albany township, where many of his descendants are buried. He left nine children, as follows: Jacob, John, Samuel, George, Philip, Michael, Barbara, Dorotha and Eliz- abeth. Nearly all of these moved to Lynn township, Lehigh county. Like the seed of Abraham of old, they multiplied, and soon populated the fine valley extending from Kempton, in Berks, to Lynnville, in Lehigh county, a distance of six miles. This valley is called Kistlers Valley. John Kistler, son of the pioneer, in 1768, lived in Albany, and it appears remained on the homestead. He had sons, John William, born 1757, and Abra- ham, born 1761, The Kistlers have intermarried with the Dietrichs, Fetherolfs, Brobsts, and other old families of that section. The family has been holding successful reunions since 1899. It held the fifth annual meeting at Neffsville, Pa., in 1904. The officers of the associa- tion, besides an executive committee of eleven mem- bers, are: President, Henry D. Kistler. I'icc-Prcsidcnt, Edwin D. Kistler. Corresponding Secretary, Dr. W. P. Kistler. Recording Secretary, Elmer C. Kistler. Assistant Secretary, P. VV. Kistler. Treasurer, C. K. Kistler. Kline. — The Elder Georg Klein Association was formed at Reading, Pa., in 1904, for the pur- pose of raising funds to erect a fitting memorial in honor of the ancestor after whom the association was named, and to properly care for a much neg- lected private graveyard where Elder Georg Klein, with others, is buried. The second meeting was held in 1906, at West Hamburg. The officers of the association are : President, David R. Kline, Allentown, Pa. Secretary, William B. Kline, Berks, Pa. Assistant Secretary, A. S. Kline, Upper Bern, Pa. Treasurer, Newton Kline, Pottstown, Pa. Executive Conwiittce. C. K. Whitner, Reading, Pa., F. F_. Kline, Reading, Pa., A. K. Kline. Reading, Pa., Dr. John K. Seaman, Rdg., Pa. Dr. Warren Kline, Lebanon, Pa. Improvement Committee, Jerome I. Kline, Reading, Pa., C. K. Whitner, Reading, Pa., A. K. Kline, Reading, Pa., A. S. Kline, Upper Bern, Pa. Elder Georg Klein was born at Zweibriicken, South Germany, Oct. 9, 1715, immigrated to America in 1738, and located at Amwell, N. J. Becoming acquainted with the Brethren of the Dunkard Church, in 1739 he was baptized in that faith at Amwell, and soon after was chosen an assistant in the ministry. In 1750 he moved to North-kill on the Tulpehocken, in Berks county, and there took charge of "North-kill Meeting House." He is buried in upper Berks. He left a number of children, whose descendants are very numerous. Krick. — The descendants of Frantz Krick and his wife Catharine were organized into a reunion by Rev. Thomas H. Krick, in 1907, when the first meet- ing was held at Sinking Spring; the second was also held there, in August, 1908. This is one of the earliest and largest families of the Tulpehocken Valley, Berks county. Rev. Thomas H. Krick, a minister of the Reformed Church, now sta- tioned at Coplay, Pa., spent considerable time and money in ascertaining the true history of the progenitor, Frantz Krick, who came to America from Germany in 1731, and about that time located in Spring, then a part of Cumru township. He reared a large family, thirteen children, and his descendants are numerous in Berks county., The ancestral homestead has remained in the family name to this date. Tradition states that Frantz Krick obtained his land from the Indians. The Krick family is exceedingly patriotic and it has had members serving in every war fought in this country. John, Frantz, Adam, Peter and Jacob Krick, sons of the pioneer, fought in the Revolutionary war. In the War of 1812 were Fran- cis and Peter Krick. In the Civil war seventeen members of the family participated. In the Spanish war there were four members of the family. The officers of the Krick Family Association are : President, Daniel Krick, Robesonia, Pa. Vice-Presidents, William F. Krick, Sinking Spring, Pa., Daniel B. Krick, Sinking Spring, Pa., Benjamin K. Hunsicker, Wernersville, Pa., Isaac Krick, Sinking Spring, Pa., Daniel H. Krick, Ephrata, Pa., George Krick, Hamburg, Pa Secretary, Rev. Thomas H. Krick, Coplay, Pa. Treasurer, William F. High, Reading, Pa. Historian, Rev. Thomas H. Krick, Coplay, Pa. Levengood (Liven good, Livingood). The first reunion of the Levengood family was held in the fall of 1906 to celebrate the ninety-third birthday anniversary of its oldest living member, !Adam Levengood, and the gathering took place at the home of his son, Jacob S. Levengood, in Oley, near Friedensburg. The second and third meetings were held at the same place, the third on September 7, 1908, and the fourth is to be held in Friedensburg Park on Labor Day. 1909. The venerable man in FAMILY REUNIONS 319 whose honor the first meeting was held was present at the second and third meetings also, well preserved and hearty. The organization was decided upon at the first gathering. , In 1908 the following officers were elected: President, David D. Livingood, Pottstown, Pa. Vice-Presidents, William Livingood, Pottstown, Pa., John Stitzer, Reading, Pa., Casper Livingood, Birdsboro, Pa., James Eck, Reading, Pa., Abner Livingood, Millersville, Pa., Jacob Livingood, Elverson, Pa, Secretary, Howard M. Livengood, Birdsboro, Pa. Assistant Secretary, Oscar Levengood, Gilbertsville, Pa. Treasurer, Jacob S. Levengood, Oley, Pa. Historian, Howard M. Livengood, Birdsboro, Pa. Assistant Historians, John Stitzer, Reading, Pa., Irwin Livingood, Pottstown, Pa. Executive Committee, Adam Livingood, Birdsboro, Pa., Jacob S. Levengood, Oley, Pa., Elsworth Spohn, Oley, Pa., Monroe Shive, Reading, Pa. After the business meeting the assembly, which included about two hundred and fifty representatives of the family, was addressed by ex-Representative Jacob R. Herzog and by Mr. Howard M. Liven- good. The Levengood family traces its ancestry back to Ulrich and Susanna Liebenguth, who came to America from the Palatinate about 1733, in the ship "Charming Betsy," landing at Philadelphia, Oct. 12, 1733. At that time he was forty-five years old, his wife thirty-six. He was a man of sterling quali- ties, and his descendants belong to the best of the sturdy Pen/isylvania German element in their sec- tion. Many of those who bear the name have made a reputation in the learned professions, and they are generally known for the substantial qualities that distinguished the early representatives of the family. Ulrich and Susanna Liebenguth brought five chil- dren with them : Peter, aged sixteen ; Adam, aged thirteen; Jacob, aged ten; Maria, aged, eight; and Anna, aged five. From Philadelphia the family proceeded to New Hanover township, where they settled. Jacob, third son of the emigrant ancestors, was born in Alsace, Germany, and was the progenitor of the Levengood family of which this article treats. He died April 1, 1804, and his remains are interred in the cemetery adjoining the Swamp Reformed Church. He had one son, Matthias, who married Catharine Shuster, and they had five children. Adam Levengood is the father of four sons: Jacob S., at whose home the first three reunions were held ; James, of Elverson, Pa. ; Solomon, of Joanna Heights, Pa.; and Adam, of Friedensburg. LuDWiG. — The Ludwig family traces its origin to Michael Ludwig, who came from the Rhenish Palatinate to Oley township in 1733. He was a Pietist. The early generations in St. Gaul, Switzer- land, were profound scholars and a number were ministers. The Ludwigs in Berk§ county are numerous. They held their first reunion in 1903, and the seventh in 1908, at Friedensburg. They have been a cor- porate body since 1908. The historian of the family, the late Isaac W. Guldin (1834-1907), traced the family to Bohemia, in 1536. The forerunners of the Oley township branch in 1700 were seated at Dres- den, Germany. Mr. Guldin worked faithfully for years to establish the ancestral history. He was eminently successful. In 1905 he collected his rec- ords, in type-written form, in a book. The officers of the organization are: President, David V. R. Ludwig. Vice-Presidents, Jacob D. Ludwig, Wilson P. Ludwig. Secretary, Dr. J. Harry Ludwig. Treasurer, Eli V. R. Ludwig. Board of Directors, Jerome Ludwig, George S. Ludwig, Mrs. Edwin Rhoads, .Mrs. Alex. B. Earhart, Cyrus D. Moser. LuTZ. — In Albany township is an old family by the name of Lutz whose ancestors were Frederick and Jacob Lutz. The latter, was a resident in the district as early as 1754. His descendants, who are quite numerous about Kempton and Steinsville, hold annual gatherings. The elaborate dinners and suppers are a feature at these reunions. The last reunion was held at Kempton in 1908. The officers are : President, John C. Lutz. Vice-President, James S. Lutz. Secretary, Frank E. Lutz. Treasurer, Allen Lutz. Reedy. — The first reunion of the Reedy family of Berks and Lebanon counties was held in 1908, near Millbach, Lebanon Co., Pa. Jonathan B. Reedy, aged seventy-three years, is one of the leading spir- its in the movement to have regular annual gather- ings. No regular officers have been elected thus far. -t>A William Reedy, father of Jonathan B., married Maria Bensing and they had five children, namely: George, Annie (m. Henry Engelhart), Catharine (m. Jonathan Strauss), Samuel and Jonathan B., the last named only surviving. RiTTEE. — The. Ritter family, which is numerous in Berks county and also in the adjoining county of Lehigh, where the town Rittersville perpetuates the name, dates back to the middle of the eighteenth century. This family has been holding annual re- unions since 1898. The last was held in Dorney's Park, Allentown, in 1908. The meetings are well attended. A history of the family is expected in book form for distribution at the eleventh reunion, in 1909. The ancestry is traced to Casper, Martin and Philip Ritter, who were German Palatinates. Their descendants are numerous and scattered over eastern Pennsylvania. Exeter township, in Berks county, was the home of the Ritters of this section. There, in 1754, lived George Ritter, and in 1759 Francis (also mentioned in documents as Ferdinand) Ritter was one of the largest taxpayers in the township. He owned much land below Jacksonwald, where the old Rit- 32Q HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ter graveyard is located along the Oley Valley trol- ley line. Francis or Ferdinand Ritter, born in 1741, died in 1825. His children were Daniel, John, Jacob and Samuel. John was a representative in Congress from Berks county, refusing a third nomination to that office. Tradition says the pioneer Ritter obtained his land originally from the Indians. Some of this tract is still is the family. The ancestor Ritter, the father of George and Ferdinand, tradition says was mar- ried to an Indian woman, who was buried on the farm owned by Daniel Ritter, later by Benjamin Ritter and now by Charles Breneiser, of Read- ing. The officers in 1908 of the Ritter Family were : President, H. S. Ritter, AUentown, Pa. Vice-President, J. R. Ritter, Reading, Pa. Recording Secretary, I. J. Ritter, AUentown, Pa. Secretary, M. T. Ritter. Northampton, Pa. Treasurer, Mrs. Edw. Diefenderfer, Catasauqua, Pa. Committees, Historical, Program, Ways and Means, Executive. RoHRBACH. — The descendants of John Rohrbach, who emigrated to America about the middle of the eighteenth century, and settled in Berks county, in the territory now embraced in District township, held a reunion at Hancock Park in 1908. A committee of arrangements, a history committee, and a committee on program were appointed and the following officers were elected : President, D. R. Rohrbach, Williamstown, N. J. Vice-President, Frederick Rohrbach, AUentown, Pa. Secretary, W. B. Rohrbach, Macuiigie, Pa. The ancestor had sons Lawrence and John, Jr. The family is quite numerous in the eastern end of the county, where the first of the name settled. The ancestral homestead is still in the family. Saul. — ^Samuel Saul,, who came to this country in 1716, was a native of Alsace-Lorraine. After some years in America he returned to his native land and remained about one year with his family. He came to America a second time, expecting to prepare a home for the family, who were to follow. He died, and his wife, not hearing from him, de- cided to follow him to the New World, making the journey with her three children, Johann Nicholas, Leonard and Christian, in 1753. They located at or near Pottstown, Pa., and Johann Nicholas Saul there made his permanent home. Leonard moved to Maxatawny township, Berks county; and Chris- tian settled in Lancaster county at what is now Lin- glestown, Dauphin county. Each of the sons reared a large family, and owned his own home. Johann Nicholas Saul, born Dec. 16, 1726, died Aug. 14, 1795, and is buried at the Swamp Church. In 1766 a son, Nicholas, was born to hiir.. In 1792 the latter married Rosina Hartman, of Dis- trict township, Berks county. Nicholas Saul was first taxed in Douglass township, Berks county. In 1779 he moved to West District township, Berks county. He was a rake-maker. He and his wife had these six children: Salome, Samuel, John, Jacob, Hannah and Esther. Nicholas Saul .diedin 1823, aged fifty-six years. His wife, Rosina, died in 1843, aged eighty years. After their death their son, Jacob, built a house, in 1844, upon the home- stead where he lived and died, his death occurring in 1890, when he was aged eighty-eight years. His children were: Mary, Nicholas, Daniel, Catharine, Jacob, Franklin, Sanah, Lydia, Theresa and Thomas. John Saul, son of Nicholas, died on the homestead in 1867, aged sixty-eight years. He had: Wilham, Daniel, John, Jacob, Elizabeth, Si- mon, Elias, Sarah Ann and Ephraim. Salome, daughter of Nicholas, married Jacob Rothermel and had ten children. Hannah, daughter of Nicholas, married John Rubright; no issue. Esther, daughter of Nicholas, married Peter Roth- ermel and had eight children. Samuel, the eldest child of Nicholas, was in the United States navy, and was never married. The Saul family held its first reunion in 1902 and the sixth in 1908, at Pendora Park, Reading. It has successful reunions, and has collected considerable data, to be published in a private his- tory. The officers of this reunion are : President, Rev. J. Elmer Saul, Norristown, Pa. Vice-Presidents, Samuel H. Fegley, Reading, Pa., Dr. Charles K. Saul, Steelton, Pa., F. K. Miller, Reading, Pa. Secretary, Jacob I. Saul, Pottsville, Pa. Treasurer, Elias G. Saul. ScH.vEFFER. — 'George Schaefifer, the pioneer of the Schaefifers, came to this country from the Ger- man Palatinate, in August, 1750, and settled in Richmond township, this county, soon after his landing. His wife was Catharine Reib. They had the following five children: Elizabeth, the eldest, married John Bieber ; Margaret, the next eldest, married Dewald Bieber; Maria married IMichael Christman; Peter was the next and Philip, who married Elizabeth Fetherolf, was the youngest of the family and remained upon the homestead near Fleetwood. He had eight sons and four daughters, all of whom were well-formed, large and strong. Father Schaefifer died in 1792 and is buried in a private burial-ground on the farm where he lived and died. The family held its first reunion in 1903, and the second in 1906, both in Kutztown Park. They were well attended. At both meetings D. Nicholas SchaefTer, Esq., of Reading, delivered an historical address on the pioneer Schaefifer. The second ad- dress was published in the December, 1906, number of "The Pennsylvania German." At the first re- union Rev. Dr. N. C. Schaefifer, superintendent of public instruction of Pennsylvania, delivered an ad- dress, "Wlicre Did the Pennsylvania Germans Come From and Why Did They Leave Their Fatherland?" At the second reunion Flarry D. Schaefifer, Esq., of Reading, delivered an address, "Some Character- istics of the Schaeffer Family," and Rev. William FAMILY REUNIONS 321 C. Schaeffer, a professor of the Theological Semin- ary at Lancaster, delivered an address entitled, "My Recent Trip Through Germany"; Rev. David I. Schaeffer delivered an address entitled, "Histori- cal Side Lights." The Schaeffer family holds its reunions triennial- ly. It is one of the largest, most honored and intel- lectual families of the county. The officers of 1908 were: President, George D. Schaeffer, Fleetwood, Pa. Secretary and Historian, Rev. David I. Schaeffer. Executive Committee, Rev. C. E. Schaeffer, James D. Schaeffer, Joel M. Schaeffer, Daniel B. Schaeffer, James Schaeffer. Seaman. — The Association of Descendants of Johan Ludwig Seaman was formed in 1903, and held its first reunion on ancestral grounds in Tilden township. Johan Ludwig Seaman, the progenitor, was a native of Alsace, France. At the age of twenty he enlisted in the service of Frederick the Great, of Prussia, as bo dy-g uard. After efglit years he married, and in 1748 emigrated to Pennsylvania, locating in Bern township, in that part of the district now embraced in Tilden township. He was a large land owner and owned a considerable por- tion of the township, which his descendants colon- ized in large measure. His remains are interred at St. Michael's Church. His wife, Catharine, bore him three sons, namely : Eberhart, John and Lud- wig, each of whom reared families. John located in western Pennsylvania, where his descendants are very prosperous people, while Eberhart and Lud- wig remained on ancestral homesteads. The Sea- mans are very numerous in upper Berks county and are a very representative and enterprising fam- ily. The second reunion was held at West Ham- burg in 1904, and was largely attended. The family expects to publish a genealogical history. The per- manent officers of the Association are : President, Maj. Charles F. Seaman, Hamburg, Pa. Secretary and Historian, A. S. Klein, Upper Bern, Pa. Treasurer, William Seaman, Fleetwood, Pa. Executive Committee, Dr. J. K. Seaman, Reading, Pa., Levi B. Seaman, Berks, Pa., A. S. Seaman, Frackville, Pa., Joseph S. Seaman, Pittsburg, Pa., A. S. Becker, Berks, Pa. Schneider (Snyder). — Reunion of descendants of Hans (Johann) Schneider. The Snyder family reunions were begun by the descendants of David Snyder, a great-grandson of the first settler of the Snyders, Hans (Johann) Schneider. The first reunion was held on the old David Snyder estate, now owned and occupied by Jackson Snyder, one mile northeast of Oley Line, in September, 1904. In 1906, at the annual reunion, a historian was elected. Rev. Elam J. Snyder being chosen. The first history of the Snyders was read in connection with the reunion in 1907. At the same time it was decided to embrace in the reunion 31 not only the descendants of David Snyder, but all Snyders who trace their ancestry to Hans Schnei- der. The old family burial plot near Oley Line, in which are buried the first generations of the Sny- ders, was recently improved. It is the purpose of the organization to keep it in excellent order. The officers at present are: President, Harrison Yoder. Vice-President, D. S. Brumbach. Secretary, Samuel Reiff. Treasurer, George W. Brumbach. Historian, Rev. Elami J. Snyder. Strauss. — The reunion of the descendants of Albrecht and Philip Strauss, who emigrated from Wurtemberg in 1732, was founded by B. Morris Strauss, Esq., of Reading. The organization com- mittee met on Thanksgiving Day, 1902, at the home of Joseph Strause, near Bernville. In September, 1903, on the Albrecht Strauss homestead, now em- braced in Penn township, the first Strauss reunion was held on the one hundred and seventy-first an- niversary of the landing at Philadelphia of Albrecht and Philip Strauss, who located in Bern township, in Berks county, soon after their coming to Amer- ica. They were farmers, and reared large and honorable families, record of whose progeny is found in these volumes. The reunions of 1905, 1907 and 1909 were held at Strausstown, in Upper Tulpehocken township. This town perpetuates the family name in the county. The historian has found practically complete re- cords of these two pioneers, which will finally be published in book form. The officers of the reunion are: President, James W. S. Strause, Reading, Pa. Secretary, Cameron E. Strauss, Reading, Pa. Treasurer, Adam W. Strause, Bernville, Pa. Historian, B. Morris Strauss, Esq., Reading, Pa. Executive Committee, Henry N. Haas, Bernville, Pa., Milton M. Strauss, Strauss- town, Pa., Frank B. Saul, Reading, Pa., J. Morris Strause, Auburn, Pa., Charles Ney, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Josiah K. Strause, Strausstown, Pa. Trexler. — The first reunion of the Trexler fam- ily was held at Kutztown Park, Berks county. Pa., on Aug. 28, 1907. It was largely attended. The officers of this reunion are: President, James B. Trexler, Lewistown, Pa. Vice-Presidents, Dr. Jacob Trexler, Lancaster, Pa., B. F. Trexler, Allentown, Pa., J. Allen Trexler, Allentown, Pa. Secretary, Claude Trexler Reno, Allentown, Pa. Treasurer, Morris D. Trexler, Topton, Pa. Historian, Hon. Frank M. Trexler, Allentown, Pa. This meeting was called to order by Claude Trex- ler Reno, Esq., and the history of the family was. then read by Judge Trexler, the historian. His paper showed considerable research and gives to posterity a true record of the Trexler family, which is an honored family of the State, a number of no- ■i;i-i HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA table personages being found among its members. Peter Trexler, the forebear, came to America prior to 1730, and located in Oley township, Berks county. His name, among others, appears upon the petition for the erection of Oley township in 1720. Shortly afterward he removed to what is now Upper Macimgie township, Lehigh county. In 1729 he obtained, through Casper Wister, land agent, a patent for land upon which he lived. He died in 1758. His last will bears date 1744. He disposes of his estate to his widow, Catharine, and his three sons and three daughters, named, respec- tively : Jeremiah, John, Peter, Anna, Catharine and Margaret. Jeremiah Trexler (son of Peterl as early as 1732 had a public house at Trexlertown. He and wife, Catharine, had sons John and Peter. Peter Trexler, the second son 6f the first Peter, occupied a tract near Breinigsville. He was justice of the peace from 1752 to 1776, and in the Colonial system sat at the courts at Easton. His son, Peter, the third Peter in line of descent from the first set- tler, was known as the Mertztown Peter. In 1783 he was lieutenant-colonel of the militia. Pie had eleven children, and his posterity is known as the Berks county branch of the family. The names of his children as they appear in the family Bible (in the possession of Edwin H. Trexler, of Mertz- town) are as follows: Maria, John Peter, Jacob, Reuben, Benjamin, Catharine, Jonas, Anna, Nathan, Daniel, Judith. The minutes and proceedings of the first re- union of the Trexler family are published in pamph- let form. They were compiled by Claude Trexler Reno, of Allentown, Pa., and are valuable. Wamsher. — The Wamsher family has been holding annual reunions or picnics since 1906. It held its last meeting at Monocacy, in 1908. An effort is to be made to trace the family to the an- cestor, and ultimately to publish a book. The of- ficers of the reunion are : President, Jasper Wamsher, Monocacy, Pa. Secretary, Norman B. Wamsher. Treasurer, Frank McDermond. Executive Conanittee, Harry A. Riegel, Howard Seidel, Eugene Manger, Rev. Ruddy Millard. Yeich. — The Yeich family held a reunion at Mineral Spring in the summer of 1908. Four gen- erations of the family were represented in Mrs. William Yeich, Mrs. William Mauger, Mrs. Flor- ence Miller and Miss Evelyn Miller. »% ■% €^/^'^^ ^-^'7^^^ BIOGRAPHICAL J. GLANCY JONES was born Oct. 7, 1811, in Caernar- your name to the Senate for that highly respectable von township, Berks county. His ancestors were of and important mission immediately after my cabinet shall Welsh origin. His great-grandfather, David Jones, set- have been confirmed. And permit me here to add that tied in 1730 upon the Conestoga creek, near Morgan- I think your mind and qualities are admirably adapted town, and there he erected and carried on one of the to that branch of the public service." This position Mr. first forges in that section of the State. His grand- Jones declined. He continued his service in Congress father, Jonathan Jones, was captain of a company of as chairman of the committee on Ways and Means, troops belonging to the Continental Line, enlisted by and was the zealous advocate and supporter of President authority of Congress, and rendered distinguished ser- Buchanan's administration on the floor of the House, vices in the expedition- against Canada in 1776. After- In the year 1858 he was unanimously renominated for ward he was lieutenant-colonel. His death was occas- Congress, his opponent being Maj. John Schwartz, the ioned by the hardships of that campaign. Jehu Jones, candidate of the anti-Lecomptori Democracy, which unit- son of Jonathan and father of the subject of this sketch, ed with it the strength of the Republican party. Mr. was for many years engaged in the profession of teach- Jones being the special representative of the policy of er, for which he was qualified by a classical education, the Federal administration, the contest in Berks, as else- He died in 1864, at an advanced age. where, was conducted largely upon national issues. One J. Clancy Jones was educated at Kenyon College, Ohio, of the most exciting campaigns in the history of the and in 1833 was ordained to the ministry of the Pro- county ensued, which resulted in the election of Maj. testant Episcopal Church, to which his family had for John Schwartz by a majority of. nineteen votes. The generations belonged. His inclinations, however, led him total vote in the district was upward of fourteen thou- to prefer the profession of the law; and having under- sand. Immediately after the result of the contest was gone the necessary course of preparation he was ad- known, President Buchanan tendered to Mr. Jones the mitted to the Bar. He commenced practice in 1842, at Austrian mission, which he accepted. Upon his con- Easton, Pa. The judicial district was composed at that firmation by the Senate, he resigned his seat in Con- time of the counties of Berks, Lehigh and Northamp- gress, and left, with his family, for his post in Janu- ■ ton, and was presided over by Hon. John Banks. After ary, 1859. Upon the accession of the Republican party a residence of three years at Easton he removed to Read- to power, in 1861, Mr. Burlingame was appointed by ing, and was admitted to the Bar of Berks county Jan. President Lincoln to succeed Mr. Jones at the court of 7, 1845. He was appointed district attorney for Berks Vienna; but, having been almost immediately recalled, county, under the administration of Governor Shunk, Mr. Jones, at the request of the administration, remain- in March, 1847, and served in that capacity until Janu- ed in the embassy until the arrival of his successor, Hon. ary, 1849. During that period he was tendered by the John Lothrop Motley, in the month of December. At Executive the president judgeship of the Chester and the period of the outbreak of the Civil war in the Unit- Delaware District. ed States the subject of the belligerent relations of the Though successful in the practice of his profession, he two contending sections devolved duties of a peculiarly very early inclined to politics. Being a decided Demo- delicate and responsible nature upon our diplomatic re- crat, he became active in the affairs of the dominant presentatives abroad, and, so far as Mr. Jones's sphere party in his native county, as well as in the State at of service was concerned, he sustained his official trust large. He was the warm personal friend and poHtical in a manner highly satisfactory to the administration and supporter of Morris Longstreth, the unsuccessful com- the government of the country. petitor of Governor Johnston in 1848, and the follow- Upon his return home, where he arrived in January, ing year was chairman of the Democratic State Com- 1862, the period of Mr. Jones's public life practically m'ittee. Irr 1850 he was elected to Congress from the terminated, though he did not cease to participate in Berks District. Having declined a renomination, the the councils of his party for many years afterward. Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, the younger, was chosen He resumed the practice of the law, and carried it on as his successor for the term beginning in December, for about ten years, when declining health compelled 1853. Mr. Muhlenberg having died shortly after tak- him to retire from all employments of a public nat- ing his seat, a special election was held in February, ure. 1854, to fill the vacancy, when Mr. Jones was chosen Mr. Jones was, for a long period, prominent in the for the unexpired term. He was reelected for two sue- councils of the Protestant Episcopal Church, having been ceeding regular terms, in 1854 and 1856, thus holding frequently a delegate to diocesan conventions, and hav- the position of representative, with but a brief inter- ing taken a leading part in the measures which led to mission, for the period of eight years. As a member the establishment of the new diocese of Central Penn- of the committee on Claims, he was author of the bill sylvania in 1871. During his entire political and pro- establishing the United States Court of Claims. In 1857 fessional career he preserved a character of unblem- he 'was chairman of the committee on Ways and Means, ished integrity, and in his private relations to his fellow- a position of leadership which necessarily secured for its men was equally above reproach. He had many warm incumbent a national reputation. and zealous friends, and succeeded, as few public men After the election of Mr. Buchanan to the Presidency, succeed,, in preserving the personal esteem of his politi- in 1856, Mr. Jones was selected as a member of his cal opponents, against whom he never cherished ani- cabinet. This selection, was ratified by the Democratic mosity or resentment. He was well fitted to be a leader press^ and party throughout the country with great un- of men, and those who differed most radically from him animity, but Mr. Jones declined the appointment. In in poHtical opinion did not hesitate to acknowledge the February, 1857, he tendered to Mr. Jones the mission winning power of his personal influence. He was a to Berlin. "It is my purpose," he wrote, "to present very social man. His domestic life was especially hap- :!-34 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA py and attractive. His wife, Anna Rodman, a daughter of the Hon. William Rodman, of Bucks county, for- merly a representative of that district in Congress, was a lady of superior refinement and most estimable Christ- ian character, and her decease, in 1871, severed the ties of a peculiarly united and affectionate household. Mr. Jones died at Reading, March 24, 1878, in his sixty- seventh year, and upon that occasion the Bar of the county united in a testimonial, of marked respect to his memory and appreciation of his public services. Two of his sons, Charles Henry and Richmond L. Jones, were admitted to the Berks county Bar in 1863, having studied law in their father's office. The latter was a representative from the county in the Legisla- ture from 1867 to 1869," and the former became a resi- dent and practitioner at the Bar of Philadelphia. Mr. Jones's eldest daughter, Anna Rodman, married Far- relly Alden, of Pittsburgh, and died there in December, 1885. His youngest daughter, Katharine, married Wil- liam Thomas Wallace, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. BERKS COUNTY ANCESTRY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Concerning the historical fact that the pa- ternal ancestors of President Abraham Lincoln were resi- dents in the Eighteenth Century of Berks county, whence they migrated to Virginia, Louis Richards, Esq., president of the County Historical Society, in a recent paper read before it, wrote in part as follows : Among the early immigrants to the Colony of Massa- chusetts — or Massachusetts Bay, as it was called in colonial times — were the Lincolns from old England. The first of the name from whom the President's descent can be traced was Mordecai Lincoln, who is said to have been born at Hingham, near Boston, in 1657. The tradition that he was an "ironmonger" is strengthened by the fact that his son Mordecai follov«d that occupation. The latter, who was by the first wife, was born in 1686, and had two brothers, Abraham, born 1689, and Isaac, born 1691. The preference for Scriptural Christian names was followed in the family through many succeeding generations. Presi- dent Lincoln, writing a brief autobiography in 1860, said that an effort to identify his Quaker ancestors in Pennsyl- vania with the New England family of the same name ended in nothing more definite than a similarity of CTiristian. names in both families. 4uch as Enoch, Levi, Mordecai and Solomon. Since that date the connection of the families has been reliably established. By a second marriage, Mordecai, Sr., had other children, some of whose descendants remain in Massachusetts at this day. The son Mordecai, Jr., removed with his brother Abraham to East Jersey about 1717, acquiring lands in Monmouth county. He resided there until probably 1720, at which date, and down to 1726, he is found assessed as a taxable in Nant- meal and Coventry townships, Chester Co., Pa. That he was possessed of considerable estate, and was an iron- master, appears from record evidence of his association with Branson and Nutt, pioneers of the iron industry in that State, in the erection of a forge at Coventry, on French creek. His one-third interest in that establishment, and the lands appurtenant, he sold to Branson for £500, in De- cember, 1725. In 1726 he is designated as a resident of Chester county in a conveyance to him in that year of certain lands in New Jersey. On May 10, 1732, he obtained from Thomas Millard, of Coventry, a conveyance of one thousand acres of land in that part of Amity township, Philadelphia county, now included in Exetef township. Berks county; the tract being a portion of sixteen hundred acres formerly belonging to Andrew Robeson. The date of this deed is conjecturally that of his first residence in what is now Berks county, though it is possible that he may have come there earlier. In 1733-33 he is found in commission as one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace. His will dated Feb. 22, 1735 (O. S.), was proved June 7, 1736,_ indicating very nearly the date of his death. By it he divided his land in Amity township equally between his sons, Mordecai and Thomas, making provision con- tingently for an expected child, which, if a son, was to share the inheritance with his two brothers, each to take a third part. A certain tract of three hundred acres of land in the Jerseys he devised to his son John, and other lands in the same Province to his daughters Ann and Sarah, leaving bequests to his remaining daughters, Hannah and Mary. His wife Mary received the residue of his personal estate, and the use of his plantation for' life, being also constituted executrix. His friends Jonathan Robeson and George Boone were designated as her assistants in that office, according to a custom then prevalent. The son John, who was by a former wife, was the lineal ancestor of President Lincoln. He subsequently sold his land in New Jersey, ani emigrated to Rockingham county, Va., in 1765. This date is established from the tax lists of Berks county and the local records in Virginia in cor- respondence therewith. John had a son Abraham who went to Kentucky in 1782, and two y-ears latei- was killed there by the Indians. Abraham left three sons, Mordecai, Josiah and Thomas. The president was the son of the last named, by his first wife, Nancy Hanks. The posthumous son of Mordecai of Exeter, named Abraham, half-brother of John, was born Oct. 29, 1736. He became the most prominent member of the Berks county family in public life. From 1773 to 1775 he was a County Commissioner; served as sub-lieutenant of the coiinty in 1777, was a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly from 1772 to 1786 ; delegate to the Pennsylvania Convention of 1787 to ratify the Federal Constitution, and a member of the convention which devised the State Constitution of 1790. He died at his residence in Exeter township Jan. 31,. 1806, in his seventieth year. He married in 1761 Anne Boone, daughter of James Boone, and his wife Mary Foulke. Her father's brother. Squire Boone, was the father of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Kentucky, and a native of Berks county, to whom she was thus first cousin. Thomas Lincoln, brother of Abraham, was a thrifty landholder, and was sheriff of the county in 1758 and 1759. Mordecai Lincoln, the other brother, remained a resident of Berks county up to about 1789, removing to Dauphin and subsequently to Fayette' county, Pennsylvania. President Lincoln referred to his Pennsylvania ancestors as Quakers. There is no evidence of the connection of the New England Lincolns with the Friends. Some of the members of the branch which came to Pennsylvania became affiliated with that denomination through intermarriage. Anne Boone, wife of Abraham Lincoln, the county com- missioner, was brought under mild censure for marrying out of meeting. The Boones were of English descent, and staunch Quakers. George Boone, a native of Devonshire, who emigrated to the Province in 1717, belonged for a time to the Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, in Philadelphia county. Having acquired lands in what is now Exeter township, Berks county, in 1718, and settled there, he was appointed in i723 by the Gwynedd Meeting to keep the accounts of births and marriages of Friends in his vicinity. He do- nated the ground for the meeting-house and burial-place of thfe Oley Monthly Meeting, since called the Exeter Monthly Meeting, constituted in 1737. The Boones were a prolific race, and, together with the Lincolns, left numerpus d-e- scendants, who were among the most intelligent' and re- spectable of the county stock. The two families were close- ly associated, and in the Exeter Meeting Ground the earlier generations of both lie buried. Squire Boone, father of Daniel, removed in 1750 with his family to North Carolina, on the Yadkin river. Thence after he had grown to manhood, Daniel went to Kentucky, and entered upon his famous career as pioneer of that remote border land of civilization. From the connection of the Boones and Lincolns in Berks county, the inference is reasonably certain that the Southern migration of John, the President's ancestor, in 1765, was the direct result of that of the Boones, fifteen years previously. A theory regarding the maternal ancestry of President Lincoln is that his mother, Nancy Hanks, was descended from a family of that name traceable in Berks county at the period when the earlier generations of the Lincolns BIOGRAPHICAL 325 were seated there. Nancy Hanks was a daughter of Joseph Hanks, of Nelson county, Ky., and one of her aunts on the maternal side married Abraham Lincoln, of Virginia, the grandfather of the President and son of John. All that is positively known upon this head is that a family by the name of Hanks appears in the records of the Gwy- nedd Monthly Meeting of an early date, and that the name of one Joseph Hanck is found upon the list of taxables of the town of Reading between 1758 and 1763. Whether the latter was identical with the Joseph Hanks of Kentucky, father of Nancy, is a matter of conjecture. In the absence of more definite facts, either for or against the supposition, no positive conclusion can be reached upon the subject. [On page 299 may be seen a cut of the building where the children of Mordecai Lincoln. Sr., were born. It is situated about a mile below Lorane Station, several- hun- dred feet north from' the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, near a small stream. An extension was built to the west end.] HON. THOMAS WHARTON, Jr., the first Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the consti- tution of 1776, was born in 1735, in Chester county. Pa., a son of John and Mary (Dobbins) Wharton, grandson of Thomas and great-grandson of Richard Wharton. Richard Wharton, who emigrated to Pennsylvania from KelliVorth, in the parish of Overton, Westmorelandshire, England, at an early date, was the emigrant ancestor of the Wharton family in America. Thomas Wharton, who later achieved so great a distinc- tion in his native State, spent his boyhood attending school in the primitive institutions in the vicinity of his his home, and assisting on the paternal farm, and he be- came a young man of sterling character. In 1755 he moved to Philadelphia, where he apprenticed himself to an employer by the name of Reese Meridith and later was associated with Anthony Stocker. With the latter he formed a partnership, under the firm name of Stocker & Wharton, in the mercantile line. This firm became very strong, and according to the custom-house bonds of 1762, was one of the heaviest importers in the city. Governor Wharton, then but a prosperous merchant, was married Nov. 4, 1762, at Christ Church, Philadelphia, to Susannah Lloyd, daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Kearney) Lloyd, and they had the following children : Lloyd, Kearney, William M., Sarah N. and Susannah. The mother of these children died Oct. 24, 1772. On Dec. 7, 1774, Thomas Wharton married (second) Elizabeth Fishbourne, daughter of William and Mary (Tallman) Fishbourne, and they had three children, viz. : Mary, Thomas F. and William Fishbourne. Governor Wharton was an Orthodox Friend. It is passing strange that the history of Thomas Wharton, Jr., a man whose life was so closely linked with that of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose affairs he ad- ministered during the darkest struggle in which she and her sister colonies ever engaged, is not more widely and more intimately known. One most obvious reason for this is to be found in the circumstance of his early death, which abruptly terminated a useful and honorable career; for, considerable as were the services which he had already rendered his country, the potentialities of the future were even greater, and without doubt he, who had acquitted himself so creditably, would, had he lived to see the new government permanently established, have continued to hold positions of honor and trust in his native State. To quote: "Full justice has never been done to the magna- nimity and ability of Pennsylvania's statesmen and war- riors during the Revolutionary contest. The quiet and unassuming character of her population has caused the historians, in a measure, to overlook their merit in the council and in the field." By reading the history of Pennsylvania during those momentous years from 1774-1775 and up to 1778, we recog- nize the worth of Governor Wharton, from the pages of her records and archives, full of important orders emanat- ing from him at trying crises; or, in glancing over the journals of the day, which abound in proclamations that even now stir us by their tone of deep and earnest pa- triotism. Through ringing calls to arms and eloquent appeals to the nobler impulses of mankind, we gain some insight into the character of the man of whom few written expressions are left us. He was a man, however, who had impressed his personality in such a way that we know he was universally beloved. Thomas Wharton had been called to numerous posi- tions of trust, had served with honor and capacity on the committee of Safety, and in 1776, when the Commonwealth of Pennyslvania called together a convention to frame a new Constitution, for the Province of Pennsylvania, in accordance with the Resolve of Congr.ess (on May 10th of that year), on July 24th a Council ojf Safety was estab- lished, in which the convention vested the executive author- ity of the government until the new Constitution should be put in operation. Thomas Wharton, Jr., who had given abundant proof of his zeal and ability when a member of the late committee of Safety, was now chosen president of the newly formed council and again distinguished him- self in a most creditable manner. In February, 1777, an election was held for the choice of assemblyman, in place of several who had declined to act. Thomas Wharton, Jr., was elected councilman from Philadelphia and later, as such, assisted to organize the Supreme Executive Council and thus complete the new government. This was done and the General Assembly and Council united and elected Mr. Wharton president of the latter body. As president of the Council of Safety, Mr. Wharton had filled with honor a position of trust, hence, it is not strange that he should have been offered one of greater responsibility under the new government. It seemed, indeed, as if by mutual attraction, the best minds of the country were drawn together, and that, with an insight born of the necessities of the hour, men recognized each other's worth and discerned in what field their talents would be best developed for the good of the common cause. Thus Thomas Wharton, Jr.'s talents were pre-eminently administrative, and from one important position in his State he was raised to another until finally called upon, amid the bitter political dispute of 1777, to fill the most elevated position his proud State could offer him, that of president of the the newly formed Supreme Executive Council. On March 5, 1777, the new president was duly inaugurated as president of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, captain- general and commander-in-chief, and served as such until May 23, 1778, when his death occurred in the city of Lancaster. His funeral was solemnized with civil and military honors and his remains were interred at the Evangelical Trinity Lutheran Church at Lancaster. His fame rests with posterity. William Fishbourne Wharton, the third child of Thomas and Elizabeth (Fishbourne) Wharton, was born Aug. 10, 1778, and was married (first) May 10, 1804, to Susan Shoemaker, who died Nov. 3, 1821. She was the mother of nine children as follows : Thomas, George M., Fish- bourne, Henry, Joseph, Deborah, William, Edward and Elizabeth. He married (second) Mary Ann Shoemaker, a s4ster of his first wife, by whom he had two children, namely: Susan F. and Philip Fishbourne. Two of these children, George M. and Philip F., attained distinction in legal and artistic circles. Besides Miss Susan F. Wharton, who is the only living grandchild of Governor Wharton, several of his great- grandchildren have resided in Berks county, namely: Wharton Morris, grandson of Kearney, who was a son of the Governor by his first marriage ; Maria Wharton Brooke, widow of Dr. Brooke and a granddaughter of Kearney Wharton; and Robert Wharton Bickley, also a grandson of Kearney Wharton. Mrs. Brooke and Mrs. Bickley are living in Reading at the present time, both widows. Miss Susan F. Wharton, who until lately re- sided at No. 138 North Fourth street, Reading, is now living at "The Poplars," Wyomissing, esteemed for her ancestry and also for her personal characteristics. 336 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA EDWARD BIDDLE, representative from Berks county in the First Congress, was born in 1732. He was the fourth son of William Biddle, a native of New Jersey, whose grandfather was one of the origmal proprietors of that State, having left England with his father m 1681. His mother was Mary Scull, the daughter of Nich- olas Scull, Surveyor-General of Pennsylvania from 1748 to 1761. James, Nicholas, and Charles Biddle were three of his brothers. . . , In 1758, Edward Biddle was commissioned an ensign in the Provincial Army of Pennsylvania, and was present at the taking of Fort Niagara in the French and Indian War In 1759 he was promoted to lieutenant, and in 1760 'commissioned as a captain, after which he resigned from the army and received 5,000 acres of land for .lis services. He then selected the law as his profession, and after the usual course of study at Philadelphia in the office of his eldest brother, he located at Reading, where he soon established himself as a lawyer. In 1767, he represented Berks county in the Provincial Assembly, and he was annually re-elected until 1775, and again elected in 1778. In 1774 and 1775, he officiated as speaker, having previously been placed upon the most important com- mittees, and having taken an active part in all the current business. When the citizens of Reading held a pubhc meeting Oil July 2, 1774, to take initiatory steps in behalf of the Revolution, they selected him to preside over their delib- erations, and the resolutions adopted by them were doubt- less drafted by him. His patriotic utterances won their admiration, and they unanimously gave him a vote of thanks and appreciation of his efforts in the cause of the rights and liberties of America. On the same day, while presiding at this meeting, the Assembly of Penn- sylvania was in session and elected eight delegates as representatives to the First Continental Congress, and among them was Edward Biddle of Reading. He was again elected as one of the delegates tp the new Congress, which was held in May, 1775; and he was elected the third time. The first two terms extended from Sept. 5, 1774, to Dec. 12, 1776, and the last from 1778 to 1779. The public records in the county offices, especially in the prothonotary's office, disclose a large and lucrative practice by him as an attorney-at-law, and this extended from 1760 to the time of his decease in 1779. It seems to have been as much as, if not more than, that of all the other attorneys taken together. He died Sept. 5, 1779, at Baltimore, Md., whither he had gone for medical treatment. He married Elizabeth Ross, daughter of Rev. George Ross, of New Castle, Del., by whom he had two daughters, Catharine (m. George Lux, Esq., of Baltimore) ; and Abigail (m. Capt. Peter Scull of Reading). We conclude this article with Mr. Biddle's autograph. In the popular demonstrations at Reading for the Revolution, he took an active part. At the meeting Dec. 5, 1774, he was selected as one of the committee on Obser- vation, recommended by Congress, and Jan. 3, 1775, he was chosen one of the delegates to the Provincial Conference, and placed on the committee of Correspondnce. He was also prominently identified with the military move- ments, having in 1775 and 1776 served as lieutenant- colonel of the 2d Battalion of the county militia, which was formed out of companies in the vicinity of Birds- boro In August, 1776, as a colonel, he fitted out 300 men of his battalion with uniform, tents, and provisions at his own expense. They were in service at, or near. South Amboy in the fall of 1776, and may have constituted a part of the "Flying Camp." In 1775 and 1776 he offici- ated as one of the judges of the County courts In 178d his landed possessions in Berks county included eight thousand acres, upon which were the extensive iron works at Birdsboro, and also the Hopewell Furnace on Six- penny creek, which he had erected about 1765. And it is said that he owned large property interests "i New Jersey and Maryland. About 1788, he removed to North Carolina, where he died some years afterward. He mar- ried Mary Ross, daughter of Rev. George Ross. He was a brother-in-law of Edward Biddle; and also of George Ross, of Lancaster, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His own signature is herewith reproduced. MARK BIRD, distinguished ironmaster and patriot of Berks county, was a son of William Bird, one of the most prominent iron men of Berks county from 1740 to 1762, whose works were situated near the mouth of Hay creek, in Union township. He was born at that place in Jan- uary, 1739, and learned to carry on the iron business. After his father's death in 1762, he took charge of the estate, and by partition proceedings in the Orphans' court came to own the properties, which consisted of 3,000 acres of land, three forges, a grist mill, and a saw mill. About that time he laid out a town there and named it Birds- boro. By the time the Revolution broke out, he had enlarged his possessions very much, and come to be one of the richest and most enterprising men in this section of the State. The recorder's office shows that he also owned at different times various properties at Reading. GABRIEL HIESTER (son of Hon. Gabriel Hiester, a prominent representative man of Berks county) was born in Bern township Jan, 5, 1779. He was given a good English and German education, and his youth was spent on his father's farm. His father having taken an active and successful part in local politics, he naturally exhib- ited the same spirit at an early age. By appointment from, the Governor, he was prothonotary of the county from 1809 to 1817 ; clerk of the Quarter Sessions from 1809 to 1812, and 1814 to 1817; and associate .judge from 1819 to 1823. During the War of 1813-15 he served as brigade-major in the campaign at Washington and Balti- more. He served as a Presidential elector in 1817 and in 1821, casting his ballot upon both occasions for James Monroe. Governor Shulze appointed him surveyor-gen- eral of the State in 1824, when he removed to Harris- burg, and he officiated in that position for six years. While at Harrisburg he became interested in the iron bus- iness, and he erected the first rolling-mill in that vicinity, continuing actively engaged in it till his decease there in 1834. He married Mary Otto (daughter of Dr. John Otto, of Reading), and she died in 1853. They had the following children: Louisa, Harriet (m. C. B. Bioren), Augustus O., Gabriel and Catharine. JOSEPH HIESTER, Governor of Pennsylvania, was born in Bern township, Berks county, Nov. 18, 1752. His father, John Hiester, emigrated to this country in 1732, from the village of Elsoff, in the province of West- phalia, Germany. Some years afterward, he settled in Bern township, where he was married to Mary Barbara Epler, a daughter of one of the first settlers in that section of the county. He and his two brothers, Joseph and Daniel (who had emigrated in 1738), took up large tracts of land comprising several thousand acres, which ex- tended from the Bern church to the Tulpehocken creek. He died in 1757, aged fifty years. His wife was born in 1733; and she died in 1809. Joseph Hiester grew to manhood on a farm. In the intervals of farm labor, he attended the school which was conducted at the Bern church, and there he acquired the rudiments of an English and German education. The homestead was situated about a mile north from the BIOGRAPHICAL 327 church. He removed to Reading before he was of age, and entered the general store of Adam Witman. While there he became acquainted with Witman's daughter, Eliz- abeth, and he was married to her in 1771. He continued with his father-in-law till the breaking out of the Rev- olution ; then he raised a company of- eighty men in July, 1776, which became a part of the "Flying Camp," and par- ticipated in the battle of Long Island. He was taken prisoner in the engagement, and he and the other prisoners endured many hardships for several months before they were exchanged. He then remained at home only a short time, suificient to regain his health and strength, when he again joined the army, near Philadelphia, returning in time to participate in the battle of Germantown. He continued in active service till the close of the war. Upon his return from the Revolution, he entered into part- nership with his father-in-law, and some years afterward became sole proprietor of the store. He conducted his business operations very successfully for a number of years. Public affairs also received much of his attention, not only relating to political government, but also to the development of Reading and the county by internal im- provements. He served in the General Assembly from 1787 to 1790, being there when that body ratified the Constitution of the United States. He was one of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvcmia in 1789, and assisted in framing the Constitution of 1790. He was the first State Senator from Berks county from 1790 to 1794. In 1797 he was elected to represent the county in Congress, and he was continued as- the repre- sentative from 1797 to 1807. After an intermission of eight years, which he devoted entirely to business at Reading, he was again sent to Congress in 1815, and re- elected twice. While holding this office he was prom- inently identified with the political affairs of Pennsylvania, so much so that in 1817 he became the nominee of the Federal party fo^' Governor, though not elected then. The party selected him in 1820 as the most available can- didate, and he was elected. This was a great victory for him, but especially for his party, inasmuch as he was the the first succe'isful candidate which the Federalists had placed in the field against the Democrats. The administration of Governor Hiester was charac- terized by great activity in promoting the growth of the Comimonwealth, especially through internal improvements. He suggested that the sessions of the Legislature might be shortened without detriment to the public good, that pub- lic improvements could be made advantageously and do- mestic manufactures encouraged with success, and that there existed an imperative duty to introduce and support a liberal system of education connected with general relig- ious instruction. While he occupied the gubernatorial chair, the State capital was removed from Lancaster to Harris- burg. The building was begun in. 1819 and finished in 1821, and the General Assembly convened in it for the first time on Jan. 3, 1822. The capital had been at Lancaster since 1799, and previously at Philadelphia. Upon the expiration of his term as governor he lived in retirement at Reading. His residence was situated on the northern side of Penn street (No. 437) midway between Fourth and Fifth streets. He owned a number of farms in Alsace (now Muhlenberg), Cumru and Bern townships, tracts of woodland on Mount Penn (altogether numbering nearly two thousand acres), seven prominent business stands and dwellings in Reading, and also out-lots. He occupied and farmed the out-lots for his own use — a custom then carried on by the more prominent inhabitants, in order to supply their fami- lies with vegetables — and kept horses and cows. Governor Hiester was a man of commanding presence and pleasing address. He was about six feet tall and weighed about 200 pounds. He was a member of the Reformed Church. His wife died in 1825, aged seventy- five years. He died in 1832, aged seventy-nine years. His surviving children and grandchildren were : a son, John S. Hiester; two daughters, Catharine (widow of Hon. John Spayd), and Rebecca (married to Rev. Henry A. Muhlen- berg) ; a granddaughter, Mary E. Muhlenberg (daughter of Mary Hiester, who had married Rev. Henry A. Muhlen- berg), and the children of Elizabeth Hiester (who married Levi Pauling), Joseph, Henry, Elizabeth (married Thomas Ross), James, Rebecca, Ellen and Mary. Governor Hies- ter's autograph is shown herewith. JOHN PRINGLE JONES, first President Judge of Berks county under the amended Constitution of Pennsyl- vania, from 1851 to 1861, was born near Nevrtown, Bucks county, in 1812. His father died when he was young. His mother was of an English family in Philadelphia. His ed- ucation was acquired at the Partridge Military Academy in Middletown, Conn., at the University of Pennsylvania, and the College of New Jersey at Princeton, from which last he was graduated in 1831. He studied law in the office of Charles Chauncey, Esq., and was admitted to the Philadel- phia Bar in 1834. While in Berks county, in 1835, he de- termined to locate at Reading. In 1839 he was appointed deputy attorney general of Berks county ■ and served in that office until 1847. During this time he was associated in the practice of law with Robert M. Barr, Esq., who in 1845, was appointed reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court. At the expiration of the official term of the Hon. John Banks in 1847, he was appointed to fill this position. By an Act of the Legislature, passed in 1849, Berks county was erected into a separate judicial district, of which David F. Gordon, Esq., was appointed president judge, and Judge Jones continued to preside in Lehigh and Northampton counties until 1851. In 1849, Mr. Barr, the State reporter, died and Judge Jones completed two of the State Reports, known as the "Jones reports." In 1851 he was elected president judge of Berks county for ten years. After the expiration of his term he devoted himself to literary pursuits and to the management of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, of which he was elected president. In 1867, Judge Maynard (of the 3rd Judicial District, then composed of Lehigh and Northampton counties), died, and Judge Jones was appointed his successor for the un- expired term. This was the last official position he occu- pied. In 1872, he sailed for Europe, accompanied by his wife, and traveled through Franoe, Italy, Germany ^nd a part of Russia. He was taken sick and died in London on March 16, 1874. His remains were brodght to Reading and buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery. He married (first) in 1840, Annie Hiester, daughter of Dr. Isaac Hiester, of Reading. After her death, he married, in 1851, Catharine E. Hiester, daughter of John S. Hiester. GEN. WILLIAM H. KEIM was born at Reading June 13, 1813, eldest son of Benneville Keim (president of the Farmers Bank ifor a number of years, Mayor of Reading for three terms, and enterprising business man of the county), and his wife, Mary High (daughter of Gen. Wil- liam High, wealthy farmer at "Poplar Neck," of Cumru township, and prominent in the military affairs of the county). At the age of twelve years William H. Keim entered the Military Academy at Mount Airy, near Philadelphia, then one of the foremost educational institutions in the United States, and was graduated with honor in 1829. Upon returning home, he entered the store of his father, one of the largest general hardware stores in Reading, and continued actively engaged in this pursuit for nearly thirty years. The greater part of the time he was a proprietor of a large store, in co-partnership with his brother, John H. Keim. Besides the store business, he encouraged en- terprises generally for. the development of Reading. His early military training gave him a natural taste for mili- tary affairs and he found much gratification in the volun- teer service of the State militia. Before the age of seven- teen years he was an orderly sergeant of the "Washington Grays," and in 1837 he became captain (succeeding his ■■y>ii HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA cousin, Capt. Daniel M. Keim). He was promoted rapidly till 1842 when he was elected major-general of the 5th Di- vision of Pennsylvania Volunteers, composed of Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin and Schuylkill counties. In that year he took a prominent part in the military encampment held at Reading, which was an eventful occasion in the history of military affairs in Berks county. In 1844, during the religious riot at Philadelphia, he was ordered to assist in quelling the disturbances. His services in organizing the local militia and in bringing them under proper discipline were both untiring and successful, and they were placed in the front rank of the volunteer soldiers of the State. In 1848 he was elected to the office of Mayor of Reading for one term, becoming the second Mayor of the city. Several years afterward, he took great, if not the principal, interest in establishing at Reading the Pennsylvania Mili- tary Institute, for the purpose of enabling young men to obtain education in military matters. In November, 1858, he was elected to Congress to fill the vacancy till March following, caused by the resignation of Hon. J. Glancy Jones — being the first and only Republican elected to represent Berks county in Congress. In 1859, he was elected Surveyor-General of the State for the term of three years, at that time holding the office of Major-Gen- eral of militia, and while at Harrisburg, in 1860, he sug- gested to Governor Curtin that the Comimonwealth should be put in a condition of defense, inasmuch as the signs of political discontent over the election of Lincoln indicated civil strife; and he recommended in that behalf a general encampment of the militia oif the State. Governor Curtin accepted this timely suggestion, and an encampment was held at York in September, 1860, with General Keim as the chief in command. In January following, upon visiting his home at Reading, he called upon Capt. James McKnight (who commanded the Ringgold Light Artillery, a company of volunteers in his brigade), and asked him to keep his company in readiness so as to be able to respond promptly to any order that might be given. Through this notice, the Ringgold Light Artillery came to be the first com- pany that responded to the President's call for troops in the Civil war and reported for duty at Harrisburg in April, 1861. General Keim offered his service when the crisis arose, and Governor Curtin appointed him to a command of the State troops under the first requisition of the President. After the campaign on the upper Po- tomac, he received from the President the appointment of Brigadier General of National troops. Resigning the office of Surveyor-General, he obeyed the order to join the Army of the Potomac. At the battle of Williamsburg, one of the most severe contests of the war, he distinguished himself. Although too sick to be on duty, he could not be prevented from leaving the hospital, and having mounted his horse he led his brigade on the field. His coolness, judgment and great bravery during the action were conspicuous. Though under fire nearly the whole time, he was perfectly calm. A bomb fell almost under his horse. Every one about him turned pale with fear. The explosion covered him with mud. After the battle, General McClellan called on him, complimented him for the great service which he had rendered, and ordered him to the post of honor in advance of the army. But the excite- ment incident to this battle aggravated his illness, and he was obliged to ask for a furlough. This was granted and he returned to Harrisburg, where his family had taken up a temporary residence. Unfortunately his health was too far gone, and he died May 18, 1862, in the very prime of life and usefulness, aged forty-eight years, The news of his death produced a profound sensation of regret throughout the Army of the Potomac. General McClellan was deeply affected by the loss of this faithful commander, and he, on May 26th following, issued gen- eral orders announcing his death and complimenting his faithful, patriotic services to his country, and these were read to every regiment in the army. His remains were brought to Reading, and burie-d with military honors in the Charles Evans cemetery. JACOB RUSH, the first President Judge of Berks coun- ty, was born near Philadelphia in 1746. and was a brother of the celebrated artist and physician. Dr. Benjamin Rush. He received an excellent preparatory education and then entered the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, from which he was graduated in 1765. Immediately after the State Constitution of 1790 was adopted, he was appointed to preside over the Courts of the Third Judicial District, which included the county of Berks. He afterward be- came president judge of the First District (of which Phila- delphia formed a part), and held that position for many years until the time of his death. He was a patriot of the Revolution, and in its darkest days stood firm to its principles. While president judge of the county he re- sided in Reading, on the west side of South Fifth street, between Cherry and Franklin streets. He died at Phila- delphia Jan. 5, 1820. GEN. GEORGE MAY KEIM was actively engaged in the financial, industrial, political, military and social life of Reading for upward of thirty years, dying suddenly in 1861, while co-operating in the organization of troops at Reading for service in the Civil war. He was born at Reading, March 23, 1805, and was a member of a family which has been settled in Berks county for over two cen- turies, being a lineal descendant of John Keim, who emigrated to America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and was one of the first settlers in Oley township, this county. He took up land before 1718, and located in the upper section of the township, near what is now the village of Lobachsville, carrying on farming there until his death in 1732. In religion he was a Friend, a follower of Pastorius. Nicholas Keim, son of John, was one of the earliest successful merchants of Reading. He was born in Oley township April 2, 1719, and engaged in farming until 1755, when he moved with his wife and only son to Read- ing, where he opened a general hardware store and also engaged in grain dealing, etc. In 1769 he purchased from Mark Bird the W'eiser store stand, familiarly known as the "Old White Store," on Penn street, near Fifth, where he continued to do business successfully for a number of years. During that time he was one of the principal mer- chants of the place, and he had extensive transactions with the leading merchants of Philadelphia and Germantown, many prominent names appearing on his receipt books. In about 1785 he transferred the business to his only son, John, and retired from active life. He died Aug. 3. 1802, after a lingering illness. Mr. Keim was a progressive man, not only in the conduct of his own affairs, but also in the promotion of every cause affecting the develooment of the community in which he lived. He married Barbara Sny- der, and they had one son, John. They lived in a large two-story stone dwelling located on the Northwest corner of Penn and Ninth streets. John Keim continued in his father's footsteps as a suc- cessful merchant, but surpassed him greatly in the accum- ulation of property. He was born in Oley township July 6, 1749, and was six years old when the family removed to Reading, in whose development and commercial life he was destined to play so prominent a part. In the fall of 1777 he marched with the battalion of Lieut.-Col. Nicholas Lotz to reinforce the army under Washington, and was honorably discharged in 1782, after five years' service. After his return from the war he joined his father in the conduct of the general hardware store, of which he became sole proprietor in 1785, as previously related. AlDout the year 1800, he took into, partnership his two sons, Daniel and George, under the firm name of Keim & Sons, and they carried on the business for a number of years. Meantime John Keim was acquiring new and varied mterests, and became prominentlv identified in different ways with the life of his adopted city. In 1787-90 he served a term as county commissioner," and he was also burgess for a time. He became a large property owner, and in the improvement of his own holdings saw the value of internal improvements in the city, of which he was an enthusiastic advocate. He built a num- £"■7^ bu £ G '^''M>''ns S.- Brc A/" 5-^ BIOGRAPHICAL 339 ber of dwelling-houses and put up the first three-story brick building in Reading, and he was accounted one of the wealthy men of Berks county in his day. In 1806 he leased to Charles Evans, Esq., the three-story brick building on South Fifth street which afterward became the property of Mr. Evans, who resided there for many years. Mr. Keim was prominently identified with the first steps taken toward the building of the Penn street bridge, lending all his influence to the project. He was a man highly respected and well thought of, for though strict in business and of the highest integrity he was never stern or unreasonable in his transactions. In an obituary notice which appeared in the Berks and Schuyl- kill Journal it was said : "He had resided in this borough for sixty-four years, during which time he amassed a large fortune, which never caused a widow's tear nor an orphan's execration . . . What he has left behind him was justly his own. As a creditor he was ever lenient and his numerous tenantry can testify to his goodness as a landlord." He died Feb. 10, 1819, in his seventieth year, and was laid to rest in the Episcopal burial ground. On Oct. 15, 1771, John Keim married Susanna de Benne- ville, through whom General Keim is of French-Hugue- not extraction, she having been a daughter- of Dr. George de Benneville. They had four children: Daniel de B., bom Sept. 8, 1772, who died in 1833 ; George de B., who is mentioned further on; Benneville, born at Reading, Nov. 30, 1790, who died there Oct. 30, 1872; and Esther de B. Dr. George de Benneville was one of the early prac- ' titioners of medicine in Oley township, where he was located before 1750. He was born in London July 26, 1 703. a descend ant of George de Benneville, a Frenchman of Normandy, born in the city of_Rouen. The Doctor's father, who bore the same name, wa-s~a~ "French refugee, who, being persecuted for his religion, retired with his family and connections into England upon invitation of His Majesty King William, who took a tender care of them and employed them at his court." After a varied career, in his thirty-eighth year (1741), with the aid of Queen Anne, of England, Dr. de Benneville came to Philadelphia. He was in failing health at the time of his arrival, but the changed environment was to bring renewed strength. Benne ville was met at the whdrf by Christopher .Sane r, the printer of the oldest Bible in this country, who did not know him but was led to meet him by the influence of a dreajn. He took the stranger home with him and there" Benneville met Jean Bertolet, of Oley, Berks county, where a colony of Huguenots had settled. The Bertolets had located there as early as 1726. Bertolet persuaded the Doctor to settle near him in the forest, and in 1745 he married Es'ther de Bertolet, daughter of Jean. While in Oley he taught school, prac- tised m'edicine and preached the gospel, becoming the founder of the Universalist Church in America. He held the first meetings in the home which he had built (on the farm at one time owned by Daniel Knabb) near the "Oley line," for teaching the doctrines and beliefs of that religious denomination. The walls of this historic old de Benneville house in Oley township are still stand- ing, although it was erected in 1745. He was there until 1755, when he moved to Branchtown, on the old York road, Philadelphia county, where he acquired an ex- tensive medical practice. He died there in 1793, aged ninety years, and his wife died in 1795, aged seventy-five years. Gen. George de Benneville Keim, second son of John Keim, was born at Reading Dec. 16, 1778, and received his education in the school held in the old Friends' meet- ing house. He was then sent by his father to Phila- delphia, entering the large hardware establishment of the Chancellors, in order to familiarize himself with the bus- iness. When he returned to Reading, in his twentieth year, he was taken into partnership by his father, who carried on the business established at what was known as the "old white store." This building was the first business place at Reading. In addition to merchandising George de Benneville Keim also engaged in the manu- facture of iron, being interested in the Reading Furnace and various forges. From 1809 to 1814 he did business in Philadelphia in connection with the export of bread stuffs. Many of his business interests were of direct benefit to this region, not only in the way of furnishing profitable employment to a large number, but also in introducing new industries, thus, increasing the resources of the section materially. He was one of the first to attempt the cultivation of -the grape and the manufacture of wine; he used his means and influence in raising the quality of the live stock in Berks county; and was active in promoting agricultural interests generally, owning sev- eral farms in Exeter township and vicinity. Mr. Keim served as president of the Branch Bank of Pennsylvania for over thirty years; he was one of the promoters of the Reading Water Company and its first president, fill- ing that position for a long period. Mr. Keim was the chief burgess of Reading, served as president of the town council for many years, and was prominent in the development of the county and of Read- ing, not only in business afl[airs and as a factor in the local civil government, but also in the promotion of edu- cation and other matters affecting the broader develop- ment of the community. He took an earnest interest in the establishment of the Reading Academy and the Reading Female Seminary, both of which held an im- portant place in the literary training of the young peo- ple of that day. The matter of local public improve- ments always received his hearty support, and he was active in the erection of bridges and the building of good roads, being for many years one of the managers of both the Perk'iomen and Reading & Sunbury turnpikes. He was a zealous worker in Christ Church, and took an active part in the building of same, the lot for which was donated by a member of the Price family, to which his wife was related. All benevolent objects and worthy charities were encouraged and supported by him. When the whiskey insurrection broke out, in 1794, Mr. Keim volunteered, serving in the government forces, and he always took the keenest pleasure in military matters. In 1821 he received the appointment of aid on the staff of Governor Hiester, with the rank of colonel; in 1830 he was elected major-general of the 6th Division, Penn- sylvania Militia, succeeding his brother-in-law, Hon. Sam- uel D. Franks, and when he retired, five years later, was succeeded by his son, George M. Keim, who in turn was succeeded by his cousin. Gen. William H. Keim. On Feb. 4, 1799, Mr. Keim married Miss Mary May, daughter of James May, and to them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely : John M., George M., Daniel M., Ann, Susan, Catharine and Rebecca (m. Wirt Robinson, an eminent civil engineer of Richmond, Va.). George de B. Keim passed away Aug. 20, 1853, a.nd his wife died in 1854. James May, father of Mrs. Mary (May) Keim, and maternal grandfather of Gen. George May Keim, was a well-known citizen of Reading. He was born March 20, 1749, in Coventry township, Chester county. Pa., son of Robert and Elizabeth May, and grandson of Robert May, who came to this province before the year 1700, and married a daughter of John Brooke. Mr. May was of Quaker ancestry. Prior to the Revolution he moved to Reading, where he ever afterward made his home, be- coming one of the prominent citizens of that place. In the Act of 1783, incorporating Reading into a borough, he was named as one of the assistant burgesses, and he was particularly well known as an early advocate of public improvements in this section, being identified orom- inently with such ventures as the Union canal. Centre turnpike, etc. He was a general merchant and also dealt extensively in grain, lumber, etc.. and was connected with various important institutions, being a director of the Branch Bank and a member of the first Board of Trade at Reading. He was one of the two wardens of the Episcopal Chvrch, the other having been Marks John Biddle, Esq. His death occurred at Reading in 1819. James May married Bridget Douglass, daughter of George Douglass, and by this union lost his birthright in 830 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the Society of Friends, the Douglass family being Episco- palians. Their children were: Mary (m. George de B. iCeim), George, Sarah (m. Hon. Samuel D. Franks), Thomas and Elizabeth. George May Keim received his early education at home and at Bentley Hall, the school conducted by Joshua Hoopes, at Downington, Chester Co., Pa. In 1833 he was graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. He studied law under Charles Chauncey, Esq., at Philadelphia, where he was admitted to the bar June 5, 1826, being admitted to the Bar in Berks county on Aug. 11th fol- lowing. As a leader in important public affairs, in var- ious business enterprises of note, and in the government of his country, he found this preparation of immense value. In fact he used his legal knowledge more in such ways than in direct professional labors. At the early age of twenty-two, in 1837, he was elected cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Reading, of which his uncle, Benneville Keim, was the president, and held that position until 1836. He held a substantial interest in many projects tending toward the commercial development of Reading, and en- couraged the establishment of others. He aided in the erection of the first rolling-mill and nail works, owned by Keims, Whittaker & Co., and was a member of the firm of Jones, Keim & Co!, who carried on the Wind- sor Furnace, in Windsor township. This firm had a re- putation for its fine castings, made directly from the iron ore, notable among which was "The Last Supper," after Leonardo da Vinci. He understood thoroughly the val- ue of agriculture in the economy of the county, and used his influence and means in raising the standards in var- ious branches of farming. He introduced imported thor- oughbred cattle into the county, and was one of the or- ganizers of the Berks County Agricultural Society, de- livering the address at its first annual meeting, Oct. 28, 1852. He was the second president of the society, serving as such for several years, and it was during his administration that the county commissioners leased to the society for ninety-nine years the "Commons" for the annual exhibitions. He made agricultural addresses in variotis parts of the State by request. Another source of revenue which he considered valuable in the State led him to an early investigation of her mineral resour- ces, and he made a thorough study of the geology and mineralogy of the State, in the course which he acquired a comprehensive collection of minerals, including valuable specimens from all parts of the world. In this connec- tion might be mentioned his Indian relics, which were principally from central Pennsylvania, and which after his decease were presented to the Smithsonian Institute. The minerals were given to Lehigh University. In 1829 General Keim was commissioner, and later for some years manager, of the Mill Creek and Mine Hill Navigation and Railroad Company. General Keim early became identified with public af- fairs. He represented Berks county at the convention called to amend the State Constitution held during 1837- 38, and his speech on banking attracted considerable and most favorable notice. His name appears among such distinguished ones as John Sergeant, Charles Chauncey, Thaddeus Stevens and George W. Woodward as a mem- ber of the committee of nine who issued a stirring ad- dress concerning the ways and means of providing for common school education and the general diffusion of useful knowledge, as well as the industry and pecuniary prosperity of the State. In 1838, when a vacancy oc- curred in Congress because of the resignation of Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg, who accepted the mission to Aus- tria, General Keim was elected to fill out the term, and he was subsequently re-elected for two terms, remain- ing in Congress until March, 1843. At the election for Speaker of the House in the XXVIth Congress he re- ceived a complimentary vote. During the XXVIIth Con- gress he distinguished himself in a patriotic speech against a petition praying for the dissolution of the Union. He declined renomination for a fourth term. In 1843, toward the close of his Congressional career, he pre- sided at a dinner given to Charles Dickens in Washing- ton, in March of that year, when many men prominent in politics and letters were present to welcome the great author. Upon his retirement from Congress the General was offered his choice of three positions by President Ty- ler, and he selected that of United States marshal for the Eastern district of Pennsylvania in order to remain at home. In 1844 he was re-appointed by Polk. Mean- time he found his popularity throughout the State in- creasing steadily, and such was the confidence in his ability and integrity that he could have had the Dem- ocratic nomination for governor in 1848, but he would not consider the proposal. In 1853, upon the death of Mayor Getz, he was elected to fill the unexpired terjn„ entirely without sohcitation. In 1860, at the Democrat- ic convention in Reading, he was elecrea a Presidential elector at large. From early manhood General Keim manifested his in- terest in military matters. In 1830 he was elected cap- tain of the Reading Artillerists, to succeed his uncle, Capt. Daniel de B. Keim, and not long afterward he became colonel of the 53d Regiment, Pennsylvania Mili- tia. In 1835 he became major-general of the 6th Divis- ion, Pennsylvania Militia, which included the compan- ies of Berks, Schuylkill, Dauphin and Lebanon coun- ties, succeeding his father in tliat position. When the Civil war broke out he immediately identified himself with the Union cause, and he labored faithfully and zealously to hold the Democratic party in his county together in the trying period immediately preceding the war. In the spring of 1861 he raised a company of volunteers for home defense, and he was active and enthusiastic in drilling and preparing them for actual duties. One of the last acts he performed was to head a paper with his name, offering the services of this coiTLpany to the government. It was undoubtedly the un- usual exertion of this undertaking that brought on the stroke of paralysis from which his death soon ensued, on June 10, 1861, when he was fifty-six years old. He was buried at sunset on the 12th, in the Charles Evans cemetery, with military and Masonic honors. His fun- eral was one of the largest ever seen in Reading up to that time, his death being sincerely mourned through- out the State. The numerous enterprises he encouraged and supported won him friends in every walk of life, and his genial disposition, open-hearted and companion- able nature, i"etained them forever. General Keim married in 1837 Julia C. Mayer, youngest daughter of Hon. Christopher Mayer, of Lancaster, and si.x children survived them: George de Benneville. Charles Wetherill, Henry May, Julia Mayer (Mrs. Gustavus Au- gustus Behne), Susan Douglass and Mary May. . Mrs. Keim died May 12, 1857. The sons have attained an eminence in the public life of the State worthy of the name and family traditions. CONRAD WEISER was the most prominent historical character in the county of Berks previous to 1760. His great prominence arose from his intimate connection with the provincial government of Pennsylvania for thirty years. He was the principal judge of Berks county from 17S2 to 1760. He was born Nov. 2, 1696, at Afstaedt, a small village in the County of Herrenberg, in Wurtem- berg, Germany, and there he acquired a general education, wliich included the principles of the Christian religion according to the catechism of Martin Luther. Whilst in his fourteenth year he emigrated with his father and fam- ily (which included himself and seven other children) to New York, landing June 17, 1710. At that time several thousand Germans were sent to America by Queen Anne. Shortly after their arrival they were removed to Livings- ton Manor by the Governor of New York, to burn tar and cultivate hemp to defray the expenses incurred by Queen Anne in conveying them from Holland to England and from England to America. They labored till 1713 in this employment under the direction of commissioners; then, finding that they were existing under a form of bondage, they protested against the treatment and this GRAVE OF CONRAD WEISER IN HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP BIOGRAPHICAL 331 effected their release. About 150 families of them, in- cluding the Weiser family, removed to Schoharie, forty miles west of Albany. Whilst spending the winter of 1713-14 at Schenectady, t he elder W eiser was frequently visited by an Indian chief of the Mohawk tribe, and dur- ing one of these visits the chief proposed to Conrad to visit the Mohawk country and learn the language of that tribe. This proposition was agreed to. Conrad Weiser was in . his eighteenth year when he went to live with the Indians. He was a strong young man, but all of his strength was necessary to endure the sufferings which he was compelled to undergo whilst living with them. He had scarcely clothing sufficient to cover his body during the winter of that trying year. Besides much suffering, he was frequently threatened with death by the Indians during a state of intoxication. In July, 1714, he returned to his father's home at Schoharie. In this time he had acquired a considerable knowledge of the Mohawk language, and while at home he increased this knowledge by acting as interpreter between the German settlers of that vicinity and the Mohawk Indians. The settlers having been disturbed in their possessions, Conrad Weiser's father and a number of others migrated to Pena.- sylvania. They located in Tulpehocken in the spring of 1723,, in the midst of the Indians; and there they also commenced the improvement of the land without permis- sion from the land commissioners. The Indians com- plained but the settlers were not disturbed. Subsequently the Indians released their rights and about 1733 they re- moved beyond the Blue Mountains. Conrad Weiser was married to a young woman of Schoharie in 1720 . He continued at that place till 1729, when with his wife and five children he removed to the Tulpehoc ken settlement, locating on a tract of land near the present borough of Womelsdorf. Shortly after his arrival, his ability and success as an Indian interpreter became known to the Provincial government, and the Governor employed him iri negotiation with the Indians. His first services in this capacity were performed in 1731, and from that time for nearly thirty years he was almost constantly engaged in this important work. He assisted at numerous treaties, and in the published proceedings of these treaties his name appears prominently. His in- tegrity was particularly recognized and publicly compli- mented. He was one of the most prominent men in the French and Indian War. His numerous letters indicate his zeal, courage and patriotism. He served in the war as a colonel, and his services were of great value to the government and to the people of Berks county. The first proceedings for the erection of Berks county were instituted in 1738. In this behalf Mr. Weiser was very active, and he continued active till the county was established in 1752. The town of Reading was laid out by thePenns in 174 8, and in the s ale of the town lots M r. Weiser acted as one of the'co m missioners. He was prominently identified with the first movements" in building up the town, and in developing the business interests of the place. The Governor of the Province, in 1741, appointed him as a justice of the peace, and he filled this office for a . number of years. When the county was erected in 1752, he was appointed one of the first judges. He acted as president judge of the courts till his decease in 1760. He lived at Reading mostly during the latter part of his ' life. Conrad Weiser died on his Heidelberg farm J ul y 13 . 1760 , and his remains were buried in a private burying- ground on the place, where they have remained since. He left a widow and seven children: five sons, Philip, Frederick, Peter, Samuel and Benjamin; and two daugh- ters, Maria (m. Rev. H^ry Melchior Muhlenberg) and Margaret (im. a Finker ). He was possessed" of a large estate, consisting of properties at Reading, and lands in Heidelberg township and in the region of country beyond the Blue Mountains. In Heidelberg he owned a tract which included the privilege of a "Court-Baron," granted to him in 1743, the tract having originally contained 5,165 acres as granted to John Page in 1735, and having then been erected into a manor, called the "Manor of Plum- '°"'j ■^^ Reading one of his properties was a business stand, and it has continued to be a prominent business location from that time till now, a period embracing over 150,years. For upward- of fifty years, various unsuccessful efforts were made in behalf of erecting a suitable memorial to Conrad Weiser. In 1892 and 1893, the compiler of this history delivered a lecture before local teachers' institutes m different parts of the county entitled "Life and Times of Conrad Weiser" for the purpose of securing a memo- rial, and the Reading Board of Trade led the school authorities of the county to set aside November 2, 1893, for observance by the teachers and scholars as "Weiser Day," and to facilitate this observance 3500 copies of the lecture were distributed gratuitously to all the schools of the city and county. It was not until October 30, 1907," that a modest tablet was placed in the west wall of the Stichter Hardware Store on Penn Square by the Historical Society ol Berks County, which reads as fol- lows : Posterity Will Not Forget His Services.— Washington. In Memory of COL. CONRAD WEISER, pioneer, soldier, diplomat, judge, as interpreter and indian agent pie negotiated every treaty from 1732 until near the close of the french and indian war. the weiser building, where he often met " the indians in conference, was erected by him on this site in 1751. born in germany in 1696, arrived in berks in 1729, died in 1760, near womelsdorf, where his remains are buried. his unswerving honesty set a shining example to future generations. — under the auspices of the historical society of berks county this tablet was erected in 1907 by the school children of the county. We append the autograph of this noted pioneer : /^>-?^xJ>'*-^^-<.<^('S^i^ WILLIAM MUHLENBERG HIESTER, son of the celebrated physician. Dr. Isaac Hiester, was born in Read- ing, May 15, 1818. His maternal grandfather was Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, of Revolutionary fame. His mother, Hetty Muhlenberg, died in 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He received a preparatory training at the West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, and sub- sequently entered .Bristol College in Pennsylvania, gradu- ating in 1837, in the second and last class of graduates from that institution. He read law in the office of Judge Banks, attended a course of lectures in the Law Depart- ment df Harvard College, and was admitted to the Bar at Reading, Jan. 7, 1840. The honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon him in 1843 by Harvard College. He practised his profession four years in Erie, Pa., in 1845 returning to Reading,' and associating himself with the Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, and soon acquired a large practice. In 1853 he was elected by the Democratic party as a member of the State Senate, and served until 1855, taking foremost rank among the Democratic members. At the opening, of the session of 1855, after an exciting 333 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA contest, he was elected speaker of the Senate on the twenty-seventh ballot. His career as speaker was dig- nified, firm and impartial. In January, 1858, he was appointed secretary of the Commonwealth by Gov. Wil- liaili F. Packer, and continued in that office during the administration of three years. He supported Stephen A. Douglas for President of the United States in the campaign of 1860, but subsequently earnestly advocated the administration of Abraham Lincoln and was a warm friend of the Union. In the summer of 1863, when Penn- sylvania was being invaded by General Lee, Mr. Hiester ■was appointed by Gov. Curtin one of the mustering offi- cers, with the rank of major, to muster in troops that volunteered for ninety days' service, in response to the Governor's proclamation of June 26, 1863, calling for sixty thousand men. He was assigned to duty at the tem- porary rendezvous on the Agricultural Fair Grounds at Reading, which, in compliment to him, was designated Camp Hiester. In the execution of his military com- mission he mustered into the State service eight full regiments of volunteers, comprising an aggregate force of eight thousand men. After the war he supported the Republican party, and in 1864 was the Republican candi- date for Congress in the Berks county District. After this event, he retired from participation in public affairs, and devoted his attention to the benevolent and business interests of his native city. He was a director in the Reading Library Company, in the Charles Evans Cem- etery Company and the Reading Gas Company, and a liberal supporter of the public and private charities of the city. He died in Reading Aug. 16, 1878, leaving a widow and a son Isaac, who is a practising attorney at Reading. JACOB SALLADE, son of Andreas and Eva (Schmidt) Sallade, was born at Womelsdorf (Middletown) July 13, 1789, and there educated. He was employed for a time as clerk in a general store of a brother of Gover- nor Shulze, at that place, and also officiated as justice of the peace. In 1824 he received from Governor Shulze (with whom he was upon intimate terms, they having been brought up together in the same town) the appoint- ment of clerk of the Orphans' Court and clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and then he removed to Read- ing. He held these offices for three years, after which he filled the office of prothonotary for three years — from 1826 to 1829 — by appointment also from Governor Shulze. During the next ten years he was engaged in the general merchandise business at Reading, and he also served as a justice of the peace for a time. In 1839 Gov. Joseph Ritner appointed him surveyor- general, and he continued to serve in this position for six years. During that time he resided at Harrisburg, and he died there shortly after his term expired. His re- mains were brought to Reading and buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. He was a man of fine personal appear- ance and enjoyed much popularity during his official career. Mr. Sallade married Susanna Mayer and they had seven children, Maria Catharine, Andrew M. (an attorney at Reading), Charles M., Sarah, Susanna, Rebecca and Jacob M'. (an attorney at Reading). GOV. JOHN ANDREW SHULZE was not a resi- dent of Berks county when elected Governor, but his birth and earlier life in the county entitle him to a place in this work. He was born in Tulpchocken township, Berks county, July 19, 1775, son of Rev. Christian Shulze, a Lutheran clergyman. His mother was Eve Elizabeth Muhlenberg, the oldest daughter of Rev. Henry Alelchior Muhlenberg. He was liberally educated in the ministry, and regularly ordained as a minister in 1796, and he as- sisted his father for eight years in the discharge of pas- toral duties to several congregations in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties. Owing to a rheumatic affection, he was obliged to relinquish preaching in 1804. He then moved to Myerstown, then in Dauphin county, and pur- sued the business of merchant. In 1806 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and afterward twice re- elected, serving his constituents with distinction for three terms. In 1813, upon the erection of Lebanon county, he was appointed to fill the office of prothonotary, in which he continued for eight years. In 1821 he was again elected to the Legislature, and in 1822 he was chosen senator, to represent the Senatorial district com- posed of Dauphin and Lebanon counties. Whilst serving as a senator he received the Democratic nomination for Governor, and was elected by a majority of 25,706 over Andrew Gregg, the Federal candidate; and in 1826 he was re-elected governor with little opposition. In 1829 he was again brought out as a candidate, but for the sake of harmony in the party he withdrew, and George Wolf was nominated and elected. Whilst acting as Governor he had the honor of tendering the courtesies of the State to General LaFayette, who was then upon his celebrated tour through the country. His administration of the affairs of the State government during his official career was distinguished for integrity, wisdom and statesman- ship. During President Jackson's opposition against the Bank of the United States, Governor Shulze left the Demo- cratic party. But he was not active in political life after his retirement from the office of governor excepting on one occasion, in 1840, when he was a member of the Har- risburg Whig convention, which nominated General Har- rison for President. In this connection he ran as a Senatorial elector upon the Harrison ticket, and was elected, and afterward officiated as president of the State Electoral College. Upon retiring from office he removed to Lycoming county, where he continued to reside until 1846. During that period he was engaged in certain extensive specu- lations in this great and enterprising county, but he was not successful in them. Then he moved to Lancaster, where he continued to reside till his death, Nov. 18, 1852. He -was a superior man, and he enjoyed the high esteem of his fellow-citizens for his many excellent personal and social characteristics. He was one of the few really prominent men whom this county has produced. His pre- decessor in the gubernatorial chair of this State was Joseph Hiester, who was elected to this high office from Berks couiity. GEORGE EGE was born March 9, 1748, and died Dec. 14, 1829, aged eighty-one years, nine months. During his long and active business career he was extensively known as the largest landowner of his time in Berks county, and prominently identified with the iron interests of the county for a period of half a century. In 1774 he purchased an interest in Charming Forge for eight hundred and thirty-eight pounds. Nine months later he bought the remaining interest for one thousand six hundred and sixty-three pounds, and became its sole owner and man- ager. In 1804 he built and operated Schuylkill County Forge, near Port Clinton, then in Berks, now in Schuyl- kill county. At that time he was possessed of the fol- lowing landed estates : Charming Forge, with four thous- and acres; Reading Furnace, with six thousand acres; Schuylkill Forge, with six thousand acres ; and four large farms in Tulpehocken and Heidelberg townships, embrac- ing one thousand acres. The names of these farms were "Spring," "Sheaff," "Leiss" and "Richards." In 1824 the assessed value of his personal and real estate was three hundred and eighty thousand dollars. During the Revo- lutionary war he was an ardent patriot, and in 1783 was ' a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. In 1791 he was appointed one of the first associate judges of Berks county under the Constitution of 1790, and served continuously with marked ability until 1818, a pe- riod of twenty-eight years, when he resigned the position to devote himself exclusively to his extensive business interests. He died at his home at Charming Forge, in Marion township, Berks county, and his remains were interred in the cemetery of Womelsdorf. Judge Ege married Elizabeth Oberfeldt, of Amboy, N. J., by whom he had three children, George, Rebecca and Michael, There are no descendants of George now liv- BIOGRAPHICAL 333 ing; Rebecca married Joseph Old and died without issue; Michael married Maria Margaretta Shulze, daughter of Rev. Mr. Shulze, pastor of Tulpehocken church. One of the grandchildren of Michael and Margaretta Ege, Har- riet, married John Ermentrout, and lived at_ Reading to an advanced age. CHARLES EVANS, founder of the superb cemetery at Reading which bears his name, was born in Philadelphia March 30, 1768. His parents were David Evans, of Philadelphia, and Letitia Thomas, of Radnor, both mem- bers of the Society of Friends. He received a good edu- cation, and when twenty years of age, entered the office of Benjamin Chew, Esq., a distinguished lawyer at Phila- delphia, for the purpose of reading law. He was admitted to the Bar in June, 1791, and two months afterward went to Reading to practice law. In his profession he was faithful, capable and diligent. He continued in active business till 1828, and then retired with an ample for- tune. In 1846 he founded the Charles Evans Cemetery, situated in Reading, and estajilished it firmly by large donations of money and grants of property. He died Sept. 5, 1847, and was buried in the cemetery of his en- dowment. He married Mary Keene, daughter of Reynold Keene and Christiana Stille, his wife, both of Philadelphia. He was the first philantrophist at Reading. Strange to say, notwithstanding this incentive to others who have been engaged in business at Reading . and accumulated fortunes, not a single individual since then has been moved to make a similar gift, donation or grant for a public cause. GEN. JACOB BOWER, prominent Revolutionary hero and county official of Berks county, was born at Reading in September, 1757. When eighteen years old, he enlisted in the stirring cause of the Revolution, becoming sergeant in the company of Capt. George Nagel (the first com- pany raised at Reading). He marched with this company to Cambridge, Mass., in July, 1775, and participated in the first battles for freedom in that vicinity. In July, 1776, he became captain of a company of the "Flying Camp" in the Pennsylvania line; and he afterward served as captain of different companies in the Continental line, until the close of the war for independence, in 1783. He was one of the American officers who organized the General So- ciety of the Cincinnati, May 13, 1783, in the Cantonment of the Hudson river ; and he was one of the original mem- bers in the formation of the Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati, which convened at Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1783. When the war was over, Captain Bower returned to Reading. After serving for some years as a clerk in the county offices, the Governor selected him to fill various local positions, in which he was active for some ten years, serving as sheriff from 1788 to 1790; as county com- missioner, 1790-1793; as recorder, registrar and clerk of the Orphans' Court, 1793-1798; and as county auditor from 1799 to 1800. He was also delegated by the Governor in 1793 to act as one of the commissioners in the establish- ing of a branch bank of Pennsylvania at Reading. Immediately after the Revolution, a complete system of militia was organized in Pennsylvania, and Captain Bower, on account of his former services, was selected as major of the 1st Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, in Berks county. He kept up an active interest in the mili- tary affairs of the country until his decease. He partici- pated also in the war of 1813-15, serving as brigadier- general of the 1st Brigade, 6th Division, Pennsylvania Militia, by appointment of Governor Snyder. During the trying winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge, General Bower was stationed there and his "Orderly Book," in which he kept a record of the transactions of the officers from April 9, 1778, to June 17, 1778, is an interesting relic, con- sisting of two small volumes, and is still in the posses- sion of the family. General Bower resided at Reading until after 1800, when he removed to Womelsdorf, and he died at the latter place, Aug. 3, 1818. The following obituary appeared in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, published at Reading, Aug. 8, 1818: "Died at Womielsdorf, in this county, on Monday last, after a tedious and severe illness, aged sixty-one years, Gen. Jacob Bower. The deceased was a faithful and active officer during the whole of the Revolutionary war. He sacrificed at the shrine of Liberty a large patrimony, but, like many other veterans of the Revolution, was doomed to feel the stings of adversity in his old age." Gen. Bower married Rebecca Wood, daughter of Col. Joseph and Mary (Scull) Wood, the latter of Phila- delphia. Colonel Wood died from wounds received at Fort Ticonderoga, in the Revolution. To this union were born six children. Among the many descendants still living are: Mr. Robert Scott Bower, of Philadelphia; Dr. William Bower and Mr. Addison Bower, of Myerstown, Pa.; Col. Thomas Potter, Jr., Quartermaster-General of Pennsylvania; Hon. William Potter, President of Jeffer- son Medical College of Philadelphia and ex-United States Minister to Italy; Mr. Charles A. Potter, of Philadelphia; and Col. Henry A. Potter and Mrs. -Stephen Jones Meeker, of Orange, N. J. We present General Bower's autograph herewith. The father of General Bower and the ancestor of this prominent family of Pennsylvania was Conrad Bower, a pioneer settler of Reading, who became one of the city's largest property holders. He married Catherine Hoover, and they had the following children : Jacob ; George ; Catherine, m. John Spohn ; Barbara, m. Henry Miller; Susanna, m. John Truckenmiller ; and Eve, m. Michael Harvey. After the (Jeath of Conrad Bower in 1765, in the following year, his widow became the second wife of Michael Bright, a man of substance, and she died in 1814. JEREMIAH HAGENMAN, third elected President Judge of Berks county, from 1875 to 1889, was born at Phoenixville, Pa., Feb. 6, 1830. He obtained a preparatory education in the schools of that town, and when sixteen years of age engaged in teaching; then he removed to Reading, where he entered the public schools and prose- cuted higher branches of study till he was nineteen years old. He then began the study of law under Peter Filbert, Esq., teaching occasionally while pursuing his legal studies, and was admitted to the Bar April 7, 1842. He opened an office, and soon entered upon an active prac- tice, which he conducted successfully for seventeen years, when he was elected additional law judge of Berks county. In 1875, upon the elevation of the Hon. Warren J. Woodward to the Supreme Bench of the State, he was promoted to the office of president judge, and in 1879 he was re-elected for another term of ten years. The attorneys always appreciated his courtesy on the Bench, and the younger attorneys found him possessed of a kindly spirit and great indulgence. He became interested in politics soon after his admission to the Bar, and was prominently identified with the movements of the Demo- cratic party from 1850 till 1869. He attended many State Conventions as a delegate ; and in 1868 was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In 1850 he was elected the first district attorney (under the act then passed creating the office), and after serving three years was elected for a second term. The public school affairs of Reading received his earnest attention for nearly forty 334 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA years, he having first become a director about 1846. He advocated the erection of more commodious and attrac- tive school buildings; and in 1865 he first suggested the practicability of heating the buildings by heaters m the cellars He served the county commissioners as solicitor for a number of years. About 1860 he was instrumental in having them to allow half of the court fines to be appropriated toward establishing a Law Library for the Bench and Bar in the court-house. John S. Richards, Esq., an attorney at the Bar, suggested the idea. Sub- sequently legislation was obtained allowing this to be done, and a Law Library Association became incorporated. In 1850 Judge Hagenman married Louisa A. Bo3'er, daughter of George Boyer, who was a descendant of one of the first families in the county and a prominent mem- ber of Trinity Lutheran congregation, having taken an active part in the erection of its church building in 1791. They had one son, George F. Hagenman, a practising attorney at the Reading Bar, who was killed in the Honda wreck, in California, May 11, 190?. Judge Hagen- man died March 6, 1904, and his wife in 190—. EDWARD B. HUBLEY was born at Reading in 1792, son of Joseph Hubley, a practising attorney of the Berks county Bar. He studied law with his father and was admitted to the Bar April 5, 1830. After practising at Reading for a while he moved to Orwigsburg, then the county-seat of Schuylkill county, and there continued his profession for a number of years. He represented that district in Congress for two terms, from 1835 to ]839, He held the appointment of canal commissioner of this State for several years, under Gov. David R. Porter, and acted as a commissioner of Indian affairs under President Polk. In all these positions he discharged his duties with ability and fidelity, .\bout 1848 he returned to Reading and continued to reside here for eight years ; he then removed to Philadelphia, and died there shortly afterward, Feb. 2?>, 1856. aged sixty-four years. He mar- ried Catharine Spayd, eldest daughter of Judge Spayd. GEN. DAVID McMURTRIE GREGG, one of the most distinguished and widely known residents of the city of Reading, occupies an enviable place in the esteem of the people of the county and State as one of the best and most efficient officers from Pennsylvania in the Civil War. Educated at West Point and trained by actual experience in the United States regular army for a number of years, he was fully prepared to perform his part in preserving the Union. And in thus acting the part of a patriotic son of the nation, he rose to a high- rank, creditable alike to his early training and his natural ability as a director and leader of men. General Gregg served during the entire war, and won promotion after promotion, be- ing finallv breveted Major General U. S. Volunteers, Aug. 1, 1864. General Gregg was born in Huntingdon, Pa., April 10, 1833, son of Matthew Duncan and Ellen (McMurtrie) Gregg. On both sides of the house he comes of an- cestors of whose records in civil and military life he may well be proud. The Gregg, Potter, McMurtrie and Elliott families, from whom General Gregg is directly descended, all settled in the colony of Pennsylvania at a very early date, and had much to do with the develop- ment and improvement of the Keystone State. The first Gregg ancestor of whom there is any sure knowledge was David Gregg, who was born at Ayrshire, Scotland, about 1630. He was a Captain in Cromwell's army in 1655, and was within the walls of Londonderry during the great siege of D 688-89 as a faithful supporter of the Prince of Orange, Wilham III., against the exiled King of England, James TI. Both David and his son John, who was born near Londonderry in 1665, were killed by a party of Roman Catholics in one of the conflicts that were constantly occurring between the Orangemen and the Romanists in the North of Ireland. John Gregg's two sons, David and .^ndrew, and their sister Rachel, Mrs. Solomon Walker, and her husband, came to America in 1726, first settling in New Hamp- shire, where David remained. Andrew and Mr. Walker, becoming dissatisfied, left there and landing at Newcastle, Del., finally located on a tract at Chestnut Level, Lancaster county, Pa. In 1748, he purchased and moved to a plantation near Carlisle, where he remained until his death, that event occurring in 1789. His first wife having died at Chestnut Level, leaving six children, he married Jean Scott (1725-1783). To the second union were born Andrew and Matthew. Andrew Gregg, grandfather of General Gregg, was born June 10, 1755, near Carlisle, Pa., and died May 30, 1835, at Bellefonte, Pa. He received his eary training at Rev. John Steel's Latin school in Carlisle, and completed his education at Newark, Del. While a resident of that place he served a considerable period in the militia of the Revolution. In 1779, he accepted a tutorship in a col- lege, now the University of Pennsylvania. In 1787 he married Martha Potter, daughter of General James Pot- ter, and in 1789 removed to Penn's Valley, Center county. In 1791, he was elected to the Lower House of Con- .gress, and remained a mernber until 1807, when he was chosen United States Senator, his term of office ending in 18] 3. In 1820, he was appointed Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania by Gov. Joseph Fliester. and in 1823 was nomin.ited for Governor on the Federal ticket in opposition to John Andrew Shulze, but was defeated in the ensuing election. There were born to Andrew Gregg and wife. Martha Potter, ten children, as follows: Mary married William McLanahan; Jean m. Roland Curtin (of their children, Andrew Curtin was the war Governor of Pennsylvania) ; Martha m. Dr. Constans Curtin, brother of Roland ; Eliza m. David Mitchell ; Juliana m. General James Irvin; Andrew m. Margaret Irvin, sister of Gen- eral Irvin ; James P. m. Eliza Wilson ; Matthew Duncan, Gen. Gregg's father, m. Ellen iMcMurtrie ; Sarah m. Henry Kinney; and Margery m. Rev. Charles Tucker. The mother of this large and illustrious family, Martha (Potter) Gregg, was born April 10, 1769, and died Aug. 20, 1815. John Potter, grandfather of Martha (Potter) Gregg, emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1741, being accompanied by his sister Isabella, and her husband John Hamilton. They landed in Newcastle, Del., in September, 1741. In 1746, Mr. Potter settled in Antrim township, Franklin countj'. Pa., near the village of Greencastle. He was the first sheriff of Cumberland county. In September, 1756, he became a captain in Lieutenant Colonel Arm- strong's expedition against Kittanning. The date of' his death is unknown. His wife died in 1778. Of their eight children, James was born on the bank of the Fovle, Tyrone, Ireland, in 1729, and came to America with his father in 1741, On Feb. 17, 1756, he was commissioned ensign in his father's company, Lieut. Armstrong's Battalion, and served in the Kittanning expedition, in which campaign he was wounded. He was promoted to the position of Captain Feb. 17, 1759, and commanded three companies on the northern frontiers. Captain Potter removed to Sun- bury in 1768. In 1775 occurred the stirring events of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, which aroused every patriotic son of Pennsylvania, and hurried them into a conflict which finally resulted in the recognition of American Independence. Captain Potter was among the first to offer his services for the struggle then so doubtful, and on Jan. 24, 1776, he was elected Colonel of the Upper Battalion, and in July of that year he became a member of the Constitutional convention. -He was in command of a Battalion of Northumberland County militia in the battle of Trenton, Dec. 26, 1776, and at Princeton Jan. 3, 1777; and on April 5, 1777, was appointed third Brigadier Gen- eral of the militia of the State, commanded a brigade at Brandywine and Germantown, and served in the out- posts at Valley Forge. In 1780, when residing at Middle Creek, Snyder county, he became a member of the State council, and on Nov. 14, 1781, was elected Vice-President of Pennsylvania. He was unanimously elected Alajor Gen- eral May 23, 1782, and in 1784 was elected a member of the council of Censors. BIOGRAPHICAL 335 General James Potter first married Elizabeth Cathcart. pose of framing the first constitution of the Common- His second wife was Mrs. Mary Chambers, daughter of wealth of Pennsylvania. He was sheriff of Bedford James and Mary Patterson. Mary Patterson, whose maiden county in 1784-85, and became the first sheriff of Hunting- name was Stewart, was a granddaughter of George Stew- don county in 1787. In that year he was also elected art, who settled in Conestoga township, Chester county, a delegate from Huntingdon county to the Pennsylvania in 1717. To General Potter and his wife Mary were convention which ratified the Federal constitution. He born three daughters and one son; of this family Martha was elected a member of the Supreme Executive Coim- became the wife of Andrew Gregg, and was the grand- cil from Huntingdon county, Oct. 31, 1789, and served mother of General David McM. Gregg. At his death until Dec. 20, 1790, when the Council's term of office ex- General Potter possessed an fmmense landed estate in pired by reason of the election of Governor Mifflin. He Penn's Valley, Center county. held several county offices in Huntingdon county, in- Matthew Duncan Gregg was born April 5, 1804, in eluding that of Associate Judge. He died in Huntingdon, Penn's Valley, Center county, and fitted himself for . the March 15, 1835, and was laid to rest in Fairview cemetery. legal profession, being admitted to the Bar at Huntingdon He was thrice married. His first wife was Mary Carpen- in 1825. In 1838, he was united in marriage with Ellen ter, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Herr) Carpenter, McMurtrie, daughter of David and Martha (Elliott) and a granddaughter of Heinrich Zimmerman, who was McMurtrie, of Huntingdon. From that place he moved born in Switzerland, in 1675, and who made his first trip first to Pine Grove Mills, Center county, and in 1838 to America in 1698, returning to his native place in 1700. took up his residence in Belief onte, where , he engaged This gentleman married Salome Ruffner, Being a phy- in the iron business. In 1845, in connection with his sician, he practised his profession until 1706, when hav- brother James P., and his brother-in-law David^Mitchell, ing engaged in a conspiracy against the government he was he purchased the Potomac Furnace, in Loudoun county, compelled to flee the country for safety. He according- Va. Nine children were born to the unipn pf Matthew ly came to America, where he settled in Germantown. D. Gregg and Ellen McMurtrie, as follow^': Martha, born In 1710, he began to acquire lands in Lancaster county. May 28, 1829, m. Richard R. Bryan ; An8rew, bqrn May and in 1717, he moved there. He died about 1750, leaving 28, 1831; Gen. David; Mary, born Aug. 20, 1834, m. G. a large estate to his heirs. Benjamin Elliott and his wife Dorsey Green ; Ellen, born Dec. 24, 1836 ; George, born Mary had three children, namely : Martha, born in 1779, m. Feb. 10, 1838; Henry H., born March 19, 1840, m. Rose David McMurtrie, and died in 1841; Mary, born in 1781, Mitchell; Thomas I., born Oct. 8, 1842, m. Bessie D. m. Robert Allison; and James prepared for the legal McKnight; and Olitipa, born Aug. 10, 1844, died Dec. profession, but died young and unmarried. Benjamin 28, 1848. On July 25, .1845, Matthew Duncan Gregg died, EUiott's second wife was Sarah Ashman, and his third and in August of the same year occurred the death of Susan Haines. his brother, James P., both being buried in a churchyard General Gregg spent his earlier boyhood with his between Leesburg and Point of Rocks, Va. Ellen Gregg, father's family in Bellefonte, Harrisburg and HoUidays- the mother, died at Bedford, Aug. 17, 1847, and is bur- burg. In April, 1845, the family removed to Potomac ied at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Furnace, Loudoun county, Va. When, in the following Ju- David McMurtrie, Ellen McM. Gregg's grandfather, ly, the father died, the widowed mother, with her nine chil- was born at Ayr, Scotland, about 1709, and came to dren returned to Hollidaysburg; her death occurred at Bed- America in 1735, settling in Philadelphia, where he en- ford in August, 1847. David then became a member of gaged in selling merchandise. On March 18, 1754, he mar- the family of his uncle, David McMurtrie, living in ried Margery Fisher at Cooper's Ferry, now a part of Huntingdon, and for two years attended the school of Philadelphia, and his children were as follows : William, that excellent teacher, Mr. John A. Hall. From this born May 15, 1757; David, Jan. 14, 1764; Charles, July school he went to Milnwood Academy, in the lower end 21, 1766; and James, Dec. 16, 1768. Just before the of Huntingdon county, and a year later joined his elder Revolution David McMurtrie moved to Bedford, now brother Andrew at the University at Lewisburg. While Huntingdon county, and began the improvement of large at the University he received an appointment as cadet tracts of land, owned by him on Shaver's creek and in the at the United States Military Academy at West Point, town of Huntingdon. He died in 1782. which he entered July 1, 1851. He graduated in June, David McMurtrie, the son of the above-mentioned 1855, standing eighth in a class of thirty-four members ; pioneer, was born in Philadelphia and went to Hunting- among his classmates being Generals Averill, Webb, Rug- don with his father, where he became a merchant, car- gles and Comstock, all prominent officers in the Union _rying on his business first in Huntingdon, then in Peters- Army in the War of' the Rebellion, and General Nichols, burg, and again in Huntingdon. He was a member of the of the Confederate army. He became Second Lieutenant General Assembly of Pennsylvania in 1802. He married of Dragoons, July 1, 1855, and served in garrison at Jef- Martha Elliott, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Carpen- ferson Barracks, Mo., in 1855-56, being commissioned ter) Elliott, and they had the following children : James Second Lieutenant of First Dragoons, Sept. 4, 1855. E. ; Anna m. (first) Ed. Patton, (second) Thomas Jack- In 1856, he was assigned to frontier duty in the West son; Mary m. James Gwin; Ellen, born Jan. 3, 1803, m. and on the Pacific coast, and remained there until the Matthew D. Gregg, and died Aug. 17, 1847; David m. outbreak of the Civil War recalled him to the East. He Martha McConnell; Benjamin E. (first) m. Sarah H. was stationed at Fort Union, New Mexico, in 1856, took Orbison, and (second) Mrs. Ellen Patton Dorsey; Mar- part in the march to California in the same year; was at gery; Robert Allison m. (first) Sarah Briscoe, (second) Fort Tejon, Colo., in 1856-57; Fort Vancouver, Wash., Mrs. Maria Dennison; Martha m. James McCahen; and in 1857-58; and at Fort Walla Walla, Wash., in 1858. He William m. Margaret Whittaker. took part in the Spokane expedition of 1858, being en- Robert Elliott, great-grandfather of General D. McM. gaged in a desperate combat with the Indians at To-hols- Gregg's mother, through Martha Elliott McMurtrie, was nimme. Wash., May 17, 1858 ; was present at the combat of born prior to 1730, but it is uncertain whether his birth- Four Lakes, Wash., Sept. 1, 1858 ; and skirmish on Spo- place was in America or Ireland. His home was in kane river Sept. 8, 1858. He was on frontier duty at Fort Peters township, Cumberland (formerly Lancaster) county. Walla Walla, in 1859; at Fort Dallas, Oregon, 1859- He was twice married; the issue of his first marriage be- 60; was scouting against the Snake Indians in 1860, being ing two sons — Benjamin and George — and his two daugh- engaged in a skirmish near Hamoy Lake, Oregon, May ters — Barbara and Jane. Benjamin Elliott was born in 24, 1860. The winter of 1860-61 was spent in duty on the 1753, in Peters township, Cumberland (now Franklin) Warm Spring reservation. county, and became a resident of Huntingdon in 1775. General Gregg became first Lieutenant of the First When but twenty-four years of age, he was elected one Dragoons on March 21, 1861, and was made Captain in the of the delegates from Bedford county, Huntingdon being Sixth Cavalry on May 14, 1861. During the first months then in that county, to the convention, which met July of the war he saw duty in the defenses of Washington,. 15, 1776, at Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, for the pur- D. C, and throughout the remainder of the war was con- 336 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA nected with the Army of the Potomac. From Oct. 12, 1861, till January, 1862, he was on sick leave. He be- caime Colonel of the Eighth Regiment, Pa. Vol. Cavalry, Jan. 24, 1862, and took part in the Virginia Peninsular campaign. He was engaged in the battles of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, 1863, skirmishes at New Kent Courthouse, Savage Station, Bottom's Bridge, and White Oak Swamip, June, 1862, battle of Glendale, June 30, 1862, Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, and covering the movement from Harrison's Landing to Yorktown, August, 1862. He was in the Maryland campaign of the Army of the Potomac, which extended from September to November, 1862, being engaged in several skirmishes on the march to Falmouth, Va., in October and Novem- ber. On Nov. 29, 1862, General Gregg was commissioned Brigadier General U. S. Volunteers. From December, 1862, to June, 1863, he commanded a Division of Cavalry, being engaged in the skirmish at Rappahannock bridge, April 4, 1863, and "Stoneman's Raid" toward Richmond, April 13 to May 2, 1863. The Pennsylvania campaign of the Army of the Potomac was participated in by General Gregg still as a division cavalry commander; he was engaged in the combat of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, skirmish at Aldie, June 17, Middleburg, June 19, Upperville, June 21, and the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2 and 3. He was in the skirmish at Shepherdstown, July 16, and took part in the pursuit of the Confederates to Warrenton, Va., closing the campaign in the latter days of that busy month. Central Virginia then became the scene of operations for the Army of the Potomac, and General Gregg there par- ticipated in the action at Rapidan Station, Sept. 14, Bever- ly Ford, Oct. 12, Auburn, Oct. 14, and New Hope Church, Nov. 27, 1863. From March 26 to April 6, 1864, General Gregg was in command of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and in the Richmond campaign from April 6, 1864, to Feb. 3, 1865, was in command of the Second Cavalry Division of the Army of the Potomac, be- ing engaged in the skirmishes at Todd's Tavern May 3-7, 1864, where he was in command, Ground Squirrel Church May 11, combat at Meadow Bridge May 13, bat- tle of Flaws Shop May 28, skirmish of Gaines House June 2, battle of Trevillian Station June 11, action of St. Mary's Church June 24, where he was in comonand, skirmish at Warwick Swamp July 12, combat of Darbytown July 28, skirmish at Lee's Mills July 30, 1S64. On Aug. 1, 1864, General Gregg came into command of the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, being brevetted on that date Major General U. S. Volunteers, for "highly meritorious and distinguished conduct throughout the campaign, par- ticularly in the Reconnaissance on the Charles City road." On Aug. 17, 1864, he was in the action at Deep Bottom, skirmishes and battle of Ream's Station Aug. 23-35, combat of Peebles' Farm Sept. 29 and 30, of the Vaughan Road Oct. 1, where he was in command, the battle of Boydton Plank Road Oct. 27, destruction of Stony Creek Station Dec, 1, and skirmish at Bcllclicld Dec. 9, 18G4, which terminated General Gregg's active work in the army. Fie resigned from the service Feb. 3, 1865. General Gregg's brothers, Flenry H. and Thomas L, were both in the Union army and served three years, the form- er as Captain in the 125th P, V. L, and as Major in the 13th P. V, C, the latter as Lieutenant in the 6th P. V. C, and as Aide-de-camp on his brother's staff. In February, 1874, President Grant appointed General Gregg U. S. Consul at Prague, Bohemia, which position he resigned and returned to Reading in the following August, where he has since made his home. In 1891, he was nominated by the Republican party as its candidate for Auditor General of Pennsylvania, was elected, and made a splendid record in his three years of service. He was elected Commander of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in 1886, and was continued in office by successive elections every year until 1904. when he was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Order. He is President of the Board of Directors of the Charles Evans Cemetery Com- pany of Reading, and is a member of the Board of Trus- tees of the State Lunatic Hospital at Harrisburg. General Gregg has the right to append LL. D. to his name, that honor having been conferred on him by the Pennsylvania A'lilitary College, at Chester, Pennsylvania. On Oct. 6, 1862, General Gregg married Ellen F. SheSff of Reading, a great-granddaughter of Frederick A. Muhlen- berg, as also of Gov. Joseph Hiester. They have two sons, namely : George She^aff and David McMurtrie. Thus is presented in m'easurably full detail the career of one of the most noted of Reading's citizens, belonging to Reading first, but in a larger and better sense to the State and nation. With a glorious record of duty faith- fully done. General Gregg is serenely passing the evening of life amid the scenes of its former activities, and is showered on every side with the plaudits of a grateful people. GEORGE BROOKE bears a name so intimately con- nected with the development of Birdsboro that a history of the recent generations of the Brooke family would be a nearly complete history of that borough. And no account of that '-borough, in the last hundred and more years, could be written without frequent reference to the achievements and efforts of the Brookes in every phase of its evolution from a settlement of a few houses to one of the finest boroughs in Berks county. The Brookes have ever been noted for intelligence and general excellence of character, proved in the wise administration of large interests, whose prosperity has had a direct bearing upon the public moral and material welfare as well as upon their own fortunes. They have also been noted for their unselfish public spirit, their means and influence having always been given liberally to the pro- motion of all projects tending toward progress, enlight- enment and the general improvement of the conditions affecting the daily life, comfort and happiness of the mass of humanity. To the brothers, Edward and George Brooke,, especially, is the borough indebted for many of its best advantages. The Brookes are of English descent, the founders of the family in this country having come hither from York- shire, England, in 1698. John and Frances Brooke, with their two sons, James and Matthew, arrived in the Del- aware river that year, but because of a contagious disease aboard their vessel the passengers were not allowed to come to Philadelphia, disembarking lower down the river. The parents died there, soon afterward, and were buried in the graveyard at Haddonfield, N. J. They belonged to the Society of Friends, and before leaving England John Brooke had purchased of William Penn 2,500 acres of land, to be taken up anywhere where , vacant land might be found between the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Accordingly the sons Jam.es and Matthew took up the land in what is now Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pa., where they settled. Matthew Brooke, grandson of the iMatthew who came over with his father in KJ'.iS, was the third in direct line to bear the name. He was the father of Edward and George Brooke, and was reared near Limerick. In 1796 he purchased a farm at Birdsboro, Berks county, and in 1800, in partnership with his brother, Thomas Brooke, and their brother-in-law, Daniel Buckley, pur- chased the Hopewell Furnace. From that time to the present the family has been prominently identified with the locality. Matthew Brooke occupied the old man- sion house built by William Bird, the original pro- prietor of this property, in 1751, a beautifullv located residence facing the Schuylkill river, to whose banks the lawn stretched. On the side of the estate which lav along the shores of Hay creek, just where it emptied into the Schuylkill, was a grove of beautiful old trees, wliich one of the Birds fenced in and used as a deer park. When the canal was built in front of the house the place was no longer desirable for residential pur- poses, and the family moved to a house down near the lower for.ge, which was torn down in 1S79 to make room for the enlargement of the rolling-mill, Matthew Brooke BIOGRAPHICAL 33? continued to operate the iron industries successfully pig-iron and two hundred and fifty thousand kegs of nails, until his death, in advanced age, He had kd an active besides muck-bar and skelp iron. In the laj;ter eighties life in many ways, having served the Colonial forces dur- a steel plant was erected at No. 3 Blast Furnace, to con- ing the Revolution when 'a mere boy, and while in the vert the molten iron directly into steel for the manufac- army was captured and held prisoner, but finally ex- ture of nails. A new train of rolls was also put into changed. His business energies, while devote^ chiefly the rolling-mill, as well as other devices for the working to the iron works, were not confined to any one channel, of steel. and he was one of the first .stockholders of the Farmers In alliance with their furnaces the firm of E. & G. National Bank of Reading, one of the most important Brooke acquired a half interest in the French Creek, financial institutions of that city at the present day. Warwick and Jones mines, which lie between ten and He was an Episcopalian in religious connection. He fifteen miles south of Birdsboro, and whence the great- married Elizabeth Barde, like himself a native of Penn- er part of the raw product comes, the Wilmington & sylvania, daughter of Captain John Louis Barde, who Northern road connecting the two properties. In 1864 came to Birdsboro m 1788, and for several years ran g, & q_ Brooke, associated with Seyfert, McManus & '•"•tu"!'' ^°1^^^ "5"^^'' "" ^T:""' r/^ T^"'"'' ^\rf *T Co. and Samuel E. Griscom, opened the William Penn with two thousand acres of land from James Wilson (a /-■„ii: _ „ cu j u ■ c i, ir -n ^ r^ s r- son-in-law of Mark Bird), one of the signers of the Dec- S°"'t^y' "f/ Shenandoah, in Schuylkill county E & G. laration of Independence This land formed a part of w°°''!,J"u^''?/"''?; bec°ming sole owners of the col- the original Bird properties of Birdsboro, and Captain ^ZV r.^'nu Tn f«% tl\J^ t} L^^^f^r ^ T3 J , ■ J •. ,.-i u- J 1.1. • ^r^nn I- 4. ■ T> J ^031 regioH. lu 1887 tncy sold the colliery to interests Barde lived on it until his death in 1799. Captain Barde identified with the Pennsylvania Railroad. These iron S w^ 'Hn.?t.r?n ""ZL ^UiV^L ^T'AJ'"'}^^^Z^• ^«^ks ^"d mines form one of the most valuable Indus- he was eaucatea in the Koyal Military Academy at Wool- j.,- i { <. „ ■ ,.i,-„ „ i- i t> i „ • a a: ,.,;.-v, TT^^io^^ „„t<„..j (-i;„ ■tr„„i:oU .,,™„ „i,A ™ trial factors in this section of Pennsylvania, affording ^nkd thf exoedilTi Amen^cf to ooer^^^ P^"^'^^'^ employment to thousands of hands. Many rpanfard^^nXef;'XcV%^"p\'"sacola?n"abo^^^^^^^^^^ ul °^ *e houses occupied by the employees are owned by m'arried the daughter of Maj. Robert Farmar, the English t'^^.^Zt'^.T JllJ'^fL'L'^lI'l? \7.il\^''T:.t governor of West Florida, came north in 1783, and by the men are owned by the company. After the death telling his commission became a citizen of the United °L!l-!I^?:°°'^e the concern was organ^^^^^^^^ His property came into the hand of his son- companies, the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company and the States. ±±ia yiuuciLV (.:ciiiic liiLU Liic ildiiu ui ma ovjii- rr p /-• -d i t J /-■ r "ii_ ' i in-law, Matthew Brooke. Matthew and Elizabeth ^- ^ G. Brooke Land Company, none of the property, (Barde) Brooke had a family of five children, two however changing hands. George Brooke became pres- H=.,rcrV,t/r« H^ino- vn,in to Reading for the purpose of locating there, having visited the place several months before, and on Jan. 23, 1868, was admitted to the Berks county Bar. In a few years af- ter his location at Reading, his practice began to in- crease rapidly, and each succeeding year found him more successful. The trial of cases gradually became the prominent part of his practice, and within a de- cade his services were engaged in every important case in the local courts. This is shown on the records in the prothonotary's office, and in the published reports of cases taken to the Supreme court of Pennsylvania. This ext-ensive and highly remunerative practice before the courts, local and Supreme, both State and national, continued for thirty years, when his important services as solicitor to the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Com- pany during this period eventually, resulted in his selec- tion as president of the re-orgaiiized corporation, and he has been re-elected annually for the past eight years, evidencing the highly satisfactory character of his ser- vices in its management. During the same time (since 1901) he has officiated as president of the Central Rail- road of New Jersey. On account of his prominent connection with the Phil- adelphia & Reading Railway Company, Mr. Baer quite naturally became an important factor in the management of the Reading Iron Company, the largest industrial enterprise at Reading next to the shops of the railway company, and after having advised this great corporation (whose costly establishments are situated in different parts of Pennsylvania, and give employment to thousands of men) during the same period of time while acting as solicitor of the railway company, he became its president and directed its extensive business affairs in a most suc- cessful manner for twelve years. On account of his labors in connection with the Philadelphia & Reading and other railroads, he retired as president, but he has been officiating since as the chairman of its board of directors. His management resulted in making the cor- poration one of the largest producers of wrought-iron pipe of all sizes, bar-iron, sheet-iron, etc., in Pennsyl- vania, with large trading relations extending all over the world. He has also been prominently identified with the management of the Temple Iron Company, the Penn- sylvania Steel Company, and the Cambria Steel Com- pany, for a number of years as a director, acting as president of the first named since Jan.l, 1901. In 1886, Mr. Baer organized and established the Read- ing Paper Mills, and since then has operated them in a most successful manner. The corporation comprises three plants (one at the foot of Bingaman street, one at the foot of Court street, Reading, and the third opposite Reading at the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek), all ■ equipped with the best machinery for the production of the finest book' and manilla papers, which are in con- stant demand. They employ three hundred hands and constitute one of Reading's important industries. Mr. Baer co-operated with other public-spirited men of Reading in establishing the Penn National Bank in 1883; the Reading Hospital in 1884; the Reading Trust Company in 1886 ; the Penn Common in 1887 ; the Wy- omissing Club in 1890 ; the Reading Free Library in 1898; the Berkshire Club in 1899; and he has continued to take an active part in the management of all of them excepting the Penn Bank. His services were par- ticularly important, in securing Penn Common as the property of Reading from the possession of the (bounty of Berks, and he has officiated as president of the Board of Park Commissioners since its creation by the City Council. Since 1895, he has served as one of the board of trustees of the Charles Evans Cemetery. In 1900, Mr.' Baer erected the first large modern fire- proof office-building in Reading, situated at the corner of Court and Church streets, seven stories high, and em- bracing eighty rooms, adjoining the rear of his office building on Washington street. The first two floors are occupied by the business offices of the Reading Iron Company. During this long period of time, the services of Mr. Baer as a public speaker were in constant demand. Many of his more important addresses have been published in pamphlet form. They display the great scope of his learn- ing, the forcible and precise character of his rhetoric, and the boldness of his convictions. His diction is clear; his manner of speaking straightforward, always extem- poraneous, void of dramatic flourish, and it commands the close attention of his audience from start to finish; and his logic leads to an inevitable conclusion which wins admiration if not approval. His numerous paper-books in carrying on litigation before the higher courts, both State and national, show great care, thorough prepara- tion, and complete knowledge of the respective cases; and they evidence in a high degree his superior literary culture as well as his comprehensive legal attainments. Among the numerous addresses and lectures delivered by him, the following may be mentioned: Land Tenure — Before the Law Department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, Oct. 25, 1887. Relation of Tariff to Wages — Before Single Tax So- ciety of Reading, Jan. 19, 1891. Address of Welcome — Formation of Pennsylvania Ger- man Society at Lancaster (of which he was elected the first president), April 15, 1891. Influence of Reformed Church on Civil Government — At dedication of new Theological Seminary of Frank- lin and Marshall College at Lancaster, May 10, 1894. Germans in Pennsylvania — Before Teachers' Insti- tute of Berks county at Reading on Sept. 26, 1895. Bechstein Germanic Library — At opening of it for University of Pennsylvania, March 21, 1896 (being first of four addresses on that occasion). Appeal to Democrats — Issued in summer of 1896, which resulted in organization of the "Gold Democrats" and aided materially in the defeat of the "Silver Democrats" who controlled the National Convention and nominated Bryan for President of the United States. Oration — Unveiling of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monu- ment at AUentown Oct. 19, 1899. Work is Worship^— Before the Y. M. C. A., of Read- ing, on Jan. 1, 1900, and amplified and delivered before Franklin and Marshall College, on Jan. 16, 1902 (Mr. Baer having been then, and -is still, president of the Board of Trustees). Address — Laying of corner-stone for new Science build- ing of Franklin and Marshall College, June 13, 1900. Pennsylvania Theories of Government — Before Penn- sylvania Society of New York Dec. 12, 1902. Argument before the Anthracite Coal Strike Commis- sion — made at Philadelphia April 8, 1904. Mining of Coal — Last lecture of a popular course of eighteen lectures delivered at different places in Schuyl- kill county, at Pottsville, April 8, 1905. Dedication of Boys'' High School — Reading, Thanks- giving Day, 1906. Railroad Legislation — Open letter to Pennsylvania Legislature, issued Feb. 7, 1907. Mr. Baer has been prominently identified with Franklin and Marshall College since 1872, as a member of the board of trustees, officiating as president of the board since 1894. During this time he has labored efficiently for the advancement of the institution and contributed liberally toward its financial support. In 1886, the Col- lege conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, and the Alumni Association, at its annual meeting in 1895, elected him as its vice-president. Mr. Baer was brought up as a firm believer in the ster- ling principles of the Democratic party, and he has shown himself to be their fearless advocate. Upon locating at Reading, he interested himself in local politics, and gave narty welfare much of his time; but he was never am- bitious to fil' ?ny public office because he was too busily engaged with nis large legal practice and business enter- prises. He has at all times been a generous contributor 346 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA toward the campaign expenses, and he has exerted a powerful influence in national politics, as well as in the county and State. Immediately after coming to Reading Mr. Baer and his wife identified themselves with the Second Reform- ed Church, and they and their children have been de- voted members. When the church was rebuilt they were generous contributors. On all special occasions, the au- ditorium is profusely decorated with costly flowers from their conservatory, which elicit m'uch praise and admira- tion. In 1866, Mr. Baer was married to Emily Kimmel, daugh- ter of John O. Kimmel, attorney at Somerset, and Mary Parker, his wife. To this union have come five children : Marion married William N. Appel, an attorney at Lan- caster; Helen married William Griscom Coxe, of Wil- mington, Del. ; Mary married Isaac Hiester, an attorney at Reading; Emily married Frank L. Connard, at Reading (he dying Jan. 21, 1908) ; Nellie married Heber L. Smith, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Baer has taken a very active part in local chari- ties, more especially in the successful management of the Widows' Home, from its foundation in 1876. She has also taken much interest in the Woman's Club, the Book Club, and the Needle-Work Guild, serving each society as president. In social affairs she has been the acknowl- edged leader for many years. Her receptions in their costly and beautiful home "Hawthorne," on Mineral Spring road, have been superb; and it was there, during the popular demonstrations in the historical celebration of the "Sesqui-Centennial of Reading," June, 1898, that she and her husband "displayed a remarkable spirit of lib- erality in welcoming and entertaining distinguished visi- tors, and affording them unusual opportunities of seeing and knowing the social, industrial and municipal affairs of Reading, and of realizing its growth, wealth and im- portance as a promising centre of population." When Mr. Baer became president of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company in 1901, he secured a home in Phila- delphia, and he and his family have occupied it since, during the winter and spring of each year. Their home is embellished with a rare collection of books and paint- ings. Mr. Baer's father was Major Solomon Baer. He was born in 1794, in Northampton (now Lehigh) county, near Unionville, and when six years old he accompanied his parents in their removal to a farm in Maryland, near Cumberland. They remained there sixteen years, then settled on a farm in Somerset county. Pa., about twenty- five miles farther west. He died in 1882, aged eighty- eight years, having lived at Somerset from 1848. His grandfather was John Jacob Baer, of Northamp- ton county, where he was born on the homestead in 1761. He was brought up on a farm, and followed farming there until 1800, when he removed with his family to Maryland, and there carried on farming until his decease in 1823. His great-grandfather was Christophel Baer, who emi- grated from Zweibruecken in 1743. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, September 30th, he immediately proceeded to Northampton county, where he had purchased several tracts of land. The original patent issued to him de- scribes one of the tracts as "Bruin's Choice," a free trans- lation of the name of his ancestral home. ISAAC ECKERT, until lately president of the Farmers National Bank of Reading, is one of the leading citizens of that place, a man of distinctive prominence in its com- mercial life, in which he maintains a name which has long been a synonym for worth and integrity, as well as marked business ability, in this part of Pennsylvania. The Eckert family is one of the oldest in Berks county, having been located here for almost two centuries. As the name implies, the Eckerts are of German origin. Valentine Eckert, born in Langensalza, Hanover, Ger- many, in 1733, came to America with his parents in 1740, the family settling in the Tulpehocken Valley, in the west- ern part of Berks county. He became quite a prominent man in his day, becoming a citizen of this country after twenty-one years' residence here. He took a leading part in the Revolution and the events leading up to and follow- ing that struggle. In June, 1776, he was one of ten who represented Berks county in the Provincial Conference, and the next month was one of a delegation of eight members from Berks county to the Provincial convention convoked for the purpose of framing a new form of government, founded on the authority of the people, to succeed the old proprietary form. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly in both 1776 and 1777. During the war he commanded a cavalry company, was wounded at the battle of Germantown, became sub-lieutenant of the county in 1777, and served as such until he became lieutenant of the county, in the year 1781. In 1784 he was appointed a judge of the court of Common Pleas, holding that office for seven years, until by the Constitution of 1790 a president judge took the places of the various judges. In 1816, though then very advanced in age, he removed to the State of Virginia, where he died, at Win- chester, in December, 1831, in his eighty-eighth year. Peter Eckert, son of Valentine, passed all his life in Berks county, and engaged in farming and merchandising near Womelsdorf, the family home. Isaac Eckert, son of Peter, was born in January, 1800, in Womelsdorf, and there received his early education in the public schools, later attending the grammar schools of the University of Pennsylvania. Before reaching his majority he became associated in business with his older brother, William, the sons succeeding their father in the grocery business, which they continued at Womelsdorf until 1828, in which year they moved their establishment to Reading. There they continued it until the year 1836, when Isaac Eckert withdrew from the firm to enter the iron manufacturing business in partnership with his young- er brother. Dr. George N. Eckert. In 1842-44 they erected the Henry Clay Furnace, at that time one of the largest anthracite furnaces in the country, and in the year 1855 a second stack was completed. After Dr. Eckert died, on June 28, 1865, Isaac Eckert became sole proprietor of these works until his retirement, in 1873, when he passed them over to his sons, Henry S. and George B. This was not his only connection in the iron manufacturing line, for in 1852 he became president of the Leesport Iron Company, of which he remained the executive head until his death, thus controlling and managing extensive iron interests, in which he was one of the largest stockholders. Naturally his influence extended to other business enter- prises, and he became especially well known as president of the Farmers Bank, an institution .founded in 1814, of which he was chosen president in 1838. He served as such for the unusually long period of thirty-five years, and upon his death, which occurred Dec. 13, 1873, was suc- ceeded therein by his son Henry S. Eckert. Mr. Eckert was just as active in matters affecting the general welfare as he was in commercial circles. He served many years as president of the Berks County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, of which he was one of the founders, and was interested deeply in other enterprises calculated to advance the best industries of this section. Originally a Whig in politics, he became a Republican upon the organization of the party, and in ISSO was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, held at Chicago, which placed Abraham Lincoln at the head of the ticket; in 1864 he was a Presidential elector from the State of Pennsylvania. Throughout the war he did his utmost to aid the Union cause, 'both bv liberal contributions and by his influence in directing public senti- ment in his city. Isaac Eckert married Judith Hahn, daughter of Dr. Hahn, of Montgomery countv, and he was survived bv his widow and three children, Henry S., George B and Rebecca, the last named the wife of P. R. Stetson, of New York City. As a memorial, after Mr. Eckert's death this family presented a full chime of ten bells to Christ Episcopal Church of Reading, of which Mr, Eckert had been a member. BIOGRAPHICAL 347 Henry S. Eckert, son of Isaac, was born in Reading, where he received his preparatory education in the public schools. He then became a student at Franklin and Marshall College, from which he graduated, after which he entered business life. Becoming associated with his father in the iron business, he soon qualified so thor- oughly for its demands that he was able to take the management of the works himself, and on July 1, 1873, the ,year of their father's death, but shortly before that event, he and his brother George B. formed a partnership to engage in the iron business, under the £rm name of Eckert & Brother. Before long the Henry Clay Furnace became their property, but with all their new responsibili- ties they passed successfully through the financial panic of 1873. They not only carried on the manufacturing business, but also owned the iron mines which supplied their works with the necessary ore, employing altogether, in the mines and works, over two hundred and fifty men. Besides his important connection with the firm of Eckert & Brother Mr. Eckert's iron interests led him into other associations of even greater prominence, and he served as president of the Eastern Pig Iron Association, as president of the Topton Furnace Company of Topton, and president of the Pennsylvania Bolt & Nut Works of Lebanon. As to local enterprises, it has already been stated that he succeeded his father in the presidency of the Farmers Bank in 1873, and he continued to hold that position until his own death, in 1893, when his son Isaac succeeded to the incumbency. He was also a trustee of the Union Trust Company and of the Penn 'Mutual Life Insurance , Company, the latter a Philadelphia institution. He was one of the promoters of the Penn Street Passenger Railway, which was put into operation in 1874, and which played so important a part in the improvement of East Reading. He was one of the projectors of the Berks County railroad, from Reading to Slatington, becoming a member of the board of directors upon the organization of the company, and he also served as a director of the Wilmington & Northern Railroad Company. He was a director of the Reading Hospital and of the Charles Evans cemetery. For over twenty years he gave his services as president of the school board of control, and in recognition of his valuable work the Eckert school, erected in 1873, was named in his honor. As a large manufacturer Mr. Eckert was naturally in- clined to a belief in the principles of protection, and ac- cordingly upheld the tenets of the Republican party, in whose workings he took an' active and efficient part. In 1866 he was the Republican nominee for Congressman from his district, running against J. Lawrence Getz, but although supported handsomely by his .home city, which gave him a majority, he could not overcome the normal Democratic vote in the district. In 1857 Mr. Eckert married Carrie Hunter, daughter of Nicholas Hunter, an ironjnaster of Reading, and four children were born to them, viz.: Isaac, Helen (Mrs. Herman Meigs), Hunter and Kate M. (Mrs. Reeves). The mother passed .away March 28, 1880. Mr. Eckert was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, in which he served as vestryman for a number of years before his death, and he was a zealous worker in all its enterprises. Isaac Eckert, at present one of the most notable figures in the business life of the city of Reading, was born there May 27, 1859. He received his education in the public schools of the city and at Lafayette College, from which institution he was graduated in 1879, after which he im- mediately turned his energies to the line of business which his ancestors have followed for generations. The business was sold to the Empire Iron & Steel Company. Mr. Eckert served from 1893 until 1908, when he resigned owing to ill health, as president of the Farmers Bank, now the Farmers National Bank, which was presided over by a .miember of this family for almost seventy years, • Isaac Eckert being of the third generation of the family to occupy that office. The circumstance is remark- able, not only for the unusual length of time the posi- tion was held in the family but as indicative of contin- ued moral and mental strength. Mr. Eckert was also president of the Deppen Brewing Company, an imiportant business concern of the city, but this, too. he resigned on account of failing health; he occupies- a high position among the most substantial citizens of the present day. However, he is not active in either politics or outside matters to the extent his father and grandfather were, though he is a man of high public spirit and ready to lend his influence or financial aid to worthy projects which have the advancement of the city or the general welfare as their object. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and interested in local government, particularly municipal affairs. In 1879 Mr. Eckert, married Eliza Kaufman, daughter of William M. Kaufman, and they have had two children, William K. and Carrie. William K. Eckert, of Reading, is interested in numerous enterprises in the city. He is a native of Read- ing, born in 1879, son of Isaac and Eliza (Kaufman) Eckert. In his youth he attended the local grammar and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1898, when he went to Cornell University. There he spent two years, at the end of which time he returned to Reading and read law with Isaac Hiester. On Dec. 12, 1901, he took the position of secretary-treasurer and general manager of the Deppen Brewing Company, which position he resigned in 1908, to enter the banking business, which is his present occupation. He is a director of the Farmers National Bank and of the Colonial Trust Company, two of the strongest financial institutions of the city, and in 1906 was chosen second vice-president of the former institution, with which his family have been so long associated. He. is one of the most successful young business men of his native city, where he has a host of friends. Mr. Eckert married, Dec. 12, 1905, in Reading, Miss Mary L. Barbey, whose family is mentioned else- where, the Barbeys being among the old and prominent families of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert reside at No. 812 North Fifth street, Reading, and are well known and much esteemed in that locality. They are members of the Episcopal Church. WILLIAM A. GOOD, first County Superintendent of Public Schools of Berks county, from 1854 to 1860, was born in Philadelphia in 1810. He was educated in the Reading Academy, studied theology in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at York, Pa., and was regularly ordained and licensed to preach in 1833. Soon afterward he accepted a call from the Reformed Church at Hagerstown, Md., where he officiated as pastor for sev- eral years. From that congregation he went to Mercers- burg, Pa., to serve as rector of the Preparatory Depart- ment of Marshall College. After remaining there six years, he returned to Hagerstown and served as principal of the Hagerstown Academy for five years. He was then called to the pastorate of the Reformed Church at York, Pa., in which field he labored earnestly for six years. He next removed to Reading and assumed charge of a select school for young ladies. At the expiration of the fifth year he became principal of the Reading Institute and Normal School, and remained there three years. In the meantime he was elected superintendent of the com- mon schools of Berks county, being the first to fill that office. Most of the people of the county were members of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, and averse to the new order of things. It was feared that in the rural districts the superintendent would encounter much oppo- sition, but he understood the peculiarities of the people, and instead of raising a storm of opposition won their confidence and support, and he was re-elected for a second term. While thus engaged in the school affairs of the county, he also officiated as pastor of the Bernville, North Heidelberg and Princeton congregations, serving these churches altogether for eight years. He was one of the most zealous Sunday school workers in Berks county, and while superintendent of the common schools, en- deavored, in his private intercourse with the people, to interest them in the cause of Sunday schools, in this man- 348 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ner coming to be instrumental in founding many of the Sunday schools of the county. He was one of the found- ers of St. John's Reformed Mission Sunday school, and this he conducted with the aid of his wife for nearly six years, and it eventually became a self-supporting and flourishing congregation. The Rev. Mr. Good married in 1840, Susan B. Eckert, daughter of Peter and Susan Eckert, of Womelsdorf, Berks county. He died in 1873. He had two sons, Wil- liam Eckert and James Isaac. WARREN J. WOODWARD, second President Judge of Berks county, from 1861 to 1874, under the amended Constitution of Pennsylvania, was born Sept. 24, 1819, at Bethany, Wayne Co., Pa. His father, John K. Woodward, was a civil engineer and journalist, and at the time of his decease, in 1835, was prothonotary of Wayne county. His grandfather was an associate judge of that county for fifteen years, and sheriff in 1807. After acquiring an academic education at Wilkes Barre, Warren J. Woodward taught school for several terms in his native county. At the age of seventeen years he directed his attention to newspaper publications, and con- tinued his connection with them till 1840. He then re- turned to Wilkes Barre, and selecting the law as his profession, entered the office of his uncle, George W. Woodward, a practising attorney at the Luzerne county Bar, for the purpose of pursuing the necessary course of study. Whilst in this office his uncle was elected to the Bench as president judge of the 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. His preparation was completed under the preceptorship of Hon. Edmund L. Dana, and he was ad- mitted to the Bar Aug. 1, ]842. He continued in active and successful practice for fourteen years. In April, 1836, the Legislature erected a new judicial district out of Co- lumbia, Sullivan and Wyoming counties — the 26th in the State — and the Governor appointed him to the position of president judge; and in October following he was elected for the terra of ten years. His reputation spread rapidly into adjoining districts. Half of his term had not ex- pired, yet some of the old districts offered him the nomina- tion for the president judgeship on the Democratic ticket. This was a flattering recognition of his judicial character and ability ; but he declined the honor. In 1861, the term of the president judge in Berks county was about to ex- pire, and the major part of the attorneys gave him a pressing invitation to become his successor. The Demo- cratic convention held at Reading, Aug. 31, 1861, gave him the nomination by acclamation, and this he accepted. In his letter of acceptance, besides expressing his gratitude for the high honor conferred upon him, and his opinion about the impropriety of law judges participating in political struggles, he informed the committee that in the matter of the Civil War then raging he was most positive- ly for the preservation of the Union of all the States, and for the enforcement of the Constitution. His sentiments were highly approved, and in October following he was elected by a large majority over a local candidate for the same position. Judge Woodward moved to Reading and took his seat upon the Bench in December, 1861. His judicial and social deportment at once inspired the citizens with unqualified confidence. The Civil War caused much commotion in the county. The Democrats were displeased with the ex- treme course of the Republican administration in national affairs, but he, notwithstanding his election by them, ad- vised co-operation and the enforcement of law to restore peace. His earnest public actions in behalf of the war, in conjunction with prominent and influential professional and business men, contributed a powerful influence toward the creation of a proper spirit in that alarming period. His patriotic conduct as a man of Democratic principles and association is -worthy of special mention. During his term he was unusually devoted to his office, and his administration of its responsible duties gave en- tire satisfaction ; and he became thoroughly identified with the interests and welfare of the county. His re-election was therefore assured. Shortly before the expiration of his term, the Legislature had established a District Court for Luzerne county, and the Bar of that county unani- mously invited him to accept the office of president judge of the new court. When the movement became known to the attorneys of Berks county they held a special meeting and passed resolutions expressing the highest regard and affection for him, and inviting him to remain with them. The thorough appreciation of his course upon the Bench by the entire community, and the earnest expressions of good will by all the attorneys who practised under him, induced him to remain in the county. He was nominated by acclamation at the Democratic convention in June, 1871, and re-elected for a second term of ten years by a large majority. The new Constitution of the State increased the number of the justices of the Supreme Court from five to seven members, and the two new members were to be elected in 1874, one by the Democratic party and the other by the Republican. The superiority of Judge Woodward's judicial qualifications and experience brought him prominently be- fore the Democrats of the State as a worthy candidate for this important position, and he received the nomination of their State Convention. This honor was given to him without solicitation of any kind on his part. The office truly sought the man. Upon his nomination he received numerous congratulatory letters, and the people of Berks county rejoiced at this honor, though by it they would suffer the loss of his valuable services. Shortly after the election, the Hon. Edward M. Paxson, the Republican candidate, elevated at the same time to the Supreme Bench, visited Judge Woodward at Reading. While here they cast lots for precedence in the order of succession to the position of chief justice, and Judge Paxson won it. Judge Woodward took his seat Jan. 1, 1875, and filled the office with honor and distinction till his decease, Sept. 23, 1879. He was particularly regarded for devotion, ability and conscientiousness in the dis- charge of his duties. Plis remains were buried at Wilkes Barre. Judge Woodward was elected president of the Reading Benevolent Society at Reading in 1871, and he filled this office until his decease. He took a deep interest in the benevolent affairs of the community, and gave generously toward the relief of poor people. In 1875 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Franklin and Marshall College. While upon the Bench in Berks county, he adjudicated many cases and his opinions were not questioned by writ of error or appeal. These cases were compiled by G. A. Endlich, Esq., an attorney of the Berks county Bar, and published in two volumes in 1885. They are known as "Woodward's Decisions." Judge Woodward married Katharine Scott, daughter of Hon. David Scott, of Wilkes Barre, and bv her had three children: Henry and Warren were both admitted to the Bar, but are now deceased, and Katharine Scott m. Frank Perley Howe, son of Rev. M. A. DeWolfe Howe D. D., deceased, and resides at Philadelphia. .i-.^^^^^T..^- KRAEMER. son of Louis and Catherine (PteiU Kraemer, was born at Greeneville, a suburban town of Norwich, Conn., July 30, 1854, and was edu- cated m the schools of that place, at Trenton N J and at Myerstown, Pa. Upon arriving of age in ■ 1875 his father gave him an interest in Stony Creek Mills which the father had established in Berks county, three miles east of Reading, in 1865, and was operating suc- cessfully at that time. There the son began his active career in connection with this prominent manufacturing plant, and has continued with it until now. ■ ^",ji^^.^ Mr Kraemer assisted in organizing the Read- ing National Bank, and became one of its first directors serving as such up to the present time. In 1900 he co- operated with capitalists in establishing the third trust company at Reading, and upon its organization under the name of the Colonial Trust Company he was elected president, and this responsible position he is still fill- ing. After an existence of but a few years, the com- pany erected a nine-story office building on Penn Square BIOGRAPHICAL 349 toward securing a convenient and prominent place for its business, and the building is not only the finest and lar- gest of its kind at Reading, but also one of the finest in Pennsylvania, truly a monument to the enterprise and management of this financial institution and proving a most substantial investment. Mr. Kraemer married, in 1877, Ella Hall, of Hunting- don, Pa. They are active members of St. Paul's Memor- ial Reformed Church at Reading, and since their mar- riage have resided at Stony Creek. He has been serv- ing as an elder of the congregation since January, 1906, filling a position which his father had filled for many years. Louis Kraemer, the father, was born at Berleberg, in the province of Westphalia, Germany, on Jan. 2, 1828, and was brought up and educated in that place. He learned the trade of dyeing at Barmen on the Rhine river, a prominent textile manufacturing town. Upon completing a thorough apprenticeship, he emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1848, while still under age, and located at Manayunk, where he secured the position of dyer in the manufacturing plant of Joseph Ripka. He remained at this place three years, and then went to Norwich, Conn., to assume charge of two large dyeing establishments, one at that city and the other at Greeneville, an adjoining town. After continuing there nearly fifteen years, he vis- ited Reading, Pa., and becoming favorably impresseidl with this growing city as a promising center, he selected a site for a mill on the Antietam Creek, at a point three miles east from Reading. In 1864 they commenced mak- ing woolen goods under the name of Kraemer, Schaefer & Co. In 1879 the company was re-organized under the name of Louis Kraemer & Co., and the works have been operated under this name ever since. This industry has been very successful for over forty years, the goods manufactured obtaining a high reputation, and being ship- ped to all parts of the United States. Quite naturally a thriving settlement was formed in the vicinity of the plant by its employes, and this came to be known as Stony Creek, comprising nearly fifty dwellings, and a population exceeding 200. The leading spirit in the com- munity was the founder of the plant which supports the people, all of whom respected him highly for his simple but noble nature and true Christian character His love of people under and about him and the reciprocity between them was "as admirable as it was appreciable. Mr. Kraemer, the father, was married in 1852 to Cath- erine Pfeil, daughter of John Pfeil, of Westphalia. They were the parents of four children, of whom the son named is the only survivor. They w.ere members of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church of Reading, being among the first members at its organization, when they withdrew from the First Reformed Church. The wife died in 1872, and the husband in 1903. During the last twenty-five years of his life Mr. Krae- mer made several trips across the ocean, giving special attention to Switzerland and Germany, for which coun- tries he had a strong affection. The establishing of "Textile," a promising industrial suburban town (since absorbed by Wyomissing), a mile west of Reading by young German manufacturers from Barmen on the Rhine, is directly attributable to his great success and influence. SAMUEL BELL, clerk of the United States Circuit court at Philadelphia, for thirty-seven years, was born at Reading, Berks county, April 25, 1827. He was edu- cated in private schools and at Yale College until his eighteenth year, when he went to Philadelphia to engage in the wholesale dry goods business. He served as a salesman until 1851, and then became a partner of B. A. Knight, trading under the name of Knight & Bell, for a number of ■■•er'-s. When the Civil war broke out, Mr. Bell enlisted and served three months. Afterward he acted as one of the commissioners to conduct the draft at Philadelphia: and he served as paymaster in the United States Regu- lar Army bv the appointment of President Lincoln. In February, 1865, he was elected a member of the Union League, and he has been prominently identified with this influential organization until the present time. , He be- came a member of the Meade Post, G. A. R., at Philadel- phia, in 1868, and of the Loyal Legion in 1874, retaining his membership until now. He was elected as a member of the First City Troop of Cavalry at Philadelphia in 1851, and he is now the oldest surviving member of this popular and historic military society. In 1870 Mr. Bell was appointed by Judge McKenna as the clerk of the United States Circuit court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and he filled this im- portant office with great success for thirty-seven years, resigning Jan. 1, 1907, on account of his age. He was appointed United States Commissioner at Philadelphia in 1874, and he is still serving this office, notwithstand- ing his advanced years. He was elected a member _ of the board of school controllers, and filled the position by re-election for twenty-seven years, officiating as pres- ident of the board for twenty-two years. His father was the Hon. Samuel Bell, merchant at Reading and associate judge of the courts of Berks coun- ty. He was born at Reading in 1797. For many years until his decease in 1863 he was a prominent member of the First Presbyterian Church. • He married Louisa Bowman, daughter of Jacob Bowman, of Brownsville, Pa., and their children were : Mary Greer, Jacob B., Samuel (above). Sterling, Goodloe B., Arthur G., James Lowrie, Mary Louisa and William Arthur. His grandfather was William Bell, born in Ireland in 1763. He emigrated in 1791, and settled at Reading, Pa., where he was successfully engaged in the dry goods business and the manufacture of flour in several grist- mills for many years, until his decease in 1838. He mar- ried Mary Greer, also born in Ireland, daughter of Ar- thur Greer, and they had an only child, Samuel. DR. CHARLES MECK SELTZER, physician at Phil- adelphia for thirty years, was born at . Philadelphia March 7, 1857. He received his preliminary education in private schools and in the Eastburn Academy, which he attend- ed until 1875, when he took up the study of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, graduating and re- ceiving his diploma in. 1878. He traveled abroad for a year, attending the hospitals in England, France, Italy and Germany, and upon his return was appointed resi- dent physician of the Episcopal Hospital, which position he filled successfully for two years ; afterward he at- tended the hospital as visiting surgeon from 1881 to 1887. In his private practice he was associated with Dr. Horace Y. Evans from 1883 to 1885, but since 1885 has been ac- tively engaged in practice by himself. For fifteen years he lectured on Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene in the Eastburn Academy and during the year 1894 he filled the position of professor of Hygiene in the Medico-Chirur- gical College. During his first ten years of private prac- tice he was visiting physician and surgeon to numerous institutions, including the Charity Hospital, Northern Home, • Odd Fellows Home, Angora Home, and several others. Since 1895 he has been acting as the supervis- ing medical ex.aminer of the Travelers Insurance Com- pany of Hartford, at Philadelphia, with many physicians under him. Of late years Dr. Seltzer has gradually been withdrawing from active practice of medicine and de- voting his time and energies to matters of hygiene — es- pecially to the production of pure milk and scientific agri- culture, also to the disposal of the waste of large cities, particularly garbage and its reduction to sanitary by-pro- ducts. In 1885 he was married to Emilv Stulb, daughter of Joseph Stulb, of Philadelphia, and thev have a daughter, Mary Louise. His father was Franklin Peter Seltzer (cousin of Jonathan F. Seltzer, whose sketch appears in this publication), born at Womelsdorf in 1823. When he was a bov six years old his parents removed West, driv- ing all the way ai-'d settling at Crestline, in Ohio, where thev were amontr <-he first settlers. He was educated there and remained i" that vicinity at farming until 1845, when he went to Philadelphia and entered a wholesale grocery 350 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA store as a clerk, where' he continued until 1847. He then formed a partnership with his cousin, Jacob Sheetz, for conducting a wholesale grocery and liquor business, and they were partners for fifteen years. Their store was at Third and Callowhill streets. In 1863 he became the sole owner and he continued at the same stand with increasing success until 1873, when he removed to a larg- er and more central property. No. 1017 Market street, which he had purchased. At this stand he became still more successful, with .his trading relations extending throughout Pennsylvania and into the adjoining States; and he continued actively engaged until his decease in 1886, having been identified with the mercantile life of Philadelphia for forty years. He was largely interested for twenty years, in the "Continental Hotel," then the leading hotel of Philadelphia, and at his decease he was succeeded by his son Charles, who became president of the board of managers and officiated until 1903. He was married to Louisa Meek, a daughter of Isaac Meek, of Liverpool, in Perry county. Pa., and they had eleven children: Charles M. ; Anna Maria, married to Dr. Hen- ry A. Smith; Alice Louise; Susan May, married to John H. Zebley; Henry Fister, married to Margaret Moore; Ralph Edgar, married to Helen Thomas; Elizabeth Maud ; Walter Harold, who died in 1905, aged twenty- six years; and three who died in infancy. Dr. Seltzer's grandfather was David Seltzer, born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, at Womelsdorf, and he assisted his father at farming until 1829, when he mov- ed with his family to Ohio. He was married to Elizabeth Sheetz, while at home, and they had five children, in- cluding a son Franklin Peter. Upon his first wife's death he married Margaret Kuntz, by whom he had two chil- dren, and after her decease he married a third wife, whose name was Kuhn. [For antecedents see sketch of J. R. Seltzer, in this publication.] COL. NICHOLAS LOTZ was born Feb. 20, 1740, and emigrated to Pennsylvania when a young man. He first settled in the western section of the county, and there married a young woman by the name of Meyer. Some time previous to the Revolution he located at Reading, and became the owner of the two mills at the mouth of the Wyomissing Creek, which he conducted very success- fully. When the struggle for independence began, he was prominently identified with the patriotic movements at Reading. He served as one of the ten delegates from Berks county to the Provincial Conference, which assem- bled at Philadelphia in June, 1776, and upon his return home, he took, an active part in the enlistment of men. He was commissioned a Lieutenant-colonel, and partici- pated in the movement of the "Flying Camp" from Phil- adelphia to New York, where he was engaged in the bat- tle of Long Island and taken prisoner. He was admit- ted to parole within certain bounds on April 16, 1777, and exchanged on September 10, 1779. In 1780 he was ap- pointed commissioner of Forage, and whilst serving this appointment he purchased a large amount of supplies for the army, consisting of flour,, oats, cattle, sheep, etc. A receipt book of his still extant in 1893, shows receipts for money paid out from Aug. 12, 1780, to Dec. 5, 1781, aggregating $202,033. He advanced large sums of mon- ey from his own purse for the government, but unfortu- nately was never fully repaid. Colonel Lotz represented Berks county in the Genera! Assembly from 1784 to 1786, and again from 1790 to 1794 ; and he filled the appointment of associate judge of the county from 1795 to 1806, having succeeded Colonel Jo- seph Hiester in that office. He died Nov. 29, 1807. He left to survive him, eight children, seven sons — Philip, Nicholas, Jacob, John, Henry. Michael, and William — and one daughter — Rosa (m. John Yeager). His remains were buried in the grave yard of the First Reformed Church at Reading, and from thence removed to the Charles Evans' Cemetery. He was a man of splendid physique, well proportioned, six feet three inches tall, and weighed about three hundred pounds. In 1794 Gen. Washington, then President of the United States, visited Reading while on his way to Carlisle. Col. Lotz was at the head of a party of prominent men who arranged a military parade in honor of Washington. The latter reviewed the parade from a second story win- dow of Federal Inn, the building now occupied by the Farmers' Bank. Philip Lotz was the son of Col. Nicholas. His fam- ily Bible is in an excellent state of preservation, and the entries were made by himself. We copy these entries : My father, Nicholas Lotz, died on Nov. 29, 1807, aged 67 years, 9 months and 8 days. My dearest wife, Catharina Lotz, died March 13, 1821, aged 41 years and 14 days. His marriage record is as follows : April 16, 1797, Philip Lotz and Catharina Rapp were married. Phil- ip Lotz had eleven children. The oldest was William, born April 4, 1799j who resided many years at No. 213 North Sixth street, Reading, and who aided largely in erecting the present St. John's Reformed church. Next to the youngest child was Mary, the late widow of Peres Hain, a well-known member of St. Paul's church. She was confirmed by Rev. William Pauli in the First church in 1834, soon after its erection. The Bible mentioned above is the property of Daniel Miller, author of "History of the Reformed Church in Reading," who also is the happy possessor of a large volume in German, which was the property of Col. Nich- olas Lotz. It is a book of sermons which explain the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the catechism. It was published in Jena in 16.58. Col. Lotz gave this book to his son John. On the fly leaf in the beginning of the book is this transfer : "This book belongs to John Lotz after my death. Witness my hand, written on the twenty-third day of November, 1806. Nicholas Lotz." On Jan. 18, 1808, John Lotz transferred the book to his brother Philip Lotz. The descendants of Col. Nicholas Lotz are numer- ous in Reading. Mrs. Hoflfman, wife of the late Rev. Henry Hoffman, was a great-grandchild. Mr. Chas. K. Snell, present secretary of the First church consistory, is a great-great-grandson. GARRICK MALLERY, fourth President Judge of Berks county, was a native of Massachusetts. After ob- taining a preliminary education, he entered Yale College and was graduated in 1809. He soon afterward became principal of an academy at Wilkes Barre. While occupy- ing that position he engaged in the study of law, and was admitted to the Bar about 1812. Being well-adapted by nature to the legal profession, he added to his efficiency by diligent study, and soon acquired a practice which extended over a large portion of northern Pennsyl- vania. In 1825 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, and during his legislative career was instrumental in securing the enactment of certain bills which led to the great improvement of the North Branch region. In 1832, Governor Wolf appointed him president judge of the Third Judicial District, then com- posed of Berks, Northampton and Lehigh counties, and he served the appointment for three years. The Hon. William Strong, of the Supreme court of the United States, was married to a daughter. ELIJAH BULL was for about thirty years one of the important figures in the commercial world of Reading. He was probably best known in his connection with the Reading Stove Works, Orr, Painter & Co., of which firm he was a member for over thirty years before his retire- ment, thereafter continuing to serve as director until his death. Other business interests which made him prominent in the city were his association with the Nation- al Union Bank, the Building and Loan Association and the Reading Hospital. Mr. Bull was regarded with particular esteem as the architect of his own fortunes, for he rose to a position of distinction from ordinary circumstances. Mr. Bull was born Jan. 20, 1835, at Springfield, Ches- ter Co., Pa., son of Thomas and Sarah A. (Painter) BIOGRAPHICAL 351 Bull, and grandson of Elijah Bull, the latter a native of Chester county, where he spent all his life. He owned and operated large tracts of farm land. He was mus- tered into the volunteer service of this war of 1812, but before the detachment of which he was a member reach- ed the front the war had been brought to a close. . Thomas Bull, father of Elijah, was born in Spring- field, Chester county, May 23, 1802, and there received his education. He was reared to farming which he fol- lowed in his native county until the spring of 1846,- when he moved to Pottsville, Pa. There he took up the voca- tion of a blacksmith, but he died within a short time thereafter June 13, 1847. He married Sarah A. Painter, and they had five children: Margaret m. Levi Buckwal- ter, of Spring City, Chester Co., Pa.; Charles, late of Reading, was a stove mounter, engaged in the works of Orr, Painter & Co.; Elizabeth died in childhood; Elijah; and Mary m. the late B. p. Graff. Mr. Bull m. (second) Maria Cryley, and to them were born two children, name- ly: Susan, m. to Reuben Rishel; and Thomas, who re- sides in St. Louis, Missouri. Elijah Bull received a good education in the public schools of Chester county. Going to Philadelphia, he learned the trade of a stove molder, and there followed that occupation until he was thrown out of employment by the closing of the works on account of the panic of 1857. Thereafter until 1864 he worked part of the year at his trade, teaching school in Chester county during the winter months. In 1864 he began teaching in Ma- hanoy City, where he continued three years, during which time he became superintendent of the schools. On Jan. 1, 1867, he became a member of the firm of Orr, Paint- er & Co., manufacturers of stoves, hoUowware and fine castings. In February, 1886, the firm was incorporated as the Reading Stove Works, Orr, Painter & Co. Soon after becoming a member of the firm Mr. Bull assumed charge of the shipping department, and discharged the duties of that position with fidelity until the death of Mr. Orr, in June, 1892. when he was made treasurer of the company. The latter position he retained until 1898, when he retired from active participation in the af- fairs of the company, though he continued to hold stock and serve as a member of the board of directors. The extent of the business done by this concern may be judged from the fact that over four hundred workmen were em- ployed in the various departments, engaged in molding, casting, grinding, cleaning, grinding and polishing, nickel- plating, finishing and mounting. Four branches are con- ducted — in Chicago, Boston, Buffalo and Philadelphia, representing thousands upon thousands of stoves made and sold annually. Mr. Bull was a director of the Nation- al Union Bank of Reading, and a member of the Build- ing & Loan Association. He never took any active part in public matters, his business duties having occupied all his time and attention., He was a member of the board of managers of the Reading Hospital, and liberal and generous along lines of true philanthropy. Mr. Bull was a member of the Memorial M. E. Church of Read- in, and was at one time president of its board of trus- tees. He joined the Odd Fellows in 185-, affiliating with Welcome Lodge, No. 229, of Philadelphia, and was also a member of Mt. Penn Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He enlisted for emergency service during the Civil war in the 42d regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. On Dec. 31, 1867, Mr. Bull married Mary A. Amole, whose father, George Amole, of Chester county, Pa., was born Oct. 12, 1802. and died Feb. 20, 1876. He was a farmer by vocation, and always resided in Chester coun- ty. ■ Mr. Bull died Jan. 18, 1900, and his wife survived until Sept. 18, 1903. Their only child, Edna Marguerite, was' married May 13, 1905, to Henry C. Keast, a native of Michigan, born Sept. 34, 1882, son of Charles and An- na E. (Eustice) Keast, both of whom were born in Corn- wall, England. Mr. and Mrs. Keast have one child, Ken- neth E., born Aug. 7, 1906. Mr. Keast came to Reading in childhood and received his education in the public schools and the Interstate Commercial College. For some time he was chief pack- er for C. K. Whitner & Co.. leaving them in 1902 to en- ter the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with which he has since remained. He is chief clerk to Mr. A. H. Kline, the Chief Inspector of Lumber of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is a Republican in poli- tics. NATHANIEL POTTS HOBART was born in Phil- adelphia Oct. 3, 1790, read law in the office of John C. Smith, and was admitted to the Bar of his native city; removed to Pottstown, where he was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. Simon Snyder; joined Capt. Daniel De B. Keim's company of Washington Blues in August, 1814; marched with it to Camp Depont, and there joined the 1st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers Oct. 7, 1814, and served as fourth sergeant of the com- pany until Dec. 5th of the same year, when they re- turned to Reading; admitted an attorney of the Berks County bar Jan. 3, 1818; was clerk in the prothonotary"s office, under John Adams, for several years ; was as- sistant clerk in the House of Representatives at Harris- burg, under chief clerk Francis R. Shunk. In 1827 Gov- ernor Shulze appointed him clerk of the Orphans' court and court of Quarter Sessions of Berks county, which positions he held until 1830, when he removed to Potts- town. In 1826 he was appointed auditor-general of Penn- sylvania by Governor Ritner, and held the office for three years. He resided at Pottstown from 1830 until his death July 3, 1860. He married April 18,' 1813, Jo- anna Holland, and their children were: John Potts (who became an attorney in Pottsville), Sarah P., Eliza R., Anna Sophia, Robert H., Nathaniel B., William R. and Ellen G. Hobart. EDWARD BURD was a practising attorney at Read- ing, having been admitted to practice in the courts of Berks county in 1772. He removed to Reading from Lancaster. When the company of Capt. George Nagel marched to Cambridge, in Massachusetts, during July and August, 1775, Burd was one of a number of de- voted and patriotic sons who went along at their own expense; and when the "Flying Camp" was raised he was chosen major of Haller's regiment. In the Battle of Long Island, in August, 1776, he was taken prisoner, and while imprisoned addressed a letter to Hon. Jasper Yeates, at Lancaster. On August 12, 1778, he was ap- pointed prothonotary of the Supreme court, and he con- tinued to officiate in this position by re-appointment until Jan. 2, 1800. His autograph is reproduced herewith : JOHN SILVIS ERMENTROUT, second County Super- intendent of Public Schools of Berks county (eldest son of William and Justina Silvis Ermentrout), was born at Womelsdorf, Berks county, Sept. 27, 1827. When he was two years old his parents removed to Reading, and there he was reared. Developing a great aptitude for study, he was sent to Marshall College, Mercersburg, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1845, the first honor man of his class, though not yet eighteen years of age. He re- mained in the college as a tutor, teaching the languages and lecturing on history. At the same time he was a student of the Theological Seminary connected with the institution, and from this seminary he was graduated in 1848, and then ordained as a minister of the Reformed Church. For a time he was editor of the Reformed Messenger. In 1852 he was installed pastor of the Reformed Church at Norristown, Pa., where he served for six years. He returned to Reading in 1859, and opened a select school. One year afterward he was elected superintendent of the common schools, and he was twice re-elected, ■ serving from 1860 to 1869. In 1865 he was active in founding the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, became its 353 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA first principal, and continued as such until 1871, when he resigned, preparatory to making a public profession of his faith in the Roman Catholic Church, and removed to Baltimore, where he edited a Catholic journal. Sub- sequently he taught in the St. Charles Borromeo Semmary at Overbrook, near Philadelphia. In 1873, by the unanimous action of the board of trustees of the Keystone State Normal School, he was re- called to that institution, and he filled the chair of Mental and Moral Science and English Literature, until his death in 1881. The vast influence he exerted in educational matters can hardly be overestimated, and the institution which he promoted at Kutztown will always constitute an enduring monument to his memory. JONATHAN JONES was a son of David Jones, one of the earliest settlers of Caernarvon township, Berks county. He was born in that township in 1738. Upon the breaking out of the Revolution he raised a com- pany of Associators in that locality, and was appointed a captain in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, of the regular Continental army Oct. 25, 1775. He was ordered with his company to the "British Barracks," at Phila- delphia, and acted as part of the escort of Martha Washington into Philadelphia. In December he was ordered into Northampton comity, Va., to protect it against Lord Dunmore. The alarming state of affairs in Canada led to the revocation of this order, and, by command of Congress, he marched with his company of eighty-three men for Quebec, over the snow and "frozen lakes." This terrible midwinter march con- sumed two months. After the precipitate retreat from Quebec, he voluntarily returned, at the risk of capture, and recovered valuable papers. He was with Arnold in his pursuit of the British, after the battle of the Cedars, and took part in the battle of "Three Rivers," June 8. 1776. He shared the terrible and distressing sufferings of the army in its disastrous retreat to Ticonderoga, and underwent at that post the severe and exacting rou- tine of military duty incident to its fortilication and defense to resist the attack of General Carleton. He was stationed there from July 9 to Nov. 15, 1776. On Oct. 27th the time of enlistment of his men ran out, but through his exertions they consented to remain as long as the enemy was in their front. After a year's active service he was promoted to the rank of major, Oct. 25, 1770, and to lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, which had become the 2d under the new arrangement, A-Iarch 12, 1777. Hi.s constitution was so shattered by the hardships and exposure of the canTpaign against Canada that he was obliged to return home to recruit his health in the winter of 1776-77. Having partially recovered, he rejoined his regiment in the spring of 1777, the command of which devolved upon him after the res- ignation of Col. James Irvine, June 1, 1777. Two com- panies of the regiment were then on duty iji Philadelphia and the remainder were guarding the upper ferries of the Delaware. Increasing ill health, however, obliged hiuT to resign his commission in the latter part of July. In December, 1778, he was appointed by the Assembly a commissioner under the test laws, and he was a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania from Berks county from October, 1779, to October, 1780. His health continued steadily to decline, and he was shortly after- ward stricken with paralysis, of which he died, after a lingering illness, on Sept. 26, 1782, at the early age of forty-four. He was buried at Bansor Church, Church- town, of which members of his family had been wardens and vestrymen from its earliest foundation. HTESTER FA^IILY. One of the old and import- ant families of Berks county is that of Hiester, and the ancestry can be clearlv traced to Johannes and Catherine Hiester. who spelled their name in German Huster. They had three sons who came to America, John, Joseph and Daniel by name. John, born in 1707, in 1750 married Mary Barbara Epler, and died in 1757. Joseph, born in 1710, married Elizabeth Strunk, and died in 1777. Daniel, born in 1713, in 1742 married Catherine Schuler, and died in 1795. They were natives of the town of Elsoff, in the Grafschaft of Witgenstein, Westphalia, Germany. These brothers settled in Pennsylvania early in the eighteenth 'century, and their descendants have been more or less prominent in the various walks of life in the same section ever since. Joseph Hiester came to America in 1738 and first went to live in Goshenhoppen, then Philadelphia (now Mont- gomery) county. Several years afterward Joseph and his brothers, John and Daniel, united in purchasing from the Proprietary government between two thousand and three thousand acres of land in Bern township, Berks county. Here Joseph and John settled, while Daniel remained at the old homestead in Goshenhoppen. Joseph and his wife Elizabeth had the following children: John, born in 1754, died in 1826 ; John Christian married Susan Reber ; Catherine, born in 1758, died in 1813, married Nicholas Lieb; Daniel, born in 1761, died in 1827, mar- ried Magdalena Albright; one son married Barbara Kauff- man; another son married Susan Anman; Ann Eliza, born April 8, 1766, married Jacob Van Reed ; Joseph, born in 1768, died in 1830, married Elizabeth Beck ; and William, born in 1770, died in 1828, married Anna Maria Bentz. Daniel Hiester had several sons who were distinguished: John, born in 1746, was a member of Congress in 1807 — 08, resigned, and was succeeded by his son Daniel, who served in 1809-10; Daniel of Montgomery county, born in 1747, was a representative in Congress from Pennsylvania from 1789 to 1797, and from Maryland from 1801 to 1805; Gabriel, of Berks county, served thirty years in the State Legislature; William, the youngest son, for a short time served in the Continental army (his son William, born in 1791, of Lancaster county, was a member of Congress in 1833-35, and died Oct 15 1853). The first named John Hiester had a son Joseph, who was a member of the convention to ratify the Constitu- tion of the United States ; was repeatedly elected to the State Senate and House; was a member of Congress in 1797-1S07, and from 1815 to 1821, resigning to assume the governorship of Pennsylvania. tie died June 10, 1832. John Hiester, grandfather of John K. Hiester of Read- ing, was a son of the Joseph Hiester who was born in Germany in 1710. John was born in Bern township, Berks county, Sept. 25, 1754, and died Sept. 17, 1826. He is buried at Bern Church, which he helped to erect. He owned a tract of 200 acres, which was divided after his death into five shares. This was all woodland when he secured it. His wife was Catherine Albright, and they had the following children: John died unmarried; Ann Eliza married Jacob Gieding; Willianii died un- married; Daniel died unmarried: Catherine married David Bohn; Daniel died unmarried: John Christian married Catherine Kramer; Yost married Rebecca Reber; and Jacob. Jacob Hiester, father of John K. Hiester, was born m Bern township July 1, 1801, and died ini March, 1873. He was a lifelong farmer, and died on the farm on which he was born and on wliich he had spent his whole life. His portion of the old Hiester farm was some sixty- six acres, to which he had added twentv acres. In politics he was a Democrat, but he held no office except that of school director, a position he filled for six vears. He and his family were members of the Bern Church, of which he was one of the leading elders. For many years he served as a lieutenant in the State militia, "and he made a fine appearance, as he was a man of commanding presence. He married Susanna Kramer, daughter of John and Catherine (Ruhl) Kramer, of Bern township, and they had the following children : Adam, a farmer on the old homestead, married Rebecca Gring; Lydia mar- ried John Moyer, a farmer of Pleidelber? township; Gabriel died young; John K. is residing at Re'ading; Cath- erine died unmarried. BIOGRAPHICAL 35J John K. Hiester was born in Bern township, on one of the old Hiester stands, Nov. 2, 1848. His edu- cation was obtained in the township schools, at a Reading ■academy, and at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown. In the fall of 1866 he began teaching at Hiester's school in Bern township, and during the winter of 1868-69 he taught in Maiden-creek township; later taught one year in Bern township ; three terms in Ruscombmanor township ; three terms in Exeter township; one term in Jefferson; one term in Ontelaunee; two terms in Birdsboro; three terms in Cumru; two terms in Robeson, and then thirteen terms in Bern township, in all thirty-two terms, his services being given all over ithe county, with fifteen terms in his native township. He thus became widely known, and is' held in high esteem, and he constantly meets his former pupils, many of whom never received other in- struction than that he gave them. During the summer months, until 1890, Mr. Hiester worked upon the farm in his native township, but in that year he came to Reading and in the) following year he purchased his comfortable home at No. 314 South Thirteenth street, where he has resided ever since. After establishing his home at Reading he continued to follow his profession during the winter months until 1898-1899, when he taught for the last time. For five summer seasons he was in the employ of Alderman Griesemer and subsequently worked as labor boss and shipping clerk in the Johnson Foundry & Machine Company, where he continued for seven years ; when that firm went out of busi- ness he went to the American Iron & Steel Company, where he has remained until the present. On Oct. 30, 1890, Mr. Hiester married Hettie A. Deish- er, born Oct. 30, 1857, a daughter of William and Sarah (Stayer) Deisher, the former of whom is a farmer and business man of Berks county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hies- ter have been born three children, namely: S. Adella, born Feb. 21, 1892; Morris W., born in August, 1893, who died in October, 1893 ; and WiHiam L., born June 17, 1895. Mr. Hiester has spent almost all of his life in Berks county, but in January, 1869, he went to Lee county, Iowa, ^where he worked on a farm until his return to Berks " county in the following October. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of Bern Union Church and of the Reformed denomination. His wife worships in Grace Lutheran Church. Thomas K. Hiester, one of the prominent farmers of Bern township and a representative member of an old and leading family, was born where he now resides, Dec. 16, 1861. He is a son of Harrison K. Hiester and a grandson of John Christian Hiester (son of Joseph, born in 1710). The graftdfather was a man of ample fortune, owning two farms near the well-known Bern Church, and he was noted both for his fine personal appearance and for his good judgment and foresight. He and his wife lie buried at Bern Church. He married Catherine Kramer, a native of Bern township. They had five chil- dren : Benneville ; Jared ; Harrison K. ; Washington, twin of Harrison, now residing on North Queen street, Lan- caster, the oldest surviving member of this family; and Maria, who married John Eyrich. Harrison K. Hiester, father of Thomas K., was born in Bern township Aug. 6, 1832, and died April 27, 1904; he was laid to rest in Bern churchyard. He was the owner of the old homestead, consisting of 134 acres, and later he bought an adjoining farm of 107 acres from his brother Benneville, the transaction taking place in 1876. He was an enterprising farmer and a man of progress in his community. At the time of his death he was serving as school director. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a liberal supporter of the Reformed faith and of the Bern Church. He married Rosabella Kischner, born Sept. 16. 1834, who died Feb. 24, 1878, aged forty- three years, five months, eight days. They had issue as follows : Kate, widow of Aaron Bohn. lives at Mt. Pleas- ant; Ellen married T. F. Yeager: Thomas K. is men- tioned below ; Mary married Jonathan Ohlinsrer, of Penn township; Rosa married Adam Gruber; Sallie, deceased, 23 married Cyrus Bohn; Annie married Henry Stamm, of Penn township; Jemima, unmarried, resides at Reading; Edward K. lives in Bern towtiship; Harry lives in Penn township; Lizzie, residing in Bern township, is married to Grant Hartman. Thomas K. Hiester was educated in the township schools and the Kutztown State Normal School, and in 1879 he taught school in Bern township. Then he was em- ployed by his father until 1888, when he began to farm the homestead for himself; he bought the property in 1905. His farm contains 134 acres of very valuable land, which, under Mr. Hiester's excellent management, is very productive. Like the other members of his family he is identified with the Democratic party and is sound on all its doctrines. He has served on the township election board and in_ 1896 he was made a member of the school board, of which he has been president ever since, having twelve schools under his supervision. He is a leading member of the Bern Reformed Church and one of its deacons. Thomas K. Hiester married (first) Eva Bohn, a daugh- ter of Emanuel and Elvina (Krick) Bohn. She died Dec. 31, 1891, aged twenty-three years, seven months, nine days, and was buried at the Bern Church. She was survived by two children, William and Edna, the for- mer of whom resides at home; the latter married Daniel Gicker, a well-known young man of this community. Mr. Hiester married (second) Ruth Fisher, daughter of James and Elizabeth Fisher, and they have had two children: Walter, who attends school; and Mabel, who died aged ten months, June 9, 1902. Edward K. Hiester, a well-known young farmer of Bern township and a member of the old Hiester family of this section, was born on the Hiester homestead May 1, 1871, son of Harrison K. and Rosabella (Kischner) Hiester. He attended the public schools of his native township and during 1888-89 was a student for two ses- sions at the Kutztown State Normal School, after whiph he worked for his father on the farm. In 1898 he began to farm for himself and bought one of the Hiester horpe- steads. It is valuable land, and Mr. Hiester has im- proved it by erecting fine buildings and modernizing his residence to a large degree, putting in a system of water pressure. His land adjoins the Bern Church prop- erty. In 1892 he married Sallie Schwoyer, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah (Looser) Schwoyer, of Centreport, Berks county, and they have the following children: Abner, Harry, Earl, Bertha, Edward J. and John. Politically Mr. Hiester is a Democrat, and he has served as township assessor. He is serving in his third term in this office and is a popular public official. • For two years he served as a deacon of the Bern Reformed Church. COL. DANIEL UDREE was born in Philadelphia Aug. 5, 1751. Removing to Berks county, he settled in Oley township, where he became extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron. He operated the Oley Furnace and Rockland Forges very successfully for over thirty years, owning, in connection with those industries, sev- eral thousand acres of land. He was established in busi- ness by his uncle, Jacob Winey, a prominent capitalist and merchant of Philadelphia. Colonel Udree was enlisted in the Revolutionary war for several years, commanding a regiment at the battle of Brandywine where his horse was shot under him. He took an active part in the local militia for many years, and served as major-general for one term of seven years about 1815. He represented Berks county in the General Assembly from 1799 to 1803, and also for the year 1805, and while there showed an earnest interest in legislation relative to public internal improvements in the State. He was the representative in Congress for the Berks Dis- trict for two terms, from 1813 to 1815, and from 1823 to 1825. It was while he was at Washington, during his last term in Congress, that John Quincy Adams was elected President. He, however, was one of Jackson's supporters. He died July 15, 1828, leaving a large estate. He was the last really prominent and representative man 354 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA who lived in Oley, and one of the few Congressmen se- lected from the country districts of the county. He was a well-developed man, rather below the medium height, and his conversational manner was quick and nervous. JOHN BANKS, the fifth President Judge of Berks county, serving from 1836 to 1847, was born near Lewis- burgh, Juniata county, Pa., in the year 1793. His pa- ternal grandfather emigrated fromi Scotland. His father being a farmer, his youth v/as spent mostly on a farm, but the advantages of a liberal education were not denied him. He entered upon the study of law, was admitted to the Bar in 1819, and soon after removed to the western part of the State, He located in Mercer county, and there attained eminence at the Bar. Without any solicitation on his part he was nominated and elected a representative in Congress, and twice re-elected, serving from 1831 to 1836, He won distinction in Congress by his treatment of contested election cases. In the spring of 1836, he va- cated his seat in Congress to accept the appointment of president judge of the Third Judicial District of the State, composed of the counties of Berks, Lehigh and North- ampton. His superior qualities soon won for him the full confidence of the people. No man was ever more obliging and condescending to his juniors than he, and no man ever lived in Reading whose companionship was more highly prized by so varied a circle of friends. Hav- ing spent eleven years as president judge of the court, he resigned the position in 1847 and accepted the office of State treasurer of Pennsylvania, in which he served one term. In 1841, while judge of the courts, he was nom- inated by the Whig party for the office of governor of Pennsylvania, but was defeated by David R. Porter, the Democratic nominee. He was subsequently nominated by the Whig members of the State Legislature, when in the minority, as their candidate for United States senator. Upon his retirement from the Bench, Judge Banks re- sumed the practice of the law, and soon became the ac- knowledged leader of the Berks county Bar. He contin- ued in his profession until his death, April 3, 1864, enjoy- ing a very extensive and lucrative practice. DR. WILLIAM F. MUHLENBERG, physician at Read- ing since 1872, and a lineal descendant of Rev. Henry Mel- chior Muhlenberg, recognized as the founder of the Lutheran Church in America, was born in Gettysburg, Pa., Nov. 18, 1853, while his father was filling the position of Pro- fessor of Greek in the Pennsylvania College at that place. His preliminary education was obtained at that institu- tion, and he was graduated from Muhlenberg College at AUentown, Pa., in 1868, of which his father had be- come the president. Then he entered the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, and gradu- ated in 1872. Selecting Reading as a promising field for practising his chosen profession, he located in that city, won the confidence of the people, and soon secured a lucrative practice, which he has held until the present time. In 1884 he was appointed surgeon for the Penn- sylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company, for cases arising at and in the vicinity of Reading, and he has since servedthis position in a most satisfactory manner. Dur- ing this long period he has also served as a surgeon at the Reading Hospital. Dr. Muhlenberg has been an active member of the Berks County Medical Society, and also of the Reading Medical Society, for many years, having officiated as president of these bodies, and he is recognized by them as a most skillful surgeon, as well as a general practi- tioner. For social diversion, he has identified himself with the Wyomissing Club, and the Berkshire Club at Reading; also with the University Club and the Country Club at Philadelphia; in all of which he has shown great interest. Dr, Muhlenberg was married, in 1884, to Augusta Muhlenberg, daughter of Hiester H. and Katherine (Hun- ter) Muhlenberg, of Reading, and by her he has three chilaren : Hiester (who graduated from the Pennsyl- vania University in 1908) ; Frederick Augustus (who graduated from the Reading high school in 1904, and Pennsylvania College in 1908) ; and Augusta. His wife died in 1890. He and his children are members of Trinity Lutheran Church. His wife's father was prominently identified -with the financial interests and enterprises of Reading for many years, having filled the office of cashier of the Farmers Bank from 1842 until his decease in 1886. Rev. Dr. Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, father of the Doctor, was born at Lancaster in 1818, and died in Read- ing in 1901. He was very prominently connected with higher education in several colleges of Pennsylvania for sixty years, the last important position being that of professor of Greek at the University of Pennsylvania. His wife was Catharine Muhlenberg, daughter of Major Peter Muhlenberg, of Reading. She died in 1894 aged sixty-seven years. They had four sons ; Ernest A., Henry M., Francis B., and William F. Rev. Dr. Henry Ernest Muhlenberg, his great-grand- father, was also of Lancaster, and his maternal great- grandfather was the distinguished Revolutionary hero. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg. FREDERICK SMITH, Attorney General and Associate Justice of Pennsylvania, and one of the most distin- guished men that Berks county produced, was born at Reading in 1773. He was a son of the Rev. John Fred- erick Smith, an eminent divine of the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneers of that denom- ination in America. He obtained a superior classical education, and, selecting the law as his profession, after a careful preparation was admitted to the Bar at Reading Aug. 7, 1795. He soon won prominence and distinction, both as a counselor and as an attorney in important liti- gation. In the meantime he became actively interested in local politics, and served as a member of the Legislature in 1802 and 1803. He was appointed deputy attorney- general for Berks county in 1818, and filled that position three years. He served from 1823 to 1828 as attorney- general of Pennsylvania, and as an associate justice of the Supreme Court from 1828 until the time of his death. His judicial career, though brief, was distinguished. He died at Reading Oct. 4, 1830. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church. He married Catharine Leaf, of Phila- delphia. His two sons, Henry W. Smith, Esq.» and George Smith, were prominent in the local affairs of Reading for fifty years anterior to 1878, when they died. JONES. The Jones family was founded in this country by Rev. Thomas Jones, who was born in the year 1702 in Newtonottage, Glamorganshire, Wales. In 1729 he mar- ried Martha Morris, and in 1737, they came to America with several children, arriving at Philadelphia on July 22d of that year. Rev. Thomas Jones first settled in the Great Valley of Chester county, Pa., where he took up lands, and where his neighbors included a number of Baptists, mostly of his own nationality, some of whom had crossed the Atlantic over thirty-five years earlier. In 1711 they had organized the Great Valley Baptist Church, and in 1719 the Montgomery Church. In 1738 a number of these people, all of Welsh extraction, mem- bers of the Great Valley and Montgomery Baptist Churches, removed to Lancaster county. Pa., settling along the Tul- pehocken creek, near its junction with the Schuylkill river, and also southwardly along that river, opposite what is now the city of Reading. The adults of this little com- pany were as follows: Thomas Jones and wife; David Evans and wife; James James and wife; Evan Lloyd and wife; George Rees and wife; John Davis and wife; Thomas Nicholas and wife; James Edwards and wife; Rees Thomas and wife; Henry Harry; David Lewis and Thomas Lloyd. These twenty-one persons, finding them- selves to be too far from their respective churches, re- quested leave to be constituted into a distinct society which accordingly was done Aug. 19, 1738, and the same year the new church joined the Philadelphia Association of Baptist Churches. In the year 1740 Thomas Jones was ordained a minister and became pastor of this church which was called the Tulpehocken Baptist Church after BIOGRAPHICAL ■ 355 the river which runs through the neighborhood. For two years services were held in a small log cabin erected on the property of Hugh Jones, but in 1740 the congregation built two meeting houses on lands presented to it — one about six miles from the Schuylkill river at Sinking Spring and the other several miles nearer the river. The church continued to prosper for a time, but became extinct sixty years later, "owing to the departure of Baptist families to other parts, and the coming of Germans in their stead." The lands owned by the church passed into the possession of the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Those parts on which the ancient graveyards are located are still held by the Philadelphia Baptist Association, but are at present under the care of the First Baptist Church of Reading. Rev. Thomas Jones died March 22, 1788, in his eighty- seventh year, and his wife Martha (Morris) died June 9, 1799, in her ninety-third year. They are buried in the graveyard of the Great Valley Baptist Church in Chester county, where their graves are suitably marked. Their children were: Thomas, Samuel, Griffith, Elizabeth and Sarah. They became allied by marriage with the Davis, Broomfield, Spicer, Lloyd and Cornog families, and from them sprang a host of descendants, many of whom still live in the vicinity of the homes of their fore-fathers, though the majority are widely scattered over the United States. Thomas Jones, son of Rev. Thomas and Martha (Mor- ris) Jones, was born in Wales in 1733. On Oct. 6, 1762, he married Mary Broomfield, and to them were born the following named children: Martha, Susanna, Sarah, Mary and Samuel. Of these, Martha m. Llewellyn Davis; Sarah m. Roger Davis; Mary m. Mr. Geiger; Susanna m. Dr. Kuhn, of Lancaster, Pa. The father of this family vi>a.s a large land holder in Heidelberg township, Berks county, and was a farnner by occupation. "At the very beginning of the Revolution he assisted in organizing the Associators of Berks county, and was in active service for a time as major of one of the battalions of this county." He was one of the eight delegates from Berks county to the Pro- vincial Convention which met at Philadelphia July 15, 1776, "for the express purpose of forming a new government in this Province on the authority of the people only." The convention appointed a committee of Safety, approved the Declaration of Independence, and prescribed for justices of the peace, oaths of renunciation of the authority of George III., and oaths of allegiance to the State of Penn- sylvania. Dr. Benjamin Franklin was president of the convention. Thomas Jones was commissioner of Berks county from 1779 to 1786. He died in March, 1800, and is buried in the Baptist graveyard at Sinking Spring. He was the, last surviving male member of the Tulpehocken Baptist Church. His wife, who survived him several years, was buried at his side, and their graves were marked, but the stones were removed. Samuel Jones, son of Thomas and grandson of Rev. Thomas, was born on the homestead in Heidelberg town- ship where his father erected a house in 1775. This house is still standing. He was a farmer by occupation, owned a large and valuable tract of land in Heidelberg town- ship, and had slaves, whom, however, 'he set free. The most noted of these slaves was Dinah Clark, a well known character in Reading in her day. The negro quarters occupied by the slaves on the Heidelberg farm are still standing. Samuel Jones donated the land upon which the eight-cornered building at Sinking Spring — used first as a Baptist meeting house, later as a school house, now as a .dwelling — was erected. The original deed of this property is held by the First Baptist Church of Reading. Samuel Jones married Elizabeth Huey, and to them were born four children, Thomas H., John H., Margaret and Mary C. (1) Thomas H. Jones was engaged in the iron business at Leesport, this county, and at the Windsor Furnace at Hamburg. He married Elizabeth Van Reed Evans, and their children, Mary E. and Elizabeth E. Jones, are living in Reading. (2) John H. Jones married Margaret (Seitzinger) Van- Reed, widow of Joshua Van Reed, and to them were born four children, namely : M. Agnes, wife of Hon. James K. Getz, at one time mayor of Reading; Ellen A., widow of Dr. Christian N. Hoffman; Elizabeth, widow of Dr. S. H. Clemens, of Allentown, Pa. ; and William W., deceased, who lived at Robesonia. (3) Margaret Jones m. Dr. Darrah. (4) Mary C. Jones m. Jacob Van Reed. Samuel Jones, D. D., son of Rev. Thomas Jones, was born Jan. 14, 1735. In his youth he was baptized into the membership of the Tulpehocken Baptist Church. He was educated in the College of Philadelphia, graduating in 1762, was ordained to the ministry in 1763, and became pastor of the Pennepek Baptist Church, which was or- ganized in 1688, and is now known as the Lower Dublin Church of Philadelphia. He retained that pastorate for fifty years, and he was known as one of the most scholarly Baptists of his day, being the most influential minister of his denomination in the Middle Colonies. The Phila- delphia Baptist Association in 1764 sent him to Rhode Island to assist in founding Rhode Island College, now Brown University. He remodeled the rough draft of the college charter, which then received the sanction of the Colony of Rhode Island. Later he was offered the presi- dency of the college but did not accept it. "He exerted a vast and useful influence over the rising Baptist Churches of our country, and himself educated many young men for the Christian ministry. He was a large and firmly built man, his face was the image of intelligence, and good nature, which, with the air of dignity that pervaded his movements, rendered his appearance uncommonly at- tractive." He died Feb. 7, 1814, and is buried in the Lower Dublin Church. JACOB MORGAN was the most prominent Revolu- tionary character of Berks county from 1777 to 1780, and as such brought great credit to the county and great honor to himself. He was born in the district of Caer- narvon, in the northern part of Wales, in 1716, and emi- grated with his father, Thomas Morgan, to Pennsylvania some time previous to 1730. About that time a colony of Welsh people, including Thomas Morgan and his fam- ily, migrated up the Schuylkill Valley from Philadelphia to the mouth of the French creek, and thence along and beyond the headwaters of that creek until they reached the headwaters of the 'Conestoga creek, in Caernarvon township. There they settled and took up large tracts of land. That section of territory was then a part of Lan- caster county, but since 1752 a part of Berks county. The tract taken up by his father was at and in the vicinity of Morgantown. It included the town-plan which he came to lay out in 1770, and which he named after the family, a custom quite common in that day throughout the county. When the French and Indian War came to affect Penn- sylvania in 1755, Jacob Morgan was thirty-eight years old, and until that time had been engaged at farming. In December of that year, he was commissioned as a cap- tain under the Provincial government, and he continued actively engaged in this military service until 1760, when he returned home and resumed farming. When the Revo- lution^began, he was nearly sixty years of age. In June, 1776, he was selected to represent the county as a dele- gate to the Provincial Conference, and in July following as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1777, upon the creation of the office of lieutenant of the several counties for the purpose of aiding the Executive Council in effectively prosecuting the war, he was selected by the Council to fill this very important position. This preference evidences his distinguished character, for at that time Berks county possessed a number of prominent and in- fluential men. In the prompt and faithful performance of his duties he was very successful, the Executive Coun- cil in their letters to him frequently complimenting his energy in having the county fill promptly the numerous orders for troops. He resigned in December, 1780. While filling- this office he was always recognized as a colonel, and was addressed as such by the Executive Council. He officiated as a judge of the county for the years 1768, 1769, 1772, and from 1774 to 1777 ; and also as a justice of the 356 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA peace for the southern district of Berks county (which in- cluded Caernarvon township), from 1777 to 1(91. llis autograph follows. He died at Morgantown on No- vember 11, 1792, and was buried in the graveyard of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church at that place. He had two sons, Jacob and Benjamin; and three daughters, Sarah (m. a Jenkins) ; Mary (m. Nicholas Hudson), and Re- becca (m. John Price, an attorney at Reading). Rachel, a daughter of John Price, m. Samuel Wethenll, of Phila- delphia. ^..W'-^^^;^^^'^^^^ ROBERT PORTER was the third President Judge of Berks county. He was the eldest son of Gen. Andrew Porter, and was born at Philadelphia Jan. 10, 1768. When only eight years old, the Revolution had begun in earnest and his father had enlisted to serve the United Colonies. Toward the close of the war, his father was colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery, and Judge Porter, when only thirteen years of age, was enlisted in one of the companies under the command of his father. (m. Prof. Huff), John, Frederick (teaching at Mercers- burg), Grace, Annie and Mary. HIRAM H. SCHWARTZ, first Orphans' court Judge of Berks county, from 1883 to 1891, was born in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown. In 1834 he went to Lehigh county and there worked on a farm, and while so engaged attended the local schools until he was sixteen years old. He continued his preparatory education in the Van Deryeer Boarding School for several years; then entered Franklin and Marshall College, and after taking a regular course was graduated in 1855. Upon returning home he engaged at teaching public school for two years ; and then he was elected school superintendent of Lehigh county, an office he very successfully filled from 1857 to 1860. During this time he took up the study of the law at Allentown, in the office of the Hon. Samuel A. Bridges, and was admitted to practice in 1858. After practising at Allentown two years, he located at Kutztown, and he continued in active practice in Berks county until he received the appointment of Judge of the Orphans' court in June, 1883, from Gover- nor Pattison, which office had been created by a special Act of Assembly; and at the next election m November of that year he was elected for the term of ten years. He officiated until his death Aug. 25, 1891, after a protracted illness. After having located at Kutztown m 1860, he be- came interested in various enterprises there. He was par- At the conclusion of the war, he resumed his studies at ticularly interested in the cause of education, and identified Philadelphia, and selecting the law as his profession was himself with the establishment of the Keystone State Nor- admitted to practice May 15, 1789. After being engaged in mal School, which he served as a trustee until his decease, a successful practice for twenty years at Philadelphia, he in 1810 was appointed president judge of the Third Ju- dicial District, which comprised the counties of Berks, Northampton and Wayne. He filled this honorable position for twenty-two years, and then, resigning his commission, retired to private life. He resided at Reading, on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets, during his term of office. He died June 23, 1842, at Brookville, Pa., aged seventy-four years. He was a man of profound learn- ing and superior legal attainments. Henry M. Dechert, Esq., of Philadelphia, whose sketch and portrait appear in this publication, is a grand-son. DR. NATHAN C. SCHAEFFER, State Superintendent GEORGE D. PENROSE (deceased) was born m Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Ephraim and Lydia Ann (Smith) Penrose. The Penrose family is a very prominent one in Pennsylvania, of English descent .and of Quaker belief. Ephraim Penrose was a life-long farmer of Maiden- creek township, where he owned and operated a valuable farm. He and his wife were nuerabers of the Society qf Friends, he belonging to the Hicksite branch, and she to the Orthodox. They had one child, George D. George D. Penrose was educated in the common schools of Berks county, passed through the high school at Read- ing, and took an advanced course at Swarthraore College, of Public Instruction, was born Feb. 3, 1849, in Maxatawny the great Quaker educational institution which ranks with township, Berks county. He was educated in Maxatawny Yale and Harvard. While he was still a youth he learned Seminary (now Keystone State Normal School), Franklin telegraphy, and after completing his education he followed and Marshall College at Lancaster, Theological Seminary it for some years and subsequently became an operator at Mercersburg, and in the Universities of Berlin, Tiibingen for the Berks & Lehigh Railway Company. In 1883 he and Leipsic. He then taught in Mercersburg College, and accepted a similar position with the Philadelphia & Read- Franklin and Marshall College, and for sixteen years was ing Railway Company, and on promotion was sent to the principal of the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- general office in Philadelphia. He was a young man of town. In 1905 he was elected President of the National marked ability, and continued to find recognition with his Educational Association at Asbury Park, N. J. He has employers and became assistant auditor for the Philadelphia served the following prominent positions : President of the & Reading Railway Company. He was filling this im- Pennsylvania State Teachers' Association ; secretary of the portant position at the time of his death, which took place National Council of Education; president of the Depart- Aug. 2, 1889, as the result of an accident. It had been the ment of Superintendence of the National Association; president of the Pennsylvania German Society; Chancellor of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua at Mt. Gretna from 1901 to 1905 ; member of the Pennsylvania Commission on In- dustrial Education ; and editor of the Pennsylvania School Journal, since 1893. He is editor of a volume of Bible Readings for schools ; author of "Thinking and Learning to Think," and of "History of Education in Pennsylvania,'-' contained in three volumes of "History of the State," pub- lished by the Mason Publishing Company at Syracuse. N. Y. He was commissioned State Superintendent of Public Instruction on June 1, 1893, and re-commissioned in 1897, 1901, and 1905. He served as lecturer on Pedagogy in the Graduate Department of the University of Pennsylvania during the absence of Dr. Brumbaugh, while serving as Commissioner of Education in Porto Rico (1900-1901). Dr. Schaefifer is a son of David Schaeffer, of Maxatawny township, and Esther Ann Christ, bis wife (daughter of Solomon Christ and Elizabeth Bieber, his wife, of the same township). He married Annie Ahlum, of Quaker- town, Pa., and they have seven children : Clarabelle, Helen custom of himself and wife to spend the summer seasons at Atlantic City, where Mr. Penrose enjoyed the surf bathing, and it was during a season there that he was drowned. This calamity was a source of universal regret to his family, his employers and to a very large circle of friends. On Oct. 16, 1884, Mr. Penrose was married to Catharine ^f. Yarrington, daughter of Thomas O. and Catharine S. (Feather) Yarrington, both of English descent. One child was born to this marriage, Edwin Y. In political faith ^Ir. Penrose was a Republican. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow. The Yarringtons came from England early in the 17th century, and were among the earliest settlers in Stoning- ton. Conn. Abel Yarrington, grandfather of Thomas O., left Connecticut in 1770, and settled in Wilkes Barre, Pa., where he established the first ferry across the Susque- hanna at that point. He was a soldier in the Revolution. Of his sons, five in number, the third was Luther. Luther Yarrington, son of Abel, was born in 1776, and died at Wilkes Barre in 1836. He married Hannah BIOGRAPHICAL 357 Abbot, a descendant of George Abbot. The latter, a native of Yorkshire, England, born in 1615, emigrated to America in 1640, and became one of the founders of Andover, Massachusetts. Thomas O. Yarrington, son of Luther and Hannah, was reared in Wilkes Barre. He became a civil engineer, and followed that profession for many years. He died June 3, 1905, aged eighty-six years. He married Catharine S. Feather, daughter qf William and Margaret (Strohecker) Feather. Mrs. Yarrington died Dec. 7, 1902, the mother of seven children: Abbot died in infancy; William P., of Mauch Chunk, m. Hannah (Dodson) Alsover; Luther A., of Reading, m. Emily McCauley, ■ daughter of the Rev. C. A. McCauley, and had two children — Edith (deceased) and Charles (deceased in November, 1905, aged ten years) ; Amelia m. George W. Manning,' of New York, and has one daughter, Grace Y. ; Thomas O., of Reading, m. Emma Heatherington ; Catharine M. is Mrs. Penrose; and Mar- garet m. William H. Albright, a job printer at Reading, and has two children — William Y. and Frank Y. The Yarringtons are all members of the Episcopal Church. Peter Feather, great-grandfather of Mrs. Catharine S. (Feather) Yarrington, appeared on the list of taxables in Reading in 1759. Peteir Feather, Jr., son of Peter, was born in Reading, and in 1788 he married Margaret Van Kenna, daughter of Baltzer and Maria A. (Levan) Van Kenna, and granddaughter of Casper Van Kenna. Maria A. (Levan) Van Kenna was born in Exeter in 1730, daugh- ter of Isaac Levan, one of the first settlers. William Feather, son of Peter, Jr., and Margaret, was born in 1791, and died in 1849. He owned and conducted a tannery at Hamburg, Berks county, at the time of his death. He married Margaret Strohecker, who was born in Reading in 1796, daughter of John and Julianna Strohecker, residents of Reading a century ago. Mrs. Margaret (Strohecker) Feather died at Hamburg in 1874. John Strohecker, Sr., father of John and' grandfather of Mrs. Feather, served in the Revolution as first lieutenant, Capt. George Will's Company, Major Hiester's Battalion q{ Militia, of Berks county. Pa., in service at Newtown, Jan. 2, 1777. DAVID F. GORDON, seventh President Judge of Berks county, from 1849 to 1851, was born at Philadelphia Nov. 20, 1795. He received a classical education at the University of Pennsylvania, studied law and was admitted to practice in 1816. He remained in that city until 1824, when he removed to Reading and was admitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county. He continued in active practice here for eight years, and then purchased the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, a weekly English news- paper, published at Reading. He published this paper very successfully until 1838, then sold it and resumed his law practice. After practising for eleven years, he was ap- pointed president judge of the county, which had just been erected into a separate judicial district. He remained on the Bench until December, 1851, retiring then by virtue of the amendment to the Constitution, under which the office of judge became elective, and the Hon. J. Pringle Jones was chosen to fill this position for ten years. He was recognized as an able judge, and thoroughly conscien- tious in the performance of his judicial duties. Upon re- tiring from the Bench, he resumed his legal practice at Reading. He died Dec. 27, i859. ALBERT J. BRUMBACH, manufacturer and banker at Reading, was born at Brumbach's Woolen Mills in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 11, 1840. He was educated in the township schools and at Lee's Academy in Reading until he was fourteen years old, when his father placed him in the woolen mills which he was operating, to learn the manufacturing business, and after learning the busi- ness thoroughly in all its departments, he, upon arriving of age, purchased the premises. Shortly afterward the building was burned down, but he immediately rebuilt the mill, introducing the latest improved machinery. This was in 1864, and the plant was named the St. Lawrence Mills, after a certain grade of woolen, cloth which his father had begun to manufacture there in 1856, and sell through a commission house at Philadelphia. The build- ing is built of stone, two stories high, and has at present three sets of machines which are run by steam, as well as water-power supplied by the Antietam creek flowing near by. Various improved machines have been substituted for old machines to meet the demands of the business. Seventy hands are .generally employed, and the product consists chiefly of mixed cassimeres. The goods were sold through commission houses and merchants at Phila- delphia until 1870; then until 1895 by traveling salesmen who developed in this way a large and profitable trade throughout the greater part of the United States. In 1895 Mr. Brumbach established a fine three-story brick factory at Reading (14th and Muhlenberg streets) for the manu- facture of pants and vests, and since then he has been converting the cloths produced at the St. Lawrence Mills into all sizes and styles of the articles mentioned. He employs there 120 hands, and has a large and constant demand for his goods. Besides carrying on his two plants very successfully, Mr. Brumbaph has shown aTi enterprising spirit in other affairs, relating to internal improvements for the public welfare, as well as to manufactures. He took an active part in establishing the Oley Turnpike from Black Bear to Pleasantville, acting as a director of the corporation since 1878, and as secretary since 1888; he was prominent in building the East Reading Electric Railway from Ninth and Penn streets, in Reading, to Black Bear in 1888 (which was the first street railway operated by electricity at Read- ing), and he has officiated as president of the company from the beginning until the present time. He assisted in establishing the Penn National Bank of Reading in 1883, serving as a director since then, and as president since 1897; the Reading Cold Storage & Ice Company in 1900; the Reading Glove & Mitten Company; the Penn Shge Company in 1902, and the Printz Furniture and Carpet Company in 1907 (embracing large stores at Hazleton, Rochester and Newark) ; all of which he has served as a director, and of the glove works as president since 1905. He was prominently identified with the rebuilding of the Schwartzwald Church in Exeter township by acting as chairman of the meeting, in 1870, which took earnest steps in behalf of the new church; also with the exten- sion and improvement of the fine cemetery there, serving as secretary of the company for about twenty years until 1901; and for many years he was connected with the choir as one of the singers. He has been affiliated with the Free- masons at Reading (Chandler Lodge) since 1861. In 1863 Mr. Brumbach married Sarah Ann Dunkel (daughter of Solomon Dunkel, of Exeter) ; by whom he had six children: Solomon, superintendent of the St Lawrence Mills, m. Margaret Ermentrout; Williamj, book- keeper at mills, m. Edwina Jack; Albert, superintendent of pants factory, m. Carrie Esterly; Ida m^. Stockton Snyder, and both were killed in the Honda wreck, California, May 11, 1907 ; Kate m. William J. Ermentrout ; and Emma m. Custer Ammon. Mr. Brumbach's father, William Brumbach, was born in 1814 in Exeter township, where his father became the owner of a woolen mill in 1830, and while still a boy was put in the mill to learn the business. In 1842, he and his brother Jacob became the owners of the plant, and they carried on the business as partners for three years . when Jacob withdrew. William then operated the plant himself in a successful manner until 1853', when he pur- chased the Housum grist mill (which was situated along the Antietam creek near by), and from that time he car- ried on the two mills until they were destroyed by fire in 1863. He then went to Union county, Pa., and became a partner of Marr, Griffey & Co., who owned and operated the White Deer Woolen Mills. A few years afterward the senior- partner died, and the firm name became Griffey & Brumbach, and this firm carried on the plant until Mr. Brumbach's decease in 1868. He was married twice. His first wife was Sarah Spats, daughter of Jacob Spats, who carried on farming and butchering in Exeter, in the 358 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA vicinity of the woolen mills. To this union were born four children: Emma m. Jacob A. Strohecker; Albert J. ; Sarah m. William K. Leithiser ; and Elizabeth m. J. B. Stauffer. His second wife was Rachel Schneider, daugh- ter of David, of Oley, and by her he had four sons, David, George W., Aaron and Thomas, who learned the business of manufacturing woolen cloth with Albert J., and they have been operating a plant of their own at St. Lawrence under the name of Brumbach Brothers; and one daughter, Mary, m. C. O. Snyder. He died in 1868; his first wife died in 1847, aged twenty-eight years; his second wife Rachel Schneider is still living at age of eighty-two years. Mr. Brumbach's grandfather was Jacob Brumbach, who had learned the fulling business at the De Turck mill in Exeter, near Monocacy, and in 1830 purchased a small plant established along the Antietara creek near where the St. Lawrence Mills are located, which he operated until 1842 when he sold the property and business to his two oldest sons, William and Jacob. He died in 1873, aged ninety-four years. He was married twice : first to Dorothy Bar (born 1788, died 1822), and second to Susanna Gumbert (born 1795, died 1836), and had eight children, viz.. Lydia m. John Wagner; William; Jacob m. Sarah Kline; Lewis m. Elizabeth Ann Tea ; Catharine m. William Levan ; Louisa m. Moore John; Rebecca m. William Levan; and Daniel m. Lydia DeGonr, living at Covington, Kentucky. Mr. Brumbach's wife's father, Solomon Dunkel, was a farmer of Exeter. He married Elizabeth Althouse, of Bern township, and they had children : Sarah Ann ; Amel- ia m. Amos Dick: Mary m. John Hoyer ; Caroline m. Henry Egolf : Miss Elizabeth; Morgan died 1858; KiHan m.. Mary Messinger ; David, and James. ADAM B. DUNDOR, M. D., a retired physician and surgeon of Reading, Pa., was born in North Heidelberg, Berks county. May 17, 1838, son of Isaac Dundor, and a member of the fifth generation from the emigrant ancestor who came from Alsace-Lorraine to Philadelphia in 1741. The family is of French Huguenot stock, and the name was originally spelled Dundeur. Jacob Dundor, founder of the Dundor family in Am- erica, was born July :25, 1720, son of Miguel Dundeur, who never came to America. Jacob Dundor made the voyage to America in 1741, sailing on the ship "Friendship." He located in Bern township, Berks Co., Pa., where he died May 20, 1789, leaving a widow, Anna Maria (Brecht) Dundor, and children as follows : Maria C, Susannah, John, Michael, John Jacob and Catherine E. John Jacob Dundor, son of Jacob, and great-great- grandfather of Dr. Adam B., married Marguerite Brown, by whom the following children were born : Jacob, John A., Christian, John (2) and Margaret. Jacob Dundor, son of John J., died Dec. 12, 1828, leaving a son, Jacob, Jr. Jacob Dundor, Jr.. married Elizabeth lOopp, born Nov. 28, 1788, died Dec. 19, 1843. They were the parents of these children : Isaac, born March 10, 1809, and died Jan. 35, 1873; Jacob; Samuel K. ; Catherine; Eliza; Caroline; Sarah, and Lydia. Jacob Dundor, Jr., and his wife arc both interred in North Heidelberg cemetery. They were devoted members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Dundor was a Democrat. He was a prosperous farmer and owned valuable lands in North Heidelberg township, continuing to follow agricultural pursuits during his long and useful life. Isaac Dundor, son of Jacob, Jr., and father of Dr. Adam B., was educated in the schools of his native town- ship, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He retired from active life and located in Reading several years be- fore his death, which occurred Jan. 25, 1873. Mr. Dundor married Elizabeth Bucks, daughter of John Bucks, and she died in 1890, aged seventy-nine years, the mother of two children : Jonathan, born March 8, 1833, died April 33, 1S66; and Adam B. Adam B. Dundor received the rudiments of his educa- tion in the schools of North Heidelberg township, and later took an advanced course at Fremont Academy, Chester county, still later entering Freeland Academy (now Ursinus College), subsequently taking a classical course at Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, graduating therefrom in 1862. While there he reeistered as medical student under the preceptorship of Dr. William Moore, of Womelsdorf, and remained with him two years, during which time he qualified to enter Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia. Taking one course here Dr. Dundor then took a special course at Long Island Col- lege Hospital, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and received the degree of M. D. in the summer of 1863. Later Dr. Dundor re- turned to Jefferson Medical College, and received the degree of M. D. there in the spring of 1864. The year following in regular course he received the degree of A. M. from Franklin and Marshall College. The Doctor located in Robesonia in 1864, remaining there until 1867, when he decided to make the city of Reading his field of practice, where he has continued to reside since. He first opened an office on Franklin street where he remained three years, and then removed to his present fine home, in which he maintained an office until he retired from practice in 1896. There never has been any doubt as to his ability or stand- ing in the profession, as from the very beginning of his active career he has been successful in diagnosis and in treatment, and he has had the unbounded admiration and esteem of his fellow practitioners. From 1870 to 1873 he was physician to the Berks County Almshouse and Hospital, and from 1873 to 1877 prison physician. In 1883 he became a member of the board of health, from which on account of failing health he was compelled to resign in 1902, after serving nine years as its president. Dr. Dundor has made a careful study of hygiene and sanitation, and he has had the ideal physician's sense of duty in looking after the health of the people. As a mem- ber of the board of health his work has, indeed, been colossal, and more than that, it has been of such a nature as to bear good fruit. The nearly perfect system of vac- cination was the result of his labors. As "a member of the committee on Preventable Diseases and School Hy- giene, he personally looked after this work, visited and thoroughly inspected every room in every school building in the city, together with the heating, ventilation and plumbing of the buildings, the furniture of the rooms, location of black-boards, in fact every thing in any way affecting the health of the pupils. In most complete tabulated form the records of his work were presented to the board, while his report suggesting needed changes, etc., was one of the most practical and sensible ever handed in by a city official anywhere. When he retired from the presidency of the Berks County Medical Society, Jan. 8. 1895, his address was on the subject of School Hygiene, and so complete was it in detail, so perfect in its entire conception, that it should be carefully studied by the build- ing committees of school, boards all over the country. This address is a plea for the health and happiness of future generations, an appeal to common sense, and is of so high a standard of excellence — the outcome of the scientific investigations of a conscientious scientist, looking for the greatest good of all the people, which in itself is the loftiest type of patriotic endeavor — that it is worthy the dignity of a State document to be printed and spread broadcast among all people. He has been a great friend of education and no man in the State of Pennsylvania has worked harder in the cause of the child and the student than has Dr. Adam B. Dundor. Dr. Dundor was married in 1864 to Emma R. Kalbach, daughter of Isaac Kalbach, and five children were born of this union, two of whom died in infancy. The children survivmg childhood were: Henrv I., who died in 1876; Lizzie R., who died in 1876 ; and Eleanora R. In religious belief the family are members of the Reformed Church. The Doctor is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 237, F. & A. M. ; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M. ; Read- ing Commandery, No. 42, K. T. ; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. AI. S., and Friendship Lodge, K. P., of Reading. His profession connects him with the Berks County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Medical Association, the Ameri- can Medical Association, and the .American Academy of BIOGRAPHICAL 35? Medicine. He was also a member of the American Acad- emy of Political and Social Science. Dr. Dundor is a very talented writer, and his works are well read and widely known. Among his works may be found : "A Plea for Old Standard Remedies" ; "Sanita- tion and Sanitarians"; "Rheumatisnt ; Epilepsy and Treat- ment by Bromide of Potash"; "Cocaine Intoxication and Its Dangers, Moral Pollution and Sanitation"; and the "Old and New Obstetrician." HENRY VAN REED, first additional law judge of Berks county in 1869, was born Aug. 31, 1831, in Cumru (now Spring) township. His grandfather, John Van Reed, settled there about the time of the Revolution, and his father was born there in 1786. He was educated at Read- ing, Lititz, Lafayette College and Dickinson College, graduating from the last named institution in 1843. Upon returning home he selected the law as his profession, and pursued a regular course of legal study in the office of David F. Gordon, Esq., afterward president judge of this judicial district. On April 5, 1844, he was admitted to the Bar, and soon established a large and lucrative practice, which he continued for twenty years. In 1851 he made a trip to California, visiting his brothers, who had gone thither some years previously. In April, 1869, the State Legislature authorized the qualified electors of Berks county to elect an additional law judge. At that time the Governor was a Republican in politics, and hav- ing been authorized to appoint a suitable person to act as such judge till one should be elected, he appointed Mr. Van Reed to this position on July 13, 1869. The appointment was given to him without any solicitation on his part. He occupied his seat on the Bench and discharged his duties in a superior manner till Dec. 6, 1869, when his successor was qualified. Subsequently, from Jan. 1'2, 1875, till Jan. 2, 1876, he again filled the same office by appointment from the Governor to supply a vacancy caused by the promotion of the then incumbent to the office of- president judge. Judge Van Reed represented this district as one of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention which was held in 1872 and 1873. During the progress of the Civil War, he was an ardent supporter of the national administration in every way, and his strong patriotic feelings impelled him to express him- self in the most positive manner in favor of prosecuting the war. When the State of Pennsylvania was threatened with an invasion by the Rebels, in September, 1862, he enlisted with a large number of the most prominent men of Reading, in Company G, of the 2d Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain F. S. Bickley. This company was marched to and beyond the State line and performed military service for eleven days when it was discharged. During the excitement through- out the State, owing to the battle of Gettysburg, in the beginning of July, 1863, he enlisted again in Company C, 42nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, and acted as a sergeant. This regiment was composed entirely of Berks county companies. It was under the command of Col. Charles H. Hunter and continued in service from July 6th to August 12th. Judge Van Reed died June 30, 1885, after an illness of several years. He married Catharine Gernant, daughter of George Gernant. She died Jan. 13, 1883. They had two children : George and Anna. > SAMUEL F. MILLER, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was born at Richmond, Ky., in 1816. He was appointed by President Lincoln in 1862, and came to be an authority on constitutional law next to Marshall. His father was born at Reading, Pa., and had removed to Kentucky shortly before 1816, where he engaged in farming. GEORGE DE BENNEVILLE KEIM, a prominent mer- chant, politioian and official of Philadelphia, was born at Reading, Berks Co., Pa., Jan. 18, 1831, a son of John May arid Harriet (de Benneville) Keim. John May Keim was a prominent hardware merchant at Reading for many years. He married Harriet de Benne- ville, and they had six children, namely: Ellen, who mar- ried John Wickersham ; Mary, who married Isaac Lathrop ; Esther, who married Leonard Myers ; George de Benne- ville; Anna, who married Amos Michener; and John May. [For other data see the publication entitled "Keim and Allied Families" which was compiled by de B. Randolph Keim.] After receiving a thorough education at Reading and at "China Hall," in Bucks county, Mr. Keim engaged in a general hardware business at Reading until 1882, when he went to Philadelphia and entered the hardware store of Rufus Smith, on Commerce street, east of Fourth. After continuing with him for seven years he started in the sad- dlery hardware business for himself, at Third and Race streets, which he carried on until 1872; then he organizedl the firm of Keim, Kennedy & Co., which did business successfully until 1876, when the name was changed to Geo. de B. Keim, .Ltd., & Co. and so continued for nearly twenty years. In 1871 Mr. Keim became the owner of the Coleman Bolt Works, and operated the plant for a number of years. He was also identified for some years with the Union Banking Company, as a director, and with the Citizens' Bank as president. Immediately after locating in Philadelphia Mr. Keim identified himself with the Republican organization in that city and for thirty years took an active part in local politics. In 1880 he was . chosen one of the Presidential electors for Pennsylvania,- and he cast his vote for James A. Garfield. In 1882 he was placed on the Republican ticket for sheriflf and was elected, notwithstanding opposi- tion led by the powerful combination of the "committee of 100," which had been organized for the reform of local politics. He served the regular term of three years, from 1883 to 1886. In 1887 he was nominated on the Independent ticket for mayor, against Edwin H. Fitler on the Republican ticket, and although his numerous friends throughout the city conducted a hard campaign in his be- half, he was defeated. , In 1873 Mr. Keim represented the United States as a commissioner to the World's Fair at Vienna. At its close he traveled for a year over many parts of Europe and brought home with him many rare and costly paintings and works of art. This collection he continued to add to, and by many persons his collection is considered the finest owned by a private individual in Pennsylvania. For many years he resided at No. 1122 Spruce street, and he had a summer home at Edgewater Park, N. J., occupying a charming site on the eastern bank O'f the Delaware river; he also owned a farm and "shooting-box" in Maryland. While enjoying sport at the latter place he contracted a heavy cold, which developed into pneumonia, and he died after a short illness, March 10, 1893. He had a large circle of friends who appreciated him very highly for his; genial, frank and straightforward nature. In 1850 Mr. Keim was married to Miss Sarah Childsv of Milestown, Pa., by whom he had six children : Harriet de Benneville, Mary L, Ellen W., Walter M., John M. and Fanny Granville. In 1883, Mr. Keim was married (second) to Miss Elizabeth Archer Thorpas, daughter of Joseph Tuley and Belinda Jane (Mitchell) Thomas, the former of whom was a distinguished lawyer of Philadelphia. They had two children : George de Benneville and Elizabeth Thomas. JOHN W. GILBERT, of the firm of Heffner, Gilbert & Croll, leading clothiers and men's furnishers at Reading,. Pa., was born Sept. 5, 1856, near Gilbertsville, New Han- over township, Montgomery Co., Pa., son of Elias Y. and Rebecca, (Wartman) Gilbert, and grandson of John and Sarah (Yerger) Gilbert. John Gilbert was born near Gilbertsville, Pa., a little borough named in honor of the early residents of that name, and he and his wife were the -parents of two chil- dren, Elias Y. and a daughter who died in infancy. After Mrs. Gilbert's death, John Gilbert married (second) Esther Bickel. By this union there were children as fol- 360 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA lows ; Jesse, Lydia, Henry, John, Milton, Emma, Percival and Augustus. In religious belief the grandparents were members of the Lutheran Church. He was a blacksmith by trade, and this occupation he followed for many years, dying aged sixty years. Elias Y. Gilbert was born on the old Gilbert homestead near Gilbertsville. He received a good common school education, and during his vacations worked in his father's blacksmith shop, learning the trade. This he followed for a short time, and then engaged in the hotel business, first in Berks county, and later, after a short time spent in the butcher business, returned thereto, continuing in that oc- cupation for about forty years, sixteen years of this time being in Pottstown. He died Dec. 1, 1898, and his wife followed him to the grave April 3, 1901. The children born to this union were : Mahlon W., born Aug. 16, 1850, in New- Hanover, Montgomery county, is deceased; Elizabeth W., born Dec. 21, 1853, in New Hanover, died unmarried; Sar- ah A. W., born Oct. 18, 1854, in New Hanover, married C. W. B. Todd, Feb. 21, 1901; John W., born Sept. 5, 1856; EKlen W., born Sept. 11, 1859, in Boyertown, Berks county, married Nevin Gery, now of Philadelphia; Elias H., born Feb. 10, 1861, at Colebrookdale ; Emma W., born Oct. 29, 1865, in Colebrookdale, Berks county, married W. M. Staufer, and they reside in Lancaster county; Howard W., born Sept. 27, 1869, at that place, married Anna Ratz, and they live in Pottstown; and Eli married a Miss Ida Moll, of Alburtis, Lehigh county. John W. Gilbert attended public school in Berks and Montgomery counties and Perkiomen Seminary. At the age of nine years he engaged as a tender in a brick yard, and this he followed during the summer months for three seasons. When twelve years of age he engaged at clerk- ing in a general store at Forgedale and at Landis Store. He then clerked in his father's hotel for four years, during this time attending the Seminary. Later he taught school for two years, afterward engaging in the butchering busi- ness at East Greenville and Alburtis, still later going to Philadelphia, where he was en-vployed eleven years by W- L. Graver as traveling salesman. In 1890 Mr. Gilbert came to Reading. He was' appointed steward at the Berks County Alms House, where he remained about five years, and at the end of this time engaged in the men's furnishing goods business on Fifth street. In 1897 the firm of Heffner, Gilbert & CroU was established, commencing operations at No. 528 Penn street, which store they conducted until 1904, when, on account of their steadily increasing business and lack of room they removed to their present fine store, formerly the J. C. Illig stand, and here carry one of the finest stocks of men's furnishings and clothing in Penn- sylvania. They also have a custom tailoring department, where the finest domestic and imported suitings are con- stantly kept on hand. A corps of cutters and first-class tailors are kept busy turning out some of the finest cloth- ing in this section. The company employs ten clerks, and the building, which is 34 x 230 feet, is equipped with all modern improvements and appliances. Mr. Gilbert was married in 1879 to Miss Amanda .Sal- lade, daughter of Abraham Sallade, and two children were born to this union : Bertha and Helen, both of whom re- side with their parents. In his political belief Mr. Gilbert is a Democrat. He is a member of Vaux Lodge, No. 406 F. & A. M., and of the K. G. E. E. RALPH ADAMS, who at the time of his death was superintendent of the Philadelphia & Reading Telegraph Company, was born Nov. 5, 1850, at Robesonia, Berks Co,, Pa., son of Reuben and Magdalena (Jones) Adams. Reuben Adams was born also in Berks county. He carried on a blacksmith and machine business at Robe- sonia, where he died in November, 1895, aged seventy-five years. His widow died in June, 1907. They had six chil- dren, namely : Richard, of Missouri ; Ruf us, who died at Denver, Colo. ; E. Ralph ; Emma, deceased, who married Samuel Kurtz ; John ; and Valeria, wife of George Fisher. E. Ralph Adams was a pupil in the public schools until the age of fourteen years, when he took charge of the telegraph service at Robesonia, for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway. This was in 1862, and he continued to be in the employ of this corporation until his death, with the exception of 1871 to 1874, when he was with the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Sedalia, Mo. After his return to the former company he was made manager of the Sixth street office at Reading, in 1875 becoming chief operator, and in 1886 he was sent to the Philadel- phia office of the company as manager. Nine months later he was promoted to be superintendent of the whole ser- vice, and this responsible position, gained entirely through his own merit, he held up to the time of his death, which occurred March 3, 1895. He was a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter; Reading Commandery, K. T.; and Philadelphia Consistory. He belonged also to Mt. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum, and to the Philadelphia & Reading Relief Telegraphic Association. In 1871 Mr. Adams was married to Loretta Loag, a daughter of William R. and Eliza (Strong) Loag. They settled at what is now known as Loag's Corner, Chester county, where they engaged in farming. She is the young- est of their children, the others being : Margaret, deceased, wife of Michael P. Boyer, a prominent attorney at Read- ing; John, deceased, who was proprietor of a hotel at Scranton, Pa. ; Emma, widow of James Thompson, of Hillsboro, Md. ; James, deceased, a merchant in Phila- delphia ; Mary and Esther, both deceased ; George, de- ceased a dentist at Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Sarah, wife of Theodore J. Bell, of Chester, Pa.; Frances, also of Chester. Mr. and Mrs. Adams had two children, viz. : Fred B., who is supervisor of the Shamokin Division of the Phila- delphia & Reading Railway Company, and who married Lue G. Felix; and Florence L., wife of R. Ray Helms, representative for the Equitable Life Assurance Society, at Reading, Pennsylvania. CLYMER FAMILY. In tracing this family, the first of whom we know are Christopher Clymer and his wife, Catherine, who lived in Bristol, England. They had two children, Richard and William, who came to America about the year 1705. Both married, but only Richard left issue. Richard Clymer and his wife, Elizabeth, had five chil- dren. Three of them died in infancy. Two sons, Christo- pher and William, both married and both left descendants, Christopher's son George having been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 'William Clymer, second son of Richard, married Anne Judith Roberdeau and left but one child. This was Daniel Cunningham Clymer, who was brought up by his uncle. General Roberdeau, Daniel's father having died when Daniel was quite young. Daniel Cunningham Clymer married 'Mary Weidner and they had three children: Ann, who died unmarried; William, who married Susan Rightmyer and had eight children, all of whom died childless; and Edward Tilghman. Edward Tilghman Clymer, son of Daniel C, married Maria Catherine Hiester, and they were the parents of seven children, as follows: Daniel Roberdeau, born March 31, 1819; William Hiester, born Oct. 9, 1820; Ed- ward Myers, born July 16, 1822; Weidner. born May 12, 1824; Mary Hiester, born July 19, 1825; Hiester, born Nov. 3, 1827; and George Edward, born Jan. 8, 1830. Daniel Roberdeau Clymer, eldest son of Edward Tilghman Clymer and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Clymer homestead in Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., .March 31, 1819. After receiving his education at Lititz, Lancaster county, he engaged in the mercantile busmess in Reading, Pa., which he pursued until 1852. In 1853-54 he was mayor of Reading, and some years later held a position with the East Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany, which he resigned in 1869, after which time he was not m business. He was also a lawyer, having been admitted to the Bar Aug. 20, 1857, but was never en- gaged in the active practice of the law. He married at Mercersburg March 31, 1846, Delia Pierson, daughter of Silas and Sarah Pierson, of Morristown, N J. Mrs Cly- mer was born Jan. S, 1824, and died June 14, 1861. They had five children : Maria Hiester, born June 2, 1847 ; Sarah ■?ss'S.;s*^*-,- :-: i 'inu./?^. BIOGRAPHICAL 361 Anna Moore, born June 24, 1849; Delia Pierson, born May 28i 1851; Daniel Roberdeau, Jr., born Nov. 6, 1854; and Hiester George, born Oct. 21, 1856. 'Mr. Qymer was well known over the whole State and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. He was a devout member of the Episcopal Church, and was looked upon as a faithful and upright Christian gentleman. His death o.ccurred after a short illness at his residence in Reading, Pa., May 5, 1889. William Hiester Clymer, second son of Edward Tilghman Clymer and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Clymer homestead in Caernarvon township, near Morgantown, Berks county, Pa., Oct. 9, 1830. His father dying while the children were all small, the subject of this sketch was. placed in the charge of his uncle, William Hiester, of New Holland, Lancaster county, where he was in his unck William's store for a short time, and subsequently sent to Lititz to school. He afterward came to Reading and he and his brother, Daniel R. Clymer, opened a dry-goods store at No. 518 Penn street. Later they moved their store to the building on the southwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets, which property they bought. Some years after William Clymer sold out his interest in the store to his brother Daniel, and in 1846 he and his brother Edward M. Clymer purchased the charcoal furnace at Mt. Laurel, Berks county, where he — ^William H. Clymer — resided until 1882, with the exception of about two years, from 1864 to 1866, when he lived in Reading. In 1860 he and his brother purchased the old Oley CTiarcoal Furnace near Friedensburg, one of the oldest charcoal furnaces in the United States, and com- menced mining iron ore extensively. The Temple Fur- nace, a large and perfectly equipped anthracite furnace situated at Temple, five miles north of Reading, was built by William H. Clymer & Co., and operated by them until 1870, when the Temple Iron Company was organ- ized with William H. Clymer as its president. About 1880 th* Clymer brothers had the Mt. Laurel Furnace changed from a charcoal to an anthracite furnace, and a railroad, one and a half miles in length, was built from the East Pennsylvania railroad at Temple to the furnace. After these improvements were made the brothers organized the Clymer Iron Company, a corporation which included in its operations the Mt. Laurel Furnace, Oley Furnace, extensive limestone quarries at Bower's Station, iron ore mines near Pricetown, and a number of mines along the East Pennsylvania railroad. This corporation, of which William H. Clymer was president, was entirely independ- ent of the Temple Iron Company, of which he was also the president. About a year before his death Mr. Clymer resigned the presidency of the Clymar Iron Company on account of ill health and was succeeded by his brother, Hiester Clymer. He, however, retained the presidency of the First National Bank of Reading, which he held from 1876 until his death, and the presidency of the Ternple Iron Company. He removed with his family to Reading, Pa., in September, 1882, and died there July 26, 1883. He had a large acquaintance and was greatly respected for his sterling character; was a man of excellent judg- ment, and his advice was fr"6quently sought upon many important matters. He was brought up an Episcopalian and was a member of Christ Church, Reading, at the time of his death. On June 12. 1855, Mr. Clymer married Valeria, eldest daughter of Levi B. Smith. She wafe born March 14, 1828, and died Aug. 17, 1901. . Their family consisted of six children: Emily Smith, born July 16, 1856; Edward Tilghman, born Aug. 8,^ 1857; William Hiester, born March 21, 1860; Levi Smith, born April 2, 1863; Valeria Elizabeth, ''born April 29, 1865 ; and Frederick Hiester, born May 2, 1869. Edward Myers Clymer, third son df Edward Tilghman Clymer and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Cly- mer homestead in Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., July 16, 1822. He went to the local schools in his early youth and afterward to the Abbeville Academy, in Lancaster county, and to the academy of Joshua H'oopes, at West Chester. He then selected the law as his profession, and after pursuing his legal studies for a while under William Strong, Esq., he entered the Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated in 1845. Upon his return to Reading he was admitted to the Bar on Aug. 4, 1845. He then opened a law office and soon acquired a lucrative, business, which he continued until 1857, at which time he became thoroughly interested in projecting the East Pennsylvania railroad, from Reading to Allentown. His efforts in this enterprise were entirely successful and he became the first president of the company, and continued in this office until the road was leased to the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. In 1874 he was chosen president of the Coal Company belonging to the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company, which it owned and operated in Pennsylvania, and he held this position until his death, which occurred in New York City, May 25, 1883. He was popular in social and busi- ness circles and united to a more than common husiness , sagacity an abundance of well-directed energy, a quality which received marked development in building the East Pennsylvania railroad, and the proposed continuation of a system' of underground railway under Broadway, New York. He was married, Jan. 27, 1864, to Ella Maria Dietz, daughter of William H. Dietz, of New York City. They had but one child, a son, Edward Myers Qymer, born May 6, 1869, who survived him, as did also his widow. Mary Hiester Clymer, only daughter of Edward Tilghman and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Clymer homestead, Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., July 19, 1825. She was married Aug. 10, 1852, in Christ Church, Reading, Pa., by the Rev. Milton Lightner, rec- tor, to her cousin, William Bingham Clymer, the eldest son of Henry Clymer and grandson of George Clymer, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Clymer was born at the homestead, near Trenton, Bucks Co., Pa., his mother having been Mary Willing. He received a liberal education, graduating with credit at Princeton College, -and studied law but never practised. When quite young he assumed the management of the Bingham estate. In 1842 he was appointed agent for the northern counties of Pennsylvania, and in 1845 established the general office of the estate at Wellsboro. His man- agement of the large property was highly successful, so that in 1867 he was appointed a trustee. He ever carefully considered the rights and interests of all, and enjoyed the confidence of the trustees, while his courtesy, kindness and perfect integrity commanded the respect of the tenants and others on the estate. Mr. and Mrs. Clymer resided for a time at Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa., where all their children were born with the exception of the third, who was born in Philadelphia. The chil- dren were all baptized by Rev. Mr. Marple, rector of Christ Church, Wellsboro; In July, 1869, they sailed for Europe, taking all their children for the advantages of education; and while abroad, on the 28th of May, 1873, Mr. Clymer died of apoplexy in Florence, Italy. The family then returned to Philadelphia in the autumn. Mr. Clymer's remains were sent home and are interred in Charles Evans cemetery, near Reading, Pa. In Novem- ber, 1878, Mrs. Clymer and her children left America with the intention of settling on the Continent, but she and two of her children, Richard and Maria, were drowned in the English Channel before they reached their destination, the vessel in which they took passage having been lost Nov. 26, 1878. The following children were born to Mary Hiester Clymer and William Bingham Clymer: Henry, born June 10, 1853; Mary, Dec. 13, 1854; Ellen S.. Dec. 9, 1856; Richard Willing, April 10, 1858; Maria Hiester, Feb. 11, 1862; and Rose Nicolls, Sept. 19, 1865. Hiester Clymer, fifth son of Edward Tilghman Clymer and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Clymier homestead, Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., Nov. 3, 1837. He received a liberal education, graduating from the College of New Jersey in 1847, and taking up the study of law was admiitted to the Bar of Berks counity, April 6, 1849, after which he practised in 363 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Reading and Pottsville. He married April 3, 1856, Eliza- beth M. Brooke, daughter of Matthew Brooke, of Birds- boro, Pa. They resided in Reading, where their two chil- dren were born and died, and where Mrs. Clymer died Oct. 9, 1870. He was a delegate to the Democratic Con- vention at Charleston, in 1860, and in the same year was one of the Revenue commissioners; served as State sen- ator from 1860 to 1866; became the Democratic candi- date for governor in the latter year, but was defeated by Governor Geary. In 1870 he was appointed by the governor a member of the Board of Public Charities, then just organized. In 1873 he was elected a repre- sentative to the XLIIId Congress from Berks county, as a Democrat; and served on the committee on the Re- vision of the Laws, on Public Lands and on the Library. He was re-elected, to the XLIVth Congress, and was placed on the committee on Expenditures of the War De- partment, and the Joint Standing Committee on- the Li- brary; also re-elected to Congress in 1876 and 1878. In 1880 Mr. Clymer was succeeded in Congress from the Berks District by the Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, and from that time until his death resided in Reading. His discus- sion with State Senator A. K. McClure, in February, 1861, in the State Senate, on the repeal of the tonnage tax on the traffic of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, brought him prominently before the public. The crowning act of his Congressional life was his presentation to Con- gress of the special committee report touching the ras- calities of William W. Belknap, President Grant's Sec- retary of War, which created a great sensation throughout the land. His career in the Senate of Pennsylvania was distinguished for dignity and courtesy of demeanor, force and eloquence in debate, and steadfast devotion to the best interests of the Commonwealth. He was interested in the iron business, and at the time of his death was president of the Clymer Iron Company. Mr. Clymer married April 26, 1883, Mrs. J. B. Clemens (nee Von Schrader), of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Clymer died June 12, 1884, at which time he was vice-president of the Union Trust Company, Philadelphia; president of the Clymer Iron Company, which operated the Mt. Laurel and Oley Furnaces; a director of the Reading Fire Insurance and Trust Company from the time of its organization, and a trustee of the Charles Evans Cemetery. Hiester Clymer and Elizabeth M. Brooke had two chil- dren: Elizabeth M., born Jan. 20, 1857; and Edward Brooke, born March 18, 1859. George Edward Clymes, youngest child of Edward Tilghman Clymer and Maria Catherine Hiester, was born at the Clymer homestead, in Caernarvon township, Berks Co., Pa., Jan. 8, 1830. He was sent to the Reading Acad- emy and from there to Princeton College, from which institution he graduated in 1849. He then became asso- ciated with his brothers, William, Edward and Hiester, in the iron business in eastern Pennsylvania, owning the Mt. Laurel and Oley Furnaces and other property connected with the iron business. In 1858 he went to Mexico and joined a party who surveyed the route for a railroad from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. In the summer of 1861 Mr. Clymer raised a company of cavalry which became attached to the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. R. H. Rush, of which 'Mr. Clymer was made major in March, 1862. During 1865-68 he was occupied in mining in Nevada and Chihuahua, Mexico. In 1870 Mr. Clymer severed his connection with his brothers in the iron busi- ness and removed to Cincinnati, where he became inter- ested in the Swift Iron & Steel Works of Newport, Ky., of which his father-in-law was president. Mr. Clymer was elected vice-president in 1874 and removed with his family to Newport. In 1884 he returned to Reading and again became interested in the iron business, and after the death of his brother Hiester bought the Mt. Laurel Furnace property and operated the furnace until two years before his death, when he retired from active business and settled in Reading. Major Clymer married June 29, 1868, Alice Gary Swift, daughter of Alexander Swift, of Cincinnati. She died in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 14, 1873, leaving two children. Mr. Clymer died in Reading July 7, 1895. He was the worshipful master of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., during the years 1855 and 1856, and was also a member of the Sons of the Revolution and of the Loyal Legion. The children of George Edward Clymer and Alice Gary Swift were as follows : Edwin Swift, born June 16, 1871 ; and George Alexander, born July 25, 1872. LEWIS CRATER, Secretary and Treasurer of the Reading Steam Heat and Power Company, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Warren County Traction Company, is one of the representative citizens of Reading, and he is descended from one of those sturdy emigrants from the Palatinate, who sought religious freedom in the New World. The name Crater was originally "Greter,"' as is evi- denced in the original oath of allegiance to the King of Great Britain, signed by the emigrant ancestor when he landed at Philadelphia. This paper is on file in Harris- burg. The different branches of the family have adopted various spellings — Greder, Grader, Grater, Krater and Crat- er. The change from "G" to "C" was originally through an accident. On May 28, 1793, John Grater bought proper- ty of George Heebner, and the papers were made out by one Thomas Richards in the name of John Craiter. The error was not discovered until about 1800, when the property was sold, and in order to save trouble, the new papers were signed "John Crater." The family records show the great majority of its members to have been tillers of the soil, and they have been law-abiding, hard-working, honest, upright and strictly conscientious. Religious persecution in Germany broke out with re- newed frenzy in 1732, and about 30,000 Protestants were driven from the country in the middle of winter. Among these fugitives were (l) Jacob Greter and his family. From Colonial Records, Vol. HI, p. 515, it is found that Jacob Greter was one of 291 "Palatines" arriving at Phila- delphia, Pa., in "the ship Samuel of London, Hugh Percy, master, from Rotterdam, but last from Deal, on the 17th day of August, 1733." By occupation he was a weaver, but after coming to Pennsylvania, he purchased a tract of land along the Perkiomen river, at or near what is known as Grater's Ford, and there he also carried on farming. That he was not among those who sold themselves for a term of years to pay for his passage, but was able at once to purchase land, goes to prove he was a man of some means. Later records show his wealth increasing, as in the census report of Perkiomen or Van Bebbers township, Montgomery county, June, 1756, there is this entry : "Jacob Kreter, weaver, owner of 220 acres of land." Again, in the history of PerkionTen township, that same year is found "Jacob Kreter, owner of 220 acres of farm land at Grater's Ford, also a saw and grist mill." Records in his own handwriting indicate more education than was common in those times. In his religious faith he was a follower of Menno Simons, and it is not clear whether he was a preacher at the time of his arrival in Pennsylvania, but from the earliest entry in the minute-book of the Skippack Church it is shown that he was one of the most active members, and the general opinion is that he was a bishop. His descendants for several generations clung to the Mennonite faith, but as the country grew and educa- tion became more general, the younger members of the family joined more progressive denominations, and adopted the dress and customs of the times. In the old family record of Jacob Greter the names of three of his children have been lost owing to a corner of the leaf being torn off, the date of birth however being left. Otje of these three was undoubtedly "Lewis." Jacob Greter's children were: Jacob, born May 25, 1729; Maria, April 18 1731- Johannes, April 10, 1734; Elizabeth, Feb. 29, 1736; Paulus' July 8, 17.38; Barbara, Sept. 21, 1740 (married Frederick Hubler) ; Christian, Jan. 30, 1743; — , born July 17. 1745; . born June S, 1750; , born Mav 2, 1753; and iSIichael, in 1758. (II) Johannes Greter, son of Jacob, was born .\pril BIOGRAPHICAL 36;? 10, 1734. His children were: Maria, born Oct. 19, 1760; Jacob, Oct. 1, 1763 (died May 27, 1764) ; Johannes, July 13, 1765; Abraham, April 19, 1768; Cadarina, May 23, 1771; Ludwig, Jan. 5, 1775; Elizabeth, April 6, 1779 (mar- ried Henry Hallman). (HI) Johannes Grater (3), son of Johannes Greter, was born July 13, 1765. He married and became the father of a large family (all of whom adopted the spelling of the name. Crater), as follows: Abraham, born March 2, 1792; Jacob, Dec. 28, 1793 (died single); Phillip, Jan. 21, 1796; John, Nov. 26, 1797; David, Feb. 15, 1800 (died in 1893) ; Catharine, Oct. 19, 1802 (married John Young) ; Elizabeth, Feb. 3, 1805 (died Aug. 27, 1805) ; Henry, March 22, 1808 (died in December, 1815) ; and Israel, Feb. 18, 1812 (died single). (IV) Abraham Crater, son of Johannes Grater, was born March 2, 1792. He married a daughter of Rev. Henry Pennypacker, great-aunt of former Governor Pennypacker, of the State of Pennsylvania. To their mar- riage were born six children, namely : Ephraim, born May 1, 1814, is mentioned below; Elizabeth, born May 20, 1817, died Dec. 7, 1834; Margaret and Christianna, born Sept. 10, 1818, both died unmarried; Jacob, born July 1, 1820, moved to Indiana, and died Nov. 17, 1893 ; and John, born Feb. 22, 1822. (V) Ephraim Crater, son of Abraham, was born May 1, 1814. His education was obtained in the district schools. He grew nip on the farm, and made farming his life work. He married Dec. 18, 1836, Susan Longacre, and they be- came the parents of eight children: Henry L., born Oct. 7, 1837, died Oct. 17, 1872; Lavina, born Aug. 21, 1839, married Joseph Lukens ; Anna, born Sept. 10, 1841, mar- ried Jacob Nyman; Lewis, born Aug. 9, 1843; Catharine Elizabeth, born Jan. 3, 1845, married Josiah Nyman; Jacob L., born Feb. 10, 1847, lives in Pottstown; David L., born Nov. 28, 1850; and Abraham L., born Sept. 18, 1853, died Nov. 9, 1873. Ephraim Crater, the father, was a stanch old-line Whig in politics, but at the formation of the Republican party, joined its ranks, and ever afterward was one of its active workers. He was a strong Abolition- ist, and was one of the workers in the old underground railway. His good wife died May 3, 1878, aged sixty-four years, eight months, fifteen days. They were beHevers in the Mennonite faith. (VI) Lewis Crater, son of Ephraim, born Aug. 9, 1843, received a good substantial education ^in the common schools of Chester county. Reared in the atmosphere of patriotism, the outbreak of the Civil war afforded him an opportunity to show his loyalty, and on Sept. 10, 1861, he became a member of Company H, 50th P. V. I., and participated in thirty-three engagements besides a number of skirmishes. He was once slightly wounded, had his sword cut from his side, and 'he was promoted from ser- geant to first lieutenant for gallant conduct in action, clos- ing his service as adjutant of the regiment. He was hon- orably discharged July 31, 1865. After the war, Mr. Crater returned to Pennsylvania, and entered Bryant and Stratton's Business College at Phila- delphia. For some time he taught penmanship in the schools of ■ Philadelphia, but failing health necessitated a change of employment. He moved to Reading, and ac- cepted a position in Philip Albright's grocery, later be- coming a clerk in the dry goods establishment of H. A. Hofif, where he remained one year. He then became an accountant in Earl's Banking House, and continued there until it closed its doors in 1867. His next position was as chief clerk and bookkeeper for William Mcllvaine & Sons in the Reading Rolling Mill, until that concern sus- pended operations in 1897. Since that time Mr. Crater has been a public accountant, and is considered an expert in that line. In 1888 he was elected Secretary and Treas- urer of the Reading Steam Heat and Power Company, and has since held that office. He was a member of the Mt. Penn Paper Box Company, Ltd., in which he held the office of secretary, until 1908, when the company dis- solved. Mr. Crater is a writer of considerable ability, especially on historical subjects, for which he has a decided fondness. In 1867 when Col. Bates was gathering data for the history of the troops of the State of Pennsylvania Mr. Crater furnished very much of the data relating to the 50th regi- ment, and some years after wrote and published a history of the 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He wrote the "History of the Grater Family" and the "History of St. Peter's M. E. Church." In his fraternal relations, Mr. Crater is a member of the G. ,A. R., in which he has served as Post commander ; a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Commandery of Pennsylvania; and a member of the Union Veteran Legion ; the P. O. S. of A. ; Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; Veteran Castle, No. 481, K. G. E.; So- ciety Army of the Potomac; Army of the Cumberland and Army of the Tennessee. On Sept. 30, 1865, Mr. Crater wedded Miss Rosie C. Lowe, daughter of Peter Lowe, of Lebanon, Pa. Four children blessed this union : Emma May, born Jan. 9, 1867, m. Arthur E. Suter, of Zurich, Switzerland; Mary Min- erva, b9rn June 20, 1868; Annie Lulu, born Sept. 21, 1870, died Jan. 15, 1875; and Morton Murray, born Jan. 14, 1872. THOMAS C. ZIMMERMAN, known all over Berks county as the talented editor of The Reading Times, is an enterprising and aggressive newspaper man, a clear-headed thinker, and an able and versatile writer. His best works, by which he has achieved distinction as a literary genius, have been his translations of German poetical masterpieces into English, and his rendering of English poems into the Pennsylvania German vernacular. In these two fields of work he is acknowledged by the best authorities to be without an equal. He is a poet by natural instinct, self- training being the means by which he has developed his native powers of expression, In presenting, through the columns of The Reading Times, his translations of English poems into Pennsylvania German, he has proved himself entitled to the highest regard of the class of worthy citizens of the Keystone State allied with him by race, in whose interests he has ever bten an earnest and indefatigable worker. The only school education Mr. Zimmerman ever enjoyed was the public school training he received during the years of his boyhood in Lebanon, Pa., where his birth occurred Jan. 23, 1838. Thus he never had the advantages of a classical education, and therefore all the more credit is due him for making such splendid use of his talents and opportunities. When thirteen years of age he was ap- prenticed to the printing trade, in the newspaper establish- ment of the Lebanon Courier. Upon the completion of his term of service he went to Philadelphia, and worked on the Philadelphia Inquirer a short time, until Jan. 8, 1856,' when he entered the office of The Berks and Schuylkill Journal, in Reading, as a journeyman printer. In 1859 Mr. Zimmerman removed to Columbia, S. C, where he worked on the State laws, in the printing establishment of Dr. Robert Gibbs, who afterward became surgeon-general of the Confederate Army. In March, 1860, Mr. Zimmerman returned to Reading, as the anti-Northern sentiment had become so intense and virulent in South Carolina, the hot- bed of secession, that his life was endangered, though he never openly opposed the course of the Secessionists while in that section. Upon his return to Reading he once more entered the employ of The Berks and Schuylkill Journal. Under its proprietor, Jacob Knabb, who became postmaster of ' Reading in May, 1860, he acted as clerk until the close of his superior's term of office, in July, 1865. During this period Mr. Zimmerman contributed some striking articles on postal reform to the United States Mail and other journals, which called out a correspondence with the then postmaster-general, Mr. Dennison, and some of the suggestions solicited were incorporated into that official's report. When he finished his connection with the post-office he resumed his work in the Journal office, and in January, 1866, became co-proprietor and associate editor of the paper. Up to the year 1869 the firm bore the name of 364 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA J. Knabb & Co.; in that year they also became the pro- prietors of the Daily Times, which, in 1871, was consoli- dated with the Evening Dispatch, under the title The Times and Dispatch. The Reading Times Publishing Company was organized in 1897, with IVIr. Zimmerman as president and editor. This paper is one of the foremost journals in the State, and exerts the strongest kind of influence upon the moral and material development of its city, standing in high esteem with the political leaders in the State and at Washington. After more than half a century of journal- istic work in Reading, he retired in October,_1908. In com- inemoration of the event a public subscription dinner was given him at the "Mineral Springs Hotel," in which up- ward of eighty leading citizens of Reading and adjoining cities participated. Mr. Zimmerman was happy in the choice of his vocation and his home. He is a great lover of nature, and evidently believes, with a distinguished writer and fellow-pedestrian, that "the shining angels second and accompany the man who goes afoot, while all the dark spirits are ever looking out for a chance to ride." It was his habit for nearly forty years to take daily walks into the country, accom- panied often only by his favorite dog, returning after a long excursion to his editorial desk by noon. Nothing turned hini aside from' the calling for which he was so eminently fitted. He had many flattering ofifers to engage in other fields of work, but in all cases these were declined. In his early manhood he had arranged to enter the law office of Hon. William' Strong, and was also importuned to study for the ministry; his manifest destiny, however, made and kept him a journalist and writer of no mean ability, A brother editor comments on the jour- alistic abilities of Mr. Zimmerman in this language : "Mr. Zimmerman is a writer of force and ability. His writings are pure, easy and graceful. He is witty and humorous when occasion demands. In controversy he is gentlemanly at all times, and in argument he is fair and generous to his opponents. He has a genuine taste for literature, poetry and the fine arts, as many of his articles attest. He is one of the ablest writers in the old ConiTnonwealth. Many of his articles show alike the eye of the artist, and the hand of the litterateur." One of these 'productions, that most widely published and copied, was a sketch , of his visit to the Luray Caverns in Virginia ; the merits of this inspiration of the moment were seen by the Hotel and Cave Company, who caused to be published upward of sixty thousand copies in illustrated pamphlet form for general circulation. The newspapers of Richmond, Va., copied this article, and the favor it met with called out the request that Mr. Zimmerman also write up the unde- veloped resources of Alabama. Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage with Tamsie T. Kauffman of Reading, on June 11, 1867. Several years previous, in 1863, he enlisted in Company C, 42d Pa. V. I., but that company did not see active service. He was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania German Society, as well as one of the reorganizers, in 1898, of the Historical Society of Berks County. He has been for many years a member of the Board of Trustees of the Asylum for the Chronic Insane of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Reading Free Public Library. The degree of L. H. D. (Doctor of the Humanities) was conferred upon him by Muhlenberg College in 1904. He was also a member of the 37th National Conference of Charities and Corrections — office at Chicago; was also elected President of the Pennsylvania Association of Sup- erintendents and Trustees of the Insane Asylums and Feeble-Minded of the State of Pennsylvania, 1908-09. In October, 1908, he was elected president of the Pennsylvania German Society. Mr. Zimmerman has delivered quite a number of ad- dresses on public occasions. H^e has been selected half a dozen tirnes or more to speak before the Pennsylvania Ger- man Society: Once in the court-house at Lancaster, where the Society was organized; once in the court-house at York, in response to the address of welcome, and in the evening of the same day at the banquet in the same city ; once at Lebanon; once at Harrisburg; and twice at Allentown, besides numerous occasions in Reading. He was sub- sequently selected by the Society as its special represen- tative before the Chautauqua Assembly at Mt. Gretna, at which time he was elected one of the vice-presidents of that body in honor of the occasion. Within the last ten years Mr. Zimmerman has made upward of a hundred public addresses in various parts of the Commonwealth. He has frequently been mentioned as an available candidate for mayor of Reading, and twice his name was presented for the Congressional nomination from the Berks Legislative district, both of which honors he de- clined. He is a well-known figure in Rieading, and has a host of devoted friends, who were won by his lofty, manly spirit, universal friendship of heart, and strong sense of right and duty; he is in particular favor with the Germans, in whose behalf he has written and spoken much. Very early in life Mr. Zimmerman began to read 'poetry for the intellectual pleasure and profit which its elevated diction afforded him, and at the age of eighteen he had already made considerable progress in a predetermined sys- tematic perusal of the whole line of English poets, or of as many of them as lay within his reach. The instinct of the translator asserted itself in marvelous maturity, when he began to make this one of the prominent features of The Reading Times. Hundreds of these matchless trans- lations from the German classics into English appeared from time to time, the Saturday issue of the paper invar- iably containing a translation into English of some German poem, the original and translation appearing close- together in parallel columns ; in recognition of their merit he has been made the recipient of many presents, from friends at home and abroad. Worthy of mention among these are seventy-five volumes of German poetr}' from an admirer, residing in Berlin, Germany; his collection of tobacco pipes from Germany, England, Ireland, France, Denmark, Finland and Holland is palpable evidence of the widespread influence his work has had upon readers. Mr. Zimmerman has shown remarkable aptitude and poetic skill in all his translations, preserving with remarkable fidelity the exact measure of the original poems, and the rhythmical beat of each syllable with remarkable fidelity. One of his most noted translations from the German, viz.. The Prussian National Battle Hymn, appeared in the Berlin (Germany) Times, with a half-tone portrait of the author of the translation. Some very original work has been done by Mr. Zimmer- man in his translations of English classics into Pennsyl- vania German, that curious mixture of German dialects and English words which continues to be the chief spoken language of over half of the inhabitants of Berks county. His first attempt, Clement C. Moore's "Twas the Night before Christmas," caught the fancy of the press at once, and its favorable mention brought him congratulatory let- ters from such men as Prof. Haldeman, the eminent phil- ologist of the University of Pennsylvania; Hon. Simon Cameron; Gen. Hartranft; P. F. Rothermel, painter of the "Battle of Gettysburg"; Prof. Porter of Lafayette College; Prof. Home of Muhlenberg College, and other men of prominence in the literary world. Poems of Tom Hood, Oliver Goldsmith, Heine and Longfellow followed, and were received with hearty interest by the German people. "Luther's Battle Hj'mn," a translation from the German into English, was a wonderful inspiration, and fairly ran up and down the country, as soon as it was given to the 'public through The Reading Times. In five weeks it brought eighteen columns of letters to the paper that published it, from eminent divines, professors, publicists, poets, historians and others in the higher walks of society. Notwithstanding there are some seventy or eighty transla- tions of this magnificent poem, Mr. Zimmerman's effort has been characterized by Rev. Dr. Pick, the publisher of these translations, as "the newest and best that has been made." The new version was especially favored by being sung with enlarged choirs in different denominations of BIOGRAPHICAL 365 town and city, and sermons here and there were delivered on the translation. Following is Mr. Zimmerman's trans- lation of the famous hymn : "A rock-bound fortress is our God, A good defense and weapon, He helps us out of every need That doth us press or threaten. The old, wicked foe. With zeal now doth glow; Much craft and great might Prepare him for the fight, On earth there is none like him. "With our own strength there's nothing done, iWe're well nigh lost, dejected: For us doth, fight the proper One, Whom God himself elected. Dost ask for his name? Christ Jesus — ^the same ! The Lord of Sabaoth, The world no other hath; This field must He be holding. "And were the world with devils filled; With wish to quite devour us. We need not be so sore afraid, Since they can not o'erpower us. The Prince of this World, In madness though whirled, Can harm' you nor" me ; Because adjudged is he. . A little word can fell hipi. "This Word shall they now let remain. No thanks therefor attending; He is with us upon the plain, His gifts and spirit lending. j Though th' body he, ta'en, Goods, child, wife and fame; Go — life, wealth and kin! They yet can nothing win : For us remaineth the Kingdom." Mr. Zimmierman's translation of Schiller's "The Song of the Bell" met with even more favor from the public; no less than twenty columns of newspaper matter made up of letters from all over the world came to the translator, and though twenty years have elapsed since its first appearance, Mr. Zimmerman receives continued inquiries for the trans- lation from far and near. The Philadelphia Ledger says : "Mr. Zimmerman's translations have been highly com- mended by literary authorities at home and abroad. He has shown a special gift for making his English readers familiar with the spirit of the best German poets. Even those who are well at home in German will find a special interest in comparing the translation with the original, for he is sure to find that Mr. Zimmerman has not only seized the meaning of the author, but he has so put it into an English clothing as to show that the real bone and sinew of the original still lives in its new dress." Hon. Andrew D. White, U. S. Minister to Germany, in a letter to Mr. Zimmerman about his translations writes : "They have greatly interested me, as you ' seem to have, caught their spirit and rendered them admirably. I am not sufficiently strong in literary criticism to compare them with other translations, but they seem to me to he thoroughly well done. I have also been especially interested in your trans- lations into Pennsylvania German of some of the poems. Although not a philologist, the reading of them has also greatly interested me, and they, too, 'seem very spirited and in all respects interesting." Prof. Marion D. Learned, of the Department of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania, says: "A masterful hand is visible in all the translations. * * , * * * It is perhaps safe to say that Schiller's 'Song of the Bell' is the most difficult lyrical poem -in the German language to render into English with the corresponding meters. Your version seems to me to excel all other English translations of the poem, both in spirit and in rhythm. Especially striking in point of movement is your happy use of the English participle in reproducing Schiller's feminine rhymes. Your version, however,- while closely adhering to the form of the original, maintains at the same time dignity and clearness of expression, which translators often sacrifice to meet the demands of rhythm. Your poetic instinct has furnished you the key to this masterpiece of German song." The New York World says : "Mr. Zim- merman's rendering [Schiller's 'Song of the Bell'] is a triumph' of the translator's art, and recalls the work of Bayard Taylor." The New York Herald says : "Mr. Zim- merman has placed his name in the category of famous litterateurs by a very creditable translation of Schiller's 'Song of the Bell.' " The following ably written criticism is from the pen of J. B. Ker, who, while a resident of Scotland, once stood for Parliamient : "To Col. T. C. Zimmerman — Sir:' Having read and studied your noble translation of Schiller's 'Song of the Bell,' I have been forcibly impressed by the music of the language into which you have rendered the poem. This is a merit of capital importance in the translation of this poem. In estimating the value of translations of the great German poems, it is necessary to bear in mind the weight which the literary and critical ■ consciousness of Germany attached to the ancient classical canons of poetry. There is no question here as. to whether the ancients were right. The point for us is that their influence was loyally acknowledged as of high authority during the Augustan age of German literature. Proof of this can be found in Goethe as distinctly as it super-abundantly appears in Lessing's famous 'Dramatic Notes,' where the poetic dicta of Aristotle are treated with profound respect. In the study of Aristotle's work on the Poetic, nothing is perhaps more striking than his dictum that poetry is imitation, with the explanation or enlargement so aptly given by Pope in the words : " "Tis not enough no harshness gives offense, The sound must seem, an echo to the sense. Soft is the strain when zephyr gently blows. And the smooth stream in smoother numbers flows; But when loud surges lash the sounding shore. The hoarse, rough waves should like the torrent roar; When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw. The line, too, labors, and the words move slow. Not so, when swift Camilla scours the main, Flies o'er the unbending corn, or skims along the plain.' "Not knowing the German recognition of the law and acknowledging its realization in the works of the leading Teutonic poets, one of the crucial tests of a translation of a great German poet is. Does the language into which the original is rendered form an 'echo to the sense'? It seems to me that one of the strongest points in your trans- lation of the 'Beir is that the words which you have selected and gathered have sounds, which, like the music of a skillful musical composer, convey a signification in- dependently of their literal meaning. Not to protract these remarks unduly, few words could more appropriately refer to the music of strong and distant bells than your rendering — 'That from the metal's unmixed founding Cle^r and full may the bell be sounding.' "Very slight poetic capacity must admit the music of these, words as eminently happy in the 'Song of the Bell.' The echo to the sense is also striking in the sound of the word-symbols in many places throughout the rendering where the poet describes the occurrences conceived in con- nection with the bell's imagined history. Speaking of the visions of love, , 'O; that they would be never-ending. These vernal days with lovelight blending,' 366 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the way in which the penult of the word ■'ending' conveys the idea of finaUty, while the affix of the present participle yet prolongs the word as though loth to let it depart, is a beautiful and enviable realization of the Aristotelian rule, a prolongation of the words which expresses doubly a prolongation of desire. The four lines reading: 'Blind raging, like the thunder's crashing It bursts its fractured bed of earth As if from out hell's jaws fierce flashing, It spewed its flaming ruin forth,' have a vehement strength and a rough and even a painful and horrid sound which apply with singular propriety to the horrible images by which the poet presents the catas- trophe to our quickened apprehensions. The beautiful lines, 'Joy to me now God hath given,' etc., in which the bell founder exults, avoiding, as they do, the deeper vowel sounds and preserving as it were a series of high musical notes save where the gift descends from heaven to earth, when the vowel sounds fall from high to low, form a delightful resonance of the happy sentiment they embody. The general experience of translations is that they are more prosy than sonorous or musical. Few, however, if any, will deny the mielody of your language in many places and its remarkable appropriateness in others, and those who have worked on similar translations can best judge how great is the success you have accom- plished in this valuable contribution to Anglo-Saxon liter- ature." Mr. Zimmerman published a collection of his addresses, sketches of Out-Door Life, translations and original poems in two volumes, entitled "011a Podrida." The volumes, which were published in the fall of 1903, were received with great favor, almost the entire edition having been sold in a month's time, a number of the public libraries having become purchasers. We present to our readers a few short selections from Mr. Zimlmerman's translation of "The Song of the Bell" : "Firmly walled in earth and steady, Stands the mold of well-burnt clay. Quick, now, workmen, be ye ready ! Forth must come the bell today ! Hot from forehead's glow Must the sweat-drops flow. Should the master praise be given ; Yet the blessing comes from Heaven. "The work prepared with so much ardor May well an earnest word become; When good discourse attends the labor, Then flows employment briskly on. Observe with care, then, what arises — See what from feeble strength escapes ; The man so poor, each one despises, Who ne'er foresees the form he shapes. 'Tis this that man so well adorneth. For mind hath he to understand That in his inner heart he feeleth Whate'er he fashions-with his hand. "Through the streets with fury flaring, Stalks the fire with fiendish glaring. Rushing as if the whirlwind sharing! Like the blast from furnace flashing Glows the air, and beams are crashing. Pillars tumbling, windows creaking, Mothers wandering, children shrieking. Beasts are moaning, Running, groaning, 'Neath the ruins; all are frightened. Bright as day the night enlightened. "From the steeple. Sad and strong, Th' bell is tolling A fun'ral song. Sad and slow its mournful strokes attending Some poor wand'rer tow'rds his last home wending. Ah! the wife it is, the dear one; Ah! it is the faithful mother, Whom the Prince of Shades, unheeding. From the husband's arms is leading. From the group of children there. Whom she blooming to him bare ; On whose breast saw, maid and boy, Growing with maternal joy. Ah ! the household ties so tender Sundered are forevermore ; Gone into the realm of shadows She who ruled this household o'er. Now her faithful reign is ended. She will need to watch no more ; In the orphaned place there ruleth A stranger, loveless evermore. "O sweetest hope ! tender longing ! The earliest love's first golden time ! The eye, it sees the heavens thronging With rapt'rous sights and scenes sublime; O, that they would be nev'er-ending. These vernal days with lovelight blending. "And this henceforth its calling be. Whereto the master set it free ! High o'er this nether world of ours. Shall it, in heaven's azure tent, Dwell where the pealing thunder lowers. And border on the firmament. It shall, too, be a voice from heaven, Like yonder starry hosts, so clear. Who in their course extol their Maker, And onward lead the wreath-crowned year. To earnest things and things eternal Devoted be its metal tongue. And, hourly. Time, with swift-winged pinions, Will touch it as it flieth on. Its tongue to dest'ny 'twill be lending; No heart itself, from pity free Its swinging ever be attending Life's changeful play, whate'er it be. And as the sound is slowly dying That strikes with such o'erpowering might. So may it teach that naught abideth. That all things earthly take their flight." Following is Reading's Official Sesqui-Centennial Hymn, as written by Thomas C. Zimmerman, and sung on Tues- day evening, June 6, 1898, by a chorus of 600 voices, to an audience of 20,000 people, assembled on Penn's Com- mon : "All hail to Reading's name and fame ! And let the welkin ring With song and shout and roundelay. As we together sing. And may our songs, with glad acclaim. To heav'n, like incense rise, While glowing hearts in tones proclaim Her glory to the skies. BIOGRAPHICAL 367 '"Tis sev'n score years ago and ten Since this fair town was born; Its sweet young life must have exhaled A breath like rosy morn. So let us sing till yonder hills Send back the joyous song; Till echoing dales and rippling rills Th€ gladsome sound prolong. "Let others tread life's stately halls, Where princely pleasures flow ; Give us our homes, like jewels set In evening's sunset glow. And may our hearts, in swelling pride, Forget not those of old — The men of Reading's pristine days — Whose hearts have long grown cold. "Let all, therefore, with mingled voice. Repeat the glad refrain ; Let civic pride, in flowing tide, Rejoice with might and main. And God, the Father of us all, With His protecting care, Will bless us while we praise in song Our city, bright and fair." Mr. Zimmerman also wrote the Sesqui-Centennial of Berks, which was adopted by the Historical Society of Berks as the ofiiciat hymn. Following is the translation: Air : — "America." "Hail, beauteous Berks ! to thee Let song and minstrelsy Their tribute pay ! Let joy in rapture break Till echoing hills awake, And woodland summits shake. On this glad day. "Our sires, long since at rest. With mem,'ries, sweet and blest. Were at thy birth. With axe and brawn and brain. They toiled, with might and main, A dear loved home to gain On this green earth. "And now, with upturned eyes, Your children's gladsome cries Their homage bring. From all our mines and mills. From Manatawny's hiUs, And Ontelaunee's rills, Let praises ring. "Then hail the natal day When Heaven's fav'ring ray Shone on thy face. Let joy, in civic pride. Gush forth, on every side, And music's swelling tide Add strength and grace. "Our fathers' God ! may we Be ever true to thee Through all our days. Thy Name be glorified, Our hearts be sanctified. As, with exultant pride, We sing thy praise." Mr. Zimmerman was also the author of the memorial hymn sung at the dedication of the McKinley monu- ment in the City Park, in the presence of one of the lar- gest audiences ever assembled in Reading. One of the proudest achievements of Mr. Zimmer- man's journalistic career was the erection of a monu- ment to Stephen C. Foster at his home in Pittsburg, which, according to the Pittsburg papers, had its real inception in an editorial prepared by Mr. Zimmerman for the Reading Times, after a visit to that city and finding no memorial to perpetuate the memory of the world's greatest writer of negro melodies. This edi- torial was republished in the Pittsburg Press and in- dorsed by that paper, which also started a fund to pro- vide a suitable memorial and called on the public for popular subscriptions, the ultimate result being the stat- ue which now adorns Highland Park, in that city. The foUcfwing from the Pittsburg Times, in a personal no- tice of Mr. Zimmerman's visit to that Park -several years ago, said : "Out at Highland Park yesterday passers- by noticed a handsome, military looking gentleman mak- ing a minute study of the Stephen C. Foster statue. Every feature of this artistic bit of sculpture, from Fos- ter's splendid face to Uncle Ned and the broken string of his banjo, was examined with affectionate interest. The man was Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman, editor of the Reading (Pa.) Times, and the statue was the fruition of his fondest wish. Col. Zimmerman has been for miany years one of the staunchest admirers of Foster's imperishable songs and melodies. Sixteen years ago" while in Pittsburg visiting the late Major E. A. Mon- tooth, he asked the latter to show him the monument to Foster, and was painfully surprised to discover that no such memorial existed. Shortly after his return to Reading he wrote an editorial for his paper, calling the attention of the world in general and Pittsburg in .particular to the neglect of Foster's memiDry." MILTON BRAYTON McKNIGHT, son of David Mc- Knight and Elizabeth Hiester, his wife, was born in Read- ing, Sept. 30, 1855. Paul McKnight, his great-grandfather, of Scottish an- cestry, came to America in 1752, from the North of Ireland, and settled in Chester county. Paul's son, John McKnight (born May 31, 1774— died March 9, 1855), came to Reading in 1808, and conducted a Branch of the Bank of Pennsylvania of Philadelphia, which Branch Bank was afterward incorporated as the National Union Bank of Reading. David McKnight (born May 2, 1814— died Aug. 29, 1873), a son of John McKnight, assisted and succeeded his father in conducting' the Reading Branch of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and upon the incorporation of the Union Bank of Reading (afterward the National Union Bank) became its first president, and held this oifice until his death. On his mother's side, Elizabeth Beck Hiester (born May 5, 1817— died Oct. 11, 1897) was a daughter of Joseph Hiester of Reading (born Aug. 4, 1768— died April 16, 1830), and a granddaughter of Joseph Hiester, (1710-1772), who came to America from Westphalia, Germany, in 1737. M. Brayton McKnight attended the local public schools, graduating from the Reading high school in 1873, and entered Amherst College the same year, from which college he was graduated in 1876. He then read law in the office of his brother-in-law, Charles H. Schaeffer, Esq., of Reading, and was admitted to the Bar of Berks county in 1878. Going to Colorado in the fall of 1879, he was admitted to the Bar of that State and took a clerical position in the office of Hon. Robert S. Morrison, a prom- inent attorney of Georgetown, Colo. Returning to Reading the following year, he resumed the practice of law. In 1881 he assisted in the incorporation of the Mt. Penn Stove Works, a company just forming for the manufacture of cooking and heating appliances, and being elected secretary and treasurer of the new corporation, he relinquished his law practice and devoted his whole time to manufacturing. He retained the office of secretary and treasurer of the Mt. Penn Stove Works for twenty-five years, and in 1907 he was elected president of the company, which office he now holds. During this time this conijpany has grown to be one of the prominent manufacturing and business enter- prises of Reading. 368 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA I\Ir. AIcKnight was married in 1880 to Ida May Geise, who died in 1882, without any children. On March 31, 1898, he married Wilhelmina Hamilton Holmes (daughter of Robert Holmes, of Reading), who died on Nov. 3, 1901. leaving two daughters, Helen, born June 16, 1899, and Katharine, born May 23, 1901. Mr. A'IcKnight is identified with various business enter- prises of Reading, is oil the board of directors of the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad, the Reading & Temple Railway, the Reading Hospital, the Charles Evans Cemetery Com- pany and the Reading Sanitarium for the Treatment of Tuberculosis, and is a member of the Berks County His- torical Society, the Pennsylvania-German Society and the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. CHARLES H. SCHAEFFER, one oif the most prominent and influential citizens of Reading, is well known in the financial circles of that city as president of the National Union Bank. Mr. Schaeffer was born in Columbus, Ohio, in the year 1840. His father and grandfather were clergymen, distinguished in the Lutheran Church, his father having been for many years professor in the Luth- eran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and later hav- ing been the founder, first professor and president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, where he remained until his death in 1879. Charles H. Schaeffer received his collegiate education at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, from which he grad- uated with honor in 1860, and thereafter he conducted a classical academy at Reading for several years. During this period he also read law in the office of the late Con- gressman Daniel Ermentrout. In 1863 he enlisted in the service of the United States and was at the front until his regiment disbanded in the fall of that year. On Aug. 9, 1864, he was admitted to the Bar and since that time has been in continuous practice, being concerned in much of the most important litigation that has been before the courts of Berks county, the Supreme court of Pennsyl- vania and the United States courts, and during his pro- fessional career has been attorney for many of the most important corporate interests of the comimunity. Mr. Schaeffer has been prominently identified with the Democratic party from the first, and in his earlier years was a prominent speaker and worker in his party, repre- senting it in county. State and national conventions. In 1873 he served a term as a member of the city council, but was never a candidate for any other office. He long served the public as a member of the board of health until his resignation in 1902, nineteen years, during which timie the most valuable improvements and reforms in the work of the board were inaugurated and established. Mr. Schaeffer has always been prominently identified with the public interests and institutions of the city and county. In 1873 he drew the charter of the first passenger railway built in the city of Reading, organized the com- pany, and has been connected with the city railway in- terests as attorney and director during all the subsequent developments of the system. Since 1869 he has been the counsel for the National Union Bank of Reading, one of the leading financial institutions of the city, became a director in 1874, and vice-president in 1898. Since March, 1900, Mr. Schaeffer has been president of this institution. During all his legal and business career Mr. Schaeffer has at various times contributed articles to the educational and legal magazines, and other publications of the city, county and State, which gave him reputation as a writer, and in the years when the Reading Eagle was laying the foundations of its future prosperity his contributions to its columns were highly appreciated. In connection with his banking interests, Mr. Schaeffer is also a director of the Reading Trust Comipany, the Reading Gas Com- pany, the Reading City Passenger Railway Company, and also of manv other corporations. He is also president of the West Reading Water Company. He is an active rnember of the well-known Berks County Historical So- ciety, while his war record entitles him to his connection with Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R. Since 1860 Mr. Schaef- fer has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in the vestry of which he served a number of years as elder, and to which his family also adhere. In 1867 Charles H. Schaeffer and Amelia M. McKnight were united in marriage. Mrs. Schaeffer is a member of one of the old and prominent families of the county. Four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer, all of whom are engaged in business in Reading and Philadel- phia, the youngest, E. Carroll, being a member of the Berks county Bar. In every walk of life, indeed, Mr. Schaeffer has made an impress for good. Of profound legal mind, scholarly and liberal-minded, his influence has been felt not only in the material upbuilding: of Reading, but in the develop- ment of the moral, religious and educational movements in the community in which he has for so long been so prominent a figure. JACOB B. FRICKER. It is most consonant that in this work be incorporated a sketch of the career of this well- known and honored citizen and prominent business man of Reading, for not only is he a native of the city which is now his home, but he is also a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county in which his entire life has been passed. Mr. Fricker was born in the old family homestead at No. 807 Penn street, Dec. 19, 1839, son of Jacob and Catherine (Allgaier) Fricker, both like- wise natives of the old Keystone State. Jacob Fricker was born in Huntingdon county, where he was reared and educated, and where he remained .until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he came to Read- ing and secured a position as foreman and manager in the hat factory of Jacob Sauerbier. He retained this incum- bency about twelve years, and then engaged in the same branch of enterprise on his own responsibility, forming a partnership with Harry Brown and establishing their factory at No. 807 Penn street, in 1833. On that site, 30 X 270 feet in dimensions, Mr. Fricker erected his dwell- ing, which is still standing, and in an excellent state of preservation. In the rear of this building the firm estab- lished their fur-hat manufactory, utilizing a log house. At the same time they established a wholesale and retail store at the corner of Fifth and Court streets, where Tragle Bros.' large cordage building now stands. Mr. Fricker continued to be activel3r identified with this business until his death. The business demanded considerable traveling on his part, as the custom in those days was for the man- ufacturers to go about from one locality to another, selling their products or exchanging them for new fur-pelts. On one of these trips he contracted a severe cold, the ultimate result of which was his death, in March. 1847. In 1828 Jacob Fricker married Catherine Allgaier, who survived him many years, continuing to reside in the old Penn street homestead for sixty years. She died in 1888. Five children were born to Jacob Fricker and wife : Peter H., who was engaged in the manufacture of fur hats in Reading, and who was a prominent member of the old Ringgold Band, died in 1860; Andrew J., a printer and box manufacturer, also identified with the Reading Lumber Company, and the representative of the Tenth ward in the city coun- cil, died in 1895; Sarah E. died in 1886; Jacob B.;' George W., who was engaged in printing and manufacturing, died in 1902. As per family arrangement the estate was not settled until 1905, a period of fifty-eight years, when Jacob B., the sole survivor, became the owner of the old home- stead. Jacob B. Fricker was reared to manhood in his native town, and after completing the course of the Reading schools, he found employment as a clerk in a local mercan- tile establishment. He followed this vocation for a num- ber of years, with different firms, and during the Civil war was employed as a clerk in the post-office, and later was clerk and teller in the First National and the Read- ing Savings Banks. In 1871 he became associated with the De Long Brothers, tanners and curriers, who for many years occupied the southeast corner of Ninth and Muhlen- berg streets, and with them in 1875 he established a whole- sale leather house in Philadelphia, and at this writing BIOGRAPHICAL 369 still remains a partner of this firm. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Lambert A. Rehr, and under the firm name of Rehr & Fricker, they engaged as contractors and builders. The firm is still in existence, with offices at No. 134 Cedar street, and they control a large and important business, having erected more than 1,000 houses in Reading. This fact in itself offers the most effective voucher for the correct business methods and technical ability of the firm, whose reputation has ever been of the highest, and whose splendid success has been richly deserved. Mr. Fricker is a man of progressive spirit and has iden- tified himself with various other enterprises which have contributed to the material advancement and prestige of his home city. He is one of the organizers, and remains an interested principal in the Reading Lumber Company. Mr. Fricker was a director in the Reading Hardware Com- pany many years, but recently severed his connection with the company. For the past ten years he has been the man- ager and treasurer of the Reading Abattoir Company, which he organized and now has incorporated by the State of Pennsylvania. He is not only treasurer but also one of the largest stockholders. He is president and stock- holder of the Crescent Brass Foundry Company, and takes a lively interest in the management of the same. In poli- tics Mr. Fricker is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, 'and his religious faith is that of the Reformed Chuixh. He, and his wife are prominent members of St. Paul's Reformed Church, with which he has been identified since its organization, and of whose choir he has been a member for thirty years, also taking an active part in the work of the Sunday- school. He has served on the building committee of six different churches of the Reformed denomination, those of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Andrew and Zion, on the first church buildings of St. Stephen and St. Mark, on the Sun- day-school building of St. Paul's, and on the Seminary building of the Reformed Church of Lancaster, Pa., and in each instance he gave most valuable assistance by reason of his fine technical knowledge as a contractor and builder. In 1868 Mr. Fricker married Miss Annie E. Getz, daugh- ter of the late Peter D. Getz, an honored pioneer of Read- ing, and to this union have been born three daughters : Mary F. m. Thomas G. Mull, and has one daughter, Helen; Martha A.; and Annie F., the two last named remaining under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Fricker were members of the Mozart Musical Union, being original mem- bers, and they continued interested in same as long as it was in existence. Mr. Fricker is a loyal and public-spirited citi- zen and has an abiding . interest in all that concerns his native city, which is endeared to him by the gracious mem- ories and associations of the past as well as of the present. L S. AND D. H. HUYETT, proprietors of the Standard Paper Box Manufacturing Company, which is located at Nos. 441 to 445 Pearl street, Reading, are well known iri their community as honest, straight-forward business men. Their success is due to their push and energy, and to their native business ability, and they are considered representa- tive citizens of their native city. They are sons of Amos and Henrietta (Smith) Huyett, the former of whom was for many years a prominent contractor and builder, and also operated a planing mill, doing much to advance the material growth of Reading. During the Civil war he was one of the first to enlist and he served throughout that struggle. He died in 1891, aged fifty-four years. Amos Huyett was twice married. He married (first) Henrietta Smith, who died in 1870 at the age of thirty- three years. They were the parents of five children as fol- lows: I. S. and D. H., who are mentioned below; Ella R., Lucy A. and Henrietta. Mr. Huyett married (second) Lydia Rick, who passed away in 1908, at the age of seventy. In religion the family were Lutherans. Fraternally the father was a member of the I. O. O. F. and in politics was a Republican. I. S. Huyett, senior member of the firm of the Standard Paper Box Manufacturing Company, was born in 1861. On May 12, 1887, he married Jennie L. Heller, daughter of 24 ■, i..;ii-a;-li Anthony W. Heller, and one child was born to this union, Amos W., who is now attending school. Mr. Huyett is a member of Vigilance Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., and the B. P. O. Elks, Lodge No. 115. Like the rest of the family he is a nuember of the Lutheran Church. D. H. Huyett, junior member of the firm, was born in 1862, and on March 4, 1898, he married Catharine Hull, daughter of Henry Hull. Tliey are the parents of Daniel, Dorothy and Catharine. Mr. Huyett is prominent in frater- nal circles, being connected with St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 435; Reading Chapter, R. A. M., No. 152; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; Reading Lodge of Per- fection; Rajah Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Williamsport Consistory; and Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. Elks, of Reading. The Standard Paper Box Manufacturing Company was organized in 1895. They manufacture a high grade of paper boxes, cartons and candy boxes and supply shoe, millinery, candy and hardware concerns with their product. The plant, three stories in height and 60 x 100 feet in dimensions, is equipped with a one hundred horse-power boiler, and gives employment to an average of seventy hands. From a small beginning the business has grown rap- idly and now controls a well defined trade throughout this section of the State. ALPHEUS S. BEHNEY, a director of the Penn Na- tional Bank, of Reading, and one of the most substantial citizens of Womelsdorf, Berks county, was born Nov. 17, 1843, at Fredericksburg, Lebanon Co., Pa., son of Samuel and Sarah Jane (Bashore) Behney. This family is one of the oldest in Pennyslvania, and the name has been variously spelled Beni, Baney, Behne and Behney. The founder of the family in the Lebanon Valley was Peter Beany, of Heidelberg township, who died in January, 1784, leaving a wife, Catherine, and chil- dren: George Peter, Jr., Jacob, Melchoir, Eva, Elizabeth, Christina, Barbara, Magdalena, John and Anna Elizabeth. It is also shown in the Pennsylvania Archives that in 1723 a family of Beni emigrated to this country and located in Lebanon county. Prior to 1750 the ancestor of this num- erous family located near Fredericksburg, Lebanon county, where he took up about 1,000 acres of land, and there spent the rest of his life, dying at an advanced age. Up to the time of his death, Peter Beany (or Behney) wore no garb other than in Continental style. Several of his sons, including Melchoir, served in the Revolutionary war. Melchoir Behney, son of the ancestor, and great-grand- father of Alpheus S., was born in Lebanon county, and spent his life there, being buried at Fredericksburg. He was a farmer by occupation, and one of the early horse dealers of this part of Pennsylvania, the first of the family to follow that line, in which so many of the name have become famous, in fact, one Jacob Behne, of Myerstown, was the largest horse dealer of the United States in his day. He always had on hand from 200 to 500 head, sold horses to Barnum & Bailey, the showmen, to the Brewers, and to horse dealers all over the country. Melchoir Behney was twice married, his first wife bear- ing him two children, sons, and his secondl wife, a Miss Fisher, bearing him one son and two daughters. Mr. Beh- ney's second wife was the sister of the wives of his sons by his first marriage. He was a leading citizen of his day, and did much toward promoting movements for the public good. Martin Behney, grandfather of Alpheus S., was a farmer, and spent his life in the vicinity of his birthplace, was a public-spirited and influential citizen, and died at an ad- vanced age. He married a Miss Fisher, a sister of his step-mother, and she bore him seven children : John; Jacob; David lost his life in the Civil war; Samuel (father of Alpheus S.) ; Kate m. a Suavely; Sallie m. William Bohr; and Rebekah died unmarried. Samuel Behney, father of Alpheus S., was born on the old homestead in 1806, and died at Myerstown, in 1885, at the age of seventy-nine years. He learned distilling in his youth with his father-in-law, an occupation which he followed for several years, and then engaged in the man- ufacture of brick, at Fredericksburg and later in Myers- 370 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA town, continuing in this line of business for some iifty years, and furnishing the material for hundreds of houses and buildings in the vicinity of these places. He was a captain of the militia at Jonestown in the days of the old battalions, and upon his removal to Myerstown was_ suc- ceeded by a Mr. Long. He was one of the public-spirited and progressive men of his day and locality, and was a pillar of the Reformed Church. Samuel Behney was mar- ried to Sarah Jane Bashore, daughter of John and Catha- rine (Fauber) Bashore, and to this union there were born nine children: (1) Edward, who died in Denver, Colo., in the fall of 1905, aged seventy-two years, was a veteran of the Civil war, serving three years, during part of which time he was a prisoner at Andersonville. He was a brick- maker and builder by trade. (2) William, of Pittsburg, was also in the three-years' service during the Civil war, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. (3) Milton, deceased, one of the firs^ cigar makers, and later a brick manufacturer at Wom'elsdorf. (4) Melchoir, an extensive contractor and builder and one of the most prominent citi- zens of Kansas City, was in the three-years' service, and was wounded in battle. (5) Alpheus S. (6) Sarah J. married Harry Wise, formerly of Harrisburg, but now of Philadelphia. (7) Samuel is engaged in real estate deal- ings in Womelsdorf, where he is treasurer of the Y. M. C. A., and is a man of importance. (8) Levi is deceased. (9) One died in infancy. Alpheus S. Behney was educated in the Myerstown public schools, obtaining a fair education, which was supple- mented by years of practical business experience. He be- gan working as a youth in the brick factory of his father, where he continued until sixteen years old, and when but seventeen enlisted in Company I, 7th P. V. L, being sworn in the U. S. army July 21, 1861, and was in service in that regiment for upward of a year. He then enlisted for a year on the transports, assisting the sick and wounded until the transports went out of commission, when he en- listed a third time, becoming a private in Company H, 186th P. V. I., in which he served until the close of the war. He was in the great Army of the Potomac, participat- ing in some of its fiercest engagements, and was mustered out of service at Philadelphia, in 1865. After' his discharge Mr. Behney came to Womelsdorf, where he was engaged in the brick business until 1895, supplying all the brick for houses built in Womelsdorf during that thirty years. His brick was considered the best in the market, and he shipped to Robesonia, and into Lebanon and the sur- rounding counties. Since 1895 Mr. Behney has lived a semi-retired life. In 1907 he erected two large double brick dwelling houses on Second street, Womelsdorf, al- though his own home is located on High street, and was erected in 1867. In politics Mr. Behney is a Democrat, and was a councilman for nine consecutive years, rendering valuable service to his fellow citizens and receiving a re- nomination which he refused. He has various large business ^interests, owning eight other residences and a large build- 'ing in which a hosiery factory is conducted; is a director of the Penn National Bank, of Reading, being also on the auditing committee ; and he helped to organize the Union Bank of Womelsdorf in 1903, being one of its first direc- tors. iFraternally he is connected with Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf; Excelsior Chapter No. 237, R. A. M., of Reading; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., being formerly a child of the Lu Lu, of Philadelphia, the mother of Rajah. He made a tour with the Knights Tem- plars to California in 1883. Mr. Behney is also a member of the P. O. S. of A., No. 679, Womelsdorf, having been treasurer of this camp ever since holding membership, more than twenty years. He is a Lutheran member of Zion's Union Church of Womelsdorf, Pa., while his wife adheres to the Reformed belief. Mr. Behney was married (first) in 1865, to Lizzie .Wen- rich, born in 1841, who died in 1879, aged thirty-eight years, daughter of Isaac Wenrich. His second marriage was to Permelia Dondor, widow of Horace Hillegass. The seven Behney brothers closely resembled each other in size, weight and height, could wear the same size of coat and shoes, and have often been mistaken for one another. They are all reliable business men, and worthy representatives of one of Berks county's oldest and most honored families. GEORGE W. HAWK, a well-known business man of Reading, Pa., engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, was born Jan. 16, 1866, in that city, son of Nathan and Lydia (Seidel) Hawk, natives of this State. Nathan Hawk was a prominent manufacturer of wool hats for many years in Reading, on South Eleventh street, under the style of DeHart, Hawk & Co., and was one of the best known business men of his day, retiring iii 1880 to enjoy the fruits of a Ion? and active business life. He passed away in 1905, aged seventy-six years, while his wife still survives him. The children born to this worthy couple were: George W. ; Ida m. Sylvester Fritz, a dairy- man ; Anna m. John Bauer, a barber of Reading, Pa. ; and Miss Laura. In politics Nathan Hawk was a stanch Re- publican. When the war broke out he was one of the first to enlist, and he was a member of one of the first companies to leave Reading for the front. George W. Hawk attended public school at Read- ing, as well as the pay schools, and his first em- ployment was in his father's factory. He learned the trade of dyeing, which he followed for thirteen years, and in 1897 engaged in the manufacture of hosiery on Court street, with four machines. In this industry Mr. Hawk has been immensely successful, now owning two factories, em- ploying 400 hands. Besides, he is a member of the firm of the Hawk Knitting Company, organized by him in 1901, which also manufactures hosiery. Mr. Hawk manufac- tures high and medium grades of goods, which find a ready market in the Western States, also having a large Eastern trade. He employs two traveling salesmen to represent his interests throughout the United States. In political matters Mr. Hawk is a Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the P. O. S. of A. Mr. Hawk was married, in 1887, to Miss Emma Weidner, and two children have been born to this union : Estella and Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Hawk are members of the Reformed Church, and are very highly esteemed in the community. JOHN S. THOMPSON is recognized as one of Jihe most progressive business men and public-spirited citizens of Reading, to whose material and civic advancement he has contributed through his business associations and ser- vice in official capacity, and he enjoys the most unequivocal popularity in the city which has been his home from boy- hood days. He is a scion of one of the well-known fam- ilies of the State, and has held positions of distinctive pub- lic trust in Reading, including those of postmaster and m'emiber of the city council and school board. Mr. Thompson was born in Jonestown, Lebanon county, Pa., Feb. 15, 1857, and is a son of Nicholas and Harriet (Ingham) Thompson, the former of whom was born in Ireland, and the latter in Pennsylvania, being the daughter of the late Samuel Ingham, who was a representative busi- ness man and influential citizen, of Myerstown, Lebanon county, where he was a successful contractor and builder, and where he was also engaged in the undertaking business. Nicholas Thompson came to this country with his parents when an infant. For a number of years he held the position of superintendent of the Union Canal. Later he became superintendent of the sheet-iron mill in this city, having been an ironmaster by trade. He was a man of much ability and was a citizen who ever commanded the high regard of his fellowmen. Both he and his wife con- tinued to reside in Reading until their deaths, and John b. Thompson was their only child. John S. Thompson secured his early educational disci- pline in the public schools of Lebanon and Berks counties, and supplemented this by a special course in Brunner & f-arr s Business College, in Reading. He initiated his busi- ness career by taking a position in the offices of the Union Canal Company, of which his father was then superintend- ent, and he was thus engaged for a period of three years. He then entered upon an apprenticeship at the trade of BIOGRAPHICAL 371 paper making, to which he continued to devote his atten- tion for five years, after which he was engaged for a time in the butchering business in company with his father- in-law. In 1888 Mr. Thompson was appointed assistant postmaster of Reading under Calvin Goodman, and he retained this incumbency until 1891. At the conclusion of this service he became a special agent for the Reading Fire Insurance Company, with whom he was identified 'for four years, at the expiration of which time, in 1895, President Cleveland conferred upon ,him the appointment of post- master at Reading, an office for w'hich he was specially well equipped, by reason of his marked executive ability and his former service in the postoffice. He gave a most ex- cellent administration and gained the unqualified commend- ation of the postal department and of the local public. He retired from office in 1899 and resumed his connection with the Reading Fire Insurance Company. One year later, however, there came a demand for his services in the office which he now holds, that of secretary and treas- urer of the Colonial Trust Company, of Reading. The company was organized in 1900 and he has held his present office from the initiation of its business, which has grown to be one of wide scope and importance. The company has erected a magnificent nine-story office building, the finest business block in the city, and in the same are located its finely appointed counting room and offices. The administrative ability and personal popularity of Mr. Thompson have been recognized factors in promoting the up-building of the business of the company, which is in- corporated with a capital stock of $250,000. In politics Mr. Thompson is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and for four years he represented the' Sixth ward in the city council, simultan- eously serving as a member of the board of education. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained to the Knight Templar degree, holding member- ship in the local lodge, chapter and commandery. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and he and his wife hold membership in the First Baptist Chiirdh. On March 9, 1878, Mr. Thompson married-Miss Sarah A. Rader, daughter of the late George Rader, a representative business man of Reading, and to this union have been born two sons : George N., who is teller in the offices of th« Colonial Trust Company, of Reading; and John P., who is an expert chemist, being employed as .such in the Laboratories of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Al- toona, Pennsylvania. HENRY KARL JANSSEN, manufacturer of textile ma- chinery at Wyomissing, was born at Barmen, Germany, Feb. 8, 1866, and was educated in the local schools there, attending until 1881. He then learned the trade of a ma- chinist in all its branches, serving the regular apprentice- ship of three years. Afterward he followed the customary life of a journeyman mechanic for four years, working in various machine shops in the industrial centers of the Rhine Province, for the purpose of becoming an expert machinist. With this experience he determined to emigrate to America, and in 1888 he went to New York City. He located in Brooklyn, entering the employ of the Castle Braid Company, and after working a while as all-around machinist became, on account of his proficiency, the fore- man of the place, and he filled this position until 1892. In that year he moved to Reading and formed a partnership with Ferdinand Thun, a German friend from Barmen,' for manufacturing textile machinery. In the organization of the Textile Machine Works in 1900, Mr. Janssen became its president, and he has filled^ that position to the present time. He also was one of the incorporators and has served as vice-president of the Berkshire Knitting Mills and the Narrow Fabric Company since their organization, having assisted in establishing all of these industries at Wyo- missing. In the building up of Wyomissing, and its erection as a borough in 1906, Mr. Janssen took a very active part, and at the first election of the borough officials he was chosen one of the councilmen. In 1897 he erected a home on a lot of ground adjoining the Textile Works, and this was one of the first dwellings in the borough. It is situated on the comer of Mory avenue and Van Reed road. In 1890 Mr. Janssen married Minnie Raeker, daughter of Henry Raeker, of Lippspringe, Westphalia, "by whom he had four children : Harry, Minnie, Helen and Elsie (who died young). < Albert Janssen, father of Henry Karl, was born in 1834, along the lower Rhine on the borders of Holland. He learned the business of a book publisher and upon locating in Barmen when he was twenty-six years old, carried on that business, and continued it until his decease in 1878. He married Helen Benner, daughter of Jacob Benner, of Hesse Nassau, and by her he had six children : Albert and Helen, both of whom died when thirty years old ; Henry Karl ; Ernest, a dyer in Barmen; Johannes, a wholesale merchant at Barmen, and a member of the city council ; and Paul, a provision merchant and hotel proprietor at Offenbach, in Hesse. EDWIN FOSTER SMITH, civil engineer, in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company since the year 1862, was born in Catawissa, Pa., Aug. 18, 1841, son of James Foster Smith and Ellen Eliza Cadwalader, his wife. Through his father he comes of Scotch-Irish ancestors, and on his mother's side is of Welsh descent. His earlier education was acquired at Reading, where he graduated from the high school with the class of 1858. He entered Union College, at Schenectady, N. Y., and graduated with the degree of A. B., later receiving from Union University the degree of Civil Engineer. In October, 1862, Mr. Smi'th entered the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company in the engineer- ing department and remained in that employ until the year 1865, engaged on construction work and the locating and building of new branch lines of railroad. . During this period, also, he served two short term enlistments in the Civil war, one under the State of Pennsylvania in 1862 and one in the service of the United States in Company F, 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Volunteers, in 1863. In the fall of 1865 he entered the service of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, of which he subsequently became the chief engineer and general manager. In 1872 there was added the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal in Pennsyl- vania and Maryland. In the year 1891 Mr. Smith, who had for some years been the chief assistant engineer of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, was called to take charge of the con- struction of the Reading terminal railway and station in the city of Philadelphia, one of the first of the large ter- minals in this country, and one that has attracted much attention, not only in itself and its appurtenances, but as changing the business conditions of a large surrounding district of the city. He has remained with the railway com- pany up to the present time in the practice of his profes- sion, in charge of hydraulic, steam and electrical plants, and given much of his time as consulting engineer to the development and installation of electrical plants operated by water-power. One of these is at Sewalls Falls, on the Merrimac river, New Hampshire, where the dam and struc- tures for creating the power were designed by Mr. Smith as early as the year 1892, and is one of the earliest examples of the modern system of distribution of power by elec- tricity. In the course of an extended practice of his pro- fession Mr. Smith has served as consulting engineer for many interests involving the solution of problems of hy- draulic engineering, designing and building a large part of the extensive water works system of the city of Reading ; serving on the board of engineers appointed by the aque- duct commissioners of the city of New York in 1901, to report on questions of engineering construction in relation to the new Croton dam and Jerome Park reservoir; in the investigation of the conditions affecting the Castlewood dam, in Colorado; a general review of the subject of the location and plans for the Nicaragua ship canal, and many others. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Franklin Institute, and the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia. 373 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In 1867 Mr. Smith was married to Nancy King McCurdy, daughter of Dr. J. K. McCurdy and EUzabeth, his wife, of Reading, by whom he has three children. Mrs. Smith's father was a prominent druggist in Reading for many years, having his store on South Fifth street, near Penn ; he took an active interest in educational affairs at Reading, officiating as the first president of the board of school controllers from 1865 to 1867; and he and his family were devoted members of the First Presbyterian Church for many years. He died in 1873. Mr. Smith's father, James Foster Smith, was bom at Pittsburg, Pa., on Christmas Day, 1813. He was descended from Scotch-Irish parentage, his grandparents having emi- grated to Pennsylvania about 1783 and settled at Pittsburg. In 1822 his parents removed to Blairsville, Pa., and there he received his preliminary education. At the age of twelve years he was obliged to support himself, and he devoted his leisure time to study, inclining toward mathematics and civil engineering. When eighteen years old he entered the service of the Portage Railway Company as rodman ; when twenty-three he became assistant engineer of the Cata- wissa Railway Company; and when twenty-four, the chief engineer of the Morris Canal Company, designing and building during the years 1837 and 1838 the tide-lock at the outlet of the canal in Jersey City, which is still in use. In 1839 and 1840 he was in the service of the Catawissa Railway Company, having designed the celebrated high trestle bridges on its line; and in 1841 and 1842 in the service of the New York & Erie Railway Company. In 1843 Mr. Smith became the superintendent of the lower division of the Schuylkill Navigation Company and served as such until 1845, when he was appointed the resident en- gineer, taking charge of the reconstruction of the canal between Philadelphia and Reading and finishing it in 1846. In 1850 he was elected the chief engineer, and removed with his family to Reading. He filled this responsible position until 1875, when he relinquished the more active duties and acted as consulting engineer until his retirement in 1885. During his engineering career Mr. Smith designed and constructed many important hydraulic works, including many of the dams on the Schuylkill river, the Columbia dam across the Susquehanna river, 6,843 feet long; the coal shipping landings at Schuylkill Haven ; and the exten- sive wharves, with automatic coal-transferring machinery, at Greenwich Point, on the Delaware river. Mr. Smith resided forty-eight years at Reading, took much interest in local afifairs, and was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served as deacon, elder and trustee for many years. He died Jan, 31, 1898, aged eightj'-four years. EDWARD H. FILBERT. The successful government of a large city like Reading, Pa., requires the best efforts of substantial, reliable and public-spirited men, and one of these is found in Edward H. Filbert, City Treasurer. The Filbert family is an old one in Berks county.- Gabriel Filbert, grandfather of Edward H., was born at Womelsdorf, where he was engaged in farming. Adam Filbert, son of Gabriel, born in Womelsdorf, moved to Reading, Pa., April ], 1880, and there died Jan. 5. 1902, aged sixty-six years. He was a miller by trade. He married Catherine clover, a member of one of the old- est families in Berks county, and daughter of Henry Mover, a cabinet-maker and undertaker. They had six children! five of whom survive, namely: Annie, v/'ife of Lee L. Hart- zel, with the Yocum cigar factory ; Charles F., a coal dealer at Reading; William H., a druggist at Saginaw, Mich.; Ralph, a printer ; and Edward H., of Reading. Adam Filbert, the father, was a member of Williamson Lodge. No 307, f' & A. M. ; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; R. A. M., and' Golden Rule Lodge, I. O, 0. F. Edward H. Filbert was born at Womelsdorf, Berks county, Jan. 15, 1871, on the old homestead, and after com- pleting his schooling in the City of Reading, he spent one year in Bright's hardware store as a clerk. He next be- came connected with the Reading Hardware Works, after which he was clerk in the freight department of the Read- ing Railroad for six years, going then into the employ of the United States Express Company, as cashier, and re- maining about six years in that connection. He was appointed by City Treasurer Hoffman Nov. 16, 1899, to fill out an unexpired term as assistant treasurer, and when Treasurer Tyson assumed control, April 7, 1902, he was re- tained in a position for which he had shown eminent qual- ifications. He was elected City Treasurer Feb. IS, 1908, and inaugurated April 6, 1908. Mr. Filbert was married June 3, 1890, to Miss Clara L. Steiger, daughter of John and Henrietta Steiger, of Read- ing. She died May 5, 1905, survived by two children, Lee Edward and Marguerite. Mr. Filbert is a member of the following organizations : Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M. ; Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14°, A. A. S. R. ; Philadelphia Consistory 32°, A. A. S. R.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. ; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ; Reading Lodge. No. 115, B. P. O. E. ; Reading Aerie, No. 66, F. O. E. ; Washington Camp, No. 163, P. O. S. of A.; Progressive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. F. ; Wyo- missing Council, No. 1584, R. A.; Liberty Fire Company, No. 5 ; Schuylkill Camping Club ; Ninety-eight Social Union ; Oley Valley Rod & Gun Club ; Temple Club ; and North Eastern Democratic Association. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is secretary of the 15th Ward Demo- cratic Club of Reading. Charles F. Filbert, son of Adam and Catherine (Moy- er) Filbert, and brother of Edward H., was born in Womelsdorf, Pa., in 1858. He attended the public schools there. In 1880 he engaged in the coal business at the cor- ner of Greenwich and Moss streets, Reading, and remained there seventeen years, meeting with good success in his undertaking, and building up a good patronage. The next five years were spent at No. 1141 Moss street, after which in 1900 he moved to No. 730 Oley, his present location. He sells all kinds of anthracite coal, and keeps two wagons running all the time. On Oct. 22, 1885, Mr. Filbert married Mary Hans, daugh- ter of Richard V. and Martha E. (Shultz) Hans. They have one daughter, Martha, who married Walter M. Deem, and has two children, Mary and Richard. In religious faith they are Lutherans. J\Ir. Filbert is a popular member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Hampden Fire Company. SAMUEL H. GRING. Among the representative busi- ness men of Reading, who have been identified with the large interests of the city, may be mentioned Mr. Samuel H. Gring, a prominent lumberman, contractor and financier Mr. Grmg was born in Curaru township, Berks Co Pa Oct. 7, 1832, son of David and Mary (Hill) Gring and grandson of David Gring. The great-grandfather, Samuel, son of Johannes (who emigrated m 1743, and who founded the family in Amer- ica), came from Holland, and settled in Cumrii township, where he became an extensive land-owner and died a wealthy man. His son, David, was born in Cumru town- ship, but m early life located at Tulpehocken creek, where he took up a tract of land, built mills, and like his father became very prosperous. He died at the age of eio-htv- eight years m February, 1847. By his first wife, a Miss VValsmilh, he had eight children as follows: John, who was a minister of the Reformed Church; William, a miller- Davicl, father of Samuel H.; Daniel, a minister of the Reformed Church; Susan, who died unmarried; Mary m. to a i\Ir. Lichty; Elizabeth, m. to a Mr. Troxel- and Kate, m. to a Mr. Ringler. David Gring followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, and at the time of his death, Jan 26, 1890, aged eighty-three years, ten months, seventeen days' he was the owner of several farms and a good mill. He was a Whig, and later became a strong Republican was prominent in the affairs of his dav, and served as captain and major in the State militia for eleven years. He mar- ried Mary Hill, who died May 18, 1885, at the age of eighty- one years, seven months, twelve days. To this union °were born twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, as BIOGRAPHICAL 373 follows: David, a miller; Daniel (engaged in farming); Samuel H.; Annie (m. George Zerr) ; Mary (m. Joshua Grill) ; John (a miller and tanner) ; Charles (proprietor of a hotel) ; and Franklin (a farmer). The family were all members of the Reformed Church. Samuel H. Gring was educated in the schools of Spring township and remained on the home farm until twenty-five years of age, working about the home mill, driving a team, and turning his hand to any employment that presented it- self. He then went to East Cocalico township, near Denver, where he purchased a mill and remained until 1871, selling out in this year and removing to Newville, Cumberland county. Here he engaged in a lumber business, buying a tract of timber land which he converted into lumber for railroad purposes, and in 1876 he removed to H^hlenberg, locating in his present home two years later. This house was built about 1734, and at the time Mr. Gring purchased it it was the property of Dr. Muhlenberg. His next lumber enterprise was back of Lewistown, where he purchased a tract of pine and oak timber. He then went to Mount Rock, Cumberland county, and afterward in turn to a tract near Mechanicsburg, to near the Loop in Perry county, Pa., to Bloomfield, Perry county (where he operated two saw mills), to Turley Valley (where he operated three mills), to Huntingdon county. Pa. (where he carried on operations for three years), and to Bedford county. Pa., until 1886, in which year he purchased 10,000 acres of land, build- ing a railroad sixteen miles long to get lumber out, this road being known as the Diamond Valley Railroad. In 1890 he returned to Perry county and leased seventy-one tracts of timber land, surveyed the line to New German- town, a distance of thirty miles, and in September of that year grading was commenced, ties put down and rails laid. By Jan. 36th of the following year, sixteen miles of rail- road had been built, and the following year the road was built to Blaine, and in 1892 completed from Newport to New Germantown. Mr. Gring's son, David Gring, is the president of both of these roads, including the one from Duncannon to Bloomfield, which is known as the Perry County Railway, and father and son deal extensively in lumber in North Carolina, Virginia and throughout the South, also being the owners of twenty-five water com- panies. On Dec. 14, 1856, Mr. Samuel H. Gring married Cath- erine Hoyer, daughter of Simon Hoyer, a bridge-builder. She died June 8, 1900, aged sixty-three years. Nine chil- dren were born to this union : David, of Newport, m. Emma Caldwell, and has five children — Bruce, Rodney, Herbert, Wilber and Elizabeth; Kate m. Daniel B. Snyder, and had nine children — Sue S., Evan G., Lucy M., Charles L., Lester B. and four that died young; Elizabeth m. John Leitheiser, and has two children — Hattie and Grace; Sam- uel, deceased, m. Annie Fisher, and has one child — Bertha; Charles died at the age of twenty years; Susan died at the age of four years ; and three died in infancy. In re- ligious belief Mr. Gring and his family are members of the Grace (Alsace) Reformed Church of Reading, he being a member of the finance committee. In politics a Repub- lican, he was treasurer of the township of East Cocalico, Lancaster Co., Pa., during the latter years of the war. ■ RAYMOND MOHR, the founder of the well-known firm of Raymond Mohr & Son, of Birdsboro, this county, was a resident and business man of that place for the long period of half a century, having settled there in 1857. He made his early success as a contractor and builder, and later displayed equal ability in the undertaking and furniture line, having for many years the only establish- ment of the kind ever conducted in Birdsboro. His son, Edwin F. Mohr, has succeeded to his interests, having been associated in business with his father since 1895. Mr. Mohr- was born Sept. 30, 1834, near Gibraltar, in Robeson township, this county, on his father's farm, the property at present occupied by Mrs. James Trate. Samuel Mohr, his father, was a carpenter by calling, and had a great reputation as a builder of barns, following the method then in vogue of hewing the timber from the tree, and framing it together with tenon and mortise, fasten- ing each with pins instead of by the nailing process which now prevails. Although Samuel Mohr had acquired little education, he had a marvelous faculty of being able to designate beforehand each stick and make an accurate gen- eral list of the lumber that would be required for a build- ing. His son, Raymond, gave evidence of a mechanical turn, and the father taught him the trade, making him as capable as himself in the ability to specify requirements of materials for a building. The son became noted as an excellent workman, rapid, and decidedly industrious. By his own efforts he became a fine draughtsman, and in nearly every case designed and made the general and detail draw- ings for the buildings he erected. After receiving some education in the township school, Raymond Mohr came to Birdsboro in 1857. In 1858 he married Mary, eldest daughter of the late Daniel Focht, of Robeson. Upon deciding to make Birdsboro the scene of his life's work Mr. Mohr purchased the lot where his late residence now stands, on Furnace street, at a time when only two houses were on said street. He erected his own house, putting on all the weather-boarding and the finish with his own hands. He then began the contracting and building business, in which he soon developed a large trade. In one year he erected for E. & G. Brooke, of the town, forty-eight dwelling houses. He erected No. 1 and No. 2 blast furnaces for the Brookes, the nail factory building, the mansion now occupied by George Brooke, and a large addition to the present- Birdsboro residence of Robert E. Brooke. The two mansions erected by the late Mrs. M. T. Clingan, at Clingan Station, were built by Mr. Mohr, as were also many of the large store buildings and good class of residences in the town. In his early days he erected the pipe mill and other manufacturing buildings for Seyfert & McManus, at Reading. He was especially capable in the erection of heavy work, under- stood rigging and the use of hoisting apparatus, and was an excellent handler of large forces of men. Mr. Mohr's father was an undertaker, and taught his son the trade, and in 1860 Raymond Mohr engaged in the business at Birdsboro. When he learned the trade only coffins were used as the casements for corpses, and they were made by hand. The present handsom'e finishings were unknown, and they were devoid of linings, a bundle of shavings serving for a pillow. The lids were made of wood and put on with ordinary wood screws. The best ones were rubbed with wax to secure a polish, and a hot flat iron was used to rub the melted wax to a gloss. There were no hearses, the coffin being placed on a spring wagon, and around it sat as many of the friends as could get into the vehicle.. When Mr. Mohr took hold of the business he at once introduced improved methods, purchased the best up-to- date outfits, and at the time of his death was equipped for the business in a manner fully equal to the best city di- rectors. In addition to undertaking he engaged in the furniture business, conducting the only store of the kind that the town ever boasted. This store he designed and erected himself, adjoining his dwelling, and he always made it a point to keep a stock and assortment equal to city standards. He had a most active career, meeting with un- comsmon success. Besides many other financial interests, he possessed at the time of his death forty houses in Birds- boro, and owned property in other places. His building business was the most extensive of any in the county out- side of Reading; his furniture store controlled a trade almost as great as some of the big Reading houses, and in his work as a funeral director he personally supervised over five thousand funerals. He was one of the oldest undertakers in continuous business in the county and his reputation extended throughout Berks county and beyond. Mr. Mohr was one of the leading citizens of Birdsboro, identified with many of the public aifairs of the place. He served a term in the town council and could have held official position many times had he permitted the use of his name. He was a member of Neversink Lodge, No. 514, I. O. 0. F., a director in the Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company of Berks County, a member of the State Funeral Directors' Association, and of Friendship Fire 374 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Company, No. 1, of Birdsboro. When St. Mark's Lutheran Church was instituted in Birdsboro he was one of the first members, and he continued an attendant and a supporter of the cause until his death. He was ever alert to progress in business, took an eager interest in current events, and in the management of his varied interests displayed an industry and activity comparatively phenomenal. Mr. Mohr departed this life Feb. 14, 1907, leaving a wife and two children : Mary Louisa, nOw the wife of Reese E. Beard, of Reading; and Edwin P., residing in Birdsboro, Pa. A son, Louis Raymond, died Dec. 17, 1893, aged twen- ty-one years. Edwin F. Mohr, son of Raymond Mohr, of Birdsboro, was born April 39, 1875, in Birdsboro, and received his education in the public schools. He has given all his work- ing years to the business in which he is still engaged, and which he learned thoroughly under paternal instruction, supplemented by his own well-directed efforts. He took a course in the Massachusetts School of Embalming, from which he graduated Nov. 18, 1898, and has spared no pains to make the service from his establishment up to the best standards anywhere. His inethods and equipment are first- class in every respect, and he has kept his business up in every line. For some years he was engaged in the furniture business, his stock of furniture and carpets equaling those found at the large business centers. Very recently he relin- quished this department of trade, to give his entire atten- tion to funeral directing. He is progressive andf enterprising, being one of "the most active young business men of the borough, and is broad and generous in his deal- ings, whether in business or private life. He is well known in his line, being a prominent member of the Funeral Direc- tors' Association of Pennsylvania. On June 23, 1897, Mr. Mohr married Miss Sadie Geyer, daughter of Henry A. Geyer, of Birdsboro, and they have had one son, Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and in fraternal connec- tions he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Neversink Lodge, No. 514, of Birdsboro. and Lodge 115, B. P. O. Elks, of Reading. He is also a member of Friendship Fire Com- pany No. 1, of his native town. He is a Republican in political faith, and active in the work of the party, repre- senting it in county and State conventions from time to time. Since Mr. Mohr has given his sole attention to the under- taking business, he has kept pace with the leaders in that line and is excelled only by directors of the large cities in ability to conduct funerals. His knowledge is ever added to by the investigation and adoption of the latest processes and he is painstaking and assiduous in his efforts to en- hance his skill and be a credit to his associates in the profession, and give satisfaction to his patrons. He con- stantly improves his needed paraphernalia, and never al- lows his equipment to deteriorate or become incongruous with the times. As a consequence he has gained for him- self the respect of his competitors, and drawn to himself a large clientele, in his local town and from a large radius in the surrounding districts. IRWIN T. EHST, director of the National Bank of Boyertown, director and secretary of the Franklin Improve- ment Company, director and secretary of the Union Manufacturing Company, director of the Manatawny Mu- tual Fire and Storm Insurance Company, secretary, treas- urer and general manager of the Boyertown Gas Company, and interested in many other of the largest and most im- portant industries of Berks county, was born in Oley town- ship, this county, Nov. 19, 1860. (I) Nicholas Ehst (also spelled Ihst and East, and in the Pennsylvania archives among the list of emigrants Ish) was the ancestor of the American branch of the family. He was born in Switzerland in 1711, and he came to the New World on the ship "Pink Plaisance," which qualified at Philadelphia Sept. 21, 1732. He located in Colebrookdale township, Berks county, and became the owner of about 400 acres of land, near Gablesville, on the Popodickon creek. This tract has been divided into four farms, namely: the one on which the original buildings are located, now owned by Jacob B. Bechtel, and con- taining 103 acres ; the second owned by the widow of John Butz; the third owned by William C. Eddinger; and the fourth by John B. Bahr. On the part owned by Jacob B. Bechtel is a private burying ground where Nicholas Ehst and his wife, as well as later generations, are buried. The inscription on the tomb- stone of Nicholas Ehst, who died in 1804, reads: "Hier ruhen die Gebeine von Nicholas Ihst, war alt 93 Jahre" ; and on that of his wife : "Hier ruhen die Gebeine von Ver- onica Ihst, war alt 90 Jahre." The Ehst family are mem- bers of the Mennonite Church, and many of them are buried at Boyertown and Bally meeting houses. The children of Nicholas Ehst and his wife were: Daniel (whose children were— John, Daniel, Abraham, Anna and another daughter), Abraham, Molly and Elizabeth. (II) Abraham Ehst, son of the ancestor, became the father of four children: Samuel; Nicholas; John; and Anna (m. Henry Freed, and lived for some years near Norristown and then moved to Michigan, where both died, the parents of Catharine, Dinah, Anna, Mary, a daughter not nanied, Abraham, Henry and John). (III) Samuel Ehst, son of Abraham, met an accidental death in December, 1812, while in Philadelphia with a team. His three sons and six daughters were : Elizabeth, Poll}', Dinah (born 1800;, Abraham, Anna, Catharine, John L., a son (no name), and Helena, the last named being a posthumous child. (Ill) Nicholas Ehst, son of Abraham, married Elizabeth Latshaw, and settled in Chester county. Pa. They had three sons and five daughters, namely: Catharine, Dinah, Elizabeth, Mary, Abraham, Jacob, John and Magdalena. (Ill) John (Johannes) Ehst, son of Abraham, was born April 12, 1782, and owned the farm now the property of Jacob B. Bechtel. In 1806 he married Anna Margaret Weise (born July 28, 1786, died Dec. 10, 1810), and they had two children. He married (second) in 1812, Eliza- beth Schwertlej'. To this second union were born three sons and five daughters : John, Pollj-, Abraham, Samuel, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Catharine and Anna. Of these Abra- ham and Samuel are both living (1908). Abraham was born March 28, 1817, on the original Ehst homestead, and he now lives at Barto, spending a part of his time with his son. Rev. John, who lives betvi'een Bally and Clayton. He is a most remarkable man, well preserved, bright, humorous, and possessed of a wonderful memory. He has never been obliged to wear glasses. At the age of twenty-one, he weighed 210 pounds, and now in his ninety-second year weighs 240. He married Susanna Meyer, born 1821, daughter of Michael Moyer. She died in 1869, the mother of Elizabeth, Rev. John, Henry, Abraham, Susanna, David and Jacob. ( IV) John L. Ehst, son O'f Samuel, was born Nov. 5, 1805, and at his death, Dec. 9, 1886, he was buried in Bally Mennonite Cemetery. Fie was a farmer in Colebrook- dale township, but later he and his son Levi conducted a tannery near the Pike line in Oley township. He mar- ried Magdalena Gabel, born Feb. 22, 1806, died Jan. 1, 1899. They had four sons and one daughter: Leah, who married John H. Funk; Jacob, who conducted a hotel in Readmg; William, living in Washington township; Henry G. ; and Levi, of New Berlinville. (V) Henry G. Ehst, son of John L., was born in Cole- brookdale township, July 7, 1S35, and he died on his farm in Washington township in 1890, and is buried at the Mennonite Aleeting House at Bally, formerly called ChurchviUe. He was a good quiet citizen, true to the teachings of his faith. Fie married Rachel Tea, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Maul) Tea, both natives of Eng- land. Their children were: Irwin T. ; Madora; Allen, a butcher at Bechtelsville; Warren, living near Bechtels- ville; William, a school teacher in Washington township; Amnion, of Reading; Annie, m. to Allen Erb, of Ecchtels- VI e; and Cora, m. to Elmer Oberholtzer, of Bechtels- ville. (VI) Irwin T. Ehst, son of Henry G., was born in Oley township Nov. 19, 1860, and was reared upon his father's farm, attending the public schools in the vicinity of his BIOGRAPHICAL 375 home, and later Prof. D. B. Brunner's Scientific Academy, Reading. In 1879 he was licensed to teach school, and he taught one term in Washington township. He then came to Boyertown and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Boyertown Messenger. For about four years the firm was Ehst & Ernes, the partner being Calvin F. Emes, and they carried on a stationery and printing establish- ment, but Mr. Ehst, since April, 1889, has been alone. Mr. Ehst is a progressive and public-spirited man, and he has taken an active interest in many of the leading enterprises of his town and county. He is a director and stockholder in the National Bank of Boyertown, Burial Casket Com- pany (employing 350 people), the Union Manufacturing Com- pany (employing sixty people, and making all kinds of castings), and a director of the Franklin Improvement Co., builders. He is the principal owner of the Boyertown Gas Company, of which he is secretary, treasurer and general manager, and he is the business manager of Ehst & Co., largest real estate dealers in and about Boyertown. He is a director of the Manatawny Mutual Fire and Storm Insurance Company. Mr. Ehst has been prominent in the public life of Boyer- town. In politics he is a Republican, and for five years he was justice of the peace, and since 1896 he has been a notary public. He has been the adjudicator of a number of estates. At the time of the Opera House fire, Jan. 13, 1908, he was appointed bv the Burgess as chairman of the Relief committee, with the privilege of choosing his own committee. This committee had charge of the identifica- tion and burial of the 171 dead, caring for orphans and relief, and the distributing of the $23,000 popular sub- scription. Fraternally Mr. Ehst is a Mason, belonging to Stichter Lodge, No. 254, F. & A. M., Pottstown ; Bloomsburg Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; Bloomsburg Consistory, 32d degree; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Reading. He also belongs to Washington Camp, No. 104, P. O. S. of A., of Boyertown. He is unmarried. LEVI H. FOCHT, head of the firm of L. H. Focht & Son, general contractors and builders, is one of the leading men in his line in Berks county. He maintains his busi- ness headquarters in Reading and his home in the borough of Bii'dsboro, and is actively identified with the most progressive interests of both places. The business in which he finds his chief interest was established in 1870, and evidences of his work abound in and around Reading, though his operations are by no means confined to this locality. Mr. Focht was born Aug. 3, 1850, in Robeson township, Berks county, where his family has long been located. He is of German descent. His grandfather, George Focht, was born Feb. 1, 1773, and followed farming in Robeson township. But he was also an undertaker and _ cabinet- maker, and in the pursuit of those callings settled in Birds- boro, where he carried on business for a number of years. A clock which he made in 1832 is now one of the cherished possessions of his grandson, Levi H. Focht. George Focht died March 1, 1839. He married Catherine Huyett, and they had the following named children: John, born June 14, 1804; Samuel, born Aug. 8, 1805, who was engaged in business as a carpenter in Reading, as such building the Mcllvaine rolling-mill and also the first house erected by E. & G. Brooke -in Birdsboro; Daniel, born April 20, 1807, who was the father of Levi H. Focht; Mary, born Jan. 18, 1809, who married a Hiester; Charles, born Jan. 5, 1812, who also followed carpentering; George, born Jan. 1, 1814; and Jacob, born July 18, 1815, a carpenter of Read- ing, who was the last survivor of the family, dying Dec. 26, 1886. This family were all Lutherans in religious belief. Daniel Focht was born April 20, 1807, on the homestead in Robeson township. Practically all of his active years were spent in the service of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, whose employ he entered in early manhood, and he was so reliable a workman that at one time he had charge of construction and repairs on the Schuylkill canal. He also cultivated the homestead farm after his father's death. He met his death by drowning in the canal, about two miles above Birdsboro, Oct. 14, 1871. Daniel Focht married Catherine Hemmig, daughter of David Hemmig, and she died June 6, 1863, at the age of fifty- four. To their union were born nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity, viz.: Mary Ann, born May 21, 1834, m. Ray- mond Mohr (deceased) ; Sarah, born Nov. '21, 1835, ra. Lewis Fritz; one died in infancy in 1837; Catherine, born Sept. 19, 1839, m. David Mock; David, born Oct. 30, 1841, died Nov. 7, 1874, leaving a widow, Mrs. Martha (Lincoln) Focht, who still resides in Reading; Leah, born Oct. 34, 1843, m. Jeremiah Deeter; Elizabeth, born March 21, 1845, m. Jeremiah Weidner; Hannah, born April 17, 1846, m. John Lacey; Levi H. was born Aug. 3, 1850. The father of this family was a Lutheran in religious connection, the mother a member of the Reformed Church. He was a Democrat in political sentiment. Levi H. Focht was educated in the public schools of Birdsboro, and bcMn work at the early age of thirteen, in the employ of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. He was engaged in repair work on the canal for two years, after which he commenced to serve his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, under his brother-in-law, Raymond Mohr, of Birdsboro. He also learned undertaking. For a time he found employment on the Perkiomen railroad, later working .for Berton & McDonald, bridge builders, of Philadelphia, on a number of bridges in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. When only eighteen years old he was given charge of the construction of the large wooden bridge across the Pompton river on the line of the Midland railroad of New Jersey— conclusive evidence of his remarkable ability in the building line. In 1870 he began to take contracts on his own account, and he was successful from the beginning, for his youth seemed to make no difference in the confidence which his patrons had in his integrity and capability. In 1873 he established him- self in Birdsboro, and many of the most important build- ' ings in that borough, including structures in both the busi- ness and residence parts, are of his construction. He de- serves the greatest share of the credit for the beautiful section of Birdsboro now included in the east ward, for- merly known as Lincoln-town, most of the attractive and substantial residences which have made that locality fam- ous having been erected according to his plans and under his supervision. Since 1874 Mr. Focht has had his business headquarters in the city of Reading, as more accessible to the extensive territory from which he draws his patron- age. In the spring of 1906 he admitted his son, George Walter Focht, to a partnership, under the firm name of L. H. Focht & Son, and their offices are located in the Baer Building, in Reading, where they enjoy all the modern facilities for the conduct of their widespread interests. Mr. Focht has had numerous contracts from the Phila- delphia & Reading Railway Company, having erected most of the stations along their line, besides many elegant and commodious residences along the line of the Pennsylvania road. He also put up the stock farm buildings on the estate of Mr. A. J. Cassatt; an addition to the Haver- ford (Pa.) College buildings; the Wood Memorial Chapel, adjoining Christ Cathedral, in Reading; and various other structures which display his artistic and architectural ability, as well as his thorough workmanship in the merely mechanical part of the work. He has always depended upon the excellence of his work to gain him new customers and retain the old, and he has had no reason to regret the course he has pursued throughout a career filled with unusual activity. The firm has a reputation second to none for work of high quality, reliability and irreproachable stan- dards, and few business houses in any line enjoy such un- limited confidence either among patrons or business as- sociates. Mr. Focht has always been vitally interested in the wel- fare of his home boro.ugh, Birdsboro, and he has found time to advance its interests in numerous ways. He has served twenty-four consecutive years as member of the council of that borough, and has been a member of the Birdsboro Fire Company since its organization, acting as treasurer of the company for twenty-one years. He has 37G HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA been a stockholder in and director of the First National Bank of Birdsboro since its organization, and in this con- nection it may also be stated that he has been a director of the Reading National Bank since its organization. He is a stanch Republican in political faith. In the fraternal circles of Reading and Berks county generally Mr. Focht is a familiar and popular figure. He is a high Mason, holding membership in Chandler Lodge, No. 227, Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, Commandery No. 42, K. T., and Rajah Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., all of Read- ing; and Philadelphia Consistory, thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the I. 0. O. F., belonging to Never- sink Lodge, No. 514, of Birdsboro; to the L O. R. M., at Birdsboro ; the Fraternal Order of Eagles ; Reading Lodge, No. 115, B. P. O. Elks, and Mount Pleasant Council, No. 37, O. U. A. M. On May 23, 1874, Mr. Focht married Alice Beard, daugh- ter of Jeremiah Beard, of Birdsboro, and to them were born two sons, George Walter and Levi Roy, the last named dying March 12, 1880. As previously stated, George Walter Focht is now in partnership with his father in the contracting and building business. He married Miss Alice Huyett, daughter of Isaac Huyett. WILLIAM ENGLE, a prominent and well-to-do business man of Reading, who is the owner and operator of a paper box manufactory, was born in this city Dec. 5, 1843, son of Daniel and Mary (Crisher) Engle, grandson of John En- gle, and great-grandson of Jacob Engle, who was an officer in the Continental army, and fought under General Warren at the battle of Bunker Hill. Jacob Engle was one of those who came from Germany to drill troops prior to the great struggle for freedom, and on peace being declared he re- ceived ra large tract o'f land from the Government for ser- vices rendered. He settled upon a portion of this tract, which was located in Montgomery county. Pa., and there resided the balance of his life. John Engle, grandfather of William, was born in Mont- gomery county, and operated a portion of the land deeded by the Government to his father, also carrying on a butch- ering business in connection therewith all of his life. He married and became the father of the following children : Jacob, John, Daniel, Samuel and one daughter. As far back as is known the .family were Xutherans in religious belief, and in politics were Whigs. Daniel Engle was born in 1809, in Montgomery county, and when seventeen years of age came to Reading, where he learned the coopering business, and for many years manufactured cedar hollow ware, becoming very successful. He retired several years prior to his death, which occurred July 2, 1894, and his wife passed away in 1887, aged seventy-six years. Eleven children were born to this couple, seven of whom reached maturity : Anetta m. Daniel Fisher, of Philadelphia ; Daniel is deceased; William H, ; George is assistant sup- erintendent of the Merrick Iron Company, of Philadelphia ; Rosie m. Milton Palmer, of Reading, Pa.; Mary is de- ceased; and Richard is employed by his brother, William. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Engle were Lutherans. In political belief he was first a Whig, and later became a Republican. William Engle received his preliminary education in the schools of Reading, and later attended the Reading high school. When a young man he learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed for some years, and in 1886 engaged in the manufacture of paper boxes. Starting in a very small and primitive way Mr. Engle worked his way steadily upward, now owning one of the most complete plants in the State, and controlling some of Reading's best trade. He employs on an average twenty-five hands in his plant, which is located at Seventh and Walnut streets, and his business is steadily increasing. Mr. Engle was married in 1807 to Amanda Marshall, daughter of Dr. Jacob Marshall, and one son was li^rn to this union, Wal- ter, who is superintendent of his father's plant. Mr. Engle married (second) Katie Moyer, of Reading. In 1862 Mr. Engle enlisted aiid went to the front with the Pennsylvania Militia, but in 1863 joined the Inde- pendent Ringgold Artillery. He is connected with the G. A. R. Mr. Engle is a Lutheran, while his wife is an Eoiscooalian. SYDENHAM E. ANCONA, son of Morris M. Ancona, M. D., and Mary Ann (Knapp) Ancona, was born in Warwick township, adjoining Lititz, Lancaster county. Pa., Nov. 20, 1824. M. M. Ancona was a native of London, England, born Feb. 9, 1791, and died at Pottsville, Pa., March 20, 1854. His 'father was M. Ancona, a marble and statuary mason, who died in London, of which city his ancestors, for sonDe generations, had been residents. His wife was a Montifiore, and, as were the Anconas, of Italian descent. They were merchants at Leghorn and are presumed to have come from the city of Ancona, Italy. The family moved in the spring of the year 1826 from Lititz to Bern township, Berks county, about two miles from Bernville, near Sculls Hill; from this place to Lebanon about the 1st of April, 1829, and in 1830-31 to Kelly's Corner, near the Conewago creek, Lebanon county; from Kelly's Comer in 1833 to Porter's Store, on the road from Colebrook Furnace to Elizabethtown ; in April, 1836, to Caernarvon township, near Churchtown, Lancaster county, where they remained until 1840; from there to Alsace township, Berks county, near Stony Creek. He worked on a farm in Saucon township, Lehigh county, for four months. The subject of this sketch then, upon the suggestion of his father and in response to an advertisement in the papers, applied for a select school in Upper Bern township, and was employed by thiC executors of the estate of Valentine Wagner. This school at the time was the only English school west of the ri\-er, except the public schools at Womelsdorf. The com- pensation was ten dollars per month besides board. The following year the compensation was increased to fifteen dollars per month. He spent the summers of 1843 and 1844 at home. Im the fall, seeing an announcement in the papers that twenty-one teachers were wanted in Earl township, Lancaster county, he, among some fifty other appli- cants, was examined at New Holland, passed and obtained a school. In June, 1845, he made a trip to New York and Boston by way of Providence, returning to Reading, and leav- ing in July for Niagara Falls and Canada. At that tirae the method of reaching New York was by stage via' Allen- town, Easton to Morristown, N. J., and from there to New York by- rail. After leaving Niagara he proceeded to Buffalo, then a town of from ten thousand to twelve thousand inhabitants, going from there by steamer to Cleveland about the 20th of August, and from the latter place to Akron by canal boat. From this point, with a companion whom he happened to meet, and who proposed to him that they walk to Lancaster, he proceeded as far as Chambersburg, Pa., where they separated. After some months at home, given up to farming, Mr. Ancona accepted in 1845 an English select school at Seyfert's Mills, in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks county, having about twenty pupils at this school and being very successful in instructing them. He had some very bright boys there, notably Charles Albright, who afterward became a general in the army during the Civil war, a prominent lawyer, and was elected to Con- gress on the ticket at large from Pennsvl.vania some years after the close of the war. Having decided in the year 1846 to discontinue teaching school, on the invitation of Daniel H. Feger, who had obtained a position with the Reading Railroad Companv. Mr. Ancona accepted a position in the service in the same departmient with him as an assistant timekeeper, devoting himself with all his energy and giving his entire time to the requirements which they demanded. He con- tinued with the railroad company until 1863, in the posi- tion of chief clerk and bookkeeper from December, 1851, having been acting as assistant timekeeper previous thereto. At the close of December, 1851, he took charge of the general books of the company, which were then out of balance and in a neglected condition. He succeeded at once in the work, although he had had no previous experience in double entry bookkeeping. number of years. From there he went to the Reading Mills, of which his brother J. G. was one of the owners and was given an interest in the firm, being one of fhe organizers of this large plant. He was active in its management till July, 1904, when he retired from the firm, although he still re- tains' stock and is one of the directors. He is also a direct- or of the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad, of the Reading Cold Storage Company and of the Black Bear Railroad. Mr. Leinbach married Miss Mary E. Adam, of Berks county, and they had a family of seven children, only two of whom are living, A. Ellsworth and Charles E. The latter resides at home and is foreman of the spinning department in the Reading Mills. The family residence is at No. 311 North Fourth street, where Mr. Leinbach built a home specially adapted to his own needs and ideas'. With his wife and sons he is a member of the First Reformed Church. A. Ellsworth Leinbach during his boyhood attended the Reading schools, and then entered the Reading Mills. He advanced steadily through different positions, becoming familiar with the various departments of the factory, and is now in charge of the weaving departments. His of- ficial position, since the incorporation of the company,, has been vice-president, and he has proved himself a most efficient, capable and wide-awake business man. He has also been active in politics, a strong supporter of Republi- can principles, and has done much service for his party, as delegate to county and State conventions, as. secretary of the county committee, and as chairman of the Seventh Ward Republicans, while he has also been a member of the school board of Reading for several years. In 1884 A. Ellsworth Leinbach married Miss M. Alice Lotz, daughter of Caspar and Rebecca (Nagle) Lotz, of Reading. Two children have been born to them, viz. : Ada L., who was graduated from Marshall Seminary, at Oak Lane, Philadelphia, in 1904, married William A. Heizmann, a young business man of Reading; and Caspar L. died Feb. 20, 1905, aged fifteen years, three months and twenty-two days. The family residence is at No. 314 Oley street. Socially Mr. Leinbach is a member of Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660, F. & A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; Harrisburg Consistory, 32d de- gree; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and Reading Lodge, No. 115, B. P. O. Elks. DR. CHRISTIAN NICHOLAS HOFFMAN, physician at Sinking Spring for forty-five years, was born in North- ampton county, Pa., Aug. 11, 1833. He received his pre- liminary education in the township schools and at Naza- reth Academy. Later he attended the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1862. He immediately located at Sinking Spring and continued in active practice forty-five years, retiring in June, 1906, on account of illness. He died July 6, 1907. He built up a large practice which reached out into the country for ten and even twenty miles, which evidences- 380 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA his great success and the confidence the people had in hhn. His devotion to his profession was extraordinary, he hardly ever taking any vacation, and this burden was shared vyith great fidelity by his devoted wife. He was recognized as an able physician, and was highly respected among his fellow townsmen. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church in North- ampton county. For some years he took an interest in the Order of American Mechanics. Dr. Hoffman was the last of his family, which had boasted of seven doctors in two generations, including himself and his brother, his uncles and cousins. In 1870 Dr. Hoffman married Ellen Ann Jones, daugh- ter of John H. and Margaret (Seitzinger) Jones, and they had two daughters : Katherine Jones, who married W. W. Webber, and has two children — Harold Hoffman and Christian Hoffman; and Margaret Adelia. Paul Hoffman, father of the Doctor, was a farmer of Northampton county and was born in ISOi, and died in 1866. He married Catherine Peysher, and they had four sons : Paul J., Christian N., Rev. Philip P. A., and Dr. James. Michael Hoffman, the grandfather, was also of North- ampton county. Mrs. Hoffman's grandfather was Samuel Jones, who married Elizabeth Huey, and was the father of four child- ren, John H., Thomas H., Mary (m. Jacob Van Reed) and Margaret (m.. Dr. Darrah). Her maternal grand- father was Jacob W. Seitzinger. LEVI E. LEFEVER, chief burgess of the borough of Boyertown, who, since 1907, has resided in his comfor- table and attractive home at No. 112 Reading avenue, has been long identified with the agricultural and business in- terests of this section of Berks county. He is a representa- tive of one of the old established families, and was born April 5, 1857, in this borough, son of William and Rachel (Eshbach) Lefever. Anthony Lefever, great-grandfather of Levi E., was born May 12, 1767, and died May 36, 1833, aged sixty-five years, fourteen days. The family records tell that his wife was accidentally burned to death from sparks from the old-fashioned fireplace. Their children were : Anthony, Levi, Mrs. Charles Keller and Mrs. Jonas Schmehl, all of whom reared families of their own. Levi Lefever, son of Anthony and grandfather of Levi E., was born June 4, 1795, and died an accidental death, Dec. 27, 1833, aged thirty-seven years, six months, twenty- three days, and was buried at Pricetown. Berks Co., Pa. His wife Mary, born Aug. 6, 1796, died Sept 10, 1839. He was a tanner and owned and conducted a business of this kind at Pricetown, where he had other property. He had two sons : William and Levi H. William Lefever, father of Levi E., was born Oct. 36, 1830, at Pricetown, Pa,, and resides at Sassamansville, in Douglass township, Montgomery Co., Pa., a well pre- served man. In his early years he worked as a stone jTiason, later coming to Boyertown, where he conducted a farm for his father-in-law, Joseph Eshbach, for a time. He afterward entered into partnership with his brother, Levi H. Lefever, and they conducted a general store at Sassamansville for a number of years, after which they sold out, Levi H. coming to Boyertown, where he con- ducts a general store, but William remained at the old place and continued storekeeping for a time, and then began cigar manufacturing together with farming. He did a large business and continued active in it until 1905, when he retired. He married Rachel Eshbach, and to them were born twelve children, as follows : Minerva m. John Reaminger, of Boyertown ; Levi E. ; Mary m. Harry Hoffman, of Reading ; Irwin, deceased, m. Maria Gerhart, and they had three children, Eaton, John and Lottie ; Amandus resides at East Greenville, Pa.; Amanda m, Rev. Harrison Moyer, a minister in Carbon county; Kate m. Rev. Amandus Herbst, of York county. Pa. ; Dr. Rufus E. is engaged in medical practice in Reading; Emma died young; and three died in infancy. Mr. Lefever has long been a leading citizen of his community, and he has been frequently appointed administrator to settle up estates. Levi E. Lefever attended the public schools 6i Boyer- town and Mount Pleasant Seminary, and when sixteen years of age learned the tinsmith's trade, serving an ap- prenticeship of four years. He worked at this trade at Boyertown until 1878, and then embarked in a business of his own as a tinsmith and handler of stoves, etc., which he continued for twenty-eight years. His whole attention, however, was not claimed by this enterprise for he owns a fine farm of ninety-nine acres, situated in Earl town- ship, three and one-half miles northeast of Boyertown, the work on which he superintends personally. He has it well stocked and it is a remunerative piece of property. In 1905 he erected the present frame house which replaced a log house that had stood since the days of the Revolu- tionary War. Mr. Lefever is treasurer of the Electric Light Company, of which he was one of the organizers and which was chartered in July, 1908. Since 1906 he has been president of the Keystone Fire Insurance Company and to all these important business interests he gives due at- tention. In 1878, Mr. Lefever was married to Rosa Ann Ritter, daughter of Lewis Ritter, of Colebrookdale township, and to this marriage have been born the following children : Charles resides at Boyertown ; Addie M., who perished in the Boyertown fire, Jan. 13, 1908, was the beloved wife of Harry Leinbach, and she left two children, Florence and Paul; Edgar resides at Boyertown; Maggie also per- ished in the Boyertown disaster, aged twenty-one years; Joseph died in 1904, aged twelve years; and Florence re- sides at home. Mr. Lefever and family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church, at Boyertown. Mr. Lefever has been active for many years in fraternal organizations, and on various occasions has been elevated to offices of trust and responsibility in the same. He is a member of Salah Castle, No. 78, Knights of the Mystic Chain, in which he has held all the offices. Since 1900 he has been chaplain of Popodickon Tribe, No. 388, Order of Red Men, is district deputy, and has held all the offices in the organization. He is the degree master of the staff, is past grand and also degree master of Boyertown Lodge, No. 708, I. O. O. F. ; and belongs also to the order of Eagles, at Pottstown, Pennsylvania. In his political affiliations Mr. Lefever is frankly and unequivocally a Republican, and has frequently served as a delegate to county and State conventions and for twelve years served as inspector of elections and committeeman at Boyertown. For three years he served as a school director and has always been interested in public education. When only twenty-three years old, Mr. Lefever was elected a member of the borough council and served through one year, which was the length of term at that time. In 1901 he was again elected to the council and served his term of three years, and in February, 1909, was elected chief burgess for a term of three years. He stands as a repre- sentative of the best citizenship of his community. HARRISON LANDIS, successful manufacturer of lum- ber and boxes at Philadelphia, was born in Washington township, Berks county, near Ballv, Dec. 33, 1852. He re- ceived his preliminary education 'in the township school, and at Boyertown (in Mt. Pleasant Seminary and Hankey's Academy), and then attended the Mennonite Educational Institute at Wadsworth, Ohio, for two years. Upon his return home he taught public school at Niantic near by for one term, and then assisted in clerking in the country store of his uncle, Jacob Oberholtzer (which was situated on the premises adjoining his father's), for two years. He then took a regular course in the business college of Bryant & Stratton at Philadelphia, and entered the office of the paint works of Ziegler & Smith, where he was en- gaged as a clerk for five vears; and was next in the well- known steam-shipping office of Peter Wright & Sons for three years. With^ this preparation for a business life, Mr. Henry H. Sheip (his brother-in-law, manufacturer of cigar-boxes BIOGRAPHICAL 381 since 1876) formed a partnership with him in 1881, and under the firn:. name of Henry H. Sheip & Co. they de- veloped a constantly increasing trade until 1899, when they organized a corporation entitled "Henry H. Sheip Manufacturing Co." Since then, the corporation has been carried on successfully, with Mr. Landis as secretary and treasurer. They started with twenty hands, but now have over 800, notwithstanding the introduction of many costly labor-saving machines. Their annual volume of business exceeds a million and a half of dollars; and their trading relations have been developed to extend throughout the United States and into many foreign countries; and from the manufacture of cigar-boxes they have gradually branched out until their product includes small wooden boxes of every variety, veneered boxing lumber, and cas- ing for electric wiring of buildings; they also deal in all kinds of lumber for manufacturing and building purposes. It is the only large plant of the kind at Philadelphia, and has been kept running constantly from 1881 until the present time. In 1876 Mr. Landis was married to Emma Louisa Sheip, daughter of Levinus and Lucy Ann (Hangen) Sheip, of Bucks county, and sister of his partner in business. By her -he had three children : Stanley Winfield and George Clarence (both of whom are engaged in the financial de- partment of the works mentioned), and Mabel (m. How- ard G. Moyer). His wife dying in 1883, he in 1893 mar- ried Mary A. Gyger, only child of John and Sarah (Night- linger) Gyger of Philadelphia, by whom he has two child- ren: Mary Esther and Mildred. His father was George Oberholtzer Landis, retired farm- er of Washington township, Berks county, who was mar- ried to Mary Mohr, daughter of Andrew Mohr of Mac- ungie, Lehigh County, by whom he had seven children : Harrison, above mentioned; Emma; Henry m. Emma Stiefler, and is now in Japan, where he has been con- nected with the Meiji Gakuin, a Presbyterian College; Evan m. (first) Emily Hamer and (second) Mabel Prouty; Sarah m. Clement Bechtel ; Irwin m. Sophie Hammell ; and Oliver m. Clara Stoudt. The mother died in 1906, aged seventy-six years. The father died Oct. 29, 1908, aged eighty-two years. His grandfather was Henry H. Landis, born in 1798, died in 1860; m. in 1823 to SusannTTTberholtzer, daughter of Jtjacob, and after her decease to Elizabeth Knetz in 1856 , and he had seven children : George, above mentioned, Jacob, David, Aaron, Susanna, Esther and Amanda. u^ The Landis family was founded in America by Iig,as Landis, a native of Holland , who left his native land dur- ing the early half of the eighteenth century. , lQQating_jn D ouglass Township, Mon tgomery County, Pai .jHe was the owner of a tract of land located near Congo, which he dis- posed of to members of the Bauer farnilv in 1773 for six pounds and seven and one-halt bushels ot wheat as part payment on the property. Among the descendants was Henry H. Landis, the grandfather of the subject of the above sketch. A. M. HIGH, postmaster of Reading, Pa., and the most potential force in the Republican party of that city, is a son of Joel and Marie (Merkel) High, and was born in Richmond township, Berks county, Dec. 19, 1849. The High family is of Ge'rman descent, but generations ago settled in Pennsylvania. Solomon High, grandfather of A. M., was born in Richmond township, where he fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer. In politics he was a Whig, but during the latter years of his life he belonged to the Republican party. He was a member of the Re- formed Church, and was a captain in the old State Militia. He was the father of three children, one son and two daughters, and passed away in 1874, his wife surviving him many years, and dying in 1891. Joel High, father of A. M. High, was also a native of Richmond township, and after obtaining an education in the public schools of his district, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He became one of the most sub- stantial farmers of that section, and died in 1872. His wife died in 1866. The latter, whose maiden name was Marie Merkel, bore him eleven children as follows : James ; Joel ; A. M. ; Jacob ; Solomon ; Daniel ; Samuel ; Charles ; and Wilson, Emma and Mary, all three deceased. A. M. High, who is a man of liberal education and wide information, attended the common schools in his youth, and afterward took a course in the Keystone State Normal of Kutztown. He then taught school for two terms, after which he clerked in a general store at Fleetwood, Berks county. After remaining there for one year, in 1868 he removed to Reading, accepting a position in the dry goods store of B. H. Brown, continuing there for one year, and then holding a similar position for a year and a half in a general store. He next embarked in business for himself, establishing a tailor shop and general store at No. 824 Penn street, where he was successfully engaged for nine- teen years. He was then associated with John Rieger, in the same line of business, but after a period of three years the latter was succeeded by Mr. High's son. Mr. High and his son conduct a high class tailoring business, having a large patronage. Although giving the closest attention to business Mr. High's eminent qualifications for a po- litical force and influence in his party, brought him' to the fore many years ago, and for twenty-three years he has been the recognized leader of the Republican party in Berks county, the Philadelphia. Record, of Aug. 30, 1903, in an exhaustive article on his political career, dubbing him the "Regent of Berks." Recognizing his invaluable ser- vices to the party, he was made postmaster of Reading, in 1899, reappointed in 1903 and- again in 1907. He has been four times a delegate to the Republican National Convention, having been the first delegate chosen in the United States for the successive conventions of 1888, 1892, 1896 and the third one chosen for 1904. His services at the head of the organization were invaluable to the cause, and by his honest and energetic methods of conducting campaigns he strengthened the hold of the Republican party in Berks county, even gaining friends in opposing factions. A man of magnetic presence and fine chara!cter, he has a large following, and is a "to^er of strength" politically and socially. Mr. High married Miss Lizzie Delp, and they have had three children : Harry S. ; Howard J., deceased ; and Wayne M. The family is one of the best known and most popular in Reading. WARREN L. DAVIS, son of James and Anna (Great- rake) Davis, was born at Birdsboro, Berks county, Oct. 34, 1868. After receiving a common school education in the local schools, he, while yet a boy, established a mes- senger service between Birdsboro and Reading, which he carried on successfully for a year and a half. Then he located at Reading and learned printing, but not being satisfied with this occupation he entered the employ of George S. Herbein, dealer in furniture and carpets, and continued with him' six years. During this time he quali- fied himself thoroughly for accounting, and entered the hardware house of Bright & Lerch. Appreciating his ef- ficiency, they in 1895 selected him as their chief clerk and treasurer, which position he held until the death of Mr. Lerch in 1898, when the firm changed to Bright Company, In the new firm he performed the same duties as Mr. Lerch and also remained their treasurer until July, 1901, having been in their employ for thirteen years. In 1901 he was offered the responsible position of gen- eral bookkeeper of the Farmers National Bank, of Reading, the oldest and strongest bank in Reading. He accepted this position and his proficiency was so great that in August, 1903, he was promoted to be cashier, and this position he has held most creditably until the present. Mr. Davis married, Dec. 25, 1895, Laura M. Dillon, daughter of Moses Dillon, of Reading. They have two children, Stewart and Anna Louise. They belong to St. Barnabas Protestant Episcopal Church. WILLIAM K. GRIM was a very prominent and in- fluential citizen at Boyertown, and his death Aug. 14, 1905, was greatly deplored. The Grim ' family is one of the oldest in the county, and owes its residence here to 382 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the emigration from Germany of Jolian Egidius Grim. The home of the family was originally in Normandy, and the lineage is traced back to a Baron there in the time of William the Conqueror. One branch of the family went to Alsace, and to that branch the Berks county Grims be- long. (I) Johan Egidius Grim came to America in 1728 with the Rev. John Casper Stoever, and he settled first in Weisen- burg township, Northampton (now Lehigh) county, but it appears he later came to Maxatawny township, Berks county, and secured a large tract of land. His house was a most substantial one, and to it other settlers fled for re- fuge in time of Indian disturbances. Two of his sons served in the war of the Revolution, and most of his de- scendants are members of the Lutheran Church. The will of "Gitti, alias Gideon" Grim was made Jan. 28, 1760, and was probated Oct. 1, 1761, when Jacob and Henry Grim, his sons, were appointed as executors. In this will he gave his land to his sons Jacob and Henry; fifty pounds to his daughter Cattarina ; fifty pounds to his daughter Elizabeth (who married Casper iVIerker) ; thirty pounds to Francis Roth "son of my daughter Margreth." (H) Henry Grim, son of Gitti, was born in Maxatawny township in 1733, and died in 1804, He married and had three children : Jacob, Jonathan and Gideon. (HI) Gideoti Grim, son of Henry, was born in Maxa- tawny township, where he became an extensive and suc- cessful farmer. His death occurred in 1823, when he was aged sixty-three years. By his wife, Elizabeth Kirby, an Englishwoman, he became the father of five sons and two daughters, namely : David, who died unmarried ; Nathan, who settled at farming in Columbia county, Pa. ; Gideon and Benjamin, millers at Weisenburg, in Lehigh county; Joshua, a farmer on the homestead; Hannah (m. John Seigfried) ; and Dinah (m. John Dresher). (IV) Gideon Grim, son of Gideon and Elizabeth, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township Aug. 31, 1792. He carried on milling and farming for many years in Exeter township at the home of his father-in- law, Henry Knouse. In 1830 he purchased in Colebrook- dale township two farms of about ninety acres each, with a tan yard, and these he operated until his death April 27, 1848. He was buried in the Boyertown cemetery. He hauled the product of his farm and tannery to market in Philadelphia by team, and was well known throughout the county. He was an official member of the Lutheran Church. He married Esther Knouse, and had two child- ren : William K. ; and Levi, who died at the age of eighteen. (V) William K. Grim was a son of Gideon and Esther, and was born in Exeter township May 28, 1S25. He early learned the tanner's trade from his father, and often used to accompany the latter on his trips to Philadelphia, and at the age of sixteen William K. began making these trips alone. He operated the tan yard until 1874, when that enterprise was abandoned on account of the scarcity of tan bark. A flour and grist mill was then built on the property, and this is still in operation. Two years before this Mr. Grim had moved to Boyertown, and in the business life of that town he at once entered, taking an active part therein until his death. He built the large Grim block, was instrumental in organizing the National Bank of Boy- ertown, of which he was a director for some years, and later he was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Na- tional Bank, in which he was a director and later vice president. He was a heavy stockholder in the Colebrook- dale Iron Company, established in 1835, and incorporated in 1886, and located at Pottstown, and after he became its president its scope was largely increased, their goods being shipped to all parts of the world. In politics Mr. Grim was a Democrat, and for thirteen years was burgess of Boyer- town, and during the administration of President Cleve- land was its postmaster. He was a member of the Luth- eran Church, and in that faith died Aug. 14, 1905. On June 11. 1853, William K, Grim married Loretta B. Rhoads, daughter of John and Catharine Rhoads. She was born Aug. 21, 1825, and died Aug. 4, 1906. Her maternal grandparents were Henry and Sarah Boyer. Henry Boyer and his brother Daniel were the first settlers of Boyertown, and from them the town derived its name. To William K. and Loretta B. Grim were born four children : Mahella, Sarah (m. Frank W. Sabold, manager of the New York Telephone Company, at Yonkers, N. Y., who in 1903 became associated, in an official capacity, with The Hudson River Telephone Company, at Albany, N. Y., at which place he died April 16, 1904), William R., and Kate. (VI) William R. Grim, son of William K. and Loretta B. Grim, was born April 24, 1860, and was given the bene- fit of a good education. After studying in the public schools, he went to Mt. Pleasant Seminary and then to Muhlenberg College, graduating from the latter in 1882. He read law at Salina, Kans., and was there admitted to the Bar. He later went to Texas, and located at Texar- kana, where he became cashier of the Texarkana National Bank, and in 1903 was elected its president. This bank is a strong financial institution, and is a power in its lo- cality. Mr. Grim is also interested in railroads. He mar- ried Sarah Hauberger, of Philadelphia, and they have two children, Emeline and Loretta. MARTIN S. CROLL, President of the National^nk at Topton, Berks Co., Pa., and senior member of the firm of CroU & Smith, manufacturers and jobbers in hats, caps and straw goods, is one of the leading business men of this part of the county and comes from an old and hon- orable family. Alartin S. Croll was born Aug. 19, 1844, in Maxatawny township, Berks Co., Pa., son of John and Catherine (DeLong) Croll. The family is of German extraction and its founder in Perinsylvania was one Philip Croll, who settled in Montgomery county. His four children bore the names of: Christian, Henry, Michael and Polly. Henry Croll, son of Philip, and great-grandfather of Martin S., married a member of the Gilbert family, and then removed to a farm in the vicinity of Pittsburg, where the rest of his life was spent. Among his numerous child- ren, Joseph was the immediate ancestor of the subject of this sketch. Joseph Croll was born in Allegheny county, learned the tanning business and worked at that until 1813, when he married and removed to Greenwich townhsip, Berks Co., Pa. He married Elizabeth Schlenker, daughter of John and Barbara (Tressler) Schlenker, and they reared a large family. Later he settled at Krumsville, where he died in 1847. survived by his wife until 1872. John Croll, son of Joesph and father of IMartin S., was born May 19, 1814. near Grimville, Berks Co., Pa. He learned the trade of tailor. In 1838 he removed to a place near Wessnersville, where he lived for one year and then settled at Kutztown. where he followed his trade for alDout fourteen years, and then, in 1853, removed to North White- hall township, Lehigh county. He bought a small farm near Schnecksville, and at his home conducted a large tailoring business, giving employment to a dozen workmen. He was a good business man and in addition to conducting this large and profitable business, from 1865 to 1875, he was interested in dealing in timber lands. During the last years of his life he engaged successfully in trucking and huckstering. John Croll was an influential member of the Democratic party, and wherever he lived was solicited to hold office on account of the integrity of his character and his excellent judgment on all matters pertaining to the common good. As early as 1830 he was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and until his death he remained a con- sistent member of that religious bodv. In 1837 he married Catherine DeLong, daughter of David and Catherine De- Long, of Maxatawny township, who was of French Hugue- not extraction. They had eight children, six sons and two daughters, namely: Alfred, Hiram, Martin S.. Silas, Cyremus Charles, Elmira, Philip Columbus and Priscilla Susanna. Martin S. Croll was educated in the local schools and at the Quakertown Academy, following which he taught school for two seasons, but on April 1, 1863, turned his attention to a business career, becoming a clerk for Joseph BIOGRAPHICAL 383 Miller, a merchant at Foglesville. Some months later he accepted a similar position at Rothrocksville, and remained there over three years. On March 1, 1867, he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Stephen Smith, and they leased a store and hotel at Monterey, where they conducted a successful business for five years. The busi- ness was then removed to Rothrocksville, where they con- tinued until 1889. In the meantime, Mr. Croll had become interested in ad- ditional enterprises. In 1884, the firm became associated with Silas Croll, in a coal and lumber business at Farming- ton. One year later, Silas Croll withdrew, but the enter- prise was continued by the other partners until 1893. In 1893 a farm was purchased at Topton, on which Mr. Croll erected a fine residence. The firm of Croll & Smith, which is located at No. 119 North Sixth street, Reading, is known all over the State as prominent manufacturers and jobbers and also as honorable dealers. It has been before the public for the past twenty-two years. The business is largely wholesale, employment is given to a large force, and traveling men of experience represent it in this and other States. As the head and front of the large financial institution known as the National Bank at Topton, Mr. Croll's prominence and integrity have been recognized. This bank was opened for business July 2, 1906, with the fol- lowing officers: Martin S. Croll, president; John Hartley, vice president; and A. H. Smith, cashier. The following capitalists make up the board of directors : M. S. Croll, John Hartley, George Schwartz, Rev. J. H. Raker, Edward DeLong, B. Frank Baer, A. P. Smith, Samuel Heacock, Irwin Geary, Dr. J. H. Worley and W. H. Clymer. The bank has met with success from the beginning. It is capi- talized at $25,000, and has large fortunes and reliable men behind it. It probably has the most modern bank building of any in this section of the State, its equipment including burglar proof vaults. On June 10, 1865, Martin S. Croll married Elizabeth A. Grim, daughter of Jonas Grim, a well-known farmer of Lehigh county. They have two sons, William Martin and Charles Alfred, both of whom have proved themselves good business men and enterprising citizens. In his pO- "litical affiliation, Mr. Croll has always been a Democrat and, at various times, has served in most of the local offices, has been township auditor and deputy collector of internal revenue. For three years he served effectively as a member of the borough council of Topton and has also been town treasurer. Many and increasing business cares have prevented his acceptance of numerous honor- able offices and positions of trust at the head of various organizations to which his admiring fellow citizens would have gladly elevated him. He has always taken a lively interest in charitable and philanthropic enterprises, and it was largely due to his earnest efforts that the Lutheran Orphan Home was located at Topton, in 1896. For many years he has been an active worker in the Lutheran Church, in which he has been both elder and deacon. He is a man who, in every respect, is entitled to the good will, respect and thorough esteem of his fellow citizens. REV. WARREN F. TEEL, Ph. M., principal of the Schuylkill Seminary, Reading, has acquired a high reputa- tion by his efficient services at the head of that institution. His executive ability has been called into constant use as well as his qualities as an educator, for he has developed the Seminary up to its present condition from a most un- promising state, a work requiring a combination of busi- ness faculty and educative talents somewhat rare among professional men. Mr. Teel was born April 11, 1868, at Martin's Creek, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and comes of German and Scotch-Irish ancestry, being a son of Amos and Anna (McFall) Teel, the latter now de- ceased. The father was formerly a farmer, and is now living at Easton, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Teel had the follow- ing family: Warren F. ; Forrest, who is a produce mer- chant of Easton, Pa. ; Harry C, who is with the Midvale Steel Company, of Philadelphia; Frank, a machinist, en- gaged in the Bethlehem Steel Works; and Marion, likewise a machinist at the same works. Warren F. Teel is practically a self-made and self-edu- cated man. He learned the miller's trade with Enos Wetzel and then formed a partnership with his maternal uncle, Thomas J. McFall, at Flicksville, Pa., and milled successfully for nine years. But he was ambitious to enter the ministry, and with that end in view lost no opportunity for improving his literary acquirements. He pursued his collegiate course at the North Western College, Naper- ville, 111., and also took a course at the Columbia School of Oratory, Chicago. Subsequently he did special work at Cornell and Harvard. Meantime he had done considerable practical work, especially in the temperance cause, in which he has been interested from early manhood. While a stu- dent at North Western he gave notable service on the lecture platform in the interest of the Young People's Christian Temperance Union, meeting with unusual suc- cess, and receiving favorable comments from' the public and the press as a forceful and pleasing speaker. He has never lost his interest in this line of Christian work and for four years was president of the Young People's Alliance of the East Pennsylvania Conference Branch. After com- pleting his college course Mr. Teel was located at Pen Argyl, Pa'., where he had charge of the Bethany Evanr gelical Church for eight months, until called to his present work. At the annual meeting of the East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association, held at Nor- ristown. Pa., in February, 1901, he was elected by the board of trustees of Schuylkill Seminary, which is under the patronage of the Conference, to the principalship of the institution, then located at Fredericksburg, Pa. He ac- cepted with the courage of a devoted Christian worker having faith in his ability to cope successfully with de- cidedly unfavorable prospects. The Seminary had been founded in Reading in 1881, and in the year 1886, under the influence of Col. John H. Lick, was removed to Fred- ericksburg. When Mr. Teel took charge the attendance had fallen to seven students. Its growth since then has been due directly to his efforts, and the skilful manner, in which he has handled its affairs has won him com- mendation from all quarters. Within a year and a half the attendance had increased to sixty, and the year after he became the head of the Seminary it was deemed advisable to seek new accommodations, to meet the demands of in- creased patronage and steady development. In the spring of 1902 Mr. Teel and Prof. Bowman came to Reading, and with two others made a visit to Selwyn Hall, to ascer- tain its desirability as a new location for the Seminary. A favorable report was made, and consequently a meeting of ministers of the East Pennsylvania Conference was called by Bishop S. C. Breyfogel, to convene at the Hall grounds, for action upon the removal of the Seminary to Reading. It was decided to acquire the property for the permanent quarters of the school, and the purchase was made in July, 1902. Work was at once begun, repairing and re- modeling, and Mr. Teel succeeded in securing $10,000 from the business men of Reading to encourage the work. The Seminary was opened in Reading Sept. 15, 1902, and has been in a prosperous condition ever since. During 1906-07 the students numbered 120, the class of 1907 con- sisting of twenty graduates. The equipment and accom- modations have been added to until they compare favora- bly with those of any similar institution in Pennsylvania. The location, at the corner of Thirteenth and Exeter streets, in the' northeastern part of Reading, is particularly beautiful, the grounds lying on the western slope of Mount Penn, commanding a fine view of the city and surrounding landscape. In the original building, formerly known as Selwyn Hall, a spacious structure of massive Colonial architecture, surrounded by stately trees, are the office, library, class-rooms, dining-hall and dormitory for ladies. , The other two buildings are an imposine chapel, with dormitories for the men, and a fine modern gymnasium, which was enlarged in 1907, an additional story having been erected. The dormitories are spacious and comfor- table, well ventilated, lighted with electricity and heated with steam, and all the buildings have been made attractive 384 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA within and without, repairs and additions being attended the capitulation of Lopez, which crowned the success of to promptly under the efficient system which now prevails, the expedition. After a sojourn of several years in An endowment of $50,000, gathered during the years 1906 Europe, he returned to America and entered the law and 1907, has been convincing proof of the confidence office of his father as a student, and having been thor- placed in Mr. Teel by the friends of the Seminary, and oughly qualified was admitted to the bar of Berks coun- has enabled him to carry out some of his most cherished ty, April 14, 1863. He was subsequently admitted to the plans for the continued welfare of the school. Its affairs Supreme court of the Commonvirealth and to the Bar of at present are established upon a liberal and substantial Philadelphia and other counties of the State, basis. In his profession he has attained marked distinction, The special advantages afforded by the Schuylkill Semi- having tried and won many cases involving important nary as a college preparatory school are worthy of note, principles of law which are now widely quoted as prece- The courses in Latin and Greek, as well as in other dents, and having recently been appointed, by the Bar branches, nt students for not only the freshman but also Association of Pennsylvania, chairman of a committee to the advanced classes of the best colleges in the country, revise the corporation laws of the State. The Reading The courses m history and literature are comprehensive street railway system, with its suburban adjuncts, and and thorough, the laboratory is we 1 equipped, and all the the electric light and gas companies, and many other work done is of the most practical character, either as a industrial corporations which he represents, owe their preparation for higher stiidies or as an accession to general marked success largely to the genius and ability displayed knowledge. The faculty is composed of eleven instructors, by Mr. Jones in their organization and development. He men and women of character and purpose, who are not js general counsel also for the United Power and Trans- only titted to teach the branches of which they have made portation Company and the Interstate Railways Company, special study but also to direct the work and ambitions corporations controlling over five hundred miles of street of their pupils into the most useful channels. The vice- railways in Pennsylvania and the adjoining States. His president. Rev. Edwin D McHose, Ph. M., is mstructor services to the public, aside from business, have been m science and the higher mathematics; he makes a equally notable, and the prosperous community in which specialty of botany, and has written articles on this sub- he lives cheerfully acknowledges many substantial benefits ject. Rev. Charles B. Bowman, A. M., B. D previously largely due to his well-directed energy and the wisdom mentioned has been associated with Mr. Teel from the be- of his counsel. It was mainly through his efforts that ginmng of his labors in the Seminary; he is a graduate the city of Reading recovered the tract of land, lost of Drew Seminary and is serving as principal of the theo- for nearly a hundred years, at the foot of Penn's Mount, logica department and professor of Greek and theology, now beautifully improved as the City Park and known The department of English is m charge of Ida L. Hatz, as Penn Common; and that the free public library of Ph. M-. and the department of tnusic is presided over by the city, of which he is president, was rescued from ob- f M ^ ""^' ^ """^""^'^ °^ *"^ Philadelphia Academy scurity and sacrifice, placed upon an enduring foundation ot Music. , . , , . . ^ , ^ by liberal private contributions headed with his name, Mr Teel was ordained a regular minister of the Evan- and then adopted by the public as worthy of maintenance gelical Church in 1902, and he is as successful in religious out of the common purse work as in educational circles. He has frequent pulpit in 1862, on the invasion of Maryland by the Confed- calls, from his own and other denominations, and is also erate army, Ut. Jones enlisted, serving as a private in deniand as a speaker at Y. M. C A. gatherings. His soldier, and was present at the battle of Antietam, and in constant association and contact with young people gives i863 he was made captain of a company of Pennsylvania him steady inspiration for such work, in which he is volunteers. In 1866 he was elected a member of the particularly strong, and in which his personal character Legislature from the county of Berks, and was twice re- has proved to be a factor of inestimable value for good, elected, and in 1868, his second term, he received his I „ -'1 T -C- 1 1 1 ' (■ ,1 T, • -/.",." i-wN-i. u-^iii^ v-viioi-j-^j, >-vj, wci c widely ICclU, ililU 1 cllIK-CU WiLII has widened his knowledge of the conditions affecting his the best arguments upon that subject He had little work, acquiring material for new thought as well as broad- taste for politics, however, and a preference for the work ening the early foundations of his labors During the six of his profession induced him to retire from public life, years of his connection with the Schuylkill Seminary he He has since held no public office excepting that of Corn- has won notable honors in every department of his work missioner at Valley Forge, to which he was appointed by as an able manager an efficient instructor and a devoted Governor Pennypacker and has been reappointed bv Lhnstian laborer. His practical ideas have won the con- Governor Stuart fidence and support of the best element in the community. He is a vestryman of Christ Church, Reading and a r^i J"\'''i"'f '"'°" ^°, ^™^ '^ S^'™"'''-'^- "P.'° ."^^ '^''"^^tor in many local organizations. He is also a member highest standards as an educational and Christian institu- of the Colonial Society of Pennsvlvania, Societv of Col- t on have met with the universal approval of patrons and onial Wars, Sons of the Revolution, Society of" the War the denomination under whose aiispices it is conducted, of 1812, and Grand Army of the Republic. Mr Teel is an ac ive force m the Evangelical Association, On Nov. 26, 1870, he married Margaret Ellen McCarty fl^ v^,r'n'nfr\''' '''■'''■''' '° *''' ^'""'''' ^°"^'''"" ''^^'^'^'" °^ James 'McCarty. a promfnent ironmaste? of On \L 1? iqnfi V.., l\r. T» 1 • w Ar ^/'IS','"^' ^"'^ Rebecca MacVeagh, his wife, and a niece On Aug^ lo, 1906 Rev Mr. Teel was married to Miss of Wayne and Franklin MacVeagh. He had one daughter Bessie J. Dubs of Rebersburg. Pa., a former instructor of now deceased, who was the wife of NathMi^l FeSn music in the Schuylkill Sc.m.nary, located at Fredericks- of Reading. His country residence ''MeHoneth '^°o^r-' ^rEk^rtes^a^nTH^eTeLTMairyfl^;^^"""'-'^^"^-^'^^ '""l^ X^^ ^ !^^T ''' T^^-^^ ff^ ^' M"^- Jones is descended from a long line of distm- RICHMOND LEGH JONES, Esq., the subject of this fide'sof hi°s°house'"Hif7n'?W°"T"ci ^""\*°'"^ °" ''°*^ biography, was born Feb. 17, 1840, ?.nd after \ thorough Tblf lawye" a'n7'd\tiS .is d^n^e^i^b^ "^7 JoTr^sr^/rom training in the best schools of this country competed hs Berks cnnntv frn,-,-, ise;n t^ io-o i • S°."°'^^^= ^/""^ education at the University of Heidelberg,; Germ'any. Be- having "^haTrma^^'of ^the^'comS;" on" Wavs Td fore entering that world-renowned institution, however, he Means He resicrnpH his =Paf ;i; r!, io-VTco f ^^ajs anu TgTilt^^ lr^u4":Ci^nrfhe*i:.a^r 'f ^f - -P-"*-- ^PPolmme"? orro?;:ctrrdina?;"f;:rm^isTe7'' le'n'i! against Paraguay, visiting tne islands ot at. Ihomas and nntpnrtinrv tr. Anctri^ ,.,k;,.v, „o; t.„ i u i • ii Barbadoes, in the West Indies., and the principal cities of l^rS^' H^me^ o'^"thT'co"n™enc m nt ' f 't t t^ ^ the east coast of South America and, sailing a thousand when our relations with foreign countries were ex remelv miles up the Parana river to Asuncion, was present at delicate. Mr, Jones's great-|randfather, Col Tonath-'n BIOGRAPHICAL 385 Jones, was senior captain of the first regiment raised in Pennsylvania for the Continental army, October, 1775. He participated in the winter campaign for the relief of the army of Quebec, after the death of Montgomery, and also in many important engagements. For distin- guished services he was promoted to the rank of major, and later to that of lieutenant-colonel in the Pennsyl- vania Line. Mr. Jones's great-great-grandfather, David Jones, came . from Merioneth, Wales, to Pennsylvania in 1721 and bought a large tract of land in Caernarvon township, where he opened and developed iron ore mines, which still bear his name. Mr. Jones's mother was the daughter of William Rod- man, of Bucks county, who was a brigade quartermaster in the army of the Revolution, and afterward a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania and of the Twelfth Con- gress of the United States. The Rodman family is one of the oldest in the New World, having settled in America in the early part of the seventeenth century and contrib- uted to the Colonies many of their most distinguished citizens. JOSEPH P. O'REILLY, contractor at Reading for up- ward of twenty-five years, was born at that place Aug. 27, 1862. He received his education in the city schools and at .Villanova College, in Delaware county, Pa., and upon quitting school learned the trade of stone-cutter under Christian Eben, who had been engaged in the business for many years at Reading. He continued with Mr. Eben for four years, and then engaged in the business for himself for about a year, when he started contracting in the con- struction of public works n f vario us Winds This was in 1882, and since then he has been prominently and suc- cessfully engaged in taking city and county contracts for roads, culverts, sewers and bridges. Among the large iron bridges spanning the Schuylkill river which are of his construction may be mentioned the "Exeter Bridge," the "Reading and South Western Street Railway Bridge," the "Schuylkill Avenue Bridge," the "Cross Keys Bridge" (above Tuckerton), and the "Berne Bridge" (above Shoe- makersville). Mr. O'Reilly married Clara A. Tea (daughter of Samuel H. Tea and Emily E. Hyneman, his wife, of Reading), and they have three children : James, Gerald and Claire. Mr. O'Reilly's father was Owen O'Reilly, also a large contractor in the construction of public works at Reading for thirty years. In 1856 he put up the "Askew Bridge" for the Lebanon Valley Railroad (crossing Sixth at Wood- ward), which was then regarded as a remarkable piece of work, and is still adtnired by engineers and contractors. He was born in 1815 at Patrickstown, County Meath, Ire- land, and emigrated to America in 1838, locating at Read- ing. He died in 1902. He married Elizabeth B. Felix, daughter of Anthony Felix, of Reading, and they had nine children : Agnes C, a sister of charity for forty years, now at Emmitsburg, Md.; Sallie B., k sister of charity for thirty years, now at Washington, D. C. ; Eugene P., m. to Helena Rauen; Simon P., m. to Sallie G. Reber; Mary B., who died in 1902, aged forty-one years; Joseph P., above; and three — ^James,. Ann and William — who died in infancy. His grandfather was James O'Reilly, of County Meath, Ireland, born in 1771, died in 1851. He ra. Bridget Con- athy, of the same county, born in 1773, died in 1848. They had fourteen sons, among them Owen. And his great- grandfather, also named James, had seven sons, among them the said James. His mother's father was Anthony Felix, born in 1781, died in 1863; m. to Catherine Martin, born in 1783, died in 1861. Her grandfather was Nicholas Felix, born in 1731, died in 1813. He was enlisted in the Revolution, with the cornpany of Capt. Charles Gobin, in Hiester's Battalion, which was engaged in the battle of Camden on Aug. 16, 1780. He emigrated from Germany in 1754. Mr. O'Reilly's wife's father, Samuel Hains Tea, was a lineal descendant of Richard Tea, a surveyor of Hereford township before the Revolution, and an ironmaster during 25 the Revolution. In 1776 he was elected to officiate as one of the Supreme Executive Councilors of the State, but he declined to serve, doubtless because he was identified with the Friends, who opposed the war. OSCAR B. HERBEIN, M. D., physician at Strausstown, has taken his father's place in that community, where the name has been identified with the practice of medicine for over forty years. The family is one of long standing in Bern township, this county, where it is still well repre- sented. One Peter Herbein in 1734 became the owner of 235 acres of fine land located along the Schuylkill, adjoining the lands of Henry Reeser, another early settler. He had two sons, Abraham and John, whose grandsons,. John, Thomas and William Herbein, have represented the family there in recent years. Along the Schuylkill also are the old Herbein quarries, first opened by one William Herbein in 1855, at what is now Rickenbach Station. Near that station were also located the ^Herbein mill and distillery, where Abraham Herbein erected a small distillery about eighty years ago. Later the property passed into the hands of Reuben Herbein, who built the mill and distillery which he operated successfully for some years. The Herbeins were among the first families associated with the Eplers in the organization of what has since been known as the Epler Church (Lutheran and Reformed) in Bern town- ship, one William Herbein being a member of the building committee. John Herbein, grandfather of Dr. Oscar B. Herbein, lived in Bern township, where he followed farming, own- ing land there. He is buried at Epler Church. He was twice married, first to Mary Shearer, by whom he had four sons, Gideon, Jonathan, Isaac S. and David (twins), all now deceased. By his second wife he had three sons, William, Adam (now living at East Greenville, Pa.) ^nd Daniel, of Allentown. Isaac S. Herbein, M. D., father of Dr. Oscar B. Herbein, was born in 1835, and received his early education in the public schools of Bern township. He began to read medi- cine with Dr. James Y. Shearer,' of Sinking Spring, Berks county, after which he was in the grocery business at Philadelphia with George A. Leinbach for two years, mean- time continuing his professional studies at the Jefferson Medical College. He graduated from that institution in 1865, and in 1866 located in practice at Strausstown, where he remained to the close of his life. He built up a large practice, and was actively engaged in the duties of his pro- fession until he died, Nov. 11, 1905, at the age of seventy years. Dr. Herbein is buried at the Zion's (Blue_ Moun- tain) Church. The Doctor was a man of active mind and progressive ideas, and took considerable interest in the life of the community in which he was an important figure for so many years. He served eight years as justice of the peace, and for twelve years was a school director. In political faith he. was a Democrat. Dr. Herbein married Catharine G. Batteiger, born Jan. 12. 1834, daughter of Jacob and Charlotte (Goodman) Bat- teiger, of Upper Tulpehocken township. Mrs. Herbein now makes her home with her son. She had two children : Deborah, who married George J. Kurr and died May 8, 1890; and Oscar B. Oscar "B. Herbein was born Feb. 7, 1869, received his early education in the township schools, and later attended the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown and the Brunner Business Academy. He taught school in 1886- 87-88-89, one term in Upper Tulpehocken township and two terms in Spring township, before entering the Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, where he took his medi- cal course. Graduating in 1896, he at once commenced prac- tice with his father at Strausstown, where he has remained to the present. He enjoys high standing among his brother practitioners as well as with the people of his community, and attends faithfully to a large practice. Dr. Herbein is a member of the Berks County Medical Society. On May 24, 1890, Dr. Herbein was married to Miss Lizzie S. Keim, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Mengel) Keim. They have no children. The Doctor is particularly active 386 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA in local fraternal societies, belonging to Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M.; to Lodge No. 77, L O. O. F., at Strausstown, of which he has been secretary for six years ; to Camp No. 664, P. O. S. of A., which he organized in 1893 and of which he is a past president; and to Charlotte Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He was one of the organ- izers and early directors of the Blue Mountain Electrical Company, 'of which he is now serving as vice-president. He is a IDemocrat in politics, and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. In religious matters he is iden- tified with the Reformed members of the Zion's (Blue Mountain) Church. LEVI B. PAXSON, one of the most widely known me- chanical engineers and long in the service of the Philadel- phia & Reading Railway Company, died at his home, No. 218 North Sixth street,' Reading, April 12, 1909. He was born in Chester county. Pa., March 22, 1827, of mixed English and German descent. His father's ancestors were English Quakers, while his mother was of German origin. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary A. F. Kraft, of Reading, Pa., and there were six children born to them, four of whom, three daughters and one son, lived to reach adult age. Mr. Paxson entered the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company as a brakeman on a coal train in October, 1847. In February, 1848, he vi'as promoted to be fireman on a coal train engine, and after firing about two years was given an engine to run, and continued to serve as a locomotive engineer until the summer of 1852, when he arranged with the Company to go into the Read- ing Machine Shops as an apprentice to the machinist's trade for a term of four years. A short time before the expiration of this term he was taken from the shops and given the position of wreck master, and later was assigned the additional duty of foreman of the Reading Round House. In February, 1864, he was appointed master ma- chinist at Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and in December, 1866, was made superintendent of the Mahanoy and Broad Mountain Railroad with office at Mahanoy Plane. In Feb- ruary, 1871, he was transferred to Reading, with title of master machinist in charge of the shops of the system. In January, 1873, he was appointed engineer of machinery, and retained the position until February 29, 1886, at which date he left the services of the Company for a time. On July 1, 1888, he was appointed acting superintendent of motive power and rolling stock equipment, and the fol- lowing year was given the full title, and he retained that position until Aug. 1, 1899, when he assumed the position of consulting mechanical engineer, a place specially created for him. B, MORRIS STRAUSS. Strauss is the name of one of the old and honored families in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose members in their different generations have been prominent in the public life of their local com- munities, and several of wider fame throughout the State and nation. Thrift seems to have followed the history of the family since its first coming to America from the Fatherland, back in the eighteenth century, and many of its members have been men of wealth and influence in the financial world. This review has chiefly to do with the gentleman whose name is mentioned above, but it is en- .tirely proper to mention first some of the more salient points in the family history. On Sept. 26, 1732, there landed in the city of Philadel- phia from Wurtemberg, Germany, two brothers of the name of Strauss, Albrecht and John Philip. They were mere boys, the elder, (I) Albrecht, swearing in his oath of allegiance, then necessary to take on landing, that he was but twenty, while (la) John Philip left a record in his family Bible that he was born on Sept. 13, 1713. They soon appeared in Berks county. Pa., where in the vicinity of what is now Bernville they each took up large tracts of land, a part of the original acres still being held by members of the present generation. They were both Luth- erans, so that their later marriages, the births of their children, and indeed the whole Strauss family history, be- came a part of the records of that church. Albrecht Strauss, the elder of the brothers, was the great-great-grandfather of B. Morris Strauss. He took up a tract of 350 acres, upon which he settled and reared a large family, eleven children in all, their mother, whom he married in 1734, being Anna Margaret Zerbe, who came with her father, Martin Zerbe, from Schoharie, New York, in 1723. The children were as follows: (1) Maria Barbara, born Nov. 16, 1735, m. June 2, 1754, John Kloss (now Klohs), born in Brechkebel, Hanau, Germany, Dec. 6, 17'23, son of Thomas and Margaret Kloss, with whom he came to America in 1738. They resided a little north of Reading and were the parents of ten children, six of whom survived and left issue, viz. : Maria Elizabeth, m. to Abraham Schneider ; Maria Barbara, m. to John Adam Spengler; Maria Christina, m. to Conrad Scheop (Shepp) ; Maria Magdalena, m. to Philip Huyett; Maria Catharine, m. to William Diehm ; and Jacob — all leaving numerous descendants. (2) John Jacob Strauss, born May 5, 1737, m. Elizabeth Brecht, Aug. 21, 1759. They lived on a part of the homestead acres north of Bernville and be- came the parents of nine children, viz. : Albrecht, who re- mained on the homestead; John, who settled near Orwigs- burg, Schuylkill county; David: Elizabeth; Philip; Jacob; Samuel ; Michael ; and Catharine. This branch also be- came very numerous. (3) ]\Iaria Elizabeth (twin to John Jacob), born May 5, 1737, m. John Daniel Madery, May 4, 1760. So far as known, three children were born to them, viz. . Maria Eva Rosina, John Thomas and Michael. (4) Anna Elizabeth was born March 25, 1739. (5) John Casper, born Aug. 5, 1741, died in infancy. (6) Maria Eva Rosina, born Nov. 6, 1742, m. Christopher Schaber, Nov. 9, 1762. The records of the Old Red Church, near Orwigsburg, Pa., show the baptism of five of their chil- dren, viz. : Maria Elizabeth, March 29, 1771 ; John, Oct. 4, 1772; John Philip, Feb. 9, 1775; Eva Rosina, April 4, 1779, and Daniel, March 4, 1781. (7) Maria Catharine, born March 6, 1745, m. John Long, Nov. 9, 1762, and their son, John Jacob, was born Aug. 7, 1763. (8) John Philip, born Jan. 4, 1748, m. Sevilla, daughter of Benedict and Maria Salone Kepner, April 21, 1771. They moved to Cumber- land (now Juniata) county. Pa., before the Revolution, pur- chasing 400 acres of land along the Juniata river, the homestead residence being at JNIexico Station on the Penn- sylvania Railroad. They had eight children, viz.. John: Jacob, born Oct. 5, 1775, who walked out to Ohio in 1779 and settled in Pickaway county, and left numerous and influential descendants; Polly; Betsey; Catharine; David, one of, whose descendants, Philip, still owns the ancestral homestead; Susannah, and Sidney. (9) Maria Christina was born July 26, 1751. (10) Maria Susanna, born Oct. 5, 1753, m. Benjamin Kebner, Mav 24, 1774, and they also resided in the Juniata Valley, near Mexico. (11) John Samuel. Albrecht Strauss was a prominent man of the locality during his time; and his penmanship denoted that he was an educated man. He was naturalized by the "Supream Court" of the Province on Sept. 24, 175.5, the certificate thereof now being in the possession of our subject. He died a short time previous to Mav 7, 1787, that being the date of the filing of his administration papers. His wife died about the same time. (la) John Philip Strauss, the younger of the emiorant brothers, took up about 250 acres of land, including (1908) Rev Air. Trexler's farm and the tract of Adam W. Strauss. On Feb. 28, 1744, he married Anna Margaret Reimer He died shortly before May 28, 1792 (the date of the probate ot Ins will). His wife is mentioned in his will and must then have been still living. Their nine children were : (1) Anna Magdalena, born Dec. 21. 1744, m. John George Thomas born July 1, 1746. son of John and Barbara Long. Iheir cnldren were: John, Anna .Margaret, Maria Catha- rine, Christian, Maria Elizabeth, John Philip, Jacob, Ihomas and Daniel. She died .-\pril 5, 1823: and he Mav 20, 182.3^ (2) Anna Elizabeth, born Sept. 18 me m George Dame Gicker, Nov. 26. 1776. They had children. (3; .VI ana Christina, born Feb. 20, 1749, m on June 3 177.1 Christian Zerbe, born Dec. 25, 1750, son" of John and Catharine Zerbe. They moved to White Deer township BIOGRAPHICAL "6811 Northumberland (now Union) county, Pa. They had a family of eleven children : John George, John, Maria Cath- arine,' Susanna, Jacob, Maria Christina, Henry, Mary Sa- lome, Elizabeth, Anna Maria and Samuel. (4) Casper, born Jan. 27, 1751, married Elizabeth Schreck. They left issue, viz.: John (Dec. 2, 1780-April 7, 1876), Ludwig, Ben- jamin, Matilda, Susanna, and Anna Maria. (5) Maria Catharine was born Dec. 22, 1752. (6) John Philip, born Nov. 9, 1754, m. Susanna Wenrich, Sept. 23, 1783. He ob- tained the homestead and died there July 20, 1816. Their children so far as known were : John, Susanna, Joseph, Philip (Feb. 1, 1790-May 12, 1885), Daniel, Elizabeth, Sy- billa, Anna Margaret and Mary Magdalena. (7) John Jacob, born May 5, 1757, m. Barbara Zerbe, June 14, 1785. He died Oct. 22, 1822, his wife probably preceding him in death as she is not mentioned in his will. They had the following children so far as known : Catharine, Bar- bara, Daniel, Magdalena, Peter, Sarah, Adam and Su- sanna. (8) Christian, born June 16, 1760, m. Aug. 4, 1794, Catharine, daughter of Joseph Schneider. They had as far as known two children, Elizabeth and Catharine. (9) John Matthias, born April 16, 1763, m. (first) Magdalena Schneider, on May 25, 1790. After the death of his wife he m. (second), Sept. 10, 1797, Frederica Goftel. He died March 4. 1819, and his wife survived him. (H) John Samuel Strauss, youngest child of Albrecht and great-grandfather of B. Morris, was born May 13, 1756. On Nov. 10, 1784, he married Catharine Elizabeth (born May 10, 1758), daughter of Balthaser and Maria Appalonia Um- benhauer, the owner of a large tract of land including the site of Bernville, Pa. He became the owner of the home- stead by purchase on Aug. 5, 1784, whereon they resided all their life. He, as also did his cousin, John Philip, son of Philip, served actively in the Revolutionary struggle, and was an influential and useful citizen of his locality. He died March 25, 1835, his wife having preceded him, Dec. 16, 1821. They had a family of thirteen children, viz. : John, the founder of Strausstown; Maria Magdalena, m. to Tobias Henne; John Philip (Sept. 26, 178- Feb. 12, 1865) ; Samuel; Johanna, m. to Samuel Greim; John Jacob (Nov. 23, 1788-Nov. 9, 1877) ; Elizabeth Strauss (Feb. 12, 1790- Aug. 19, 1875), m. to Elias Redcay; Susanna; Joseph; John William (Oct. 26, 1795-Oct. 13, 1885); Catharine; Benjamin (April 30, 1800-Dec. 14, 1886); and 'Jonathan. This family was noted for their longevity. (III) Benjamin Strauss, son of John Samuel, was born on the old homestead April 30, 1800, and at its division by John Samuel, his father, before his death, he was allotted a share thereof. He married on Dec. 12, 1829, Rebecca, daughter of Jacob and Juliana (Shellharnmer) Long, born April 30, 1811. In his youth he lived in Virginia for some time. He returned to his native place and followed the trade of a tailor. He afterward purchased a large farm (the dwelling-house on which place, a large,' commodious and substantial one and one-half story log building, \yas known in Colonial times as "Casper Snavely's Indian Fort," where a posse of soldiers were regularly stationed to protect the settlers during that perilous period) adjoin- ing now Meckville, Bethel township, Pa., on which he re- sided the rest of his lifetime. His wife died Dec. 3, 1861. They had two sons, Percival Long and Joel. (IV) Percival Long Strauss was the eldest son of Ben- jamin, and is now living retired in Reading after an active life in the mercantile, building and lumber business. . His wife, Malinda, who died on April 16, 1896, was the daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Batdorf) Smith, farmers of Bethel township. They were both descendants of the ear- liest settlers, his ancestors Smith, Eisenhauer, Fetterhofif and Heberling having been prominent at and during the making of the first white settlements in Bethel, while her ancestors Batdorf and Zeller came from Schoharie, New York, in 1723, and were of the leaders in the making of the first settlement at Tulpehocken. To Percival L. and Malinda (Smith) Strauss were born twelve children: Harry, who died aged ten years ; Sophia, who died at thirty- five ; J. Franklin, a Lebanon county builder and contractor ; Mary Ann and Emma Rebecca, at home; John, of Kansas City, Mo. ; James, a hotel-keeper, Reading; Lavina, wife of Dr. Frank W. Bucks, Reading; William, a merchant at Rehrersburg,'' Berks county; EHzabeth, wife of George Schreiner, at the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadel- phia; Percival S., a graduate of the West Chester State Normal School and the University of Pennsylvania, and now a teacher in the Philadelphia high school; and B. Morris. These children are all occupying responsible posi- tions in life and are all living up to the record made by former generations. (V) B. Morris Strauss was born on the family home- stead in Bethel township, Sept. 20, 1855. ' He passed the early part of his boyhood on the home farm, securing the rudiments of his education in the common schools. Later he attended the Swatara Institute at Jonestown, and after- ward the Millersville State Normal School. He finished his literary education at Palatinate College, Myerstown; apd taught school for a while afterward. Having decided on the law as a profession, he now took up its study with John Benson as his preceptor and on May 26, 1880, was admitted to the Lebanon County Bar. His ad- mission to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania followed in 1885, and to the Supreme Court of the United States, Oct. 11, 1897. He became a member of the Berks County Bar in 1898. He is also admitted to practice in the Super- ior Court of the State. Mr. Strauss lived and practised his profession with success at Lebanon, where he was prominent in local affairs, having served a term as clerk of the water board of that city, and then located at Reading, where he has since maintained offices at No. 30 North Sixth street. Mr. Strauss has been a lifelong Democrat, and takes an active interest in the political life of the city, county and State. He is a member of the Hope Lutheran Church, and is interested in several societies which have for their object tfie preservation of family, county and national his- tory. He is thus a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Berks County and the Lebanon County Historical Societies and the Pennsylvania German Society. In April, 1903, he with several^, others started a move- rnent among the descendants of the two original emigrants, Albrecht and John Philip Strauss, to interest all the mem- bers of the family in a yearly reunion. All the meetings have proved a source of great pleasure to all and are always largely attended, the latest one having been held at Strauss- town, founded by John Strauss, a grand-uncle of our sub- ject. From the number of the members that have been gathered it is safe to estimate that the descendants of these two early emigrants number from 8,000 to 10,000, most numerously found in Berks and Schuylkill counties, yet settled in almost every State of the Union. Mr. Strauss married (second) Miss Hannah S., daughter of Elwood S. and Sarah R. Layton, and they are the parents of one daughter, Anna Margaret. ISAAC G. TREAT, one of the well-known citizens of Reading, Pa., who is filling the responsible position of superintendent of the Reading Hardware Company, was born in Lycoming county. Pa., Sept. 22, 1841, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Ludwig) Treat. Christian Treat, grandfather of Isaac G., was a well- known man of Berks county. Pa. He was of English des- cent, his father coming from England at an early date. He m.arried Catharine Glass (or Glase), and they had children as follows : John, who lived and died at Milton, Pa., m. Rebecca Slough ; Christian, who lived and died in Robeson township, m. Jestina Slough, a sister of Rebecca; Betsy m. John Homan ; Polly m. John Moore; Catharine ra. Fred Foreman, the grandfather of Harry Foreman, who was burned in the Boyertown fire in 1908 with his wife, two daughters and his sister, Sophia Foreman; Susanna m. Henry Hahn, and died in Robeson township, the mother of John, Mary, Catharine, David, Hannah, Henry, Isaac, Elhanan, Susanna, Isaiah and Samuel; Henry was father of Isaac G. ; Isaac died at Selinsgrove; Abraham m. Lovina Trostel, and died in Reading; Joseph died in Phila- delphia ; Peter died in Reading. Christian Treat, the father, died at York, Pa., and after his death his wife married (second) Philip Hartz. She died in Reading. 388 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Henry Treat was born in Robeson township, Berks county, and received his education in the public schools. Early in life he was employed about the iron furnaces and learned the iron-making business, which he followed for the balance of his life, dying in 1851. He is interred in the old Lutheran cemetery at the corner of Sixth and Washington streets. Henry Treat married in 1833, Eliza- beth Ludwig, daughter of Henry Ludwig, and to this union were born ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity, as follows; Mary m. Jacob Shadle, deceased; John L., deceased, was a prominent lumberman of Williamsport, Pa. ; Sarah m. Samuel Broscius, deceased ; Jsaac G. ; Henry is a farmer of New York; Elizabeth m. James K. P. Robbins, of Williamsport; and Annie m. an Allen, of Holcomb, X. Y. In 1854 Mrs. Treat married (second) Peter Ranch, of Clinton county. Pa. She was a member of the M. E. Church, and died March 10, 1906, aged ninety years. Isaac G. Treat received his education in the schools of Union county, the University at Lewisburg ( now Buck- nell), and the Union Seminary at New Berlin. He en- gaged in farm work until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company A, 131st Pa. V. I., Capt. Jacob M. Moyer, Colonel Allabach, and served nine months, being honorably discharged in 1863. He re-enlisted in Company E, 51st Regiment, Col. John F. Hartranft, and served gallantly until August, 1865, when he was honor- ably discharged on General Orders from the War depart- ment. Mr. Treat, after one month's rest, took a course at Clark & Nelson's Commercial College, and then located in Reading permanently, accepting a position with Philip Albright, proprietor of a local express business, and he remained with this firm until October, 1866, when he engaged with the Reading Hardware Company. Being industrious and ambitious, Mr. Treat soon became familiar with the work of every department of the concern, and his ability being recognized by his employers, he was rapidly promoted from position to position, until in 1873 he was made superintendent of the company, which is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, A self-made man in all that the word implies, JNlr. Treat has been the architect of his own fortune, and well deserves the success that has been his. , Mr. Treat was married, in 1S6S, to Miss Emma Deysher, daughter of Daniel Deysher, of Oley township, Berks county, Pa., and three children have been born to this union : Daniel G., employed by the Reading Hardware Com- pany; Henry E., who died in 1898, aged twentv-six years; and Howard, employed by the Reading Hardware Com- pany. Mr. Treat is a member of St. Paul's ^Memorial Re- formed Church, and for a number of years has been deacon and elder. S.AMUEL D.WIES, proprietor of the Industrial Foun- dry and Machine Works, of Reading, comes of Welsh an- cestry, and is in ' the third generation from the founder of the family in America, one Samuel Davies. Samuel Davies was born in Newbridge, Wales, in 1737. He changed his name from Da\is to Davies, holding that such was the correct Welsh spelling, and all of his kin have retained the added letter ever since, .'\bout 1764 Samuel Davies sailed for .America, came to Berks county and settled in Reading, then a small village, where he opened a shoe shop and store combined. In 1773 he mar- ried his wife, Elizabeth, who was of GcrnTan parentage. With the exception of four years in Bradford, Chester Co., Pa., their married life was spent wholly in Reading, and there they died, he in 1821, aged eight>-four, and she some years later. They were members of the Quaker sect. Their children were: (1) Alary, born in 1774, m. a yir. Miller. (2) Lydia, born July 26, 1775, m. but had no family. (3) Rebecca, born June ]2, 1777, m, Thomas Borger. (4) Joseph, born Jan. 1, 1779. in earlv life was a_ tanner in Chester county. He m. in 1805, Miss Lydia Kennedy, of West Bradford township, Chester county, and a family of eleven children was born to them. Mrs. Lydia Dav- ies died Nov. 30, 1819, aged forty-one years, three months and twenty days. Some seven years later Joseph Davies decided to go West, and in the summer of 1826 he traveled on foot to Parke county, Ind., a distance of nearly one thousand miles. He died, July 5, 1827. (5) Benjamin was the father of Samuel Davies. (6) Samuel, born Jan. 14, 1783, m. Aug. 31, 1815, in Chester county. Miss Sarah Harry. He went west to Indiana, and there died Dec. 14, 1863. His wife died Jan. 28, 1837. leaving four sons, Jesse, Sam- uel, Lewis and Joseph. (7) Jacob, born June 27, 1786, be- came the father of two daughters, both now deceased. (8) Isaac, born April 23, 1789, was known as the strongest man of Eastern Pennsylvania. He left no family. (9) Joshua born Aug. 17, 1791. became a well known teacher in Reading, and died Feb. 22, 1849. His wife Deborah was born Feb. 27, 1793, and died Feb. 8, 1864, leaving an only daughter, Sarah. (10) Elizabeth, born Dec. 8, 1793, left no descendants. Benjamin Davies was born March 17, 1781, and on Jan. 27, 1805, was married to Miss Mary Williams. Eight children were born to them, all deceased except the young- est. (1) Abner, born Nov. 6, 1808, m. and died, leaving three children, William, Lenora and Myers. (2) Lydia died in childhood. (3) Elizabeth, (4) Samuel, and (5) Anne died in early life. (6) Mary W., born Sept. 10, 1816, m. Charles Dehart, and had children, William, Eliz- abeth, David, Mary, Edward, Charles and Emma. (7) Lydia W. was ii teacher of Berks county, and died unmar- ried at the age of seventy. (8) Benjamin, Jr., m. and had four children, Howard, Anna, Mary and Jessica. The mother of this family died, and on Feb. 16, 1828, Mr. Davies m. (second) Miss Mary Martin. By this union there were four children : Samuel is mentioned below ; Elizabeth, born Sept. 26, 1840. m. Herman Dersch, and had ten children, of whom five are living — John, Gertrude, George, Rebecca and Helen ; Rebecca, born Aug. 31, 1843, m. William Hutchinson, and had nine children, of whom William, Ruth, Elizabeth and Rebecca are living (Mr. Hutchinson enlisted Aug. 10, 1861, in Company H, 88th Pa. V. I., was wounded in the right thigh during the second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 19, 1862. was taken prisoner before Petersburg, and held in Libby Prison until mus- tered out March 30, 1865) ; Joseph,' born July 2, 1846, became a machinist by trade and m. Miss Margaret Hale, and of their ten children there are living. Mary, Anna, Kathcrinej Rebecca and Martha Nora. Benjamin Davies, father of this large family, became a prominent citizen in Reading. Beginning in' the shoe business, he was for some time established on Penn street between Fourth and Fifth. When the Farmers National Bank \yas opened, ]\Ir. Davies opened the books and was rnade its first bookkeeper, and later he served for a time as its cashier, maintaining his connection with the institution for a period of forty years. This fact alone bespeaks his place in the business world of Reading, while his personality made him very popular socially. In religion he was a strict observer of the customs of the Friends. He died in 1S54, in his seventy-fourth year, while his wife survived him until 1888, when she died aged eighty-eight, the greatest age attained by any member of the Davies family. Samuel Davies was born in Reading, May 4, 1839, and until he was fifteen years old he attended the public schools. He then entered the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road shops, in order to become a machinist, and he remained there four years. He next spent about a year and a half in the lathe department of the Scott foundry, and afterward was employed at various places, including Leb- anon, Pittsburg and Wheeling. Returning to Readin<^ he was engaged at the Johnson foundry and machine shop when the war broke out. He enlisted in the State service in April, 1861, and on June 4, 1861, he enlisted in the United States service under Capt.' William Briner, Company D, 3d Pa. R. V. C. He served all through the war in the .■\rmy of the Potomac, was in a number of hard fought battles, like the Seven Days Fight around Richmond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, ,-\ntietam and Freder- icksburg, and was mustered out at Philadelphia in the fall of 1864. The government gave him employment in Nashyille, and Mr. Davies spent some time in that citr. BIOGRAPHICAL 389 before going back to Reading. There he again worked as a machinist, for the railroad until 1881, but in that year he went into business for himself. The concern of which Mr. Davies is now sole proprietor has passed through various phases of existence. Originally, in 1881, the firm name was Miller, Price & Co., and the company did a foundry and machine business. A few years later it became Miller, Printze & Co., and then Davies, Printze & Co., and finally in 1904 Mr. Davies took entire control of the plant. It is now known as the Industrial Foundry and Machine Works, and is located at Nos. 239-231 South Ninth street. There are about twenty hands employed, and the trade, though largely a local one, is of good volume. On Dec. 13, 1866, Mr. Davies married Miss Margaret Birch, daughter of the late Dr. Solomon Birch. Five children were born to them, as follows : Mary Elizabeth died at the age of two years ; Harry and William are both mechanics employed with their father; Beulah, who was graduated from the Reading high school in the class of 1895, taught in that city a few years and then married Joseph H. Skilton, a resident of Philadelphia; and Mar- garet, of the class of 1900 in the Reading high school, is now teaching at the Pear and Buttonwood school. Mr. Davies served during the war in Company D, 3Sd Pa. V. I., seeing much active service, and is now a member of G. A. R. Post No. 16, of which he is past commander. He also belongs to the Union Veteran Legion, and holds the official rank of past colonel. In politics he is a Republican. DR. ABRAHAM NESTER FRETZ, who for over thir- ty-four years has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Fleetwood, Berks county, was born Aug. 7," 1839, in Hereford township, son of Daniel Fretz. Daniel Fretz was born in Hereford township in 1805, was reared to agricultural pursuits and followed farming in the vicinity of his birth until his death, in 1880. He married Esther Nester, of Pike township, near Hill Church, and to this union were born six children : Abra- ham N.; Lewis, m. to Lavana Rambo; Annie, who died young ; Irwin, m. to Mary March ; and Priscilla and Annie, who both died young. Dr. Abraham N. Fretz's early education was secured in the public schools, and after a thorough preparation at Mt. Pleasant Seminary at Boyertown, he entered the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from the Medical Department in 1863. The country then being in the midst of the Civil war, he enlisted at Washington, D. C, and, receiving the appointment of acting assistant surgeon, was detailed to perform hospital service at Newport News and vicinity until 1866. Then, under the Reconstruction Act, Gen. John H. Schofield appointed him president of the board of registration, with headquarters at City Point, Va., and he filled this responsible position in the most sat- isfactory manner until the fall of 1869. While at the latter place Dr. Fretz identified himself with the affairs of Prince George county, and the electors of that district elected him as one of the Assemblymen. There being two parties in that State, viz., the Radical Republicans and the Liberal Republicans, he was chosen on the ticket of the latter, and served in this honorable position during the years 1869, 1870 and 1871. He then re- turned to Pennsylvania and took an additional course of medical lectures in the University for a year, after which he established himself in medical practice at Linfield, Mont- gomery county, and was successfully engaged at that place until his removal, in 1875, to Fleetwood, Berks county, where he has been in active practice ever since. Dr. Fretz, upon locating at Fleetwood, took an active interest in educational affairs and quite naturally his fellow- citizens selected him to be a school director, and he served as such from 1877 to 1884. In 1887 he was elected as one of the justices of the peace of this borough, and he has been serving in this position by re-election until the present time, showing the high appreciation of the community in his judicial integrity. In politics he has been a Democrat, and upon settling in the county he identified himself with its political affairs, as well as with those of the State and nation. He frequently represented the borough in con- ventions, and in the county conventions of 1883 and 1903 he officiated as chairman. Dr. Fretz was married in 1863 to Emma Roberston, of Philadelphia, daughter of Thomas Robertson, and to this union, one son, Thomas, has been born. Thomas Fretz was born in 1866 at Philadelphia, at- tended the schools of Fleetwood, and after a prepara- tory course at the Keystone State Normal School, he at- tended Lafayette College, from which he was graduated in 1890. He continued the higher branches of study at Princeton University, from which he was graduated in 1893. In 1900 he was elected principal of the grammar schools at Newark, N. J., and he filled this responsible position in the most satisfactory manner until 1907, when he was appointed to a similar position in New York City, which he still holds. He was married to Mary Madeira, daughter of John H. Madeira, of Blandon, and one daugh- ter, Emily, was born to this union. Mrs. Fretz died in 1893. NEVIN M. DAVIS, a civil engineer ranking deservedly high in his profession, came of a family long established in York county, and his death, April 12, 1909, was deeply de- plored. He was a son of the Rev. William F. P. and Ellen E. (Myers) Davis. The Rev. William F.' P. Davis ' was a minister of the Reformed Church. He lived to the age of only fifty-two years, passing away in 1883. At the time of his death he had a charge in Berks county that embraced Wernersville (Hain's Church), Sinking Spring's, Kissinger's and Yo- cum's Churches. He married Ellen E., daughter of Benja- min Myers, a retired business man of York and founder of the Farmers Insurance Company, of that place. The children born to this marriage were as follows : William S., a graduate of Lehigh University, and now general manager of the Lebanon Textile Works; Louisa Bell, now Mrs. Charles Wilson, of Glen Olden, Pa.; Paul Benjamin, also a Lehigh University man, assistant city engineer of Read- ing from 1903 to 1909; John Henry, a clerk in the Second National Bank; Martha, at home;' and Nevin M. Nevin M. Davis was born Aug. 28, 1864, in New Oxford, Adams county, where his father had his first charge. After leaving school he entered Franklin and Marshall College, and was graduated in 1885. The first position he secured was with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Co. as civil engineer, and he was with the Company for seven years. During this time he was assistant engineer in the construc- tion of the Allentown Terminal and the Philadelphia, Harrisburg & Pittsburg Terminal Railways. Another work with which he was concerned was the Port Reading Railway from Boundbrook, N. J., to Port Reading. Mr. DaVis also held the position of assistant engineer for the Central New England and Western Railway, with head- quarters at Hartford, Conn., and ha,d charge of the main- tenance of the famous Poughkeepsie Bridge. In 1892 he gave up his position with the railroad and opened an office on his own account, taking engineering contracts. He was at first associated with the firm of Davis Bros., but in 1898 that was dissolved and Mr. Davis had his of- fice alone in the Wanner Building, Reed and Court streets. He was extremely proficient in his profession, and his work was always of the highest class. Mr. Davis was also con- nected with various electric railways, and directed the engineering work on the Reading & Womelsdorf Electric Railway. He was chief engineer of the Safe Harbor Steam Railway in Lancaster county. Mr. Davis was married Jan. 14, 1893, to Elizabeth Fry Stein, daughter of Jacob Stein and the late Ellen Elizabeth Stein, of Allentown, where Mr. Stein was a retired farmer. Three children were born to them, but Elizabeth, the sec- ond, died in infancy. The other two are Frederick Stein and Robert Stein, both in school. Mr. and Mrs. Davis belong to St. Paul's Reformed Church. Mr. Davis had for many years belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and is connected with various other organiza- tioais, in most of which he has been very active and held important offices. He is Past Master of Reading Lodge, 390 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA No 549 F. & A. M.; Past High Priest, and at present secretary of Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; Past Eminent Commander of De Molay Commandery, No 9, K T ■ Past Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of Allen Council No 23, R. & S. M.; member of Harnsburg Con- sistory, ' Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, 32d de- gree; and a charter member of Rajah Temple, A. A. V. N. M S, in which he served as Oriental Guide for nme years. Mr. Davis also represented the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of the State of Louisiana, to the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. In politics Mr. Davis was an ardent Democrat, servmg a< the time of his death as representative of the Sixteenth ward on the school board. He served as county surveyor for three years. He was a member of the Americus Club, the Union Fire Company No. 13 (since its organization) and had held most of the offices in it. He was president of the Firemen's Union in 1906 and 1907, and a member of the Firemen's Relief Association as delegate from his company to the organization at large. In whatever capacity, he always rendered most valued and efficient service. The most important professional and political position held by Mr. Davis was that of engineer to the county com- missioners of Berks county in 1906-07-08, during which time he designed and introduced into Berks county bridges of reinforced concrete. The most noted of these bridges is the one across the Schuylkill river at Dauberville, con- sisting of four seventy-five-foot spans of reinforced con- crete, and a total length of four hundred feet. This is considered one of the most artistic structures in Eastern Pennsylvania, and Mr. Davis was highly complimented by his profession and by the public in general for the many handsome structures he designed and erected, which will ever be monuments to his memory. ABNER KEELEY STAUFFER, for many years one of the prominent members of the Berks County Bar, was^ a descendant of Henry Stauffer (a scion of the imperial Hohen-Stauffen family of Germany), who came to America from Rhenish Germany early in the eighteenth century. Mr. Stauffer was born at Boyertown, Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 11, 1836, son of John and Elizabeth (Keeley) Stauffer. Judge John Stauffer was born July 4, 1792, and died Nov. 28, 1854. He served as county surveyor, and was later honored with election to the State Legislature, in which he served in 1829-30. From 1840 to 1850 he served as associate judge of Berks county, and so popular was he, and so satisfactory were his actions, that he was ten- dered the Democratic nomination for Congress, which was equivalent to an election in Berks county. But because of failing health he was obliged to decline the honor, and he died in 1854, just four years after his term as judge had expired. To his home at Boyertown came all the peofile to have their disputes adjusted, his reputation as a wise, considerate judge having extended far and wide, and his fame as a counselor being scarcely equalled in the county. Judge Stauffer married Elizabeth Keeley, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Keeley, the former a prominent farmer in Douglass township. Mrs. Stauffer was born Oct. 1, 1798, and died Dec. 30, 1857. She was the mother of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom two survive, viz. ; Elizabeth, widow of Abraham G. Schwenk, of Schwenkville, Montgomery Co., Pa., a settle- ment founded by the father of Mr. Schwenk, who at one time owned nearly all the land in that neighborhood; and Amanda, widow of Rev. Abraham E. Dechant, of Pennsburg, a minister of the Reformed Church, who was born in Montgomery county Jan. 26, 1823, graduated at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, and at the Re- formed Theological Seminary of that city. .■\hner K. Stauffer received his preparatory education at Mt. Pleasant Seminary, in his native town, which in- stitution was organized by his father in 1850. ?Ie was grad- uated from Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, in 1858, and after teaching school for one year at Boyer- town came to Reading in I860,, here taking up the reading of law with the late John S. Richards. He was admitted to practice April 15, 1861, on the very day which witnessed the issuance of the proclamation of President Lincoln calling for 75,000 troops, this proclamation being read_ in court, all the members of the Bar then assembled taking the oath of allegiance. On June 28, 1863, Mr. Stauffer en- listed, becoming a member of Company C, 4ad Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with loyalty and fidelity until his company was mustered out because their services were no longer required, practically at the end of the war. He returned to Reading, and in 1867 he was nominated by the Republicans of Berks county for the State Senate, and made a gallant run on the minority ticket, carrying the city of Reading by a large majority, running far ahead of his ticket, but being defeated in the county. This was but the beginning of a most active career. Mr. Stauffer was always deeply interested in all matters of public moment, and did yeoman service for his city. He served three terms— 1869, 1873 and 1881 — as a member of the city councils of Reading, and during one year of this time, 1873, he was president of same. During his member- ship in that body Mr. Stauffer, through his persevering ef- forts, brought about many measures for the public good which stand as lasting monuments to his intelligence and public spirit, his good citizenship and civic pride. But he worked equally hard in office and out, and among the many things he did for the general welfare was the promotion of a measure which secured the removal of the old market sheds which stood in Penn Square, resulting in the erec- tion, in their stead, of the splendid market-houses that are now the pride of the Reading householders. This was accomplished in 1871. ]\Ir. Stauffer also used his ability as a lawyer as well as his courage as a man in makirig free (in 1883) the three bridges which cross the Schuylkill at Reading, the citizens formerly having been forced to pay toll. Mr. Stauffer discovered that this toll was collectible only until the cost of the bridges (and repairs needed dur- ing the time the original cost was being made up) was paid. He went over the records for eighty-eight years, a truly Herculean task, and found that not only had all costs been secured from the tolls, but also $7,000 in excess, proving by facts and figures the injustice of the conditions, and when these were properly brought before the court the bridges were made free. He worked over this problem for six years, and for this service the councils presented him a set of resolutions thanking him in behalf of the cit3'. A third very important measure for which the city is indebted to ilr. Stauffer was the securing to the city of the old parade ground, now Penn Common, thirty-nine acres of ground, worth nearly $1,000,000. It had been leased (but without legal warrant) by the commissioners of Berks county to the Agricultural Society for a period of ninety-nine years, at an annual rental of one dollar. This resulted in lengthy litigation, the lower court deciding against the city, but the Supreme court reversed the decision and gave the land to the city. Hon. George F. Baer was associated with Mr. Stauffer in making this fight, Air. Baer bringing the case before the Supreme court. Both gentlemen declined pay for their services, and the Board of Trade and city councils spread upon their minutes the most eulogistic praise of the eminent and public-spirited services that Mr. Stauffer and Mr. Baer had rendered. Mr. Stauffer was married Sept. 25, 1860, to Emma Louisa Ranninger, a daughter of one of the pioneer bookbinders of Lancaster, Pa., where his bindery was a familiar land- mark. Mrs. Stauffer was born Feb. 7, 1841, and died Alarch 29. 1865. Two children were born to this union, viz.: Ella Selina, born IMarch 11, 1862, died May 3, 1866, as the result of a fall. Edgar Embery, born March 8, 1865, died July 27, 1865. Mr. Stauffer married for his second wife Mary High Keim, daughter of Col. John Keim, a lumber dealer of Reading, and later a banker at Dubuque, Iowa. At the death of l\Irs. Stauffer, which occurred in 1891, the news- papers of Reading vied in their tributes to her rare gifts of mind and heart, one of them saving, in an extended obituary, "She united the old Keim 'family of Berks and the Randolph stock of Virginia. She was descended ma- ternally from the Tuckahoe branch of the Randolphs of Virginia, and was a granddaughter of Col. Thomas Bev- BIOGRAPHICAL 391 erly Randolph, one of the first graduates of West Point. She was of the tenth generation in descent from the Al- gonquin princess, Pocahontas. She became the beloved mother of four children, all of whom survive, viz. : John Keim, Frederick Randolph, Anna Keim and Mary Virginia. William Wirt Mills, of New York, a son of Mrs. Staufifer by her first husband. Col.' William Wirt Mills, of Dubuque, Iowa, also survives." Of the children, John K. Stauffer, a graduate of Yale College, class of 1895, is connected with the Times of Washington, D. C, and is Washington correspondent for the New York Evening Post and for the Philadelphia Even- ing Bulletin. Frederick Randolph Stauffer, now a lawyer in practice at Reading, was graduated from Yale, class of 1903, and then studied law with Hon. George F. Baer and Jefferson Snyder, Esq. In June, 1907, he was nominated for District Attorney of Berks county on the Republican ticket but subsequently withdrew because ineligible to serve, as he had not been in practice the required length of time. The daughters graduated from the Reading high school and the National Park Seminary, at Washington, D. C. They are socially prominent in Reading. Mr. Stauffer was a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Reading Commandery, No. 42. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and a vestryman at Christ Church, Reading, and he was one of the founders and treasurer of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Reading. In 1872 Mr. Stauf- fer was made a director and trustee of the Reading Pub- lic. Library, continuing to serve as such to the end of his days, and he gave considerable time to furthering its inter- ests. It w*as through his efforts that the property was saved to the company when the failure of the Reading Savings Bank threatened to sweep it away, and it was he who fought for so many years for a city appropriation. Primar- ily a professional man, with large interests, he thus found time on mahy occasions to give his best efforts to the ad- vancemient of the civic welfare and the promotion of enter- prises in which his concern personally was simply that of a public-spirited citizen. Though past seventy, Mr. Stauf- fer enjoyed excellent health until a week before his death, when he contracted a cold which ended in pneumonia, and he died at the family residence. No. 1513 Hill Road, Nov. 4, 1906. HIRAM J. BIGONY, a prominent and influential citizen of Mohnton, Pa., engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, was born June 1, 1S62, at Sanatoga, Montgomery Co., Pa., son of William W. and Mary L. (Weida) Bigony. The spelling of the name Bigony was formerly Bigonet or Pichonet, and the seat of the family was in Languedoc, France. The first of the name here was Jean Bigonet, a native of the city of Nimes, who came in 1752. On May 27, 1753, he .was married in Germantown, Pa., to Catherine Elizabeth, the widow of Henry Ozias. In 1773 arrived Francois P. Bigonet, who located in the Falkner Swamp in Montgomery county, Pa., where he married Maria Brant in 1779. They had children : Joseph, grandfather of Hiram J.; Mary, m. to Isaac Yost; Susan, mt to George Rinehart; and a third daughter, who was killed while still young on her way home from Philadelphia. 'Joseph Bigony was born in Montgomery county, Nov. 14, 1790, and died Oct. 7, 1869. For some years he lived in Amity township, Berks county, but later he returned to Sanatoga, Montgomery county, where he died. He was a prosperous farmer and also did some driving and auctioneering, making occasional trips to Canada for cattle. On Dec. 15, 1811, he married Rachel Worley, born Sept. 17, 1791, who died aged seventy-five years, seven months, twenty days, daughter of Henry Worley, of Pottstown. Their children were : Francis, born July 25, 1814; John, Feb. 26, 1816; Joseph, March 1, 1818; Mary Ann, March 11, 1820; Henry, Feb. 27, 1822; Leah, Sept. 17, 1824 (residing at Alden Station, Pa.) ; Hiram and Ephraim, twins, March 9, 1828; Frank, Sept. 7, 1830; and Reuben and William, twins, Dec. 24, 1832. William W. Bigony, father of Hiram J., was born in Amity township, and when a young man learned the tan- ning trade of his brother, Joseph, of Longswamp town- ship. This he followed for about twenty-five years, and in 1869-71 was engaged in the hotel business at Alburtis, Lehigh county, and Monterey, Berks county. In 1872 he rernoved to Greenwich township on a small farm near Grimville, and he engaged in the droving business there until his retirement in 1902, when he removed to Edison, Cumru township, where he died Nov. 15, 1905, aged nearly seventy-four years. He was a well known cattle dealer of his day, and also was very successful as an auctioneer. On Feb. 12, 1860, Mr. Bigony married Mary L. Weida, born May 31, 1836, in Longswamp township, and still living, daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Weiler) Weida. To this union there were born children as follows : Annie died in 1880, aged nineteen years ; Hiram J. ; Sallie, born May 22, 1864, is single; Ella died in infancy; Lizzie, born Jan. 8, 1866, is unmarried; William F., born March 1, 1868, is an insurance agent and resides in Reading; John died in in- fancy; Emma, born Oct. 29, 1874; .and Mary, born Sept. 29, 1877. ^ Hiram J. Bigony was educated in the public schools, the Keystone State Normal School and the Eastman Business College, graduating from the latter in 1892. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm near Grimville, and at an early age he began teaching school in Greenwich township, where he continued successfully for seven con- secutive terms. In 1889 he came to Cumru township, re- ceiving an advanced salary, and taught in that township for thirteen years, meeting with flattering success. Pro- fessor Bigony was the instructor of the Mohnton grammar school for ten terms, and holds a State teacher's permanent certificate. While a teacher in Greenwich and Cumru townships, Mr. Bigony was instrumental in organizing debating societies, which were largely attended, doing much good in their various localities. Mr. Bigony was himself an excellent debater, being quick-witted, logical and forceful in the presentation of his arguments. From youth on Mr. Bigony assisted his father in the cattle business, and in this manner came into contact with business men throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1903 he formed a partnership with John and Charles Richwein, of Mohnton, under the firm name of Electric Hosiery Company, manufacturers of seamless hos- iery. They erected a plant 24 x 68 feet, two stories high, and here employ forty-five people, their product being 200 dozen daily, which find a ready market throughout the country. In January, 1906, Mr. Bigony was elected a director of the Wyomissing Hosiery Mills of Mohnton, of which he was later made treasurer and general super- intendent, and this well established firm has two mills. The plant at Mohnton is 30 x 100 feet, three stories high, and employs sixty people, while the other plant, at Rhein- holds, Lancaster county, is 30 x 50 feet, two stories high, and has thirty hands. ■ In 1895 Mr. Bigony built a modern, two-story brick residence on Chestnut street, Mohnton, where he resided until 1905, and in this year moved into his present residence on Wyomissing avenue, which has a gray sandstone front and bay windows. In politics Mr. Bigony is a non-par- tisan, voting independently. He was prominently identified with the incorporation of Mohnton into a borough and was chairman at different meetings, doing much in behalf of the movement: Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, No. 485; P. O. S. of A., No. 211, and Sr. O. U. A. M., all of Mohnton. On Oct. 2, 1894, Mr. Bigony married Lizzie H. Weidner, daughter of John Y. and Catherine (Hornberger) Weid- ner, a complete sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. To this union there were born three children, as follows : E. Madeline, born Feb. 1, 1896; Blanche, Dec. 12, 1901; and Warren W., Aug. 23, 1905 (died Nov. 23, 1905). Mr. Bigony and his family are members of Zion's United Evan- gelical Church, of Mohnton, of which he has been a trustee since 1906. He and his wife are also members of the Sunday-school, and take a great interest in the work of the organization, being cheerful and liberal givers of both time and money. Mr. Bigony is considered one of the borough's good substantial men, and he enjoys an enviable reputation for honesty and integrity. On April 30, 1907, he 392 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA was elected a member of the school board, and is now Emeline. The mother died in 1860, aged seventy-two serving as secretary of that board. years, at Reading, to which place she had removed after JVIr. Griscom's decease. WILLIAM MORRIS GRISCOM,; ipresident of the William M. Griscom was three years old when his par- Reading Hardware Company, one of the leading business ents removed to Reading, and there he pursued his pre- enterprises of its kind in the country, of which he was paratory education until he was twelve years old, when the principal organizer in 1851, is now residing at Bryn he entered the Clermont Academy, situated in the vi- Mawr, near Philadelphia, in comfortable retirement from cinity of Frankford, near Philadelphia; he remained in active' pursuits. He was born Oct. 14, 1823, at Oxford, that institution for two years Being inclined to mechan- Chester Co., Pa., son of Samuel and Ann (Powell) Gris- ics, his father secured an apprenticeship for him in the (-om. ' famous "Norris" Locomotive Works" at Philadelphia, Andrew Griscom, the great-great-great-grandfather of where 135 apprentices were at that time learning the William M., emigrated to the New World 'from England trade of machinist, but after he had been there less than in 1680, and settled at Philadelphia, residing on Second two years the prevailing panic throughout the State caus- street, opposite the home of William Penn. He built the ed the works to suspend operations, and he was obliged first brick house at Philadelphia, served as one of the to return home. city's first grand jurors, and died in 1694. He married Mr. Griscom then entered the hardware store of Keim Sarah Dale, and by her had four children : Samuel, David, & Miller, at the southeast corner of Third and Perm Tobias and Sarah. streets, Reading, as a clerk, and by so doing started a Tobias Griscom, son of Andrew, was a farmer, and career in the hardware business which has been contin- settled between Philadelphia, Pa., and Gloucester, N. ued very successfully until the present time, covering J. He married Deborah Gabitas, and they had five chil- altogether a period of seventy years. He served in this dren, namely: William, Tobias, Mary, Andrew and Sam- store for about three years, but wishing to fill a similar uei. place with better prospects for advancement he went Of this family, Andrew Griscom, born in 1711, died to Philadelphia, and there obtained employment in the in 1773, was the great-grandfather of William M. He large and prosperous hardware store of R. & W. C. married (first) Susanna Hancock, by whom he had three Biddle. In three years he succeeded in developing such children: Sarah, Everett and William; and after her a large and profitable trade in the Schuylkill Valley and death married (second) Mary Bacon, by whom he also the territory beyond the Broad Mountains, through the had three children ; Mary, Andrew and Deborah. assistance and influence of his father, that he was in- William Griscom, the grandfather of William M., a vited to become a member of the firm. Ajjpreciating farmer of Mannington, Salem Co., N. J., was born in this honor, he secured an interest in the business and 1747 and died in 1813. He married Rachel Denn, born continued as a member of the firm for five years. An in 1745, who died in 1808, and they had a family of opportunity was then presented for him to engage in seven children : John, William, Samuel ( died in inf an- the manufacture of charcoal iron in Centre county, and cy), :£verett, Rachel, Samuel (2) and David. withdrawing from the firm he directed all his efforts Samuel Griscom, the father of William M., was con- to the successful operation of the furnace for the next nected for upward of twenty-three years with the Schuyl- three years. The plant was called the Howard Iron kill canal management. He was born at Salem, N. J., Works. While operating this plant, Mr. Griscom became in 1787, and was reared on a farm. Upon reaching man- interested with his brothers-in-law. William and Matthan hood he determined to become a builder, and in this be- Harbster, whose sister Ellen he had married, in estab- half learned the trade of brickmason. Developing an lishing a foundry at Reading for the manufacture of all aptitude for building operations, he located at Philadel- kinds of building hardware and he advancing the nec- phia, where he was engaged in erecting dwelling-houses essary capital they together put up a small plant and for ten years. While so engaged he came to know 'some then started an enterprise which was the foundation of of the directors of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, the Reading Hardware Works. This was in 1851. In and they, appreciating his abilities and success as a build- a short time the prospects for a large and profitable bus- er, employed him to fill the position of civil engineer iness became so encouraging that he disposed of his in- and manager of the canal, to look after the construe- terest in the iron works mentioned and devoted all of tion department. Immediately after his appointment to his time to the development of the hardware business, this position, in 1826, he fixed his residence at Reading, His extended acquaintance and large experience in the which was the central point of the canal between Potts- hardware trade, which he had acquired by his connection ville and Philadelphia. In the performance of his du- with the Biddle firm, gave him unusual advantages in ties, he distinguished himself by the construction of building up the trade and influence of the new enter- dams, locks and viaducts, and the maintenance of the prise, and thereby he was enabled to supply orders from artificial channel; which is evidenced by his retention different sections of the country, which kept the plant for twenty-three years. busy and required constant enlargements year after year. While filling this important position he discovered a until in a quarter century the enterprise so modestly bed of cement rock along the eastern bank of the Schuyl- begun was one of the largest and most prosperous in- kill near the Shepp Dam, three miles above Reading, dustries in Pennsylvania. and, building the necessary oven, manufactured large In 1878 JvIr. Griscom went to Europe in behalf of the quantities of superior cement, which was profitably used works, and he there succeeded in gradually developing a in construction work along the canal. He also devel- very large trade. A special exhibit of their articles was oped a large business for the company in the transporta- made at the Paris Exposition of 1878, which proved high- tion of lime for _ agricultural purposes, thereby becoming ly creditable and beneficial, and for which they received the first person in this section of the country to manu- a bronze medal. In the countries of Europe as well as facture and supply lime as a fertilizer. In 1844 it be- in the United States, thev came to supply the building came necessary for him to locate at Pottsville in the hardware for the finest "and largest structures, thereby management of the canal, and he continued in the em- showing that their plant at Reading was recognized as ploy of the company until 1848, when he resigned to the equal, if not the superior, of any^similar plant While superintend boating interests on the canal. This po- abroad, Mr. Griscom returned annually to Reading to sition he held until his death, in 1849, when, in the re- make necessary arrangements for filling his orders and port of the company, his efficiency was recognized. in so doing he traveled across the .Atlantic ocean about Mr. Griscom married Ann Powell, daughter of .Tere- fifty times. Finally, in 1904, on account of his a^-'e he miah Powell, a fanner of Salem county, N. J., and there was obliged to discontinue his residence abroad and' re- were twelve children born to this union : Rachel D., turning to Pennsylvania he purchased a propertv at Brvn David P. Sarah P Powell EHzabeth Samuel Everett Mawr.near Philadelphia, which he improved "according Edwm Atlee, Chalkley, William M., Horace, Anna and to his ideas of a home for himself and family, and he is SAMUEL GRISCOM AND WIFE ANN GRISCOM ^c^a.14^ t/U^ y^cif L-irykt,— BIOGRAPHICAL 393 now enjoying its well-deserved comforts. In the re- organization of the hardware works, in the spring of 1907, he was elected president of the corporation. On May 23, 1847, Mr. Griscorai married Ellen Harb- ster, who was born at Hamburg, Pa., July 5, 1828, daugh- ter of Henry Harbster, of Hamburg, and died April 22, 1864. To this union there was born one daughter, Annie. On May 10, 1882, Mr. Griscom was married at Zurich, Switzerland, by U. S. (vice) Consul John Syz, to Annie Lydia Miller, who was born at Hamburg, Pa., Aug. 9, 1859, daughter of Girard Miller, also of Ham- burg, and by her he had four sons and two daughters, as follows: Andrew, William M., Jr., Frederick G., Ed- gar DeWare, Ethel L. and Grace Millicent, all of whom were born in Germany, while Mr. Griscom was living at Berlin. Rachel Denn Gmscom (sister of William M., .and daughter of Samuel Griscom) was the founder of the "Widows' Home" at Reading, and one of the noblest characters in Berks county, having been known for her humane and charitable spirit in the community for sev- enty-five years — a period extending from the dawn of her womanhood until she went to her eternal rest at the age of ninety-two ; and the board of managers, with which she had been intimately associated for twenty-five years, truly said of her at the end of her remarkable career : "Her life is a noble example of womanly power through the life of the highest feminine virtues." Miss Griscom was born at Salem, N. J., Nov. 5, 1808. While she was an infant, not a year old, her parents re- moved to Philadelphia, and there she was brought up and educated under the superior influence of the Socie- ty of Friends until she became seventeen years of age. With a natural inclination to carry on the vocation of a teacher, she secured a school at Hancock Bridge, N. J., near her birthplace, for her initiatory experience, and after teaching there for a season was employed to teach in the "Friends' School," at Philadelphia, in 1826, but she was there only a few months when her parents re- moved to Reading and she went with them. There was a large settlement of Friends in Maiden- creek township, eight miles north of Reading, and learn- ing of Miss Griscom's success as a teacher, they em- ployed her to carry on their school. She continued teaching this school until the common school system was accepted by Reading in 1835, and then she started as a teacher in the public school there; and from that time for about twenty-five years, she was engaged at teaching either in the public schools, or in private female seminaries, or on her own account. Soon after begin- ning at Reading, in 1837, she reported a school attend- ance of 116 pupils, fifty-eight in the first class, twenty-six in the second and thirty-two in the third. Her salary was then only thirteen dollars a month. The last school which she taught was in the Exeter meeting house in, 1860. Miss Griscom will be principally remembered, however, as one of the organizers of the "Home for Widows and Single Women of Reading," indeed as the very first person to suggest the propriety and necessity of estab- lishing a charitable institution of this kind at Reading. She and a number of other Christian ladies assembled repeatedly in the law offices of the author of this history, at No. 546 Court street, during the year 1875, and form- ulated the plans which culminated in the incorporated body in January, 1876. The petitioners signed the appli- cation for a- charter in this office. As the secretary, she was most active and zealous, always hopeful and determined and her great perseverance was eventually rewarded by the recognition of the community and the establishment of the "Home." Her indomitable spirit in the noble cause kept her at the head of all the movements of the society until her physical strength became too weak to permit her to continue any longer active in its man- agement and so, in 1891, at the age of eighty-three years, after a continuous service of fifteen years as the secre- tary, she declined a re-election. Upon the announcement of her purpose, the board of managers passed the follow- ing highly appropriate and laudatory resolution, Jan. 15, 1891: "No mere words of sorrow or resolutions of regret can convey an idea of the loss the Board of Managers sustained in the resignation of Miss Griscom as secre- tary. _ From her labors of philanthropy this charity had its origin; to her praiseworthy industry much of its sys- tematic arrangement is due; to her influence among the people, who accepted what she approved, much of its success is due. Her faith in the benevolence of her neighbors often enabled this Board to undertake work that at first sight seemed impossible. May her example of untiring industry and Christian philanthropy have a lasting influence on the members of this Board." The retiring secretary addressed this reply to the Board, Feb. 12, 1891: "Accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind resolution in regard to my past services as secretary. Those ser- vices were made and well repaid by your unvarying con- sideration, indulgence, aid and cheerful, helpful gifts. We have journeyed together in harmony and prospered. May the future bring to you, to the Association -and to my successor the same progress, prosperity and grateful consciousness of Divine aid and appreciation." During Miss Griscom's declining years, the author of this history called to see her a number oif times socially at her home. No. 227 South Fourth street, and to him her noble spirit was always inexpressibly beautiful and inspiring. She , died at Reading Jan. 8, 1901, at the age of ninety-two years, two months, three days, and all who had come to know her and to appreciate her worth to the community mourned her departure. The managers of the Widows' Home felt their loss particularly, and on the 10th of January following passed an appropriate res- olution of regret. JOHN G. NIETHAMMER has been engaged in business in Reading on his own account for the past twenty years, and during his honorable career has sustained the high reputation which the name Niethamnier has long borne in this city. Balthaser Niethammer, grandfather of John G., was a native of Germany, where he followed farming and en- gaged in the cattle business, and where he died. He and his wife, Anna Maria Seager, were the parents of two children : Elizabeth, who married and died in Germany ; and John George, father of John G., of Reading. John George Niethammer was born in Wurteniberg, Germany, and there received his education. He came to America July 19, 1852, landing in New York City, at nine o'clock in the evening, and after spending two days there came to Reading. His first occupation was as super- intendent of a large sawmill near that city, from which mill came the timbers used to build the bridges along the Schuylkill and Tulpehocken rivers. Mr. Niethammer was next employed at the Berks County House for several years, and then moved to Muhlenberg Hall, No. 757 Penn street, and this he conducted successfully until his death, March 30, 1890, a period of thirty-three years. He was one of the first importers of Rhine wine to Reading, mak- ing a special trip to Europe for that purpose. He was connected with the Teutonic Lodge of Masons. Mr. Nie- thammer was married in Reading, in March, 1855, by the Rev. Mr. Keller, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, to A. Mary Gessler, also a native of Germany, born Sept. 17, 1833, who came to America March 18, 1853. After the death of her husband Mrs. Niethammer continued the busi- ness for eight years, and in 1898 removed to No. 123 North Eleventh street, where she died June 21, 1905. Both she - and her husband were buried at the Charles Evans ceme- tery. Of their children : Mary Catherine m. Samuel P. Brown, and died in 1883 ; Anna Margaret and Ella Eliza- beth, both single, live at the Eleventh street home; John G. is mentioned below; Annie M. died in infancy; Peter B. married Luca Miller, and resides in East Reading; and Jacob B., an inventor, and a vei^y popular young man of the city, who took a prominent part in the work of the Y. M. C. A., died Jan. 19, 1894. 394 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John G. Niethammer was born in Reading in 1863, and received his education in his native city, first attending the public schools and subsequently E. E. Post Commercial College, where he was given thorough training in business methods. Then he went to Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pa., where he was employed by a Mr. Casper Kohler, having charge of the office for about a year. Returning to Read- ing at the end of that time he assisted his father as clerk for a few years, remaining with him until he started in business for himself. When Mr. Niethammer was about twenty-three he opened the establishment known as Niet- hamim-er's Cafe, at No. 13 North Eighth street, and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business very successfully for nineteen years, becoming as well and as favorably known in his line as his father. He finally sold out to a Mr. Harner in order to devote himself to another enterprise, the manufacture of cigars. On March 21, 1904, he com- menced this business in the old Rainbow fire house, No. 23 North Eighth street, where he conducted a thriving estab- lishment in partnership with Charles E. Nagle and Hiester C. Nagle, the firm being known as the N. & N. Cigar Company, until Jan. 1, 1909, when he purchased his part- ners' interest and is now the sole owner of the business. Employment is given to twenty-five skilled workmen, and only high grade products are made, a few of the brands being the "Triple N.," which is in both five and ten-cent varieties, the "Jerry Murphy" and "Honor Bound," both five-cent brands, the "Major N.," a ten-cent product, the "N. B.," and the "J. G. N.," both fifteen-cent cigars, and the "Hoya-Uneva," a twenty-five cent cigar. The local trade is large and steady and there is also an extensive out-of-town business. Besides his manufacturing interests, Mr. Niethammer has a retail cigar store at No. 17 North Eighth street, and in connection therewith has six bowling alleys, three pool tables and a billiard table. He put up the building in which this establishment is located, a four- story structure, in April, 1904. Mr. Niethammer's energy and progressive spirit have won him a standing among the substantial business men of the city, and he enjoys the confidence and respect of his associates wherever he is known. On April 16, 1885, Mr. Niethammer married Eleanora Loewen, and their hom.e is at No'. 45 South Eighth street. Mr. Niethammer devotes his time and attention to busi- ness chiefly, but he has served fifteen years as treasurer of the Rainbow Fire Company, in whose welfare he is much interested. INIr. Niethammer has been the owner of some very fine horses, and at one time owned the famous "Major N.," widely known and a great favorite through- out this circuit. CALEB WEIDNER, city clerk of Reading and one of the prominent workers in the Democratic party, was born in Exeter township, Berks county, Nov. 11, 1869, son of George D. and Susan (Clark) Weidner, and member of an early settled family of the county. Peter Weidner, great-grandfather of Caleb, was born in Oley township, Berks county, April 13, 1759, and he died at the Falls of the Schuylkill, where he had conducted a ferry for many years, March 30, 1822, at the age of sixty- two years, eleven months and twelve days. His wife, Susan Leveriiig in her maidenhood, was born Nov. 23, 1757, and she died Oct. 17, 1845, in the eighty-seventh year of her age. Their children were : Henry, born Aug. 30, 1781, died Feb. 5. 1846 ; Charles, born Sept. 11, 17S:i : Elizabeth, born Aug. 6, 1785, died .Aug. 14, 1785 ; Peter, born Sept. 4, 1786. died June 18, 178S ; Peter (2), born Feb. 6, 1789; John, born June 22. 1791 ; ^Margaret, born Feb. 17, 1794 ; Elizabeth (2), born July 26, 1796, died April 25, 1822; Susan, born Jan. 26, 1799, died Dec. IS, 1800; Susan (2), born Oct. 25, 1801; and Catharine, born Oct. 28, 1803. Peter Weidner, son of Peter, born at the Falls of the Schuylkill Feb. 6, 3 789, learned the cooper's trade in his youth, and followed it all his life. In 1833 he came with his family from Ro.-choro to Stonctovvn, and he died at the latter place June 21. 1S7S, in the ninetieth year of his age. He was twice married. By his first wife he had lliree suns: Charles, wlio died at Bird^boro; Malcolm, who died at Philadelphia; and John, who died at Stonetown. For his second wife Peter Weidner married Elizabeth Good, who died in March, 1884, at the age of seventy-four years. Their children were : Jane, m. to William Sher- man; Susan, m. to Thomas Wolf; Mary, m. to Caleb B. Ruth; Margaret, m. to George Hart; Peter, who died young; and George D., mentioned below. George D. Weidner, son of Peter and Elizabeth, was born at Stonersville, in Exeter township, Sept. 23, 1844. In his young manhood he learned telegraphy, and for many years he was station agent at Exeter, now Lorane. During the Civil war he evinced his patriotism by enlist- ing in Company K, 151st Pa. V. L, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg, and was severely wounded at the latter. He was for some time in the hospital at Harrisburg, and after his release and partial recovery he came to Reading and learned the cigar maker's trade. This he was obliged to abandon on account of his health, and he then worked at the Signal tower near Exeter until 1865. The next year he timed the trains at Quinter's Bridge, and continued there until 1868. From 1868 until 1872 he was operator at Exeter station, and in the latter year he pur- chased the store and hotel property at Exeter, and these he successfully conducted until 1883. The next two years were spent in Wayne township. Schuylkill county, where he owned a valuable farm which he cultivated. , His wife and family then removed to Reading, and there the family home has since been maintained. Since locating in Read- ing Mr. Weidner has worked at different vocations, for several years being in the employ of the railroad. Mr. Weidner married Miss Susan Clark, who was born April 1, 1848, daughter of William and Susan (Hiester) Clark. Eight children — six sons and two daughters — blessed this union: Miss Mary; Kate, m. to Frederick Weidenhatmner, of Reading; Caleb; George, m. to Laura Weidner, daugh- ter of Henry Weidner. of Reading; Harry, of Reading; William, m. to Ella IMorris, and engaged as a barber in Reading; Winfield S., of Reading; and Walter, a well known showman who has traveled all over the United States. Caleb Weidner, son of George D., attended school in the township and later in Schujdkill county. He early started out for himself, working upon the farm in Schuylkill county. On Dec. 2, 1884, he accompanied his mother to Reading, and this has since been his home. He has been the main support of his mother since before he was eleven years of age. His first emploiTnent in this city was with the Reading Hardware Company, with whom he remained for two years. He then learned the hatter's trade with John H. Hendel, and this he followed from 1886 to 1903. On May 1, 1903, he became registry clerk to Elmer H. Beard, in the city engineer's office at the city hall. After four years of efficient service with the city engineer he was elected by the council to the office of city clerk of Reading, on .March 11, 1907, and in .A.pril fol- lowing assumed the duties of that office. Ivlr. Weidner is one of the leading men at the city hall, and wields a powerful influence in local politics. He has always been a Democrat, and has been a worker for his party since he was nineteen. He has frequently been a delegate to county conventions, and in 1906 was a dele- gate to the State Convention. His first political office was election inspector of the 2d precinct of the Tenth ward. Since lOou he has been a member of the Citv Democratic executive committee, and is vice president of same. The future looks most promising to him. He has kept himself upright and honorable, keeping his promises and fulfilling his obligations, and he has won the respect of men in all parties. Mr. \\'ei(lner was instrumental in the reorganization of the Wool Hatters' Union of Reading, which is a chartered institution, Of this he was president from 1892 to 1904. Tn 1 S'l:! he was Jectcd national vice president, and was presi- dent, for s number of years, of the International Hatters Union of North .-Vmerica, after having been twice sent as delegate to that convention by the local association which he placed on so high a standard. He is a mem- BIOGRAPHICAL 395 ber of many organizations, among them being: Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M., Reading; Reading Chapter, No. 152; Allen Council, No. 23, R. & S. M., Allentown; De Molay Com- mandery, No. 9; Rajah Temple, Mystic Shrine; Reading Aerie No. 66, Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he is treasurer; Freedom Circle No. 7, Brotherhood of Am- erica; and he is an active member, stock holder and vice president of the Eagles Mountain Home Association. He also belongs to Washington Fire Company No. 2, of which he was trustee for six terms. He is likewise connected with a number of social clubs. In his religious faith he is a member of the First Reformed Church. He is well read, progressive and intelligent, and has hosts of warm friends. He is a great comfort to his venerable mother, with whom he resides at No. 253 South Tenth street, Reading. WEIDNER. The ancestor of the Weidner family in Berks county was. (I) Adam Weidner, who settled in Oley township prior to 1744, in which year he bought a con- siderable tract of land from Benjamin Lee, a part of which, located in the vicinity of Pleasahtville, is now the property of Philip D. Hoch. He had three sons, (H) Tychicus, Lazarus and David, whom, tradition says, were born in Wurtemberg, Germany. They, too, came to Penn- sylvania, and Tychicus Weidner, who is also called "Dietrich" Weidner, and his brother Lazarus had settled in Oley township before 1744. In 1759 "Dehecus" Weidner paid a federal tax of 17 pounds in Oley. He died in 1798, the year in which his will was probated. He was a large land owner, and at his death left a large estate, which he divided equitably among his children, who were eleven in number and named as follows : Jacob, John, Hannah, Catharine, Esther, Susanna, Mary, Peter, Jonathan, Chris- tian and Daniel. The eldest daughter, Hannah, was never married. She was bequested with a house, so much flax every year, and the walnut wash props. In 1788 (II) Tychicus Weidner sold a tract of land located in Amity township, this county, to his eldest son, Jacob, and to the same son he soldi another tract, of 200 acres, situated in Oley township (being a part of a tract of 404 acres), in the year 1791. (III) Jacob Weidner, eldest son of Tychicus, was first married to Elizabeth Price, and they became the parents of the following children: Peter, who settled at the Falls of the Schuylkill; Daniel, who died aged twenty years; David; Jacob, m. to Hannah Yoder (they had Benneville and Mary) ; Hannah, m. to Daniel Brown, of Pricetown, Berks county (she lived to the great age of ninety-eight years) ; a daughter m. to David Yoder, moving with him to New York State ; and William. (IV) William Weidner, son of Jacob, married Susanna Yoder. They were farming people and lived in Oley township. Their nine children were : Jacob ; Daniel, who moved to Northumberland county. Pa., and later settled in Ohio; William, m. to Catharine Beam; Reuben, m. to Mary Beam; George, m. to Theresa Berndt; Rachel, m. to William Dilaplain; Amanda, m. to, Reuben Dry; Leah, m. to Israel Keim (they settled in the vicinity of Milton, Pa.) ; and Polly, m. to David Weidner. (V) Jacob Weidner, eldest son of William, was born in Oley, and during his earlier manhood followed farming, also conducting a wheelwright shop above Pleasantville until 1855, when he moved to Reading. There he was a car builder for Johnston & Shaaber. He married Mary Ann Weidner, a daughter of David Weidner, of Friedensburg, Pa., and they had the following named children : Augustus, who died young; Jacob, who died young; James, who was killed in battle in the Civil war ; Gideon ; Daniel W. ; Malinda'. (VI) Gideon Weidner was born in 1842, son of Jacob, was a shoemaker in Reading all his life, and he died in 1906. His wife was Esther Graul, and to them were born two children : James L. and Annie, the latter the wife of Samuel Kridler, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (VII) James L. Weidner, son of Gideon, was born in Reading Aug. 8, 1865, and still makes his home in that city. He is , engaged as a brick maker during the warm weather and as a shoemaker in the wintertime. In 1889 he married Mary Monroe, and to them have been born two children, Annie and Charles. (VI) Daniel W. Weidner, brother of Gideon, was born Oct. 12, 1844. When seventeen years old he commenced to learn shoemaking, and has ever since followed that trade, having his shop and home at No. 231 South Tenth street, Reading. He is active in religious work and identi- fied with independent church activities as a member of the Gospel Tabernacle in Reading. In 1866 Mr. Weidner m. Sallie Price, by whom he has two children': Harry J., a shoemaker of Reading; and Annie, m. to Jeremiah Auge, of Reading. (V) Reuben Weidner (son of William, son of Jacob, son of Tychicus) was born in 1832 and died in 1889. He m. Mary Beam, and had a family of five children; Annie m. Alvin Levan; Elias m. Amanda Cleaver; Helen ^n. Chester B. Cleaver; William m. Hannah George; Amanda m. Charles Holt. After the death of (III) Jacob Weidner (eldest son of Tychicus) his widow Elizabeth, nee Price, remarried, her second husband being Peter Weidner, a younger brother of ■ her first. Peter Weidner was born in 1774 and died in 1838, in his sixty-fifth year. His widow survived a number of years, dying July 4, 1857, in the eighty-eighth year of her age. He was a farmer, and owned a large tract of land in Pike township, this county. To Peter and Elizabeth Weidner were born two children, viz. : John P. and Mary. The daughter, who was the youngest, m. Daniel Weidner, and they settled at Milton, Pa., where they both died. (IV) John P. Weidner (son of Peter, son of Tychicus) was born in Pike township, Berks county, April 13, 1812, and died March 7, 1885, in his seventy-third year. He was a weaver and farmer by occupation. By his wife, Eliza- beth Reppert, he had a family of ten children, namely: William R., Jonathan, Sarah, John R., Eliza, Kate, Leanda, Caroline, Mary and Peter. (V) William R. Weidner, son of John P., was born in Pike township, Nov. 27, 1837, and is a farmer by occupa- tion. He has lived successively in Oley, Ruscombmanor, Alsace and Exeter townships, having made his home continuously on one farm in Exeter from 1881 to the present time. In 1884 he married Emma Himmelreich, by whom he had these children: Seth, Amanda, Emma, Wil- liam, Katie, John and Daniel (twins) and Thomas. (V) John R. Weidner, brother of William R., was born in Pike township, Oct. 12, 1842, and lived upon the farm in that township until 1866, in which year he moved to Read- ing, where he has lived ever since. He is a boss carpenter, and has for niany years been engaged in the building and contracting business. In 1867 he was married to Hattie Brown, by whom he had one child, Clara, and in 1880 he was married to Elva F. Weber. Nine children have been born to the second union, namely: Nora, Howard, Flor- .ence, Bessie, Almeretta, John, Benjamin, Minerva and Edgar. (III) Jonathan Weidner, one of the sons of Tychicus, of Oley, was born there in 1766, and died in 1838, in his seventy-third year. He lived on a farm near Pricetown, in Ruscombmanor township. He m. Bevvy Gambler, and their family consisted of three children : Abraham, who lived in Alsace township, m. Katie Beck, and they had two daughters. Bevvy and Amelia; Bevvy m. John Focht ; Jon- athan was born in 1805 and died in 1861. (IV) Jonathan Weidner, son of Jonathan, was born in 1805, and died in 1861. He had a family of three children : Augustus, who is mentioned presently; Maberry, of Allen- town, Pa.; and Sarah, m. to Elias Becker. (V) Augustus Weidner, eldest son of Jonathan, was born Aug. 14, 1838, is a huckster and farmer by calling, and lives near Pricetown. He m. Maria Diehl, and they have had children as follows: Katie m. Harry Fritz; Hiannah mi. Howard Hartman ; Olivia (deceased) m. Oscar Bush; Anna M. m. Howard Homan; Edwin m, Nora Ballard; Augustus m. Lizzie Kern; Irwin m. Louisa Everhart; John died in childhood. 396 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (II) Lazarus Weidner, son of Adam the emigrant an- cestor, settled in Oley township, where he and his brother Tychicus owned adjoining estates. These lands were sep- arated by a lane which has since become a public road. In 1759 Lazarus Weidner paid a federal tax of 18 pounds. His will was probated in 1803, the executors being his son Jacob and his sons-in-law George Yoder and Jacob Preiss. An item of the will was to the effect that Eliza- beth, a daughter of John Lobach, was to have 15 pounds in money. The following children were mentioned in the will: Abraham; Catharine Seisholtz ; Elizabeth m. Jacob Preiss; Mary m. George Yoder; Jacob; Daniel; Isaac; David, and John, (III) Jacob Weidner, son of Lazarus, obtained the homestead in Oley, and he is buried there in a private cem- etery on the farm. His wife, Veronica, died in 1865. They had three children: Catharine, born March 29, 1823, m. Isaac Reiff; Caroline m. Jacob Keim; John m. Sarah Ang- stadt, and they had two children, Samuel and George. The son, John, came into possession of his father's home- stead, which he cultivated. Samuel Weidner (who had a brother Benjamin) was a farmer in Pike township, where he died in 1876. His wife was Catharine Gauger, and they had the following chil- dren: William G. came into possession of the homestead; Samuel G. m. Hannah Yoder; John G. obtained part of the homestead ; Catharine m. Thomas Weidner ; Rachel m. Samuel G. Ruppert; Sarah ni. (first) Henry Adam and (second) Henry Miller; Anna ra. David Fry; Caroline m. Israel Leinbach. Both of the parents died at South Beth- lehem, Pa., in December, 1906, at about the same time, and they were buried the same day in one grave. PANNEBECKER-PENNYPACKER. Few families have contributed to the State of Pennsylvania as many men of sound judgment, wisdom and unselfish partiotism as that founded in America by Hendrick Pannebecker, who was born on or about March 21, 1674. He came to Amer- ica from Flomborn, a village on the River Rhine, near Worms. There is a reference to him in an account book of Pastorious, on the 3d of 1st month, 1703. Abotit 1699 he married Eve Umstat, daughter of Hans Peter Umstat, of Germantown. They had eight children : Martha, 1706- 1761; Adolph, 1708-1789; Peter, 1710-5 770; John, 1713-1784 (was prominent in the early days of the Revolution); Jacob, 1715-1752; Henry, 1717-1792; Barbara; and one oth- er daughter who married a Keyser. Peter Pannebecker, son of the emigrant Hendrick, mar- ried Elizabeth Keyser, and they became the parents of a son William. William Pennebecker, son of Peter and Elizabeth, was born Aug. 26, 1740, and he married Mary Hause. They had a son Jesse. Jesse Pennebecker, son of William and Mary, was born Feb. 1, ]7S3. He was a farmer near Keely's Church, Schwenkville, and is buried in the cemetery there. He married (first) Salome Berkey, and among their children were: Jesse B.. born in 1820; Amos; and two daughters. His second wife was a Livengood, and to this marriage were horn : JNIoses and Elias. Jesse B. Pannepacker, son of Jesse, was born at Schwenkville, Montgomery Co., Pa.. Sept. 23, 1830 ; he died at his home in Colebrookdale township, Berks county, April 23, 1885, and his remains rest at Fairview cemetery, Boyertown. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for ten years worked in his shop at Eshbach. He then spent eight years in farming at the same place, after which he located in Colebrookdale township, where he had a farm of thirt3r-eight acres, and this he cultivated from that time on until his retirement. He added twenty- eight acres to his original tract. His industry and good management brought him success, and about eleven years before he died he was able to retire and to pass his last years in the enjoyment of the competency he had earned. As a public-spirited citizen, he was in the' front rank. His political principles were those of the Republican party and he ably filled the offices of school director and tax collector. Like all his family he belonged to St. John's Lutheran Church at Boyertown, and he at various times held all the offices in the gift of the Church. He is buried in the family lot in Fairview cemetery. He married (first) Mary Bechtel, born Oct. 23, 1821, daughter of Gehart (or Gerhart) Bechtel and wife (whose maiden name was Erd- man). Both Gehart Bechtel and wife are buried in the Mennonite graveyard at Bally. Airs. Mary (Bechtel) Pannepacker died Feb. 11, 1878. The only child born to Jesse B. and Mary (Bechtel) Pannepacker was Amos B. Jesse B. Pannepacker married (second) Esther Krause (1819-1905.) Amos B. Pannepacker, son of Jesse B., was born at Esh- bach Corner, in Washington township, Berks county, Oct. 26, 1843. He attended the old pay school held in a spring- house at Eshbach, on the John Reidenauer farm. The teachers were a Mr. Siegenfuse and Mr. John TroUinger. Later he attended a public school. He gave his services to his parents on the home farm until he attained his majority, and continued working for his father after that time until he was twenty-eight. After his marriage he began farming for himself in Colebrookdale township, two miles from Boyertown, on one of his father's farms. This continued to be his home until 1882, when he rented the farm of seventy-five acres. The farm on which he now lives he purchased in 1894. It consists of 110 acres of fertile land, and is improved with substantial buildings, part of which Mr. Pannepacker himself erected. He is one of the heavy taxpayers of the township. Besides his farm he is interested in the Clayton Creamery, and is president of the Clayton Creamery Association. This Creamery averages about five thousand pounds of milk daily the year round. He is also interested in the Boyer- town Candy Company, and in a number of different enter- prises. Mr. Pannepacker has been active in local matters as a strong Republican, and for two years he served the town- ship as supervisor. He was township committeeman for a number of years and was delegate to a number of county conventions. He is a member of Christ Lutheran Church, at Niantic, which he has served as deacon and elder, and at the present time is serving as trustee. His wife belongs to the New Mennonite Church at Bally. On Dec. 34, 1870, Mr. Pannepacker married Annie Clemmer, daughter of John and Susan (Bauer) Clemmer, of Washington township. To this union was born a daugh- ter, Annie, who is now the wife of Ulysses C. Moyer, the farmer on Mr. Pannepacker's farm. They have had two children : Amos H., who died aged two and one-half vears ; and Rosa. On Oct. 4, 1877, the anniversary of the battle of German- town, was held a re-union of the descendants of Hendrick Pannebecker. The site selected was the camp ground oc- cupied by Washington and the Revolutionarv armv at "Pennypacker's Mills," on the Perkiomen creek. "The program on that occasion included an oration bv Samuel W. Pennypacker, since Governor of the Commonwealth; a hymn, written by Isaac R. Pennypacker, and adapted to Mennonite music, commemorative of Leonard Kej'ser, a Mennonite martyr, who was one of the forefathers of the family, to be sung to illustrate the first epoch; the ballad of Washington at Pennypacker's Mills, written by Theodore Winthrop in his novel "Edwin Brothertoft" to be read or sung as an illustration of the Revolutionary epoch ; and "Gen. Pennypacker's March," by Pierre Latour, to be played for the present epoch. The story of Leonard Keyser as given hy Van Braght is as follows : "In the year 1537 was the learned and good Leonard Keyser taken and condemned to be burned. As he neared the fire, bound in a cart, he broke off a flower that grew in the field and said to the judges, for thev rode along with him, 'If ye can burn this little flower and me, then have ye judged aright; if not, take heed and re- pent.' Thrice the great fagots were heaped around him at the stake and kindled. Nevertheless when they had burned away, his body was found unmarked save that his hair was singed and his nails wore a little brown. Like- BIOGRAPHICAL 397 ^wise the little flower yet lay in his hand unchanged. There- upon, the sheriffs cut his body into pieces and cast them into the Inn. But a judge was so moved thereat that he yielded up his office, and one of the sheriffs became a Mennonite brother and ever thereafter lived a pious life." HYMN. When Leonard Keyser heard the cries Of grief for martyred dead, And saw the place of sacrifice Whereto his pathway led. He pleaded not, with useless prayer To scorning bigots near, But plucked a flower that bloomed so fair It made the waste more drear. One flower that had escaped the breath That swept the withered land; God's symbol of a life from death He held it in his hand. "If ye have power," he spake, "this hour With all the fires ye light To burn my body, or this flower. Then have ye done aright." His eyes upraised saw not the glare Of torch on hooting crowd. But far above the fagots' flare A rift within the cloud — A promise sent from God on high That hate should surely fail; No wealth could then His power defy Nor in the end prevail. We seek not, Lord, to know the spell That wrought Thy will divine, We know Thou doest all things well; The miracle was Thine To cause the bonds to fall, to take From death all trace of pain And mark of fire, and then to make The flower to bloom again. The fagots' blaze like noontide hours Gave vigor to truth's germ. And tears but seemed the summer showers , To make its root more firm. Upon the Inn's dark ebbing tide The martyr's corse was thrown, A witness of his creed he died, A faith his children own. Upon those waves the good ships bore Truth's fruitage to the sea Whose surges broke upon this shore Of peace and liberty. And Thou, O, God ! whose hallowed hand Upheld the troubled sea Whereon our sires sailed to this land. We life our prayers to Thee — To ask that for these kinsfolk here Thou wilt extend Thy care As when Thou mad'st the rift appear Above the fagots' flare ; We thank Thee for Thy blessings given To all this gathered throng. And sing Thy praises unto Heaven In one triumphant "song. REV. ZENAS H. GABLE, a prominent clergyman of the Lutheran Church, who came to Reading Aug. 17, 1873, having accepted a call to six different congregations, is one of the most highly esteemed and beloved ministers of his denomination in this section of the State. The Rev. Mr. Gable was born^ Aug. 13, 1842, in Northampton county, Pa., son of Daniel and Elizalseth (Livingood) Gable, and grandson of Jacob and Elizabeth (Freese) Gable. The Gable family originated in Germany, and its founder in America was Peter Gable, who with his wife Christiana came to Bucks county in 1703. The children of Jacob and EHzabeth (Freese) Gable were : Daniel, Mary, Sophia, Aaron, Tobias and Lucy A. Jacob Gable died .March 8, 1842, aged sixty-three years, and his wife F-eb. 24, 1856, aged seventy-eight years. Daniel Gable was born in Bucks county. Pa., Sept._ 18, 1805, and was a farmer and carpenter, which occupations he followed all of his active period, dying Aug. 26, 1886, aged eighty-one years. His wife passed away July 1, 1897, when eighty-seven years old. Their children were : Edwin, Charles and James, deceased; Sally A.; Thomas M., and Zenas H. Zenas H. Gable was educated in the common schools and at Gettysburg (Pa.) College, from which he was graduated in 1865, subsequently attending the Mt. Airy Seminary, and graduating in Theology in 1868. He was ordained June 10, 1868, his first charge being at Scenery Hill, where he was located from 1868 to 1873. He came to Reading Aug. 17, 1873, and took charge of the following congre- gations, which he hafe faithfully served to the present time : St. John's, Gibraltar; St. Mark's, of Birdsboro; St. James, of Geigertown; Allegheny, of Alleghenyville;' Wyomissing, of Gouglersville ; and Robeson, of Plowville. New churches have been built in each of his parishes during his pastorate. He also organized a congregation at Shilling- ton and a church was built in 1876. He celebrated his quarto-centennial in 1898, in each of his churches. The Rev. Mr. Gable is a man whose earnestness and piety have made him a power in the community. Not only is he a clear and convincing preacher and spiritual teacher, but he is also an able administrator, as the material prosperity of his congregations shows. Rev. Mr. Gable was married Dec. 24, 1868, to Thusnelda, daughter of Rev. Jacob Vogelbach, of Philadelphia, and six children blessed this union, as follows : Matilda E. ; Rev. Charles Jacob ; Sue A. ; Rev. Luther D. ; -Edmund J., a druggist; and Dr. Frank J., who attended Jef- ferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, graduating in the class of 1906. Mrs. Gable died April 2, 1903. In political matters Rev.. Mr. Gable is independent, voting rather for the man than the party. DENGLER. In the year 1737 Jacob Dengler emigrated to America, coming from Germany, probably from Witten- berg.' His brother Andreas, who soon followed, died in America unmarried. Jacob Dengler settled near Amity- ville, and there built a forge and manufactured various iron implements. His remains are buried at the Swamp church. Henry Dengler, the progenitor of the Denglers in Oley township, was a grandson of Jacob, and was born Oct. 3, 1793, in Amity township. He married Sarah Guldin, a lineal descendant of the Rev. Samuel Guldin, who emi- grated to this conutry in 1710, and was the first Reformed minister in Pennsylvania. Henry Dengler moved from Amity to Friedensburg, now Oley, in 1829, and embarked in a mercantile business, in which he continued until near the close of 'his life. He was very active .in public affairs, and took a deep interest in church matters, being one of the chief promoters of the building of the First Reformed church in 1830, donating the land and contributing liberally otherwise. For many years he served as an officer of the Reformed Church. His death occurred March 19, _ 1860, when he was sixty-seven years, five months and sixteen days old. His wife Sarah died Oct. 30, 1883, aged seventy- six years, seven months and twenty-five days. Their chil- dren were: Henry; Johij G. ; James G. ; Harriet m. John C. Nipe, and lives in Philadelphia; George lives in Clarion county; Washington, who enlisted at the age of eighteen, served for two years in the Civil war, was captured July 24, 1863, and was kept a prisoner in Richmond until March 33, 1864, when he was taken to Andersonville, Ga., and there he died of starvation May 6, 1864 ; Jacob died in February, 1905, aged seventy-one years, leaving a family as follows, Mrs. Charles Leithauser, Elmer, Howard, Mrs. Reily, William, and Mrs. Worths A. Dries, all living. 398 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The Rev. James G. Dengler has been in the ministry of the Reformed Church since June, 1874. He is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College at Lancaster, and of the Theological Seminary located there. For nearly a quarter of a century he served one charge in Sellersville, Bucks Co., Pa. Dr. Dengler has been a frequent contributor to various publications, both religious and secular,- and is a scholarly man of marked attainments and as a religious leader he has few equals in devoted piety and earnestness of both life and teachings. John G. Dengler, the revered veteran school teacher of Berks county, is a resident of Friedensburg, Oley township, where he was born Oct. 29, 1837. His education was ob- tained in the Oley Academy under Prof. Jacob H. Major, and the Freeland Seminary under Prof. Hunsicker. He was licensed to teach in public schools under the first county superintendent of Berks county, Rev. William A. Good,' in 18,57, and taught the first term in Oley township, at School-house No. 1. Prof. Dengler has since been teaching every consecutive school term (except during his army service), and also has conducted select schools each spring term. He has instructed thousands of boys and girls qf Berks county, forming their characters through his excellent example, as he shaped their minds with his wise precepts, and he is held in highest respect by the entire county. He is now teaching the grandchildren of his first pupils. Prof. Dengler possesses a kind and benevolent disposition which is shown in his intelligent face, and he is loved for his many excellent traits and his lofty ideals of life. During the many years that he has labored in Berks county he has witnessed many changes, especially in the public school system. His first salary was twenty-four dollars a month, of twenty-two days. Not only has he instructed the children placed under him the text of their books, but he has given them the benefit of his wide ex- perience, his varied reading and exhaustive studies, and has never failed to hold up the highest possible stand- ards before their young eyes. On April 18, 1861, Mr. Dengler was filled with patriotism and enlisted in Company C, 7th Pa, V. I., at Harrisburg, and was in active service at Martinsburg, Va. His first enlistment was for but three months, but on Oct. 30, 1861, he re-enlisted at Reading, Capt. James McKnight command- ing, for three years, in Battery M, U. S. A., and saw some very hard service, passing through the entire Peninsular campaign, and participating in the battles of the Wilder- ness. When he was mustered out Oct. 30, 1864, at Staten Island, N. Y., he was in the Sixth Army Corps. Having thus devoted over three years of his life to his country, Prof. Dengler came back to Reading, where he arrived after midnight on Oct. 31, 3864, but so anxious was he to see his dear ones that he walked to Friedensburg, a distance of ten miles. The following day he engaged to teach the school he had left three and one-half years be- fore at the call of duty, and he accepted the position at the earnest solicitation of his friends, who were anxious to secure his distinguished services. Prof. Dengler has also been active in church work ever since young manhood, and is a member of Friedens Reformed Church, of which he has been deacon, elder and trustee. He is a trustee of the Friedens cemetery company ; a trustee of the Oley Academy that was founded in 18.57, and has held this ofiice- since 1875. Since his youth Prof. Dengler has been a teacher in the Sunday-school, and is very efficient. He is a member of Minnehaha Lodge No. 154, K. of P., at Oley, also O. U. A. M. Council, No. 23, of the same place. In addition to all his other duties Prof. Dengler is the correspondent of all the Reading daily papers at Friedens- burg. Prof. Dengler has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married in January, 1860, was Catherine Schlotman, daughter of John and Lydia (Shade) Schlot- man. She was born in Oley in 1839, and died May 5, 1875, aged thirty-five years, the mother of children as follows : Annie m. Harvey Wisner. deceased, has four children, and lives at Philadelphia; Millie m. Benjamin Suavely, de- ceased, and lives at Friedensburg; Lilla, deceased, m. Abra- ham Bieber, of Reading; Harvey, an enterprising life insurance man of Allentown, and superintendent of the Allentown district of the Baltimore Mutual Life Insurance Company, is married, but has no children ; and Calvin and Clara died in infancy. In 1878 Prof. Dengler m. (second) Kate L. (Ritter) Yoder, widow of Thomas Yoder, and they had three children : William, who has a R. F. D. mail route at Oley, is married and his children are, Blanche, Harvey, John and Ella ; John was drowned when fourteen ; Sallie is a school teacher in Oley and has been teaching since 1906. It is only fitting to close this too brief biography of so distinguished an educator by an account of a .delightful ceremony at the teachers' institute in 1907, held at Read- ing. Prof. Dengler in recognition of his long and faithful services as a public instructor was presented a silver loving cup, fifty dollars in gold, and seventy carnations, the last named representing the number of years he had lived, and celebrating his birthday. Those having the matter in charge very fittingly selected his birthday for the presentation day, and the speech which accompanied the gifts as well as his reply will never be forgotten by those present. Many men sacrificed much for their country. There are thousands of teachers in the country today, but there are few who have been both instructor and soldier in one as has Prof. Dengler. When he served upon the battlefield he was an excellent soldier. After his military life was over, he came home and once more entering the schoolroom resumed his peaceful vocation, only giving a little more of himself to his beloved pupils, for he had learned much in those three and one-half years spent on bloody battlefields and before besieged cities. His war experience gave him a breadth of vision, a fairness in dealing with others, and has enabled him better to fit his pupils for the great battle of life where each one must keep in the ranks and not fly at the first sound of war. In every relation of life Prof. Dengler has proved himself ready and willing to bear his part, and in his wisdom he realizes that he has reached the very best part of his wonderfully useful life, where he can enjoy the fruits of his labors and rest happy in the confidence and love of those whom he has so benefited. I. A. DEISHER, a well-known business man of Read- ing, Pa., who is engaged in the jewelry business at No. 514 Penn street, Reading, was born in Hamburg. Pa., Aug. 13, 1866, son of Henry and Valarya (Fink) Deisher. David Deisher, grandfather of I. A., was a mill owner and farmer, following these occupations throughout a long and useful life in Kutztown and later at Hamburg. He was a very energetic business man and accumulated a considerable fortune, retiring shortly prior to his death. He and his wife were the parents of a large family of children, several of whom died young, those who lived to maturity being: Gereon, William, Henry and Catherine (married William D, Shomo). The family were members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics j\lr. Deisher was a Democrat, holding for some years the office of director of the poor. His son, Henry Deisher, received a common school education, and later supplemented this with a course at a seminary at Collegeville, after leaving which he worked on the home farm until reaching manhood, when he^ purchased the old Lintz foundrv at Hamburg, operating this for many years. He is now living retired with his son. To i\Ir. Deisher and his wife, who died in 1888, were born three children, two of whom died in infancy, I. A. being the only survivor. Henrv Deisher is a Lutheran in religious matters. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat. I. A Deisher was educated in the high school at Ham- burg, Pa., and when a boy entered the drug store of .^dam iiodenhorn, with whom he worked four years \t the end of that time he apprenticed himself to the jeweler's trade with W. W. Apple, with whom he served his time going thence to Harrisburg, where he worked for six years with Phihp Theilheimer. After the latter's death" INIr. Deisher purchased his employer's interest in the business, carrying it on for four years. In 1897 he came to Read- BIOGRAPHICAL 399 irg, purchasing the Burkhart store at Nos. 424-436 Penn street, and in April, 1908, he moved to the larger and more centrally located store at No. 514 Penn street. He handles a first-class line of jewelry, silverware, cut glass and novelties, and makes a specialty of repairs, -especially optical, being a skilled mechanic and optician. Mr. Deisher is a graduate from several well-known institutions, among them Bucklin's School of Optics, the Spencer J3p- tical Institute, the McCormick Optical College and the McCormick Neurological College, the first two colleges located in New York, and the last two in Chicago. _ He has been very successful in this branch of the business. In 1895 Mr. Deisher married Miss Lizzie A. Diener, a native of Topton, Berks county, and two children were born to this union : Esther and Clarence. Mr. Deisher is a member of the Elks, the Royal Arcanum and the Hep- tasophs. In both religious and political views he is broad and liberal, believing that every man should use his own judgment in these matters. SAMUEL L. KURTZ, M. D., is well known through Berks county, both as a physician and surgeon of skill, and as a survivor of the great Civil war. He was born Sept. 27, 1832, son of Samuel and Mary (Longackre) Kurtz. Joseph Kurtz, paternal grandfather of the Doctor, was born in Chester county. Pa. On Oct. 19, 1787, he married Fannie Miller, and their children were : John, born Sept. 23, 1788; Abraham, Nov. 27, 1789; Joseph, Jan. 10, 1791; Henry, July 10, 1792; Barbara, Aug. 5, 17S3; Leah, Sept. 19, 1794; Samuel, Nov. 12, 1795 ; Elizabeth, Nov. 25, 1796; David, Jan. 80, 17yy; Isaac, h'iE. 22, 1799; Frances, May 4, 1800; Christian, Nov. 8, 1801; Jacob, Ott. 1, 1802; Daniel, Jan. 22, 1804; Anna, March 20, 1805; Jacob, Oct. 25, 1806; Susannah, May 25, 1808; Daniel (2), Aug. 1, 1809; and Susannah (2), July 1, 1812. The family were members of the Mennonite Church. Joseph Kurtz died March 18, 1815. Samuel Kurtz, father of the Doctor, was born in Chester- county, Nov. 12, 1795, and his education was obtained in the common schools. Upon reaching his majority he turned his attention to farming, a vocation which he followed for many years in Pikeland township. In 1834 he removed to Juniata county, where he operated a farm for six or seven years at East Salem, and there he died April 23, 1883. His first wife, who was a daughter of Jacob Long- ackre, died in the prime of life. She was the mother of: Joseph, born Aug. 22, 1819; Jacob, born Aug. 1, 1822; Annie, born Dec. 18, 1825, married William Cross ; Samuel (1), born Oct. 24, 1829; Dr. Samuel L., born Sept. 27, 1832; Mary, born March 14, 1836, married George D. Taylor. This branch of the family were Methodists. After the death of his first wife Mr. Kurtz married Mary Miller, by whom one child was born, Fannie, who became the wife of George D. Taylor, the father of Dr. Taylor, of Reading. Samuel Kurtz's third wife was Mary Jacobs. No children were born to the last marriage. Samuel L. Kurtz was educated in the schools of Juniata county, and in old Trappe Seminary, now Ursinus College. Later he read medicine with Dr. Henry Geiger, of Mont- gomery county, and in 1851 entered Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1854. His first field of practice was at Phoenixville, Pa., where he remained two years, and then removed to Oakland Mills, Juniata county, remaining there until the fall of 1861, when he was appointed assistant surgeon of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. He continued to fill that position until June, 1862, when he was promoted to sur- geon of the 85th Pa. V. I., with which regiment he re- mained until Nov. 22, 1864, when, at the expiration of the terra of service of the regiment, he was honorably dis- charged. He settled in Reading, locating at No. 340 South Fifth street, and his present office is at No. 412 South Fifth street. The Doctor is a member of the American Medical Asso- ciation ; of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, of which in 1891 he served as president; and of the Berks County Medical Society, serving his second term as its president. He is also a member of the Reading Medical Association. He was one of the original members of the board of trustees of the Reading Hospital, and has served upon its staff since its organization. He is a member of the board of health, and is examiner for a number of life insurance companies. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a member of Phoenix Lodge, F. & A. M., and past master. He belongs to Keim Post, G. A. R., and to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U. S., Commandery of Pennsylvania. Dr^ Kuirtz married, in 1854, Miss Sarah Morgan, and to thl_s union three children have been born : Dr. J. Ellis, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, is a physician and surgeon at Reading; Georgeine married Nicholas H. Muhlenberg; and Clarence M., alsoi a graduate of the Jef- ferson Medical College of Philadelphia, practising at Reading. Dr. Kurtz is a Republican in politics, and was one of the Harrison electors in 1888. He is a vestryman in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. GERHART. Benjamin Gerhart, the grandfather of Peter William Gerhart, Jr., superintendent of the treat- ment department of the "Grand View Sanatorium," and his brother, George W. Gerhart, merchant and prominent citizen of Robesonia, was a farmer of Lower Heidelberg township. He married Catharine Seibert. John Peter Gerhart, son of Benjamin, was formerly a resident of Lower Heidelberg, near Brownsville, and for the last thirty years of his life was a resident of Werners- ville. His occupation was that of a grafter of trees and gardener. He died in 1903, aged seventy-six years. He was married to Caroline Werner, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lamm) Werner, and by her had twelve chil- dren: Calvin E. m. Amelia Lambert; Frank P. m. Emma Peiffer; Ellenora S. m. Alfred Webber, and after his de- cease George F. Knorr; Anna M. m. Gustave Bien; Albert B. m. Sue Reinhold; Agnes Priscilla m. Thomas Furry; Peter W. ; George W. m. Anna Fidler ; Katharine Louisa ; Elizabeth Wilhelmina m. Harry Parker; and two died young. Peter William Gerhart, Jr., superintendent of the treatment department of the "Grand View Sanatorium," a position he has filled for nearly twenty-five years, was born in Lower Heidelberg, near Brownsville, on April 18, 1862. His mother dying when he was only eight years old, he was placed on a farm, and continued there (except for three years he spent at Reading), helping and going to school, until he was sixteen years old. Then he went to Cumberland county for the purpose of attending school there and acquiring a knowledge of the English language while assisting in farming and stock raising, and he re- mained there for three years. He then returned to Wer- nersville, but remained only six, months when he went to Ohio and secured employment on a farm in the vicinity of Lima. He continued on this farm for four years, at the end of which time, his health failing, he found em- ployment as a reporter on a local newspaper, filling this position for three years. In 1886 he returned to Werners- ville and secured a position as stable boss in the large stables of the "Grand View Sanatorium," and he displayed such intelligent interest in his work, and gave such satis- faction to the proprietors, Drs. Wenrich & Deppen, that after the short time of three months they promoted him to the treatment department of the institution. Showing great qualifications and ambition, he continued there until the fall of 1888, when under their advice he took a regular course of instruction in the Philadelphia Polyclinic and College for Graduates in Medicine, for the purpose of learn- ing massage and medical electricity. He graduated in June, 1889, and upon his return to the Sanatorium was placed in charge of the treatment department, where he has re- mained until the present time. Being interested in local educational matters, Mr. Gerhart was elected a school director of the township in February, 1906, for a term of three years, and re-elected in February, 1909. He has served as the school board's secretary for three successive years, and also was chosen a representative from Berks county for three successive years to the State Directors' Convention, which meets annually at Harrisburg. •100 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Mr. Gerhart was married to Ida Rebecca Wenrich, the only daughter of William H. Wenrich, of Bernville, and they have had three children, Sarah, J. Clarence, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Gerhart was elected an elder of St. John's (Main's) Reformed Church in January, 1909, and immediately chosen its treasurer. Socially he is a member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 835, Wernersville. William H. Wenrich, iMrs. Gerhart's father, ra. Sarah Billman, daughter of John Billman, of Upper Bern (now Tilden), and they had three children: Willis E., Ida Re- becca, and one that died young. John S. Wenrich, of Bernville, her grandfather, m. Lydia Himmelberger, and had two children, William H. and Rebecca, the last named the wife of A. Morris Kershner. Her great-grandfather was Paul Wenrich. George 'W. Gerhart, another son of the late John Peter Gerhart, was born Aug. 4, 1863, in Lower Heidelberg township. He received his early education in the township school and supplemented it with study at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown. He was first licensed to teach by Prof. D. S. Keck, former superintendent of Berks county, and commenced his work as teacher in the fall of 1882, in Heidelberg township, where he was en- gaged for five terms. He was reared upon the farm, but has never followed farming since he began life on his own account, having continued to teach until he embarked in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1S88 he formed a partnership with Mr. Fidler under the firm name of Fidler & Gerhart, this relation lasting for one year. Mr. Gerhart then took Henry Miller into partnership with him, and they did business together for thirteen years under the name of Miller & Gerhart, being located on Robeson street, in Robesonia. At the end of this period Mr. Miller, by mutual consent of the partners, withdrew from the con- cern, John I. Miller becoming a member of the firm, the name of which remained unchanged. This association con- tinued for two years, and in 1904 Mr. Gerhart formed a partnership with M. A. Mover, under the name of Gerhart & Moyer. 'J'hey enjoy the confidence and patronage of the community to a gratifying degree, and have a high reputation for enterprise and progress as well as honor- able dealing. They carry a complete line of general mer- chandise, and cater to a trade which extends over a radius of fourteen miles around Robesonia. Mr. Gerhart is a man of active disposition, and takes part in the life of the community in lines outside of his direct business interests. He is a stanch Democrat in political opinion and willing to work for the success of his party, has served as delegate to county and State conven- tions, and has been elected to local offices of trust, having been school director and tax collector of his township. He is also prominent in church work, he and his family being members of St. Paul's Reformed Church of Rob- esonia, of which Mr. Gerhart is at present an elder. He was most active in the erection of the present fine edifice, in 1904, which cost the congregation over $15,000, serving as a member of the building committee, of which he was treasurer. He has been treasurer of the church ever since its organization. It is very prosperous, and i\Ir. Ger- hart has been one of its most devoted workers. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, holding mem- bership in Lodge No. 119, of Robesonia, of which he is a past chancellor. He owns the Wagner Hall building, a three-story brick block 30 x 60 feet in dimensions, .the first and second stories of which are used by the firm of Ger- hart & Moyer, and the third floor as the meeting place of various secret societies. Mr. Gerhart also owns the property adjoining this building on the north. Here he razed the old building and built an addition to the store 30 X 50 feet in the rear and 15 x 60 on the north, making the most up-to-date store in the Lebanon Valley. It is lighted throughout by electricity, and is heated by steam. He purchased both buildings in 1907. He also owns the property across the street which he uses for his residence. In May, 1887, Mr. Gerhart was married to Miss Annie Fidler, daughter of William and Annie CKlopp) Fidler, the former of whom was in business in Robesonia as a manufacturer of cigar boxes. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerhart have been born six children, namely : Estella M., Horace (who died in infancy), Robert R., Luke W., Edna A. and Lyman R. ilr. Gerhart is giving all his children good educational advantages, being convinced of the value of proper training. Estella M., a graduate of the township high school, was married in May, 1908, to Walter V. R. High (son of D. K. High), who with his brother Henry V. R. High is engaged in the honey business at Bernville, where they reside. Robert R. is a graduate of the township high school, and the latter is also a graduate of the Interstate Commercial College, of Reading, and now holds the re- sponsible position of teller in the Wernersville National Bank, at Wernersville. Luke W. is now attending the Interstate Commercial College. H. WILLIS BLAND. President Judge of the Orphans' Court of Berks county, was born August 20, 1845, at Blan- don, that county, a village which derives its name from his paternal ancestors. He attended the public schools of Birdsboro until he was thirteen years of age. On August 31, 1861, when he had barely reached the age of six- teen, he enlisted at Philadelphia as a private in Company H, 82nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and in the following year was promoted successively to cor- poral and first sergeant. He served throughout the three years' term of his enlistment, being mustered out Septem- ber 16, 1864. The regiment was engaged principally in the campaigns in Virginia, participating in a number of the severest battles of the war, including those of Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. After his army service, being thrown entirely upon his own resources, he became a clerk in the office of the Phoenix Iron Company at Phoenixville, Pa. He also acquired some training as a machinist, and v/orked for a time as an appren- tice to that trade in Philadelphia, meanwhile studying in the evenings at a polytechnic school. Feeling himself physically unfitted for hard manual labor, and choosing a professional calling, he came to Reading in Februar.v, 1867, and com- menced the study of the law in the ofifice of J. Howard Ja- cobs, Esq., a widely known and extensive practitioner, and after the necessary two years' course was admitted to the Bar on April 12, 1369. Energetic and ambitious, he acquired a substantial practice in both the criminal and civil courts. Before and after his admission he participated actively in politics, at first as a Republican, and subsequently to 1872, when Horace Greeley was the candidate of the Demo- cratic party for President, as a Democrat. A separate Orphans' court for the county of Berks was created by the Act of June ID, 1883, and' at the gen- eral election in the fall of that year Hiram H. Schwartz. Esq., who had been the temporary appointee, was elected judge for the term of ten years. Judge Schwartz hav- ing died on August 25, 1S91. Judge Bland was on the 16th of the following month appointed by Governor Pattison to fill the vacancy, and in 1892 was elected for the full term of ten years, beginning on the first Monday of Janu- ary, 1893. At the end of that period he was" re-elected for the term expiring in January, 1913. During his practice at the Bar Judge Bland acquired a reputation as an advocate of unusual eloquence and marked ability. He was a close student, and his success was due not alone to forensic talent, but to thorough legal equipment as well. As a judge he has not disap- pointed the promise of his career as a lawyer. The- Orphans' court, though a forum concerned s'olelv with the estates of decedents, and attracting a less degree of public attention and spectacular interest than the co-ordi- nate tribunals attended with trials by jurv. is neverthe- less, in the end, of vital importance to everv member of the community. The duties and responsibilities of its presiding officer are conunensurate with the significance of the trusts committed to his care. The oflfice of chancellor is one of the highest dignity and consequence. In his judicial career Judge Bland endeavors to measure up to the high standard set by the historical shining lights of the Bench whom he consistently emulates, and has abundantlv justified the confidence which his constituency have reposed in him ■ |||^B H f ''T^^^^^^H ^^^^^^^r! K|i ti^ '■^1 i j^H^^H 1^^ ' ll |Mi ^/H^ ''^M^ ^^^^fc-e*|K J^ n.i.«^i^| K Ni \, ^MM HH 1 ^ IHj irJSM ^^M ^^^^BKa-^^ ^1 ^^^H; I BIOGRAPHICAL 401 by repeated elections. As a citizen he is deservedly held in universal public respect and esteem. Outside of his official position he is connected with various civic organizations for the uplifting of humanity. His oratorical gifts are frequently called _ into service upon public occasions; and on whatever topic he may be designated to speak, his rhetoric is always scholarly and forceful. In the cause of the surviving soldiers of the Civil war he naturally takes a deep personal interest, and in their most notable gatherings is usually selected as their principal spokesman. He is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Mc- Lean Post, No. 16, of Reading. CHARLES VOELKER has since 1905 been principal owner of the Berks Manufacturing Corripany, of Reading, and he has been long known as a business man of that city, having conducted the "Farmers and Mechanics Ho- tel," in West Reading, for a number of years. Mr. Voel- ker is a native of Germany, born Oct. 12, 1856, in Feld- karl, Bavaria. He was reared in the Fatherland, whence he came to America in 1878, settling at once in Reading, where for the most part he has since had his home. In Germany he had learned the trade of a brewer, at which he immediately found employment on his arrival in Read- ing, in one of the leading breweries of the city. Later he was engaged in the business on his own account, in Pottstown, Montgomery Co., Pa., where he remained sev- eral years, finally selling his interests in that line. Re- turning to Reading in 1893 he entered the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the "Farmers and Mechanics Ho- tel," in West Reading, which he has since kept, findirig the venture congenial and profitable. In July, 1905, in company with his eldest Son, Charles T. Voelker, Mr. Voelker purchased the plant and business of the Berks Manufacturing Company, Ltd., at No. 154 Court street, under the firm name of Charles Voelker & Son. At that time the product of the factory, which consists of sun- bonnets and aprons, amounted to about five hundred dozen weekly. Under their enterprising management the weekly output has been increased to fifteen thousand dozen, in the manufacture of which steady employment is given to forty hands. These goods are of high grade and excel- lent workmanship, and are marketed through jobbers all over the United States and Canada. The constantly grow- ing trade has necessitated the erection of a new factory, which is now in course of construction, and which will be one of the finest manufacturing plants of its kind in the city when completed. It is a brick building 34 x 100 feet in dimensions, three stories and basement, and will be equipped with the most reliable and up-to-date machinery obtainable, every facility for the most expeditious dis- patch of work compatible with the manufacture of high class articles being included in the appointments. The company are also adding to the working force from time to time, finding considerable difficulty in keeping up with a steady stream of orders. Mr. Charles Voelker, the senior member of the firm, is a hard-working and re- liable business man. He has been remarkably success- ful in his latest venture, which is advancing to a place among the appreciable industrial factors of the city. He is a citizen of sterling merit, and though he takes no active part in public affairs is public-spirited and interest- ed in welfare of the city in which he found a fruitful field for his efforts. He is a Democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religious faith. Mr. Voelker married Caro- line Rothenberger, like himself a native of Germany, and eight children have been born to them: Charles T. (who is in business with his father), Lewis, Edward, Mary, CaTrie, Catherine, Anna and Joseph. Charles T. Voelker, manager and part owner of the Berks Manufacturing Company, was born in Reading Jan. 39, 1884, and received his early education in the schools of Pottstown, supplementing it with a course at the Reading Business College. He is thoroughly fitted for the superintendency of the plant, the marvelous growth of which since it came under the present management is due in a great measure to his executive abihty. He' is a youne 26 man of forceful personality and excellent business judg- ment, and his energy has made itself felt in every de- partment of the factory, which has made a most creditable showing under his guiding hand. AUGUSTUS M. BROWN, cashier of the First National Bank of Mohnton, and one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of Shillington, was born May 17, 1863, at McKeansburg, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of George and Catherine (Mast) Brown. John Brown, his grandfather, was born in Rockland township, Berks county, where he followed the occupation of a farmer and tailor, later moving to Schuylkill county and purchasing a farm, on which he died at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife's maiden name was Maul. They had three children : Ephraim, who died in Schuyl- kill county; George; and Charles, who died at Pottsville. George Brown was born in Rockland township, Berks county, and accompanied his father to Schuylkill county, where he engaged in the lumber business, furnishing min- ing timber. He also followed farming in Brunswick town- ship, that county, but in 1871 he located in Amity town- ship, Berks county, where until his death he engaged in the milling business. Mr. Brown rriarried Catherine Mast, daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Mast, and they had these children : Charles ; George ; Frank ; Hannah, who married Irving Hoppel and resides in Reading; Augustus M., and Howard. Augustus M. Brown attended the public schools of his native district, also spending three sessions at Muhlen- berg College, after which he entered the service of the Penn National Bank, at Reading, as a messenger. Faithful service and marked ability earned him promotion from time to time, and he continued with this well known bank- ing house for a period of twenty-three years. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Bernville, Oct. 15, 1907, situated on Main street, on the bank's own property, a tract of 120 x 350 feet. He became its cashier, and held that position until March 1, 1909, when he re- signed to become cashier of the First National Bank of Mohnton, and he now resides at Shillington. Mr. Brown is a self-made man and is recognized as one of the ablest of Berks county's bankers. In politics he is a Republican, and he is connected socially with Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, where he has served as a deacon and a teacher in the Sunday school. Mr. Brown was married to Anna M. Eaches, daughter of Huysinga and Emily (Behm) Eaches, and they have had two children, Emily M. and George A. REV. THOMAS THEOPHILUS lAEGER, for forty years a preacher of the Gospel, died May 13, 1888, in Read- ing, Pa. The Rev. Mr. laeger, who was born in Green- wich township, Berks county, Aug. 29, 1836, came of a long line of ministers of the Word of God, his great- grandfather and grandfather having been ministers in Germany, while his father, the late Rev. G. F. I. laeger, was one of the best known and most beloved pastors in the Lutheran Church in this section of the State. Rev. G. F. I. laeger was born in Illigen, Wurtemberg, Germany, and he received his literary training there, at- tending several of the best universities. On coming to America, in 1817, the Rev. Mr. laeger taught school for one winter in Northampton county. Pa., and the following year located in Berks county, where the remainder of his life was spent. While teaching in the old schoolhouse near Hamburg, he began to study for the ministry,- 'and he was ordained in the Lutheran faith in 1819. He at once began preaching, and he continued in active service until four years prior to his death. At various times he had as many as fifteen congregations in charge, and he was the pastor of six congregations at the time of his death in 1874. When he relinquished preaching the Rev. Mr. laeger had charge of the White Church Lutheran congregation. From June, 1819, to 1874, he baptized nearly 7,000 children, gave cate- chetical instruction to nearly 4,000 persons, married over 1,300, preached 2,500 funeral sermons, and gave communion 403 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA to over 50,000 persons. The Rev. Mr. laeger died at his residence on South Oak street, Hamburg, Berks county, shortly after eleven o'clock, Sunday morning, Nov. 16, 1879, being at this time the oldest member of the Pennsylvania Ministerium. His funeral was largely attended, the Rev. Mr. Groh, of Boyertown, preaching the sermon in German, and the Rev. Dr. Fry, of Reading, in English. Rev. G, F. I. laeger had preached his first sermon Oct. 18, 1818, at Dunkel's Church, and he was there buried among the people to whom he had given his labors for a period of sixty-one years. The Rev. Mr. laeger was married to Mary Audenreid, of McKeansburg, Pa., and to them were born these children: Rev. Thomas Theophilus; Samuel; William, of Baltimore; and Lewis F., of California; Mrs. Jackson Levan, of Ham- burg, Pa.; Mrs. James S. Berger, of Philadelphia; Mrs. E. S. Salade, of Taraaqua. Rev. Thomas Theophilus laeger pursued his prepara- tory course and classical studies for about three years at Mercersburg and Gettysburg, after which he entered upon his theological course under the instruction of Rev. John W. Richards, then pastor of St. John's Church, Easton, Pa. During the summer of 1847 he received a license (ad interim) from the president of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, to perform ministerial acts, which license was renewed when he was received into the Ministerium at its annual meeting in Easton in 1848. His ordination took place in 1850, at the Synodical meeting at Pottsville, Pa., and his. first regular charge was in Lancaster county, Pa., where he served congregations in and around Brick- erville, and Muddy Creek. He remained about two years at the latter place and then removed to Womelsdorf, taking charge of the congregations there and at Rehrersberg, and later the churches at Myerstown, Bellemans, Reed, Bern and North Heidelberg. In 1855 the Rev. Mr. laeger re- moved to the city of Reading, where he served at various times a large nvimber of congregations. At the time of his death he had charge of the following Lutheran congre- gations : Bern, Oley, Spies, Shalters and Kissinger churches. His ministerial life covered forty continuous years, with the exception of the years 1865, 1866 and 1867, when on account of ill health he was forced to discontinue his work. During his long labor in the Gospel he preached 5,258 sermons, baptized 6.263 children, performed 1,748 marriage ceremonies, officiated at 2,472 funerals, confirmed 3,608 catechumens, gave communion to 74,750 persons, and prayed with the sick 2,860 times. On May 4, 1888, he had a slight paralytic stroke, which was but the beginning of the end, his death occurring May 13th, and he was interred in Charles Evans cemetery. On Dec. 14, 1848, the Rev. Mr. laeger married Mary A. Palsgrove, of Mercersburg, Pa., and they had a family of ten children, seven of whom died in infancy. The three surviving are: Miss Nora S., who lives with her mother at No. 522 Oley street, Reading; Mrs, Jefferson Snyder, of Reading; and Mrs. John Kendig, of Philadelphia. The Rev. Thomas T. laeger was justly considered one of Berks county's representative men. The influences of his life had always been in the direction of temperance, education and morality. His services in the religious body in which he labored so faithfully for so many years but cemented more closely the bonds between him and his fellow men. As a preacher he was fearless in the exposition of the \Yord of God, and the fruitful results of his work brought him comfort and encouragement in his declining years. AMANDUS N. FEGLEY, M. D„ who has carried on the practice of medicine at Oley Church, in Oley town- ship, Berks county, since 1871, was born Sept. 16, 1842, in Douglass township, Montgomery Co., Pa., son of Jonas and Anna (Nyce) Fegley. George Fegley, his grandfaher, was born in Douglass township, where his father also lived, and there passed all his life, engaged in farming. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife's maiden name was Fox, and among their children were : Jonas, John, Daniel, Sallie, and a daughter whose name is not recalled. Jonas Fegley, born in June, 1800, died in May, 1861, in the faith of the Lutheran Church. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned 100 acres of good land. He was a Democrat and interested in local affairs, serving many years as school director. Mr. Fegley married Anna Nyce, born in October, 1800, died in November, 1869, daughter of George Nyce, a farmer and tanner of Frederick township, Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Fegley are buried at the Sassamansville Church, in Montgomery county. They had a family of ten children, namely : Hannah is deceased'; Mary is the widow of John Dotts; Edward is deceased; Leanna ni. Levi Sassaman : Miss Fietta lives in Philadel- phia; William is deceased; Charlotte m. Frederick Weis ; Eliza m. Abner Wilt; Amandus N. ; and Miss Sarah lives at Pottstown. Amandus N. Fegley was reared on the farm, and re- ceived his early education in the local public schools. Later he attended the academies at Frederick and Trappe, and afterward taught school for three years in Douglass town- ship before taking up the study of medicine. He began to read with Dr. Francis Knipe, of Frederick, and attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, grad- uating from that institution in the spring of 1870. For a few months he was located at Balliettsville, in Lehigh county, Pa., in the fall of 1870 returning to Jefferson Medical College, where he continued to study until the following spring. He has since been located at Oley Church, in Oley township, Berks county, where he has acquired an extensive practice. He has not only been a successful medical practitioner, but has also proved to be a most useful member of the community in other rela- tions, everything which affects the general welfare re- ceiving his influence and support. He was one of the or- ganizers of the Oley National Bank and became a mem- ber of its first board of directors. He was trustee and secretary of the Oley Cemetery for many years ; is a mem- ber of the Berks County Historical Society; and a mem- ber of Griesemersville Lodge, No. 1109, I. O. O. F., of which he is a. past grand. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church, and has served since 1892 as treasurer of his church. He is a Democrat in political sentiment. Dr. Fegley married Sarah Koch, daughter of the late Tobias Koch, who was a retired farmer of Gilbertsville, Montgomery county, and six children have been born to this union, four of whom are deceased. The survivors are Sallie and Walton. Walton, who is engaged as knitter at Dr. L. K. Francis & Son's Knitting Mills, married Lila Haas. MORTON L. MONTGOMERY, the compiler of this history, was born at Reading Nov. 10, 1846. He was edu- cated in the common schools till 1863, having spent the last three years in the High School ; and, being inclined to rnathematics and drafting, he then entered the office of Daniel S. Zacharias. county surveyor of Berks county and city engineer of Reading, for the purpose of learning prac- tical surveying and civil engineering. He continued in this office eight months, when he went to Pottsville, Schuylkill county, at the request of Mr. Zacharias, to enter a larger field for the prosecution of his studies, and he was there employed by Daniel Hoffman, a mining, civil and topo- graphical engineer, who was constantly engaged in import- ant work for prominent coal operators. After remaining with Mr. Hoffman the greater part of two years, he re- turned to Reading, and entered the office of Jacob S. Livin- good, Esq., as a student-at-law. He spent the required term of three years with Mr. Livingood, and besides pros- ecuting his legal studies looked after an extensive practice, the labors of which consisted in the preparation of cases, arguments, proceedings in partition, conveyancing, etc. After traveling for a time in the fall of 1869" through the Middle and Eastern States, he entered the Law Department of Harvard University and remained there two terms. Upon returning to Reading, he spent a year in the ofSce of Samuel L. Young, Esq., in order to comply with the new rules of court which had been adopted during his ab- sence and required the last year of study to be passed in a lawyer's office. He was admitted to the Bar on Aug. 28, BIOGRAPHICAL 403 1871, since which time he has been in active practice at Reading. Shortly after his admission to the Bar, he became in- terested in the history of his native county, and, after he had collected much valuable material relating to the early settlements and formation of the townships, and the de- velopment of all the districts of the county, he determined to publish the "History of Berks County." In the course of his investigations he contributed a number of historical articles to the press, and in 1883 published the "Political Hand-Book of Berks County, Pa." In 1884, he issued a prospectus, announcing his proposed publication of the "History of Reading," but finding soon afterward, In the course of his undertaking, that the practice of law and the labors of an author and publisher could not be conducted together successfully, he entered into a contract with Messrs. Everts, Peck & Richards, publishers of histories, etc., at Philadelphia, for the publication of the "History of Berks County" in one large octavo volume, to comprise all the history of the entire county, and thereby conclude his undertaking more speedily and satisfactorily, and the publishers named issued the work (comprising 1,200 pages) in 1886. The labor of Mr. Montgomery in behalf of that history was necessarily arduous during a period of ten years, he having carried on his investigations and re- searches without any assistance, visited many places, trav- eled throughout the county repeatedly, and examined county records, newspaper files, and libraries here and elsewhere, besides looking after his increasing legal prac- tice. In 1889, Mr. Montgomery published a "School History of Berks County" (pp. 300) for use in the local schools, and the book having received the indorsement of the lead- ing educators in the county, it was adopted and introduced in all the districts. At a number of county institutes, it was earnestly recommended. It was the first book of the kind published in the United States, and Mr. Montgomery received much commendation from prominent educators and school journals in all parts of the country for his enterprise and zeal in behalf of encouraging the study of local history in connection with national and general history. Shortly after this school history had made its appear- ance, he began to deliver lectures on the "Life and Times of Conrad Weiser, the First Representative Man of Berks County," and on the "Revolutionary Heroes of Berks County," in all parts of the county before local teachers' institutes at the request of the county superintendents, and he continued these lectures successfully until 1893, when, under the auspices of the Reading Board of Trade, he published the former in a pamphlet of 40 pages, and 3,500 copies of this pamphlet were distributed gratuitously among all the schools of the city and county for the purpose of securing a suitable memorial to Conrad Weiser. In 1894, he published a volume of 300 pages, entitled "Berks County in the, Revolution," and this was also the first book of the kind issued to show what a participating county in the Revolution had done in behalf of independent representative government. These three publications are in the leading libraries of the country from Boston to San Francisco, which evidences their popularity. About this time, he also compiled the "Centennial History of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.," a volume of 250 pages, which was presented by the Lodge to the members as a suitable me- mento of the occasion. In 1898, the Sesqui-Centennial of the founding of Read- ing was properly celebrated under the auspices of the Board, of Trade, and the executive committee having em- ployed Mr. Montgomery to compile and publish a suitable book in commemoration of the event, he issued a superior volume of 300 pages, which was highly appreciated for its conciseness and comprehensiveness. After the lapse of more than twenty years, numerous persons, who appreciated the necessity of having the his- tory of the county published again, embracing all the im- portant local events which have occurred since, suggested to Mr. Montgomery that he should revise his "History of Berks County." Agreeing that such a revised history would be acceptable to the public, he accordingly made the arrangements with Messrs. J. H. Beers & Co., publishers of histories, at Chicago, 111., for its compilation under the title "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County," and this large and comprehensive work is the result of his labor in that behalf. Mr. Montgomery's father, John Leonard Montgomery, was born in 'Northumberland county, near Sunbury, in 1812, and moved to Reading in 1841, where he was en- gaged in the hardware business for twenty-five years, and then in the flour business for a number of years, after which he lived in retirement, until his decease, in 1880.. He was married to Catharine Rush, of Reading (daughter of Philip Rush), by whom he had five children: Jonas- (married to Mary Renninger) ; Morton Luther; Mary Eliz- abeth; Sarah, and John, the last two dying in early girl- hood and youth, respectively. His mother's father; Philip Rush; born a;t Reading in 1784, learned the trade of weaver, which he followed until 1861. He was enlisted in the War of 1812-15 and served as fife-major of the 1st Regiment, in the 2d Brigade of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died in 1871. He was mar- ried to Barbara Spohn (daughter of Capt. John Spohn, who raised at Reading the second company of volunteers in the Revolution, which was engaged in active service, more especially at the Battle of Long Island, on Aug. 27, 1776). She died in 1853, aged sixty-seven years. They had three sons and four daughters, including Catharine, above-named. Before 1800, the Spohn family was inter- related ty marriage with all the prominent families of Cumru, Heidelberg and Robeson townships. His mother's ancestors on the father's side were resi- dents of Reading from the founding of the town in 1751. Her great-grandfather, Michael Rosch, was born at Rem- mingsheim, in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1703. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed until 1751, when he emigrated to Pennsylvania from Rotterdam, on the ship "Duke of Wurtemberg," having qualified Oct. 16th. He was accompanied by his wife, two sons (Michael and Stephen) and four daughters. Immediately after landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to Reading, and there pur- chased a lot (No. 189, on south side of Penn street, below Tenth) which he improved by the erection of a dwelling- house under the conditions of purchase, and obtained his patent in 1753. He lived on these premises until he died in 1796. In 1767 he also secured by patent the adjoining lot on the corner (No. 192). His wife was Catharine Fischer, daughter of John Fischer, of Remmingsheim. She died at Reading in 1775, aged seventy-one years. Their six children survived them. He and his descendants have been members of Trinity Lutheran Church at Reading since its establishment in 1751. Her grandfather was the second son, Stephen Rosch. He was born in 1740 at Remmingsheim. He learned the trade of cooper at Reading, which he followed until his decease in 1816. In his last will, dated 1815, he still signed his name Rosch, in German. In 1770 he married Magda- lena Gittelman, daughter of John Gittelman, who lived in Berks county beyond the Blue Mountains and was there engaged in farming. She died in 1826, aged seventy-eight years. They had three sons (Stephen, John and Philip) and two daughters. Mr. Montgomery married Florence Baugh Bush, daugh- ter of Dr. Andrew Bush and his wife, Mary Price Baugh, of East Coventry, in Chester county, and they have a daughter, Florence Baugh, married to Joshua Brooke Les- sig, banker and iron manufacturer of Pottstown, Penn- sylvania. Dr. Bush was born at Philadelphia in 1805, studied med- icine and was graduated from the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1832. After traveling through the Southern States for a year, he began an introductory practice of medicine at Philadelphia, and continued in that place until the death of his father in 1836, when he located in East Coventry township, Chester county, and there carried on an active practice for twenty-five years. He then directed his attention to the cultivation of certain choice fruits in connection with farming until his decease in 1874. He ■i04 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA was an accomplished linguist, speaking the German, French, Spanish and Italian languages, and was also a fine Greek and Latin scholar, keeping up his interest in these lan- guages until he died. Dr. Bush's father, Andrew Daniel Michael Busch, was born in 1763 at Wesel, in Rhenish Prussia, near Duessel- dorf, and was thoroughly educated in the University of Berlin. After his graduation he emigrated to Pennsyl- vania, locating at Philadelphia, where he became exten- sively engaged in the wholesale shoe business, and he followed this business successfully for many years. For a considerable period, before and after 1800, his philan- thropic spirit in behalf of immigrating Germans, who landed at Philadelphia, gave him much distinction. He died in 18.36. Dr. Bush was his only child. Dr. Bush's wife, Mary Price Baugh, was a lineal des- cendant of John Sebastian Bach, of Eisenach, in Upper Saxony, born 168.5, and died 1730 ; whose son John, born at the same place in 1740, emigrated to Pennsylvania and located in East Coventry township, Chester county, where he was engaged in farming until his decease in 1819. His grandson, also named John Baugh ( the father of Dr. Bush's wife), was born in 177.5 in the township named, became the largest proprietor of farms in that section of the county, and died in 1841. He married Mary Price, a lineal descendant of Rev. Jacob Preisz, who emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1710. MILTON PI. De long, a member of the furniture and undertaking iirm of T. & M. H. De Long, at Topton, died at his home in that town Feb. 20, 1893, at the age of forty-seven years, one of the most highly esteemed and substantial citizens of his community. Pie was born m Rockland towMiship, Sept. C, 1843, son of David D. and Catherine (Haas) De Long. David De Long, though born in Upper Macungie town- ship, Lehigh county, passed the greater part of his life in Longswamp township, Berks county, where he followed the trade of weaver, buying and selling carpets, and he also engaged in farming. He was frugal and industrious, and became a man of considerable property. By his wife, Catherine Haas, who was born in Longswamp township, he became the father of Ihe following family: (1) David died at the age of twenty-eight years. (:2) Plenry, born Dec. 18. 18.38, clerked in a store at Hancock ; he m. Adeline Fenstermacher. (3) jMilton H. is mentioned below. (4) Tilghman, former partner of Milton PL, is in the furniture business at Topton ; he m. Angeline Fenster- macher. (5) Alvin H., a hotel proprietor in Longswamp township, m. Catherine Zondt. (6) Sally Ann died aged two years. The father died Sept. 6, 1893, and the mother Nov. 28, 1S77. Milton H. De Long was given an excellent education, completing his literary training in Collegeville Seminary. His first venture into the mercantile world was when he and Jacob Stcininger had a store in partnership at Bowers Station. He next was for a number of years em- ployed as a clerk in the marble yard of Schwcyer & Leiss, at Bower's Station. From there he went to Bridgeport, where he was similarly employed for a year and a half. Returning to Topton he and his brother Tilghman opened the furniture and undertaking business in wliich thev were successfully engaged when Milton H. died. He had "a high reputation for honesty and integrity, and in his private life as well as in the business world so ordered his ac- tions that at his death it could be truthfullv said that "No better man lived in Topton." Mr. De Long was twice married. On Sept. 25, 1869, he wedded Catherine Kaiser, of Longswamp township. The only child of this union died in infancy, and Mrs. De Long passed away Dec. 6, 1.S7I. On March 31, 1878, Mr. De Long married Louisa E. Knoske. who was born in Reading, iSlarch 2, 1838, daughter of Capt. Edward and Catherine (Bower) Knoske. To this union was born a daughter. Katie Elda. April 26, iss.'. who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, in 1900, and taught school one term at Morgantown and two terms at Leesport, and who married, Sept. 15, 1903, Dr. Oscar F. Kunkel, of Albany, and has two children, Alton De Long and Lester De Long. At the time of his death Milton H. De Long was serving as director of the poor, having been elected to that office only a few months prior to his decease. He was also serving the borough of Topton as president of the school board. Knoske. The Knoske family, to which Mrs. Milton H. De Long belongs, had its early home in Germany. Johann rleim-ich Knoske was born at Herrenstadt, near Breslau, Prussia. He married Rosina Trautschen, and both died in their native land strong in the faith of Luther. Rev. Johann Knoske, son of Johann Heinrich and Rosina, was born at Herrenstadt, June 24, 1779. _ He came to America when a boy, and settled in Schuylkill county, Pa, He was twice married. His first wife was Anna Plate, daughter of Heinrich Plate, and their marriage took place in 1803, and her death a year and eight months later. He married (second) July 1, 1806, Elizabeth Koch, daughter of William and Margaret (Neuf anger) Koch, of Schuyl- kill county, and their married life covered a period of more than half a centurv. He died Sept. 24, 1859, and his wife, Elizabeth, born Sept. 1, 1782, died Feb. 16, 1868. They had a family of four sons and five daughters, namely : Wilhelmina m. David Hottenstine: Louisa m. John Trago; Elizabeth m. Benjamin Miller; Maria m. Skiles Trago," William; Capt. Edward; Charles; and two died young. Mr. Knoske made his home in Kutztown from ISll to 1856, in the latter year locating in Reading where he was living at the time of his death. He was an eloquent min- ister of the Gospel, and did much for the spread of Chris- tianity in his section. Capt. Edward Knoske, son of Rev. Johann, was a well- known citizen of Berks county and an honored veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Kutztown, and there learned the tanner's trade. For some time he clerked in a store in Reading, and then located at Bower's Station in Maxatawny township. While there he brought the first car load of hard coal ever shipped to that town. He was prominent at the time of the Civil war, being a lieutenant in the Ringgold Light .Artillery (to which he belonged for nine years), his commission being dated Feb. 22, 1861. On May 9, ISCl, he enlisted for two years in Company D, 4th N. Y. V. I., and "was discharged ?ilav 5, 1863. He re-en- listed in December, 1863, at New York, as a private to serve three years in Company G, 5th N. Y. V. Artillery, and was transferred to Company A, Jan. 6, 1864. tie was promoted to corporal Jan. 27, 1864, sergeant major July 10, 1854, and discharged Feb. 18, 1865, to accept the sec- ond lieutenancy. He was made captain :\Jav 25, 1865, at Harper's Ferry, Va. At the battle of Antietam a bullet passed through his hat, and grazed his skull, necessitating his removal to a hospital. The hat is still in the posses- sion of the family at Bowers. He married Catherine Bower, daughter of Jonas Bower, and she still resides at the homestead at Bowers Station. He died Sept. 11, 1896. Their children were: J. Charles, of Baltimore is an engmecr on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad ; J. William A. resides at Topton ; Harrison, m. to Clara Troutman, is eiigaged in the music business at Delaware, Ohio; Louisa E. is the widow of JMilton H. De Long. Jonas Bower, grandfather of Airs. De Long, was born ill Maxatawny township, at the station that now bears his name, Jan. 29, 1797, and he became a prominent farmer. He gave the land in his district for the Railroad Company to build their station. He also built the well-known V\'ashington House" at that place. Pie married Elizabeth Sell who was born Alay 20, 1801. daughter of George and Barbara (Haak) Sell. She died April 10, 1879, and he passed away Sept. 6, 1882. Thev had three children ■ Cath- erine m to the late Capt. Edward Knoske; Elizabeth, m. V ,-i7i- ?■ Wanner; Aaron, born April 25, 1828, and died Feb. 21, 1903. HARRY DRY SCHAEFFER, district attornev of Berks comity was born Nov. 14, 1873, on the old Drv 'homestead ni Kock and township, Berks countv, and belongs to a fam- ily which has been identified with the affairs of the county tor several generations. His grandfather, Jonathan BIOGRAPHICAL 405 Schaeffer, was a well-to-do farmer of Richmond township. George B. Schaeffer, father of Harry Dry Schaeffer, was long engaged in the coal, lumber and iron ore business in Fleetwood, this county. After serving some time as deputy sheriff, under Sheriff Kemp, he was elected to the office of sheriff, in which he served with fidelity some three years, from 1887 until 1890. He is now living retired in Reading. He married Mary A. Dry, daughter of Ben- jamin E. Dry, formerly of Rockland township, this county. Mr. Dry died about two years ago, at the age of eighty- seven, while living in the City of Reading. The Drys are remarkable for their longevity, and Mr. Dry's sister, who was buried in September, 1905, reached the advanced age of ninety-six years. Mr. Dry was a merchant at Dryville, Rockland township, which was named after him^ and lived a most useful and active life, having served his county in the Legislature and as register of wills, and was justice of the peace of Rockland township for over twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. George B. Schaeffer had a family of eight children, as follows : Wester and Llewellyn, coal and lumber dealers at Fleetwood, doing business under the firm name of Schaeffer, Wanner & Co. ; Warren, at school ; Kate and Sue, at home; Minnie, m. to Dr. Fred Kelchner, of Philadelphia; Rosa, wife of Dr. George S. Bleiler; and Harry Dry. Harry D. Schaeffer attended the public schools of Fleet- wood and later the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, where he was graduated in 1891. He then took a course at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., and was graduated in 1895. Mr. Schaeffer matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania as a law student, and after a year at that institution began reading law in the office of D. Nicholas Schaeffer. He was admitted to the Bar in 1899, since which time he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in Reading. Under the firm' name of Dumn & Schaeffer, he formed a part- nership with Harry J. Dumn, former clerk of Quarter Ses- sions. Mr. Schaeffer was appointed assistant district at- torney in January, 1905, and served in that" capacity for three years under District Attorney Kutz. In 1907 he was elected as district attorney and is filling that office at present. On April 17, 1901, Mr. Schaeffer was married to Miss Annie R. Wanner, daughter of the late Louis A. Wanner, who was a member of the firm of Schaeffer, Wanner & Co., of Fleetwood. One son, George Wanner Schaeffer, has come to cheer their home. Mr. Schaeffer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Kutztown Lodge, No. 377. He also belongs to the Reformed Church. HENRY MAY KEIM was born of a family which has been prominently connected with the city of Reading and county of Berks since the time of the earliest settlements therein. His father was Gen. George May Keim, who rep- resented his district in Congress and died at the beginning of the Civil war while preparing to leave with his troops for the front. His grandfather was Gen. George de Ben- neville Keim, who was born during the war of the Revo- lution and was in the military service during the Whiskey Insurrection. His great-grandfather was John Keim, who was one of the leading merchants of Reading, where he amassed a considerable fortune. His great-great-grand- father was Nicholas Keim, who was one of the earliest proprietors of the "Old White Store" at Fifth and Penn streets, shortly after it was first established by Conrad Weiser; and his great-great-great-grandfather was John Keim, the elder, who arrived in Pennsylvania shortly after its foundation, and settled in Oley township, Berks county, as early as 1718. Henry May Keim was born at Reading, Aug. 16, 1842. He graduated at the Reading high school in 1858, at the head of his class, and he entered the Sophomore class at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., graduating in 1862. Shortly after his graduation he enlisted for service in the Civil war, in Company I, 11th Pennsylvania Militia, and saw service in Maryland. He entered the service for the second time the following year, during Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, when he was commissioned lieutenant in Company A, 53d Pennsylvania Militia, and received distin- guished mention from his superior officers. Meantime he had undertaken the study of law in the office of Jacob S. Livingood, Esq., and was admitted to the Bar of Berks county Aug. 7, 1865. During the years 1874 and 1875 he served as one of the three auditors of the city of Reading. In 1876 he was Democratic county chairman, and succeeded in increasing the Democratic majority in the county for Tilden beyond all previous figures. In recognition -of his valuable party services and general ability, in 1885 he was appointed by President^ Cleveland United States consul at Charlotte- town, Prince Edward Island, where he most creditably represented his government and gained the highest respect and regard of the officials and people of the Island. Upon his return from this service, he was elected president of the Valley Railroad of Ohio, with his offices at Cleveland. The finaiicial troubles of the country occurring about this time having forced the railroad into a receivership, he was appointed one of the receivers, and by his careful man- agement soon succeeded in bringing it out of the receiver- ship and restoring it to prosperity. Upon the completion of his task he returned to Reading in fulfilment of his long-cherished desire to continue his residence here. Mr. Keim was devotedly attached to the places, people and traditions of his native county, and was foremost in all undertakings designed for the public welfare. He was a trustee of various important institutions, and was untir- ing in his exertions in behalf of the sesqui-centennial celebration of the founding of the city and in the move- ment to liquidate the debt of the Reading Library and to establish it as a free library. He was one of the or- ganizers and original corporators of the Historical Society of , Berks county, and was from the beginning its cor- responding secretary and member of the council. His public spirit, his careful attention to detail, and his zeal in all his undertakings made him a most useful member of society, while his uniform kindness and affability made him a general favorite with all classes and attached his near associates very closely to him. In 1867 Mr. Keim was married to Miss Emma E. Trex- ler, daughter of Horatio Trexler, and she survives. He died at his residence in Reading, Feb. 18, 1899. Mr. Keim was a devout member of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church at Reading, having joined in his boyhood. When he became of age he was selected as a vestryman, and he filled that position for a continuous period of thirty-five years, his services terminating with his decease. His de- votion to the Church was so highly appreciated that a tab- let was erected to his memory on the south wall of the auditorium, which bears the neat and expressive inscrip- tion: "A faithful friend — An Earnest Churchman — A sin- cere Christian." A Bishop of the Church said of him : "He was a perfect type of a Christian gentleman." De long. The first settler of the De .Long family in America was Peter De Long, a French Huguenot, who came to this country in 1732. His son, Henry, the great- grandfather of Tilghman De Long, was born, perhaps, in France. David De Long, son of Henry, was born in America, Jan. 4, 1770, and died Nov. 12, 1828. . He married Barbara Gery, and they had the following children : Daniel m. Catherine Long, of Butler county, Ohio; Benjamin ni. Catherine Rohrbach ; David ; Catherine m. Martin Kersher ; Esther m. John Fenstermacher ; Susannah m. Jacob Schra- din; Mary m. George Rohrbach; and Elizabeth m. Jacob Haas. David De Long, father of Tilghman De Long, was born July 6, 1813, and died Sept. 6, 1893, at the age of eighty years and two months. He married Catherine Haas, who died Nov. 28, 1877, aged sixty-four years, five months, eleven days. They had children as follows : David died aged twenty-six years; Henry, born Dec. 18, 1838, m. Adeline Fenstermacher, and is deceased; Milton H., who died Feb. 20, 1892, was twice married, and his second wife, Louisa E. (Knoske), lives at Bowers, Pa.; Tilgh- man ; Alvin H., residing on the old homestead, m. Gather- 406 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ine Saul; and Sally Ann died when two years old. David De Long, the father, carried on farming in Longswamp township, Berks county, through all his active years. TiLGHMAN De Long, son of David, was born Aug. 2, 1849, in Rockland township, Berks Co., Pa., and was edu- cated in the country schools as they were in his boyhood. He grew up on the farm, and also worked in the ore mines. When nineteen years of age he apprenticed himself to David Zimmerman, at Monterey, with whom he learned cabinetmaking and undertaking. After serving three years with this man he was considered a good workman and went to Schrader, FeHx & Kline, a well-known firm at that time, now doing business at Reading as Schrader & Kline, and remained there until 1872, when he came to Topton and embarked in business for himself. Mr. De Long at first worked alone, doing all his manufacturing by hand, but as his business increased he took an appren- tice, this being Charles Fenstermacher, who has continued with him ever since. His skill as a workman and his promptness in filling his contracts soon brought more and more business to Mr. De Long and he added more assis- tants, two of whom, Jonathan Barto and Lewis Keller, still are of his right-hand men. He began equipping his plant with some machinery that he put up himself first operating it by hand and later by horse-power, and recently he has built a new factory of large dimensions which he has equipped with the latest improved machinery. The year round he gives employment to from fifty to seventy- five men. He is now one of the leading manufacturers of Eastern Pennsylvania. His specialty is in the line of bank, hotel, store and church fixtures. In 1905, Mr. De Long organized the T. De Long Furni- ture Company, of which . he is president and principal stockholder, his sons, Ellwood and Victor, being partners. .'Vt the same time De Long, Son & Co. was organized, which includes the retail furniture and undertaking busi- ness at Topton and Fleetwood, the latter of which is man- aged by the other son, Irwin D. De Long. Mr. De Long officiated as undertaker at over 3,200 funerals before he delegated the Fleetwood branch of the business to Irwin D., in 1898. He is still active, though he employs Mr. Schofer to attend to the Topton branch of the undertak- ing business. On April 4, 1874, Mr. De Long was married to Angeline Fenstermacher, daughter of Reuben and Polly (Mensch) Fenstermacher. Her father, now deceased, was long a prominent farmer of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. De Long were born eight children, as follows : Minnie Ren- neta, born Aug. 3, 1875, died Nov. 7, 1876; Irwin David, born Aug. 7, 1877; Ellwood F., born June 23, 1879; Charles Franklin, born May 29, 1881, died Aug. 22, 1883; Ada Alavesta, born Dec. 26, 1882, married Milton O. Knauss, and had one child, deceased; Victor Wilson, born July 9, 1884, m. Laura Fisher, and has one daughter. Lulu Rachel ; Eva Helen, born Oct. 23, 1888, resides at home; and Lidu May, born Nov. 16, 1893, died Dec. 2, 1809. Mr. De Long is a stanch Democrat and on many occas- ions has been chosen by his fellow citizens to assume the duties and responsibilities attaching to important of- fices. He has filled all the minor borough offices, for three years was a director of the poor for Berks county, and at present is serving his second term as a member of the Topton town council. His good judgment, his business foresight and his sterling personal character, make him an ideal citizen. He apphes the same principles in looking after the interests of public business as he has always done to his private affairs, by which he has built up from a very small beginning a trade that extends all over the world, shipments of his goods having been made to Porto Rico and even to far-off China. Mr. De Long and wife belong to the German Reformed Church, and in this faith they have reared their family. He is a ,member of Camp No. 172, P. O. S. of A.; of Longswamp Lodge, L O. O. F. ; of the K. of P., at Lyons; and of Adonai Castle, K. G. E., at Kutztown. He is a man who in every relation of life can claim the respect of his fellow citizens, and he enjoys also in large measure their esteem. Ellwood F. De Long, vice-president of the T. De Long Furniture Company, was born and reared at Topton, where he first attended school. Later he became a student at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, and after- ward graduated at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry. For a long time he filled the position of designer for the large furniture factory and now is sales manager for the firm. He married Minnie Christ and they have one son, Karl Christ. He belongs to Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M., Kutztown; and to Camp 172, P. O. S. of A. Victor Wilson De Long, secretary and associate partner of the firm of T. De Long Furniture Company, was born and reared at Topton. From the borough schools he en- tered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, and afterward attended Schissler's Business College at Norris- town. He married Laura Fisher. He is a member of Camp No. 172, P. O. S. of A., and Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M., Kutztown. He belongs to the Reformed Church. IRWIN DAVID De LONG, manager of the Fleetwood branch of D'e Long, Son & Co., dealers in furniture and house furnishings of all descriptions at Topton and Fleetwood, was born at Topton, Aug. 7, 1877. His educa- tion was acquired in the borough schools, and the Key- stone State Normal School at Kutztown. In the spring of 1895 he entered Schissler's College of Business at Norris- town. Pa., completing the course there in October follow- ing. In the spring of 1897 he entered the Massachusetts College of Embalming, and graduated therefrom June 25, 1897, later taking a post-graduate course, which he com- pleted Nov. 18, 1898. He also took a post-graduate course in the Philadelphia Training School for Embalmers, com- pleting it May 2, 1902. He then became his father's assis- tant at Topton, the latter being one of the best known undertakers in the county, and the son had literally grown up in the business. On Feb. 15, 1906, the firm of De Long, Son & Co., was formed by the following: Tilghman De Long, Irwin D. De Long,and Jacob J, Schofer. They carry a very large stock of furniture and, in fact, of all house furnishings, and operate stores at Topton and Fleetwood. The senior member of the firm, Mr. Tilghman De Long, is one of the most highly respected men in the county, and has the largest trade of any undertaker in Berks county out- side of Reading. Socially Mr. Irwin D. De Long is a member of Camp No. 172, P. O. S. of A., of Topton ; Orion Castle, No. 501, K. G. E., Topton ; Willow Valley Lodge, K. P., Fleetwood ; Kutztown Aerie, No. 836, F. O. E. ; Fleetwood Castle No. 153, A. O. K. M. C. ; Yuma Tribe, I. O. R. M. ; Arab- ian Degree Kean; Buzzards Association, and Haymakers. He is a member of the Fleetwood Reformed Church, while his wife belongs to the Lutheran Church. On June 14, 1900, Mr. De Long was married to Katharine H. Drey, daughter of George L. and Katharine (Fisher) Drey, of Bowers. They have one daughter, Janice Ethel. Mrs. De Long greatly assists her husband in the under- taking business. JOHN J. KUTZ, lawyer of Reading, is descended from an old and honorable German family which has left its impress on the institutions of the county. He was born m Readmg, Jan. 16, 1865. Jacob, John, Adam, John, Adam, John, thus run the Christian names of the Kutz family from the great-great- great-grandfather to the present generation. Jacob and the first John were leading farmers of Berks county before the days of the Revolution, while the first Adam moved into the village of Reading and began the manufacture of hats, being, together with Samuel Homan (also the great-grandfather of jNIr. Kutz), pioneers of that industry m the country, a business which the grandfather also earned on, as did the father of our subject, Adam Kutz a member of the firm of Kutz, Arnold & Co., until the date of his death, m 1876. He married Mary R. Seidel, daugh- ter of Jacob Seidel, a retired farmer of Chester county. BIOGRAPHICAL 407 Pa., and to them were born four children, Sanwel and Bessie being deceased; those surviving are Sallie Edith and John J., the former the wife of Addison Allen, a lawyer of New York City. John J. Kutz was born in Reading and is a product of her institutions so far as his primary training is concerned. He later attended Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., where he graduated in 1884. Matriculating then at Yale University, he took his literary degree in 1888, and then took up the study of his profession in the law department of that University. He continued his study in the office of .Cyrus G. Derr, and in 1890 was admitted to the Bar of Berks county. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law, and in addition is inter- ested in financial and industrial lines. He is a director of the National Union Bank of Reading, a director of the Pennsylvania Trust Company, a director of the ' Reading Gas Company, vice-president of the Mt. Penn Stove Works, and president of the Columbian Cutlery Company. Mr. Kutz was the candidate of the Republican party for district attorney in 1895. He is a member of the Wyo- missing, Berkshire and Tuesday Clubs, and a member of the Lutheran denomination. Mr. Kutz was married to Mary Mcllvain, Jan. 26, 1898. Mrs. Kutz is the daughter of the late Morton C. Mcll- vain, an iron-master of Reading, who married Sidney H. Leoser, and on both sides of the family comes of distinguished stock. Her great-great-grandfather on the maternal side, Michael Hilkgass, was the first treasurer of the United States. On her father's side she is the great-great-granddaughter of John Morton, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and was in the Congress of the United States during the Revolution. Her grandfather, Thomas S. Leoser, was a distinguished veteran of the Mexican war, having been captain of what was familiarly known as the Reading Artillerists. Three of Mrs. Kutz's uncles were in the war of the Rebellion, Lieut. Howard Mcllvain, Capt. Charles McKnight Leoser and Lieut. Christopher Leoser. • JAMES A. SCHOFER, a prominent representative of the business life of Reading, located at No. 108 South Fifth street, is proprietor of that well-known establishment on South Fifth street — Schofer's Bakery. He was born Dec. 30, 1858, in Exeter township, Berks county, son of Christo- pher H. Schofer (who is mentioned elsewhere). James A. Schofer obtained a portion of his education in the common schools of Exeter township, association with th,e world through many years of activity in business completing it. His first work was the driving of a bakery wagon, attending the weekly market at Reading, and he continued in this work until he was twenty-eight years old. Wishing to perfect himself in the bakery business he went to Philadelphia and completed his trade under J. A. Moss, who had been chief steward at the "Continental Hotel" for fifteen years. After learning all that this competent instructor could teach him, Mr. Schofer returned to Reading and entered his father's bakery establishment, remaining there until 1885. Then, in company with William Miller, he en- gaged in the baking business on Douglass street, between Ninth and Tenth, remaining three years, at the end of which time he sold out to his partner and returned to his father's employ. Here he remained until 1894, when he started again on his own account, at his present quar- ters. From a small beginning, Mr. Schofer has built up a fine trade and he has one of the most complete plants in that part of the State, equipped with every known de- vice for modern baking. It is located at Nos. 108-110 South Fifth street, a brick structure 6f pleasing architec- ture, 48 X 230 feet in dimensions, and it is interesting to note the space given to the various departments in an up-to-date sanitary plant of this kind. The sales room and office contain 870 square feet; supply room, 480 square feet; first-floor bakery shop, 1,696 square feet; second-fioor bakery shop, 896 square feet; bread room, 1,349 square feet; third-floor flour room, 1.349 square feet; sifter and blender room, 2,444 square feet. The rear building is four stories high and each floor con- tains 4,000 square feet. There is nothing in the line of plain or fancy baking that this modern baker cannot accomplish, while fancy baking and choice confections of every kind, for entertainments on any scale, for weddings and all social functions, come entirely in the line of Mr. Schofer's capacity. He gives employment to forty ex- perienced workmen, uses seventeen horses and keeps his delivery wagons out constantly. He has eight persons for office work, a telephone girl, and everything found in a metropolitan establishment of this kind. It is a credit to Reading. In 1882 Mr. Schofer married Ella C. Kline, a daughter of Elam and Catherine Kline, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Schofer have had the following children : Robert R., who is manager of his father's store; Henry H., deceased; James F., a clerk in the establishment; Mabel A., a pupil in the Reading high school; Edward K. and Charles. In September, 1905, Edward K., of the above family, was accidentally killed while delivering goods to the "Mansion House," Reading. He belonged to the class of 1908, Reading high school, was particularly bright and was a great favorite with his classmates. His death was a ter- rible blow to his parents. The family belong to St. Ltdce's Lutheran Church, where Mr. Schofer has. been superin- tendent of the Sunday-school for seventeen years. Mr. Schofer has been eminently the architect of his own fortunes and his success but points the way for others to follow persistently the path of industry and economy in youth. In politics Mr. Schofer is a Democrat, although he has never cared for political offices. J. ALLISON ORR, one of Reading's representative business men, superintendent of the Mt. Penn Stove Works for twenty-five years, and for thirteen years a partner in the Reading Radiator Company, of which he later was president, held a position of recognized influence in the industrial circles of the city. Mr. Orr was born March 9, 1845, near Chester Springs, Chester Co., Pa., son of Wil- liam and Margaret (White) Orr, and grandson of Robert Orr, and he died Oct. 1, 1907. Robert Orr was born in Ireland, and was brought to America jn childhood. His parents located near Yellow Springs, and there after reaching manhood he engaged in farming. He died in 1853. For many years he was sex- ton of the Vincent Baptist Church. His five children were : William, George, John, Jesse and Mrs. Catherine Sturgis. William Orr was a shoemaker by trade, but later he became superintendent of an ore quarry. The latter years of his hfe he devoted to farming. He became a man of some substance, and lived to the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, Margaret, died aged seventy-four years. They had three sons : John W., of the Mount Penn Stove Works; Jesse, deceased; and J. Allison. In religious be- lief the parents were Baptists. The father was a Demo- crat. J. Allison Orr was afforded better educational advan- tages than were many of the youths of his day. He at- tended Franklin Hall and Pikeland Seminary, both ex- cellent schools. After completing his education he became a clerk in a general store in Chester county, remaining six years. In 1868 he came to Reading as a stove mounter for Orr, Painter & Co., but twelve years later he went to Philadelphia, where he purchased a milk route, which he carried on for two years, returning to Reading at the end of that time. He then accepted his late respon- sible position with the Mount Penn Stove Works where he had charge of 130 workmen. On Dec. 31, 1868, Mr. Orr married Cassie R. Saylor, and they had six children, three still living, as follows : Jesse, chief shipping clerk for the Mount Penn Stove Works, m. Katharine Goodhart; Bertha is at home; and Edwin was a student in the Electrical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.. The home of the family is at No. 40 North Third street. Mr. Orr was a member of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he was a Republican. 408 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA EDWARD S. KREMP, lawyer, Reading, comes from an ancestry which had its origin in Alsace-Lorraine, sev- eral generations of the family having resided in Saar- Union, while under the jurisdiction of France, of which municipality his great-grandfather, John Kremp, a Chev- alier de St. Louis (born Dec. 12, 1747, died Feb. 36, 1836), was Mayor from 1810 to 1819. Xavier Kremp, grandfather of Edward S., was born April 13, 1791, and was for a number of years municipal clerk of Saar-Union. Dominic Kremp, son of Xavier, born June 18, 1832, came to America in June, 18.50, taking up his residence in Read- ing. Berks Co., Pa. He dealt for many years in real estate but is now living retired. His wife was ^Matilda Leitham, daughter of Martin Leitham, a prominent farmer of Bally, Berks county. To them were born three chil- dren : Mary E., Anna A., and Edward S. Edward S. Kremp is a native of Reading, born Nov. 16, 1866. His early educational training was gained in the public schools of the city, and he later attended St. Vin- cent's College, at Latrobe, Pa., where he was graduated with first honors in 1886. Beginning the study of law in the office of Cyrus G. Derr, of Reading, he was admitted to the Bar in November, 1889, and has since continued to practice. Mr. Kremp married, in 1890, Miss Elsie Boas, who comes from distinguished ancestry, being the daughter of Capt. E. P. Boas and Elizabeth Kupp, the latter the daughter of Major Henry S. Kupp, of Birdsboro, Berks count}', who was provost marshal during the war of the Rebellion. Her mother, Rebecca (Morgan) Kupp, was a daughter of Colonel Morgan, the founder of Morgantown, Berks county, and the line here runs back to the Morgans of Revolutionary fame. To Mr, and iSIrs. Kremp has been born one daughter, Augusta. Mr. Kremp at one time owned the beautiful country seat known as "Ravenswood" in the suburbs, which was built by him, and he is the author of "Caws from. Ravens- wood," a booklet of poems which appeared in December, 1895, and which two months thereafter was translated into German by Professor Wilhelm Hartmann. F. J. KANTNER, M. D., a well-known physician, of Reading, Pa., where he has been successfully engaged in the duties that pertain to his profession since 1888, is one of the leading citizens of the city. He was born Sept. 12, 1852, in Penn township, Berks county, son of Joel and Elizabeth (Leib) Kantner. Thomas Kantner, grandfather of the Doctor, was born in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, in 1790. He be- came a prominent and well-to-do farmer, and he also owned and operated an old-time applejack distillery, ac- cumulating a comfortable competency. He died in 1869, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Heister, was born in 1792, and died in 1878. They were the parents of the following children : Lydia m. John Zerby ; Isaac ; Maria m. Jacob Spangier ; Margaret m. Isaac Knoll; Joel; Levi; Asa; Hannah m. Bennewell Deg- ler; Zeth ; Elizabeth; Ismael ; and Augustus. In religious belief the family were all members of the Reformed Church, and in political matters they were Democrats. Joel Kantner, son of Thomas, received his education in the common schools of Upper Tulpehocken township, and early in life he became interested in working in wood. He was a skilled and ingenious mechanic, and there was hardly anything in the line of wood or iron work that he was unable to make or repair. He built many church pipe organs in his locality, some of which are in use at the present time, and he also manufactured melodeons. In addition Mr. Kantner operated a small farm. He was a member of the Reformed Church, giving liberallv to its support, and he died in its faith in April, 1888, aged sixty- six years. His first wife died in 1859, agedl thirty years. He married (second) Leah ^Miller. His four children were all born to the first imion, and were : Washington, of Reading: Dr. F. J.; William T.. of Reading; and Levi, who died aged four years. In politics Mr. Kantner was a stanch Democrat. Dr. F. J. Kantner's early education was secured in the schools of Penn township, and he later attended Stouchs- burg Academy, subsequently teaching school for one term each in District and Jefferson townships, and later he at- tended the Womelsdorf Academy for two terms under Professor Grumbine. He then engaged in the sewing machine and musical instrument business, but afterward returned to the old home where he remained about one year. At the end of that time Mr. Kantner moved to Bernville, remaining there until 1877, when he came to Reading and accepted a position with C. M. Maxwell, selling pianos and organs, later engaging on his own ac- count at No. 517 Penn street in the same business. Mr. Kantner took up the manufacture of reed organs on a large scale, but finding competition too great, he sold out his business to take up the study of medicine, having previously read medicine with a view to entering the pro- fession, liut abandoning the idea on account of lack of funds with which to pursue his studies. He entered Jef- ferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1885, and was graduated therefrom in 1888, with the degree of M. D., at once opening offices in Reading, where he has since been engaged in a lucrative practice. In 1872 Dr. Kantner married Mary C. Zellar, of Marion township, Berks county. Four children have been born to this union : Laura L., a teacher in the public schools of Reading; Harry H., an attorney-at-law ; Mary A., wife of Dr. Stryker; and Lottie, at home. Dr. Kantner is a loyal Democrat in politics, and was elected coroner of Berks county for one term. CALVIN KLINE WHITNER, president of the Farmers' National Bank of Reading and founder of the mercantile business of C. K. Whitner & Co., at Reading, Pa., who has become known throughout Berks and surrounding counties as one of its leading merchants, was born in 1841, in the southern part of Oley township, son of George and Christiana (Kline) Whitner. Rev. John George Wittner, of Bellheim, Germany, the great-grandfather of Calvin K., was born in 1735, edu- cated at the University of Heidelberg, and in 1766 was sent by the Holland Deputies as a missionary to Amer- ica, landing at New York in the fall of that year' He was a son of Rev. Abraham Wittner. a Protestant min- ister in Germany from 1734 to 1743, and subsequently a councillor to the Consistory at Heidelberg. Abraham Wittner, his grandfather, was born in 1773, in Upper Milford township, Northampton (now Lehigh) county, in the vicinity of Zionsville, He was brought up to farming and about 1800 located in Albany town- ship, Berks county, where he carried on farmiiig until 1810, when he removed to Columbia county, and there continued agricultural pursuits until his decease, in 1854, at the age of eighty-one years. By his first marriage he had an only child, George, born Aug. 3, 1800, the father of Calvin K. ; and by his second marriage he had eleven children. ' George Whitner, his father, was a farmer near the "Yellow House" in Oley for many ye.-irs. He died Jan. 13, 1809, in the sixty-ninth year o"f his age. He was an earnest advocate of the common school system, against ■much local prejudice, and his influence assisted in its adoption by Oley township in 1850, he having been a great admirer of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, who was the chief agitator and defender of public schools before the people and the State Legislature. During this period, about 1845, the spelling of the familv name was changed from Wittner to Whitner. He married Christiana Kline (born Dec. 2, 1804, died Dec. 16, 1872), daughter of David Kline, of .'\mity township, and a lineal descendant of Elder George Kline (who was born in German v in 1715, emi- grated to New Jersey in 1738, and settled along the North- kill, Berks county, about 1750, where, as one of the "Breth- ren" or "Dunkards," he orcachcd the Gospel for up- ward of twenty years). Thev had eight children: David Rehocca, Abraham, Hiram, George, Samuel, Sarah and Calvin, of whom the onlv survivors are Hiram and Cal- vin. The first two children, David and Rebecca died w BIOGRAPHICAL 409 whilst young, and Sarah at the age of nineteen years. Abraham became a banker at Pottsville, having been con- nected with the Miners' Bank for many years. Hiram served as a teacher in the public schools in Berks coun- ty; became a graduated physician of Jefferson Medical College and practised in Berks and Schuylkill counties ; served as a surgeon in the Civil war; then located at Chicago, 111., where he invented and introduced "The Whitner two-rope safety device" for facilitating the work of and protecting window cleaners of large public build- ings, which has come to be extensively used in all the principal cities throughout the United States. George served as postmaster of Reading from 1881 to 1885. Samuel served in the Civil war with the Ringgold Light Artillery (First Defenders) and Durell's Battery, act- ing as quartermaster-sergeant from 1863 to the close of the war. Calvin K. Whitner received his education in the town- ship schools, and worked on his father's farm until nine- teen years bf age, when he entered the country store of Spang & Son, at Spangsville, situated about a mile north from the farm, which had quite an extensive trade on account of the "Spang Forge" at the Manatawny creek near by. He remained here, about a year, when he became clerk for Isaac Plank in his general store at the "Half Way House," eight miles north of Reading, on the Kutztown road. After serving in this position faithfully for three years, he became ambitious to con- duct a store of his own, and feeling qualified to do so established himself at Friedensburg," in Oley township; but after carrying it on for two years he decided to go into a larger field, with greater opportunities for suc- cess, and, disposing of his store stock, went to Reading in 1868. After looking over the business situation at the county- seat for a short while, and determining to follow a mer- cantile life there as his chosen vocation, he found em- ployment in the large and prosperous establishment of Kline & Eppihimer, on Penn Square, in order to become thoroughly acquainted with the manner of conducting bus- iness in a growing city, which was different from chat in the country. He continued with this firm until- the spring of 1877. With this prepara^tion, and appreciating the great resolution necessary to embark at that trying time in business for himself, he opened a dry goods store with a single department and six salesmen at No. 432 Penn Square, in a room 20 feet wide and 90 feet deep. Here he persevered with a constantly increasing trade for six years, when his quarters were found to be altogether too small, and, being obliged to secure a larger place to accommodate the demands of his business, and the opportunity being then afforded, he secured just such a place as he needed in the immediate vicinity, a .few doors to the east, on the same side of Penn Square, at Nos. 442 and 444. In the spring of 1883, he removed to the new quarters, with a floor space increased to near- ly four thousand square feet (the room being 30x130 feet), and started with ten departments and twelve sales- people. His announcement of a "Grand Opening on ' March 17th" was greeted with a flattering recognition by the public. His course of dealing was found to be so straightforward and satisfactory, that notwithstand- ing great competition his trade multiplied rapidly, and in 1891 he enlarged the room, added four new departments, and increased the number of salespeople to forty. In 1898, he purchased the adjoining property to the west, when he remodeled and extended the whole inter- ior of the building to cover a total floor space of 42,000 square feet, developed the departments to thirty-one and increased the salespeople to 215, or oyer five times the number in 1891. Since then, the departments have been somewhat changed and consolidated, so that now they number twenty-eight, but the salespeople have been in- creased to 260. His numerous patrons come to his "Day- light Store" not only from all parts of the city and coun- ty, but also from many places in the surrounding coun- ties. The brightness, cheerfulness and cleanliness of his establishment are not exceeded anywhere. The details of his business have been gradually developed to a high state of perfection, even to drilling his employes to the tap of a bell to meet a sudden emergency — such as a panic caused by a real or false alarm of fire. Having been asked to what he attributed his success mainly, he re- marked epigrammatically : "From the start of my career as a merchant, I have made my business a constant pleas- ure for myself as well as for my employes, and not pleas- ure a business." In 1889, Mr. Whitner's son, Harry K., was- admitted as a partner in the business, and the firm then became C. K. Whitner & Son; but the son's promising career as a superior business man of Reading in the footsteps of his father was cut short by his untimely decease in 1891. A faithful employe for many years, John A. Britton, was taken in as a partner in 1897, when the firm name became C. K. Whitner & Co.; and Jan. 1, 1907, his son-in-law, John Rick, was also admitted as a part- ner. Notwithstanding his great devotion to the establish- ment of his business in a thriving community, Mr. Whit- ner has shown much interest in the religious, social and financial affairs of Reading for many years. He and his family are members of St. Paul's Memorial Reform- ed Church, in which he officiated as a vestryman for several years. He is a trustee of the Y. M. C. A. ; a director of the Reading Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany; president and director of the Farmers' Nation- al Bank, and president of the Merchants' Association of Reading. In the Sesqui-Centennial of Reading, in 1898, he was chairman of the "Historical Committee," which super- vised the publication of a souvenir of the great and successful occasion, which was comp^ed by the author of this revised history of the county. In 1864, Mr. Whitner married Amelia Knabb, daughter of Daniel D. Knabb, of Oley, and Sarah (Hill) Knabb, his wife, and to this union there were born three chil- dren : Harry K, Sarah K. (m. Arthur E. Carrier, of New York), and Charles. Harry K. Whitner m. Es- tella Davis (daughter of Charles Davis and Emma Par- ker, his wife), of Reading, and he died in 1891, aged twenty-five years, leaving a son, Harry Davis Whitner. Charles Whitner died in infancy. Mr. Whitner's first wife died in 1873, and in 1876 he married (second) Mary Shalter, daughter of George Shatter, an ironmaster of Cumru township, and Eliza (Kline) Shalter, his wife. There were four children born to this second marriage: George Shalter, who died in 1901, aged twenty-four years, after having shown much promise as a business man in his father's store ; Elizabeth S. ; Carrie G. (m, John Rick, of Reading, and has .one daughter. Mary Elizabeth, and one son, Horace Whitner) ; and Mary S. Mrs. Whit- ner died Jiine 9, 1909. Mrs. Whitner's father, George Shalter, carried on the iron furnace business at the Mount Penn Furnace in Cumru township, several miles south of Reading, Pa., for a number of years. He died there in 1881, in his eighty-second year, after he had lived for a number of years in retirement. His wife survived him until 1892, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. They were the parents of ten children: Richard m. Hettie Swartz; Isabella m. William M. Kauffman ; Sarah m. Cyrus Hun- ter : Emma m. Dr. John Kalbach ; Mary m. Calvin K. Whitner; William m. Mary Kurtz; four children died young. JAMES M. HIGH, a prominent citizen of Amity town- ship, Berks county, was born in Richmond township, this county, Aug. 23, 1846, son of the late Joel and Maria (Merkel) Hoch. He was reared upon his father's farm, pvd was educated in the common schools, White Hall and Olev Academies and the Kevstone State Normal School at Kutztown. At the age of eighteen years he began teach- ing school, and taught five winter terms and two summer terms in the select school at Fleetwood. On Sept. 24, 1869, Mr. High with his family moved to Amity township, where he had purchased the Mount 410 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Pleasant Mills from his father-in-law, David Dry. This was then an old style custom mill, but in 1873 Mr. High remodeled it, substituting turbines for the old fashioned water wheels, and changed it to a flour mill. In 1890 he again remodeled it, this time instalhng a complete roller process, and changing the name to the Amity Roller Mills, under which he is still operating, turning out annually large quantities of flour and feed, for which he finds a ready market. He also has a well cultivated farm of some forty acres in connection with his mill. Mr High is a firm believer in Republican principles, and takes an active part in politics. Notwithstanding his party is in the minority he served his township three years as school director, and fifteen years as justice of the peace. Since 1891 he has been a notary public, and was re-ap- pointed only last February (1909). He served three years as county auditor, and for forty years has followed sur- veying, during that time settling many boundary disputes, besides being frequently appointed by the courts to lay out public roads and bridge sites for the county. He has officiated in the settling up of many estates as executor, administrator and assignee, and is frequently consulted in legal matters. He is a scrivener and conveyancer, and has always held the confidence of the community. In addition to all these many duties, Mr. High is secre- tary and a director of the Yellow House Creamery Asso- ciation ; and a director of the Sinking Spring Fire Insur- ance Company, of which he has also been president. In the spring oi 1908 he moved to near Yellow House, from where he can look after his many interests. His son Wilson D. at the same time moved to the mill. Mr. High and his family belong to the Reformed Church, in which for twenty years he held the office of elder. On Nov. 23, 1867, Mr. High married Amanda Y. Dry, daughter of David Dry, late a prominent farmer of Rock- land township. They have had three children, namely: Wilson D., a miller in his father's mill, m. Ellen Herbein, daughter of the late Aaron Herbein; Maria D. m. Samuel R. Rhoads; and Annie D. ra. Edwin H. Schearer, one of the proprietors of the Yellow House. A. RAYMOND BARD, a member of the firni which makes up the well known business house of Reading, the Bard Hardware Company, was born at Tremont, Pa., in 1873, son of George W. and grandson of Adam Bard. Adam Bard was the founder of this large and import- ant business of the city of Reading. Originally the firm was made up of Adam Bard and James T. Reber, and the location was at No. 741 Penn street. The business was organized in 1856, and was continued at the original lo- cation until 1878, at which time the firm bought property at the corner of Penn and Eighth streets. Adam Bard remained a member of the firnn until 1878, after which the members of the firm were George W. Bard, D. P. Schlott, A. F. Kramer and James T. Reber. The latter retired in 1893, and at the same time James M. Bard was admitted to the firm, and in 1897 A. Raymond Bard became a partner. George W. Bard was born near Ephrata in 1841, but moved to Reading in early childhood. He was still a stu- dent when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering the 93rd Pa. V. I., and for three years he honorably wore the Union blue and took his chances as a soldier. He then entered into the hardware business at Tremont, in Schuylkill county, and when his father retired he took his place in the firm of Bard, Reber & Co. The company owns a four-story building which extends from Penn to Cherry streets. Their business is both wholesale and retail, and the house is known for its reliability all over the State. George W. Bard married Irene Barbour Wummer, a resident of Reading, who graduated from the Reading high school in 186S. They have these child- ren : Alma, wife of Dr. C. H. Shearer ; A, Raymond ; Charles W. ; Claude M.; George P.; Mary E. ; R. Lynn; Warren; Margaret .A., and W. Hugh. Mr. Bard is a director in the Penn National Bank (chartered March 12, 1883) of which his father was one of the founders. He is also a director in the Reading Trust Company and of the East Reading Electric Railway Company. Mr. Bard and family reside at No. 27 South Ninth street. A. Raymond Bard attended the public schools of Read- ing and was graduated from the Boys' high school in 1889. He then entered a business house in the capacity of cashier, and spent one year in Philadelphia, connected with the Phoenix Bridge Company. Since he entered the firm of Bard Hardware Company he has been in charge of the office, as well as purchasing agent for cutlery, paints, bolts, etc., and is a competent and shrewd man of busi- ness. He is a very popular citizen. During the Spanish- American War he was in the service for nine months, a' member of Company A, 4th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and spent five months in Porto Rico, being acting Hos- pital Steward in the Reserve Medical Corps. He has numerous business connections, one of these being treas- urer of the East Reading Electric Railway Company, of Reading. He is superintendent of the Sunday school of Trinity Lutheran Church, and treasurer of the Humane Society of Berks County. For five years he was president of the Luther League of Pennsylvania, and for two years was president of the Reading High School Alumni As- sociation, during which time he founded a Free Scholar- ship Fund, of which he is treasurer. DANIEL F. KELCHNER, one of the leading business men of Fleetwood, proprietor of the Fleetwood Creamery, owner of a creamery at Moselem Springs, is a member of a family whose first representative came to Berks county between 1731 and 1741. Matthias Kelchner was the first to settle in Richmond township, Berks county. Tradition says that four broth- ers, George, Matthias, Michael and Henry, emigrated be- tween 1731 and 1741. Records show that Hans George Kelchner crossed the ocean on the "Pennsylvania Mer- chant," landing at Philadelphia in the fall of 1731, and that he and iVIatthias were brothers. It is probable that Matthias was under twenty-one years of age in 1731, hence his name is not on the passenger list. On the "Pennsyl- vania Merchant," landing in 1733, was Michael Kelchner, whose brother Henry also came to America. These four settled in eastern Pennsylvania. Michael Kelchner, son of Matthias, was a taxable in 1759, in Richmond township. He married Maria Eva Frey, whose tombstone bears the following inscription : "Maria Eva Freyin, wife Michael Kelchner, had 4 sons 1 daughter. In 1761 she married Peter Stetzler. With him she had 5 sons. She was married first in 1752. She was born June 24, 1730, died March 14, 1807, aged 76 years S mos. 10 days." She is buried at Zion's Church in Perry township. Three of Michael Kelchner's child- ren were: John m. and had a son, Henry; Jacob m. (first) Magdalena Wanner, and had children — Catharine, Maria Elizabeth and Daniel — and (second) Maria Wan- ner, and had children — Jacob, Samuel (who had an only son, Isaac), Mary and Hannah; Daniel. Michael Kelchner made his will Feb. 26, 1761 (See Book 1, p. 98) and his death occurred soon afterward. He gave to his wife, Maria Eva, one-third of his large estate. His father Matthias and his friend Christian Rothermel were his executors. It is probable that two of his children died young, as one item in his will is as follows : "That the three children shall be sent to church and school diligent- ly, and that they shall be instructed in English and Dutch." George Kelchner, of Richmond township, on Dec. 13, 1794, made his will as recorded in Will Book B, p. 356, and witnessed by Casper Merkel and John Christ, with Peter Kelchner, son of George, and the latter's wife Agnes as executors. Peter Kelchner received the Rich- mond township home. The six children were; Peter; INIrs, Jacob Yoh ; Henry; John; Jacob; and Esther, John Kelchner, probably a son of George, lived in Rock- land township. He made his will in October. 1836, and it was probated in November of the same vear, and re- corded in Book 7, p. 400, His son, Benjamin, and Samuel Beaver were executors, Leah Lorah, daughter of his wife, was remcn'bcred in the will. BIOGRAPHICAL 411 Jacob Kelchner was born in Richmond township, July 11, 1801. He passed the greater part of his life engaged in fanning about one and a half miles from Fleetwood. In 1834 he married Anna Sheirer, who was born in Maxatawny township. Thirteen children were born of this union, namely: Samuel; Mary; Joel; Edwin; Martin; Jacob; Hannah; Esther; Caroline; Isaac; Charles Augus- tus; Daniel P.; and Wilson R. The father died April 21, 1861. Daniel F. Kelchner was born in Richmond township Oct. 6, 1853, and his education was acquired in the public schools of his native township and Keystone State Nor- mal School at Kutztown. He was but seventeen when he began teaching, a profession he continued in for three terms in Richmond and Ruscombmanor townships, and at the end of that time he accepted a clerkship in a general store at Fleetwood. He followed this business for ten years, and then began in the produce business, continuing in same up to the present time. He is also engaged in the operation of the Fleetwood Creamery, and of another at Moselem Springs, each of which ships about 5,000 pounds a year to the Philadelphia" markets, where good returns result. In July, 1901, Mr. Kelchner added the manufacture of hosiery to his list of interests, and gives employment to eighty-five people in that line. He has an established reputation for honesty, and is industrious and energetic, quick to see the practical side of new methods and adopt them in his work. Mr. Kelchner was married Sept. 9, 1885, to Emily Peters, daughter of Joseph and Maria (Hoch) Peters, the fotmer of whom, now deceased, was engaged in a mercantile business in Molltown. Five children have been born to this union : Raymond, Harry, Walter, Daniel and Emily. Mr. and Mrs. Kelchner are members of the United Evangelical Church at Fleetwood, in which he has been a trustee some years. He is superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is very popular in its work. In politics he is a Republican, and for four years was school director, for six years a member of the borough council. In 1907 he was one of the organizers of the Fleetjvood National Bank, of which he is now President. He is a large property owner, and is a leading useful citizen, thoroughly respected in both public and private life. SCHULTZ (Line of Melchior, 1680-1734) Hereford township, in the extreme eastern end of Berks county, and bounded on the east by Lehigh county and on the southeast by Montgomery county, is the home of a number of families belonging to the religious s^ect kn6wn as Schwenkf elders, founded by Kaspar Schwenkfeld (1490- 1561), a Silesian nobleman and mighty factor in the Reformation. Many of the Schultz, Kriebel, Yeakel and a few other Schwenkfelder families have their homes in this district of Berks county, while about thirty Schwenkfelder families live in the adjoining region of upper Montgomery and western Lehigh counties. The Schultz or Scholtze family is traced to one Mathias Schultz. who was born A. D. 1612, on a Sunday (In- vocavit), lived through the Thirty Years' war, and died A. D. 1682, in the seventieth year of his age, at Lower Harpersdorf, in what was then the principality (now a government district) of Liegnitz, Silesia. His son, Mel- chior Schultz, is said to have been born A. D. 1647, and died on a Sunday (Invocavit), A. D. 1708, in the sixty- first year of his age. And his son, also called Melchior Schultz, was born June 26, 1680, and died Feb. 15, 1734, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, at Berthelsdorf, Sax- ony, about two months before the emigration to this country, then being contemplated. The last-named Mel- chior Schultz was the father of George, Melchior and Christopher, all of whom married, and descendants of George and Christopher still flourish in Berks county. George Schultz, son of Melchior, died Oct. 30, 1776, aged sixty-five years. On Jan. 31, 1744, he married Maria, daughter of Abraham Yeakel, and their children were Abraham and Melchior. The mother died Dec. 13, 1797, aged seventy-nine years. Melchior Schultz, son of Melchior, died Sept. 1, 1787. He was twice married, first to Anna Maria Meschter and second to Maria Hartranft, but had no issue by either wife. Rev. Christopher Schultz, Sr., the youngest son of Mel- chior, was born at Lower Harpersdorf, Liegnitz, Silesia, March 26, 1718. In the spring of 1726, owing to religious persecution, this family with others left home and pos- sessions and fled by night, arriving at Berthelsdorf, in Saxony, May 1st. Here Christopher became a shepherd boy, but his humble circumstances did not quench his spirit or ambition. In his youth he evinced a burning de- sire for books. His kind friend. Rev. George Weiss, as- sisted him in his study of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages. He also had the kindly assistance of Court Zinzendorf.' The three orphan boys, George, Melchior and Christopher Schultz, joining some forty Schwenkfelder families, forever turned their backs upon their native land, embarking for Philadelphia, where they arrived after a tedious voyage of about five months, Sept. 22, 1734. Young Christopher kept a diary ("Reise Beschreibung"), which is found in print in tRe "Erlauterung." At a com- paratively early period he was looked upon as a leading spirit among the Schwenkfelders, and was chosen their minister, serving as such efficiently and faithfully until the end of his days. He was the chief organizer of the Schwenkfelders into a religious body or congregation, composed the catechism still in use, compiled their hymn- books and wrote their constitution, as well as a "Com- pendium" of religious doctrines of faith of 600 octavo pages. For many years, up to the end of the American Revo- lution, "Father" Schultz, as he was called, kept up cor- respondence with friends left in Germany. He lived in stirring times and had varied experiences. At the age of eighteen years we find him, with his two brothers, select- ing a site for their future home in a dense wood forty- two miles north of Philadelphia, two miles west of what is now the borough of East Greenville, where they had found an excellent spring of water. Here, in 1736, assisted by Melchior Newman, carpenter, they commenced felling the tall oaks, rolling them on a scaffold over a trench, sawed them by hand into three-inch planks, whereof the outside walls of their capacious two-story house were constructed. Wagon wheels were made of the same article, horse col- lars were skilfully plaited of straw, traces were made of hemp, the grubbing hoe preceded the plow with wooden moldboard. There was no sawmill or gristmill within fifteen miles, and every resource of the pioneer was taxed to the utmost to supply the many lacks experienced in a new country. For clothing the Schultzes raised their own flax and wool, spun it with the aid of a single spindle, erected a weaver's loom, and wove the yarn into cloth. The three brothers lived in peace and harmony, and at the end of about ten years, under the blessing of Provi- dence, they had considerably extended their landed do- mains, increased their flocks and filled their coffers, so that the question which once engaged the attention of Abraham and Lot, at their parting, now confronted them. The result was that Melchior and Christopher sold out to their elder brother, George, the former going about three miles north, where he bought a farmi; Christopher, having married in 1744, now bought and settled at Clay- ton, Berks county. Here he lived to the end of his life. Among the early records of Berks county we find the last will and testament of Christopher Schultz, a model of its kind. It is dated the 24th day of October, A. D. 1788, and is witnessed by his friends, Abraham Schultz, Gre- gory Schultz and George Kriebel ; in it the testator, among other things, disposes of about 800 acres of land located in Berks, Montgomery and Northumberland counties. Pa., including two of the finest farms in eastern Berks ; one of them, late that of his brother Melchior, had been bought by the testator for and in the name of his son Andrew. His family, all of whom survived him, con- sisted of his wife Rosina, a daughter of Baltzer Yeakel, and four children, Regina, Andrew, David and Susanna. 412 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA It mio-ht well be asked how the one-time shepherd June 4, 1854, at St. Paul, Minn., and his remains were and weaver boy of Berthelsdorf came to have so much sent to Clayton, Pa., and interred at the Washington property at his' disposal. Matt. 19; 29. He could work Meeting-house). on the farm, or at the loom, perform deeds of kindness, Enoch K. Schultz, son of Adam, was born March 31, courtesy and condescension, withovit compromising his 1816, on one of his father's farms in Hereford township, dio-nity, which was unfailing. His life motto was "Soli and died on the farm where he was born Aug. 31, 1885, Deo Gloria" ("To God alone the honor")- Father aged sixty-nine years, five months. He was a farmer and Schultz died on the 9th of ]May, 1789, aged seventy-one also carried on sawmilling from his youth until his death, years, one month, thirteen days. The immediate cause a period of over fifty years. His sawmill, now operated of his death was 'apoplexy. His end was one of serene by his son, Daniel N. Schultz, was conducted before 1800 contentment and blessedness. He died as he had lived, by one Doris Eck, whose child was drowned in the mill His last words, barely audible to the family, were: "A penstock. Adam Schultz purchased this property in ISOl little while and ye shall not see me, and again a little or 1802, and a sawmill had been established there long while and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father." before. The present mill is the third on the site, and was The Rev. Christopher Hofifman, of Skippack, preached erected by Enoch Schultz in 1874. He also put up the the funeral sermon, taking for his text the words of Paul, present large brick dwelling, in 1877, and had previously n Timothy 4: 7-8, "I have fought a good fight, I have built the barn, in 1854. This property was in the Schultz finished my course, I have kept the faith," etc. name from 1785, and was purchased by Abraham Schultz Andrew Schultz, son of Rev. Christopher, born Jan. and Casper Yeakel from Charles Maberry in 1785. In 29, 1753, died Feb. 5, 1802, aged forty-nine years, six 1800 Abraham Schtiltz bought Casper Yeakel's share of days. In 1776 he married Charlotte Yeakel, who died the farm. Enoch K. Schultz was a Republican in politics, Feb. 11, 1825, and they had issue : Christopher, Susanna, and in religion a member of the Schwenkfelder Church, in Regina, Esther, Maria, Christina and Henry. which he held the ofBce of deacon. David Schultz, son of Rev. Christopher, born April 10, On Nov. 14, 1841, Mr. Schultz married Leah K. Neu- 1757, died Aug. 4, 1833, aged seventy-six years. He' re- man, daughter of Samuel and Regina (Krauss) Neuraan, sided in Hereford township, Berks county, immediately of Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, the adjoining the Schwenkfelder meeting-house. In 1781 he former of whom was a chairmaker by trade, and also married Anna Kriebel, and the following are the names made pipe organs, Mr. Neuman made an organ for each and years of birth of their children: Sitsanna, 1782; An- of his three daughters. Mrs. Neuman lived to be nearly drew, 1784; William, 1786; Rosina, 1788; Christopher one hundred years old. Mr. and Mrs. Enoch K. Schultz K., 1790; Philip, 1793 (died 1817); Maria, 1795; jere- became the parents of ten children, namely: Sarah m. miah, 1797; Christina, 1799; Regina, 1801. Abraham S. Krauss; Lydia m. Enos S. Schultz; Levi m. Abraham Schultz, son of George Schultz, the elder Sallie Reiff; Erwin N. is mentioned below; Regina m. brother of Rev. Christopher Schultz, was born March 33, Nathan M. Schultz; Susanna m. William S. Schultz; 1747, in Upper Hanover, Montgomery Co., Pa. He was Daniel m. Susan G. Schultz; Esther died unmarried, of a great lover of books, and, having a retentive memory typhoid fever, aged twenty-one years, twenty-one days ; and comprehensive mind, he became one of the best Mary m. Samuel R. Seibert, and died Sept. 6, 1902; educated men of his time. He was a member of the Emma died unmarried of scarlet fever. Enoch K. Schultz Schwenkfelder religious society, and served it in the died Aug. 31, 1885, and his wife passed away March 31, capacity of trustee, school inspector, teacher and cate- 1907, aged eighty-five years, six months, three days. chist. The community frequently called bis services into Erwin N. Schultz, of fhapel, Hereford township, requisition as scrivener and counselor. In 1796 he was Berks county, proprietor of the Chapel Planing Mill, was elected a member of the General Assembly from Mont- born July 26, 1847, on the Enoch K. Schultz homestead gomery county. He died on Dec. 25, 1823. In 1771 he in Hereford township, and there attended the public married Regina Yeakel, daughter of Christopher Yeakel, schools. His boyhood days were spent in work upon the and their children were : Benjamin, born July 30, 1772 farm, and he continued to work for his parents until he (died March 20, 1803); Adam, Sept. 20, 1775; Isaac, was thirty years old, learning the carpenter's trade at March 4, 1778; Abraham, Feb. 18, 1781 (died March 23, home, and also gaining considerable experience in the 1802) ; Frederick, Aug. 10, 1784 (died Dec. 17, 1794) ; sawmill business, in which his father was engaged. After Joseph, Jan. 22, 1787; and Melchior, June 33, 1789. leaving home he took up the carpenter's trade, which he Rev. Melchior Schultz, the other son of George Schultz, followed over a district covered by a radius of eight born March 35. 1756, died June 11, 1826, aged seventy miles, working as boss carpenter and employing as many years, two months, sixteen days. In 1781 he married as nine men. He was principally engaged in building Salome Wagner, and they had children : Christina, Regina, houses and barns, his principal contract being for the Maria, Henry W., Sarah, Frederick and Susanna (twins) Perkiomen Seminary, at Pennsburg, Montgomery county, and Rosma. Rev. Melchior Schultz was a minister of the a large institution which he put up in 1893, and on which society of Schwenkfelders for a long time, and he was a force of twelve men was employed from \ngust until likewise a farmer, Iivmg in Worcester township, Mont- April. In 1882 he built an addition to the Palm roUer- gomery county. niill. ^ Adam Schultz, son of Abraham, was born Sept. 20, 1775, In the spring of 1878 Mr. Schultz came to his present in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery Co., Pa., and home in Hereford township, which he bought from, his died Aug. 30, 1831, of typhoid fever, on his farm near father-in-law, Joshua Schultz, the following vear Here I reichlersvile, in Hereford township. Flis two sons he has his home and business, having remodeled the house died but a short time afterward of the same disease. He and barn, built several additions to the buildings and put owned 160 acres there, where the sawmill is located, and up the present planing-miH, where he keeps three nien engaged in both farniing and savymilling, likewise operat- constantly employed. He makes doors, sashes, window- ing a distillery, making apple-jack and rye whiskey. He frames, blinds, shutters, and other planing-mill products, also owned 214 acres in Washing on township, now owned which he sells in the surrounding towns and district, and by Mary .\nn Schultz. Like all his family, he was a he is a man whose personal integrity and high standards Schwenkfelder in rehgiotis faith. On May 31, 1801, Mr. command the respect and good-will of alf who know Schultz married Regma Knebel, born June 35, 1780, daugh- him. He is tall and well built, robust in constitution ter of .\ndrew kriebel, died May 3 1858. They had and commanding in presence, and is well known th otigh- children as follows: Abraham, born April 12, 1803 (died out the reo-ion ""uu^ii m-'^'i'k/^^''^^' J=o??'' ^a"!'" ^'c^""' J^''"' -'"'P''," ^' 1^"^ 0" Nov" 10, 1877, Mr. Schultz married Susanna S o''l,-^r'-A'l ^^-i;r-^''in'',c^f-n'' ?^l '^'',"' Nov. Schultz, born March 10, 1843, daughter of Rev. Joshua is'.. =^'\ c '7',^ o-To^^' ^^^V '^"°",'' ^■^" ^^^'"^^ ^1' Schultz, died Oct. 17, 1905, aged sixty-three vears seven 1816: Sarah Sept. 1 1818 (was drowned May 11, 1830); months, seven davs. Two children were born ioh^s Regina, Oct, 9, 1831; and Solomon, Nov. 9, 1834 (died union, Cora S. and Oscar S. Mr. Schultz's second mar- BIOGRAPHICAL 413 riage was to Mrs. Emma S. (Schultz) Yeakel, widow of William K. Yeakel, whom he wedded May 4, 1907. The family home is a comfortable residence on the Green Lane & Goshenhoppen turnpike. Mr. Schultz and his family are members of the Schwenkfelder Church, in which he is now serving his second term as deacon. He is a Republi- can in political opinion. JEFFERSON SNYDER, attorney at law at Reading since 1875, was born in Exeter township, Berks county, at what is now known as the village of St. Lawrence, Nov. 6, 1848. After receiving his preliminary education in the local schools and attending the Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College), he took a regular course at Lafayette College, and graduated with distinction in 1872, having received the highest honors of his class and delivered the valedictory in the graduating exercises. He then served as a tutor in the college for one year. With this pre- paration, he entered the law offices of George F. Baer, Esq., as a clerk and student, and, after a course of read- ing for two years, was admitted to the Bar Aug. 9, 1875. He then opened an office and carried on an introductory practice for two years, when he was selected by Mr. Baer to become his assistant. Mr. Snyder's ability and character came to be so highly appreciated by Mr. Baer in the course of a few years that he formed a law part- nership with him, and Mr. Baer continued a partner in the business until 1901, when he became the president of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and on that account was obliged to discontinue the practice of law at Reading. The law business was very large and diversified, and as Mr. Baer became more and more engaged in enterprises of various kinds, of a public as well as of a private character, the responsibilities of its management were gradually thrown upon Mr. Snyder, and he proved him- self thoroughly competent to take care of it. Philip S. Zieber, Esq., was admitted into the firm in 1898 (he hav-' ing been a student and admitted to practice as a lawyer from the same office in 1884, and having become familiar with the business by assisting in the office work until that time), and the name was then changed to Baer, Sny- der & Zieber, being thus continued until Mr. Baer with- drew, when it became Snyder & Zieber; and as such they have carried on a very active and lucrative practice until the present time. The intricate and extensive legal af- fairs of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and of the Reading Iron Company, in Berks county, have been looked after and directed in this office since 1870, which evide-nces the superior character and professional accomplishments of these attorneys; and the law reports of the State during this long period of nearly forty years show the great volume of litigation conducted by them be- fore the several courts. Mr. Snyder's son, Thomas laeger Snyder, Esq., has been a member of the firm since 1902, having studied law in this office and then been adinitted to practice before the several courts of the county. In 1877 Mr. Snyder married Anna Lizzie laeger, daugh- ter of Rev. Thomas T. laeger, of Reading, and Mary A. (Palsgrove), his wife, of Mercersburg, Pa., and they have three children : Mary, ml to Dr. John M. Brister, sur- geon in the United States navy; Thomas laeger, attorney at Reading; and John Kendig, who is studying music at the New England Musical Institute, at Boston. Mr. Snyder's father was Benjamin Leinbach Schneider, farmer, merchant and manufacturer of woolen goods in Exeter township, along the Antietam creek, near "Black Bear." He died in 1860, aged thirty-five years. He mar- ried Rachel Schmehl, daughter of Jacob Schmehl and Bar- bara (Breidegam), his wife, of Ruscombmanor township. She died in 1901, aged seventy-seven years. They had seven children : Adaline, ra. to Harrison Seidel ; Jeffer- son; Emma Louisa, m. to Harry Creen, of Philadelphia; Amelia Amanda, who died in 1867, in her girlhood ; Agnes, m. to Jacob Happel; Mary Olivia, m. to Isaac Deturck; and Stockton, m. to Ida Brumbach, both of whom were killed in the "Honda Wreck" on the Southern Pacific railroad in California May 11, 1907. His grandfather was David Schneider, farmer of Oley, along the Monocacy creek, about a mile above the "Oley Line" hotel. He died in 1866, aged sixty-nine years. He married Mary Magdalena Leinbach, daughter of Thomas .Leinbach, farmer, of Oley, and they had seven children : Simon, Benjamin, Joel, Jackson, Rachel (m. to William Brumbach), Mary Ann (m. to Harrison Yoder), and Emma (m. to Daniel Happel). Mr. Snyder's wife's father. Rev. Thomas T. laeger, was an active and influential Lutheran minister in Berks county for many years. His father was Rev. Gottfried Frederick Immanuel laeger, for sixty years an honored minister of the Lutheran Church in Berks county, born at lUigen, in Wurtemberg, Genmany, in 1796, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1817; located at Hamburg, Berks county, in 1818, where he then began to preach as a minister of the Lutheran Church; and died at Hamburg in 1879. In 1820 he married Mary Audenried, daughter of Lewis Audenried, of McKeansburg, in Schuylkill county, Pa., and they had eleven children, including Rev. Thomas T. His wife died in 1888, aged ninety-one years. THOMAS MYERS RICHARDS, for fifty years con- nected with the Reading Railway Company, and from 1905 until his death, Sept. 5, 1908, vice-president of the Philadel- phia & Reading Coal and Iron Company, was born at Pottsville, Pa., Oct. 27, 1835. Mr. Richards attended the public schools of Pottsville until 1842, when his parents removed to Reading, and he there attended the local schools until he was thirteen years old. He then worked in different stores for ten years, and he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railway Company, Oct. 3, 1858, as a clerk in the of- fice of the master machinist, and he was afterward con- nected with this great railroad, with the exception of the time of his service in the army. In 1867, he was transferred to Port Richmond to take charge of the ship- 'ment of coal, and he continued there until 1875, when he was promoted to the head of the coal sales department of the P. & R. Coal and Iron Co., with quarters in the - general office building, No. 327 South Fourth street, Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. His services were so highly ap- preciated that March 15, 1905, he was elected second vice- president of the company, and April 2, 1906, first vice- president. His employment with the company covers an extraordinary period of time, and his promotion to the head of the coal department, which is the largest in the country, in point of traffic, attests in the highest degree, not only his superior ability in the discharge of his re- sponsible duties, but his great fidelity to the enormous financial interests of the company. In April, 1861, Mr. Richards responded to President Lincoln's appeal for troops in the Civil War, by raising a company of infantry, which became Co. G, of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. They were mustered into service April 20, 1861, and Mr. Richards was elected second lieutenant. The company was discharged at the end of its term of enlistmient, July 26, 1861. He assisteid in raising, another company for nine months, which on Aug. 16, 1862, was m-ustered in as Company E, 128th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and rendered meritorious serv- ices. He entered as first lieutenant and was promoted to captain Sept. 18, 1862, which commission he held tmtil his discharge, May 19, 1863. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville May 3, 1863. Upon the company's re- turn to Reading, he re-entered the employ of the railroad company which had retained his position for him. He died Sept. 5, 1908, after several months' illness. ELMER E. STAUFFER, prominent in the business, re- ligious and social life of Boyertown and vicinity, comes of an old family whose early home was in the mountains of Switzerland. Extracts gleaned from various sources, chiefly from the diary of Hans Stauffer, written during his voyage from Switzerland, through Germany, Holland and England, to America, give the earlier history -of the family. 414 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (I) Daniel Stauffer, a descendant of the ancient house of Hohenstaufen, in Suabia, was born at Alzheim, near the Rhine, in Switzerland, about 1630, and there he also died. (II)- Hans Stauffer, son of Daniel, was born at Alzheim about 1650 or 1055. In 1685 he married a widow named Kinget Heisland. They belonged to a religious sect called Mennonites, and in 1709 they were driven by persecution to North America, but first they went to the Pfalz. The diary reads as follows : "In the year 1709, I, Hans Stauf- fer, left my own native land, the Schweitz, on the 5th day of November, with my wife and children, — Jacob, aged IH, Daniel 12, Henry 9, Elizabeth with her husband Paul Fried, and one child named Mary. After a stormy voyage, on Jan. 20, 1710, we arrived in London." In the spring after a perilous voyage they landed probably at Philadelphia, and settled at or near Valley Forge, Chester county, in the land of Penn. It is said that Hans Stauffer is buried in the Mennonite graveyard near Valley Forge. The sons who survived him were : Jacob, Daniel and Henry. (III) Jacob Stauffer, eldest son of Hans, was born at Alzheim in 1696. and accompanied his father to America in 1710. At Valley Forge he married, and afterward moved to a place called Hereford (now Washington town- ship). The country was then a vast wilderness, and a remnant of one of the Indian tribes resided there. He was one of the first settlers and original purchasers of a plantation in that neighborhood, which adjoined the land where later the Roman Catholic chapel was erected. His grain was carried on horseback to the gristmill some- where below Norristown, twenty miles away. Like many of his descendants he was a Mennonite, and he is buried in the Mennonite cemetery adjoining his plantation. His children were : Henry, born 1725 ; Christian, 1728 ; Susan, 1730; Esther, 1732; Ahraham, 1737; and John, 1737. (IV) Henry Stauffer, son of Jacob, was born Aug. 13, 1725, and he died June 19, 1803. He went to Colebrook- dale township, where he purchased a farm and developed it. His grave is in the cemetery of the Mennonites at Boyertown, on a lot he gave to the congregation of that faith for burial purposes. In 1770 he married Maria Buckwalter. (V) Jacob Stauffer, eldest son of Henry, was born Aug. 2, 1754, and he bought his father's farm in Cole- brookdale township, there following farming. He died March 20, 1839, and is buried in the Mennonite cemetery at Boyertown. This graveyard was given by him to the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. In 1785 he married Susanna Huff, and among their children were : Catherine, Esther, Maria, Judge John, Henry and Elizabeth. (VI) Judge John Stauffer, son of Jacob, was born July 4, 1792, and he died Nov. 28, 1854. He was a great friend of education, and was a leading citizen of Boyer- town. The Stauffer mansion, which he erected and which is now occupied by Elmer E., is a fine building, and con- tains much hand carved wood. Judge John Stauffer mar- ried Elizabeth Keely, and they had twelve children, among whom was William K. (VII) William K. Stauffer, son of Judge John, was born in Boyertown Sept. 19, 1819, and he became a fore- most man there. He died April 1, 1891, in a room im- mediately below the one in which he was born. This old home has sorne sixty acres of valuable land, and this Mr. Stauffer cultivated. He was a surveyor and convey- ancer many years, and was a useful man in his district. He was secretary of the cemetery board, and in this was succeeded by his son Elmer E., who also succeeded him as treasurer of the old Boyertown Water Company. Mr. Stauffer was a pillar in the Evangelical Church, and did much for the benefit of that church. He married Harriet Gilbert, daughter of Henry and Lydia (Spang) Gilbert, the former of whom, now "deceased, was a miller in Cole- brookdale. She was born Nov. 6. 1824, and now lives with her son Elmer E. They had children as follows: (1) Irwin G., born 1846, died 1849. (2) James G.. born 1848. died 1849. (3) Sidney G., born 1850, died 1851. (4) One born in 1852 died unnamed. (5) George Washington. born 1853, died 1857. (6) Rev. William Henry, born Aug. 28, 1857, was educated at Mt. Pleas- ant Seminary, Palatinate College (one year), and Ur- sinus College, from which he graduated, after which he again graduated at the Northwestern Theo- logical College, at Naperville, 111. He entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association, and is now stationed at Lyons, N. Y. He married Sybilla Schneider, of Suspen- sion Brid'^e N Y., and their children were ; Grace, Milton, Edith (deceased), Edna, Ruth, William and Arthur. (7) Francis G., born Aug; 6, 1839, married Feb. 22, 1881, Lizzie Keiper, of Naperville, 111., where he also attended Northwestern College, and was graduated. Their child- ren were: A son born in 1886 (died in infancy); and Leslie De Witt, born April 3, 1888, a noted athlete taking a college course in W^sleyan College, Delaware, Ohio. Francis G. is in the fence and wire business. (8) Elmer E. is the youngest in the family. (VIII) Elmer E. Stauffer was born on the old Stauffer homestead July 2, 1864. He was educated in the public schools of Boyertown, Mt. Pleasant Seminary, and Lafay- ette College, Easton, Pa. He took the civil engineering course, but on account of his father's ill health, he was compelled to abandon his college education for the time, and consequentlv did not graduate at Easton, but later, in January, 1S8'6, graduated from Bryant & Stratton s Business College at Philadelphia. After his return home he engaged in conveyancing, together with the real estate business. He did most of the grading and surveying for the borough of Boyertown, and in 1907. when the brick street paving was put down, he was elected by the council as engineer with an assistant to oversee that the work was done according to the specifications. He is associated in business with Horace F. Tyson, under the firm name of Tyson & Stauffer, dealing in lumber, coal and feed at Barto, and doing an extensive business. Mr. Stauffer is a director in the Boyertown Casket Company, a posi- tion he has held since 1902. He is notary for the Nat- ional Bank of Boyertown, and is secretary of the Fairyiew Cemetery. He and his family are members of the Trinity United Evangelical Church, Boyertown, and he served the church faithfully as treasurer and trustee many years. He has been superintendent of the Sunday school since his young manhood, and in many ways has proved him- self an earnest worker in the cause of Christ. Mr. Stauf- fer has settled up many large estates, among these being the Kuser, Levengood and Bleyler estates. He was also executor of his father's estate. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, but in home elections often votes the Re- publican ticket, always trying to vote for the best man and for the best interests of the commiunity. He was a member of the school board three years, and was also secretary, and helped on the plans of the present high school. On Oct. 16, 1888, Mr. Stauffer married Andora F. Ty- son, daughter of Abraham and Susan (Fetterolf) Tyson, of Royersford, Pa. Mrs. Tyson was a sister of Dr. A. H. Fetterolf, President of Girard College, Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer have three children : Eva May, Walter Tyson and William Everett. JOHN A. MATTHEW, a prominent citizen and success- ful hardware merchant at Womelsdorf, Pa., was born in that town Nov. 21, 1846, son of Elias and Elizabeth (Man- derbach) Matthew. His paternal grandfather lived at Newmanstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., and is buried there. Elias Matthew was born at Newmanstown, Pa., Nov. 18, 1816, and died Sept. 12, 1893, aged seventy-six years, nine months, twenty-four days. By trade he was a stone- cutter, and he became quite well-to-do, owning his own home. He married Elizabeth Manderbach, born March 18, 1824, and died Nov. 30, 18S8, aged sixty-four years, eight months, twelve days. Her father, John Manderbach, served as sheriff of the county. To Elias Matthew and wife were born five children, as follows : Maria m. John K. Beidler, of Cumberland county. Pa. ; John A. ; Sarah m. S. L. Gabel, deceased ; Adda ni. S. E. Illig, a barber BIOGRAPHICAL 415 at Womelsdorf; and Harry D., a successful merchant at Berlinville, Pa., m. Mame Bennethum. John A. Matthew attended the schools of his native town, and also the schools in Heidelberg township. His boyhood days were passed upon a farm in Ohio, but when the Civil war broke out he returned to his home, and enlisted from Womelsdorf in June, 1863, becoming a member of Company K, 42d Pennsylvania militia, which was enlisted for three months, but was in service only six weeks, going as far as Hagerstown, Md., and then returning to Womelsdorf. On Feb. 12, 1864, he enlisted a second time, becoming a private in Company B, 55th Pa. V. I., under Gen. Ben. Butler, in the Army of the James. He participated in the following engagements : Drury's Bluff, Va. (in which the regiment lost over 300 men). Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Chapman's Farm, Fort Gregg, Fort Baldwin, Hatchers Run, and then followed Lee to Appomattox. He was mustered out Aug. 29, 1865. After the war he was unable to work for nearly two years because of a sore foot. In 1868 he bought out the omnibus route from Womelsdorf to the railroad sta- tion, which he ran daily for twenty years. In 1888 he opened a hardware store on High street which he still conducts, and in which he has been very successful. He owns his own building, and this has a frontage of sixty- six feet. In politics he is a Jefferson Democrat, and he has filled a number of local offices of trust and respon- sibility, among them those of burgess of Womelsdorf, treasurer of the borough and councilman. He was a mem- ber of the school board for six years and treasurer for a number of years. He and his family are Lutheran mem- bers of Zion Union Church. Mr. Matthew married Lizzie Geissler, of Reading, and they have had five children : Luther H., associated with his father in business; Paul A., a tinsmith; Grace E., at home; and Anna Martha and Rosa May, who both died in infancy^ John G. Geissler, father of Mrs. Matthew, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, where his father, also named John G., carried on tinsmithing. He learned his father's trade, beginning at the age of thirteen years, and after finishing his apprenticeship assisted his father in the business. In the spring of 1847 he came to America, ar- riving in Reading in April. Here two of his uncles were engaged in the tinsmithing business, and they gave him employment. He wrote home to his father of the great opportunities open in Reading, and as a consequence John G., Sr., crossed the ocean in the same year, bringing the entire family, and soon becoming well established in the stove and tinware business in Reading. All the sons made their father's trade their life work with the exception of John M., of Minnesota, who is an extensive farmer and member of the State Legislature. On Jan. 1, 1861, John G. Geissler, Jr., started in the stove and tinware business for himself at Sinking Spring, and in 1863 transferred it to Womelsdorf, where he was afterward located, later being assisted by his son, Charles B. Their establishment was one of the largest of the kind in the county. It occupied all of the building on Front street, once used by Congressman Ermentrout's ancestors as a hat factory. As long as he lived Mr. Geissler worked in the store from morning till night, and accomplished a great deal in the course of the day. For some years he did not go on roofs, but in his younger days preferred roofing to any other branch of his trade. He had a comfortable residence at the corner of Second and Franklin streets, Womelsdorf. He married Margaret, daughter of George Buck, long since deceased, of Temple, a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. Geissler died in 1883. Their children were: Elizabeth (Lizzie) m. John A. Matthew; Augustus, of Minnesota, is engaged in the stove and tin- ware business; Charles B. is with his father; Maggie m. N. D. Snyder, of York; James A. is in the hardware busi- ness in Minnesota; John M., of Womelsdorf, was for fifteen years with A. S. Valentine & Son ; Miss Rosa kept house for her father. Mr. Geissler was one of Womelsdorf's most useful citizens, and his friends were numerous. He had been a member of the town council. and member of the school board. Fraternally he was one of the early members of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf; a charter member of Germania Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Reading; and formerly belonged to Goethe Lodge, Harugari. He died Jan. 20, 1899, aged seventy-six years, ten months and five days. IRA P. ROTHERMEL, eldest son of John K. and Su- sanna E. (Peters) Rothermel, was born in Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa. His father was a descendant from one of the earliest families in the county, and a prominent farmer in Richmond township, and our subject's youth was mostly spent in assisting in the arduous duties of the farm. The advantages of a liberal educa- tion, however, were not denied him. He was educated in the public schools of his township, Brunner's Scientific Academy at Reading, and the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown. After teaching a country school in Ruscombmanor township for one year, he entered Lafayette College, from which institution he graduated in the classical course in the year 1885. The following year Mr. Rothermel came to Reading, and began the study of law under the direction of Frank R. Schell, Esq., and after the latter's decease, which oc- curred a few months later, he entered the law offices of Jacob S. Livingood, a distinguished lawyer, under whose preceptorship he continued and concluded his law studies. He was admitted to the Berks County Bar Jan. 21, 1888, and later to the Supreme court and the Superior court of this State. Since his admission to the Bar he has assiduously carried on his profession in a successful man- ner, mostly in the line of office practice and in the settle- ment of estates. Mr. Rothermel became affiliated with the Freemasons at Reading in 1891, where he joined Chandler Lodge No. 227, Excelsior Chapter No. 237, and Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar. In manner, Mr. Rothermel is modest and unassuming, by nature kind and genial, hon- orable in all his dealings and generous to every one in word and deed. Mr. Rothermel was married to Elizabeth Grim, and they have three children, John G., Daniel G. and Catha- rine G. The family are active members of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church. Mrs. Rothermel is a daugh- ter of Daniel P. Grim, of Kutztown, and a grand-daughter of Col. Daniel B. Grim, who conducted a large farm, tannery, general store and hotel at Grimville, in the up- per section of this county. BENJAMIN E. BIEBER, chief burgess and prominent citizen of Topton, where he is the owner and proprietor of a general store, was born on the old Bieber homestead, in Longswamp township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Jonas and Annie (Eck) Bieber. Jacob Bieber, grandfather of Benjamin E., was a farm- er and laborer in Longswamp township, and was very well known. He married Susan Keim, who was born in Oley township, Berks Co., Pa., and they had six children, namely: Jonas; Jacob; Susan (m. Samuel Warmkessel) ; Elizabeth (m. Jacob Long) ; Hettie (m. a Mr. Weiser) and Mrs. Reuben Walb. Jonas Bieber followed farming and shoeraaking all his active life. He was married in early manhood to Annie Eck, daughter of Daniel Eck, and they had the following children: William E. ; Benjamin E. ; George E. (m. to Annie Geist) ; Emma (m. to. Charles A. Fegley) ; Eliza- beth (m. to Alvin Dunkel) ; Mary (unmarried) ; Louisa, twin sister of Benjamin (m. William Weil, who survives her) ; Susan (m. Henry Slicher) ; and Lillie (m. Jonas O. Weiler). Benjamin E. Bieber was reared in the neighborhood of his place of birth and he attended the local schools. His first work was done around the iron ore mines, but later he became a clerk in the general store at Topton, of which he is now proprietor. He carries an excellent stock and does a very satisfactory business. He has been active in the public affairs of the community and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens to a very large extent. 416 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA As chief burgess of the town, he fills the highest office in their gift. In 1886, Mr. Bieber married Montana Gerhart, daughter of John and Sarah (Romig) Gerhart, the latter of whom was a daughter of John and Sallie (Frederick) Romig. Air. and Airs. Bieber have one son, Lloyd J., born Oct. 7, 1887. He is a graduate of the Topton high school, and is now learning business methods as his father's assistant in the general store. The familj' belong to the Topton Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Bieber has served as a deacon for about sixteen years. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. LEVI B. SMITH. The Smith family from which Mr. Levi Bull Smith was descended is of Scotch extraction, tlie name being originally McDonald. During the reign of James I. of England they crossed the North Chan- nel into Ireland, taking up their residence in the north- eastern section of that country, where they left numerous descendants. The change of name is accounted for by an interesting circumstance handed down in the family tradition. Just before the battle of the Boyne, when the King, William III, was reconnoitering that famous field, his horse cast a shoe. There was no farrier to replace it, but McDonald, in whose neighborhood the incident occurred, being, like many other farmers of the region, something of a blacksmith, volunteered his services, shod the horse, and thus enabled the King to proceed. From that time his neighbors, who like himself were in sym- pathy with the cause of William, dubbed McDonald "the Smith." and the name clung to him, and was adopted by his family as a patron}'mic. Being staunch Presbyterians, the Smiths, together with a large proportion of the Irish tenantry, at a subsequent period resisted the rigorous proceedings of the Established Church of England to enforce the provisions of the "Sacramental Test" law, under which they were required not only to pay tithes to the Church, but to conform to all its requirements respecting marriage and civil rights,- under pain of invalidation of all religious acts performed without its pale. To enforce obedience to this arbitrary measure, the absentee landlords raised the rents of all their recusant tenantry, and otherwise rendered their con- dition intolerable. This was among: the causes which in- duced the Scotch-Irish emigration in the first half of the eighteenth century to the Colony of Pennsylvania, found- ed preeminently upon the principle of absolute liberty of conscience. Among the earliest of the emigrants were John Smith and his wife Susanna, of County Monaghan, Ulster, who came over in 17'20, the year after the enforcement of the "Test." After a long and stormy voyage they landed at Philadelphia, and took up their new residence in Uwchlan township, Chester Co., Pa. With her brother John came Mary Smith, who married William Fulton, one of their grandchildren being Robert Fulton, born in Little Britain. Lancaster county, whose name is indissolub- ly linked with the evolution of the invention of the steam- boat. John and Susanna Smith were the parents of fifteen children. One of these, Robert, was born on the voyage to America. The father died in 1703, and the mother in 1767. His three older brothers having gone out to seek their fortunes elsewhere, the family homestead came into the possession of Robert, who became a prosperous and respected citizen and was prominently connected in his later years with public affairs. During the French and Indian war he was in the Provincial service with the rank of sergeant. At the outbreak of the Revolution he en- tered warmly into the Patriot cause, and was commis- sioned captain of the 1st Battalion of Associators of Ches- ter county. In 1775-76 he assisted in the construction of a line of chevaux-de-frise across the Delaware below Philadelphia, designed to obstruct the progress of the enemy by the river to the city, and in the laying out of the land fortifications adjacent, under the direction of the Committee of Safety. Fie was a member of the Con- vention of 1776, which devised the first Constitution of Pennsylvania after Independence, In 1777 he was ap- pointed lieutenant of the county of Chester, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, which office he held until 1786, being charged with the arduous and responsible duty of raising, arming and provisioning the military forces of the district. He was sheriff of the county in 1777 and 1778; member of Assembly in 1785-86, and during the same per- iod a trustee of the loan office. In 1791 he was elected a justice of the peace and continued in that office until his death in December, 1803. Robert Smith was a staunch Presbyterian, and an elder of the church at Brandywine Manor, of which the Rev. John Carmichael, like himself an ardent patriot, was pas- tor during the Revolutionary period. He married in 1758 Miargaretta Vaughan. daughter of John Vaughan, of Uwchlan township, who survived him until 1822, dying at the age of eighty-six. They had eleven children. Of their sons, Jonathan was for many years connected with the first United States Bank and with the Bank of Penn- sylvania, of which latter he was cashier, and was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Insurance Company; John was an iron-master, and Joseph an iron and shipping merchant of Philadelphia. John Smith, iron-master, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at the old homestead in Chester county April 8, 1763. In early life he was manager of the War- wick Furnace in Chester county, then owned by Col. Thomas Bull, a distinguished Revolutionary patriot, long associated with the iron industry in eastern Pennsylvania in connection with the well known families of Rutter and Potts. Having married in 1790 Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel Bull and his wife Ann Hunter, John Smith re- moved in that j'ear to Dale Furnace, in Hereford town- ship, Berks county, of which he had become co-owner with Thomas and Joseph Potts, Jr.. and six years later went to Joanna Furnace, on Hay creek, Robeson township, hav- ing become partner in that establishment with his' father-in- law. Colonel Bidl, and Thomas May. Joanna Furnace was built in 1792 by Samuel Potts and Thomas Rutter, being named in honor of the wife of the former. The substantial stone mansion house, still standing, though modernized, was erected in 1793. Attached to the estate were numerous tracts of woodland, aggregating several thousand acres, from which the works were supplied with charcoal. Having eventually acquired the entire ownership Mr. Smith resided at Joanna until his death, which oc- curred April 3, 1815, when he was aged fifty-three. His wife survived him twenty years, dying in 1835. They left ten children, three sons and seven daughters. The former were: Thomas B., Levi B. and John Vaughan. Of the daughters, Ann Hunter married James Richards; Sarah Bull, Jacob Loeser; Margaretta Vaughan, William Darling; Elizabeth Bull, Joseph O'Brien: Susan Grier, Rev. George Burcker, and Jane Correy, Goodloe H. Bowman. i\Iary Cobean died unmarried. Levi Bull Smith was born at Joanna Furnace Feb. 8, 180G. He received a liberal education, graduating at Princeton College in 1824. He subsequentlv studied law at the law school at Litchfield, Conn., and was admitted to the Bar of Berks county, Pa., Jan. 10, 1827. He mar- ried April 10th, of the same vear, Emilv H. Badger, a native of Bucksport, Maine (born Jan. i, 1807), and a descendant upon the paternal side of the Buck family, of Puritan stock, who einigrated to New England in 1635. From 1829 to 1831 he was engaged in farming at the old Reading Furnace, in Chester countv. and from 1831 to 1833 was in the mercantile business at Alount Airv, in Union township, Berks county. In the latter vear he removed to Joanna, and became the partner in that works of his brother-m-law,^ William Darling, under the firm name of Darling & Sinith. In connection with the manufacture of iron the casting of wood-burning stoves became the prin- cipal business. Mr. Darling, a prominent member of the county Bar, was an associate judge, and the active man- agement devolved on Mr. Smith, who acquired even- tually the interest of his partner, and admitted his sons into partnership under the firm name of Levi B. Smith & Sons. The manufacture of pig-iron exclusively was car- £i^ /^. y^y^ JJiUGRAPHICAL 417 ried on with profit for many years before, during and sub- sequent to the Civil war, the estate passing into the sole ownership of one of the sons, Col. L. Heber Smith, in 1877, and the works discontinuing operations in 1905. Upon his retirement from the active management of the iron business he removed in 1863 to Reading, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Reading in that year, and was its president from its incorporation until his death. These institutions, being government deposi- tories, and under the management of men of patriotic principles, not only built up an efficient financial system but materially aided in sustaining the credit of the gov- ernment at the most critical period of its history, and promoting the public faith in the ultimate restoration of its authority. In those troublous times Mr. Smith's most ardent sympathies and active efforts, were devoted to the triumph of his country's cause. He gave freely of his means for the raising and equipping of troops for the field, and his vigilant attention to the thwarting of the opposition schemes of the enemies in the rear. An Abolitionist in principle and an old-time Whig in his political faith, he became from the foundation of the Republican party one of its most zealous supporters. Whilst never seeking public office he was named as the Republican candidate for Congress in the Berks district in 1860, and his popularity was shown in the result at the election, when he ran considerably ahead otf the State ticket. In the town- ships of the southern section of the county adjacent to his home his vote was especially strong. Having been placed the same year upon the Lincoln electoral ticket, . he withdrew on the ground of the iricompatibility of that position with his Congressional candidacy. At an earlier period he was upon several occasions a delegate to county and State conventions of the Whig and Republican parties. His judgment upon questions of finance was eminently conservative and sound, and the same shrewdness and forecast which he evinced in the management of his own large estate well qualified him for the successful discharge of the various business relations which he assumed to- ward others during his residence in Reading in the latter part of his life. Among these were his membership of the board of managers of the Reading Gas Company and of the Reading Fire Insurance Company, of the latter of which he was one of the organizers. Every associated effort for the literary culture and social betterment of the community received his co-operation and support. In his denominational affihations Mr. Smith was a mem- ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was a mem- ber of the vestry of St. Thomas Church, Morgantown, and a delegate for more than thirtv years from that parish to the diocesan convention. In 1858 he was a delegate to the general convention which met in New York City. Upon his removal to Reading he became a vestryman of Christ Church, remaining such until his death. Personally Mr. Smith was of a genial and companionable disposition, possessing a marked and never- failing trait of humor, which made his presence at all times enlivening and agreeable. To be just to all men and faithful to his own was the ruling principle of his character and life. After a brief illness the end came to him at his home Aug. 8, 1876, when a few months advanced in the seventy- first year of his age. His estimable wife died Dec. 16, 1882. They had ten children: (1) Nancy Valeria, born March 14, 1828, married June 12, 1855, William Hiester Clymer, whom she survived, dying Aug. 17, 1901, leaving six children. (2) Elizabeth Frances, born March 19, 1830, married June 15, 1869, the Rev. Elias J. Richards, D. D., a talented and eminent clergyman of the Presbyterian de- nomination, for upward of twenty-five years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Reading, whom, together with their only child, Jane Ellis (born April 8, 1870), she sur- vives. (3) Bentley Howard. (4) William Darling. (5 and 6) Levi Heber and Emily Annetta. (7) Mary Badger, born March 19, 1840, died May 22, 1864. (8) Horace Vaughan, born Aug. 20, 1842, died July 23, 1878. (9) Thomas Stanley. (10) Edward Hunter, born April 17, 1847, died Sept. 7, 1856. 27 The eldest son, Bentley H. Smith, born Dec. 6, 1832, at Mt. Airy, Berks county, attended the academy of Wil- liam F. Wyers, at New London, Chester county, and en- tered Amherst College at the age of fourteen, graduating in 1851. He was a bright scholar, especially versed in the classics, and three years after his graduation received from the college the degree of A. M. He was engaged the greater part of his active life in the iron manufactur- ing business, principally at Joanna, in partnership with his father and brothers, and subsequently as member of a firm owning and operating the Temple Iron Works, in Muhlenberg township. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted in the first three months' service, becoming a corporal in Company A, 14th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, mustered April 87, 1861, and before the ex- piration of his term was promoted to the second lieu- tenancy of Company K. In the latter part of June, 1863, at the time of the Confederate invasion of the State, he raised a company which was attached to the 42d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, enlisted for ninety days, and upon the regimental organization was appointed major. Retired from business for many years, he devoted himself to general literature, his reading embracing the works of all the great writers of the age in science, philosophy and theology. Of ecclesiastical lore he had an accumulation which would have qualified him for a professorship of Bible exegesis in the faculty of a university. In addition to habits of close and careful reading he was a profound thinker and clear reasoner, ever searching for truth, and rejecting the illogical and unscientific. His was a mind alike gifted and discriminating. His native geniality of dis- position made him a most agreeable and entertaining com- panion. One of his most marked traits was his benevol- ence of heart, evidenced by his open-handed and unosten- tatious charities toward all classes and conditions of un- fortunates. The possession of such qualities distinguished him as one of nature's noblernen, and won for him a wide circle of devoted friends. He died Jan. 19, 1909, when a little upward of seventy-six years of age. L. Heber Smith, born Oct. 18, 1837, at Joanna Furnace, attended WiUiston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., and, with his father and brothers, engaged in the iron manufactur- ing business. He was captain of Company A, 128th Regiment, P. V., mustered August, 1862, for nine months' service, and was promoted Feb. 1, 1863, to lieutenant-colo- nel ; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville and confined for a time in Libby prison, being subsequently exchanged. After the death of his father he acquired the sole ownership of the Joanna estate, and carried on the works until, within a few years of his death, which occurred Aug. 5, 1898. He married June 17, 1868, E. Jennie Grubb, of Lancaster, Pa., who, with six children, sur- vives himx. Thomas Stanley Smith, M. D., was born at Joanna Furnace, Jan. 25, 1845, graduated at Amherst College in 1865, and at the Jefferson Medical School in 1868'. He subsequently spent a year at the University of Leipsic, Germany, pursuing studies in chemistry, a branch in which he specially excelled. Upon his return he filled the posi- tion of lecturer on physical diagnosis in the summer course at the Jefferson College. He practised his profession in Reading for a period of ten years, devoting his attention particularly to ophthalmology, in which he acquired no- table skill. Dr. Smith's scientific attainments were of a high order, and had his ambition been for eminence in his profession, he possessed the genius to attain it. His health failing, his career was cut short by death, Nov. 25, 1887, in the forty-third year of his age. CAPT. AARON ZIEGLER, proprietor of one of the largest retail wall-paper establishments in the city of Reading, , with business rooms at No. 355 Penn street, is one of the leading citizens of .the city, and a man whose services to his country in the dark hour of her need were of such value that he merits highly the title by which he is always known. Captain Ziegler is an honored member of the old guard whose fast depleting ranks is a reminder that Time's ceaseless march is removing us farther and 418 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA farther from one of the greatest wars of history — a war fought on both sides with a courage and tenacity of pur- pose unequaled, and befitting the Anglo-Saxon blood which, commingling in fratricidal strife, cemented the na- tion's disjointed parts into a splendid and magnificent compact structure, alike worshipped by her loyal people, and revered by the whole world. The story of Captain Ziegler's movements during the Civil war would, if told in all its lights and shadows, be worthy the pen of a novelist of the realistic school. The necessary brevity of this review precludes relating much of interest, but if the reader will "read between the lines,'' he will be ready to give credit where credit is due. Of German ancestry. Captain Ziegler comes of a line of agriculturists who settled in Bunker Hill, Lebanon county. Pa., in pioneer times, and who in their different generations were distinguished by loyal service to the commonwealth. In this county Daniel Ziegler, grandfather of Captain Aaron, passed his life as a farmer. The father of the Captain, also named Daniel, was in his turn a con- tractor and builder, with residence at JNfyerstown, Pa. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four, dying in 1883. His wife was ilartha Catherine Shepler, daughter of Henry Shepler, a farmer of Lebanon county. The fam- ily of which the Captain was the youngest member con- sisted of nine children. Captain Ziegler was born at Myerstown, Lebanon county, Feb. 20, 1841. His boyhood, passed in huntble but honest toil, laid the foundation of a splendid physical constitu- tion, without which he would no doubt have succumbed to the rigors of the war in which he was called to engage ere he had reached maturity. He became quite an expert at the trade of his father, while being helpful to him at odd times, giving his attention more to the artistic feature of decorating, in painting and paperhanging. It was while engaged at this occupation that the Captain heard the toc- sin of war resounding through the co^intry, and responded to the call of the President for the defense of "Old Glory." Aaron Ziegler had as a boy and youth watched with keen interest the oncoming storm, and while the Presi- dential campaign was on, which precipitated it, his blood warmed for the inevitable struggle. During that winter he participated in the feverish anxiety of the people, and was ready when the call was made to offer his services to his country. It is true that like all the others of the first enlistment, the boy was mightily afraid the strife would be over before he could get to the front, but that does not detract from the bravery of the act. Suffice it that "he got to the front" in splendid style, and with such vigor as to carry him even beyond the lines for a period, during which he was an unwilling boarder at some of the famous, or rather infamous, Confederate "ho- tels." The fi-rst enlistment of the Captain was in the My- erstown Rifles, Captain Jerome Myers, for the three months' service. This company was not attached to any regiment, and when they reached Harrisburg, the quota for the three months' service being filled, the company was ordered to Camp Curtin, where it remained until the pass- ing of the Act organizing the Pennsylvania Reserves. He then re-enlisted in Company I, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, the company being commanded by Captain Jerome Myers and the regiment by Colonel Elisha B. Harvey. To follow this company through the vicissitudes of the war which drew out its cruel length through the ensuing four years would be but the relation of battles fought and hardships endured. It is enough to say that it was with the Army of the Potomac in all of its struggles against Lee, acquit- ting itself nobly in field and camp. This is vividlv at- tested by the fact that of the ninety-five who marched out of Myerstown on that July day of 1861, but sixteen answered to roll-call as they stood again in their home town after the conflict. These ninety-five had been cut to thirty-three by the time of the Battle of the Wilderness, where the company together with the entire regiment was captured by the Confederates on May 5, 1864. Then en- sued the horrors of Southern prison life, the rigors of which carried away seventeen of the company, the rest to be paroled in an emaciated and most pitiful condition. The Captain's personal experiences during these harrow- ing months were such as came to all, with the exception of those which occurred during an attempted escape from the prison at Columbia, S. C. Getting well away from his captors, he spent three weeks in the swamps and low- lands, pursued by fierce blood hounds and fiercer men. Weak and almost exhausted from hunger and exposure, he one day became aware that they were close on his trail. With the blood hounds baying closely behind him, he attempted to vault a rail fence, and in his weakness fell in such a manner as to injure his right leg — and the game was up. He was recaptured and thenceforth treated with greater severity than ever. The injury was so severe that it will continue to cause the Captain trouble through all his life. During his prison experience the Captain was con- fined in the following places : Danville, Va. ; JMacon, Ga. ; Savannah, Ga. ; Charleston, S. C. (.where 500 officers were confined and lay under the fire of their own guns on Morris Island for three weeks, being in constant danger of exploding shells); and Goldsboro, X^ Q- ^\■^^ time of imprisonment covering eleven wear}' months. Carrying 180 pounds not one of which was superfluous, strong and healthy at the time of his capture. Captain Ziegler returned after his parole broken in health and weighing but 120 pounds. The Captain's title came to him by brevet for gallant conduct at the battle of the Wilderness. He had risen by successive promotions from the ranks to second sergeant, to first sergeant, second lieutenant, and first lieutenant. He was in command of the company while first sergeant for five months, and for over a year while first lieutenant, and led it in many of its fiercest engage- ments. "All honor to the Old Guard, They did their best; They have laid aside the old sword, Shall it not rest?" The war over. Captain Ziegler and his compatriots sur- prised many European critics by returning quietly to the avocations of peace. He took up the tangled ' threads vvhere he had cast them aside four years before, and con- tinued that line of work until 1S71 in his home town, when he moved to Reading, where he has since resided. His business location was for a time at Seventh and Court streets, and later at No. 425 Penn street, where he operated successfully for eleven years, from which place he re- moved to his present location. No. 355 Penn street, where he conducts one of the largest wall paper and paint houses in the city. A splendid soldier, Captain Ziegler has been equally faithful as a citizen, ever true to his ideals of good govern- ment. .^\ Republican in politics he has never sought office, though in 1890 he was prominently mentioned for appoint- ment to the postmastership of the "city. He holds member- ship in many of the best fraternities, notablv the Odd Fel- lows, the Red Men, and the Knights of the'Golden Eagle: and he of course is a popular member of the different soldier organizations,— the Grand .-Vrmy of the Republic, the Veteran Legion, and the Ex-Prisoners of War .\sso- ciation. His church affiliation is with the First Reformed Church of Reading. On Nov. 25, 1866, Captain Ziegler married ^Nliss Clara Bennethum, daughter of John L. Bennethum, who for many years conducted a hotel at Alyerstown, and later was in the clothing business in Reading. To the Captain's mar- riage one son was born, named Aaron D.. now in attendance in the public high school. Full of years, passing into a happy and peaceful old age, with manv of the friends of his youth on this side to do him honor, this old soldier looks back on a life well spent, receiving the grateful ac- knowledgments of a united republic, and meriting the universal esteem which is accorded him. WILLIAM FRANKLIN BOND is of mixed English and Pennsylvania-German blood, son of Edwin Bond and Catharine Anne (Stump), He was born Oct. 31. 1861, the anniversary of the German Reformation, in Green- wich township, Berks Co,, Pa„ near Lenhartsville, a town- BIOGRAPHICAL 419 ship noted for teachers who have become ministers of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. Edward Bond, his paternal grandfather, emigrated to America with several older brothers, John and Thomas, from Longington, on the Itching rivulet, a branch of the Avon river, in Warwickshire, England, ten miles from Coventry and eight from Warwick, near the place where Shakespeare was born. These three brothers, with a number of other English emigrants sailed from Liverpool in the vessel "Montezuma," landing in Philadelphia June 14, 1829. Being craftsmen in wood and iron industries. Grandfather Bond and his brothers sought employment in Schuylkill county, then new territory, in which much construction work was going on, the coal production being yet, however, in its infancy — though the mining of the "black diamond" was the excitement of the country at that time, attracting adventurous laborers from all over the world. The older brothers, John and Thomas, having been married, later on settled in Tamaqua, where Bond's drug store and Bond's blacksmith shop are well known to this day. Grandfather Edward Bond came across the Atlantic as a single young man and remained settled at Port Clinton inthe Schuylkill Water Gap, the very "port" or mouth of. the anthracite coal region. There he married Miss Mary Magdalene Yenser, reported to have been of German-French descent. It was at Port Clinton that Edwin Bond, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Feb. 22, 1839. When he was only nine years old his mother died, and his father, a carpenter, lost his life by accident, Aug. 25, 1854, while working on a bridge of the Little Schuylkill railroad. He helped to construct that road, which was at first laid with wooden rails, covered with iron sheathing. The coal cars were moved originally with horse-power. An interesting incident is remembered in this connection, which shows that the Bonds early took an active interest in public education. It is known that the adoption of the public school system was originally submitted to the voters of the various precincts. The cause had been several times before the voters, but had been as of ten defeated in the Port Clinton district. It so happened that a deep snow fell the night before another election, when the matter was before the voters again, and the anti-public school party not being on their guard, John Bond, one of the emigrant brothers, who furnished some half dozen or more teams to haul coal down the Little Schuylkill, on the morning of election day said to his men : "Now, boys, this is our opportunity. We can't haul coal today. Let's haul pro- school voters to the polls." They did; and the result was that the public schools were adopted in that precinct somewhat earlier than in the adjoining districts, and it became a leader in the line of progress and enterprise. When yet a half orphan Edwin Bond was temporarily placed by his father with James Moyer, a wholesale cigar dealer and manufacturer of Hamburg, this county. When his father so soon also died, he was given a more perma- nent home at his own request by his maternal uncle, George Yenser, who lived in Albany township, Berks county. Thus by a strange coincidence the father of our subject, Edwin Bond, was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in the same New Bethel Church of Albany in whose ceme- tery the remains of his great-great-grandfather, Hans Georg Stump, were resting. Later George Yenser moved to Greenwich township, near Lenhartsville, where he be- came a prosperous farmer and was one of the prime mov- ers in the erection of the Friedens Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church of that place. Though early deprived of parental love and influence, Edwin Bond did not forget, as Moses in Egypt did not, the religion taught by his mother. He was of a pious and devoted turn of heart and mind. Edwin's brother, John Bond, left the drug store to his namesake in Tam- aqua and moved to Kansas. A younger brother, George, has lived for many years in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he invented a practical feature of the air-brake system. There were three sisters : Ellen, who died a few years ago in Pottsville, Katie, wife of Jacob Boyer, of Lewis- town, and Sarah, wife of Frank Diehl, of St. Clair, the latter two still living in Schuylkill county. Whilst ooir subject is the third generation in this country of paternal English descent, he is the fifth gener- ation as to his maternal German lineage. The first ma- ternal ancestor in America was John George Stump, who emigrated from Germany, it is believed from Wurtemberg, between the years 1717 and 1720. Bayard Taylor, in his "History of Germany," states (pp. 437-444) that this was a trying period for many German citizens, when the rude and arbitrary Frederick William I. ruled over Prussia. "The collective history of the German States — for we can hardly say 'History of Germany,' when there really was no Germany — at this timie, is a continuous succession of wars and diplomatic intrigues, which break out in one direction before they are settled in another." The War of the Spanish Succession raging along the Rhine kept the southern part of Germany in a state of convulsion for some ydars. The luxury, jealousy and extravagance of the petty princes made life hard for the common people. "In Wiirtemberg the Duke Eberhard Ludwig so oppressed the people that many of them emigrated to America be- tween the years 1717 and 1720 and settled in Pennsyl- vania." This history well corresponds with what our subject remembers related by his maternal grandparents about the hardships the earlier ancestors endured in the mother country; that they came to this "land of the free" as serfs, being obliged to earn off their passage across the waters after they had landed on these shores. But they prized their religious and political liberty higher than their homes and landed possessions yonder, which by the rav- ages of war and cruel confiscation were to them of little value. That the Stumps came from Wiirtemberg, Ger- many, is further substantiated by an account found in "Thirty Thousand Emigrants," which states that Philip Stumpff came across with 290 passengers on the ship "Ja- cob," Adolph D. Grove, captain, sailing from Amsterdam, by way of Shields, England. Family tradition says that John George Stump was "bound" out in one of the lower sections of Pennsylvania, possibly near New Hanover, Montgomery county, until he had earned his freedom, when he moved with otbers from New Hanover to Albany township, Berks Co., Pa. For it is stated by Rev. Prof. W. J. Mann, D. D., and Rev. B. M. Schmucker, D. D., in "Halle Reports," that "Alle- maengel," as Albany township was first called, was largely settled by people from New Hanover (Vol. I, p. 415). The name "Allemaengel" is said to be of German origin, and is supposed to designate the poverty and misfortune of the first settlers, who found a barren country where there was a "want of all good and necessary things." But this idea is not sustained by others; for the Rev. Dr. Schmidt, who was secretary of the Ministerium of Penn- sylvania in the year 1796, has added in the written minutes of the Synod by way of explanation the word "Allemin- gao," showing that "the former name for "Albany" was of Indian origin, and likely meant the very opposite of "wanting all good and necessary things." Furthermore, the Rev. J. H. Dubbs, in his "History of the Lehigh Val- ley" (p. 304), compares "Allemaengel" with "Egypt," as a section of country at the southern slope of the Blue Mountains known for its fertility. It is a fact established by research on the part of our subject that the earliest Church Record and Constitution of the New Bethel Luth- eran and Reformed Church located in this very "corner" of Albany township names the community as "Das Rosen- thal," that is, "The Valley of Roses," and hence instead of being "sterile" it was a land "flowing with milk and honey." Besides, why would a barren country attract new settlers? The New Bethel Church Record dates back to 1761, and John George Stump must then have lived for some time in that community. At any rate, he was one of the earliest members, if not founders, of that church. It is also a matter of record in the "Halle Re- ports" that the Rev. Pastor Schaum, an associate and co- worker with the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D., was married on Aug. 7, 1753, to a Miss "Maria Dorothea Stumpf," who may have been a near relative, for the 420 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA n?,me in the Albany Church Record is found sometimes with an "f,'' or a second "p" added. It is altogether possible that John George Stump heard the pioneer pastor Muhlenberg preach ; for it is reported in the hitter's "Diary" that he visited '•Allemaengel" Church in March. 1747, which at that time must have been the "Red Church" near Wessnersville, to which church the settlers of West "Corner" Albany resorted until the establishment of the New Bethel congregation in 1761 fourteen years later. Be that as it may, certain it is that the pioneer Stump secured a large tract on the west side of Round Top Mountain in Albany, the farm at pres- ent owned by James S. Focht, who successfully operates a lucrative red paint mine near Greenawalt's Station along the Berks & Lehigh Branch of the Reading Railway, being a part of the original grant and the once Stump home- stead. When the subject of our sketch was a boy of about twelve years the late Amos Trexler, who then conducted a tannery on these same premises, pointing to an im- mense willow tree standing close by his pits, said ; "There stands your great-great-grandfather's riding whip!" Being asked for an explanation, he said, that when long ago John George Stump was out on business one day riding on horseback through Indian trails, he brought home a little willow whip which he had used to drive his steed, and which, as he arrived home, he flung into the streamlet there. The riding whip developed roots and grew into a mighty tree, standing as a silent witness to future genera- tions of him who thus inadvertently planted it. destined to be a more enduring monument to his memory than the soft sandy tombstones quarried on his own lands for his own sepulture in the New Bethel cemetery. The next in line of kinship was John Stump, who seems to have moved farther south. His remains lie buried at the Dunkel's Church in Greenwich township. The third was Samuel Stump, born Oct. 16, 1794, and died March 4, 1864. He was married to Miss Rachel Leiby, born April 15, 1801, died ]\Iarch 22, 1875. Both are buried at the Friedens Church of Lenhartsville, which they helped to erect. They lived on the southwest side of Round Top Mountain, where our subject was born. They were the parents of the following children : Nathan, of near Klinesville : Joel, of Liscum ; Peter, of Lenhartsville ; Moses, Aaron, Samuel and Gideon, all deceased; Mary, widow of Isaac .Aliller, of Oklahoma; Elizabeth, of Kemp- ton, widovv' of Nathan Dietrich, who died on the old George Yenser homestead in Albany; and Catharine, the youngest daughter and mother of our subject. While growing up the Rev. ^Mr. Bond learned the shoe- maker's trade before the days of shoe factories, when there was a great demand for hand-made shoes. Early he learned to wield the hammer and ply the awl. He con- tinued to work at his father's trade till his eighteenth year, when his parents "gave him free" out of kindness to allow him an opportunity to prepare for the Gospel min- istry, as in fact they did all their surviving six sons ar,d three daughters. He began for himself as many min- isters here and elsewhere have done. In a newspaper article concerning Mr. Bond and his work which ap- peared in a Berks county paper not long ago it was said: "For many years the teaching profession in Berks county has been a stepping-stone to the ministry, and ninety per cent of the ministers of this county of all denominations have been public school teacliers before they took up the preaching of the Gospel. One of these prominent teach- ers, who gave up school life for the pulpit, was Rev. Wil- liam Franklin Bond, of Shamrock." He obtained his common school education in the Zettle- meyer's school, near Lenhartsville, which place has lately been selected as a health resort by Banker Eckert of Read- ing, where the financier has erected a beautiful and well equipped summer home. The school was from 1867 to ls7ti under the instruction of Charles Christ, Peter Nagle, Percival Christman, Frank Kaufman, each for one vear, >Ioses S. Greenawalt for seven years, and George W. Ziegler. M. D.. now in Philadelphia, for one vear. The adjoining school in .Albany township taught by .Amos S. Greenawalt, being more advanced, was attended for one term. Country schools then were only open five months in a year, of which a month and more on an average was omitted in fall on account of the busy harvest season in the family trade. In the fall of 1880 he attended seven weeks select school at Heinley's in Albany, taught by the now sainted mission- ary, the Rev. Frank S. Dietrich, then a student in the Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Our subject taught four terms : one under Supt. Samuel A. Baer, the Miller-Clauser school in Albany, in 1880-81; and three under Supt. David S. Keck — the Waganian's or Independ- ent district school in Greenwich, 1881-82; the Lenharts- ville school, 1882-83, just before that town incorporated into a borough, and when seventy-two pupils were enrolled and sixty averaged during the term; and the Neff's school in Maxatawny township, 1883-84. Between public school terms he attended the spring and fall sessions at the Key- stone State Normal School, at Kutztown, from 1881-84. He entered Muhlenberg College, at AUentown, in 1884, and graduated in 1888. While at college he was a member of the Euterpean Literary Society, which elected him to the associate editorship of ''The Muhlenberg" in 1888. At the end of the Sophomore year he received a $15 prize for a contest essay entitled "The Physical Basis of Musical Sound"; also the Junior oratorical prize of $25 in 1887, and honorable mention for standing in class at graduation. He entered the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia in 1888, and graduated in May, 1891. He was ordained to the office of the ministry in the Lutheran Church by the Min- isterium of Pennsylvania in Emanuel's Church at Potts- town, Pa., Alay 26, 1891, and immediately thereafter became pastor of the Lutheran Church at Tower Citv, Schuvikill Co., Pa. Mr. Bond was married to Miss Amy H. Brehm, orig- inally of Lancaster county, later of .-Vllentown, whose parents — Philip Wineland and. Barbara (Hamaker) Brehm — are still living in Chambersburg, Pa., Oct. 1. 1891. This union was blessed with two sons and two daughters, Paul, John, Mary and Anna, all of whom survive. Their mother died of blood poisoning July 30, 1901, aged thirty- six years. Her remains rest in the Zion's Lutheran and Reformed cemetery in Tower City, Pennsylvania. During his first pastorate of over thirteen vears a debt resting upon St. Paul's Church of Tower City was paid, a new and commodious parsonage was erected and St. Peter's Church at Orwin, Pa., was renovated. While at Tower City he was secretary of the Pottsville Conference of the Pennsylvania Ministerium for some seven years. In August, 1904, he received a call to the Bowers-Long- swamp Parish, consisting of four thriving congregations in southeastern Berks which he accepted when Rev. M. C. Horine, D, D., was President of the Svnod, and Rev. E. T. Horn, D. D., LL. D.. was President of the Reading Con- ference, to which the parish belongs. He was installed Nov. 27, 1904, at the Huff's Church in Hereford township. Rev. F. K. Bernd, now President of the Reading Con- ference, and Rev. John H. Raker, the second superintend- ent of the Lutheran Orphans' Home, at Topton, Pa., con- ducting the installation services. To quote again from the newspaper article mentioned, Mr. Bond has since "answered the manv calls to minis- terial duties of four thriving Berks " county congre- S^tions one of the largest Berks county charges of the Lutheran denomination, consisting of Bowers, Longswamp, New Jerusalem and Huff's Churches, which for thn-ty years had been serx'ed by Rev. D K Humbert. ^ This is one of the charges in Berks county where a minister must be of the most strenuous type. The congregations are widely scattered in the mountainous sec- tions, and they have a membership of several thousand. "Ill a ser\ice of seventeen vears Rev. Bond preached over 2.600 sermons, baptized nearlv 1,200 children, con- firmed 700 members, wedded over 200 couples and con- ducted nearly 500 funerals, besides making hundreds of addresses at public gatherings and collecting thousands of dollars for benevolent and church purposes." BIOGRAPHICAL 421 Mr. Bond was married again, on Oct. 30, 1904, in Tower City, Pa., to Mrs. Katie Eva Snyder, a daughter of the late Philip Krebs and wife Sarah (Grumbein), originally of Lebanon county. Her mother still survives in Tower City, Pa. Mr. Bond with his family now resides in the Uriah Biery homestead at Shamrock, Longswamp town- ship, this county. Having been in humble circumstances, Mr. Bond received aid from the Ministerium of . Pennsylvania through the recommendation of his pastor, the late Rev. B. S. Smoll, and the Rev. F. J. F. Schantz, D. D., chairman of the then executive committee, to complete his collegiate and theo- logical training, which aid, out of gratitude and love, and from a sense of bounden duty, he has by strenuous ef- forts returned, that the same might be used again and again to help worthy young men to prepare for the Gospel Ministry. His beloved parents, to whom he owes a never- to-be-paid debt of gratitude, are still living at Lenharts- ville, nearing the seventieth milestone in their toilsome pilgrimage of life. FISHER. The Fisher family is traced as far back as (I) Henry Fisher, the great-grandfather of Daniel D. Fisher, of Oley township. He was born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, but came to Oley township when a young man and took up some 337 acres of fertile land one mile north of the "Yellow House," most of which land has been in the possession of the family ever since. He was a man of great common sense and when he put up his home in 1801, he built it so substantially that it still stands as a comfortable shelter for his great-great-grand- children. He is buried in Huntingdon county, his death occurring while on a visit there. His daughter Polly had married Henry S. Spang, of Huntingdon, and he had gone to pay her a visit, but he was advanced in years and the trip proved too much for him. Ofl Jan. 1, 1781, he married Susanna Ruth, also of Heidelberg township, born Oct. 29, 1761, daughter of Christian Ruth. After forty years, four months and eleven days of married life, she died May 13, 1821, aged fifty-nine years, six months and thirteen days. She was the first to be buried in the then newly acquired burial plot of the Oky Churches. Th^se children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fisher : John, of Oley, but later of Hereford township; Samuel of Oley township ; Daniel, of Oley township ; Henry, of Oley, who left home and as his whereabouts could not be traced, was given up as lost; Sally Ann, married to Jacob V. R. Hunter, of Reading, who operated Sally Ann Furnace, of Rockland township, Berks county (named after Mrs. Hunter), which furnace was discontinued in 1869; and Polly, married to Henry S. Spang, also one of the pioneer iron-masters of Pennsylvania, who operated the Etna Works, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. (H) Daniel Fisher, grandfather of Daniel D., was a native of Oley township, born on the Fisher homestead June 23, 1795, and died July 16, 1839. He was a farmer and prospered in his work. He attended the Philadelphia market twice a week during fall and winter in a big wagon, and was an excellent teamster. His wife, Mary Gernand, daughter of George Gernand, of Spring town- ship, was born March 4, 1803, and died J.an. 27, 1878. They are both buried at Oley Cemetery. Their children were: John G. ; E. Matilda m. Abner Griesemer, of Oley town- sffip; Hannah (unmarried) ; Sarah m. Frank C. Butz; and Deborah G. and B. Amelia (unmarried). Miss B. Amelia Fisher was born on the Fisher home- stead Sept. 2, 1839, and has always lived here, now making her home with her nephew, Daniel D. Fisher. She is an intelligent lady and can speak both English and German. She is a great reader, preferring historical works; and she is also very fond of flowers. Possessing bountiful means, she is very charitable, and has many warm personal friends who admire her many talents and her pleasant manner. (HI) John G. Fisher, son of Daniel and Mary (Ger- nand), was born June 22, 1834, and died July 1, 1887, aged sixty-three years and nine days. He is buried at Oley cemetery. His wife was Mary Ann Davidheiser, born Feb. 23, 1835, died Feb. 28, 1893. They were the parents of the following children: Emma L., deceased; Daniel D. ; Henry G., deceased ; and Ella, of Philadelphia. John G. Fisher was a life-long farmer of Oley township, residing upon the homestead. He was a man of enterprise and intelligence. He possessed a retentive memory and was a well-read man, sharing many of his sister's characteristics. (IV) Daniel D. Fisher was born on his great-grand- father's homestead one mile north of the "Yellow House," Aug. 2, 1860. He was brought up on the farm and was edu- cated in the public schools and the Oley Academy. When only sixteen years of age he was licensed to teach, by Prof. Samuel A. Baer, then county superintendent, and taught his first term in Earl township, and the following six tertns in Oley township. In 1883 he engaged in the huck- ster — produce, butter and egg — business. Six years later he bought the Fisher homestead, consisting of 150 acres of some of the best land in the Oley valley. Since then he has added to his number of acres, and now has 156 acres. The house on the farm, as before mentioned, was built by his great-grandfather Henry Fisher. The masonry of this house is beautiful, the stones nearly all being rect- angular shaped, and the plaster is of the very best. The present barn was built by John G. Fisher in 1862. Mr. Fisher is a Democrat, and has served his township as school director for the past fifteen years. He was auditor of Oley township, when but twenty-three years old, and held the position for three years. He was com- mitteeman of Oley township many years, has served as delegate to mlany conventions, town, county, and also State, was secretary of the County Standing Committee for three years, and has been in every way prominent and public-spirited. Mr. jFisher and family are members of Salem Reformed Church in Oley, of which he was deacon for four years, and he has been trustee for many years of this congregation. In addition to his other interests Mr. Fisher is a director of the Farmers' National Bank of Boyertown, holding that office since 1897. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Oley, and became its first treasurer and is a stockholder of the Yellow House Creamery Association, as well as its treas- urer. He is a member of the Berks Cocinty Historical So- ciety, and is a man well posted on national and local history. In 1880, Mr. Fisher married Olivia B. Herbein, daughter of Albraham and Eliza (Brumbach) Herbein, of Oley town- ship. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher : John, a graduate of the Keystone State Nor- mal School, class of 1902, married Verna Spohn, and has two children. Otto and Marjorie; James H., a farmer of Oley, married Hannah Strunk, and has a daughter, Erma; Ella married Lawrence Matthias, of Earl township, and has a son, Russel (they reside with Mr. Fisher) ; Nevin D. and Daniel W. are unmarried and residing at home; Mary Eliza died in 1885; Henry Wayne died in 1890; and twins died in infancy. Mr. Fisher is one of the most prominent men of Oley township, and his public spirit and progressiveness have placed him before the people of his locality upon many occasions. JOHN B. DAMPMAN was born in .Chester county. Pa., July 39, 1851. He is the son of Jacob and Catharine (Buchanan) Dampman, being descended both on his father's and mother'.^ side from the early settlers of Chester county. ^ Mr. Dampman was educated in the common schools of Chester county, was a student in New England schools, and afterward graduated from Pennington (N. J.) Seminary. He taught school in both Chester and Berks counties, and in 1873 entered the office of George F. Baer, as a student at law, being admitted to the Bar of Berks county in 1875. He engaged in the practice of his pro- fession for six years, and in 1881 became the founder of the Reading Herald, continuing as its editor and propri- etor for fifteen years, during which time he made it a newspaper of considerable force in the community. In 1896 he sold the Herald to William McCormick and went 423 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA upon the staflf of the Pittsburg Times, as editorial writer and literary editor. He remained there for upward of five years, during which time he became a prominent and well-known figure in Pittsburg journalism. In 1901 he resigned from the Times, and returning to Reading took up the profession of advertising, in which he has had considerable success, especially in the line of bank advertising and in political advertising, though he has been busily employed also in mercantile commissions. In the political line he has conducted many important campaigns, one of which was the notable contest which resulted in the formation of Greater Pittsburg. Mr. Dampman was one of the founders of the Reading Press Club and has taken a prominent part in newspaper organizations, having been for two terms a member o-f the governing board of the International League of Press Clubs, of which he was one of the founders. He was also an officer of the Pittsburg Press Club and repre- sented that organization at several national conventions. Mr. Dampman married in 1879 Miss Annie L. Frees, of Reading, and has one son, Lieutenant Paul E. Dampman, of the United States navy, who graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1904, and has since seen service in various parts of the world. DANIEL H. DEETER, master mechanic of the Phila- delphia & Reading Railway Company, is a native son of Reading, Berks county, born in 1863. His father, Henry Deeter, was with this company for forty-seven years, the services of father and son covering the remarkably long period of sixty-five years. Henry Deeter died Sept. 28, 1887, at the age of fifty-nine years, eleven months, after a successful career as a rail- road man. When only a boy of thirteen he became loco- motive fireman for Timothy Jackson, and at the early age of sixteen was made a locomotive engineer. He continued in that capacity, serving also as wreck master and engine- man for the company until the close of his life. Mr. Deeter married Lavinia Holl, and to them were born six children, namely: Emma (m. William Noll); Henry H., who is foreman in the Port Richmond shops of the Phil- adelphia & Reading Railway Company, Philadelphia; An- nie (m. J. W. Bennethum) ; Isaac L., a machinist; Miss Mary E., who is living in Philadelphia; and Daniel H. The father of this family was a member of the Reformed Church. For thirty-eight years he belonged to the I. O. O. F. Daniel H. Deeter was educated in the Reading public schools and private institutions. He took up the study of mechanical drawing under Rosell E. Frentzel, and later had private instruction in that line from Superintendents Good and Kemmerer of the Philadelphia & Reading shops, serving his time as a machinist, as well as in drafting, in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company. All of his working years have been passed in the employ of this concern. He left the office to acquire practical experience in the care and operation of a locomotive, serv- ing as fireman, engineer, wreck master, round house fore- man, assistant road foreman of engines, road foreman of engines and on July 16, 1900, he became master mechanic of the Philadelphia and New York division of the road. On Nov. 1, 1904, he was raised to his present position, that of master mechanic at the Philadelphia & Reading loco- motive shops in Reading. Here he has 2,500 men under his supervision, and some idea of the volume of work done in the vast establishment may be gained from the statement that an average of ninety locomotives is turned out monthly — new, repaired and rebuilt. Mr. Deeter has devoted his entire life to acquiring profic- iency in his chosen calling. Pie has never spared himself in adding to his general knowledge by study or research, and has not only kept abreast of modern times and methods but has been the leader in many of the most progressive movements of his day in his line. The position he holds is sufficient evidence of his ability, and of his right to be classed among the foremost men of the present time in his branch of mechanics. His practical experience in his work has been most comprehensive. Mr. Deeter is a self- made man in the truest sense. He has acquired his po- sition and the knowledge which enables him to hold it by unceasing efforts, begun in early life, and never relaxed under the many demands made upon his strength and time. His attainments are noteworthy, and have gained him the respect and admiration of all the men with whom he has been brought into contact. Mr. Deeter is a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M. ; Reading; Lodge of Perfec- tion; Philadelphia Consistory; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a member of the Second Reformed Church, and is independent in politics. On June 3, 1884, Mr. Deeter married Frances C. Harri- son, and they had two children; J. Harrison, a graduate of Haven College, Philadelphia, who died Aug. 35, 1907, aged eighteen years, six months ; and Evelyn, at school. ANDREW SCHULTZ, in his lifetime one of the exten- sive land owners of Berks county, with a comfortable home near Barto, was born in Hereford township, Berks county. May 19, 1813, a descendant from an old family which came to Aimerica from the Kingdom of Saxony. Melchior Schultz was born June 26, 1680, and he died Feb. 15, 1734, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, at Berth- elsdorf. Saxony. His death took place just about two months before the time set for his emigration to America. His children were : George, Melchior and Christopher, the latter of whom became a noted minister. George Schultz, son of Melchior and brother to Rev. Christopher, married, Jan. 31, 1744. Maria, daughter of Abraham Yeakel, and they made their home in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery Co., Pa. Their children were: Abraham, born March 23,' 1747; and Melchior, born March 25, 1756. George Schultz died Oct. 30, 1776, aged sixty-five years, and his wife Maria passed away Dec. 13, 1797, at the age of seventy-nine years. Abraham Schultz, son of George and Maria, was born in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, March 23, 1747. He was a great lover of books and, hav- ing a retentive memory and comprehensive mind, he be- came one of the best educated men of the time. He was a member of the Schwenkfelder religious society, and he served it in the capacity of trustee, school inspector, teacher and catechist. The community frequently called his services into requisition as scrivener and counsellor. In 1796 he was elected a member of the General Assem- bly from Montgomery county. He died on Dec. 25, 1822. In 1771 he married Regina Yeakle, daughter of Chris- topher Yeakle, and their children were : Benjamin born July 20, 1772, died March 20, 1802; Adam, born Sept. 20, 1775; Isaac, born March 4, 1778; .\braham, born Feb 18 1781, died March 23, 1802; Frederick, born Aug. 10, 1784, died Dec. 17, 1794; Joseph, born Jan. 22, 1787; and Mel- chior, born June 23, 1789. Adam Schultz, son of Abraham, was born Sept. 20, 1775, in Upper Hanover township, and died Aug. 30, 1831. He lived at Treichlersville, in Hereford township, where he was engaged in farming, owning a fine farm of 140 acres there and one of 214 acres in Washington township. He was very successful in his undertakings, and became very well-to-do. On May 21, 1801, he married Regina Kriebel who was born June 25, 1780, and who died May 3 185s' Their children were: Abraham, born April 12, 1803 died Dec. 5, 1814; Israel, born June 4, 1805; Jesse, born April 8, 1808 died Nov. 7, 1831; Adam, born Sept. 21, 1810 died Nov. 12, 1831; Andrew, born May 19, 1813; Enoch born March 31, 1816 ; Sarah, born Sept. 1, 1818, died May 11, 1820; Regina, born Oct. 9, 1821; Solomon, born Nov. 19, 1824, died June 4, 1854. _ Andrew Schultz, the subject proper of this sketch, was in his early life a farmer at Treichlersville. He was a man of much enterprise and became quite wealthy He owned three farms lying adjacent to each other, three- quarters of a mile Southeast of Barto. The tract orig- inally contained 214 acres, but this he divided into three parts, erecting three sets of buildings. He also owned a farm of seventy-seven acres in Washington township He built a grist mill in Montgomerv county, which is now owned by William Himmelwreight. He built himself a BIOGRAPHICAL 433 large three-story brick residence near Barto, and there he died Nov. 27, 1885. He is buried at the Schwenkfelders church near Clayton. He married Sarah Mohr, who was born Sept. 1, 1818, daughter of Andrew and Catherine Ann (Mechling) Mohr, of Centreville, Lehigh Co., Pa., and she died May 1, 1883. Their children were : Annie, who died young ; Emma, who died aged thirty-two years ; Mary A. M. ; and Harrison, who died aged twenty-three years. Miss Mary A. M. Schultz, daughter of Andrew, is now residing at the old home near Barto. She was edu- cated-in the -^public schools and at the Pottstown Seminary for Ladies, and was licensed to teach by the late James N. Ermentrout, teaching one terra at Barto in a school- house long since torn down. She is a member of the Schwenkfelders Church near Clayton, in Hereford town- ship. Miss Schultz is a charming woman and is very artistic. She has a valuable collection of rare china and books. ALBERT RITTER, who has been known to the citizens of Reading for nearly half a century as a professional mu- sician, was born in that city Feb. 26, 1838, son of Joel and Angeline (Bechtel) Ritter, and member of a family long known in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Ritters are of German descent. The first American .ancestor was one of the early settlers of Oley (or Exeter) township, and his descendants have lived in that locality for a period of one hundred and fifty or more years. Francis Ritter was born in Exeter township, where he carried on farming successfully all his life. On Jan. 3, 1797, when Der Reading Adler was established, he pur- chased an interest in same, and put his son John in the office to learn the printing and publishing business. He was the father of seven children, namely: Daniel, born in 1776, married Susanna Snyder, and died in 1853 ; John is mentioned below; Jacob; Samuel, born April 3, 1792, .m. Catharine Kast, and died Sept. 8, 1860; Mrs. Charles Kessler ; Mrs. Nicholas Seidel ; and Mrs. Samuel Christian. Hon. John Ritter, son of Francis, was born in Exeter township, Feb. 6, 1779. He was reared upon a farm, and at the age of eighteen went to Reading and entered the Adler office to learn the printer's trade. He devoted himself to study to make up for lack of early advantages. He continued with the Adler office, and on June 29, 1802, became the owner of a half interest in the plant. He was prominent in public affairs, and during President James K. Polk's administration served (1843- 47) as a member of Congress. He was a loyal Democrat and a strong party man. Mr. Ritter died Nov. 24, 1851, aged seventy-two years, and his wife Catharine (Frailey) Ritter, in 1863, aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter were the parents .of nineteen children, all of whom are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery, having been form- erly interred, however, in the old Reformed Church cem- etery at the corner of Washington and Reed streets. All of these children, with the exception of three, died be- fore reaching their majority. The three reaching mature years were: Joel; Louis, born April 3, 1813, who obtained the Adler from his father and was its proprietor for many years, and who died Oct. 16, 1889; and Aaron, born April 15, 1816, also a printer connected with the Adler, who died at No. 232 Penn street, Reading, Nov. 11, 1873. • The family were originally members of the Reformed Church, but later became Universalists, Mr. Ritter donat- ing the plot of ground on which the Universalist church now stands. Mr. Ritter was a man of high principles and was widely known for his great part in advancing the in- terests of the city of Reading. Joel Ritter, son of Hon. John, was born in Reading Dec. 15, 1811, and was educated in Reading Academy. He, too, was a printer by trade, learning this and gaining the knowledge of how a journal should be conducted in his father's office. . He then became editor of the ■ Jeiferson Democrat, and continued as such some time. He next embarked in the lumber business in Reading, locating in the lower part of the town, where he continued until 1850, when a freshet greatly damaged his property, and he abandoned the business. He was always interested in politics as a firm believer in Democratic principles, and from 1839 to 1842 served as prothonotary of Berks county. During President Buchanan's administration he held a position in the United States Customs Department at Phil- adelphia. For several years prior to his death Mr. Ritter was an invalid, and he passed away July 18, 1868, aged fifty-six years. He was twice married, his first wife, An- geline Bechtel, dying in 1840, when twenty-six years of age, and leaving two sons, John Francis and Albert. He married (second) Miss Barbara A. Roland, and to this union were born : Anna and Francis, who both died in infancy; Henry, who was assistant city treasurer and died in 1899; and Ida, who resides at No. 325 Washington street, Reading. Mr. Ritter was past master of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1841 ; and made a Knight Templar in St John's Com- mandery in Philadelphia in 1848. John Francis Ritter was born Jan. 24, 1836. He received his education in Boyertown Academy, and was appointed to the West Point Military Academy July 1, 1852, graduat- ing therefrom July 1, 1856, at which latter date he was appointed second lieutenant, 5th United States Infantry. He served in Florida against the Seminole Indians, 1856- 57; in garrison at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in 1857; fron- tier duty in the Utah Expedition, 1857-60. Mr. Ritter's army record continues as follows : March to New Mexico, 1860; Fort Fauntleroy, N. M., 1860; Fort Dodge, N. M., 1860-61; Fort Union, N. M., 1861; promoted first lieu- tenant, 5th U. S. Inf., March 27, 1861; transferred to 15th U. S. Inf., May 14, 1861; in New Mexico in command of battery, May, 1861, May, 1862; promoted captain. May 14, 1861 ; engaged in action of Apache . Canon, March 28, 1862; Peralta, April 14, 1862; brevetted major March 28, 1862, for "gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Apache Canon, N. M."; in campaign resulting in the dispersion of Confederates under Gen. Sibley, May, 1862; made Colonel, 1st Missouri Cavalry, Aug. 9, 1862; in camp near Helena, Ark., Sept. — Nov., 1862; acting in- spector general of the Army of the Southwest, November, 1862; in the defences at Memphis, Tenn., Dec, 1862 — ^July, 1863; commanding brigade 16th Army Corps, March, 1863; in command Third Brigade, Davidson's Cavalry Division, in campaign resulting in the capture of Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 10, 1863; brevetted lieutenant-colonel, Sept. 10, 1863, for gallant servicgs at the capture of Little Rock; on leave of absence Oct. 14, 1863 — ^Jan. 6, 1864; in command of cavalry brigade, 7th Army Corps, Little Rock, Ark., Jan- uary — March, 1864; on General Steele's Campaign to Cam- den, and returning, March 23 — May 2, 1864, being engaged in several skirmishes; on veteran furlough. May 16 — ^July 29, 1864; in command of cavalry brigade, 7th Army Corps, and scouting about Little Rock, Ark., July 29 — Dec. 5, 1864; in command of recruits (resigned volunteer com- mission Dec. 5, 1864), Fort Adams, R. I., January — April, 1865, and of company at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., April — August, 1865 ; on leave of absence, Aug. 12 — Sept. 24, 1865; in garrison at Mobile, Ala., Sept. 24, 1865 — Jan. 18, 1866; Vicksburg, Miss., January— September, 1866, being acting assistant inspector general of the Department of Mississippi March 7 — Sept. 25, 1866 ; transferred to 33d U. S. Inf., Sept. 21, 1866; in command, Natchez, Miss., Sept. 21, 1866— Dec. 1, 1866; Macon, Ga., Jan. 4— April 15, 1867 ; and Rome, Ga., April, 1867.' His last regiment was the 8th United States Infantry. He died at Catskill, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1872, and was buried in the family plot in the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading. He had the respect and esteem of officers and men alike, all recognizing his great kindness of heart and irreproachable character. Albert Ritter was educated in the common schools of Reading, and also at Clinton Liberal Institute, Clinton, N. Y. Returning to Reading he engaged as a dry goods salesman for Asa M. Hart for two years, and then took up the study of music. For thirteen years Mr. Ritter was organist of St. Peter's Church (Catholic), and for ten years at Trinity Lutheran Church. He has given his life to his art, studying under both French and German in- structors, and he taught music in Reading for a period of 424 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA forty-five years. He retired in June, 1908. Mr. Ritter is well known not only all over the city of Reading, but in the surrounding country as well, having been one of the leaders in his profession. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., in which he is past master. He was made a Mason May 14, 1869; is past high priest in Reading Royal Arch Chapter, No. 132; member of Creigh Council, No. 16 ; past commander of De Molay Commandery No. 9, K. T. ; and is a thirty-second-degree Mason, formerly belonging to Wilmington Consistory No. 16. He is a charter member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and also belongs to the Masonic Veterans. For eleven years he served on the board of managers of the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. In 1862 Mr. Ritter enlisted in Company E, 11th Pennsylvania Militia, Emergency Corps, and later re-enlisted in the 42nd Pennsylvania, serving as first corporal until discharged by General Orders. He is a member of Gen. William H. Keim Post. No. 76, G. A. R. ; and at present (1909) he is serving as Aide-de-Camp on the stafif of Gen. Henry M. Nevius, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is connected with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Department of Pennsylvania, being in Class One, by inheritance from his brother. Col. John F. Ritter, and the number of his Insignia is 9,513. WILLIAM D. SMITH, son of Levi B. and Emily H. Smith, was born at Joanna Furnace March 12, 1835. He attended the New London Academy, in Chester county, Pa., and the Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass. He was engaged from his youth in the iron manufacturing business with his father and brothers at Joanna, and from 1865 to 1881 at Isabella Furnace, in West Nantmeal town- ship, Chester county, the greater part of that period in association with his, brother Horace V. In the latter year the establishment was sold to Col. Joseph D. Potts. From 1861 to 1865 he served as an adjuster in the office of Dr. Edward Wallace, naval officer in the United States Custom House at Philadelphia, and from 1876 to 1888 was deputy collector and auditor during the terms of Alexander P. Tutton and his successor. Gen. John F. Hartranft, as col- lectors of the port, a position involving much labor and responsibility. In June, 1S63, he raised and commanded Company D, 42d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Mili- tia, a part of the force called out to repel the invasion of the State. The regiment was in service about six weeks, and during the latter part of that period his company did provost duty at Hagerstown. Md. In the summer of 1887 he made a tour of Europe, and upon his return became a permanent resident of Reading. In addition to the care of the private business interests of himself and members of his family, he has engaged for upward of twenty years in a career of active usefulness on philanthropic lines, being prominently connected with the administration of various humane and charitable public institutions, to all of which he has given liberally of his means, his time and his personal services. Of the board of trustees of the Reading Hospital, erected in 1886, he has served as president from 1889 to the present. The Home for Friendless Children was founded in 1886 by a number of charitably disposed citi- zens of Reading, and in 1888 its main building on Centre avenue, north of Spring street, was erected. As chair- man of the building committee Mr. Smith supervised its construction, and he has since erected at his own expense the two wings, which have more than doubled its original capacity. By its charter the administration of the institu- tion is committed to a female board of managers, with a male board of trustees. To this charity Mr. Smith devotes his unremitting attention, in looking after the comfort of its little inmates. Since 1890 he has been a member of the board of trustees of the Charles Evans Cemetery. Among other public charities with which Mr. Smith is "connected, either as member or officer, are the Reading Benevolent Society, the Hope Rescue Mission, the Humane Society, the Associated Charities, and the Society for the Preven- tion of Tuberculosis. He is a member of the County Historical Society, a vestryman of Christ Protestant Epis- copal Church of Reading, and one of the founders and a leading benefactor of the recently organized St. Mary's Church of that denomination in the northwestern section of the city. For many years he has been a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is a director of the Reading & Temple Railway Company, the Reading Trust Company and the Reading Gas Company. He has been a member of the Republican party since its organiza- tion, but has not been connected with its local manage- ment. He is the advocate of a high standard of municipal government, and a warm supporter of every movement for civil, social and moral reform. He has no superior in his own community in the zeal and energy which he devotes to the promotion of organized charity and prac- tical benevolence. FREDERIC A. ROLAND. One of the prominent busi- ness men of Reading is Frederic A. Roland, Cashier of the Second National Bank. In matters of finance Mr. Roland is looked upon as a safe and conservative coun- sellor, and his careful and efficient service has done much to place the institution which he represents in the enviable position it holds in the financial world. Mr. Roland is a son of Henry A. and Jane W. (Heyl) Roland, of New Holland, Pa. He is descended from an old and honorable family which has been identified with affairs in America for about two hundred years. The Rolands were originally from the region of the Rhine in Germany known as the Palatinate. Jacob Roland, great- great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the thousands who on account of religious persecu- tion left Germany, and came to America some time after 1709. In 17.'33 a large tract of land in the vicinity of New Holland, was granted to him by Thomas Penn, one of the Proprietaries of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Since that time the family has been more or less prominent locally and in the affairs of the State. In 1775, Jonathan Roland, a son of Jacob, and great- grandfather of Frederic A., was one_of the Committee of Safety chosen to provide for and protect the country dur- ing the trying times of our war for Independence. Henry Roland, grandfather of Frederic A., was during his life prominent in the local affairs of his district. Major John F. Roland, son of Henry and uncle of our subject, was a distinguished officer under Generals Taylor and Scott during and following our war with Mexico. Henry A. Roland resided during his life time in New Holland, taking an active interest in local enterprises. A gentleman of deep learning and high principles, his advice was eagerly sought and cheerfully given. He died in 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-one, and lies buried amongst his forefathers in the Trinitv Lutheran Cemetery at New Holland. He married Jane VV. Heyl, daughter of Philip and JMargaret Heyl. She is descended from an old Philadelphia family, whose lineage dates from 1702. Besides Frederic A,, there were also born to this union : Dr. Oliver and William H. Roland, both of Lancaster, older sons, the latter a leading attorney, Frederic A. Roland, who forms the subject of this re- view, was born in New Holland, and passed the formative period of his life among the scenes and people which gave sturdiness to his ancestry. He was carefully educated in the public schools and later matriculated at Princeton College, New Jersey, from which famous institution he graduated m 1879. The following year he came to Read- ing with the intention of entering upon a legal career, but after the study of law for a period of nine months, he accepted a position with the Second National Bank as teller, and in 1889 was promoted to the Cashiership, which position he has since honored. Mr. Roland is also a Director of the Second National Bank. He was one of the original Committee appointed to organize the Reading Clearing House Association in 1906. and has been an active officer of that important Association ever since. WILLIAM D SMITH BIOGRAPHICAL 435 JACOB D. HOFFMAN, a substantial and highly re- spected farmer of Perry township, Berks county, was born April 16, 1846, in Windsor township, son of Samuel and Hannah (Dunkel) Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman belongs to a family which has been estab- lished on American soil for many generations. The earliest ancestor of whom we have authentic informa- tion was Jacob Hoffman, who camie from the Rhine Valley during the middle of the eighteenth century. In 1756, when the first tax of Greenwich township was col- lected, he was a taxable. It is known that he had these children, George and Michael. The former was the great- grandfather of Jacob D. Hoffman, and the latter is re- membered with pride by the family as one who fought for the freedom of his country from oppressive British rule. The following record of his service is in evidence. Pennsylvania State Library Division of Public Records. Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 17, 1906. To Whom It May Concern : I hereby certify that the name of Michael Hoffman ap- pears as that of a private on the roll of Captain Michael Funer's Company of Berks County Militia, stationed at South Amboy, N. J., September 5, 1776. Later his name appears again as a private on the Roll of Captain Jacob Baldy's Company which was mustered into service August 10, 1780. See p. 279, Volume Fourteen, Penna-. Archives, Second Series, 1888 ed. [Signed] Luther R. Kelker, Custodian of the Public Records of the Pa. State Li- brary. [The seal of the Department of the State Public Records is affixed to the document.] George Hoffman, the great-grandfather of Jacob D. Hoffman, was a farmer all his life. His wife was Han- nah Schappell, and they had a large family of children, among whom were : Michael, born in 1786, died in 1874 ; and George, who, tradition says, settled in Hereford town- ship. In his will which was probated in the register's office in Berks county in 1847, he mentions these children : Jacob, Henry, Dora, Elizabeth (which was also the name of his wife) Christian, Abraham, Hannah and Rebeka. Michael Hoffman, grandfather of Jacob D., was born Nov. 28, 1786, and died Jan. 10, 1874, at the age of eighty- seven years, one month and twelve days. The major part of his life he devoted to the cultivation of the home- stead, which is situated in Perry township, and is now owned by George Hoffman, a grandson. He erected the stone house which is still standing in an excellent state of preservation. Frequently he made trips to Philadel- phia with four or six horse teams, and exchanged farm products for general merchandise such as the farmers needed. He was an influential man and wielded con- siderable political influence, being elected on the Demo- cratic ticket to the State Assembly in 1845, 1846 and 1847, riding to the State Capitol on horseback and taking some of his provisions with him. His salary was seventy-five cents per day. He was an official member of Zion's Lutheran Church, was regular in church worship and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He married Catherine Shappell, born Sept. 12, 1780, daughter of Eber- hart and Catherine Shappell, natives of Germany. Mrs. Hoffman died June 30, 1857. To her and her husband were born these children : Samuel, oldest born (1808-1879) ; George (1811-1887) m. Abbie Fisher (1816-1871) ; Michael (1813-1874) mi. Esther Wartzenluft; Charles (1816-1900) m. Rachel Dunkel, and Benjamin (1820-1896) m. (first) Susanna Fisher and married (second) Elizabeth Bailey. Samuel Hoffman, father of Jacob D., was born Nov. 28, 1808, and died in the year 1879. He obtained a good education in the pay schools of his day and in the Mor- gantown Academy, after graduating from which he en- gaged in agricultural. pursuits, in which he continued for the remainder of his life. He was a successful man, own- ing 155 acres in one tract and seventy-five acres in an- other, was a director in the Shoeraakersville ' Building & Loan Association, of the Farmers Assistance and Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and of the Reading Savings Bank. Politically he espoused the principles of Thomas Jefferson. He was elected as a Democrat to the office of county surveyor, as which he served from 1848 to 1850, and as justice of the peace, serving in this office for up- wards of fifty years. He was an active worker for Zion's Church of Perry township, and an official for many years. He married Hannah Dunkel, and they had these children: Elizabeth and Caroline, deceased; David; Han- nah; Jacob D. ; Esther and Caroline (2), both deceased. Mr. Hoffman died in 1879, and his wife on Jan. 14, 1892. Jacob D. Hoffman was educated in the public schools until he was sixteen years old, when he entered Freeland Seminary,^ under the well known Henry Hurisicker, later the Reading Academy, and completed his education in 1863 at Fairview Seminary, under Prof. Nicks, the well known educator. Subsequently he taught school for five years, four terms of this being at the Hoffman school in Perry township. In 1865 he associated himself in the mercantile business at Shoemakersville, with Richard Dunkle, the firm name being Dunkle & Hoffman, which continued for one year. Mr. Hoffman then turned his attention to farming and operated the home farm in Windsor (now Perry) township for two years, and then purchased the Bausher farm, of 180 acres, for which he paid $97.25 an acre, two years later making a very ad- vantageous sale of the same, receiving $105 per acre. He settled upon his father-in-law's farm in Windsor town- ship in 1870, and two years later he purchased his father's farm of 140 acres of good land, and then moved to this farm on which he remained for ten years. He made many improvements during each year, adding materially to the value of the farm. In 1880 he bought his present homestead of 160 acres, a tract which is considered some of the best land in the district. Among the modern im- provements which he has installed here is a large water tank constructed back of his barn, from which with a two-horse power gasoline engine, he pumps water all over the place. He was one of the prime movers in the build- ing of the Windsor Castle Creamery, and the success of this industry is largely attributable to Mr. Hoffman, who has continued' its president from its organization. In 1888 he bought his father's old farm upon which he was born and reared, but some years ago he sold it to his son, George R., who now occupies ■ it. It was the desire of our subject that this old farm should remain in the family, and that it should be known as the Hoffman home- stead for generations to come. Mr. Hoffman is one of the most thrifty, prosperous and up-to-date farmers of Perry township, and more than that he is a man of sterling qualities. His word carries weight in his section and his advice is frequently sought and followed by his neighbors. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and wields strong influence. On numerous occasions he has been elected to office, having served as school director both in Windsor arid Perry townships; was auditor in Perry township for six years; and at pre- sent is superior of his district. From 1879 to 1881, in- clusive, he was auditor of Berks county, and audited the record of the late Adam M. Dundore, county treasurer. On many, occasions he was a delegate to county con- ventions. Mr. Hoffman is a Lutheran, and with his family worships at Zion Union Church of Perry township, being a deacon, for many years a church trustee, and for the past twelve years church treasurer. On June 3, 1865, Mr. Hoffman was married (first) to Mary Ann Sunday, daughter of George and Mary (Sieg- fried) Sunday, and a granddaughter of George Sunday. To this union were born the following children : Charles L. m. Elmira Strasser, had two sons, Clinton and Willie (deceased), and is now deceased; (jeorge R. m. Lizzie Stetzler, and had three children, Milton, Mary (deceased) and Wilson; Annie m. Franklin G. Jacoby; and Catharine (deceased) m. Allen Burkhardt and had children, Reana v., Erraa M. and Jennie (deceased). On Dec. 17, 1887, Mr. Hoffman m. (second) Catherine (Schappell) Stump, widow of Alfred Stump and daughter of, Samuel and Catherine (Adam) Schappell, and they have one son, Jacob C, at home. By her first marriage Mrs. Hoffman has one son, Elmer L. Stump. a 436 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA J EDWAiRD WANNER, assistant cashier of the Na- Mr. Wanner's grandfather was John Wanner, of Maiden- tional Union Bank, and president of the Reading school creek township, where he was born Oct. 10, 1788. He board, is a descendant of one of the earliest families removed at an early age to Ruscombmanor township, there which settled in the northeastern section of Berks county, married Elizabeth Biehl (a daughter of Christian Biehl) wnicn seuieu "'1''= 'y , , anj carried on farming. He had twe ve children: Maria He was born at Reading on July ^^^lll^'.^fj^^'J^^^ Magdalena (m. David Sharadin) ; Anna (m. John Mertz) ; cated in the local public schools. Upon his g^radua ion ^^ ^.,j.^^ (m. Elizabeth Deisher) ; John from the high school in 1882, he took a commercial course j^^^.^, ^_^^ Elizabeth Bower) ; Joel B. (m. Louisa Zieber) ; in the Eastman National Business College at i^oughkeep- p^^^^. Q^ristian (m. Sarah A. Moyer) ; John Charles, sie, N. Y., in the fall of that year; and in 1883 he became ^-^^i^. j^j. Charles Herman (m, Hannah Hilbert) ; Eliza- a clerk in the National Union Bank of Reading, with i^^jj^ ^^ jgy,„ Humbert); Amos B., above; and Henry, which financial institution he has continued until the single, present time. He was gradually promoted from one posi- yjg great-grandfather was Peter Wanner, a farmer tion to another, and on Feb. 26, 1901, he was elected as ^f Colebrookdale township, who married three times, assistant cashier by the board of directors on account jjis first wife was Esther Rothermel ; his second, Anna of his superior record in the service of the bank for m Schwartz; and his third, Magdalena Rothermel nearly twenty years. . (widow, nee Dreibelbis), he having had by the third In 1892, Mr. Wanner assisted in organizing the Reading jn only child, John Wanner above named. Paper Box Company. His brother Howard officiated as His great-great-grandfather was Martin Wanner, who president from that time until his decease in 1895; then emigrated to Pennsylvania from the Palatinate in 1733, he succeeded him in the position, which he has filled until gn thie ship "Samiuel," from Rotterdam, landing on the 17th now In 1900 Mr. Wanner was one of the incorporators day of August, of the Greth Machine Works for the manufacture of stationary engines, &c., and he was selected as one of the JACOB B. OBERHOLTZER, miller and farmer of directors, and also vice-president of the company, filling Colebrookdale township, who conducts the White mill, these positions until the present time. located on Swamp creek, was born on the family horae- Upon reaching his majority in 1885, Mr. Wanner stead in Washington township, this counts', Oct. 29, 1844. identified himself with the Americus Club, the leading xhe Oberholtzers have lived in Berks county for several Democratic Society at Reading, and he took an active generations. According to the Pennsylvania Archives three part in its affairs from the start. His activity led to his of the name came to America in the early days of the selection as vice-president of the Club several years after- Commonwealth, viz. : Hans Jacob Oberholtzer arrived in ward ; and having filled this position for a number of 1730 ; Jacob Oberholtzer arrived in 1732, at which time he years, when the president, Jefferson M. Keller, Esq., died was twenty-eight years old, and had a daughter Elizabeth, in 1899, he was elected as his successor. The members aged six years, and a son Samuel, aged three years, to have appreciated his services so highly that they come with him to the New World ; Hans Georg Ober- have retained him since then as their president. holtzer arrived in 1754. One of the two first mentioned In 1894, the Democratic electors of the Seventh Ward settled in Milford township, Montgomery county (now in- elected Mr. Wanner as a school controller, and he has eluded in Lehigh county), and there is a well-founded been one of the representatives of the Ward in the board tradition that Jacob Oberholtzer, great-grandfather of of controllers continuously until now. In 1898 the con- Jacob B, Oberholtzer, whose name heads this sketch, was troUers selected him to be the president of the board ; of this Montgomerv county stock. The familv is of Swiss and again in 1905, 1906, 1907 and 1908. While connected origin, and its members have clung to the ]\Iennonite re- with the board, twelve large modern school buildings were Hgion. They have been upright in morals, successful in erected in different parts of the city; and during his later business and true to the traditions and faith of their presidency the superior high school for boys was erected forefathers. at a total cost of $365,000, this great structure in the Jacob Oberholtzer, previously mentioned as the great- cause of local education receiving a great deal of his at- grandfather of Jacob B. Oberholtzer, located about 1770 tention. In social matters, Mr. Wanner has affiliated with in Colebrookdale township, Berks county, in that section the Free Masons, Elks, Wyomissing Club, Penn Wheel- now included in Washington township,' There he con- men, and the Junior Volunteer Fire Company. tinned to make his home until he died, in May, 1811, full His parents were amongst the -first members of the of years. He owned land and followed farming. In Second Reformed Church at Reading upon its organiza- 1779' this pioneer paid a tax of £121, 10s, sterling. In tion in 1848, and he joined the same church at an early isos he paid $3.70 and his son, Jacob, Jr., $1.79. In 1809 age, retaining his membership until now. The father of they paid, respectively, $3.09 and $1.46. Jacob Oberholtzer Mr. Wanner was Amos B. Wanner, Esq., a prominent was a Christian man. His will, made Nov. 28, 1810, and member of the Berks County Bar for many years. He probated May 27, 1811 (sons Christian and Jacob, ex- was born in Maxatawny township (near where the Normal ecutors), is on record in Will Book A, page 584, He was School is situated) in 1831, educated in the local schools survived by his wife, Esther, who bore him the following and at a seminary at Philadelphia, and admitted to the named children : Christian, Jacob, Abraham, Martin, Eve Bar as an attorney-at-law at Reading in 1857, He becanie (m, Abraham Stauffer), Barbara (m. Jacob Stau'ffer), a very successful practitioner and was in active practice Esther and Elizabeth. until his decease in 1892. He represented the Reading in Book 7, page 376, there is on record a German will District in the Legislature during the years 1875 and 1876, of one Jacob Oberholtzer (the executors being Regina and having been elected on the Democratic ticket; he served Joseph Oberholtzer), who may have been a son of Chris- as a State delegate to the Democratic National Conven- tian Oberholtzer or one of the Montgomery countv Ober- tion which assembled at St. Louis in 1876 ; and he repre- holtzers. sented the Seventh ward in common council from 1882 Martin Oberholtzer, previously mentioned as one of the to 1884, officiating as president of that body during the children of Jacob Oberholtzer (who died in 1811) made first year. He was niarned to CleuTcntine C. Zieber Ca his will Aug. 21, 1862, and died the following year in daughter of Philip Zieber, of Reading, for many years Washington township, where he had spent all hil life en- in the mercantile business, and prominently identified with gaged in farminsj. His sons Jacob and Isaac \vere' the the insurance and real estate business in this section of executors of the Will. He had six children in all namelv • the State). She was born in ]S:;:t and died in 1S93, short- Polly (m. a Hunsbersjer), Elizabeth (m George Yohn")' ly after her husband. They had three children: Howard Susanna (m, Alatthias Linsenbij;icr ) Isaac Sarah°and Jacob' P, (a practicnig attorney at Rcadini. who died in 1895 Jacob Oberholtzer, born Dec 5 1773" another son of at the age of thirty-four years): George A, (who is Jacob Oberholtzer (who died in ISn), was also a farmer engaged in the manufacturing and insurance business at in Washington township, where he owned land He was Reading) ; and J. Edward, the subject of this sketch. a blacksmith by trade, and followed that line of work ir BIOGRAPHICAL 427 connection with farming. He married Esther Meyer, born March 16, 1784, died Jan. 13, 1843, who bore him two sons and one daughter, Susanna and John M. reach- ing maturity. The daughter married Henry Landes, and they had a daughter SusanAa, who became the wife of a Jacob Oberholtzer. As both Mrs. Landes and John M. Oberholtzer preceded their father to the grave the latter's estate was equitably divided among the grandchildren. Mr. Oberholtzer made his will Jan. 19, 1858, and it was probated Ajjril 19, 1859. The executors were his friends Jacob M. and Jacob C. Oberholtzer. He died April 3, 1859. John (Johannes) M. Oberholtzer, son of Jacob and father of Jacob B. Oberholtzer, was born Aug. 11, 1811, in Washington township, where he passed all his life, dying May 8, 1857, at the age of forty-five years. In his early manhood he was engaged as a school teacher and surveyor, but he eventually settled down to farming, the vocation of his ancestors. On Feb. 18, 1838, he mar- ried Anna Bliem (daughter of Jacob Bliem), born Nov. 4, 1815, died Oct. 26, 1884, and to them were born six children, viz. : Mary, who married John Bechtel ; Hettie, wife of Eli Bechtel; Amos, of Bechtelsville ; Jacob B. ; Anna, wife of Joseph Moyer; and Minerva, wife of H. H. Stauffer. All this family were Mennonites and active in church life. Mr. Oberholtzer is buried at the Menno- nite meeting-house at Bally. Jacob B. Oberholtzer was reared to farming, growing up on the old home place in Washington township. As he was only twelve years old at the time of his father's death responsibilities came early to him and his brother, both remaining at home. Jacob worked for his mother until he was nearly twenty-five years old, he and his brother buying the homestead in 1869, after which they continued to cultivate the place together until 1872. That year Jacob B. Oberholtzer moved to Bechtelsville, where he , lived until 1903, when he came to the place he has since occupied, in Colebrookdale township. He has the old Renninger mill property, originally owned by one Michael Renninger, and which Mr. Oberholtzer has owned since 1874, and which he has conducted. Mr. Oberholtzer is a man who takes an interest in the public welfare as well as in his own affairs, and he was prominent during his residence in Bechtelsville as one of the organizers of the borough, becoming its first secretary and later serving as chief burgess; he also served as township auditor and school director. Since settling in Colebrookdale he has been elected to the office of township auditor, in which he served efficiently. He is a Republican in political opinion. On Nov. 6, 1869, Mr. Oberholtzer married Malinda Clemmer, daughter of Christian and Barbara (Gehman) Clemmer, and granddaughter of John Gehman. Mrs. Oberholtzer died June 25, 1888, at the age of forty-three years, and is buried at the Mennonite meeting-house at Bally. She was the mother of five children, namely: Eli, who lives in Douglass township, Montgomery Co., Pa. ; John, of Philadelphia; Ida, who is unmarried and keeps house for her father; and Abraham and David, both of Philadelphia. Mr. Oberholtzer and his family hold fast to the religion of their forefathers, being New Menno- nites in faith. They belong to the church of that de- nomination at Bally. JAMES F. RHOADS, assistant superintendent of the Reading Hardware Company, and one of the representa- tive business men of Reading, Pa., was born at Lime- rick Square, Montgomery Co., Pa., Jan. 3, 1858, son of Levinus Rhoads. (I) Jacob Rhoads, the first of the Rhoads family of whom there is definite mention, was a farmer and miller of Boyertown, Pa., where at one time he owned large milling interests. He had two brothers, John and Henry, both of whom lived and died at Boyertown. Jacob Rhoads owned the oM mill at Mohrsville, which he operated, but he died at Boyertown, where he is buried. His wife was a Miss Kline, also of Boyertown, where she died. To Jacob Rhoads and his wife were born : Lydia m. Sebas- tian Buchert, and they died in Montgomery county; Deet- er died in Montgomery county; Samuel died in Mont- gomery county; Jacob died in Montgomery county; Mrs. David Wise died in Montgomery county; Daniel; Maria m. John Peltz (both died in Philadelphia) ; Rebecca m. Ab- raham Harherger, and died in Montgomery county. (II) Daniel Rhoads, grandfather of James F. Rhoads, was born in Montgomery county, in 1801, and spent his life engaged in farming in his native county, he owning an excellent farm in New Hanover township, where he moved in 1837. This farm of eighty-five acres he farmed until his death in 1884. His wife was Catherine Yerger,. daughter of Jonas A. Yerger and wife (whose maiden name was Reiff), and their children were: Levinus; Sam- uel Y. lives at Swamp, Montgomery county; Lydia married Henry Spitler, and died at Reading; John Y. died at Englesville, aged sixty years; Jacob Y. died at Boyertown; Mary m. Daniel Botts; and Henry Y. died at Reading. (III) Levinus Rhoads, father of James F., was born in New Hanover township, Montgomery Co., Pa., Nov. 21, 1828. Learning the saddler's trade in Montgomery county, he followed it for four years, but then embarked in farming in Marlborough township. On April 3, 1865, he sold his farm and removing to Reading, engaged in the grocery business, , and later operated a hotel for abt>ut twelve years. The hotel, the "Montgomery House," is still very popular, and is a monument to him and his progressiveness. In 1890 he retired and now lives in his own home at No. 918 North Eleventh street. In addition to this property he owns valuable realty in Reading. , On Dec. 15, 1855, he married Catherine Rahn, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Smith) Rahn, of Montgomery county, and their children are : James F. ; Lizzie m. Linneaus Seid- ers, resides at No. 1023 North Tenth street, Reading, and has one daughter, Ada; Hiram, who died aged thirty- eight, m. Sallie Moyer, who now resides at No. &56 North Eleventh street with her son, Hiram Lewis. In politics Levinus Rhoads is a Democrat, although never very ac- tively identified with political life. He has now retired from business affairs, and is passing the sunset of life in peace and quiet, and in the enjoyment of a well-earned competency. (IV) James F. Rhoads received his education in the public schools of Reading, having been brought to this city when a boy. While attending school, he worked in the grocery store of his father. From 1871 to 1882 he was employed in the grocery business in Reading, but in the latter year he entered the employ of the Reading Hard- ware Company, commencing as a clerk on January 16th. From that position he was gradually and successively pro- moted until he finally attained his present responsible position, through merit alone. Having filled all the var- ious positions of this big plant, he is peculiarly fitted for his present position, and his worth is recognized by his firm. On Oct. 23, 1883, Mr. Rhoads was married to Miss Angeline Filer, daughter of Peter L. and Emma (Breneiser) Eiler, the former a well-known merchant of Reading, Pa., where Mrs. Rhoads was born. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads have a very pleasant home at No. 908 Pear street. They .have no children. Fraternally Mr. Rhoads is a member of the Reading Hardware Relief Association, and he is also connected with the Liberty Fire Company, of Reading. His religious- belief is that of the Lutherans, and he is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and is very active in its work. In political opinions he is a Republican, but like his father he is no politician, he preferring to exert his influence in a private way. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are very promi- nent in church and social circles. Mr. Rhoads has built up for himself a lasting reputation as a man possessing most excellent personal traits of character. He is up- right and honorable in his business transactions, and is im- bued with that generous public spirit that is always ready to assist in whatever is calculated to promote the welfare of his community. 428 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AUGUSTUS HARNER, one of the venerable residents of Berks county, Pa., who until 1896 was engaged in agri- cuftural pursuits in Heidelberg township, is now living re- tired near Shaver's schoolhouse, and has the respect and esteem of the entire community. Mr. Harner was born Jan. 20, 1S27, in Cumru township, Berks county, son of Jacob and Susanna (Wann) Harner. Daniel Harner, grandfather of Augustus, was a tobacco dealer at Rehrersburg, a substantial business man of his locality, and one of the first to engage in that line in his section. He is buried at Rehrersburg church, in Bethel township. Daniel Harner's children were : Jacob ; George, whose son Horace worked in a bank in Reading; Fred- erick, a legislator of Berks county from 1865 to 1867; Abraham; a daughter; and Daniel. Jacob Harner, father of Augustus, was a resident of Cumru township, and being in humble circumstances, worked on the old Seitzinger farm where the State Con- stabulary has been situated for many years. He mar- ried Susanna Wann, and both are buried at Aulenbach cemetery in Reading. Jacob Harner passed his last days at the home of his son, Jacob, Jr. To Mr. and Mrs. Harner were born these children : Augustus ; Amelia m. John Kachel; Margaret m. Albert Cleaver; Jacob, of Reading, m. Louisa Koch; Mary Ann m. George Strunk, of Read- ing; and James, a boiler-maker of Palmyra, died in Read- ing. Augustus Harner obtained his education in the pay schools near where he lived in Cumru township, and he was reared on the farm on which his father worked. In 1857 he purchased the old Shower homestead in Heidel- berg township, and here he has since resided, being actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1896, since which time the farm has been rented to his son-in-law, Mr. Noll. On this property of seventy-five acres, Mr. Harner erected all of the present buildings, the house being built in 1874, as well as the substantial 80 x 40 barn. He has always been industrious and hard-working and now in the evening of his life he feels that he can afford to enjoy some of the fruits of his hard labor. Mr. Harner is very well read, the Bible being one of his favorite works. He can speak both English and German fluently, and in spite of his eighty years is very well preserved, both in mind and body, and is an excellent conversation- alist. In political matters he is a Democrat, and his pop- ularity in this section has been attested by his election to various offices of trust and responsibility in his town- ship. Mr. Harner is a Reformed member of Hain's Church, of which he was deacon and elder, while his family attend the Corner Church. In 1S.j1 Mr. Harner married i\Iarv Ann Shower, born Jan, 24. 1829. who died Nov. 24. 189'8. daughter of Isaac and Mary (Wenrich) Shower, and to this union one child has been born : S. Agnes m. William Noll, and of their two children, a son and a daughter, their daughter married Ulysses Lamm and has two sons : Paul Augustus and Charles Alfred. WILLIAM F. HECHLER, one of the leading citizens of West Reading, Pa., who is serving as one of the first councilmen of the new borough, was born Aug. 22, 1850, in Penn township, Berks county, son of Amos and Eliz- abeth ( Kissling) Hechler. Rudolph Heckler (Hechler), the founder of this num- erous family in America, came to this country from the Fatherland prior to 1741, and settled in Exeter township, where he became the owner of considerable land. In 1759 he was one of the heaviest tax payers of the district, pay- ing twenty-two pounds, and he was considered a leading citizen of his locality. Daniel Hechler, the grandfather of William F., was a cabinet-maker by trade, an occupation which he followed in Exeter township, where he died at the age of eighty- seven years. He married a Miss Ritter, who reached the age of seventy-three years, the latter being buried in the Ritter cemetery in Exeter township, and Mr. Hechler at Alsace Church. They had children as follows: Elam, a hatter, settled in Reading; Amos; Laurence died in Schuyl- kill county; Elizabeth died single; and Mrs. Joseph Snyder. Amos Hechler, father of William F., was born in Exeter township, but as a young man removed to Penn township, where he worked first at farm work, and later at black- smithing. He also learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for upward of thirty years, then engaging in the saw mill business in Luzerne county, Pa., and later at Reading. He next went to Caroline county, Md., where he died in 1873, at the age of forty-eight years. Mr. Hechler was married to Elizabeth Kissling, daughter of John and Catherine (Spayd) Kissling, of Penn township. She died in Caroline county, Md., at the age of forty-four years, seven weeks after the death of her husband. Both are buried at Bern Church in Penn township. Mr. and Mrs. Hechler had these children: William f.; Leander m. !\I. H. Cohee, of Caroline county, Md., and died in 1875 ; Charles W. is of Wilmington, Del. ; and Rosanna m. Irwin D. Klopp, of West Reading, Pennsylvania. William F. Hechler attended the schools of Penn town- ship and his first work was on the farm, where he con- tinued until nineteen years of age. He then learned the cabinet-making trade, which he followed for nine years, after which he took up carpentering, an occupation at which he was engaged for a like period, after which he was for sixteen years employed at the old West Reading Planing Mill. In 1902 Mr. Hechler engaged with Schrader & Kline, of Penn street, working at cabinet making. Mr. Hechler came to West Reading in 1889, and in 1895 built his home at No. 516 Penn avenue. He is a Democrat in politics and has become very prominent in public matters, For three years he served as a member of the school board of Spring township, and while in office, in 1899, assisted in building the large schoolhouse now located in the borough of West Reading. On May 7, 1907, he was elected to the council of West Reading, as one of the first members of that body. He is a member of St. James Re- formed Church of West Reading, for three years served in the consistory, and for several years was also a teacher in the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Brotherhood of America, and the Sr. O. U. A. M. Mr. Hechler married Rebecca Rishel, daughter of Wil- liam and Maria (Wenrich) Rishel. To them there have been born children as follows : Annie m. William H. Mat- tes ; Evan W. m, Annie Hunter; Paul H., of Coatesville, Pa., m. Annie Sunday; Rosie m, Morris Wagner; Katie m, Edward Adams; William, single; Miss Sallie and Adam, twins, of whom the latter died at the age of eight months; and May Edna died when twenty-three days old. CYRUS J. RHODE. Many years ago there lived in Rich- mond township, Berks county, a Frederick Rhode, who according to family tradition came to America from Eng- land, but was by nativity a German. He engaged in farm- ing, married and had a family, but from the information on hand it can not be found who his wife was. Among other children, this Frederick Rhode had a son. William, born in Richmond township. He was reared on the farm, but learned the trade of stone mason, follow- ing that occupation in Greenwich township, whither he had removed, for fifteen years, during this time helping to erect many of the substantial stone and brick farm buildings which are such a characteristic feature through- out (jreenwich and the adjoining townships. Later in life Mr, Rhode engaged in farming near the town of Grim- Mile, and he continued at agricultural pursuits until ad- vanced years, when he gave up active work and from that time on lived retired. In politics earlv in life he was an old-line Whig, but when the Whig party was dissolved he became a Democrat and adhered to the faith of that party for the remainder of his life. He never aspired to public position, but in local affairs bore his full share of the duties and responsibilities required of the citizen. He was interested m educational matters and served as school director in his district. He was a member of the Re- formed Church, BIOGRAPHICAL 429 William Rhode married Mary Zimmer, daughter of Dan- iel and Caroline (Wright) Zimmer, of Greenwich town- ship. She was born in 1832, and was a member of one of the old representative families of that part of Berks county. Daniel Zimmer was born and always lived m Greenwich township, and by occupation was a shoemaker. He died in 1896 at the age of eighty-five years. Although it is not definitely known, it is strongly probable that Dan- iel Zimmer was a descendant of Rudolph Zimmer, who in 1741, when only eighteen -years of age, came from Ger- many to America in the ship "Friendship." He landed at Philadelphia Oct. 12th of that year, and shortly after- ward settled in Greenwich, where he appears upon the tax list of 1756. Caroline Wright, as her name indicates, was of English descent, but little is known of her ancestry. She had a brother, who during the Civil war was a colonel in the Union army. William Rhode died in 1884, and his wife in 1892, and they were buried in the graveyard of the Union Church at Grimville. To them were born these children : Eliza A. m. Wllloughby Gehringer ; Cyrus J. ; Anna E. m. Albert Plough; Chester W. m. Emma Stern; Lewis F. m. Hannah Tyson; Charles H. m. Emma Rein- hart; Agnes m. James Love; Westa m. Charles Fritz; Jonathan and Frederick m. and live at Omaha, Nebr. ; Mary m. Henry Rohlf ; Ilena m. Jas. Ross ; and Oswell m. Helan Kleflner. Besides, there were also Clara and Ida, who died young. Cyrus J. Rhode, the second child of William and Mary (Zimmer) Rhode, was born June 11, 1852, near Grimville, Greenwich township, Berks county. Until reaching the age of sixteen years he remained upon the farm, occupied at such duties as are usually allotted to Pennsylvania farmer boys and attending the district school. For the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of the English language he lived a winter with a family named Bush in the northern part of Chester county, and attended a public school there. To equip himself for the exacting duties of life he then concluded to learn a trade, and subsequently served an apprenticeship at bricklaying, working at this occupa- tion for several years in his own locality and at different points in the Lehigh Valley, as well as at Allentown, Car- ■ bondale and in New York State as far up as Syracuse. Later a thirst for knowledge impelled him to spend several terms at the Keystone State Normal School, where he made such good progress in his studies that he was encouraged to try his hand at teaching. He began this profession in Weisenburg township, where the length of term was four months and the salary thirty dollars per month. He taught Apple's school for three years, and then for ten years continuously the school in Grim's independent school district, all in Lehigh county. His duties as teacher not occupying all of his time, he at intervals engaged at fire in- surance and lumbering, in which he then laid the founda- tion of a business that has spread and grown upon his hands ever since. In 1884 in order to give his children the advantages of the Keystone State Normal School, Mr. Rhode located in Kutztown, where after a short residence he purchased a bakery, and continued in that business for a period of eleven years, at the end of which time, his insurance and lumber business having grown to such large proportions, he was compelled to give his entire time and attention to them. In these lines he has continued to the present time and is now rated aS one of Kutztown's busiest cit- izens. He has been secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Berks and Lehigh counties, for twenty-one years, and also represents a number of other leading companies as agent. His lumber business is quite extensive and consists of purchasing tracts of timber, which he converts into merchantable lumber. He has also had an extensive experience in erecting lightning rods, to which reference can be made appropriately in this biog- raphy. For fifteen years he has engaged at this occupation over a wide range of territory, and notwithstanding the strong orejudice which exists against lightning rod agents generally has succeeded in giving entire satisfaction wher- ever he has been given work to do. He has furnished his patrons a good article at a fair price and dealt with them honorably, and by these means has won their confidence and respect. Of the 42,000 buildings that he has rodded since starting in the business not one has been burned by lightning, which is the best evidence that the material he supplies is of the best quality and that his work is well done. He puts up from 20,000. to 30,000 feet of rodding every season. Mr. Rhode claims the lightning rod business is as reputable as any other, if reputably conducted. While Mr. Rhode has been a busy man he has yet found time to give attention to public affairs. He is a Democrat in politics, and since living in Kutztown has served one term on the council, and as a member of the school board for twelve years, and it was during his service as a school director that the handsome school house was built in Kutztown. He is a pronounced friend of popular education, and has done much to promote the efficiency of the public schools and to encourage the young to make use of them. In 1894, Mr. Rhode was elected a represen- tative in the State Legislature from Berks county, re- elected in 1896, and served faithfully through two terms in which Democrats were decidedly in the minority. In 1903 he was elected a justice of the peace for Kutztown, and is now serving in that capacity. , On Oct. 2, 1872, Cyrus J. Rhode was married to Amanda F. Knerr, of Weisenburg township, Lehigh county, born July 17, 1849, daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth (Knerr) Knerr, and granddaughter of David and Susannah (Derr) Knerr, all of Lehigh county. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhode have been born four children, as follows : Minerva E. m. David B. Levan and lived in Kutztown, until her death from pulmonary trouble. May 23, 1909 ; John W., a lumber, coal and feed merchant of Topton, m. Kate Keller, and has had two children, Harold and one deceased ; Homer J., an eye specialist of Reading, is mentioned below; and Solon L., who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, is now attending lectures in the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rhode and family belong to the Reformed Church, where - his ancestors worshipped for generations. > Dr. Homer Jones Rhode, specialist in Diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, Reading, was born in Weisen- burg. Lehigh county, Dec. 9, 1877. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Kutztown, and later at the Keystone State Normal School. He was graduated from the latter institution in the class of 1895, after which he took post-graduate work preparatory to study- ing medicine, and he then taught two terms of school at Richhill, in Bucks county. Entering the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, he graduated from that famous institution in 1901, and was at once ap- pointed resident physician of St. Joseph's Hospital, Phila- delphia, where he remained one year. In July, 1902, he entered the- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, and' there he served as resident surgeon for one year, after which he took charge of Dr. S. Lewis Ziegler's practice in Phila- delphia, during that gentleman's trip abroad. In the fall of 1903 Dr. Rhode established himself in Reading, where he has since been located, and he has built up an exten- sive practice in his specialties. Since 1904 he has been connected with the Reading Hospital. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, the Reading Medical Society, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. On April 9, 1904, Dr. Rhode was married to Miss May Friel, daughter of James Friel, of Philadelphia, and they have had these children : Dorothy, who died aged eighteen months ; Homer J., Jr., and Virginia. The Doctor and his wife attend the Reformed Church. Socially he is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., Read- ing. His home is located at No. 220 North Sixth street, and there he and his good wife delight in welcoming their many friends. CHARLES P. HOFFMAN, manager of the G. M. Brit- ton Company, Pottsville, Pa., and director in the Mer- chants National Bank, of that city, was born in Friedens- burg, Oley township, Berks county, Sept. 20, 1866, son of Rev. P. P. A. Hoffman and his wife, Aravesta M. Bodder. 430 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Rev P p. \. Hoffman was born in CherryviUe, North- Reading. Mrs. Hoffman is a graduate of the Reading ampton county, March 25, 1836, and died at Reading high school where she was a classmate of her husband. June 30 1888 in the fifty-third year of his age He was BOWER, D. D. S., of Boyertown, one of educated m the common schools and later attended the ^^e leading dentists o7 Berks countv,' was born in this town Mercersburg Preparatory School, then that college and '(^V 07 i840 son of Henry O. and Barbara (Borneman) Theological Seminary, graduatmg at an early age. He g^^'^^d grandson of JohriZBower. was mstalled at Fnedensburg, m Berks county, and ^, ^^^^^ Bower, the American ancestor of the family, preached at Friedens Church there for twenty-five emigrated from Switzerland between 1708 and 1717. He years, or until his death. His twenty-fifth installation gettfed in Colebrookdale township, with other Mennonites was celebrated at Hill Church in the presence of a large ^^^ fjgj because of persecution. In time he bought three congregation, which congregation he served from his entry different tracts, and his first purchase consisted of 215 into the ministry until his death. The Friedens charge acres which he bought from Thomas Hopkinson. His consisted of four congregations, viz. : Hill, Friedens, Lo- second purchase which was 201 acres, he secured in 1734) bachsville and Pricetown, He was an able minister and the third was made from the Penns in 1734, fori and eloquent preacher. For some years before his which he paid twenty-three pounds, five shillings. This' death he lived at Reading, and is buried in the Charles land was located in Hereford township, Berks county, Evans cemetery there. In 1864 he married Aravesta M. and is now owned by Rev. John Ehst. In 1749 he sold this . Bodder, daughter of Charles and Susanna (Mason) Bod- tract to his two sons, Mjchael ancTAbrahara (whose chil-.j; der. Mr. Bodder was a hatter and furrier at Bethlehem, dren were — George, Samuel and Jacob), where he was a member of the town council and a very (H) Michael Bower, son of Hans, and great-great- _ prominent citizen. To the Rev. Mr. Hoffman and wife grandfather of Dr. Bower, married Fronica, daughter of'fC were born the following children: Charles P.; Willard U., Johannes Landis. On July 7, 1784, Tie sold a tract of ^ of Reading; J. Lange, of Chicago; Bertha B., m. to land containing 108 acres to his son-in-law. Christian"^ Thomas Paine, of Reading; and C. Herbert, of Pottsville. Moyer, for the sum of 325 pounds ; also a tract contain- Charles P. Hoffman received the benefit of an ex- {ng seventy-four acres and twenty-eight perches, for 175^ ^ cellent education, attending the public school, Oley Acad- pounds. His children were : (^amuel,) Fronica; and 'Aiina.] emy, a preparatory school at Bethlehem, and graduated (III) Samuel Bower, son of Michael, was born Aug. 6, from the Reading high school in 1885, with the class 1746, and he is buried at Hereford Mennonite Meeting honors. He then became a bookkeeper for the Manhattan House. Fie was a farmer in Douglass township, Mont- Hardware iManufacturing Company, of Reading, serving gomery county. His wife was Elizabeth Ziegler, and they in that position for two years. In 1887 he became collec- had children as follows : Susanna, Barbara, Deborah, John , tor for the Gately & Britton Installment House, of Read- Elizabeth, Samuel, Hannah, Andrew and Christopher, ing, and his promotion to a better position was soon (IV) JohrCBower, son of Samuel, was born in Doug- merited. In 1894 the firm opened up the Pottsville branch lass township, Montgomery county, Dec. 24, 1773, and died in a small store under the management of Mr. Hoffman, there March 30, 1854, and he is buried at Bally. He and this has since become the largest furniture, carpet bought a farm of 156 acres in 1814 for $13,000. This he and clothing store in all Schuylkill county. It sold to John Moyer in 1890 for $5,600. He was employs thirty-five to fifty persons and enjoys a large a well-known farmter and a most excellent mian. Dur- and lucrative trade. Besides making this store a mecca ing the panic of 1814 to 1820, he hauled rye flour to for the buyer of household goods, he has found time to Philadelphia, receiving seventy-five cents per hundred devote to the best interests of the city. He is broad- pounds. Later he prospered, and although many lost their minded and public-spirited, and is ever in the front rank farms during this time of stringency, he did not. His wife's of new enterprises. He has become the standard bearer maiden name was Susanna Overholtzer, and they had five for those interests that stand for progress and civic ad- children : Catherine married Samuel B. Latshaw ; Elizabeth vancement — and the leader 'in all public demonstrations m. Jonas Sassaman; John O. ; Samuel O. and Henry O. and events that tend to advertise and advance his adopted (V) Henry O. Bower, son of John and father of Dr. city. During the first years of his connection with the Bower, was born in Douglass township, Jan. 6. 1807, and firm of Gately & Britton (a partnership that has since di- died there Feb. 14, 1867. He was a clockmaker, and made vided, Mr. Hoffman continuing with Mr. Britton) he con- 130 grandfather clocks, some showing the movement of ducted for three years the Tropical Garden, then located the moon. His grave is at the Mennonite Meeting House at Eighth and Penn streets, Reading. at Bally. The last clock he made, completed about 1845, Mr. Hoffman is one of the organizers of the Merchants is in the possession of his son Dr. Joel B. Bower of Boyer- National Bank, of Pottsville, and has since been one of its town. Mr. Bower was well-known and traveled from directors, secretary of the board and a member of the house to house in eastern Berks county, repairing clocks. Finance committee. Fle is actively identified with church. His wife was Barbara Borneman, also a native of political, social and fraternal associations in Pottsville. Montgomery county. They had six children, as follows: With his family he attends Trinity Reformed Church. He Dr. Joel B. ; John, deceased, a farmer in Douglass town- is past master of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; ship; Priscilla, deceased wife of Levi Ehst; Johanna, de- Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M. ; past commander of ceased wife of Daniel B. Rittenhouse, of Montgomery De Molay Commandery. No. 9, K. T. ; and a charter county; Dr. Daniel B., of Boyertown; Elizabeth, living at member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Reading, Boyertown, widow of John Bechtel. which he has had the honor of representing at the Imperial (VI) JoeF B. Bower was reared in Douglass town- Council of North America. Socially he is a member of ship, where he attended school, but later he went to the the Pottsville Club; a charter member of the Sphinx Freeland Seminary, and then studied with his uncle. Dr. Club; a miember (and past president) of the Commercial J. H. Borneman, vvho was a dentist at Boyertown. Still'later Club; The West End Fire Company; Schuylkill County he attended the Philadelphia Dental College, from which Historical Society; and Liederkranz. Fle has been presi- he was graduated in 1867. He immediately located at dent of the Merchants' Association of Pottsville and vi- Boyertown, where he followed his profession "for a period cinity since 1903 ; president of the Pottsville Civic Society, of forty-five years. , In 1905 his son Dr. .\. L. Bower which is in the nature of a board of trade, since its incep- took charge of the office. In 1892 Dr. Bower opened a tion in 1905; he is a member and chairman of the Finance branch office at Pottstown, and this his son Dr. Samuel committee of the board of control of the famous Third Bower now conducts. Flis son Dr. Daniel Bower had Brigade Band. Mr. Floffman is one of the leading men charge of the Pottstown office for ten years prior to his of Pottsville, and he has the well merited respect of his death in 1905. Dr. Joel B. Bower and his family are fellow citizens. members of the ;\Iennonite Church of Boyertown, aiid he In 1885 Mr. Floffman married Sue E. Bickley, daughter is very active in Church work. He resides in his own of the late Capt. Frank and Amelia (Lotz) Bickley of house on Philadelnhia avenue. BIOGRAPHICAL 431 Dr. Bower has been married three times. His first wife, Sevilla Stauffer, of Boyertown, died at the age of twenty, leaving one son, Henry , who died soon thereafter. He married (second) Elizabeth Latshaw, of East Vincent, Chester Co., Pa., who bore him hve children : Dr. Danie l, born March 2, 1873, died unmarried, Feb. 15, 1905 ; I acob died at the age of four years; Miss Mary lives at Boyer- town; Dr . Abram L. is mentioned below; Dr. Samue l, of Pottstown, graduated from the Philadelphia Dental Col- lege in 1902, and married Blanche Grubb, of Chester county (no issue). Dr. Bower married (third) Annie B. Bickhart, who died Oct. 16, 1906, aged sixty-nine years (no issue). Dr. Abram L. Bovver, son of Dr. Joel B. Bower, was born Jan. 23, 1879. He graduated from the Boyertown high school in 1894, and from the West Chester State Normal School in 1896. He taught school two terms, after which he attended the Philadelphia Dental College two terms and graduated from the Dental Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1901. He has prac-" tised dentistry since at Norristown, Pottstown, and Boy- ertown, in which latter place he is now engaged. Dr. Bower has been granted nine patents and a number of other patents for his inventions have been allowed by the United States Patent Office but have not yet been issued. He has invented a dental preparation to be used in the operation of capping live and exposed nerves in teeth. This method and preparation were quickly adopted by the dental profession and are now largely used for that purpose. His other inventions relate to railway signalling, chiefly cab signalling, where three classes of signals are transmitted to the train through a single circuit from the rails to the engine and displayed in the cab in front of the engineer. These three classes of signals are clear, cautionary, and danger, shown by colored electric incan- descent lamps, the colors being white, green, and red, re- spectively. Bells are also automatically rung in the cab to call the engineer's attention to a change in the signal displayed. Dr. Bower's device also makes the service applica- tion of the brakes when caution is indicated, and the emer- gency application of the brakes when danger or stop is indicated. The throttle also is operated, shutting off the steam. The entire device operates automatically but it is adapted so as to be instantly controlled by the en- gineer. His inventions also include block signals for electrically operated trains or trolleys which automatically shut off the power or reduce the speed of the vehicle by introducing resistance into the motor circuit. Also a governor to prevent the application of the brakes when the speed is not over six miles per hour; also a distance device which automatically displays the danger signal after the train has proceeded a certain predetermined distance without receiving a clear or cautionary signal impulse from the devices on the roadbed. This distance device checks any failure of the other devices to operate. The Block Signal and Train Control Board of the Interstate Com- merce Commission authorized a practical test of these devices, to be made by the Board in March or April of 1909, on the Colebrookdale Branch of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, near Pottstown. j^ Dr. Abram L. Bower married ^j^T'^'l lOi . J Mtiii'' °^ New Britain, Pa. They have two~hildren, Joel L. and Elizabeth L. GEORGE BRUBAKER, one of Reading's substantial business men, who conducts a lumber yard on South Third street, is a native of Reading, born Jan. 20, 1854, son of Solomon and Anna Mary (Reiff) Brubaker. George Brubaker, grandfather of George, married Bar- bara Hoover, and they settled at New Holland, Lancaster county, where Mr. Brubaker was a leading farmer and in- fluential man. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, while his wife was a Mennonite, and they were the par- ents of these children : Sally m. Samuel Baer, a farmer of Lancaster county, and had children, Anna and David ; Isaac m..and had one child, Isaac; John died young; and Solomon. Solomon Brubaker was born in Lancaster county in 1814, and remained at home until his eighteenth year, when he engaged at clerking in stores at Hinkletown, Reamstown and Ephrata, and it was while working at the latter place that he was induced by Philip Bushong to locate in Reading. After clerking for several years, Mr. Brubaker turned his' attention to the milling business in company with Joseph Raudenbush and a Mr. Frill, and during the war purchased Mr. Frill's interest, carrying on the business alone until 1869, when he sold out to Barnhart & Koch, who in turn sold out to the Bushongs, now the site and property of the Reading Paper Mills. In 1874 Mr. Brubaker organized the lumber business now operated by his son on South Third street. Here he successfully continued to operate until 1880, when his death occurred, in his sixty-sixth year. Mr. Brubaker was prom- inent both in a business and social way, and on the Re- publican ticket was elected a councilman in the old Spruce ward. Mr. Brubaker was an attendant of the Universalist Church. His widow survived him until 1899, and died when sixty-nine years of age. They were the parents of four children : George ; John, who died aged two years ; Isaac, died in infancy ; and Sally L., who married John E. Harbster, and had children, John M., George B., Robert M., Anna M., Matthew (deceased), Carl and Marion. George Brubaker was educated in the common schools of Reading, in the old Spruce ward, later attending the high school and subsequently took a course in Chester N. Farr's Business College. Upon completing the prescribed course he entered the employ of his father, with whom he continued until the latter's death, when he continued the business for his mother, and after her death purchased it, since which time he has been conducting it for himself. Mr. Brubaker is a reliable business man, of honesty and integrity, and he controls some of Reading's best trade, handling a complete stock of builders' lumber, and being the only one in the city to handle Washington cedar. Mr. Brubaker was married in 1885, to Miss E. Amanda Schwartz, born in Berks county, daughter of James Schwartz, and two children were born to this union : Anna Mary, a graduate of the Girls high school of Reading, and L. Eli?abeth, attending high school. Mr. Brubaker is a member of Neversink Fire Company. He is highly es- teemed in his community as a good neighbor and a useful and public-spirited citizen. CHARLES RICK, a veteran of the Civil war who has been living retired in Reading since 1904, was for many years one of the proprietors of Rick Brothers' foundry, also known as the Reading Butt Works. Mr. Rick was born in October, 1840, in Bern township, Berks county, son of Charles and Ellen Louisa (Ruth) Rick, and grand- son of John George Rick. Herman Rick, great-grandfather of Charles, came to America with his parents in the early part of the eigh- teenth century, being then about twelve years of age, and after receiving his education in the pay schools of Bern township, he engaged in farming, at which he continued for the remainder of his life. Among his children was John George. John George Rick, son of Herman, married Catherine Weiser, grand-niece of Conrad Weiser. Mr. Rick en- gaged in farming in Bern township, and became a large land owner and highly respected man. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, was a Whig in politics, and was very patriotic and public-spirited. Charles Rick, father of Charles, was educated in the primitive schools of his day, and early in life conducted a general store at Centreport and later at Peacock's Locks, coming to Reading in 1841, where he was engaged in a mercantile business and in real estate operations. The latter years of his life were spent in retirement. He died in 1878, and his wife in 1880. They were the parents of the following children : Cyrus, for many years cashier of the Farmers' National Bank, and a member of the firm of Rick Brothers, m. Emma Madeira; John, who ■132 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA died in 1000, was also a member of tlie firm of Rick gressed gradually and surely, to a position of unques- Brothers ( m, Emma Ammon) ; Charles; Mary m. Franklin tioned influence. Besides filling the presidency of the Dundore, of Philadelphia, and had three children — Charles, Reading Iron Company, he serves as a member of the Frank and Ella; James, of the firm of Rick Brothers, now executive committee as well as a. director of the Penn- proprietor of the Rick Knitting Mills of Reading, m. (first) sylvania Steel Company, as well as a director of each of the Ellen Trate. and (second) Julia O'Hara. and had five subsidiary companies owned or controlled by that com- children by the last marriage — James, Edward, Albert, pany. He is a director of the Reading Trust Company; Harrison and Julia; and Ellen m. William A. Arnold, de- president of the Deer Park Land Company; and a director ceased, and had six children — William, John, Franklin, of the Spanish-American Iron Company; the Pure Oil Anna, Ellen and Mary. Company; the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Company; Charles Rick was educated in the common schools of his the Schuylkill & Lehigh Railroad Company; the Mary- locality, and in 1857 graduated from the old high school, land Steel Company; the Penn Mary Coal Company; Until the outbreak of the Civil war he clerked in various and the Temple Iron Company. He is also interested stores, but in May, 1861, he went to the front, enlisting in several iron and mining companies of lesser magnitude, at Washington, D. C, and was discharged in July, 1861. In December, 1866, Mr. Smink married Clara C, daugh- Hc then re-enlisted in Company E, 128th Pa. V. I., be- ter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Seidel) Thompson, of coming first sergeant, and was discharged as first lieuten- Reading, and they have four children, namely: Harry A.;' ant after nine months service. On his return to Reading, Augusta, now the wife of Samuel Heim; Emily M., wife JNIr. Rick entered the office of the general superintendent, of J. Bennett Nolan, Esq., and Elizabeth. The family are G A. Nicolls, of the Reading Railroad as clerk, and con- members of Trinity Lutheran Church, tinned with that company until 1871, when he resigned to Mr. Smink's social connections include membership engage in business with his brothers, who had founded, in the Wyomissing Club, the Berkshire Country Club (of in 1867, the business of Rick Brothers Foundry, or Read- which he is president), the Manhattan Club of New York ing Butt Works. He continued in this business until his City, Pennsylvania Society in New York, the Railroad retirement in 1904, at which time the firm sold out. Club of New York, American Iron and Steel Institute, In 1868 Mr. Rick m. Emma A. Pauli, a native of Berks New York, American Institute of Mining Engineers, the county, daughter of Rev. W. A. Pauli, of the Reformed Philadelphia Country Club, of Philadelphia, and Frank- Church, and to this union there have been born six chil- lin Institute, Philadelphia. dren : Mary m. F. H. Muhlenberg, and has four children Harry A. Smink, only son of F. C. Smink, was born Hiester H., Charles R., Ernest and Mary; Miss Grace; i" the city of Reading in 1867. He received his early Mabel m. H. P. Weile, of Reading; Bessie m. Lindsay education in the public schools of his native place, later McCandlish, and has one child, Jane R. ; Miss Florence attending a preparatory school, and in 1892 entered the is at home ; and .-Vrthur is a member of the firm of Hutch- employ of the Reading Iron Company, with which he is inson-McCandlish Coal Company, Reading. still connected. He began as a clerk, and was advanced Mr. Rick is a member of the Military Order of the upon his merits, until in 1897, he was promoted to be Loyal Legion of the United States; and of Chandler assistant superintendent of the Tube Works of the Com- Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M. He is a Republican in pol- P^^y< a position he has ably filled since. The charge is a itics, and in 1874 he was a member of the common coun- responsible one, over two thousand people being employed cil. He is a director of the Charles Evans cemetery, the '" 'he plant. Reading City Passenger Railroad Company, and the Mount Mr. Smink married Rosie Deysher, daughter of William Penn Gravity Railroad. G. Deysher, and they have two children, Frank and Rus- sell. The family are Catholic in religious connection. F. C. SMINK, president of the Reading Iron Company, IS associated with so many enterprises typical of the com- FERDINAND THUN, manufacturer of textile machin- rnercial prosperity of Pennsylvania that he is not only con- ery and president of the borough council in Wyomissing, sidered a representative business man of Reading, but of was born in Barmen, Germany, Feb. 14, 1866. He was the State as well. The Reading Iron Companv, to the educated in the schools of that place and graduated from direction of which the greater part of his time is' devoted, the technical high school in 188.-.. He then entered the has one of the largest independent plants of the kind office of a large establishment which manufactured braids, in the United States. laces and dress trimmings — this constituting one of the Mr. Smink was born in 184.5 in Kutztown, Berks county, principal industries of Barmen, for many years a famous Pa., son of H. B. and Elizabeth (Ebert) Smink. He was manufacturing center of Germany — and" continued there educated in the public schools of Reading, graduating three years, when he determined to visit America. He from the high school in 1861, after which he taug'ht proceeded to Stony Creek ]Mills. Berks county. Pa., reach- school during the winter season, doing farm Avork in ing the place in September, 1880, and secured employment the summer months. He has since been identified with as bookkeeper in the office of Louis Kraemer & Co., the Reading. His first position in this city was that of book- senior proprietor being an old friend of his father. While keeper in the shoe manufacturing establishment of H. so employed he devoted his spare time to the study of F. Felix, with whom he remained two years. In 1864 the English language, .\fter remaining there until the he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading spring of 1888, and having successfullv acquired the Eng- Railway Company as secretary to Superintendent G.A. lish tongue, he returned to Barmen, biit was at home only Nicolls, in which service he remained three years, after a short time when he decided to locate permanently in the which he resigned to accept the chief clerkship in United States, and there to engage in the manufacturing Bushong Brothers Bank. Soon afterward he ivas pro- business. He directed his special attention to the manufac° moted to cashier, and acted as such until the bank ture of braids, ribbons, etc., until the following February, failed, in 1877. Meantime he had also become treasurer by which time he had familiarized himself with°the practi- and general manager of the Berks & Lehigh Railroad cal side of this business. He then went to New York Company, and president of the Keystone Flardware Com- and was employed in a leading braid factory' for three pany. The latter concern also suspending business in years, serving for a considerable part of the tinie as super- 1877, Mr. Smink entered the service of the Reading Iron intendent of the works. While there he met a vounc^ man Works as general business manager, Jan. 1, 1878. He con- also from Barmen, Henrv K. Janssen, an expert ma'chinist tinued m that capacity until 1889, in which year the works in the manufacture of textile machinery, and thev agreed failed. On the organization of the Reading Iron Company, to form a partnership in that branch' of business and Mr. Smmk was made vice-president and general manager locate at Reading, Pa., where thev had friends and where under the presidency of George F. Baer, whom he sue- the prospects of success appeared to them ver'v encouras- ceeded m 1902 as executive head of the company. ing. They accordingly went to Reading in 1892, and in Mr. Smink has risen to a position ot affluence from a modest way started" the new enterprise at Nos' 220-'''^'> a modest beginning. Starting as a clerk, he has pro- Cedar street, 'emploving only a few hands In four~years BIOGRAPHICAL 433 they had become so successful that they required a larger place with greater facilities for increasing development. They selected a tract of several acres of land at Wyomis- sing, along the Lebanon Valley railroad, where they erected a factory capable of accommodating 100 hands, and theirs was the first industrial establishment in that place. In 1900 they organized and incorporated the com- pany under the name of the Textile Machine Company, with Mr. Janssen as president, and Mr. Thun as secretary and treasurer, which positions they have held until now. In December, 1906, this company employed 300 hapds, a remarkable increase in ten years, showing the skill, energy and success of its projectors. Mr. Thun was in- strumental in establishing at the same place the Berkshire Knitting Mills and the Narrow Fabric Company, two new industries which employ nearly 500 hands. In 1902 Mr. Thun started the Wyomissing Suburban Building and Loan Association, and in 1906 the Wyomis- sing Building and Savings Association, and he has served as treasurer of both organizations until the present time. With these large and promising enterprises at Wyomissing he naturally became very active in the movement for establishing a borough, and upon its incorporation in 1906 he was elected one of the first councilmen, and in the or- ganization of 'the council was chosen president. In 1896 Mr. Thun married Anna M. Grebe, daughter of Louis Grebe, of Stony Creek Mills, by whom he has six children : Anna, Margaret, Wilma, Hildegard, Ferdinand and Louis. Ferdinand Thun, father of Mr. Thun, is a native of Barmen, born in 1830. He learned the foundry business there, which he followed successfully for forty years, and he has been living in retirement since 1890. He married Julia Westkott, "of Barmen, who died there in 1881, aged forty-two years. They had four children : Ferdinand ; Emil, who succeeded his father in the foundry business ; Mary; and Emilie. The last three are living at home in Barmen. EDWIN BOONE, vice-president and cashier of the National Union Bank, of Reading, was born on the Boone homestead, in Exeter township, Berks county, Jan. 14, 1846. His emigrant ancestors were among the first settlers in this county, coming from England and settling along the headwaters of Monocacy creek, in what is now Exeter township, prior to the year 1720. His father, Ellis H. Boone, moved to Reading in early manhood, and there became a well-known man in his line, serving for more than forty years as foreman in the Philadelphia & Reading car shops. Ellis H. Boone married Ann Cleaver, daughter of Derrick Cleaver, whose ancestors were also among the first settlers of that section of Berks county. Mr. Boone was educated in Reading, and was only fif- teen years old (havin-g left high school) when tendered a position as clerk in the National Union Bank, with which institution he has ever since been connected. He accepted the clerkship March 4, 1861, the day Lincoln was first inaugurated President. It is of interest to note that Lincoln's ancestors were near neighbors of the Boones ill Exeter township, before 1730. Mr. Boone commenced his business career with a determination to succeed which he has never relinquished. He gave evidence of ability from the start, and was promoted steadily until he at- tained the position of cashier in 1878, though then but thirty-two years of age.- Over twenty years later, in 1901, he was honored with election to the office of vice-president, and still retains both responsibilities. In all the years he has been intrOsted with the heavy obligations of these positions his vigilance and fidelity have been marked, and no cloud has ever marred the history of the insti- tution or its management. Under his management the bank has enjoyed continual success, and a steady growth, the business transacted in 1906 amounting to over $82,500,000. But it is only due to the directors of the bank to say that Mr. Boone's services have been both appreciated and rewarded, and he has the satisfaction of enjoying the con- fidence of those in authority at the bank and of the public upon whose patronage its prosperity depends. 28 Mr. Boone's alertness, keen perception, knowledge and long experience in matters of finance have brought him into many congresses and councils, and -in contact with some of the greatest minds and financiers of the country. Whatever threatened or menaced, whether depression or panic or stringency of any kind, the National Union Bank has had in Mr. Boone a pilot who knew the channel and knew of every reef and ledge, and whatever the tempest this commander carried his barque safely through to the calm sea. In the year 1892, seeking a respite from business cares, Mr. Boone made a tour of the United States, visiting many points of interest, and extending his trip through Nova Scotia and Canada. Six years later, in company with Messrs. James A. and Dr. Charles A. O'Reilly, he visited France, sojourning most of the time in Paris. Again in 1902, in company with his friend, Rev. F. K. Huntzinger, pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Reading, he journeyed to Jamaica, stopping at Kingston (since destroyed by earthquake), where they remained for three weeks, meeting many of the distinguished and in- fluential citizens of the Island. This jaunt proved so enjoyable to Mr. Boone and his companion that another was planned, and in 1905 they set sail for Europe, visiting France, England, Holland and Germany. While in London rare respect and privileges were ex- tended them. They were shown through the Bank of England, an unusual courtesy to those having no creden- tials or recommendations. However, identity and confi- dence were established through a five dollar National Union Bank note bearing the signature of Mr. Boone as cashier. This was accepted as a satisfactory sponsor, and they were shown through this historic institution, being specially interested in the printing, as all currency circulating throughout England and the English Colonies i.=; printed there. They were also admitted to both Houses of Parliament, while in session, and at a time or on a day when visitors were excluded. In the summer of 1907 these two friends took a six weeks' trip together, ^n this occasion visiting Norway, Sweden, Denmark, northern Germany and Holland. They sailed from New York on July 17th, on the "Noordam," of the Holland-American line, and though the trip across was not particularly pleasant, the weather being cold and foggy, they had the novel experience of coming close to an iceberg, so close that the vessel was slowed down until it made scarcely any progress, because of the danger of a collision. Icebergs at that season show little of their bulk above the surface, and are a source of danger avoided by every captain. During the trip the fog at onp time prevailed for thirty-six consecutive hours. At Hamburg, Ger- many, the friends boarded the tourist steamer "Vega" for Norway, and they had a delightful voyage along the romantic and mountainous coast of that country, also pen- etrating many of the fjords which indent the mountains, whose sides slope directly into the sea. The marvelous color effects on the water, the snow-covered mountains, the mountain forests, the beautiful cascades formed by the melting snow — all the bold scenery of the coast was pleasantly varied by the trips up the fjords, which afforded them many delightful glimpses of peaceful farm and vil- lage life. The wonders of the midnight sun were among the glories of that far northern land they enjoyed to the full. From^Bergen, Norway, they went to the larger cities of Scandinavia, visiting Christiania, the capital of Nor- way; Stockholm, with its beautiful public and private buildings, parks, streets and places of amusement; Up- sala, the great university town, the intellectual center of Sweden, and its handsome Dome Church, founded two hundred years before the discovery of America, and rebuilt in modern times; Copenhagen; and Berlin, where they remained for a week, on Sunday attending divine service in the new Dome Church, and during their stay visiting many noted places of interest. From that city they proceeded to Rotterdam, where they embarked on the "Ryndam," of the Holland-American Line, arriving at their home on August 27th. The tour was one of 434 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA unusual interest and enjoyment, and Mr. Boone and his friend live through their experiences again in many pleasant hours of friendly intercourse. Fraternally Mr. Boone is a 33d-degree Mason, and is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the First Baptist Church, with which he united in boy- hood, and since 1879 he has served as treasurer of that church. On April 9, 1868, Mr. Boone was united in marriage with Mary J. Buchanan, and to them have been born two daughters : Mary, now the wife of Theodore Bond Harrison, whose home is at Germantown, Pa.; and Annie, wife of Henry Moore Hawkesworth, living at Brookline, Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Boone is a man of fine physique and personality, a safe counselor, though never obtrusive, generous and charitable without ostentation, and upright in every relation of life. COL. GEORGE NAGEL was born near Coblentz, Ger- many, about 1728, son of Joachim Nagel. He came to Reading about 1755, and engaged in blacksmithing. He served as an ensign in the French and Indian War, and in 1763 he returned to Reading and resumed his trade. In 1771 he was elected sheriff of Berks county. When the Revolution commenced he raised the first company in Berks county to fight for American liberty. His com- pany participated in the campaign at and about Cambridge, Mass. He was a brave and true soldier, and rose to the rank of colonel. Col. Nagel continued in the military service until 1783, when he returned to Reading and engaged in the mercantile business. He continued in this business until his death in March, 1789. His remains were interred in the Reformed cemetery. He married Rebecca, daughter of Mordecai Lincoln, of Exeter town- ship. Captain Peter Nagel, a brother of the above Col. George Nagel, was born near Coblentz, Oct. 31, 1750, and came to Reading as a young man and learned the trade of a hatter under Samuel Jackson, the first hat manufact- urer at Reading. He followed this occupation until 1807, first as a journeyman, then as a manufacturer. During the Revolution he was prominently connected with mil- itary affairs, and was a captain from 1777 to 1783. He held various civil offices, including justice of the peace, coroner and county treasurer. This latter office was subsequently held by a son, a grandson, and from 1873 to 1875 by a great-grandson, the late Dr. Hiester M. Nagel. He took an active part in the military parade in 1794 in honor of President Washington, and held a re- ception to the distinguished gentleman at his house, at the site of the present post-office, to enable the citizens to meet the "Father of his Country." Capt. Nagel was a man of fine, commanding presence, and nearly six feet tall. He died Nov. 30, 1834, and was buried in the Reformed graveyard. Afterward his remains were re- moved to the Charles Evans' cemetery. His name ap- pe:;rs frequently as one of the church officers. Mr. William' N. Coleman, a well-known citizen of Reading, now eighty-six years of age, is a grandson of Capt. Peter Nagel. The latter possesses an excellent oil paint- mg of Capt. Nagel, which he prizes highly. JOHNSON WILMER FISHER was born in Reading June 18, A. D. 1870. Henry B. Fisher, his grandfather, was born in Oley township, Berks county, and was well known in the man- ufacturing world in his day. For many years he operated the well known Fisher's Woolen Mills, located on the Swamp Creek, near New Berlinville, in Colebrookdale town- ship. He came to Reading in 1857, where he continued the same business for some years and where he died March 16, 1887. He married Mary B, Johnson. Henry J. Fisher, his father, was born near New Berlin- ville, Colebrookdale township, Berks county, Pa., and moved with his parents to the city of Reading in 1866, where he has since resided and been actively engaged in the grocery business. He was a loyal defender of the Union, having served for three years in the Civil War as a member of Company H, 104th Pennsylvania Volun- teers. He married Mary C. Keever, daughter of Henry V. and Lydia C. Keever, of Reading, and had two children : Johnson Wilmer, and Mary L. J. Wilmer Fisher attended the old Friends' School in Reading, and the public schools, leaving the public schools at the age of fourteen to "take up the battle of life. He was not satisfied with his education, however, and after his day's work as an errand boy in his father's grocery store, he attended night school and prepared to take up civil engineering. He thus gained sufificient knowledge to enable him to accept a position as rodman in the city engineer's office at the age of sixteen, where he remained for some years, filling successively the positions of rodman, transitman, assistant engineer and general superintendent of the department. In the spring of 1894 be resigned his position in the city engineer's office to accept the position of assistant to the superin- tendent of the Water department, and while acting in this capacity prepared the first detailed plan of the water pipe system of the city. Having formed the determina- tion to adopt the law as a profession, he resigned his pos- ition in the Water department in the fall of 1894 and matriculated as a student at the Dickinson School of Law, at Carlisle, Pa., from which institution he graduated- in 1896. He registered as a law student in the office of Judge Sadler in Cumberland County and was admitted to the Cumberland County Bar June 9, 1896. He took the examination for admission to the Berks County Bar, to which he was admitted Nov. 9, 1896, and has since been admitted to practice in the Supreme and Superior Courts of Pennsylvania, the United States District and the United States Circuit Courts. Since his admission to the Bar he has continued in the active practice of his profession and enjoys a large cHentele at the present time. Mr. Fisher is active in the affairs of the Republican party and his face is a familiar one at all its conven- tions, to many of which he has been a delegate, and he is an exceedingly valuable man in the field, having been very useful in State and National campaigns. In 1901 he was nominated for district attorney. In 1904 he was chairman of the Congressional Conference of the Berks and Lehigh Congressional District, which placed in nomination William H. Souden of Allentown, Lehigh county. In 1906 he was the Republican Congressional nominee for the Berks and Lehigh Congressional Dis- trict, and received a large complimentary vote, and in 1908 was prominently mentioned for the appointment to the Common Pleas Bench to succeed the late Judge Ermentrout. He is at present treasurer of the Republican county committee, having served in that office for many years. Mr. Fisher takes a keen interest in local affairs. He served as a member of the Reading School Board for eight years, during which time he was chairman of many important committees, and as chairman of the Fi- nance committee for a number of years inaugurated many reforms in conducting the business of the board. He is an active member of the Board of Trade and a member of its committee on Legislation. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, his maternal ancestors having been members of that Church, since its organization in 1748. He is active in Masonic circles, and is a charter member of Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660, F. & A. M. ; a member of Excelsior Chapter No. 237, R. A. M. ; Reading Com- mandery No. 43, K. T. ; Philadelphia Consistory. 32d de- gree ; and Rajah Temple, A, A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of Gen. George G. Meade Camp No. 16, Sons of Veterans. CHARLES M. RICHARDSON, one of the most ex- tensive creamery operators in Pennsylvania, was born Oct. 8, 1858, in Ontelaunee township, Berks county, where his father and grandfather resided before him. William Richardson, his grandfather, lived at one time in Bern township. He was located at Baltimore during the Civil war. He died in Ontelaunee township, leaving one son, Emanuel. BIOGRAPHICAL 435 Emaniiel Richardson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ontelaunee township and there fol- lowed farming, also engaging in milling to some extent. Moving to Exeter township, also in Berks county, he bought the old "Daniel Boone" homestead, containing 153 acres, upon which he carried on farming until his death. He married Lydia Miller, and they had the fol- lowing children: Charles M. ; Kate, the wife of Edward Beck; Owen, of Reading; Mary, wife of Daniel Snyder, of Reading; Frank, of Reading; Wilson, of Berne; and Ella, wife of George Lee, of Reading. Charles M. Richardson attended the public schools of his district when a boy, and later (1878-1879) the busi- ness college of Prof. D. B. Brunner, at Reading. He was engaged in creamery work as early as 1883 in Exeter township, near Stonersville. He made his iirst independ- ent venture in the creamery business in 1888 at Lyon Val- ley, Lehigh Co., Pa. During the twenty years which have since intervened he has developed his business and in- creased his operations to such an extent that he is now interested in more than thirty creameries located through- out this State and New York. He is president of the High Ground Dairy Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y., which operates a number of large creameries in New York State, and also conducts a large retail' milk business in Brook- lyn, New York City. He is vice-president of the Har- ford Dairy Company, of Harford, Susquehanna Co., Pa., which operates eight large plants in that county. He is also a member of- the firm of Richardson Brothers, of Berne, Pa., and he is associated with Mr. Howard E. Ahrens, of Reading, Pa., in the firm of Ahrens & Rich- ardson, Bernville, Pa. During the past ten years he has also obtained control of ten small plants, scattered along the East Penn branch of the Reading Railway, between Allentown and Reading. These plants he operates in- dependently under the management of S. W. Hacock, Mertztown, Pennsylvania. In 1891 Mr. Richardson located at Bernville, Pa., at which place he has since made his home. He is promi- nent and active in the public life and welfare of the borough. He has served for thirteen years as a member of the school board, acting at various times as secretary and president. He was treasurer of the Old Home Week Committee in 1907 and is at present the secretary of the First National Bank of Bernville, with which he has been connected as a director since its organization. He is a member of the Reformed Church, which he has served as both deacon and elder. He has also served as treasurer of the Sunday school for a number of years. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past few years he has been the Republican committeeman of the borough. In fraternal connection he is a member of I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 122 and of P. O. S. of A. Camp No. 113. As for his private life, Mr. Richardson married Eliza- beth T. Snyder, daughter of 'Squire William H. Snyder, of Oley Line, Berks Co., Pa. His family consists of four sons : Edgar S., a graduate of Princeton University, class of 1905, and at present a registered student-at-law from Berks county in the Law Department of the University of Pennsylvania (he was also prominently connected with the celebration of Old Home Week in 1907) ; William E., a prominent m'ember of the class of 1910 of Princeton University; and Charles S. and Frank, both students in the Bernville grammar school. HENRY F. PRINTZENHOFF, a retired contractor and one of the leading citizens of Hamburg, Berks Co., Pa., who has been prominently identified with all public meas- ures calculated to be of benefit to the community, was born July 7, 1847, in Rockland township, this county, son of Charles and grandson of Frederick Printzenhoff. The name Printzenhoff signifies "Prince's Court." Frederick Printzenhoff emigrated to America from Ger- many in his young manhood, and, locating in Philadelphia, followed coach-making until his removal to Friedensburg, Berks county, where be continued the same business until his decease, in 1863. He was married to an English- woman, and became the father of five children: Charles, William, Jerome, Caroline and Amanda. Charles Printzenhoff, eldest son of Frederick, was born in Philadelphia in 1812, and while a boy accompanied his father to Friedensburg, where he learned the trade of a tailor, following same for several years. He then en- gaged in the hotel business at different places for varying periods of time. In 1866 he removed to White Deer Mills, in tfnion county, where he died in 1901. His wife, Sarah Fisher, daughter of John Fisher, of Oley township, was born in 1818, and died in 1893. Their children were : Mary Ann, who married John Carey; Jonathan; Caroline, who married David Berkenstock; Henry F. ; James, who died young; Adeline, who married Adolph Ranck; Ellen, who married Henry Smith; Franklin, who married Amanda Koch; Mahlon, who married Ellen Fisher; Catherine, who married Lewis Spiece ; Hannah, who married Charles Simpler; and Sarah, who died young. Henry F. Printzenhoff was educated in the schools of Kutztown, and learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed until 1869, when he went to Philadelphia, en- gaging in bridge-building in the employ of the Philadelphia Bridge Company until 1890. He then entered into part- nership with William J. Armstrong, and did business under the name of Armstrong & Printzenhoff, for the con- struction of bridges and other contra,ct work. His firm put up bridges on numerous railroads, including the Jersey Southern & Pine Creek, the Wilmington & Northern, and the Shenandoah Valley; and immediately after the Johns- town flood this firm had the first construction party there, with 372 men, for the purpose of re-constructing bridges, large buildings, etc. They also constructed the wharves at Philadelphia, along the Delaware avenue front, from Race street to South street, for which they received high praise. During his work in the vicinity of Hamburg Mr. Printzen- hoff was attracted by the beauty of the village and de-^ cided to make it his home. He erected a superior dwell- ing-house and purchased several farms near-by, aggregat- ing over 200 acres, and these farms he is operating suc- cessfully, making a specialty of poultry. When the citizens of Hamburg were discussing the question of introducing improved lighting for the public streets and private dwell- ings he encouraged the matter greatly, and assisted mater- ially in establishing the Hamburg Gas Company, of which he has officiated as president since its organization, in 1904. RICHARD RICHARDS, formerly chief burgess of Boy- ertown and superintendent at present of the Boyertown Ore Company, an important enterprise of this place, was born Jan. 24, 1832, in Cornwall, England, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Tremyn) Richards, both natives of Corn- wall. Richard Richards, the father, was born in 1800, and died aged seventy years. He followed mining as his business. His wife died when his son Richard was eight years old. Their children were: Margaret, Elizabeth, Thomas, Frances, Richard, William, Benjamin and Mary Jane. The name of Richards . is not an unusual one in England, and on the same vessel crossing the Atlantic Ocean, which brought the present Richard Richards to America, was another passenger, named Simon Richards, also of Cornwall. The two men of the same name became ■ acquainted and discussed their possible relationship, but did not establish their kinship. Simon Richards settled in Cumru township, Berks county, where he acquired a small farm, but for many years he has been at rest in the graveyard at Yocom's Church. He reared a family and his son James became supervisor of Cumru township", and his numerous children still reside there or in Reading. Richard Richards, of Boyertown, is a man of large ex- perience in mining and he was only eight years old when, he began work in the tin mines of Cornwall. He was only sixteen when he went down into some of the deepest mines, even to the depth of 600 feet. In the spring of 1853, hoping to better his fortunes, he started to America, land- ing at old Castle Garden, New York. During the first year he lived at Phoenixville, Pa., but in 1854 he came to ■136 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Berks county and secured employment in the Moselem iron ore mine, where he continued until April, 1835, when he went to Tamaqua and found work in the coal mines in Schuylkill, and later in Luzerne county. In the fall of that year he came to Boyerto.wn and here he has remained ever since, as time passed becoming closer and closer identified with the interests of this borough, and each year adding to his material possessions and advancing in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. Mr. Richards worked first for the Phoenix Iron Com- pany, and was continuously in their employ for forty-s.even years, beginning as an ordinary miner and being advanced rapidly. Since 1861 he has been superintendent of that great corporation. He has a complete and comprehensive knowledge of the mining industry and has lived to see wonderful changes in his day in methods and results. The Boyertown Ore Company, a consolidation of the different ore companies at this place, closed mining in March, 1907, and since then Mr. Richards looks after the properties and cares for the buildings. Despite his long life of hard work, both physical and mental, Mr. Richards retains his strength and healthful appearance. He is known for his kindness of heart, and this quality is revealed in his countenance. Mr. Richards has been married twice. On Sept. 10, 1857, he married (first) Lavina Boyer, daughter of Daniel Boyer, who, with his brother Henry, founded Boyertown. Mrs. Richards was born in 1825 and died in 1881, and was buried in Fairview Cemetery. They had one daughter, Mary (m. Thomas Clark, a native of Cornwall, England, who is connected with the Walter Sanitarium at Werners- ville, Berks county). Mr. Richards m. (second), Dec. 24, 1890, Sallie B. Shuler, born July 5, 1857, died Dec. 28, 1890. He is a member of the M. E. Church and was one of its organizers at Boyertown, one of the first trustees living near Blandon, Berks county. A. N. Kissinger received a common school education in the schools of Berks county, locating at Reading, Ap- ril 1, 1870, and entering the employ of C. S. Birch & Co. In the following year he established a clothing and shoe business, later he and his father also associating them- selves at the same location. No. 929 Penn street, in the flour and feed business, continuing together until the death of the latter in 1873. The Market House business was founded May 10, 1871, and July 16, 1871, A. N. Kiss- inger assumed its active management. He has contin- ued in that capacity ever since, has been one of the own- ers, and the manager and treasurer of the Farmers' Market House. Under Mr. Kissinger's management ex- tensive and important improvements have been made in the original house erected by his father, so that he now as president, general manager and one of the largest stockholders controls the largest and most complete mar- ket in the city. This was incorporated in January, 1907, as the Farmers' Market House Company. For the accom- modation of out-of-town patrons he has erected a three- story stable, with sleeping apartments attached. Kissinger's Storage House is a four-story structure, 60x120 feet in dimensions, weekly and semi-weekly sales • being held therein. On March 1, 1885, C. Carroll Briner was admitted to partnership in the feed, flour and stor- age business under the firm name of Kissinger & Briner, the location of the house being as at present. This con- tinued till Mr. Briner's retirement in February, 1897, after which the firm of Kissinger & Son was formed. This continued four years, since which time Mr. Kissinger has been sole proprietor. Under Mr. Kissinger's ener- getic and able management, the business has developed to large proportions. On Jan. 17, 1907, in company with others he formed the Kissinger Market House Company, embracing the following markets : Nos. 2, 3 and 4, located at Ninth and Cherry street. Peach and Cherry streets, and Nos. 834-836 Penn street. They have recently inaug- 504 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA urated the successful Saturday afternoon and evening market, in addition to their tri-weekly markets. Personally Mr. Kissinger has reached a leadership in the busmess field in a time of life which makes it prob- able that his future will bring him into even more than State prominence. Mr. Kissinger is connected with no secret organizations, although socially he is very genial and popular. JFor his standing he has depended upon no extraneous efforts, solely upon his individual honesty, as- siduity and ability. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and has served as a vestryman of that organiza- tion at different times for nine years. On April 16, 1874, Mr. Kissinger was married to Miss Sallie R. Spohn, of Reading. She died March 11, 1903, leaving three children : Clifford W., Sarah E. and Anita M. On Oct. 19, 1904, he married (second) iMiss Mary L. Warren, of Ohio, and to this union has been born a son, Warren Nicholas. Mr. and Mrs. Kissinger reside at their comfortable home. No. 1030 Penn street, Reading, enjoying the comfort and culture attendant upon the prosperity and intelligence of the modern business man. DR. ROBERT WALTER, founder and proprietor of "The Walter Sanitarium," near Wernersville, in Berks county, the largest and most successful health resort in Pennsylvania, was born Feb. 14, 1841, in Canada (town- ship of Esquesing, county of Halton, Province of Ontario). He received his early education in the township schools and afterward by his own efforts. When fourteen years old, he entered a store as clerk and filled the position successfully for a year, after which he was employed as cashier and bookkeeper in a large tannery, where he continued until the chief employer died one year after- ward. Notwithstanding his youth, the interested parties retained him to settle up the estate, which he accom- plished satisfactorily; and his grandfather dying he was requested to administer his estate also, and this he did in such manner as to lead to the settlement of other estates. For a year he was assistant Division court clerk and then he directed his attention to teaching in the public schools for several years; and learning stenog- raphy, he followed this occupation for some time, being employed for a while in the land office of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company at New York. During much of this time he was more or less of an invalid, with the chances for continued life against him, and though his case was regarded as hopeless he never- theless finally recovered. He attributed his recovery to a course of treatment which he himself had originated, and which had come to be everywhere employed in the sanitariums. The results so encouraged him that he re- signed his position in the land office and devoted him- self to a more complete study of medicine, to which he had devoted much labor for several years. In 1873, he married Eunice C. Lippincott, of Dirigo, Maine (a graduated physician from the Hygeio-Thera- peutic College of New York in 1865), and accompanied by his wife located in New Jersey, where he delivered lectures on mental science, a subject which had received a great deal of his attention for a number of years. He attended a course of medical lectures in the college from which his wife was graduated ; and he too was graduated from the institution in 1873. Upon his graduation he took charge of a sanitarium and mountain home in Franklin county. Pa., and while serving this position he was invited to visit Berks county and carry on a health resort on South Mountain, near Wernersville. He accepted this invitation, and leasing the place, conducted it successfully for three years. During this time he abandoned the water-cure idea and originated the sani- tarium treatment, as it is now understood. Toward the termination of his lease. Dr. Walter de- cided to start an establishment of his own, and in 1876 began the erection of the first institution in this, and it is believed the first in anj', country, devoted to the treat- ment of invalids and the preservation of the health of well people by purely sanitary methods. This building was erected on South Mountain, one mile south of Wer- nersville, and he moved into it in May, 1877, his success already established becoming still more pronounced, and has continued without interruption for thirty-five years. His patronage almost from the first came from all parts of the United States, and his establishment necessarily grew with his patronage until it became one of the famous resorts of the country. Now it is admittedly the largest, most complete and most successful sanitarium in Penn- sylvania. The institution comprises a number of contiguous, sub- stantial stone buildings, five stories in height, 350 feet long, and numerous tracts of farming and woodland, which altogether cover 500 acres. It is thoroughly equip- ped with all modern conveniences and appliances. The view in the rear along and about the mountam sides is picturesque, but the extensive view in front, reaching from the mountains of Reading in the east to the hills of Lebanon county in the west, a distance of thirty miles, and from the South Mountain across the rolling fields and hills of the Tulpehocken, Schuylkill and Ontelaunee Valleys to the Blue Mountains, a varying distance of from twenty to forty miles, with all the growing towns, rich enterprises and internal improvements, is indescrib- ably grand. During the great development of his sanitarium and his sanitary methods. Dr. Walter was also intellectually a thoughtful and busy man, for he published a monthly journal of health, numerous pamphlets relating to san- itary topics, an octavo volume of 320 pages entitled "Vital Science," and a large octavo volume of 300 pages entitled "The Exact Science of Health," the latter being based upon the same principles that have made astronomy and chemistry to be regarded as among the exact sciences. Besides graduating from the Hygeio-Therapeutic Col- lege of New York in 1873, Dr. Walter took a special course of lectures in Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, and was graduated from that institution in 1888. Dr. Walter and his wife have five children: Maud M.: Robert L. (m. Alice Betts) ; Mabel H.; Estella M.; and Earnest A. The first two are graduated physicians. His wife and the first three children from the time of quitting school have co-operated most earnestly with him in the successful development of his great sanitarium. His father was George Walter, of Devonshire, Eng- land, by occupation a farmer and by relationship con- nected with the Walter family of Southern England. He married Elizabeth Vodden, a daughter of Robert Vodden, also of Southern England. They emigrated to Canada m 1837, and to Ontario in 1339, thus being among the pioneers of that section. He died in 1892, at the age of eighty-four years ; and his wife died in 1884 at the age of sixty eight. They had ten children: William. John George, Robert, Sarah, Mary, Albert Lorenzo, Elizabeth, Frances Amelia, Augusta, and Emma Maria. Mrs. Walter IS the daughter of John Lippincott and Sarah Kitchen, his wife. John Lippincott's father was Jacob Lippin- cott, of Shrewsbury, N. J., who being a Friend and con- scientiously opposed to war, migrated to Nova Scotia to avoid Revolutionary operations. Jacob Lippincott was of the same lineage as the numerous Lippincotts of Penn- sylvania and New Jersey. JA]\IES GICKER MATTERNES, M. D., of Centreport, has been located there in the practice of medicine ever since his graduation and is in command of a good pat- ronage. He was born Sept. 16, 1869, in Lower Heidel- berg township, son of Abraham and grandson of Isaac Matternes. [-leinrich Matternes, the great-grandfather, was an early settler in Cumru township and followed milling there. Isaac Matternes, the Doctor's grandfather, was raised on the South Mountain, back of Wernersville, and attended the Hains Church school. He learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it for some time at Reading, eventually moving to Mt. Pleasant, in Penn township, where he died BIOGRAPHICAL 505 at the age of eighty-three years. He assisted in digging for the foundation of the second house erected at Wern- ersville. He was a well-known man in his day. His first wife, whose maiden name was Mell, died at the age of thirty years, the mother of five children : Abraham, Isaac, Jr., Amanda, Mary (m. Peter Miller) and one that died in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Matternes married a Mrs. Paff, by whom he had no children. Abraham Matternes, son of Isaac, was born in Lower Heidelberg township. He learned milling, which he fol- lowed a few years, and then went to work in Van Reed's paper-mill, where he contracted smallpox, from which he died in March, 1873, at the early age of thirty-three years. He was twice married, first to Amelia Shell, of Bern township, who died without issue. His second marriage was to Mrs. Caroline Hinnershitz, daughter of Daniel Gicker, and to them were born two children : James Gicker and Sallie, the latter the wife of Harry Haag, of Lower Heidelberg township. James Gicker Matternes attended the Blue Marsh school in Lower Heidelberg township and had two months at select school in Mt. Pleasant. In tlie spring of 1887 he entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1891, after which he engaged in teaching, five terms in all. For three terms he was in Lower Heidelberg township, one term in Washington township and one term in Penn township, and meantime he began preparation for the profession to which he intended to devote his life. He read medicine with Dr. D. H. Hain, of Mt. Pleasant, for three . summers, and in 1894 entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, graduating in 1897. He has since been located at Centreport borough, where he has gained a large practice, being one of the best known physicians of his locality. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania State Medical So- ciety, and has various fraternal connections, belonging to Vaux Lodge, No. 406, 'F. & A. M., of Hamburg, Pa.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; Reading Commandery; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; to the K. .O. T. M.; to Camp No. 446, P. O. S. of A., of Centreport; and Perry Lodge, No. 1055, I. O. O. F. ^ In 1899 Dr. Matternes married Miss Mary E. Phes, daughter of Benjamin Plies, of Bernville, this county, and they have had two children, Helen May and Law- rence Abraham. The Doctor is a member of the Bern Re- formed Church. He is a Democrat in politics and has been school director at Centreport. DAVID ENGLE STOUT, deceased, paymaster of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company for forty years was born in Muhlenberg township, Berks county, six miles north of Reading, Feb. 10, 1820. He was edu- cated in the local schools and at an early age became a clerk in the hardware store of John M. Keim, at Read- ing where he continued until 1844, when he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company. In 1847 he was appointed paymaster, and this responsible posi- tion he filled in a most satisfactory manner for forty years, retiring in 1887, with the highest respect_ of the officials He lived retired from that time until his death at Ocean Grove, N. J., Sept. 12, 1894. , , _ . , Mr. Stout took an active part in the local atlairs _ot Reading for many years, more especially of a financial nature having assisted in the organization of the Union Bank, the Reading Gas Company and the Reading Trust Company, and he served as a director in each. He also served as a school controller for several terms. In his early manhood he was interested in the Junior Fire Com- pany acting for a time as secretary. He became a mem- ber of Christ Episcopal Church at an early age, and show- ed a constant interest in the welfare of the congregation, officiating for a time as superintendent of the Sunday- ' school, and as vestryman and warden of this church, and of other parishes with which he was subsequently identi- fied for upward of fifty years. He was also greatly in- terested in the charitable societies of Reading, contributing liberally toward their success. In politics Mr. Stout started as a Whig and became a Republican upon the formation of that party. He re- presented the Berks districL-of Pennsylvania in the Na- tional Republican Convention of 1860, which nominated Abrahani Lincoln for President; and in 1864 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Electoral College on the Republican ticket headed by Lincoln. -The several posi- tions which he filled at Reading for many consecutive years evidence his prominence and superiority as a man in the community. He was identified with the Free Ma- sons for a long while; was a charter member of the De Molay Commandery; and a member of the Grand Com- mandery of Pennsylvania, having for a time officiated as District-Deputy Grand-Master of Berks county. In 1848 Mr. Stout was married to Margaretta Duey, of Philadelphia, by whom he had five children : Emily D., who married Samuel R. Kerper; Edward H., who married Katherine Kerper; David D.; William H., who married Mary McCoy; and Charles E., who married Mary Pid- geon. His father was John Stout, born at Schuylkill Bend, in Maiden-creek township, and he carried on farming. He married Elizabeth Engle, and had ten children: Mary, John, Solomon, Esther, Valentine, James, Jacob, David, Caroline and Alfred. His grandfather was John Stout, who was born in Bern township, in 1737', and who was brought up to farming. In 1772 he purchased a farm of 162 acres in Maideri- creek township, and then moved there carrying on the cultivation of this land until his death, in 1801. He was married to Maria Catharine Kershner, by whom he had eight children : George, Jacob, John, Daniel, Samuel, Catharine (who married Henry Body), Barbara (who married George Snyder) and Elizabeth. His great-grandfather was John Michael Staudt, who emigrated with his father from Germany in 1733, when twenty-two years of age, and settled at Schuylkill Bend, above Reading (now Stout's Ferry), where he carried on farming until his death in 1776. He had nine children : John Jacob, Michael, George William, John George, Jost, Anna Barbara, Catharine Elizabeth, Appolonia and Cath- REV. ACHILLES JOHNSON LONG. A. M., the well- known Lutheran minister at Rehrersburg, whose pasto- rate included the churches at Stouchsburg, Rehrersburg, Newmanstown, Millbach, Little Tulpehocken and Schaef- ferstown, gave his entire mature life to the work of Christ, and the great good he accomplished is manifest in the spiritual well-being of the many who came within the radius of his influence. He was born at Claussville, Lehigh county, Oct. 20, 1847, son of Ephraim and Hannah (Kline) Long. ; The Long family is of Scotch-Irish descent. About 1790 four brothers came to this country, and located in New Jersey. John Long, grandfather of Achilles John- son, went from New Jersey into Lowhill township, Lehish Co., Pa., where he followed his trade of millwright. He married Elizabeth Heilman, and* among their children was a son Ephraim. Ephraim Long was born in Lowhill township, but on reaching manhood he went first to Allentown, and later to Schnecksville. ' From the latter place in 1850 he moved to Egypt, and there he continued to reside until his death June 6, 1901. He had a large general store and hotel, and was also engaged in a real estate business, and had a wide acquaintance. He married Hannah Khne, who was born in Lehigh county, and who died in 1893. Their children were : Achilles Johnson : Alice m. Rev. S. H. Fegley, of Lehigh county; Josephine died in 1895; Ag nes m. Samuel Black of Ashley, Pa. ; Alfred is engaged as a coach manufacturer at Blooming Glen. Pa, ; Eugene assisted his father in the store at Egypt; Harvey is un- married and at home ; and Walter has a music store at Allentown. The family were all reared in the Lutheran faith, and have been active in church work. 506 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Rev. Achilles Johnson Long received his first mental training in the commoni schools, and in 1865 he went to Freeland Seminary, Trappe, Montgomery county, and m 1866 to Fort Edward Institute, New York. In 1867 he entered the Academic Department of Muhlenberg Col- lege, and the following year the College proper, graduating in 1871, and receiving a purse of twenty-five dollars for his German oration. While there he distinguished himself as a member of the Euterpean Literary Society, and the Chi Phi fraternity. Acting upon his decision to enter the ministry he became a student in the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and in May, 1874, graduated therefrom. He received a call to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church on the Tulpehocken (near Stouchsburg), and was or- dained to the ministry in Trinity Lutheran Church, June 2, 1S74, and was installed as pastor of the Tulpehocken charge, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, June 13, 1874, by the Rev. Dr. Hinterletner, president of the Third Conference, and Rev. Dr. Home, principal of the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, and on the same day was also installed as pastor of the Rehr- ersburg Church. He served these churches thirty-four years, and also had charge of St. Elias Church at New- manstown, St. Paul's Union Church at Millbach, Little Tulpehocken in Jefferson township, and St. Paul's at Schaefferstown. In 1893 the Sesqui-Centennial of Christ Church was celebrated, and the good work accomplished there by the Rev. Mr. Long was highly praised. This church has prospered under, or in spite of, great difficul- ties. The original church was built in 1786, and this build- ing was badly damaged by a dynamite explosion Nov. 6, 1884. It was rebuilt and Aug. 1, 1887, was struck by lightning and this time wholly destroyed. Though sadly disheartened, the members went to work and in spite of the heavy financial loss, the church was rebuilt. Alto- gether during his ministry the Rev. Mr. Long erected five splendid churches. On June 17, 1907, the Sesqui-Centen- nial of the Rehrersburg church was appropriately celebrat- ed, and the thirty-two and one-half years of Pastor Long's pastorate stand out conspicuously in the history of the church for the wonderful results he obtained financially and spiritually. He was close to the hearts of his parish- ioners and his unselfish devotion to duty merited the high esteem and affection in which he was held. Ministers from many places came to join in the celebration and to pay tribute of praise and respect to Rev. Mr. Long. The oc- casion was a most happy one, and will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to participate in it. On Jan. 4, 1876. the Rev. Achilles Johnson Long was married to Deborah I. Minnich, born in North Heidel- berg township, daughter of Adam and Isabella (Klopp) Minnich, the former a school teacher in early life but now a farmer in North Heidelberg. This union was blessed with three daughters — Laura E., Anna L. and Mabel M. The Rev. Mr. Long was a practical business man, and he brought his churches all to a sound financial condition. He was a director in the Womelsdorf Na- tional Bank and a member of the board of trustees of the Orphans' Home at Topton. He was a charming com- panion, intelligent, brojid minded and charitable, and he had the confidence of the entire community. He died Sept. 13, 1908, beloved by all who knew him. JOHN A. BRITTON, a substantial citizen of Read- ing, Pa., as a member of the well-known dry-goods firm of C. K. Whitner & Co. is prominently identified with the business interests of the city. He was born in Reading in 1853, son of John A. and Leah (Borkert) Britton. John A. Britton was educated in the public schools of Reading, and at the age of fourteen years started in to work as an errand boy for Lewis Briner, at the corner of Penn and Third streets. After four years with Mr. Brin- er, he entered the employ of John D. Mishler, proprietor of the original Globe Store, and here learned the business in all of its details, finally resigning to become salesman for Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, at the time that that firm occupied the quarters now held by C. K. Whitner & Co. Later he engaged in a mercantile business for one year with John E. Lewis, at .Lebanon, Pa., but disposing of his interests he returned to Reading and engaged with C. K. Whitner as salesman, later becoming manager, and in 1898 he was admitted a member of the firm. In 1891 Mr. Britton married Sally A. Ruth, and to thepi have been born two children, namely, Calvin A. and Ruth A. By a former marriage Mr. Britton had one son, Har- ry A. Mr. Britton is fraternally connected with several societies, in which he is very popular. He is a member of the St. Paul's Reformed Church. His business interests connect him with the Board of Trade and also the Mer- chants Association. PROF. GEORGE L. KLEINGINNA, JNI. E., Ph. B., an author of some note, and for some years a well-known and popular educator of Berks county, was born there Dec. 31, 1872, in Bern township, son of Joseph and Leah (Leisy) Kleinginna. Mr. Kleinginna was reared on his father's farm, on which he lived until twenty-one years of age. He ob- tained his early education in his native township, and in 1893 entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town. from which he was graduated in 1895. Prior to entering this institution, Prof. Kleinginna had taken a commercial course in the Reading Scientific Academy, under the supervision of the late Hon. D. B. Brunner. He began teaching school in Bern township when nineteen years of age, ^nd after graduating from, the Normal school he was appointed teacher of the Shillington grammar school, in Cumru township, where he continued success- fully for six terms. He then purchased the Reading Scientific Academy from Prof. D. B. Brunner, and con- ducted it very ably for four years, at the end of that time selling out to the Reading Commercial Business Col- lege, by whom the Academy is now being conducted. During the school term of 1905-06, Prof. Kleinginna taught the Mohnton grammar school. In 1900 he received the degree of Ph. B. from the University of Michigan. He gave up teaching in the spring of 1908, to become a member of the Saylor Drug Company, at Allentown, Pa., of which he is now vice-president. He organized the Berks County Teachers' Association, incorporated in 1909, and was elected its first president, which office he still holds. He is one of the organizers and original directors of the National Text Book Company, located at Reading. Prof. Kleinginna is an author of some prominence, his "James Snow," written while he was conducting the Read- ing Academy, meeting with a large sale. While at the same institution he also conducted a monthly pamphlet entitled the "University Chronicle," which met with much success. In politics Mr. Kleinginna is a Democrat, placing prin- ciple before partisanship. He is a leading citizen of his community and has shown himself to be very public spirited; he was one of the original spirits in the move- ment which ended in the incorporation of Shillington as a borough. He and his family are connected with Grace Lutheran Church, where he has been a member of the Consistory since 1903. On April 9, 1898, Prof. Kleinginna was married to Annie E. Kauffman, born May 12, 1876, daughter of Samuel and Priscilla (Kauffman) Kauffman, and two children were born to this union : Pearl E., born Nov. 11, 1900, who died Nov. 9, 1903; and Paul R., born March 27, 1903. On March 23, 1909, the Professor and his family moved to No. 243 South Twelfth street, Reading. Both he and his wife have many warm friends. CHARLES W. HERBINE, a well-known business man of Reading. Pa., who was formerly superintendent of the Pennsylvania Knitting Mills, was born in Reading, in 1869, son of Charles and Catherine (Rapp) Herbine, na- tives of this city. Charles Herbine was for many years engaged in the hotel and baking business in Reading, and became a sub- stantial man. He died March 3, 1899, and his wife sur- BIOGRAPHICAL 507 vives him. Of their seven children five are living, as follows.: Emma; Oliver; Edward; Fannie (m. E. M. Quackenboss), and Charles W. The family as far as is known were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Herbine was a Democrat in politics. Charles W. Herbine was educated in the common schools of his native city, and early in life accepted a po- sition with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, learn- ing the machinist's trade. After a period of twelve years with this company, he severed his connection therewith to engage in the hosiery business. This he conducted in a very successful manner, but finally sold out to the Pennsylvania Knitting Mills Company, and from the in- corporation of this concern he was its superintendent up to March. 1, 1907, when he resigned and connected himself with the Gehris-Herbine Company. This enterprise, which employs about sixty hands, manufactures high-grade hosiery, and has a trade that extends to the leading cities of the country. It holds patents for its class of work on knitting machines and also dyeing machines. The officials of the company are : Charles W. Herbine, president and general manager; L. Howard Gehris, secretary and treas- urer. Mr. Herbine is a member of a number of social and secret societies, in all of which he is popular, among them being the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Knights of Malta, as well as the Reading Hose Company. He is a Democrat in politics and was a candidate for council- man at the primaries in 1907. Mr. Herbine married Mary Mathias, and to them there has been born one child, Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Herbine attend the Reformed Church. JOHN H. KEPPELMAN. superintendent of the Gas Company at Reading since 1887, was born at Reading, Feb. 16, 1853, and educated in the local schools, graduating from the high school in 1870. He then learned the trade of molder in his father's iron foundry and worked at it for nine years ; after ; which he served 'as city clerk from 1879 to 1884. In 1887 the Consumers' Gas Company elect- ed him superintendent to manage its extensive operations, and he has filled that responsible position in a most efficient manner to the present time. Mr. Keppelman represented the Sixth ward in the city councils from 1885 to 1897, four years in the common branch and eight years in the select; during which time many public improvements were ably advocated by him and established by a vote of the electors, more especially the sewer system and paved highways. Since his early manhood he has been an earnest adherent of the Demo- cratic party. He became a Freemason in 1881, in Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, which was mainly organized by his father in 1865; and he is a member of the Harrisburg Consistory, and of. the Shrine at Reading. He was chiefly instru- mental in having established at Reading the Reading Council of the Royal Arqanum, a mutual life insurance association, which has secured a large membership. Mr. Keppelman is president of the Board of Trade (1909). He is. a member of the board of managers of the Read- ing Public Library, and a director of the First National Bank. In 1876 Mr. Keppelman was married to Mary E. Ar- thur, daughter of Col. John E. Arthur, and Rebecca Moyer, his wife, of Reading, by whom he had three chil- dren: Mamie, who died in infancy; Robert, who died in youth; and Arthur, an attorney at Reading, m. to May Sternbergh. John Joseph Conrad Keppelman, father of John H., was born in 1827, in Baden-Baden, Germany, where he learned the trade of locksmith. He emigrated to Penn- sylvania in 1848, and located at Pottsville, but he remain- ed there only a short while when he moved to Reading and engaged in the foundry business which he ' carried on quite extensively for many years, having established and operated very successfully three plants, the first on North Sixth street, the second on North Fifth street and the third in Riverside. He died in 1907. He married Christiana Bauer, daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Beltz) Bauer, of Reading, by whom he had ten chil- dren: William m. Ella Brown; John H. (above); Em- ma m. Dr. Samuel Ermentrout; Edward m. Ella Beach- er; Howard m. Ida Seiders; Ida m. Joseph Veasey; Katharine m. Dr. F. X. Wolf; Albert m. Catharine Schroeder; Theodore m. Sallie Rowe; and Florence m. Howard Frees. John Keppelman, the grandfather, was a distinguished soldier under Napoleon, ^nd for valorous conduct at the battle of Wagram was awarded two medals of honor, which have come into the possession of his grandson, and are highly prized by him. He died at the age of forty- six years, and his wife lived to be ninety years old. They had four children, but their son John was the only one to come to America. ABRAM HERR, D. D. S., one of the leading dental practitioners of Reading, Pa., is a member of one of the earliest settled families of Lancaster county, Hans Herr, a Mennonite minister, having emigrated from Switzer- land, and settled in that county in 1709. Dr. Herr was born in Lancaster county, July 27, 1839, son of Abram and Hannah (White) Herr, grandson of Abram, Sr., and great-grandson of Hans Herr.' Abram Herr, Sr., the grandfather of the Doctor, was a farmer and distiller in Lancaster county, and followed these occupations throughout life, becoming very siiccess- ful. He was a prominent man of his generation, and was a leader in the ranks of the Whig party. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite Church. They were the parents of the following children : Abram, Mar- tin, John, Barbara and Sallie. Abram Herr, son of Abram, Sr., was born in 1803, in Lancaster county, and early in life began driving teams between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, before the days of the railroad in Pennsylvania. He married (first) Han- nah White, by whom he had six children : Annie, Lo- vina, Elizabeth, Martha, Mary and Dr. Abram. His first wife died in her fifty-fourth year, and he married (sec- ond) a Mrs. Long, but no children were born to this un- ion. Mr. Herr died in 1893 at the age of eighty-nine years. Dr. Abram Herr received his preliminary education in the schools of his native county, after which for a year he studied under Dr. Farnstock. He then went to Ash- land, Ohio, where he spent two years studying dentis- try, then going to Philadelphia. After practising in the latter city for two years, he came to Reading in 1866, opening an office on Penn street, above Sixth, where he was located for seven years. In 1876 he located at his present place. He has been a close student and is a care- ful practitioner, is successful in his business, and is very highly esteemed in his community, where he has taken a great interest in local matters, especially in education. In 1861 Dr. Herr married Louisa Ferguson, and to them were born eight children, only three of whom now sur- vive : (1.) Elmer E., born in Ashland, Ohio, May 31, 1862, m. Catharine Schrack, of Reading, and has three chil- dren : Lulae L., a teacher in the Reading public schools ; Villanella, m. to Edward Rush, of Philadelphia, where they reside; and Chester A., a telegrapher for the Penn- sylvania Railroad Company, at Reading, m. to Gertie Frey, of Reading, where they reside. (2) Luther, born in Reading, Oct. 29, 1867, now living in Philadelphia, m. Catherine V. Hartman, of Reading, and has seven children : Walter A., working on railroad locomotives for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with his father who is foreman of the plant; Franklin R., preparing for college in the central boys' high school, Philadel- phia; and Luther, Jr., Hellen L., Meriam N., Carrie and Marie, all in school. (3) Walter S., born in Reading July 1. 1875, a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Dentistry and now practising dentistry with his father, m. Ella J. Potteiger of Reading, and has one son, Abram Walter Scott. Dr. Abram Herr is a member of the Read- ing School board from the Eighth ward. He is a stanch 508 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Republican in politics, and fraternally is connected with the I. O. O. F., being a charter member of Vigilance Lodge, No. 194. DR. REUBEN D. WENRICH, proprietor of the "Grand View Sanatorium," near Wernersville, was born in Low- er Heidelberg township May 15, 1842. He received his preliminary education in the township schools until he was fourteen years of age and for the next five years attended advanced institutions at Wom«lsdorf, Stouchs- burg, Pughtown, Trappe and Millersville. He then took a complete course in Duff's Commercial College at Phil- adelphia in 1861. During the winter months from 1838 to 1863, he taught public school, and while teaching he determined to become a medical practitioner. In the summer of 1862, he entered the office of Dr. D. D. Det- weiler at the Trappe, where he continued during that sea- son, and the next summer he read medicine in the office of Dr. William J. Schoener, at Strausstown, Berks coun- ty. During the winter months he attended lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania, graduating from that institution in 1864. He then selected Wernersville as a place to start the prac- tice of medicine, and after carrying on a successful prac- tice there for nearly ten years he became a partner of Dr. James W. Deppen, an experienced physician at Wer- nersville, in medical practice. They also engaged in a general' merchandise business, and dealt in coal, lime and lumber. Dr. Wenrich was associated with Dr. Dep- pen in a most agreeable and successful manner until his decease in 1895, a period covering more than twenty }-ears. In 1879, Dr. Deppen and Dr. Wenrich purchased the "Mountain Home," a famous health institution situated on the South Mountain, two miles south of Werners- ville, which had been carried on for about thirty years by different parties. Then they directed their attention to this great enterprise and gradually withdrew from business operations at Wernersville. Their joint man- agement of it until Dr. Deppen's decease was very suc- cessful, they having increased and improved the plant in various ways, and developed its patronage to extend throughout the United States. They changed the name to "Grand View Sanatorium," and it has been so known up to the present. Its situation commands a magnificent view of the Lebanon and Schuylkill Valleys, reaching to the Blue Mountains on the north, and to the city of Read- ing on the east, a view which has won the admiration and praise of the numerous patrons of the institution. On the settlement of Dr. Deppen's estate, Dr. Wenrich be- came the sole owner of the institution, and since then he has secured adjoining farms and woodland, there- by increasing the total land area to about 600 acres. Costly permanent improvements were made to the plant, in January, 1907, comprising a large carriage house and barn, 101x120 feet; extension of main building for commodious dining-room to accommodate the guests, numherin.a; at a time from 100 to 200 ; and power-house for installing electric plant and boilers for power, light and heat for the buildings. It is recognized as one of the finest and most complete health resorts in the United States. On the organization of the National Bank at Wer- nersville in April, 1906, Dr. Wenrich gave it his ac- tive encouragement, and he has since served as one of the directors thereof. In 1865 Dr. Wenrich married Miss Sarah Gockley, daugh- ter of Moses Gockley. of Wernersville, and by her he had seven children : Dr. George G.. a graduate physi- cian of the University of Pennsylvania, m. to Anna May Coar ; Dr. John A., also a graduate physician from the State University, m. to Grace Alvana Gaddis (he and his br.other are on the medical staff of the Sanatorium) ; Eva Ann, m. to Alvin J. Gibbs, of Canton, Ohio; and four who died young. Mrs. Wenrich died in 1896, aged forty-eight years. Her father was the son of Deitrich and Eva (Moore) Gockley, and the grandson of John Gockley, a farmer of Cocalico township, Lancaster Co., Pa., who had settled there before 1790. Dr. Wenrich's father was Adam Wenrich, a farmer of Lower Heidelberg. He was married to Eliza Klopp, daughter of John Klopp, of North Heidelberg, and by her had five children : Richard M. m. Mary Koch ; Frank- lin J. m. Sarah Klopp; Emma E. m. Franklin Miller; Reuben D. ; and Jemima m. Jacob S. Yoder. The father died in 1851, aged forty-seven years; and the mother died in 1877, aged sixty-eight years. Matthias Wenrich, Jr., father of Adam, was a farm- er of Heidelberg. He married Sophia Kalbach, and by her had eleven children: Daniel m. Hannah Hain; Adam; John m. Anna Schaeffer; David L. m. Magda- lena Gockley; Maria m. John Fisher; Catherine m. Chris- tian Walborn ; Sarah m. John F. Miller; Sophia m. Jo- seph Nagle and upon her decease he m. her sister, Su- sanna; and Elizabeth m. Michael Hain, who upon her decease m. her sister Rebecca. The father died in 1S40, aged seventy-seven years, and his wife in 1841, aged seventy years. Matthias Wenrich, Sr., father of Matthias, Jr., was a farmer of Heidelberg. His father was also named Matthias, and he was a farmer of the same township, his farm having continued in the name from 1739 un- til 1889. JOHN W. FISHER, one of Berks county's represen- tative citizens and substantial men, who served as direc- tor of the poor of Berks county, and as justice of the peace of North Heidelberg township, was born Nov. 9, 1844, in Marion township, son of Daniel and Sarah (Gruber) Fisher. It is traditional that this branch of the Fisher fam- ily had its origin in America in one Sebastian Fischer, who in 1723 was a member of a party of thirty-three families to come from the Schoharie Valley, N. Y., and settle in Tulpehocken and Heidelberg townships, Berks county. In 1759 these Fishers were taxables of Heidelberg township : Jacob who paid twenty pounds tax ; Ulrich. who paid five pounds fax ; and Adam and Ludwig, who paid one pound each : and from one of these ancestors descended John Fisher, the grandfather of John W. John Fisher came to Berks county from Schuylkill county, and settled one mile west of Womelsdorf. where he engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Leinin- ger, and to them were born these children ; Elizabeth m. Henry Grime, of Penn township; John settled in Logan county. Ohio; Daniel; Henry lived in Marion township, m. Molly Kreicher, and had one son, Edwin; Jeremiah settled in Logan county, Ohio. Daniel Fisher was bom in Schuylkill county, in Aug- ust, 1814. and when a boy was brought to Berks coun- ty, where his early days were spent in farm laboring. By economy and industry he managed to save enough from his earnings with which to purchase a thirtv-acre tract in North Heidelberg township, and there he "spent the rest of his active life, engaged in truck farming. His last years were spent with his son John W.. at whose lesidence he died. Mr. Fisher was a man of high moral character,_ and was an active member of the Lutheran Church, in which he served as deacon. In politics he was a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were born two children: John W. ; and .Mbert Adam, a resident of Lower Heidelberg township. John W. Fisher received his education in the public schools of North Heidelberg township, and also spent one year in Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. When but seventeen years of age he began teaching school, his first term being in Centre township, and in all ^ was an educator for twenty-five terms, sixteen of which were taught in the home district. In addition to school teaching, Mr. Fisher spent the summer months in work on his thirty-acre tract, and was also perform- ing the duties of justice of the peace, a position to which he had been elected when he was but twenty-one years old. In 1877 he leased a larger farm, belonging to Jonathan BIOGRAPHICAL 509 E. Stump, a tract of ninety-one acres, which was still later increased to 110 acres, and cultivated this prop- erty for twenty-six years on shares or one-half. Mr. Fisher subsequently purchased the farm adjoining, known as the William L. Klopp farm, which consists ' of 133 acres, and he also owned the eighty-acre tract purchased by him some sixteen years prior. Mr. Fisher always took a great interest in edu- cational matters and held a permanent State certifi- cate. When but twenty-one years of age he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which he served for forty-one years and so impartial were his judgments that he never had a decision reversed. He was elected director of the poor in 1903, and served in that office for three years. He was always an active Democrat. In March, 1907, Mr- Fisher removed from the farm to Robesonia, and in the same year he erected a handsome double brick residence, in which he resided until his death. He was a director of the Farmers' Mu- tual Assistance and Fire Insurance Company, of Berks county, and served as treasurer of this organization for nine years. Mr. Fisher was a member of the Lutheran Church, while his widow is of the Reformed faith, and both have been active in church work. In 1864 Mr. Fisher married Ellen M. Lamm, daughter of the late Benjamin and Lydia (Ruth.) Lamm, of North Heidelberg township, and twelve children were born to this union, the survivors all being of Berks county: Adelaide E. died at the age of sixteen years; Lillie A. m- Nelson L. Brossman, of North Heidelberg township; Emma V. m. Henry G. Stump, of North Heidelberg township; Sallie L. m. Michaiel A. Fox, of Jefferson township; Heela M. died at the age of six years; E. Noira is at home; Diana R. m. W. Alvin Christman, of Womelsdorf; William E., an attorney and builder of Reading, m. Minnie E. Moyer, of Heidelberg town-i ship; John C, a minister of the Lutheran faith, ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in May, 1907, and now in charge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Advocate in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., m. Kathryn Wotring, of Allentown; Cora C. m. Lloyd K. Minnich, of North Heidelberg township; Anna G. m. Howard E. Brown, of Robesonia; F. May m. Herbert C. Schell, of Friedensburg, Oley township. Mr. Fisher died Feb. 12, 1909, and his remains were interred in the family plot in Heidelberg cemetery, of which Association he was one of the organizers and secretary fro.n the dale of its organizati^^n, 1880, up to the time of his death. MARCUS BEHM EACHES, business manager of The Reading Herald, was born in Reading April 15, 1869, and with the exception of one brief interval has been identified with printing and the newspaper business prac- tically from the time he was thirteen years old. At that age, in 1882, he entered the printing office of B. F. Ow- en, Nos. 515 and 517 Court street. Reading, and there served at the case and trade until 1889. In the latter year he became pressman in the employ of John B. Damp- .tnan, owner of The Reading Herald, then located at No. 506 Court street. In the spring of 1890 he was ad- vanced from pressman to advertising solicitor, v;hich position he held until 1895, when he changed to the Read- ing Eagle, having charge of the Eagle Book Store as manager for a period of twelve months. Following that, for about seven months, he was with the Pennsylvania Telephone Company as specikl agent, in November, 1896, returnmg to his connection with the Herald, with which he has remained ever since. He was advertising manager for three months after his return to the Herald, and was then appointed business manager, which' .position he has since occupied. Mr. Eaches takes pride in the fact that his associaton with the Herald covers a period of substantially twenty-eight years, as he was one of the first carrier boys on the Spirit of Berks (started by Daniel Francis and issued early in 1S81), predecessor of the Herald, and has since retained his interest and connection. During the Spanish-American war the Herald, origi- nally a morning paper, under the new ownership of William McCormick, the present proprietor (the business being looked after by Mr. Eaches), added an afternoon edition, running two complete papers from one equip- ment. The business of the afternoon edition so over- topped that of the morning edition that after a period of about eight months the morning edition was dropped altogether. Mr. Eaches long ago demonstrated his reliability and worth in his chosen field. To his energetic and pro- gressive tactics the paper owes much of its popularity and success, and its steadily increasing growth is the best commendation of his policy. He is a man who has been successful, judged from the broadest standpoint, and not merely by the financial standards. In his act- ive career he has seen much of his country and has a wide acquaintance with associates in the same line of interest. He is a member of Reading Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M., the Press Club, and St. Paul's Reformed Church. In 1892 Mr. Eaches married Mrs. Kate Shafer, and has one son, Robert - Morse Eaches, born Dec. 28, 1894. The family residence is at No. 1154 Franklin street, Rea3- ing. JOEL H. WELLER, merchant and succrssful business man of Boyertown, Berks Co., Pa., was born near Hill Church, Pike township, Oct. 29, 1849. The family his- tory of the Wellers is very interesting and is as fol- lows : (I) Peter (he spelled the name "Peatter") Weller came to America in 1749 from his native land, Germany, where he was born in the year 1730, and he located in District township. He died in 1795, aged seventy-five years, and is buried at the Hill Church, his grave be- ing marked by a monument erected in 1890 by his des- cendants. This monument was dedicated Aug. 34, 1890. Joel H._ Weller and his father, Gideon Weller, were the moving spirits in erecting the monument to the mem- ory of their honored ancestors, and it was their ear- nest desire that the younger generations of the family should assume the responsibility of the care of ground and monument. Peter Weller had three sons: Philip, John Adam and Peter, Jr. (II) Philip Weller had sons as follows: Abraham; John; Peter; George; Philip, and Jacob. The two broth- ers of Philip had no issue. (III) Abraham Weller had sons as follows: John, Samuel, Peter and Abraham. John, brother of Abra- ham, and son of Philip, had these sons: Adam; George; Benjamin; Joseph, and Peter. Peter, brother of John and Abraham, had these sons: Charles; Jacob; Benja- min and David. (III) George Weller, son of Philip, had these sons: Thomas, Gideon (father of Joel H. Weller), Israel, Joseph, David, Adam, George and Isaac. (IV) Gideon Weller was born in District township on the Weller homestead, Dec. 13, 1831, died Jan. 5, 1909, aged 87 years, 22 days, and was buried at Hill Church. He lived in Pike township near Hill Church, on his farm of 100 acres, and during his active life he was a farmer. But he had been confined to his bed for some years be- fore his death. His first wife was Mary Hartlein, daugh- ter of George Hartlein, of Earl township. She died in 1872, aged forty- four. Their children were : Joel H • Daniel, of Pottstown; Lewis, of Hill Church; Jessiah, of Hill Church; Mrs. Catherine Weiser, of Boyertown- "Mrs. Amanda Kemp, of Landis Store, Pa. He married , , „ (second) Hettie Fronheiser, who died in 1898. By her he had five children: Olivia; Lizzie; Alice; Sivilla and James. Since 1899 the Weller family has had re-unions, and the gatherings which take place at Gideon Weller's are occasions of much interest and pleasurable enjoyment The Weller family has long been identified with District township, where George Weller, the grandfather of Joel H. Weller, was born, as well as his son Gideon. 510 HISTORY OF 'BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (V) Joel H. Weller attended the schools of his town- ship for three months each winter, and this constituted a term. During the rest of the winter months he assisted his father by threshing with the flail and chopping wood. In 1865 he learned the tailoring trade from John Stauf- fer of Bechtelsville, and this he followed for fifteen years at Boyertown, to which place he came in 1871. In 1888 he engaged in the general merchandise business on Phil- adelphia avenue, where he has since continued, noW controlling an excellent trade not only from the people of Boyertown, but the territory contiguous to it. He carries at all times a full line of general merchandise, and because of his enormous amount of business and his superior connections, he is enabled to offer specially attractive inducements. In addition to his other inter- ests Mr. Weller built three houses at Boyertown in 1890, which are very handsome residences. In 1874 Mr. Weiler married Miss Emma Bahr, daugh- ter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Shauer) Bahr, of Boyer- town, and they have two children: Mamie (.m. Thomas Gabel, of Boyertown) and Miss Olivia. Mr. Weller and his family are consistent members of the Reformed Church of the Good Shepherd of Boyertown, where he has served as deacon and elder. Formerly he was a member of Hill Church. In 1874 when the church at Boyertown was built, Mr. Weller collected $3,500 for its erection, and rendered the church very valuable assistance, receiving the heartfelt thanks of the congregation. He narrowly escaped with his life at the time of the Boyertown Opera House fire Jan. 13, 1908. being the last to leave the build- ing alive ; he was confined to the house for months with the burns received, and has never fully regained his healtTi. Mr. Weller is a large-souled, capable, energetic man, whose capacity for business and executive force is remarkable, as he demonstrated when he carried through the erectaon of the new church home, and the raising of the monument to the Weller family. Without him neither would have been accomplished. He is never con- tent with merely subscribing to any undertaking, but gives largely of his time and personal attention. In his busi- ness relations he is affable, courteous, prompt in meet- ing all obligations, and in every way has proven himself the right man in the right place whenever his services have been required to carry on anything, whether of public or private interest. (V) Daniel Weller, brother of Joel H., had children: Charles, Willie, Warren and Paul (deceased). (VI) Charles Weller, son of Daniel, has a son (VII) Earl — a representative in the seventh generation of the family in Anierica. JOHN A. HIESTER. alderman of the Sixth ward, Reading, and one of that city's most prominent and in- fluential citizens, is descended from the Hiesters who have been prominent in Pennsylvania affairs for so many years. John Hiester, grandfather of John A., was a farmer of Berks county, as was also his son, Benneville, the father of the alderman. Benneville Hiester died in 1857, aged fortv-two years. His wife was Sarah Brown, daugh- ter of Daniel Brown, a well known farmer of Berks county. They had six children : Henry died in 1866, aged ■ ineteen years; Daniel F. is a carpenter; Amanda mar- ried Isaac Menviller, a farmer of Berks county; Sarah m. James Keller, o^ Kansas; Emma m. Joshua A. Schle- gel, of Topeka, Kans. ; and John A. Jfohn A. Hiester was born in Cumru (now Spring) township, Berks county, Sept. 21, 1846, and was educated in the public schools. When nearly twelve years old his father died, and, after working on a farm for a time, young Hiester went to Monroe county, where he had charge of a sawmill. Tiring of this he located in North Heidelberg and became a farmer. His friends elected him judge of election as well as a member of the school board. In 1883 Mr. Hiester removed to Reading and established a livery and boarding stable, and this business, still owned and managed by him, has grown to large proportions. Mr. Hiester served efficiently as a director of the poor for nine years, so efficiently, indeed, that he was elected alderman of the Sixth ward of Reading, on the Democratic ticket (although the ward was largely Republican) in February, 1903. While a resi- dent of Bernville, in 1876, Mr. Hiester was elected chief burgess of the place although only thirty years old at the time. Mr. Hiester was married in 1873, to Catherine E. Weber, daughter of Z. Weber, a carpenter of Bernville. Ten children have been born to this union : Charles, who died at the age of three years; Mary M. has been employed in the U. S. Mint Service at Philadelphia since 1894; Martha m. Edwin Laruiii, a clerk at the Philadelphia and Reading freight station at Reading; John C. is a carpenter of Reading; Vernon was mustered out of the army in the summer of 1904, after serving three years, two years of which were spent in the Philippine Islands, where he was made provost sergeant; James D. and Herbert are at Reading; Eleanor is at home; and Arthur and Catherine are at school. Alderman Hiester belongs to Mt. Penn Lodge No. 65, K. of P.; K. G. E., No. 49; the Home Circle; the Liter- ary Society; Schuylkill Fire Company, No. 12. and to the uniformed rank of this company. In his religious affilia- tions he is connected with the Reformed Church. The alderman has two offices, one being at No. 10 North Third street, and the other at No. 20, the same street. WILLIAM F. McLEAN, one of the most nrominent farmers of Berks County, Pa., and a leading citizen in the affairs of Heidelberg township, owns a tine farm of 135 acres one mile east of Womelsdorf. on the Berks and Dauphin pike. He was born Oct. 17, 1854, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of Daniel J. and Adeline F. (Futcher) McLean. The great-grandfather of William F. McLean, who was the progenitor of the family in this country, came here in middle life from Aberdeen, Scotland, and was a member of the noted military McLean family.. He was married and had children at the time of his location in America. William McLean, son of the progenitor, was born Feb. 15, 1778, at Philadelphia, and died Jan. 20, 1S44. He married Sarah Douglass, born Sept. 10, 1783, who died at Philadelphia, Dec. 31. 1843, and both are buried at the old Philadelphia cemetery, Mr. McLean was a jeweler all his life, and was very successful. He and his wife had these children : Elizabeth, born Oct. 3, 1801 ; Andrew, born Feb. 23, 1803; Martha, Alay 25, 1804; John D., Feb. 28, 1806; William S., June 3, 1808; James V., Jan. '29, 1810; Margaret, Jan. 22, 1812; Samuel G.. Oct. 6, 1813; Robert M.. Oct. 4, 1815; Col. George P., July 13, 1817 (was colonel of the 88th Pa. V. I.); Daniel J., July 14, 1819; Jonathan D., May 4, 1831 (Lieut.-Col. of the 88th Reg. Pa. V. I.) ; Joseph A., May 32, 1833; and Marv E., March 28, 1826. Lieut. Col. Joseph A. McLean was killed at the head of his regiment while leading a charge on the Confederate masked battery at the second "battle of Bull Run, and his body was never recovered, resting in an unknown grave on the battlefield. ]\IcLean Post, G. .A. R., No. 16, was named in this hero's honor. Daniel J. McLean, father of William F., was born at Philadelphia, July 14, 1S19, and died May 30, 1880, in the place now occupied by his son William F. Lie was a watch case maker by trade, which he followed for many vears at the old stand at Dock and Walnut streets, Philadelphia, under the firm name of McLean & Harper. Much of the concern's business was done in the South, and at the outbreak of the Civil war the partners sustained much loss, and finally mutually agreed to sever their business connections. Mr. Harper, however, continued the busi- ness on a smaller scale, Mr. McLean also served in the militia of emergency men who were mustered in at Philadelphia during the raid of the Confederates into the State of Pennsylvania. Mr, McLean was active in the ranks of the Republican party, serving for a number of vears in the city council from the Twentieth ward, and being highway commissioner. He was on the presentation committee when the city of Philadelphia awarded General McClellan a gold medal for bravery; participated in the BIOGRAPHICAL 511 Philadelphia Council's reception committee, June 9, 1860, when the first Japanese embassy visited the United States, and was on a similar committee, Feb. 31, 1861, when Pres- ident-elect Abraham Lincoln vis.ited Philadelphia. He is buried at the Union cemetery, Womelsdorf. Mr. McLean was married to Adeline F. Futcher, born Oct. 17, 1834, who died Aug. 38, 1893, and was buried at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Philadelphia, daughter of William and Catherine (Talbert) Futcher. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. McLean: William F. William F. McLean was educated in the public and pay schools of Philadelphia which he left at the age of nineteen years, his last schooling being in the Philadelphia High School for Boys. In the spring of 1873 his parents removed to the old Manderbach property, opposite Womelsdorf station, in Berks county, this removal being made on account of the failing health of Mr. Mc- Leari's father. Here William F. McLean taught in the public schools for three terms, and at the end of this time engaged in the poultry business, raising fine thorough- bred poultry, which he sold in different parts of the country, disposing of their eggs all over the United States. This he followed with much success until the spring of 1876, when he was appointed to the position of turn-stile keeper at the entrance gate to the exhibition of the Phila- delphia Centennial, serving with ability until the end of the exposition, by which time he had been promoted on merit to a lieutenancy. His duties completed here, Mr. McLean returned to poultry raising which he continued until his father-in-law, William Scheetz's death, in 1884, when he purchased one of the latter's farms at appraise- ment and since that time has been giving his entire atten- tion to the cultivation thereof. He breeds thoroughbred Jersey cattle and has also made numerous importations from England of Scotch collie dogs. His farm consists of 135 acres of which forty acres is woodland located on the South Mountain, and it is very highly cultivated. Mr. McLean is a practical agriculturist and has his farm furnished with the best and most modern farm implements, and in the spring of 1897 he built an addition tO' his resi- dence. He operates a dairy, the product of which he sells to a creamery. In politics Mr. McLean is a Repub- lican, but in local matters votes independently. On Nov. 30, 1873, Mr. McLean was married to Mary Agnes Scheetz, daughter of William and Henrietta CDep- pen) Scheetz, and to this union four sons have been born: William S. m. Reta, daughter of John and Isabella Filbert, and resides at Robesonia, and has charge oi the hospital department of the State Asylum at Wernersville ; Walter D. m. Catherine Scheetz, works for his father and resides in the tenant house ; Robert ■ D. resides at home ; and Edgar P. died in infancy. WILLIAM E. FISHER, one of the leading young attorneys of Reading, is descended from an ancestry who were sturdy yeomen in Germany prior to the days of the American Revolution. They emigrated to this country before that great struggle, and were leading farmers in Berks county during its continuance, and indeed to the present time. John Fisher, great-grandfather of William E., was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in^ the bat- tle of Baltimore, in Aueust, 1814. He was engaged in boating on the Schuylkill and Union canals. He rear- ed of a family of four sons and one daughter, one of whom, Daniel Fisher, was the grandfather of th«! sub- ject of this sketch. Daniel Fisher was also engaged in boating up to the time of his marriage with Sarah Gruber, daughter of John Adam Gruber, of Heidelberg township, after which he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death. He reared a family of two sons, John W. Fisher, born Nov. 9, 5844: arid Albert A. Fi.sher. born June 4, 1852. John W. Fisher (father of William E.) in his early days worked on a farm, and was a student at Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, Collegeville, Montgom- ery Co., Pa. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school, making his first teacher's certificate under John S. Ermentrout, county superintendent of Berks county. He taught school for twenty-five years in all : The first term in Centre township, and the bal- ance in North Heidelberg. At the age of twenty-one years, he was appointed jus- tice of the peace of North Heidelberg township and was re-elected for nine successive terms, holding that of- fice up to the time of his removal from North Heidel- berg township in 1907. In 1864, Mr. Fisher married El- len M. Lamni, the youngest daughter of Benjamin Lamm, now deceased, who for many years was an influential and _ well-to-do farmer of North Heidelberg township. Benjamin Lamm's father was John Lamm, and he had four sons and four daughters. Benjamin Lamm was niarried to Lydia Ruth, daughter of Frederifck Ruth, of Lower Heidelberg township, and he had four sons and four daughters. To John W. Fisher and Ellen M., his wife, were born twelve children, as follows : Adelaide E., who died March 25, 1881, aged sixteen years; Lillie A., m. to Nelson Brossman, of North Heidelberg township; Emma V., m. to Henry G. Stump, of Heidelberg town- ship; SalHe L., m. to Michael A. Fox, of Jefferson town- ship; Heela M.,"who died Aug. 11, 1878, aged six years; Ellen Nora, at home; Diana R., m. to William Alvin Christman of Womelsdorf ; William E. ; John C, a Luth- eran clergyman of Germantown, Philadelphia; Cora C., m. to Lloyd K. Minnich, of Robesonia ; Anna G., married to Howard E. Brown, of Robesonia. and F. May, married to Herbert C. .Schell, of Oley. William E. Fisher was born in North Heidelberg town- ship, July 11, 1878, and passed his youth on the farm, developiiig a good physique and laying the foundation for his future education. He attended the country schools in the winter and assisted on his father's farm in the summer. At the age of fifteen years he attend- ed the Bernville Grammar School for five months. At the age of sixteen years he successfully passed the teach- ers' examination under William M. Zechman, county superintendent of Berks countv, and during the winter of 1894 and 1895 he taught Lengel's school in North Heidelberg township. In the spring of 1895, he entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, as a student, and subsequently was a student there during the fall and spring, when not teaching school. During the winter of 1895 and 1896 he taught the Forge School in North Heidelberg township, and in the spring of 1897 he eraduated from the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. For a time thereafter, Mr. Fisher contin- ued his studies under private instruction, giving partic- ular attention to Latin and mathematics. On Nov. 6, 1897, he successfully passed the preliminary examina- tion as a student at law, and registered as a student in the office of Ermentrout & Ruhl, and for the following ' three years he studied law under the preceptorship of Christian H. Ruhl, one of the foremost practitioners at the Reading Bar. During the winter of 1897 arid 1898 he taught school at Newmanstown, Lebanon county, in connection with his legal studies. During the winter of 1898 and 1899 he taught in the public schools of Robe- sonia. On Nov. 12, 1900. he was admitted to practice law in all the courts of Berks county, and immediately thereafter opened an office at No. 38 North Sixth street,''' where he practised his nrofession until March 35, 1908, when he removed his office to No. 541 Court street. On Nov. 11. 1903, on motion of his preceptor. Christian H. Ruhl. he was admitted to practice in the Superior court of Pennsylvania, and on Jan. 5, 1903, on motion of Wil- liam Kerper Stevens, at present a Judge of the court of Common Pless of Berks county, he was admitted to practise in the Sunreme Court of the State. Since his admission to the Bar he has enjoyed a large practice, Drircipally in the Orphans' Court of Berks county, where he has been engaged in the settlement of a large num- ber of decedents' estates. _ On Oct. 1. 5904, he, in connection with his law prac- tice, engaged in the building business, and since that time has erected in the city of Reading one hundred and 513 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ninety-five houses. Mr. Fisher has the confidence of his clients and those that are doing business with him as a builder. In 1896, Mr. Fisher married Minnie Ellen, daughter of John E. Moyer, a retired farmer of Robesonia, Berks county. They have two children, Earl Eugene and Mil- dred May. They reside at No. 145 West Douglass street, Reading, Pa. Mr. Fisher has always taken an active part in the political life of the county, engaging in every campaign since he arrived at voting age. He is a Democrat, and was solicitor during 1903 for the board of directors of the poor of Berks county. He is a mem- ber of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Read- ing, Pa., and a vestryman of that church since Eas- ter, 1900, and takes an active part in all that pertains to church life. Mr. Fisher is a member of the follow- ing Masonic organizations : St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M. ; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M. ; Read- ing Commandery, No. 43, K. T. ; Reading Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R. ; Philadelphia Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and of Pro- gressive Lodge No. 470, L 0. O. F., of Reading, Penn- sylvania. LOUIS RICHARDS, law writer and member of the Bar of Berks county. Pa., was born May 6, 1843, at Gloucester Furnace, Atlantic Co., N. J., of which his father, John Rich- ards, was proprietor. The latter, a native of Berks county, came of a vigorous stock, of Welsh descent, his paternal ancestors having settled in Amity township as early as 1718. He was for many years of his long and active life engaged in the iron manufacturing business, principally in the State of New Jersey, also representing Gloucester county in the Assembly in 1836 and 1837. From 1848 to 1854 he resided at Mauch Chunk, Pa., as proprietor of the Carbon Iron Works at that place, and in the latter year retired to a handsome country seat known as "Stowe," in the vicinity of Pottstown, Montgomery county, where he died Nov. 39, 1871, at the patriarchal age of eighty-eight. The subject of this sketch was his youngest son, and only child by his second wife, Louisa (Silvers) Richards, a native of Monmouth county, N. J., descended upon the maternal side from the well-known Rogers family of that section, and, in the third generation, from Henry Lawes Luttrell, second Earl of Carhampton. Employed in early life as an instructor of youth, she was distinguished for her mental culture, marked individuality of character, and social tastes and accomplishments. Her decease occurred Jan. 36. 1880, when well advanced in her eighty-first year. Mr. Richards received his preliminary education in the public schools of Mauch Chunk, and subsequently took an academical course, attending the West Jersey Collegiate School at Mount Holly, N. J., the Hill School at Pottstown, and the Upland Normal Institute at Chester, Pa. In No- vember, 1861, he came to reside at Reading, commenced the study of the law under the direction of his cousin, John S. Richards, Esq., a highly talented and widely-known practitioner at the Berks county Bar, and was admitted to practice Jan. 16, 1865. While a student he served in the Pennsylvania Militia, during the invasions of the State by the Confederate armies in 1863 and 1863. Having an early inclination to write, he contributed largely to the press, both before and after his admission to the Bar, furnishing incidentally accurate reports of all the cases tried in the county courts. In 1869 he married, and engaged in journalism, becoming a partner of the firm of J. Knabb & Co., in the publication of the Reading Times and Dispatch and the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, the daily and weekly organs of the Republican party in Berks. In 1871 he resold his interest to the firm, and resumed the practice of the law. lA 1875 he purchased his fath- er's estate at "Stowe," which he occasionally occupied until 1883, when he disposed of it to the Pottstown Iron Company, which erected thereon a very large manufactur- ing plant. For many years Mr. Richards devoted much attention to municipal law, and the municipal affairs of his adopted city. While serving as a member of its Councils in 1875- 1876 he personally revised, amended and codified its local laws, and published in the latter year the first Digest of the Statutes and Ordinances of Reading. Of this work he subsequently compiled three other and more elaborate ■editions, containing many valuable notes and citations of judicial decisions. In December, 1876, he was selected as Secretary of the State Municipal Commission, ap- pointed by Governor Hartranft to devise a uniform plan for the better government of the cities of Pennsylvania. Of this body, which was composed of eleven eminent lawyers and citizens of the State, the Hon. Butler B. Strang was Chairman. The Commission presented its final report to the Legislature in January, 1878, and the principal features of the code which it submitted were subsequently incorporated in the Act of June 1, 1885, for the government of the city of Philadelphia, known as the "Bullitt Bill." As a member of committees appointed by the Inter-Municipal Conventions of 1886 and 1888, Mr. Richards was deputed to prepare the original drafts of the Acts of May 24, 1887, and May 23, 1889, the latter constituting the present frame of government of cities of the third class in Pennsylvania. In these several capacities he rendered much valuable service to the people of the State, and acquired a wide reputation as a skillful drafts- man of municipal statutes. He is a charter member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, organized in 1895, serving for some years past upon its committee on Legal Biog- raphy. In the interest of law reform he devised and secured the passage by the Legislature of the Act of July 9, 1897, "declaring the constructiob of words in a deed, will or other instrument, importing a failure of issue." In 1889, in association with the Hon. G. A. Endlich, Law Judge of the Berks district, then also a practitioner at the Bar, he was the author of a treatise upon the "Rights and Liabilities of Married Women in Pennsylvania," de- voted principally to the exposition of the Married Persons' Property Act of 1887, which greatly enlarged the con- tractual powers of femes covert. In 1895 he issued, in two volumes, the "Pennsylvania Formi Book," containing precedents in the various branches of law practice — a work in general use by the profession throughout the State —and, in 1898, a "Digest of Acts of Assembly for the Government of Cities of the Third Class," which was followed by two successive editions. His other published productions include numerous law pamphlets, historical and genealogical sketches, and reports and addresses upon various subjects of professional or general interest. Pro- foundly devoted to antiquarian researches, he has since 1903 been President of the Historical Society of Berks County, giving to its affairs much attention and intelli- gent direction. He is also a member of the Historical So- ciety of Pennsylvania, and an occasional contributor to its Magazine of History and Biography. His only business connection is with the Charles Evans Cemetery Com- pany, of which he has been for the past fifteen years the efficient secretary and treasurer. Distinguished for his public spirit, he has employed his time and talents in the promotion of every movement in the line of progress, good government and reform. In politics Mr. Richards is a Republican, and in the Presi- dential campaign of 1884 was the candidate of the minor- ity party in the Berks district for Congress against Dan- iel Ermentrout, the sitting member, receiving 9,405 votes. His political views are, however, strongly tempered with the spirit of independence, which inclines to subordinate mere partisan considerations to the superior obligations of individual good citizenship. As a member of the Bar he is recognized as a highly reputable, accurate and painstaking practitioner, though It is in the capacity of a writer, of marked vigor and skill, that he is best known to the public. His literary tastes are cultured and absorbing, and it is in the com- panionship of his books, and the environment of the stu- dent, that he finds his chief entertainment and solace. Practical and thorough in all his methods and undertak- ings, he devotes to the performance of every duty in which he may engage his best abilities and most con- scientious efforts. LOUIS RICHARDS BIOGRAPHICAL 513 Mr. Richards has four children — three sons and a jdaughter — all of whom have reached maturity. LATSHAW. The Latshaw family is well represented in Washington township, Berks county, and there, to-day, bspecially prominent may be found John H. Latshaw, a jfarmer near Passmore; David H. Latshaw, a merchant at Bechtelsville ; Samuel B. Latshaw, miller, coal merchant, 'and farmer; and Jacob S. Latshaw, a retired farmer at his home near Barto. . ; ■ (I) Frantz Latshar, the emigrant ancestor of this old Mennonite family, was a native of Switzerland. He came ■ to America on the "Mortonhouse" which qualified at Phila- : delphia, Aug. 24, 1728 . On the list of passengers his name ■ is spelled "Frans Latshow." He located in Colebrookdale township, Berks Co., Pa. His last will and testament I was made in 1781, and was probated Oct. 39, 1795. He left a large estate, which he divided equally among his children. Tradition says that his first wife d ied, leaving him a num- ; ber of small children and no one to help in the house. I Accordingly he went to Philadelphia (as the pioneers were , obliged to do in those days for merchandise or help) for a woman to look after his home and children. He was told^jOfa young woman in good repute whose husband, a Mr.yTjaBel, had died on the voyage to America, leaving his widow with two small children. At Philadelphia she began a struggling life with her children, finding a place as servant in a Germantown family. Mr. Latshar became ac- quainted with her, persuaded her to accompany him home as housekeeper, and later they were married. Her son, Henry Gabel , was taken along with them, and early in life was taken into the Rutter household, the Rutters being the early iron masters of Colebrookdale, and he fell heir to some of the Rutter money, also being remembered in his step-father's will. He was a Mennonite and is buried at Boyertown ; his birth occurred i n 1734 .) Frantz Latshar and his second wife had children also. The children mentioned in his will, as recorded in book B, page 39 were John, Frantz, 4brah5in. Jacob, Mary Lantes(Landis, , Hgnrv Gabel (stgCiSQETr Rebecca Shelly (deceased, the mother of six children) and ^ C ,^t feiripe Lantz (stpa-daugfc: ter). Of these Abraham lived on the Hereford town- ship farm, and Frantz elsewhere in the same township. (II) John Latsha, eldest son of Frant^ the emigrant, lived in Colebrookdale township, where he died in 1794. He made his will in 1787, Will Book B, page 360. He made his home with his brother Jacob. If he was married he had no children, and his estate was divided among his brothers and sisters. (II) Frantz Latshar (Latchar), second son of the emi born in 1817, died unmarried in 1840; and Catharine tjj. Isaac Johnson. (IV) Samuel Latshaw, son of Abraham, was born March 18, 1797. He died June 30, 1883, and was buried at Bally Meeting House, being a member of that church. He was a farmer on the farm' now owned by Jacob S. Latshaw, at Passmore, a tract of eighty-eight acres. He married Catharine Bciisr., born Dec. 1, 1796, and died July 2, 1878, after fifty-seven years of wedded life. Their children were: Anna, born March 17, 182fc died unmar- ried De'c. 10, 1875, and was buried at Hereford Mennonite Church ; Elizabeth, born Dec. 7, 182|, m. (first) Toi ^s Sas- saman, and (second) Isaac Bechtel ; Susanna, bornOct. 23, 1823, m. Samuel Mensch, and died March 27, 1894; John B. ; and Abraham, born Dec. 7, 1831, m. Susanna R. Moyer (born Jan. 6, 1838), lived in Pottstown, and had a daughter, Lizzie. ■ (V) John B. Latshaw, son of Samuel, was. born in Washington township, on the old farm at Passmore March 22, 1828, and died March 4, 1887. He was a farmer, though in his earlier life for a time he followed carpentering. He married Maria Hiestan d, born July 11, 1837, and died Sept. 16, 1898. Tliey are both buried in Hereford Mennon- ite Meeting House cemetery. Their postoffice address was Congo, near which station they owned a large farm. Their children were: Dasad. born in 1863 died in 1864; Samuel H., born Oct. 6 1864; MaHnda, born Nov. 24, 1866; Menno, born Jan. 22, , 1869, is deceas ed ; J ohn H ., born April 26, 1871; Franklin, born in 1873, died in 1874; Har- vey H. born FeSTT?, 1876; David H., born Feb. 38, 1878, (VI) Samuel H. Latshaw, son of John B. and Maria- (Hiestand) Latshaw, born Oct. 6, 1864, is the owner of a gristmill at East Coventry, Chester Co., Pa., to which property there is a seventeen-acre farm. He married Hanna O. Bechtel, of Bechtelsville, Berks county, and they have three children — Verna, Irene and Ella. (VI) Malinda H. Latshaw, daughter of John B. and Maria (Hiestand) Latshaw, was born Nov. 24, 1866. She married 'AaronL^_Bai3erj a successful farmer and dealer in farnTTmplem^nts in Douglass township. They have one child, Harvey. Mr. Bauer has six children by a former marriage. (VI) John H. Latshaw, son of John B. and Maria (Hiestand) Latshaw, was born in Douglass townshi p, Montgomery >countv . April 26, 1871. His education ^as acquired in 'the common schools, and West Chester Normal School, attending the latter institution one term. He grew up accustomed to the work of the farm,'' and was but eighteen years .of age when his father died, and 'the care of the 103-acre farm fell upon his shoulders. He farmed for his mother until one year before? her death grant, made his will April 1, 1802, and it was probated ;„ i898. The farm was then sold to his brother Harvey, July ist of the same year. His wife, Esther, survived him, and was bequeathed 400 pounds in gold. They had three sons, Frantz and Jacob receiving all the land in Hereford township, and jotin the homestead. (II) Abraham LatshafTThird son of the emigrant, ^-^ived in that section of Colebrookdale township, now in who still resides there. In November, 1898, Mr. Latshaw bought his present farm of sixty- four acres in Douglass township, Montgomery county, at the Berks county line. He is very successful in his work, and he has made many modern improvements about his place. His walks are of ce- ment, and the whole place 'is kept neaf and clean, pr.e- fertile, and is all level and well cultivated. Mr. Latshaw keeps four horses and ten head of cattle, but in the wiui- ter time has from fifteen to twenty-five head of cattle. He , is a director and secretary of the Congo Creamery Company, i which ayerages abput 3,800 pounds of milk daily. Mr. Latshaw is a Republican in politics, and has served as election officer. He and his family are members of ^(Jcluded in Washington township. He died in 1814. His will senting a most attractive appearance. The land is very Mjin English script, but German words, is on record in - ■•■ ' ' " ,.• . , ,, -r . , Vol. 4, page 114. His children were : Samuel, Johannes, I Jacob, Anna, Elizabeth, Catharine. Heinrich (who lived for ^ aTime in Clayton, and then left for parts unknown), Alex- is ander and Abrah am. f^'^PXIII) Abraham Latshaw, son of Abraham, was born m P^olebrookdale township, now Washington, in May, 1769, and died July 29, 1843. He owned the farm of eighty- __ eight acres at Passmore. In 1795 he married Hizab^hA^Hereford Mennonite Meeting House, at ' Bally, ■Bauer, sister to AndrewVBauer. She was born Aug. 30, of which he has been chorister for many years, and he 1776, and was a woman ^ (tf determ i ned character . She died has held the same position in the Sunday-school sinte he Jan. 5, 1869, and was interred beside her husband i" the ^as eighteen years old. Mennonite cemetery at the meeting house at Bally^_Abr3^ij--j ©n Jan. 22, 1897, Mr. Latshaw married Annie F. Clem- ham Latshaw and wife had children as follows :C§a£uielj,,Jiher, daiighter of Abraham and Mary (Funk) Clemmer, I Abraham , born in 1798, died unmarried in 1818 ; Aroa, born of Hereford tbwnship, and their children are: Mabel C, in" 180"i, m. John M. Bowman, and di?d m 1853; Rev. Elsie C„ Anna C, Stanley C, Lloyd C. and Mary C. , John E!,; Elizabeth, born in ,1806, m. Abraham^ Bech- (VI) Harvey H. Latshaw, son of John B, and Maria- \ tel, and died in 1864; Jacob. B.; Henry B, m. AniiaKemer- (Hiestand) Latshaw, was born Feb. 17, 1876. He pur- 1 er, and had children— Alexander and Abraham ; Abraham, chased the homestead of 102 acres, and devotes all his V 33 1 K . 514 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA time to its cultivation, being a progressive and up-to-date He and his family are members of the new Mennonite farmer, studying the soil carefully. He pays much at- Church, in which he has always been an active worker, tention to poultry and to the raising of young pigs. He and he has been trustee and treasurer. He is a teacher married Hanna B. Clemmer, daughter of John B. Clem- m the Sunday-school at Bally ., , . ^ mer, of Bally, and they have two children, Norman and „I" ^^e fall of 1869 Mr. Latshaw married Annie E. Tyr Harpst, daughter of Henry and Mary Harpst, of Schuyl- ^ iXtt\ t-1 ttt rTu-Dji/r- *^ill township, Chester county. She was born May 29, (VI) David H. Latshaw, son of John B. and Maria ^g^g^ ^^^ ^'(^^ ^^^_ ^ ^302^ ^_^j ^^^ ^^^^-^^ ^^ | „ _ (Hiestand) Latshaw, and now the leading merchant at To this union were born: Mary .A., of Bally, m. Irwin Bechtelsville, was born in Douglass township, Montgom- h. Bechtel (who died in WOTf and has two sons— Irwin cry county, Feb. 28, 1878. He attended the local schools and Stanley, and Amy m. Dr. Oswin Berky, of Bally. of his native district, and worked upon the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He then becE-nie (IV) Jacob B. Latshaw, son of Abraham and Eliza- a clerk in the general store of Jacob L. Reiff, at Bech- beth (Bauer), was born on the Latshaw farm in Wash- telsville, and after clerking there for a year and a half, ington township, in 1808-09, and after a life devoted succeeded him in business, buying out the entire prop- 4° farming in Douglass township, Montgomery county, erty, stock, fixtures and good will. He carries a com- ^^ died in October 1883, and was buried at Christ's Luth- plete line of general merchandise, and deals largely in F^" Church, at Niantic. His wife, Anna Sallada, born wholesale salts, handling the famous Genesee salts Since 15, ^?°^' ,4'^,^ in 1863, and was buried in the same cemetery. October, 1901, he has been postmaster at Bechtelsville. T"^"" children were: Levi, who died unmarried; Abra- He is a member of the Mennonite Church, belonging like 'j^™: °^ Reading; Jacob S.; George, of near Congo; most of the family, to the church at Bally. He has been iJavid, of Topton ; Maria, m. to Jacob Schoenly (deceas- active in the Sunday-school for many years, being su- ^d) ; Annie, m. to Joel Stoudt, of near Niantic; Eliza- perintendent and chorister in the Bechtelsville Sunday- °^^^' "V t° Henry Moyer (deceased), of Niantic; Matilda, school. ™- to Jeremiah Koch, of Niantic. Of these Levi, Abra- On Feb. 20, 1902, Mr. Latshaw was married to Mary ham and Annie are deceased. F. Clemmer, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Funk) <-") Jacob S. Latshaw, son of Jacob B., now living Clemmer, and have one daughter. Amy Lola C. Beside retted two miles south of Barto, near the Montgomery his store Mr. Latshaw has a forty-two acre farm, and is c^ounty Ime, was born in Hereford township, Nov. 28, noted for his success as a potato raiser. l^'^'''- ^^ was brought up on the farm, and learned tne . shoemaker's trade when he was about fourteen. This (IV) Rev. John B. Latshaw, son of Abraham, was he followed for about seven years. He then began farm- born in Colebrookdale township April 4. 1804, and at his '"S o" his father's farm in Douglass township, where he death Feb. 11, 1878, was buried at East Coventry Men- hved four years. After that he farmed six years at East nonite Church. He was reared to manhood in his native Greenville, and then returned to Douglass, where for district, and after his marriage moved to East Coventry ^°^^ y°ars he farmed for Andrew Bauer. The next township, Chester county, where he was elected to the seven years were spent on the Mary Ann Schultz farm, ministry of his faith. He preached at East Coventry and in 1883 he moved to his present location. His farm Church and at the East Vincent Church for many 's a part of the original homestead of the Latshaws, and years. He also carried on farming, owning a tract has been in the family name upward of one hundred years, of eighty acres. He married Mary Boyer, born I' "°™ contains eighty-seven acres, and everything is in Dec. 4, 1803, and died June 27, 1883. Their chil- ^'^^^ ^^'ass condition. In the spring of 1902 Mr. Latshaw dren were: Sallie m. Christian Hunsberger; Elizabeth retired from farming. He and his family are Lutheran m. Henry Kulp"^; Abraham lives at Hughesville, Lycoming members of Christ's Church at Niantic, of which he has county;" Sophia m. Benjamin Halteman ; Samuel B.; Mary been deacon, elder and trustee. In politics he is a Re- m. Jesse Hunsberger; and Susan died aged sixteen years, publican, but he has never cared to hold public office. (V) Samuel B. Latshaw, son of Rev. John B., now On Nov. 14, 1862, Mr. Latshaw m. Emeline Schoen- a miller, coal merchant and farmer at Barto, was born 'V; daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Boyer) Schoen- in East Coventry township, Chester county, Oct. 2. 1845. 'y- °^ Washington township. She was born May 20, He was educated in the schools of Pigeon Creek, leaving l^^O' and died Sept. 13, 1908, and is buried at Niantic. at the age of sixteen years. He worked for his par- The children born of this union were: Horace, a grocer ents until he was eighteen years of age, when he learned at Pottstown, m. Sarah Geisinger, and has two daughters, the milling trade from S. H. Hunsberger, in whose em- Sltlla and Erca ; Amanda m. C. K. Huber, of Douglass ploy he remained two years. After working at Potts- township, Montgomery county, and has had three sons town, Pennypacker's Mills, Muncy. Lycoming county, and and two daughters, Flarry, Norman, Alf, Jannie and Ag- in Missouri, for a second time he located in Muncv. In nes (deceased) ; Melvin died unmarried aged twentv-eight ; the fall of 1868 he rented the Henry Landis Mill at Bech- John, a farmer in Douglass township, Montgonxery coun- telsville which he operated four years. In the spring of tY; "ear the Berks county line. m. Kate Sheets ; and Ag- 1873, in company with Mr. A. L. Ebert, he purchased the "es m. William Kepner, of Pottstown, and has a daugh- old Babb Mill property at Barto, on the West Branch of ter Florence, r the Perkiomen creek. This mill was operated by the firm (V) Geoegb-?:.atshaw, son of Jacob B.. lives in Doug- of Latshaw & Ebert for three years, and then Mr. Lat- 'ass township, near Congo, Montgomery county. His shaw purchased Mr. Ebert's interest, since which time children ^ are : Abraham, of East Douglass township, m. he has operated it alone. This mill and property were Kate Wiand ; ^Milton, of East Douglass township, m. So- in the possession of the Babb family for about 100 years. Rah .Riegher; Henry m. Kate Trace, and lives in East the mill being first used as an oil mill, the original deeds Douglass township ; William m. Kate Koble, and lives of the property mentioning it as an "oyl mill." Mr. Lat- in East Douglass township; Annie m. William Widiger, shaw has greatly improved the property, and in 1885 he of East Allentown ; John and Robert are unmarried and added a "roller process." He makes the well known live in East Douglass township. Minnetonka and Snow Flake flours, so popular in near- ^ (V) DAVin^AT.sHAw, son of Jacob B., makes his home by towns. Five men are constantly employed in the mill i" Topton, Berks county. His children are: Lovinia m. and on the farm. There are sixty-nine acres to the James Johnson, of Northampton countj'; Idea m. Henry mill property. In 1877 Mr. Latshaw built the barn, 45' J. Roth, of Breinigsville ; Agnes m. Nathan Mest, of x 65 feet. He is very progressive and has the confidence Topton; Caretina m. William Kershner, of Topton; of the entire community. The pumping station of the Amanda m. Edward J. Haas, of Topton : Emma m. Eu- Standard Oil Company is partly built on three acres of rathias Schmoyer, of Lyons ; Jacob m. Bella , and land which belonged to Mr. Latshaw. In politics he is lives at Breinigsville ; Alvin m. Sarah Arfield and lives a Republican, and was township auditor for some years, at Topton; and Milton, of Topton, m. Sallie . BIOGRAPHICAL 515 IRWIN H. BECHTEL, a successful and progressive merchant at Bally, in Washington township, Berks county, was born Jan. 7, 1866, son of William B. Bechtel. and he died May 16, 1902. William B. Bechtel was born June 20, 1835. He was the first merchant to open a general store in Bally, and after carrying on the business until 1898, sold it and the premises to his son, while he himself engaged in the manufacture of paper, under the name of the West Branch Paper Mill, in a mill located three miles east of the town, and this he continued until his death, July 15, 1903. He established the postoffice at Bally; it has continued in the store until the' present time. He was active in church life, belonging to the New Mennonite Church, which he served oflScially many years. He married Elizabeth Him- melwright daughter of John and Maria (Kiel) Him- melwright, of near Bally, and they had one son, Irwin H. Bechtel. Irvvin H. Bechtel was educated in the public schools and in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He was licensed to teach by Prof. D. S. Keck, county superintendent, and he taught two terms in Washington township — one term at Dale and the other at Bally. His father then took him into the store, where he gained prac- tical knowledge of the mercantile business under his father's guidance, and in 1898 became the purchaser of the business, conducting it until his death. Mr. Bechtel and his family were members of the New I\Iennonite Church at Bally. For some years he was as- sistant superintendent of the Sunday-school, and then became superintendent, which position he filled in a most satisfactory manner until his decease, ably assisted by his wife. On Oct. 3, 1893, Mr. Bechtel married Mary Latshaw, daughter of Samuel B.- Latshaw, and two children were born of this union, Stanley Latshaw and Irwin Russell. Since her husband's decease, Mrs. Bechtel has carried on the business in a most satisfactory manner, serving also as postmistress. HERBERT M. STERNBERGH, son of J. H. Stern- bergh, was born in Reading, Jan. 5, 1871, and received his education in the Lawrenceville School, near Prince- ton, and at Harvard University. After completing his education Mr. Sternbergh entered the firm of his father, it becoming J. H. Sternbergh & Son, and this firm was later merged into the American Iron & Steel Manufacturing Company, which is now cap- italized at $5,550,000, of which $3,000,000 is preferred and $2,550,000 common stock, both being fully paid and non- assessable. Our subject was made vice-president of this company in 1901. and was its General Manager until January, 1907. He is also president of the Acme Motor Car Company, of Reading; president of the American Die & Tool Company brought to Reading by Mr. Stern- bergh from Wilmington, Del. ; and is vice-president of the Kansas City Bolt & Nut Company, of which his fath- er is president. At one time he was a director of the First National Bank, but was compelled to give this up as the duties of his other associations demanded his en- tire attention. Mr. Sternbergh was married, in 1894, to Harriet Hoff- man, daughter of Dr. Walter J. Hoffman, a noted ethnol- ogist, long connected with the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C, and consul to Mannheim, Germany, under President McKinley's administration. Dr. Hoff- man died in the fall of 1901, aged fifty-three years. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sternbergh, of whom five are living: Van R. H., Harriet E., Regis S., Marcia T., and Alan May. Mr. Sternbergh is a mem- ber of the Wyomissing Club. In political principle he is a Republican. He and his family make their hotne in Reading. WILLIAM McCORMICK, editor and proprietor of the Reading Herald, was born in 1866, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. McCormick was graduated from Yale in 1887, and since then has been engaged in newspaper work, save for one year while teaching school in New York State. He was reporter on papers in Boston and Phila- delphia; editor of the Times at Bethlehem, Pa., for two years; and in 1893 established the Leader at Allentown, Pa. In 1896 he bought from John B. Dampman, a half interest in the Reading Herald, and one year later be- came sole owner. Mr. McCormick makes his home in Mount Penn bor- ough. He is unmarried. GEORGE C. BORDNER, Professor of Higher M-ath- ematics in the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutz- town, and a well-known educator in Berks county, was born- May 22, 1870, on the old Bordner homestead, in Bethel township, half a mile east of Millersburg. He is of the sixth generation in descent from the original (I) Balthaser (Baltzer) Bordner, who at the age of thirty- four years, together with his wife Marilles, aged thirty- seven years, and three children — Jacob, Hanna and Mela, aged ten, eight and seven years, respectively, — sailed from Rotterdam on the ship "Adventurer," and landed at Phil- adelphia, Sept. 22, 1732. Balthaser Bordner settled in Tulpehocken township, Lancaster (now Berks) county, immediately after landing, and died there in 1747. (II) Jacob Bordner, son of Balthaser, and great- great-grandfather of Prof. Bordner, was born in 1722. He was executor of his father's estate, and on April 10, 1761, was naturalized as a citizen of Tulpehocken township, Berks county, at the Supreme court of Phila- delphia. On June 20, 1761, he purchased from Thomas and Richard Penn the present Bordner homestead, which had been leased to Jacob Hoffman, who was unable to pay his rental. Since that day the homestead has been owned by a son of each successive generation. Jacob Bordner married Sarah Bait, and they reared a family of seven children: Jacob (2), John, William, Daniel, Peter, Anna Maria and Barbara. The father died in 1792, and by his will the homestead passed to his eldest son Jacob (2). (III) Jacob Bordner (2), son of Jacob, was born in 1754, and spent his whole life on the homestead. He was married to Anna Maria Brosz, seven years his jun- ior. They had a family of six children: Jacob (3), John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Julian and Susanna. Jacob Bordner (2) died in 1837, willing the homestead to his eldest son Jacob (3). The widowed mother survived her husband two years. (IV) Jacob Bordner (3), son of Jacob (2), was born in 1793, and he, too, passed his whole life on the home- stead. He married Catharine Lerch, born in 1793, and they had issue as follows : Augustus, Joanna, Mary and Thomas L. Jacob Bordner (3) died in 1867, preceding his wife in death by one year. He willed the homestead to his youngest son, Tliomas L. (V) Thomas L. Bordner, son of Jacob (3) and fath- er of Prof. Bordner, was born May 8, 1824, on the old homestead where his whole life was passed. He was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and a man of local prominence in politics. A stanch Democrat, he was elected auditor, treasurer and school director at different times, and in 1880 was a delegate to the Democratic State Con- vention which elected the national delegates to the con- vention that nominated Gen. Hancock for the Presidency. He and his family have been consistent members of the Reformed church all their lives. He was married to Ma- linda Snyder, born 1830, daughter of Peter and Cathar- ine Snyder, prominent residents of Bethel township. Mr. Bordner died in March, 1899. His children were : Wil- liam J., born 1849, m. Emma Dundore ; Cyrus P., born 1851, m. Emma Trautman; Samuel T., born 1856, m. Annie Burkhart; Adaline C, born 1859, is single; Mary M., born 1862, died in infancy; Francis A., born 1864, m. Mary Weidner; Rebecca S., born 1865, is single; John H., born 1867, m. Emma Deck; Charles L., born 1868, m. Annie Hartman; George C. born 1870; and Ellen N., born 1873, died in infancy. 516 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (VI) George C. Bordner was reared on the old Bord- three years and natural sciences four years, and also ner homestead and attended the public schools of Mil- gave instruction in German. Meantime he began the lersburg in Bethel township until 1886, when he began study of the law under the direction of Hons. A. H. to teach school, teaching one term in Jefferson town- Dill and Isaac Slenker and resigning his position in ship, four in Bethel township, and one in the Mt. _Aetna the Union Seminary in 1862 spent a year in the office Grammar School, in Tulpehocken township. In tha of Isaac Slenker, Esq., and was admitted to the Bar spring of 1892 he entered the Keystone State Normal at Lewisburg, Pa., in December, 1863. At the instance School, and was graduated in June, 1893. During the of some of his wife's friends he returned to his native year following graduation he was principal of the Kutz- county and soon acquired a large and lucrative practice, town high school, and in the spring of 1894 was^ elected He continued in the general duties of his profession un- an add;t.ona teacher in mathematics in the Keystone til 1875, when he was elected additional law judge of State Normal School In the fall of 1894 he re-entered j^^ ^^^,^^3 ^f g^^j^^ ^ ^ full term the Normal School to prepare for the Sophomore class „r ,„„ , to ,„„.. . t , „„„ tt at Franklin and Marshall College, and again taught math- °^ ten years, from Jan. 2, 1876 to Jan. 4, 1886. Upon ematics at the Normal during the spring of 189.5. In "'^ retirement from the Bench Judge Sassaman returned the fall of 1893 he entered Franklin and ^Marshall Col- '° '"^ practice of the law, and he died at the age of sixty- lege and graduated in the classical course in June, 1898, °"^ y^^i'S. Spt. 17, 1895, nine years after his retire- receiving the degree of .\. B., and three years later, in "'="' ^fo™ '"« Bench. His wife was Louisa DeTurk, course, the degree of A. M., from his Alma Mater. Dur- ^ member of a noted old Berks county family of Hugue- ing the last two years at college he specialized in math- "°t ong"i, she being a daughter of Jacob DeTurk, a ematics, physics and astronomy, and attained to great farmer. proficiency in these departments. While still at college Louis A. Sassaman was the only child of Augustus he conducted for two seasons a summer normal school ?• aiid Louisa Sassaman. He was born Sept. 15, 1868, at Bernville, Pa., where he prepared many young men '" .Amity township, Berks county. His early literary and women for teaching and for entrance to various training was secured in the common schools and at Car- colleges. After graduating he took charge of the Bern- JP" Institute, Reading, and he later attended Palatinate ville high school and conducted it very successfully for College, Myerstown, and Dickinson College, Carlisle, one year, and after being re-elected in the summer of where he graduated in 1891. He at once began read- 1899, he resigned to take charge of the department of \"S law with his father. After leaving Dickinson Col- Higher Mathematics in the Keystone State Normal school, '^ge he served four years as deputy ckrk in the Quar- his appointment to this position indicating the esteem in ter Sessions court, and in 1894 he was admitted to the which he is generally held. While serving in this cap- ^ar of Berks county. His admission to the Superior, acity ever since he has taken advantage of every oppor- Supreme and United States District courts was a mat- tunity to raise the standard of his department both peda- ter of later date. Mr. Sassaman at once began prac- gogically and scientifically, and by so doing has given tice, being fortunate in having the advice of his fath- it a standing second to none of its kind in the State. ^r, who was then living in retirement in Reading. He Fraternally, Prof. Bordner is prominently connected soon built up a flattering clientele, and has for the most with Bethel Lodge, No. 820, I. O. O. F.. and Huguenot Part engaged in private practice, but has served the pub- Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M. In politics he is a stanch I'c i" several positions, notably as solicitor of Berks Democrat, and as such takes an active interest in the county and as prison inspector, which latter office he affairs of the borough of Kutztown, having served for has held since 1899. some time as a member of the borough board of school ^l""- Sassaman married Sept. 26, 1895, Mary A. Zim- directors in the capacity of secretary of the board. He merman, daughter of William Zimmerman (deceased), is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teach- of Lebanon county, and to this union was born a daugh- ers of the Middle States and Maryland, as well as of ter. Marie, now in attendance at school, the American Federation of Science and Mathematics Mr. Sassaman is a well-known figure in the Demo- Teachers, cratic politics of the city, county and State. He has In March, 1898, Prof. Bordner married Mary M, Ber- always been interested in politics and from the time ger, daughter of Levi and Rebecca (Bertram) Berger, he attained his majority has been in demand as a cam- The former is a valued citizen and successful business paign speaker. His ready wit and keen, forceful logic man of Bernville, and during the administration of Pres- carry conviction, and he is thus valued greatly by the ident Cleveland was postmaster of that town. Prof, party leaders in campaigns. He is an active party work- and Mrs. Bordner have four children, namely : Paul er and is seen at all of the conventions of the party, B., Claude L., Grace A. and Mary H. having been delegate to many county conventions. In the memorable campaign which placed Mr. Pattison in the LOUIS A. SASSAMAN, of Reading, belongs to a Governor's chair he was a tireless worker, family several of whose members have attained prom- _Mr. Sassaman is a member of the Woodmen of the inence in the law, being a son of the late Judge Angus- World, and has for many years been a member of Friend- tus S. Sassaman, for many years a lawyer of pre-emin- ship Fire Company No. 4, of Reading, and Aerie No. ence in Berks county. 66, Fraternal Order of Eagles. His religious affiliations Mr. Sassaman comes from German ancestry, whose are with the Reformed Church, first renresentatives came to America manv vears ago, immediately after the Revolution, and settled "in eastern REV. GEORGE SMITH KRESSLEY, .\. M., Pro- Pennsylvania. They have been in Berks county since lessor of Latin, Greek and German, in the Keystone the days of his great-grandfather, John Sassaman, a State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., was born Feb. native of Germany, who was a farmer and lived in Doug- 8, 1877, in the village of Rothrocksville, in jMaxatawny lass township. He was a man of thrift and shrewdness, township, Berks county. and left a large estate to his son Christian, who lived Nathan Kressley, grandfather of George S., was a and died on one of the best properties in Douglass farmer and machinist. In early life he was a resident township. of Lowhill, Lehigh county, but later he removed ,to Augustus S. Sassaman was born on the old homestead ]\Iaxatawny township, where he ov^'ned land, and where in Douglass township Feb. 7. 1834. and received his early he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Pie is buried at education in the local schools and at a classical seminary alorgenland Church in Lehigh county. Mr. Kressley at Boyertown. In 1853 .he entered the junior class at married Abhie Moyer, and "they had these children r Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he graduated in 1855, Frank, Pcrcival i\i., Oliver, Amanda, Jane, iSLaria and after which he engaged in teaching at New Berlin. Un- .Annie. ion county, in an institution which in 1856 was merged Percival Al. Kresslev, son of Nathan, was born in into Union Seminary. He taught ancient languages Lowhill, Lehigh county. Sept. 5, 1849, and died Feb. BIOGRAPHICAL 517 21, 1906. He was a farmer in Maxatawny township for about twenty-eight years, owning excellent land near Rothrocksville, at which place he had engaged in the mercantile business for many years prior to engaging in agricultural pursuits. He was a good, representa- tive citizen, and in political matters he was a Republican. On June 27, 1874, Mr. Kressley married Martha R. Smith, daughter of Stephen and Caroline (Smoyer) Smith, and to this union there were born these children : Rev. George Smith; Howard S. ; and Annie S., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1907, and now engaged in teaching. Rev. George Smith Kressley received his early edu- cation in the schools of Maxatawny township, attend- ed the Keystone State Normal School, and then entered Muhlenberg College, from which he graduated in 1898. He later took a course at the Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, and graduated therefrom in 1901, being ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church in June of that year. Previous to his graduation from the seminary he had been appointed to the Department of Latin, Greek and German, in the Keystone State Normal School, in which capacity he has served to the present time with great credit to himself and to the in- stitution. Latin is a part of the regular Normal course, but the school makes a specialty of regular college prepar- atory work, and Prof. Kressley has been especially success- ful in this line, having prepared during the short time in which he has presided over the department over fifty students for the various colleges of the country. On Aug. 5, 1902, Dr. Kressley was married to Anna R. Fretz, daughter of Reed and Maggie (Landis) Fretz, of Bucks county, and to this union there has been born one daughter : Helen Elizabeth. JOHN W. RAUCH, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Reading Eagle Company, is descended from old established families of Pennsylvania. The Ul- richs, his ancestors on the maternal side, were among the early farmers of Heidelberg township, Berks coun- ty, while the Ranch family belonged origiiially in Dau- phin county. William Rauch, father of John W., was born in Han- over township, Dauphin county. Though his father spent his early life farming, he learned the carpenter's trade and came to Berks county as a journeyman. William became a contracting carpenter, and followed that trade till his death in 1872 at the comparatively early age of fifty-four years. He married Matilda, daughter of George Ulrich, a well-known farmer of Berks county, and to their union eight children were born, namely: one who died in infancy; Bayy, who died aged six; Sarah, Mrs. Jacob Stupp,' of North Heidelberg, who dipH when fortv- two years old: Mary E., deceased wife of 1 T. M. Landis.j nri vatp secretary o f V"-p- ^^rp^;lf1f^nt_■^^QQrllees.^t the; PETIadelphia & "keadiii£_iailiaa4 i George U., a farmer in J ackd(itrtownsKip7 Lebanon county; Rebec ca, wife of William Zartman, also a farmer in Jackson township; Frank I., assistant superintendent of the Eagle Company; aiiH John W. John W. 'Rauch was born in Heidelberg Nov. 8, 1848, and he attended the public schools of that district. His ■ opportunities for an education were limited, however, | for when he was twelve and a half years old he was ■ taken from school and put to work on a farm. He con- I tinned at this connection till he was eighteen, and then went as clerk in country stores, .remaining two years and six months in the first place, six months m two other stores, and then returning to his first store posi- tion he remained there three years more. In 1872 he moved to Reading where he was at first engaged again in a dry good's store, but after five months he secured a position with the Reading Eagle Company, and has ever since been connected with that, rising steadi y. When he began Feb. 34, 1873, he was subscription clerk; the following year he was made bookkeeper; Dec. 6, 1881, was promoted to the position of superintendent; and ' Feb. 1, 1904, had the added responsibilities of the office of secretary and treasurer laid upon him. There are 117 people on the pay-roll of the Eagle Company, and all of these employes as well as the general inter- ests of the company are under Mr. Ranch's personal supervision. The phenomenal growth of the Eagle in popularity and the extent of its circulation and patron- age give unimpeachable evidence of Mr. Ranch's en- tire fitness for the position he fills. On Oct. 3, 1868, Mr. Rauch was united in matrimony to Miss Maria E. Anderson, and three children have been born to this union : Harry, a linotype operator . on the Eagle; William B., head of the mechanical part of the Eagle advertising department; and Lillie May, wife of Peter B. Graeff, a stenographer at Washington, D. C. Mr. Rauch was formerly a member of St. Paul's Re- formed Church, and belonged to the Consistory of that body, but his name is now on the rolls of the First Re- formed Church. He is a man of wide and varied in- terests, as is shown by the character of the many or- ganizations with which he is connected. These include Teutonia Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Harrisburg Consistory ; Rajah Temple, Mystic Shrine, Reading; Reading Lodge, B. P. O. E. ; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Royal Arca- num; Loyal Addition to the Royal Arcanum; Wyomis- sing Club; Elks' Home Company; Eagles' Mountain Home Company; Americus Club; Commercial Club; Maennerchor : Liederkranz : Turnverein ; and the Board of Trade. In the wide circle of acquaintance resulting from this diversity of association Mr. Rauch has num- erous warm friends and is held in high esteem by all. He has the respect of all the employes of the Reading Eagle Company for the executive ability and the energetic yet courteous manner in which he manages that estab- lishment. In February, 1898, on the twenty-fifth anni- versary of his service at the Eagle office, he was suprised by the employes, who tendered him a banquet at the "Mansion House," when toasts were drunk to his health. In the speeches many complimentary remarks were made respecting him. Some 'sixty persons, including repre- sentatives of other Reading newspapers, participated. It was marked by a cordiality which spoke volumes of the harmony and good feeling prevailing in the Eagle office and toward all its neighbors. Mr. Rauch , was escorted by a committee to the "Mansion House" and introduced to the company while they were seated around the ban- queting board. JOSEPH RAMBO DICKINSON, a member of the Berks county Bar, is a son of W. Scott and Mary A. (Rambo) Dickinson, and was born in Reading July 31, 1872. On the maternal side he is a grandson of Joseph Rambo. a drover and hotel-keeper of Reading. Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott Dickinson had three children, viz. : Jos- eph R. ; ■ Nelson H., a molder of Reading ; and William S., a teller of the Berks County Trust Company. Mr. Dickinson graduated from the Reading high school in 1889, and immediately, afterward entered the office of Jeremiah K. Grant, then district attorney of Berks coun- ty, remaining there until September, 1900, when he en- tered the employ of Ermentrout & Ruhl, a firm com- posed of the late Daniel Ermentrout, a member of Con- gress, and C. H. Ruhl. While clerking for these law- yers he read law and was admitted to the Bar in 1899. He is a member of the Superior and Supreme Courts ! of the State and the United States District, Circuit and 1 Circuit Court of Appeals. _ He is engaged in the active practice of the law and enjoys an extensive practice. ' He is a Mason; a member of the B. P. O. Elks, Fra- iternal Order of Eagles, Red Men, Liberty Fire Company, land maijy other social organizations. He belongs to the 'Trinity Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is interested in a number of financial and indus- trial enterprises. On April 8, 1900, Mr. Dickinson was married to Eva M. Moyer, daughter of Charles Moyer, of Reading. They have two children, a daughter Anna, named in honor of Ithe noted lecturer and authoress, Anna Dickinson, and a (son, Joseph R. ;V3 t^^Lr^r\-lr%^\'^-m^ - QiU A A K.n. X D. _> 518 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA WAYNE LEINBACH SHEARER, B. S., M. S., M. D., was born in Reading, Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 3, 1876. His early school life he spent in the private school of Miss Jennie Cooper, on South Fifth Street, later attend- ing the Reading public schools at North Seventh and Dick streets and Washington and Rose streets. He was prepared for College in the Carroll Institute, ^ of which Professor Edward Carroll, a graduate of Trinity Col- lege, Dublin, Ireland, was principal. Dr. Shearer was grad- uated from the Pennsylvania State College June 13, 1900, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science, and in the Fall of the same year entered the University of Pennsyl- vania, Medical Department, from which he was graduated June 15, 1904, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. On June 13, 1906, the degree of Master of Science was conferred by the Pennsylvania State College upon Dr. Shearer. He has been active in the practice of medicine since his graduation from the University of Pennsyjvania. In addition he is treasurer of the Leinbach Box Com- pany a corporation, engaged in the manufacture of wooden packing cases, crates etc., also secretary and treasurer of the Reading Manufacturing Company, a corporation, manufacturing washing macbmes. Hi. is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Frater- nity and the Theta Nu Epsilon Fraternity, the former of which Greek Letter societies is still active at both the University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State College. He is also a member of St. John's Lodge No, 435^ F. & A. M. ; of Excelsior Chapter No. 237, R. A. M. ; and of Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. Doctor Shearer is the only child of Benjamin Y. Shear- er and Clara A. Shearer (nee Leinbach). His father, Benjamin Y. Shearer, was born in Bern township, Berks county, Dec. 15, 1S48, where he received part of his preliminary education ; later he attended the Reading Classical Academy. He taught school from 1864 to 1874, and during the latter part of that period devoted his spare time to the study of law ; also the entire year from 1S74 until the time of his admission to the Berks County Bar on April 12, 1875, since which time he has been steadily engaged in the practice of law. He married, Oct. 14. 1875, Clara A. Leinbach. He is a member of St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M. ; and a past commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. Benjamin Y. Shearer is a son of Samuel T. Shearer. born Feb. 29, 1808, died in 1881, and Catharine D. Shear- er (nee Yorgey), born April 1. 1810, died July 1, 1893. He is a brother to William Y. Shearer, James Y. Shearer, M. D., Catharine Y. Hain, Elizabeth Y. Dundore, Sarah Y. Weitzel (deceased), Aaron Y. Shearer, Amos Y,. Shearer, and Brigetta Y. Hiester (deceased). Flis fath- er, Samuel T. Shearer, was a son of John Shearer, born in 1773, and died in 1847, who in turn was a son of John Christopher Sherrer, who came to America from Ger- many in 1769, landing at Philadelphia. Pa., in the ship "Minerva," Thomas Arnold captain. During the Revolu- tion he was under Washington when he crossed the Del- aware on Christmas, 1776, at Chadd's Ford, etc. Dr. W. L. Shearer's mother, Clara A. Shearer (nee Leinbach), was born in Bern township, Berks county, June 28, 1851, where she received the greater part of her early education. She was married on Oct. 14, 1873, to Benjamin Y. Shearer. She was a daughter of Chris- tian R. Leinbach and Catharine S. Leinbach (nee Es- terly). Her father Christian R. Leinbach, born Dec. 6, 1820, died July 10, ]892, was a son of William Lein- bach and Elizabeth Leinbach, (nee Rich), an aunt to Mrs. William Arnoiid, Cyrus Rich, James Rich, etc. Mrs. B. Y. Shearer's mother Catherine S. Leinbach (nee Es- terly), born May 5, 1837, died March 15, 1859, was a daughter of Amos Esterly and Ann Barbara Esterly (nee Stichter), a daughter of Peter Stichter, born in 1761, died in 1843, and Catharine Stichter (nee HofF). Mrs. B. Y. Shearer is a sister to Annie E. Althouse, B. Franklin Leinbach, J. Calvin Leinbach, Catharine E. Graeff (deceased), and Timothy J. Lembach. Benjamin Y. Shearer and Clara A. Shearer are living at No. 146 North Fifth street, Reading. Dr. W. L. Shearer was married on June 1, 1905, to Marie Carolyn Hoffman, of Philadelphia, daughter of George H. Hoffman and Emma S. Hoffman (nee Schnei- der). Dr. Shearer has his office and residence at the Northwest corner of North Front and Greenwich streets, Reading, Pennsylvania. JOHN H. BRIDENBAUGH, lawyer, of Reading, with offices at No. 529 Court street, is a native of Martinsburg, Blair Co., Pa., born Jan. 5, 1877. He has been in the active practice of his profession since the year 1902. Henry Bridenbaugh, his grandfather, was a farmer of Martinsburg, Blair county. Rev. Samuel R. Bridenbaugh, D. D., his father, is pastor of the Second Reformed Church of Reading. Dr. Bridenbaugh married Lydia A. Bowman, daughter of John Bowman, a merchant, and niece of Dr. J. C. Bowman, of the Reformed Theologi- cal Seminary at Lancaster. There were three children in their family, of whom Paul died Aug. 31, 1904, when just entering upon his career in the ministry of the Re- formed Lhurch ; he was twenty-four years of age, and a graduate of Harvard Theological Seminary. George B. is a student at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. John H. Bridenbaugh received his early educational training at Berlin, Somerset county, and at Carroll In- stitute, Reading. Having been thoroughly prepared for college at these institutions he matriculated at F'ranklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, where he graduated in 1899. In carrying out his decision to enter upon a ca- reer at the Bar he then went to Harvard Law School, where he graduated in the class of 1902, in which year he was admitted to the Berks county Bar. Fie has since been admitted to practice in the Supreme court. At Reading he read law in the office of Baer. Snyder & Zieber. He engages in general practice. While at college Mr. Bridenbaugh became a member of the Phi Kappa Psi chapter at Franklin and Mar- shall. He was also connected with the Diagnothian Lit- erary Society at that school, is a member of the Harvard Club of Reading, and is a member and chairman of the executive committee of the Reading Canoe Club. He belongs to the Second Reformed Church, in the work of which he takes an active part, being at the present time superintendent of the Sunday-school. WILLIAM H. LUPPOLD, senior member of the real estate and insurance firm of Luppold & Whitman, of Reading, Pa., and a gentleman of wide influence and great activity in business circles, is on his native heath, having been born in Reading Nov. 5, 1870. The grandfather of Mr. Luppold, John George Luppold, was a farmer of Brecknock township, Berks county, while his father, John Luppold. now retired, was for many years in the grocery business in the city. Air. Luppold's mother was Elizabeth Stuber. daughter of Charles Stu- ber, who was a farmer of Maiden-creek township. There were but three children, Elizabeth, who died at three years, a daughter that died in infancy, and William H. William H. Luppold is a product of nineteenth century methods in education and business, and he is an example cf what they can do when coupled with a fair share of native wit and energy. He passed through the various grades of the city schools, and then took a thorough course in Brunner's Business college. His father being in the grocery business, he began his career as an as- sistant to him. remaining in that capacity for some ten years. Having become convinced of the possibilities of the real estate business in Reading he, in 1904, in company with Mr. J. Benton Whitman, established offices at No. 526 Court street, and as a member of the firm of Luppold & Whitman has since spent his activities in that line. Mr, Luppold's judgment was not at fault, and he has succeeded beyond the most sanguine e.\.pectations of his friends. The strong point with Mr. Luppold is the per- fect knowledge he seems to have of the territory in BIOGRAPHICAL 519 which he, is working. Having been reared in the city, there is not a foot of ground unfamiliar to him; this, coupled with the fact that he has an intuitive knowledge of the future possibihties of any particular section of the city, makes him one of the strongest real estate men in the city. The firm also does a large business in fire insurlance. Mr. Luppold is a man of family. He married, June 21, 1901, Miss Cora K., daughter of Morris H. Boyer, a larmer of Amityville, Berks county. To them have come two daughters, Helen B. and Ahce B., now (1909) six and three years old, respectively. In the public life of the city, Mr. Luppold has taken an active part ever since he can remember. He is an ardent Democrat, and as president of the Northeastern Democratic Club gives much attention to the interests of his party, in both the local field and the larger state and national. For a period of five years he has repre- sented the Ninth ward on the school board, and gave most intelligent attention to the interests of education through- out the city, which may be truthfully said to possess one of the best school systems in the country. At present he is serving his second term as city assessor, having- iirst been elected to that responsible position in February, 1905, and re-elected in February, 1908. Mr. Luppold is affiliated with several of the best fra- ternal organizations, among them being the P. O. S. of A., of which he is treasurer, and the Maccabees. His re- ligious life has been passed in the St John's Lutheran Church, where he is one of the influential and active members. Life means to us all that which we would have it mean. It is true that untoward circumstances seem at times to thwart our best efforts, but no man is the "vic- tim of circumstances" for any great length of time, un- less he wills it so. This, in brief, is the philosophy of William H. Luppold, who by reason of energy and will power is one of the leading men of his city. JOHN WEILER, publisher, of the Reading Post, the Deutsche Eiche and Die Biene, is one of the best known men in newspaper circles in Reading. He was born April 17, 1852, in Essingen, Oberamt Aalen, Kingdom of Wurt- emberg, Germany, and was educated in the cornmon and high schools of his native land. After several years' employment in the post-office at Stuttgart, he came to America in 1872, and in the same year entered the service of William Rosenthal, at that time the owner of. the Reading Post, as collector. He then, after a short time, became a reporter, then editor, then manager, and finally for the past fifteen years he has had general supervision of the establishment. In June, 1908, he purchased the Reading Post printing establishment from Mr. Rosenthal, and in less than one year, after making great improve- ments, the business had been more than doubled. The Post had been published for forty years when it came into the possession of Mr. Weiler. It is the -oldest German daily paper in the State of Pennsylvania outside of Phila- delphia and Pittsburg, and its readers include all classes of the German speaking population, by whom it is regarded as the best public medium of communication. Mr. Weiler also publishes two other papers — Die Bienc is a weekly containing entertaining and instructive mat- ter for the numerous subscribers ; and the Deutsche Eiche is the organ of the German Order of Harugari, and is an eight-page weekly edited personally by Mr. Weiler. Notwithstanding the vast and responsible work entailed by the publication of three papers, Mr. Weiler has always had some time to spare for matters of public interest, and he has taken great pride in the development of his adopted town, and he has given much time to furthering •the interests of the city. He is an active member of the Reading Press Club, and has officiated as its president for several terms, and he is also connected with all the German organizations in the city, and is a member of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M., which he has served as master. Over thirty years ago Mr. Weiler was married to Miss Louise Hansen, who died in 1907. He has three sons : Philip A., owner of the Keystone Electric Company; George Fred, an electrical engineer; and Harry H., asso- ciated with his father and thoroughly interested in news- paper work. SAMUEL K. SPANG, sou of Jacob K. and Sarah (Kauffman) Spang, was born at Hamburg, Pa., Jan. 14, 1868. He was educated in the schools of Reading, in- cluding a business course in the Interstate Commercial College, and upon finishing his preparation; assisted his father for six years as clerk, etc., in the business of manufacturing charcoal iron at Lenhartsville, Berks coun- ty, where his father conducted an old-established iron works. In November, 1891, he became a clerk m the office of the Reading Trust Company, and after fill- ing this position very satisfactorily until December, 19.03, the directors selected hinj as treasurer of the company, which responsible position he has since held. Mr. Spang was married in 1900, to Ella Rick, daugh- ter of Cyrus Rick, who was for many years cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Reading. They have three children: Emily R., Mary R. and Charles R. Mr. Spang is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading. He has officiated as secretary of the congregation for four years. His great-grandfather, Frederick Spang, was a prominent iron manufacturer in Oley township before 1800, having then become the owner of the Oley Forge along Mana- tawny Creek, and operated it very successfully until his death. He was succeeded by his son Jacob S. Spang, and by his grandson Jacob K. Spang. For many years the plant was known as the "Spang Forge," and the set- tlement came to be called Spangsville. LEONARD M. "RUTH, cashier of the Wernersville National Bank, of Wernersville, Pa., was born in Lower Heidelberg township, son of James H. and Catharine (Dundore) Ruth. Leonard Ruth, Mr. Ruth's great-grandfather, was a son of Michael Ruth, and carried on farming near Hain's Church. He married Elizabeth Weinhold, of Cumru (now Spring) township, and they had ten children, four of whom died in infancy. The others were : Isaac, Josiah, Levi, Elizabeth, Michael W. and Leonard. Michael W. Ruth, son of Leonard, was a farmer of Lower Heidelberg township. He was born in 1830, and died in 1905. He married Catharine Hain, daughter of John Hain, and she died shortly after her husband's death at the age of seventy-four years. They had six child- ren: James H. (father of Leonard M.) ; Frank P. (died young) ; J. Hain (m. Mary Moyer, and after her de- cease Jennie Rothenberger) ; Ellen (m. Samuel R. Fisher) • Emma (m. Garson M. Huyett) ; and Mary (died young)'. James H. Ruth, father of Leonard M., was born in Lower Heidelberg township in 1852, educated in the local schools, and brought up to farming, which occupation he has followed up to the present time. He officiated as a school director of the township, for three terms, and also as treasurer, deacon and elder of the Hain's Church for nine years. He married Catharine Dundore, daughter of John D. and Sarah A. (Scholl) Dundore. Mr. Dun- dore was brought up on a farm in Bern township, and carried on farming operations in Lower Heidelberg town- ship. Mr. Ruth had six children: Leonard M.; Jennie (m Amos Yoder) ; and Elizabeth, Ellen, Laura, and Mary' all of whom are single. ' Leonard M. Ruth was born Aug. 2, 1875, and was edu cated in the local schools. He graduated from the West Chester State Normal School in 1895, and then 'taught public school for eleven years— in Lower Heidelberg township four years, and as principal of the Robesonia high school for seven years. Upon the organization of the Wernersville National Bank in 1906, he was chosen one of the directors and cashier, and he has officiated as such until now in a highly satisfactory manner 520 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In 1904 Mr. Ruth was elected treasurer and deacon in the Hain's Church, and served as such for two years. He was one of the charter members of the Citizens' Hose Company No. 1, for the protection of the people of the village from fire, and has since maintained an active membership. Mr. Ruth married Laura E. Mengle, daughter of Sam- uel G. and Agnes (Shoup) Mengle, of Lower Heidelberg township. Mrs. Laura E. Ruth was born Oct. 19, 1875, in Muhlenberg township. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Laura E. Ruth was Daniel Mengel, of Richmond township. He married Su- sanna Kind, and they both lived to the age of eighty- seven years. They were the parents of eighteen child- ren, one of whom, Samuel, was the grandfather of Mrs. Ruth. He was a farmer in Maiden-creek township, and he married Henrietta Gerhard, of Alsace township, by whom he had four children, Nathaniel, David Llewellyn, Rebecca Jane and Samuel G. Dr. Samuel G. Mengle, father of Mrs. Ruth, was born April 19, ISJO, in Ontelaunee township. He was educated in the local schools, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in 1S70. On Jan. 1, 1S73, he married Agnes Shoup, daughter of Richard Shoup, and Ihey had four children, Stella, Laurant, Laura and Carrie, all but Mrs. Ruth dj'ing young. Mrs. Agnes (Shoup) Mengle, the mother of Mrs. Ruth, was born Dec. 24, 1854, in Cumru township, was educated in vhe local schools, and died in 1883. Two year» after the death of Mrs. Mengle, Dr. Mengle moved to Peru, 111., where he married a second time, and where h^ is nuw practising medicine. Richard Shoup, the maternal grandfather of ]Mrs. Ruth, was a farmer of Cumru township, who died in 1896. at the age of sixty-seven years. He married Elvina Gcr- hart, daughter of John B. Gerhart. of Lower Heidelberg, by whom he had one daughter, Agnes. After the death of Elvina (Gerhart) Shoup in 1866, Richard Shoup mar- ried (second) Kate Lamm. They had three children, Thomas, Emma, and Adalaide. John B. Gerhart, the maternal great-grandfather of. Mrs. Ruth, married Sarah Kline, and had five children: Elvina, Sarah, Ellenora, Rebecca, and John K. Owing to the early death of her mother, Mrs. Laura E. Ruth, at the age of seven years was placed into the care of John K. Gerhart, and his sister Rebecca. She was reared in Lower Heidelberg township, educated in the local schools, and for a few terms attended Al- bright College, Myerstown, Pennsylvania. GUSTAVUS ANTHONY NICOLLS, for many years prominently connected with the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad Company, and one of Reading's most dis- tinguished citizens, was born April 3, 1817, at Abbey View, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland. He was the eldest child of Colonel William Dann Nicolls, of the English Royal Artillery, who married Maria Graves, daughter of Anthony Graves, a land proprietor in Coun- ty Kilkenny, Ireland. Three children were born to Col- onel and Mrs. Nicolls: Gustavus Anthony, born April 3, 1817; William Jasper, born in 1824 at Exeter, Eng- land ; and Maria Anne, born in 1825 at Woolwich. The Nicolls family is descended from John Nicolls, of Ar- ran. in Strathmore, near Inverness, Scotland, born in 1540. Like the uncle after whom he was named. General Gus- tavus Nicolls, of the Royal Engineers, Mr. Nicolls^ was intended for the army. His early education was direct- ed with this in mind, under the personal supervision of his father, and later he was a student for some years at the Waterford Classical and Mathematical Academy, an institution noted for the scholarship of its pupils. He finished his schooling at the Wanstead Military College, near London. His proficiency in all branches of math- ematics .was well shown in his subsequent success in civil engineering. It was his father's wish to have him sent to the East Indies immediately upon the conclusion of his student life, and his uncle. Sir Jasper Nicolls, who had served with distinction in South America and India and was then commander-in-chief in India, promised to give him an appointment as aide-de-camip on his per- sonal staff. But the young man had other ambitions, and believing that the United States oflfered a more con- genial field for his talents and energy left for this coun- try, sailing from England in September, 1834. Arriving in Philadelphia, Mr. Nicolls studied law for a time in the office of Plenry M. Phillips. In April, 1835, he was appointed a rodman in the engineer corps of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, and in 1836 was promoted to assistant engineer, taking charge of the completion of a section of railroad between Doug- lassville and Exeter. In 1837 he became principal as- sistant and was stationed at Reading, and the next year he became superintendent of transportation, holding that position for eight years, until 1846. He then became chief engineer and general superintendent of the com- pany, holding both positions for thirteen years, by the end of which time the duties had become so arduous that it was necessary to divide the work, and Mr. Ni- colls chose the position of general superintendent. He served as such from that time until February, 1871, when he was appointed to act also as president's assistant. This change made it necessary for him to remove his residence from Reading to Philadelphia where he resided until his return to Reading in May, 1877. Meantime, in 1873, he was elected second vice-president of the com- pany, and was unanimously re-elected to that position in 1875 and 1876. In 1877 the positions of first and second vice-president were abolished, and then Mr. Ni- colls was elected president of the following branch rail- roads of the company: Reading & Columbia, East Penn- sylvania, East Mahanoy, Allentown, and Chester & Del- aware River. In 1876 he was chosen president of the Susquehanna & Tide Water Canal Company. These var- ious positions he continued to fill, by annual re-elections, until his death. He was in the employ of the Philadel- phia & Reading Railroad Company for over fifty years, and his ability, energy and integrity could have no bet- ter witness than his long retention in the various po- sitions to which he was chosen. Coming to Reading in 1836, at the very dawn of the great developments which have taken place through the combination of iron, coal, and steam, Mr. Nicolls was foremost among the men who directed that develop- ment, and his name will always be prominent among the leaders of his day. During his unusually long term of service with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, covering over half a century, he saw the company ad- vance from a modest beginning to colossal proportions, and had the satisfaction of knowing that his interest and energy had much to do with its growth and progress. During his entire career as an official his constancy to the interests of the company was a prominent character- istic, and his intelligent, systematic management not on- ly resulted in great financial benefit to the road but in many other advantages, as well as in contributing to the safety and comfort of its patrons. His courage and re- source were never better shown than during the great riots of 1877 at Reading, when the whole community was aroused and alarnied over the rebellion of excited and dissatisfied railroad employes. He was fearless in occupying his prominent position at the passenger sta- tion, giving valuable suggestions for the preservation of the company's property and for the movement of regular trains. His attachment to the companv was no less marked than his consideration for its employes. On one occasion during the riots he was endeavoring to quell some disturbance, when one of the rioters said to his companions: "Let's shoot that fellow!" "No, that's Nicolls," said the strikers who knew him, "and if you try to kill him, you must do it over our dead bod- ies." Though he was probably best known in his connection with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, Air. Nicolls was a nian too broad and widely sympathetic to confine his activities to any one line. He was a director of the ^•'"^^^l^. . .:„■■' y''^' a, yX7^:^.rt^ BIOGRAPHICAL 521 Reading Fire Insurance & Trust Company from the time of its organization in 1868 until 1875. In 1862 he was elected a trustee of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, and continued to serve as such until his death. He was also a director of the Schuylkill & Le- high Railroad Company. During the year 1882 the "Read- ing, Marietta & Hanover Railroad"— a branch line of the Philadelphia & Reading system— was completed main- ly under his supervision. He was a charter itiember of the Philadelphia, Reading & Pottsville Telegraph Com- ■ pany. In the organization of the company in ' 1847 he was elected a member, of the board of managers, to which position he was annually re-elected for a long period. As a citizen of Reading Mr. Nicolls always manifest- ed the keenest interest in its material development and prosperity. Enterprises of various kinds received his active encouragement. He assisted in erecting the cot- ton factory and the steam forge shortly after 1850, two large and costly establishmients which proved largely instrumental in building up the respective sections of Reading in which they were situated, affording constant employment to many working-people. In the Civil war period Mr. Nicolls showed himself thor- oughly in sympathy with the Union. He attended and en- couraged a number of public meetings held by prominent citizens regardless of political affiliations, supported the government by his voice and material aid, and was con- stantly liberal in encouraging voluntary enlistments. When the State was threatened with invasion in 1862 he enlisted in Company E, 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, commanded by Capt. Charles H. Hunter, and served as a corporal. This Company was named after him, being known as "Nicolls Guards." After the war he de- voted miuch time and influence to commemorate the dis- tinguished part which Berks county took in its successful prosecution. In 1883 he prepared a suitable and superior design for a monument, and suggested the center of Penn Square as a proper place for its loca- tion, believing that patriotism should be grandly typified in the form of a "Soldiers' Monument" placed permanently m the most prominent place in the community, where the eyes of future generations could behold what their fore- fathers had done to commemorate the services and sacrifi- ces made by the people to preserve and perpetuate the Constitution and the Union. In politics he was originally a Whig, later a Republican. In 1864 Mr. Nicolls was offered the 'nomination for Congress by the Republican party, but his numerous business .duties, particularly those concerning the Philadelphia & Reading Company, made it imipossible for him to accept. Mr. Nicolls was active in the various charities sup- ported in the city. He was always a generous contributor to the work of the "Reading Benevolent Society," of which he served as president for eleven years, from 1860 to 1871. The Young Men's Christian Association also found him a liberal- and ardent supporter of its work, and he served as president for over two years, from 1880 to 1882. For a number of years be served as one of the managers of the Reading Dispensary and of the Reading Hospital. He served the "Home for Widows and Single Women of Reading" as chairman of the building committee in the erection of its handsome and commodious stone structure; and the Reading Society of Natural Sciences received his earnest support and at- tention from the time of its organization in 1869 until its dissolution in 1884. During this period one of its most active members, Mr. Hiram Hollenbush, a few years before his death made for Mr. Nicolls a cabinet contain- ing a beautiful and complete collection of the various kinds of woods found in Berks county. For many years Mr. Nicolls was a vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church of Reading. He served as a member of the building committee which had charge of the alter- ations of the church edifice when it was remodeled from a brick building to the present beautiful and costly struc- ture, which, with its towering and graceful spire, became at once the most imposing house of worship in Reading. He served as vestryman until 1871. From the time he came here he was a devout and consistent member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. For over forty years before his death Mr. Nicolls was -an indefatigable traveler. In 1848 he made a trip to the British Isles which covered a period o'f three months, during which he visited all the places of importance. In 1856, with a party of friends, he made a trip through the South and also visited the Island of Cuba. While so- journing in Cuba he addressed a series of letters to the Reading Times which were published in that paper, nar- rating the experiences of the party in that country, the sights -observed, impressions received, and other inter- esting material. In 1872 he visited all the countries of Continental Europe. In 1878 he again went to the Coij- tinent, visiting the Paris Exposition, England, Sweden and Russia; some of his letters home were published on account of the general interest they possessed and the infoirmation they contained. In 1884 he again crossed the ocean, spending several months in the British Isles. In May, 1846, Mr. Nicolls married Rosa Catharine Muhlenberg, daughter of Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, who for a number of years was member of Congress from this district, and who was also the first minister from this country to Austria. He was at the time of his de- cease, in 1844, the Democratic candidate for Governor. Mrs. Nicolls, who died May 15, 1867, was a woman highly esteemed for her intellectual superiority. She was distinguished for her activity in charitable work in the city, and during the Civil war was untiring in her efforts in behalf of soldiers and their families who needed as- sistance. She was foremost in the movement which re- sulted in the formation of the first Ladies' Aid Society in the country, served as its president from the time of its organization until the close of the war, and was con- stantly active in performing valuable services by collect- ing useful materials and forwarding them to the men on the field of battle, as well as in aiding the families of sol- diers. Her kindness and devotion were highly appreciated, and her name became proverbial in that connection among the many who felt her unselfish and well-directed efforts. In January, 1869, Mr. Nicolls married Annie Hall Muhlenberg, daughter of Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg, of Lan- caster, Pa. His only child, Fredericlc William Nicolls, was born to this union Feb. 7, 1870. He is now actively engaged in the practice of law in the City of Reading. For many years Mr. Nicolls made his home at the southeast corner of Penn and Fourth streets, Reading. In 1870 he began the erection of the handsome and com-- modious double residence, three stories in height and con- structed of sandstone, at the northwest corner of Wal- nut and Fourth streets, the first costly improvement of the kind in that section of the city. The plans he prepared himself, and the building was put up under his personal supervision. It was finished in 1871, and even now, after the lapse of many years, is regarded as one of the most dignified and tasteful homes in the city. Though his schooling ended at the age of seventeen, Mr. Nicolls by constant reading and study continued his education until the latest years of his life. He was well acquainted with the Latin and Greek classics, from which, like English gentlemen of education, he was able to quote freely, and could both read and speak French with Sonne fluency. He was fond of English literature in all its forms and was particularly versed in natural sciences and mechanics, of which he had made a careful study. He took a deep interest in the great discussion occasioned by the publication of Darwin's works and was well ac- quainted with most phases of the controversies in science and religion, ,so characteristic of the latter part of the nineteenth century. He collected a library of some three thousand volumes, distinguished more for the variety and solidity of the subjects than for the mere beauty of the bindings. He was a man almost six feet in height, erect in car- riage, rather striking in appearance, and with a dignity and courtesy of demeanor which marked him as the gentle- man by birth and breeding. But though intellectually an aristocrat, he was socially a democrat. He believed in 523 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the true equality of man, and practised this principle by being courteous to the humble, no less than to the high, and by treating all men in the same manner. Mr. NicoUs always kept the motto of his family, "Fide et Industria," as the guiding rule of his life; and to this influence his success may be attributed. Those who knew him best know that his triumphs were the well deserved rewards of constant and devoted labor, of untiring thought and an unshrinking sense of duty. His name will ever be associated with the development of the best that has contributed to the growth of his adopted city, whether from a material or educational standpoint, and his mem- ory is held in profound respect in the many circles with which he was identified. WILLIAM O. HEINLY is the present publisher and proprietor of The Hamburg Item, published at Hamburg, Berks Co., Pa. He is a son of David L. and the late Maria Heinly, of Reading, and was born at Evansville on July 10, 1862. The family locating in Hamburg when he was six years of age, he received his education in the public schools, leaving the high school at the age of fifteen years to enter the office of The lion — then established but a few years by Samuel A. Focht — to learn the printer's trade. About 1880 he took a position in the office of the Reading Eagle, later working in various job printing and news- paper offices in Reading, AUentown, Mincrsville. and other places, until he reached the foremanship of the job depart- ment of the Reading Times, In 1884 he associated himself with John B. Clevenstine in the commercial printing and engraving business. After six months the business was divided by mutual consent, Mr. Heinly taking the engraving branch, and he continued this for one year. On Dec. 1, 1885, he entered for the first time the editorial field, assuming the control of the Herald at Claremont, Va., where he continued for several years, returning to the foremanship of the Reading Times job department in 1887. The death of Mr. Focht, the founder of The Hamburg Item, in September, 1887, necessitated the sale of the office to close the estate. Mr. Heinly purchased the property in December of that year, and took personal control at the close of the year. During the twenty-two years of his ownership the scope and influence of The Item have widened, the paper has been enlarged from a small folio to a large quarto, the office expanding from a hand operated press to cylinder presses, with folding machine, type-setting machine and stereotyping department. Mr. Heinly has always taken an active interest in all public matters pertaining to the development of the town of Hamburg and community. He was the prime mover through the newspaper in the organization of the Board of Trade in 1889, and has served as its secretary from its organization to the present. He is a member of the Board of Health, and its secretary; he is the registrar of District No. 227 of the Pennsylvania State Department of Health ; served five years as school director, and planned the present improvement of the school grounds ; he is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and its vested choir; also of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association, the International League of Press Clubs, and the Reading Press Club ; Hamburg Council, Royal Arcanum; Synunetry Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Arcadia Cham- ber, O. K, F. ; Hamburg Castle, K. G. E. ; Ontelaunee Tribe, I. O. R. M. ; the Brotherhood of Odd Fellows of Boston ; the Hamburg Motor Club, and the Hamburg Rod and Gun Club. He is also president of the Hamburg Gas Company, and interested in various industrial enterprises. He is the father of two children, Esther and Raymond. Plis wife died in February, 1903. REV. FREDERICK BENDER HAHN, pastor of Faith and St. James Reformed Churches, whose useful life was brought to an unexpected and untimely close. May 1(3, 1901, was one of the best known ministers of his faith, and was greatly beloved by all who came within the rad- iance of his pure Christian life. The Rev. Mr. Hahn was born in Plainfield. Northampton Co., Pa., Sept. 8, 1847, son of Richard and Sophia Hahn, pious, industrious people of the sturdy pioneer type. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, and he afterward attended the Normal School at Kutztown, graduating in 1869. For some time then he studied in the Academy at Mercersburg, after which he went to Lancaster and, entered Franklin and Marshall College there, whence he was graduated in 1873. Having determined to consecrate his life to the service of his Master, he at once entered the Theological Seminary, completing his studies there in 1878, in the spring of which year he was examined and licensed by the Lan- caster Classis, and then dismissed to St. Paul's Classis in the Pittsburg Synod. In 1878 he was ordained by St. Paul's Classis, and re- ceived a call from the Reformed Church at Greenville, Mercer county, where he served six years, and where he accomplished the building of a much needed church edifice. He was then one year in Mt. Pleasant, resigning to accept a call to a broader field of work in Meadville, Pa., where he labored three years. From Meadville he accepted a call from the Board of Home Missions to become pastor of the First English Reformed Congregation in Cleveland, now known as the Hough Avenue Church, and there he performed a very difficult work, being compelled to himt for members of the Reformed faith all over the city, finally beginning to hold service in a hall which he rented at -one dollar per night. In every parish to which he gave his services he accomplished much from his mis- sionary work in all the territory round. He often preached three sermons on. Sunday, besides conducting Sunday- school, and this, in addition to visiting the sick, and per- forming the countless tasks that fall to the lot of the average minister, often left him tired and worn at night — but never too tired to answer the call of the poor or afflicted. In 1889 he resigned at Cleveland, and was made pastor of the Kutztown charge, consisting of St. Paul's Church at Kutztown, and St. Peter's Church at Topton. In 1892 he resigned and moved to Reading, taking charge of two congregations — Faith and St. James — and in this field he closed his well-spent life, and his labors were not in vain. It was largely through his personal eflfort that the debt on St. James was paid, and both charges were left in much better condition than when he became pastor. In 1895 at the organization of Reading Classis, the Rev. Mr. Hahn was elected stated clerk, and he served most efficiently until his death. He was a hard and earnest worker, promptly responding to the call of duty, and he considered at no time his own comfort or well being. Often when ill he was urged for his own good to abandon some part of his work, but he always declined, and his last labor was to assist a fellow worker by holding serv- ice in Boyertown. In his school days he was an indus- trious student, and the habits there formed clung to him all his life. No time was wasted, every minute of his waking hours was spent in accomplishing some part pf the great work in which he was engaged. Little children instinctively loved him, and he was never so happy as when surrounded by them. Over thirty ministers of the Reformed Church came to do him honor at his funeral, as well as about a dozen ministers of other denomina- tions. Interment was made in the Charles Evans cemetery. The following resolutions were passed by the Joint Consistory : "Reading, Pa., Mav 21, 1901. "Whereas, It hath pleased an all-wise Providence to re- move bv the hand of death from our midst our beloved pastor and friend. Rev. F. B. Hahn, be it "Resolved. That we the Joint Consistory of Faith Reformed Church of Reading, and St. James Reformed Church, of West Reading, hereby express our humble submission to divine will. That we acknowledge our debt to him as friend and faithful pastor, who for eight years preached to us the pure and simple gospel of Jesus Christ, and led us in paths of justice, peace, righteousness BIOGRAPHICAL 533 and truth. That we, in behalf of the congregations we represent, do consecrate ourselves anew to the . work of the Master whom he loved, with the determination, by the help of this same jMaster, of making constantly and in- creasingly effective his teaching and labors among us. "Resolved, That we express our heartfelt sympathy for the stricken family, so suddenly bereft of its head and support, and. that we will keep them in remernbrance as the widow and orphans of a good man, a dear friend and a faithful pastor. "Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family and to the Record. "By order of the Joint Consistory, "G. B. Trechsel, Secretary." Faith Reformed Sunday-school passed the following resolutions : "Whereas, The great and supreme Ruler of the uni- verse has in His infinite wisdom removed our worthy and esteemed pastor. Rev. F. B. Hahn; and "Whereas, The long and intimate relation held with him in the faithful discharge of his duties as pastor of this church and Sunday-school makes it eminently be- fitting that we record our appreciation of him; therefore be it "Resolved, That his labors in church and Sunday- school will long be held in grateful remembrance. "Resolved, That the sudden removal of such a life from our midst leaves a vacancy that will be deeply felt by all the members and friends of the Church and Sunday- school, and will prove a serious loss to the community and public. "Resolved, That with deep sympathy for the be- reaved family and relatives of the deceased, we express our hope that even so great a loss to us all may be over- ruled for good by Him who doeth all things well. "Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Sunday-school, a copy printed in the local papers, and a copy forwarded to the be- reaved family. "Horatio Jones, "A. L. Bush, "G. B. Trechsel, "Committee." On June 4, 1878, Mr. Hahn was married to Miss Ella R. Bridenbaugh, sister of Rev. Dr. S. R. Bridenbaugh, of the Second Reformed Church. Six children blessed this union, two of whom preceded their father to eternal life. Those surviving are : Mary, Edith, Ruth and John. Mrs. Hahn has been a tireless worker in the cause of Christ, and was her husband's very able assistant in the up- building of his parishes. Her charity is broad, and she has proved herself a ministering angel in the homes of those sore oppressed ; while her own home has ever been open to the poor, the needy and the stranger. JESSE F. BECHTEL, of Colebrookdale township, Berks county, has long held an honored place in the education- al world as a teacher, his enthusiasm and magnetic per- sonality winning his pupils and carrying them brave- ly forward along the path to knowledge. The Bechtel family came to America from the Ger- man Palatinate. "On Aug. 24, 1728, eighty Palatines with their families, in all 205 persons, who shortly be- fore, after a seventy days' voyage had arrived in the ship 'Mortonhouse' from Deal, Capt. John Coultas, in the • harbor of Philadelphia, appeared in the halls of Justice in Philadelphia to render the oath of allegiance to the Crown of England, declaring it to be their intention 'to settle themselves in Pennsylvania.' The company consisted of eighty males and sixty-nine females up- ward of sixteen years of age, and fifty-six children. Among the names of the adults belonging to this company of emigrants we find the name of (I) George Bechtel, pre- sumably the father of Isaac and Gerhard Bechtel, head- ing the list." Tradition says he came from Weinheim, Germany The large German family Bible of George Becht el is yet in existence. The Bible came into the hands ot Ger- hard Bechtel, and is now in the possession of one of his descendants. On the fly-leaf is written this note in German : "Diese Biebel ist gedruckt in Deutschland im Jahr 1720. Im Tahr 1730 ist sie George Bechte l von Sei- nem Vater von Deutschland nach Amerika geschickt wor- den. Zwischen den Jahren 1750 und 1760 bekam sie Ger- hard Bechtel." ~ "In the course of time the early history of the family has been so obscured in the mists of the past that a clear conception and an unerring presentation of the facts are well-nigh impossible. Among the lists of emi- grants who came over in the same ship with George Bech - tel are found the names of Noll, Baer, Roth, Stauffer, Latshaw, Dgtterer, Huber. Heller, Brunner, many of whose descendants still reside m" eastern Pennsylvania." (II) Isaac Bechtel became a farmer arid miller, and had his home in and near Bechtelsville, now in Wash- ington township, Pa. Bechtelsville was laid out by his son, John S. Bechtel. Isaac, Bechtel and both of his wives are buried m the old Hereford Mennonite grave- yard near Bally, Washington township, Berks county, Penn- sylvania. His tombstone bears the following inscription: Hier ruhen die gebeine des verstorbenen Isaac Bechtel's er wurde geboren den 23ten tag Juny A. D. 1751,'^ und ist gestorben den Sten tag April, im Jahr 1820. er brachte sein alter auf 6g Jahre, 9 monat und 10 tage. €elig sind die toden die im Herren sterben. Isaac Bechtel married (first) Esther Stauffer (1757- 1805), and to this marriage were born fourteen children: Jacob S., born Oct. 9, 1774, m. Anna W. Bechtel; Mary S., Born Sept. 22, 1776, m. Abraham Eschbach; Elizabeth S., born Nov. 14, 1778, m. Peter Eschbach ; Nancv . S., born Nov. 2, 1780, m. Joseph Reif; Susaji S., born Oct. 6, 1782, m. William Johnson; Caiiifiline S., born Oct. 15, 1784, .n^. John Bahr; John S - born Feb. 21, 1786, m. Maria Hoch; George S., born Feb. 22, 1788, m. (first) Miss Bar to, and (second) ; Sally S., born Dec. 25, 1789, m. Henry Sassaman; Isaa£ S., born Oct. 18, 1791, m. (first) Polly Sassaman, and (second) Betzy Kehl; EqUx S., born Aug. 30, 1793, m. Henry Oberholtz- er; Abraham S., born July 20, 1795, m'. (first) Nancy Bechtel, and (second) Hettie Springer; GethariS., born May 3, 1797, m. (first) Maria Erdman, (second) Mary H. Fronheiser, and (third) Christina Gruber; and Qaidd S., born Sept JI4^ 1799, died Feb. 28, 1800. Isaac Bechtel m. (second) {Barbara BitzJ To this union no children were born. (Ill) Gerhard S. Bechtel, son of Isaac, born May 3, 1797, died Oct. 8, 1881. By occupation he was a car- penter, undertaker and farmer. As undertaker he had charge of hundreds of funerals in his time in the lower end of the county. He and his assistants made the cof- fins by hand as needed. For many years he was land- lord of the "Washington Hotel" at Eschbachs. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and wor- shipped at St. Joseph's Church, commonly known as Hill Church, Pike township, Berks county, and he is buried in the family lot in the cemetery near the church. He tnarried Mpr'"" ''^HTOiiin and they had four children, as follows: (iT'Lydia E., born April 2. 1818, died Aug. 2, 1852, m. John M. Stauffer, sheriff of Montgomery county from 1859-62, and their children were : Elvina, Jacob B. (a soldier in the Civil war and now a clerk in the Adjutant General's office, Harrisburg, Pa.), Mary and Wesley B. (2) Mary E., born Oct. 23, 1821. died Feb. 19, 1878, m. Jesse B. Pennepacker, and they had one child, Amos B. (3) Elizabeth E., born Augf. 4, 1826, died March 15, 1871, m. George M. EschbacK and bad children : 524 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Mary, Henry, Amanda, Emma, Peter, Jeremiah, Diana, George, Lovina, Jesse and Kate B. (4) Levi E., born Dec. 23, 1823, died Dec. 25, 1905, m. Catharine Cleav- er, and became the father of Hiram, Amos, Lovina, Aman- da, Mary, Catharine, Sarah, Lizzie, Olivia, Frank and Edwin C. Gerhard S. Bechtel m. (second) Mary H. J^ronheiser, and the only child of this union is Jesse prBechtel, born Sept. 16, 1S52. Gerhard S. Bechtel ni. (third) Christina Gruber, and their three children, Abra- ham, Amanda and Catharine G., are all deceased. (IV) Jesse F. Bechtel, son of Gerhard S. and Mary H. (Fronheiser), born Sept. 16, 1852, at Eschbachs, in Washington township, married, Sept. 23, 1876, Mary A. W, Pennepaclcer, born June 19, 1856, daughter of Eli and Sarah (Wieand) Pennepacker, a distant relative of ex-Gov. Samuel Pennypacker. Four children have bless- ed this union: (l) Marie Cordelia P., born July 8, 1877, is at home. (2) Jesse Luther P., born Dec. 30, 1878, graduated from the Philadelphia Business College and College of Commerce, and is now employed by the Boy- ertown Casket Company, in their store at Philadelphia. He married Anna C. Gansz. (3) Grace Agnes P., born Dec. 17, 1880, married Harry B. Renninger, and has one child, Mae B. Renninger. (4) Abram Grant P., born March 2, 1887, is a graduate of the Pottstown Business College, and is now at home. Jesse F. Bechtel has resided at Gabelsville, in Cole- brookdale township, since 1880, in which year he built his present home. At about the age of seven years he came to Colebrookdale township to live with his uncle Jesse B. Pennepacker, with whom he made his home for ten or twelve years,' working on the farm in sum- mer and attending the public schools in winter. During the fall of 1870 he attended the Kallynean Academy at Boyertown, Prof. L B. Hankey, principal. The same year he was licensed to teach, receiving his first certificate from the late D. B. Brunner, the Superintendent of Pub- lic Schools of Berks county. He taught his first term 1870-71 in Pike township, near Hill Church. During the summer of 1871 he again attended the Academy. He has taught in all thirty-six terms, all with the exception of the first term, in Colebrookdale township, having been engaged at the Cleaver's, Gabelsville and Weisstown scTiooIs, and in several families he has taught three gen- erations. He has taught tmder the following county superintendents : Brunner, Baer, Keck, Zechman and Rapp. Since 1887 he has held a Permanent Certificate, and since 1893 he has been a member of the Berks county Teachers' Reading Union. For three years, 1872-75, he was a clerk in a general store — one year at Pikeville and two years at Gabelsville. Mr. Bechtel is a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Boyertown, where for more than ten years he has served as elder, and since 1897 as sec- retary of the Church council. He has represented his church as lay delegate to the meetings of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania and adjacent Stales at Lancaster in 1897, Easton. 1902, Philadelphia, 1903, and AUentown, 1908. For nineteen years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school (Union) at Gabelsville. In politics he is a Republican, and he has been a delegate to a number of County conventions, twice a State delegate, and for twenty-four years committeeman for Colebrookdale town- ship. From 1894 to 1899 he served as justice of the peace, and in 1880, 1890 and 1900 he was census enumerator. Mr. Bechtel has a fine collection of Indian relics, num- bering some 1,600 specimens, and most of these were found in the immediate vicinity of his home in what is known as the Popodickon Valley (named for the Indian chief who once lived there), tie also possesses a unique Wash- ington button, made many years ago. It bears the motto "Long live the President" ; along the outside are the in- itials of the thirteen colonies. In the inner circle are the initials G. W. He finds great pleasure in his well chosen library, and takes a great interest in local history. The first Bechtel Reunion was held Sept. 23, 1897, in the old Hereford Mennonite Meeting-house (since then replaced by a new structure). The original meeting- house there was built in 1755, and its quaint appearance indicated its great age. It was a low wooden building a little larger than an ordinary school house. The joists upon which the roof rested extended far over the sides of the building. This venerable building was occupied by the Old Mennonites, who held services there over 140 years. Many of the descendants of the first Bechtels worshipped there. Among the ministers who served this congregation are a number named Bechtel; in fact, the family has supplied a minister from almost every genera- tion. CHESTER B. CLEAVER, a well-to-do business man of Reading, Pa., who has served as county commissioner of Berks county, was born in Pleasantville, Oley town- ship, Berks county, Nov. 21, 1855, son of Hiram K. and Catherine (Bertolet) Cleaver. Samuel Cleaver, grandfather of Chester B., was a farmer and blacksmith all of his life in Oley township, where he had settled at an early day. He was first a V/hig in politics and later a Republican, and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of six children : Albert, Samuel, Hiram K., Sarah, Angeline and Hanna. Hiram K. Cleaver was born in Pike township, and while engaged in farming, also worked at the trade of blacksmith, which he had learned from his father. He owned property in Oley township, which he conducted until his death in 1877, at the age of forty-six years. His first wife died in 1857. They were the parents of three children : Chester B., Annie and Amanda. Mr. Cleaver was married (second) to Esther Greisemer, and there were three children born to this marriage also: Rosella, Catherine and Mary Ann. Chester B. Cleaver was educated in Oley township, and when twelve years of age entered his uncle's store at Girardville, Schuylkill county, where he remained three years. Then after five months' attendance at the State Normal School at Kutztown, he entered his father's store at Pleasantville. Three years later he engaged in the store business at Spangsville, and after a few years returned to farming. _ In 1879 he purchased scvcnty-one acres in Oley township, his present home, and here he carried on operations until 1906. He purchased three more tracts, having in all 174 acres. In 1906 he was elected county commissioner on the Republican ticket, an office he filled with efficiency and to the satisfaction of all concerned. For the past twenty-three years Air. Cleaver has been engaged in a horse and cattle business, and in 1900 he opened a sale, exchange and livery stable in Reading, in which new enterprise he has been very successful. Pie is known throughout the county as an able and honorable business man, and his reputation is above reproach. Mr. Cleaver married Ellen B. Weidner, and to this union there were born four children : Howard. Webster, Warden and Mabel. INIr. Cleaver is liberal in liis re- ligious b°lief. Fraternally he is connected with Chandler Lodge, No. 227, of Masons. FRANK ALFRED TOWNSEND, until Oct. 8. 1907, one of the valued employes of the Reading Water Depart- ment, holding the position of draughtsman in the oflnce of the Superintendent and Engineer, Emil L. Nuebling, is a product of Reading institutions, though not a native son. He was born in Vincennes, Ind., May 18, 1876. Townsend is an English name which has been prom- inent in the life of America for many generations. It IS not well authenticated just when the first of the name landed on our shores, but it was very early. Of this branch of the family, John Townsend, grandfather of Frank A., lived and died a Lancaster county farmer, and his son Robert A., the father of our subject, was a school teacher m the same coiintv for some thirty-five vears He died Oct. 4, 1902, at the age of fifty-nine veafs, as the result of an explosion. He married Elizabeth Matil- da Conroy, daughter of John Conroy, of Lancaster, who now survives him. She became the mother of eight chil- BIOGRAPHICAL 525 dren, of whom four are now deceased, as follows : Rob- ert, Winiam, Edward and Laura. Those living are : Roberta Ella, wife of Herbert A. Brown, chief train dispatcher of the Texas & Pacific railroad at Marshall, Texas; Thomas Walter, assistant baggage master of the same road, at the same point; Sara Elizabeth, principal of the public school at Tenth and Union streets, Read- ing; and Frank Alfred. Frank Alfred Townsend was carefully educated in the public schools of the city, graduating from the high school in 1896 in the English Scientific course, adding also three years of Latin. The following year he took a post-graduate course, and then accepted a position with E. E. Davis, assistant superintendent of Motive Power and Rolling Equipment of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. Remaining in this position from July 1, 1897, to May, 1898, he wa-s transferred to Division Superinten- dent Wilson's office at Reading. Until Feb. 12, 1900, he filled the duties of his position acceptably, at which time he was offered the position of draughtsman in the Read- ing Water Department, which he filled with efficiency. On Oct. 8, 1907, he resigned and went to Marshall, Tex- as, to manage a project for Mr. H. A. Brown, but not being well satisfied accepted a position with the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company under Master Car Builder Mr. W. D. Minten. He then left this position to become general storekeeper and chief clerk to Master Mechanic A. C. Miller, of the Texas Midland Railway at Terrell, Tex- as. This position he accepted on Dec. 10, 1908. Mr. Townsend is as yet an unmarried man. He votes with the party of Lincoln and McKinley and is a com- municant of St. Peter's Catholic church. A young man of worth and energy, his future lies in his own hands. ROBERT McKITTRICK, a well-known resident of Reading, who is employed by the American Steel & Iron Manufacturing Company, of the city, was born March 4, 1847. in Cumberland, England, son of Robert and Mary (Taggert) McKittrick. Robert McKittrick, the elder, was also a native of Cumberland, England, and received his education in the common schools there, being later employed around blast furnaces. He became what is known as a furnaceman, and was an expert iron maker, following this occupation for many years. He had been previously employed in a chemical works, but gave this up for the iron work. Mr. McKittrick died in 1890, aged eighty-one years, as a result of injuries received in an accident. He and his wife were Presbyterians in religious belief. They were the parents of six children : James ; Agnes ; Sarah, who lives in South Africa, the wife of William Davidson; Elizabeth, also of South Africa, the wife of Thomas Harrison; Robert; and Henry, of South Africa. Robert McKittrick, the younger, was educated in the schools of his native Cumberland, and as a boy learned the molder's trade which he followed for four years, and later acquired a thorough knowledge of the machinist's trade, being employed for eighteen years as superintendent of the blast furnaces at Cleater Moor. In June, 1889, Mr. McKittrick came to America, locating at Talladega, Ala., for about two years, and then located in Pennsyl- vania, accepting a position at Sheridan as foreman of the Sheridan furnace. He remained there for two years and nine months, and then, coming to Reading, he entered the scale works, where he was employed until he entered the employ of J. H. Sternbergh, now the American Steel & Iron Manufacturing Company. In 1873 Mr. McKittrick was married to Anna Walker, a native of Cumberland, England, and to this union have been born children as follows : Ada, Margaret Ann, Agnes (deceased), Aaron Edward, Robert, Marie, William H. and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. McKittrick are both members of the Episcopal church. In his native country Mr. Mc- Kittrick was a member of Sterling Lodge, F. & A. M. IRWIN M. SHARMAN, a prominent citizen of Onte- launee township, Berks Co., Pa., who is now in the em- ploy of the P. S. V, Railroad Company as operator and leverman near Leesport, has been closely identified with the public interests of his township, where he has served as justice of the peace and State legislator. Mr. Shar- man was born Sept. 5, 1862, at the old West Reading toll house in Spring township, Berks county, son of Levi and Emeline (Moyer) Sharman. John Sharman, grandfather of Irwin M., was for many years proprietor of the old hostelry known as the "Dry Tavern," near State Hill and Cacoosing, in Spring town- ship, and also owned the adjoining farm, but subsequent- ly rerhoved to Reading, where he died aged about eighty years. He married (first) a Miss Graeff, by whom he had all of his children, and after her death he m. Han- nah Graeff, sister to his first wife. The children of John Sharman were: Isaac, John, Daniel, Levi, Reuben and two daughters. Levi Sharman was born in 1818 at the "Dry Tavern'' in Spring township, received the ordinary education of the times and later learned the trade of carpenter, an occupation which he followed at Reading, where his death occurred at the age of seventy-six years. He was mar- ried to Emeline Moyer, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Moyer, and to them were born four children: Howard is an employe at the City Hall, Reading; John married Lizzie Sturtz, and has four children, Ralph, Bir- die, Harry and Howard; Irwin M.; and Edward with his brother John works at locksmithing at Harbster's. Irwin M. Sharman received his education in the schools of Reading, whither his parents had come when he was three years old, and when eighteen years old he learned the trade of tinsmith with William Breidegam of that city. In 1884, in company with his friend Squire Henry Wentz, then of Reading but now of the State of Washington, he made an extensive trip through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Mis- souri, and returned in the fall of the year just in time to cast his vote for Grover Cleveland for President. He then made a trip through the South, finally locating at Bluefield, W. Va., and worked on the New River division of the N. & W. Railroad under Superintendent Hardy, formerly trainmaster of the P. S. V. Railroad at Read- ing, until 1894, when he rernoved with his family to Leesport, where he is now ernployed by the P. S. V. road as operator and leverman. Mr. Sharman has always taken a great interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his township, and in 1896 was elected justice of the peace for a period of five years, receiving the re-election in 1901. In 1906 he was elected to the State Legislature, where he served his term to the complete satisfaction of his constituents, and was re-elected in 1908. He is a mem- ber and past grand of Leesport Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F., a charter member and past chief of Leesport Castle No. 503, K. G. E. ; venerable councilor of Camp No. 9284, Modern Woodmen, since its institution ; charter member and R. S. for three years of Ontelaunee Council No. 985, I. O. A. ; financial secretary and trustee of Un- ion Fire Company No. 1, Leesport; and a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Despatchers, Agents and Signalmen. On Feb. 13, 1894, Mr. Sharman was married to Annie M. Dack, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Dack. Mr. and Mrs. Sharman are members of the First Reformed Church. SAMUEL G. BURKHOLDER, M.D., a rising young physician of Reading, was born in Brickerville, Lancaster Co., Pa., March 12, 1871. He is a son of the late George and Elizabeth (Gockley) Burkholder, who followed farm- ing in the above named county until 1891, when they re- tired and moved to Denver, Pa., where the mother, Eliza- beth- Burkholder, still resides. George Burkholder died April 8. 1906. Dr. Burkholder attended the public schools at Brick- erville ard at Denver, Pa., during his boyhood days, and later comoleted his preliminary education at the Millers- ville State Normal School. In early youth he decided to prepare for t'le medical profession.' This was strenu- ously opposed by his father who finally persuaded him 526 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA to take up veterinary medicine instead. Accordingly he entered tlie Ontario Veterinary College in the fall of 1889, from which institution he graduated with honors in the spring of 1891. He was awarded a medal and other prizes by the above named institution as evidences pi proficiency. His Alma Mater offered him the chair of veterinary anatomy on the faculty before he was twenty- one years of age. This he declined, and started to prac- tice his profession in the summer of 1891 at Denver, Pa. Shortly after locating at Denver he became joint owner and editor of the Denver Press, in partnership with .E. B. Wolf. In 1896 he sold his interest in the Denver Press to his partner, E. B. Wolf, and in the fall of same year he took a civil service examination for the position of federal meat inspector. He had the highest average made at the fall examination in 1896. and was promptly appoint- ed assistant meat inspector by the Bureau of Animal Industry, and ordered to Chicago, III., to assist in the work in that citv. Shortly after he reached Chicago, he matriculated as a student in the Harvey Medical College, a night school in good standing. From this institution he graduated in June, 1898, with the highest average ever made by any student up to this time. (The college is now extinct). He continued in the meat inspection service at Chicago until Dec. 1, 1898, when he was transferred to Nashville, Tenn., to inaugurate inspec- tion there. In the fall of 1898, before leaving Chicago, he was appointed by the management of the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago to inaugurate a course in meat and milk inspection to prepare the students for federal positions in this line of work. He was also lec- turer on comparative anatomy at his alma mater. His sudden departure from Chicago for Nashville, Tenn., terminated his connections with the above named schools, but only temporarily. He resigned his position as meat inspector at Nashville. Tenn., Jan. 13, 1899, and immed- iately returned to Chicago, resumed his work at the schools and started to practise his profession, locating on West Congress street, that city. In the fall of 1899 he matricu- lated as a senior student in the Northwestern University Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he grad- uated in June, 1900. In March, 1900. he received the hon- orary degree D. V. M. from the McKillip Veterinary Col- lege. Shortly after graduating fromi the Northwestern University Medical College, he returned to his native State, Pennsylvania, and in August, of the same year, he located at Rothsville, Pa., where he practised his chosen profes- sion until February, 190.5, when he sold out his practice there, and returned to Chicago to take up post-graduate work. Besides taking a general review in internal medi- cine he took a special course at the Illinois School of Electro-therapeutics. In April, 1905, he returned east and located at No. 613 Walnut street. Reading, Pa., where he is enjoying a large practice. Besides doing general prac- tice Dr. Burkholder is Medical Director of the Reading Mutual Life Insurance Company, and also secretary of the Corporation Funding and Finance Company. Both of these companies are rapidly forging to the front in their chosen lines. In October, 1900. Dr. Burkholder married Miss Rheba G. Smith, of Blainesport. Pa. The union was blessed with two children both of whom died in infancy. Dr. Burk- holder holds membership in various fraternal organizatious, principal among them being the Knights of Malta and the Masons. The latter order he joined while in Chicago, being a member of Mizpah Lodge, No. 768, of that city. He is also a member of the City, County, State, and American Medical Associations. OLIVER JNT. WOLFF, a prominent young professional man, of Reading, Pa., senior member of the law firm of Wolff & Sho'mo, was born May 28. 1879, in Hamburg, Berks county, son of Oliver J. Wolff. Abraham Wolff, great-grandfather of Oliver M., was located in Hamburg, where he was engaged in business as a harness maker. Daniel Wolff, son of Abraham, was born at Hamburg, in 1800, and he. too. became a harness maker. From 1830 to 1861 he also engaged in farming, and he died in the latter year. He married Sevilla Fasig, a direct des- cendant of Conrad Weiser, and their children were: Charles, Rufus, Mahlon, Frank, Daniel, Sevilla, Elmira, Helen, Adelaide, Walter, Oliver J. and Virginia. Oliver J. Wolff was bom in Hamburg, Pa., Feb. 2, 1849, and received his education in his native locality. In his youth he learned the harness-making business, which he followed with his brother Rufus until 1888, when he came to Reading. The same year he entered the prothono- tary's office as clerk under D. H. Schwoyer, and in 1895 he was elected to the position of prothonotary of Berks county, on the Democratic ticket, serving the full term of three years. From 1898 until 1903, Air. Wolff clerked in the office, and in the latter year retired, since which time he has been living at his home, No. 346 North Fifth street, Reading. In 1873 he had engaged in boat building, making sailing vessels, etc. While in Hamburg, Mr. Wolff served as justice of the peace from 1875 to 1888, served six years on the school board, being secretary thereof, and several years as borough treasurer. Oliver J. Wolff mar- ried Annie M. Miller, daughter of Joel and Catharine Miller, and to this union were born: Laura m. Charles L. Oaks, of Reading; Ada m. I. B. Dubell, of Philadelphia; and Oliver M. Mr. Wolff is a member of Vaux Lodge, E. & A. M., No. 406, of Hamhurg; Washington Camp, No. 74, P. O. S. of A.; Council No. 74, O. U. A. ML; Union Eire Company of Hamburg; and Council No. 1104, R. A. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Hamburg, in which he served as deacon and trustee, and while in Hamburg he was superintendent of the St. John's Sunday-school of the Lutheran and Reformed Church. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading. Oliver M. Wolff received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Ham'burg, coming to Reading with his parents and here later attending the high school, graduating with the class of 1898. He en- tered the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from the Law Department in 1901. He read law in an office in Philadelphia, and was admitted to practice in the sev- eral courts of Philadelphia June 19, 1901, and to the Berks county Bar Sept. 8. 1902. On Aug. 20, 1905. j\Ir. Wolff formed a partnership with William A. Shomo, and they have continued together since that time, with offices at No. 522 Washington street, Reading, Pa. Mr. Wolff's profession connects him. with the Berks County Bar Asso- ciation. He is also a member of the Supreme, Superior, and several County Courts of Pennsvlvania. He is a member of the Alumni Association and Kent Law Club of the University of Pennsylvania; of the Alumni Asso- ciation of the Reading High Schools, and in 1907 and 1908 was elected treasurer thereof; and is president of the Penn Wheelmen of Reading, having been re-elected four successive years. He belongs to Trinity Lutheran Church at Reading. 'WILLIAM A. SHOMO, one of the leading voung at- torneys at law of the Berks countv Bar, and a member of the well-known law firm of Wolff & Shomo. was born at Hamburg, Pa.. Dec. 25, 1879, son of Harrv P. and Emma R. (Confer) Shomo. Mr. Shomo is a member of one of the oldest families in Berks county, his great-great-grandfather. John Shomo, having lived here as earlv as 17.i2. Tohn Shomo was a son of Bernard Shomo, who emigrated to Philadelphia from France in the early part of the eighteenth century. The latter was a civil engineer of repute in his native coun- try, and he continued to follow this profession after com- ing to .America. He died in Philadelphia, in 1793. John Shomo, like his father before him, became a civil engineer, and, so far as known, followed his profession up to the time of his death. May 5. 1836. It was he who originally surveyed the Schuylkill county coal fields, and he is known to have owned a large acreage of land in that section. He was a Revolutionary soldier. He resided in Reading up to the year 1800, when he moved with his family to ^cx..^ ^.}n. OULX^QL^A. BIOGRAPHICAL 527 Hamburg. He was the father of four children: Eliza- beth, Joseph, John and William. William Shomo, son of John Shomo, was born m 1796 and died Dec. 18, 1842, at the age of forty-six years. He was a successful merchant. He was the father of four children : John, deceased, late of Washington, D. C. ; Henry, deceased, late of Fremont, Ohio; Sarah, deceased (m. Thomas P. Wren, of Pottsville) ; Elias, deceased, late of Hamburg. Elias Shomo, son of William Shomo, was born in Ham- burg March 26, 1827, and died there May 13, 1894, hav- ing been a life-long resident of that place. For some years he was engaged in the 'furniture business, but later he purchased the "Central House" property, one of Ham- burg's leading hotels, and there conducted a successful hotel business for many years. He retired from busi- ness several years before his death. He was at one time postmaster of Hamburg, and was a leading and influential man of his day. He married Elizabeth Schatz, of Ger- man-ancestry, and to them were born six children: Sarah, James, Laura, Harry P., Allen L. and Elizabeth. Harry P. Shomo, son of Elias Shomo and father of William A., was born in Hamburg, Pa., Sept. 28, 1860. He received his education in the public schools of Ham- burg and under private tutors. For a number of years he has been prominently identified with the Auditor Gen- eral's Department, at Harrisburg. He is a highly respected citizen of Hamburg and has a wide acquaintance through- out the county. Mr. Shomo married Emma R. Confer, daughter of Alfred Confer, deceased, and to this union have been born three sons : William A., Allen E. and J. Harold. The latter died during January, 1908, at the age of nineteen years. William A. Shomo spent his boyhood days in the borough of Hamburg, where he attended the public schools, gradu- ating from the high school in the spring of 1898. In the fall of that year he entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., matriculating as a mernber of the Class ■ of 1901, He pursued the Latin Scientific course, and at the end of his' sophomore year left the college to enter the Dick- inson School of Law. From the latter institution he grad- uated three years later as a leading member of the Class of 1903, with the degree of LL. B. While at College, Mr. Shomo became a member of the Belle Lettres Society and the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and took an active part in the affairs of both. In the law school, he was a mem- ber of the Allison Law Society, and was chosen one year as president of his class. While a student at college, he was awarded a gold medal as first prize in an oratorical contest held under the auspices of the State Convention of the P. O. S. of A. Upon graduating from the Dickinson School of Law, Mr. Shomo was admitted to practice before the Cum- berland County Bar, but soon thereafter returnedto his native county to follow his profession. At Reading, he entered the law office of Stevens & Stevens, where he re- mained for one and one-half years, and, then in June, 1904, he passed the State Board examination for admis- sion to practice before the Supreme Court. On Oct. 3, 1904, he was admitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county, and on Sept. 1, 1905, he formed a partner- ship with O. M. Wolff, Esq., under the firm name of Wolff & Shomo. This firm have a fine suite of offices at No. 522 Washington street, Reading. They enjoy an enviable reputation, and have won the confidence of a large clientage. Mr. Shomo is a member of the Berks County Bar Association, Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., Reading Board of Trade, American Academy of Political and Social Science, and other organizations. On Aug. 10. 1905, Mr. Shomo was married to Marian Rae Fisher, daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Fisher, of Reading. WESLEY D. MOHN, merchant and contractor at Mohnton, Pa., was born in Cumru townshi.o, Berks county, Mav 5, 1853, son of the late Benjamin and Harriet (Deeds) Mohn. Benjamin Mohn, who was born in Cumru township in 1806, learned the shoemaking trade when a boy, but later went to farming. In 1846 he founded Mohnsville, now known as Mohnton, building the first house at this place. He also erected a gristmill in the same year along Wyo- missing creek, engaging in this business for about twenty years in connection with clearing his land, ..and then he engaged in the manufacture of boxes, in which he was very successful, to the time of his death. His death, caused by a fall down a stairway, occurred in his eighty- third year, and he was buried at the Mohnton cemetery. Wesley D. Mohn attended the township schools, and when a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, and also the wheelwright's trade with Daniel Peiffer at Mohnton. He engaged in the manufacture of wagons, and this he followed successfully for twenty-two years, then engag- ing in contracting, in which he still continues. He es- tablished his store at Mohnton in 1891, and this has be- come the leading general store of Cumru township. In January, 1906, Mr. Mohn admitted his son, H. Irwin, to partnership, and the firm has since been known as W. D. Mohn & Son. From 1891 to 1897 Mr. Mohn was post- master, this office having been established by a cousin, Mr. S. K. Mohn. Mr. Mohn is also interested in many other business enterprises, having been connected with the AUentown & Reading Traction Co. since 1897, serving as its treasurer in 1903 ; he has been a director and second largest stockholder in that company since that time. At present he is vice-president of that corporation. He is a director of the Kutztown Electric Light & Power Com- pany, one of the founders of the Mohnton Water Com- pany, and superintendent of the latter industry. Mr. JVEohn was one of the instigators in building the Reading & South Western Electric Railway (connecting Mohnton and Reading). He secured the rights of way for this road, and also raised $30,000.00 in stock at Mohnton. This stock was paid back, along with interest at six per cent., when the road changed hands. Mr. Mohn is also senior member of the machine company located at Carpenter and Cherry streets, Reading, known as W. D. Mohn & Co. His interests are many and varied, and he is considered one of the most substantial citizens of Cumru township.' On March 1, 1873, Mr. Mohn married Sarah Binkley, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Kline) Binkley, and to this union were born children as follows : Margaret, a .graduate of the Keystone State Normal School in the class of 1901, has taught school for several years ; Irwin, in business with his father, married Sarah Fitterling; Minnie A. is interested in charitable and religious work; Clara E., married Adam Bear; Anna, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1904, is now engaged in teaching school; Wayne, a graduate of the Kirst College of Stenography, is employed at the Mohn- ton store ;_ and Pearl attends the township high school. Mr. Mohn is a Republican in politics, and his fraternal connections are with the K. of P., No. 485; the K. G. E., No. 211; and 0. U. A. M., of Mohnton. He is a faithful member of the Zion United Evangelical Church, having been trustee thereof since 1885, and a liberal supporter of the church. DAVID F. MAUGER. Being descended through his father from a line of Palatinate German ancestry, _ and through his mother from the French Huguenots, David F. Mauger has the admixture of blood which stands for the highest type of citizefiship in Pennsylvania. He is a son of the late David B. Mauger, and his wife, Amanda Lorah. David B. Mauger, who died April 2, 1906, at the age of eighty-four years, was a man of great usefulness to his community in his generation. For a period of fifty-five years, he served continuously in the office of justice of the peace. He had a thorough knowledge of the law relating to the administration of his office, and he probably filled the English idea of the country squire and gentleman more nearly than any local justice of his time. He was an expert surveyor and his surveys and drafts on disputed boundaries and land titles have so effectively settled questions of that character in Lower Berks, that the 538 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA courts of law are seldom invoked to give judgment upon them. He was identified with many local interests and corporations, and served his community 'faithfully in a manifold way as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee and ill many another fiduciary capacity. He reared his family in the Reformed Church, and gave to each of his children a liberal education. His eldest son, D. Lorah Mauger, is now the assistant passenger agent of the Philadelphia Sz Reading Railway Company, with offices at Reading ; the youngest son, Henry S. Mauger, is a success- ful druggist in the City of Philadelphia. His only daugh- ter, Salfie, is the wife of Dr. S. H. Shingle, of Philadel- phia, and the remaining son, David F. Mauger, is the sub- ject of this sketch. David Franklin ^lauger is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster. At this institution, he be- came a member of the Phi Kappa Psi College Fraternity and the Goethean Literary Society. He was graduated with high honors in 1886 which entitled him to an election in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Upon leaving college, he became principal of the high school in Center Hall, Penn- sylvania, which position he filled with credit for two terms. He then entered, as a student, the law office of George F. Baer, Esq., now the president of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railway Company, and was admitted to the Bar at Reading in 1889. Upon his admission to the Bar, he en- tered into a partnership with his college friend, Abraham H. Rothermel, under the name of Rothermel & Mauger, with which firm he is still associated. This co-partnership is one of the well-established firms of lawyers in the City of Reading, enjoying a large and lucrative practice in all the Courts. Mr. Mauger has served for a term of three years as the county solicitor and for a like term as assist- ant district attorney. He is affiliated with the Democratic party. As an adviser and counselor Mr. Mauger is able and sound, and as a practitioner before the courts and juries, he is skillful and persuasive. Mr. Mauger is happily married to Miss Mary Gorrell, daughter of the late Robert Gorrell, of Douglassville, for- merly an extensive operator in anthracite coal in Schuylkill and Columbia counties. Their marriage has been blessed with two daughters Dorothy and Marion. He resides at Douglassville. Pennsylvania. His grandfather was David Mauger, a farmer of Doug- lass township. He died in 1875, aged seventy-eight years. He was married to Sarah Bechtel, a daughter of George Bechtel, of Pottsgrove township, Montgomery county. She died in 1881, aged seventy-nine years. His great-grandfather was Henry Mauger, who emi- grated from the Palatinate about 1762, and settled in Douglass township. His mother, who was eighty-four years of age on the 35th day of April, 1909, was the daughter of Daniel Lorah, of Amity township, and granddaughter of George Lorah, also of Amity township. Her mother was Hannah Knabb, of Oley township. George Lorah was a son of John Lorah, who emigrated from France in 1710, during the time of the persecution of the Huguenots, and settled in Amity township. WILLIAM HARBSTER (deceased), for many years one of the leading spirits of the manufacturing interests of Reading, Pa., was born Oct. 20, 1823, in Albany town- ship, Berks county, son of Henry and Mary (Bucher) Harbster. John Harbster, grandfather of William, emigrated to America from Germany, settling in Albany township, Berks county, and later lived in Montgomery and Lehigh counties, following farming in the, several localities. Henry Harbster, son of John, was born in Berks county and educated in the subscription schools. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed some years. He also invented and manufactured coffee mills in Berks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties, in which he met with more than ordinary success. He was a Democrat in political belief, but only took a voting interest in politics. He married a daughter of Sebastian Bucher, and their children were: Matilda, wife of Casper Aman; Hannah, whose third husband was Jacob Newkirk; Ellen, deceased wife of William M. Griscom ; Henry ; Saniuel, who died in youth; Matthan, of Reading; and William. Of this family in 1906 were still living Hannah and Matthan. William Harbster received his education in the com- mon and subscription schools of Albany township, after which he removed to Boyertown, where he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade, remaining in that locality seven years. After hig apprenticeship had been served he worked as a journeyman, and then removed to Reading, where he engaged in work in a foundry and was subsequently employed with the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad Company. Not liking the change, he decided to commence operations in the northern part of the county, and, locating in Hamburg, he opened a smithy, manufactur- ing the iron work for carriages, etc. After remaining here two years, he returned to Reading, and with the as- sistance of his brother-in-law, William M. Griscom, he founded the Reading Hardware Works. Beginning under very humble circumstances, and at first manufacturing but a few articles, by his incessant energy, excellent man- agement and skilled workmanship the business increased and far exceeded the fondest hopes of its originator and founder. He found it necessary to admit more help, subsequently admitting Matthan and John, his younger brothers, as partners, under the style of Harbster Bros. The business continued to prosper under the new man- agement and the brothers succeeded in building up one of the most extensive plants in the world, the Reading ' Hardware Company. Mr. Harbster was also the head of the Reading Nickel Plating Works. His advice was much sought after on account of his being so successful in his own business, and he later became officially connected with banks and other business organizations. In fact, if any new enterprise was founded in which he was not interested, investors seemed to lose confidence, such was the esteem in which he was held. He was a man of noble character, honest and upright in all of his dealings, and a great friend of the poor and needy. He gave liberally to any and every just cause and the extent of his philanthropy will never be known to the outside world. Through his death Read- ing lost one of its most prominent citizens. Mr. Harbster married June 15, 1848, Ellen Matthews, daughter of George Matthews, a native of Lebanon county, Pa. He was of Irish descent, and belonged to a family, the descendants of which figured conspicuously in the affairs of the State. To Mr. and Mrs. Harbster the fol- lowing children were born: Emma R. m. William Kensel; Cecelia m. John G. Mohn ; John F. ; Morris G. is deceased ; Annie R. m. John Goodman; Howard E. ; and Mary Mar- garet m. J. Wilhelm Hartraann, native of Germany, and a graduate of the Hamburg Conservatory of Music and that of Munich, from which institutions he received the high- est honors, and he has become a composer of much note. Mr. Harbster was a Republican in his political belief, but never aspired to public preferment. He was a member of Chandler Lodge of Masons No. 237; Reading Chapter No. 153; Creigh Council No. 16; and De Molay Com- mandery No. 9. He was a consistent member and liberal supporter of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years Mr. Harbster died June 16, 1885. JAMES PHILIP SELLERS, clothier at Reading for forty years and still in active business, was born at Allen- town, Pa., May 9, 1S44, and there educated, in the public schools and the Allentown Academy. At the suggestion of his uncle, James Jameson, he went to Reading in 1865, and after working in the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company's shop for eighteen months, entered the large wholesale and retail clothing house of his uncle at the northeast corner of Penn square, where he has continued to the present time. For ten years Mr. Sellers was a salesman in the store and his great interest and success in the business so won the confidence of his uncle that he was then admitted as 'f{l: 6h^ BIOGRAPHICAL 539 a partner in the firm which has been trading for many years at the same stand as J. Jameson & Co. In 1890 Mr. Jameson died; then the firm was re-organized by the sur- viving partners, William A. Medlar, Mr. Jameson's son-in- law, Charles S. Bachman, a former employe for many years, and Mr. Sellers, as Sellers, Medlar & Bachman, the nephew having taken the uncle's place as the senior part- ner in the business, which evidences his superior character. In 1900 Mr. Bachman withdrew from the firm on account of his age, and his interest having been purchased by Wil- liam R. Fenstermacher, of Lenhartsville, the name of the firm was changed to Sellers, Medlar & Co. Mr. Medlar . having retired in 1903, his interest was purchased by Wil- liam J. Frederick, of Allentown, a nephew of Mr. Sellers, when the name was changed to J. P. Sellers & Co. And thus it has continued to the present time. In 1908 Joseph Ritter Sellers, a son of the senior member, was admitted as a partner. In 1882 the electors of the Seventh ward elected Mr. Sellers to represent them in the Common branch of the city councils, and he served one term of two years, having been elected on the Republican ticket. In 1890 he became identified with the Board of Trade, and after serving on different committees, he officiated as its president in 1901 and 1902. During the observance of the sesqui-centennial of Reading in 1898, he was president of the executive com- mittee, and much of its success was due mainly to his un- remitting labors during a preparatory period of two years. Mr. Sellers has also been identified with the financial af- fairs of Reading, serving as a director of the Reading Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and of the Pennsylvania Trust Company. In 1868 Mr. Sellers was married to Elizabeth Ritter, the only child of Joseph Ritter and Eliza Witman, his wife, both of whom were descendants of the earliest inhabitants of Reading. By her he is the father of a son Joseph Ritter, who married Minnie Heffner, daughter of Daniel Heffner of Reading, and they have one son James Heffner Sellers. Mrs. Sellers died in 1908. She was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church from her childhood, as her parents and grandparents had been in the early history of the church, and, on account of her superior voice was chosen as a singer in the choir for fifteen years. She took an active part in the Sunday-school work for many years, and also in works of charity for the congregation as well as the community at large. Joseph Ritter, father of Mrs. Sellers, was the honored court crier of the Berks county courts for forty years from the establishment of the court house at Sixth and Court streets in 1840, and upon his decease in 1830 the judges and lawyers, at a public meeting held for that purpose, passed highly complimentary resolutions eulo- gizing his superior character. At a Bar supper, Dec. 20, 1872, in appreciation of his distinguished services and uniform courtesy, they presented him with a fine gold watch and chain. The 'father of Mr. Sellers was Philip Sellers, a whole- sale tobacco and cigar manufacturer at Allentown for fif- teen years. He died in 1851 aged forty-six years. He was .married to Elizabeth Worman, daughter of Henry Wor- man, of Allentown, who died in 1876, aged seventy-three years. They had three children : James P. ; Henry ; and Mary. m. to Benneville Frederick, of Allentown, whose son William J. is now a member of J. P. Sellers & Co. His antecedents were brought up in the vicinity of Sellers- ville, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. COL. WILLIAM TREXLER, long prominent and widely known throughout Berks county, died at his home in Longswamp township Dec. 19, 1905. He was born in that township Sept. 2, 1816, son of Reuben and Anna (Lesher) Trexler. The Trexler family in America, so far as is known, was founded by John Peter Trexler, who made his home in Northumberland county. Pa., where he became very influential. 34 Peter Trexler, the paternal grandfather of Col. William, engaged in farming at Mertztown, where he spent his ac- tive days. He married Catherine Grim. Reuben Trexler, son of Peter, was an iron master, and that calling together with farming he followed all his active years. He died in 1846, at the age of sixty-four. He married Anna Lesher, who was born in Longswamp township, Berks county, daughter of Jacob Lesher, an iron master of Berks- county, who moved to Pottstown after retiring from business. Five children were born to Reuben Trexler and wife, namely: Horatio, who at the time of his death was president of the National Union Bank, at Reading; William; Lesher, who became a suc- cessful physician at Fort Wayne, Ind., and is now de- ceased; Caroline, deceased wife of William Schall, of Nor- ristown. Pa.; Lucinda, who married James Rittenhouse, and both are now deceased. Col. William Trexler was given a good common school education, and on reaching young manhood engaged in farming, afterward taking up tanning at his late home farm. He then tried milling and later the coal business, all proving successful ventures and he finally added a gen- eral mercantile store. The last few years of his life were spent in retirement. He took great pleasure in his beauti- ful home, located in Longswamp township. In 1842 Colonel Trexler was married to Mary Ann Sing- master, of Macungie township, Lehigh county, daughter of John Singmaster, a farmer and tanner. Mrs. Trex- ler died in 1877. To this union were born the following, children: Reuben, deceased; Alonzo, late of Hunting- don county, Pa., now deceased; Annie, widow of Harrison Maltzberger, an attorney at Reading: Alvin S., who conducted a tannery and coal yard in Longswamp town- ship, but is now retired; William'; Lesher Ashley, a prac- ticing physician at San Antonio, Texas, now deceased; John L. S., of Macungie, Pa.; Mary, who married Hiram Weiler, and who is now deceased; and Henry Clay and Myra, both deceased. Colonel Trexler married (second) Amelia Schall, who died in February, 1890. In politics Colonel Trexler was a Republican, and for fifty-three years was postmaster at Longswamp. He was justice of the peace for many years, and also held a num- ber of other local offices, never being defeated if he offered himself as a candidate. He was a Mason, belonging to Burgess Lodge No. 333, F. & A. M., Allentown. In his religious faith he was a Lutheran. JOEL H. KRICK, the well-known proprietor of the "West End Hotel," one of the popular hostelries of Read- ing, located at the corner of Schuylkill avenue and Button- wood street, was born in Reading, Dec. 4, 1861, son of Levi J. R. and Mary (Hinnershitz) Kirick, and grandson of Peter Krick. Peter Krick was a native of Heidelberg township, Berks county, and was a well-known boat-builder in the days when the Schuylkill canal was one of the principal means of transportation in this section of Pennsylvania. He followed his vocation for many years at the foot of Buttonwood street, Reading, where his boat-building yard was located, and became very successful. Mr. Krick mar- ried Susan Reber, of Berks county, and she bore her hus- band these children: William R., Joel R., Adam R., Levi J. R., Peter, R., Emma (m. William Leas) and Catherine. Mr. Krick was very liberal in his religious views, but was kind and charitable, and few indeed were the subscriptions for a worthy cause that, did not bear his name. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, but he never cared for, nor sought, public office. Levi J. R. Krick learned boat-building under the skilled tuition of his father, following that occupation for many years. In 1887 he turned his attention to the hotel busi- ness, following that occupation until his death in 1905, at the age of sixty-six years. He was known for his many sterling traits of character, and was ever liberal to those in need. The children born to Levi J. R. Krick and his_ wife were: Joel H., Peter M., Annie (m. Harry Shrump, deceased), Emma (m. Daniel Whitmoyer, deceased), Mary (deceased, m. Harvey Kissinger) and Rebecca (deceased). 530 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In religious belief the family were connected with the Re- formed Church. He was a loyal Democrat, and was elect- ed to fill positions of honor and trust, serving in both the common and select councils, and at one time being market commissioner. He was a letter carrier during President Cleveland's first term. He was connected with several fra- ternal organizations, and was a member of the Junior Fire Company. Mrs. Krick died in 1891, aged about forty-eight years. Joel 'H. Krick received his education in the public schools of Reading, and when a boy worked in the boat yard which had been founded by his grandfather. Learning the trade of boat builder with his father, he followed this occupation, for some time, and in 1885 was appointed under Mayor Getz, a member of the Reading Police Force, con- tinuing as a member until 1887. During Mayor Merritt's administration Mr. Krick was again appointed to that po- sition, 1890-1893, and upon the expiration of this term he entered the employ of his father in the hotel, in which he has since continued. In 1897 he was elected a member of the board of prison inspectors for Berks county, serv- ing nine years, and for seven years was president thereof. He was elected by the firemen of the 2nd district as assist- ant chief of the Reading Fire Department, serving three years. Mr. Krick has always been a stanch Democrat, and has always been a. valuable party man in the Sixth ward. He has been a delegate to various county and State con- ventions. On Nov. 3, 1908, by n large majority Mr. Krick • was elected a director of the poor of Berks county, for a term oj three years. He is very popular fraternally, hold- ing membership in the following orders : I. O. O. F. ; Fraternal Order of Eagles; P. O. S. of A.; the Indepen- dent Gun Club; the Eagles Mountain Home Association; the Harmonic Association; and the Schuylkill Fire Com- pany. He was a member of the Junior Fire Company for twenty years, but resigned to join the Schuylkill Fire Com- pany in 1901. He is also connected with the Northwestern Beneficial Association. In religion Mr. Krick is connected with the Reformed Church. In 1885 Mr. Krick married Rosa Weidner, and to this union were born five children, four of whom are living, as follows: James, Joel, Jr., Maud (who married Edward Englehart, is living at No. 252 W. Buttonwood Av., and is the mother of Joel Henry) and Esther. ADODPH KRAER1ER, of Reading, Pa., the owner and manager of a printing and publishing establishment at No. 236 North Ninth street, was born July 28, 1875. and is a son of Joseph and Balbina Kraemer, who emigrated from the Duchy of Baden. Germany, locating at Phil- adelphia, for a period of time, and in 1883 settling in the northeastern section of Reading, Pennsylvania. Adolph Kraemer attended the Reading schools until fourteen years of age, whereupon he entered the print- ing office of Mr. W. Rosenthal to learn the printer's trade. For a period of five years he remained at this establish- ment, working his way during the day into the secrets of the art of printing, and at night studying his books to advance himself further in the knowledge of gener- al literature. For nearly three years he attended a local college, taking courses in business, literature and lan- guages. During 1894 he made a tour of the States for the purpose of studying the various conditions, methods and systems of printing establishments throughout the country, being during this tour employed in about thirty different printing plants. In the fall of 1894, he returned and engaged in the printing business at No. 621 Moss street (the residence of his parents) in a small back room, operating his one job press by foot power. In 1897 Mr. Kraemer removed his establishment to larg- er quarters at Ninth and Oley streets where he acquired the use of an electric motor. In 1898 he removed his place of business to No. 208 North Ninth street, and six months later to No. 310 North Ninth street, where he re- mained for seven years. In 1905 he purchased his pres- ent quarters, the desirable property at No. 236 North Ninth street, vvhich he remodeled and rebuilt to suit his increased requirements and he has occupied same since September, 1905. During 1909 he entered into the career of publisher of fiction under the name of The Kraemer Publishing House — in addition to his Book and Job Printing. On Sept. 2, 1897, Mr. Kraemer married Miss Mary L. Ott, of Reading, daughter of Magnus and Josephine (Al- brecht) Ott. This union has been blessed with five chil- dren : Louisa M., Marie A., Gertrude L., Theresa B. and Herman J. HARRY KLINE, postmaster and general merchant at Rehrersburg, Pa., and one of Tulpehocken township's representative citizens, was born at Rehrersburg, June 25, 1874, son of Frank S. and Rebecca E. (Forry) Kline. Philip Kline, the great-grandfather of Harry, was born Dec. 26, 1788, and was a resident of Rehrersburg, where for many years he kept a large tannery and general store, and where he died July 18. 1855. He married Catharine Shollenberger (born Aug. 4, 1791. died Jan. 27, 1867), and they had these children: Benjamin, grandfather of Harry; Alexander; and Anna Maria, born Aug. 17, 1799, and died June 6, 1842. Benjamin Kline was also born in Rehrersburg, and after the death of his father took charge of the tannery and general store, the latter of which was closed out at the time of the death of his brother Alexander who had been his business partner. Mr. Kline continued the tannery business until about 1886, when he sold out to Barnett Brothers, and the remainder of his life was spent in retirement with his son-in-law, Dr. Daniel Dec- hert, Schuylkill Haven. Mr. Kline married Catherine Lutz, daughter of Benjamin Lutz, and to this imion there were born children as follows : Sarah m. Joel Dewaldt, who conducted a hardware business in Lebanon county for many years, and died there in 1893 ; Martha, who died in 1896, m. Isaac Harner, a hotel keeper of Rehrersburg; James, who for many years worked in his father's tan- nery, now resides at Lebanon ; Genevieve m. Dr. Daniel Dechert, and died in 1882, leaving one daughter; Anna, who died in 1896 at Pinegrove, Schuylkill county, m. John Harding, who subsequently removed to Reading; and Frank S. Frank S. Kline was reared in Rehrersburg, where he learned the trade of tanner with his father, and was employed in the tannery from the age of twelve years until the 'business was discontinued, when he went to Myerstown, Lebanon county, and there continued many years. He is now engaged principally in finishing in the spring and fall oif each year at East Berkley. Mr. Kline married Rebecca E. Forry, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Troutman) Forry, and to this union there were born the following children : Harry ; JNIatilda m. Paul Furman, of Strausstown, Berks county, and has one son, Robert, m. Clara Bertram, daughter of Daniel Bertram, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Rehrersburg; Edward is single; Laura is employed at the shirt factory; and Marguerite lives at home. Ed- ward Kline served three years in the Spanish American war, being a member of Troop B, 14th U. S. Cavalry, stationed in the Philippines, and the last nine months of his enlistment were passed in the United States, where he engaged in racing various cavalries. He won the U. S. Rescue races from representatives of twenty-one cavalries, and rode races Cossack style in every "State west of the Mississippi, losing onlv three races, and he_ also holds medals for sharpshooting and marksman- ship for the three years of his enlistment. He ranked as first sergeant. After receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Kline returned to his home, and three months later enlisted in the State police force at Punxsutawnev, where he is still in service at the present time. He stands very high, and he is said to be an expert horseman and very well liked by everybody. Harry Kline was educated in the common schools of his district and the high school at Millersburg. At an early age he learned butchering at Hazleton. and the trade of painting, at home, the latter of which he fol- lowed for some years. At one time he aspired to enter BIOGRAPHICAL 531 the medical profession, but gave up this idea and took up boatinsf as an occupation, following it on the Schuyl- kill, Raritan, Erie, Northern and Delaware canals. He now conducts a general store at Rehrersburg, where he is discharging the duties of postmaster.' Mr. Kline is a member of the Reformed Church, while his wife is a Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican, and for some years has been standing committeeman of his township, and fraternally he is connected with Vigilance Lodge, No. 149, I. O. O. R, at Reading; and Camp No. 597, P. O. S. of A., at Rehrersburg, of which he is a charter mem- ber. In 1897 Mr. Kline married (first) Miss Nettie Stam- baugh, daughter of Rev. L. D. and Henrietta (Smith) Stambaugh, and one child, Grace, was born to this un- ion. Mrs. Kline died Nov. 28, 1901, and he married (second) in 1904, the widow of Selas M. Shade, by whom he has also had one child, Harry. ARTHUR WITTICH, a dealer in pianos and organs, and a prominent and representative man of Reading, Pa.j doing business at No. 116 South Sixth street, was born in Reading, Berks county, July 2, 1860, son of John D. and Harriet (Peifer) Wittich. John Wittich, our subject's grandfather, lived in Hesse Cassel, Germany, aii of his life, was a general merchant there and quite a prominent man' He and his wife, whose name is not known, were the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, and of these four came to America, their names being : Henry, George, John D., and Margaret, the latter of whom married Henry Goelz, and resided in Reading. John D. Wittich came to America in 1842, and set- tled _ first in Philadelphia. _ He had learned the shoje- Imaking business in his native country, and was also a musician of some note, as well as a composer of much ability. He resided in Philadelphia for about five years and there gave instructions on the violin and other in- struments. He settled in Reading in 1847 and upon mak- ing this his home, took charge of the leading orchestras of the city, conducting them for the following thirty years. His wife was a daughter of Henry Peifer, also a native of Germany, where a part of his family was reared, his two youngest children, however, being born in this country. The eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. John D. Wittich were : Margaret (m. John W, Gerdemann, and resided in Philadelphia) ; George (de- ceased) ; Anna (died young) ; Catherine (m. Rev. N. C. Fetter, and lives in Doylestown, Pa.) ; Elizabeth and Stricklin (deceased); Arthur; and Valeria (living in Reading" at the old Wittich homestead. No. 310 South Fifth street). The Wittich family were members of the Reformed Church, while the Peifers were Lutherans. In politics Mr. Wittich was a Democrat, but took no active interest in party work. Arthur Wittich received his education in the schools of Reading, and after graduating from the Reading high school entered the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music from which he was graduated. He was then instructed by some of the best and most noted masters o;f En- rope and America, and the following twenty-five years were devoted exclusively to teaching music, in which profession he was very successful. He bears the re- putation of being an expert in this and other branches of his art. Since practically giving up the instruction of music he has devoted his time to selling pianos and play- er pianos. He is well known in Berks and adjoining counties, and_ goods purchased from him can be relied upon to be just as represented. He has one of the best equipped show rooms in the city, located at No. 116 South Sixth street, where first-class salesmen are constantly on hand to display goods. His store is well stocked with the leading inakes of pianos, among them being the Steinway, Kranich & Bach, Hardman, Pack- ard. Harrington, McPhail and Sterling. Mr. Wittich married, in 1882, Miss Kate Schrader, daughter of Charles E. Schrader, of the firm of Schra- der & Kline, and three children have been born to this union : Otto, Carl and Leon. The family are Luther- ans. In politics Mr. Wittich is a Democrat. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. CHARLES P. HIGH, a prosperous coal merchant of Reading, Pa., who is also engaged in the flour and feed business, with yards and office at No. 313 Rose street, was born in Cumru township, Berks county, son of William R. and Lydia A. (Krick) High. Charles P. High received his education in the schools of his native township, and during his boyhood worked upon his father's farm. At the age of nineteen years he left the farm and went to Pliiladelphia, engaging_ with the Phoenix Plumbago Mining Company, and while in the employ of that company attended a business col- lege. He subsequently returned to Reading, entering the employ of his brother, of D. K. High & Co., who was carrying on the coal, flour and feed business in Reading, which had been established in 1887 by him, and Mr. High continued in this business ' until 1890-; when he accepted a position at the Philadelphia _& Reading freight house. At the end of _ one year, in company with George Richardson, Mr. High established the present successful business, and one year later Mr. Richardson withdrew, Mr. High's father engaging in bus- iness with him, under the firm name of High & Son. This connection continued until 1903, when the elder High withdrew, and since that time Charles P. has suc- cessfully conducted the business alone. He is a very enterprising business man, of much ability, and his honesty and integrity have never been questioned. Mr. Charles P. High was married, in 1895, to Miss Cora Hechler, daughter of William A. Hechler, of Spring township, and in religious belief Mr. and Mrs. High are .connected with the Reformed Church. Fraternally he is connected with the P. O. S. of A., and the Order of Independent Americans. THOMAS A. BOYER, a well-known citizen and en- terprising business man of Reading, Pa., is a native of that city, born May 1, 1853, son of Isaac and Mary (Dickinson) Boyer, and grandson of Thomas Boyer, for many years a prosperous farmer of Dauphin county. Isaac Boyer came from Dauphin county to Reading when a young man, and was employed by a corporation as a teamster, an occupation which he followed all of his life. In religious belief he was a Quaker. He and his wife were the parents of these children : Thomas A., William, Harrison, Annie (m. Jacob Carl), Alice (m. James Reigel), Jemima (m. Joseph Levan) and two children died in infancy. Isaac Boyer died in 1896, aged seventy-two years, and his wife in 1894, when sixty- nine years of age. Thomas A. Boyer received his literary training in the public schools of the city of his nativity, and when a young man was employed by the Reading Pipe Mill, with which concern he remained for a period of ten years. In 1883 he commenced the manufacture of rag carpets, in which he has continued to the present time, with much success. He has a large and profitable bus- iness, his factory being- located at the corner of Pearl and Bingaman streets, and in addition to carpets he han- dles rugs, linoleums, oil cloth and art squares. Mr. Boyer was married in 1879 to Hannah E. Snyder, and both are valued members of the M. E. Church, in which Mr. Boyer has held various offices, while Mrs. Boyer is very active in church work, and much inter- ested in advancing the cause of charity, devoting her- self especially to the finding of homes for homeless and friendless women who have passed the age of self- suipport. DAVID L. HEINLY, who, with his son, John E., is doing business under the name of the Reading Engrav- ing Company, at Reading, Pa., is a prominent and influ- ential business man of that city. He was born on the old homestead farm, near Virginville, Berks county, Jan 31, 1836, son of George, and grandson of John George Heinly. 53a HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA David L. Heinly was educated in the public schools, and then engaged in a general store business at South Evansville from 1858 to 1867, and then went to Ham- burg, where he conducted a similar establishment for four years. He then engaged in the hardware business, with his brother William, for eight years, the next four years traveled for the Bard Reber Hardware Co., Read- ing, and the following eighteen years for the Seltzer- Klahr Hdw. Co., of Philadelphia. He then engaged in the engraving business with his son, John E., as the Read- ing Engraving Company, at No. 604 Court street, and this venture has proved a great success. Mr. Heinly belongs to St. Luke's Liutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, was a school director at Evansville and a councilman at Hamburg. David L. Heinly belongs to the Masons, having joined that Order in 1869. He has been a member of the Blue Lodge since that time, and has been a Knight Templar since 1886. He is also connected with the Odd Fellows, having joined that order in 1870. The Heinly family has an association and holds annual reunions, the last' few having been held at Kutztown Park. David L. Hein- ly is president of the association, which numbers from 500 to 600 people, and one of his sons, Harvey F. Hein- ly, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume, is secretary. John E. Heinly, his father's partner in the engraving business, was born July 8, 1867, at Hamburg, and was educated in the public schools. He learned the trade of engraver and worked at this occupation for some years in New York, starting in that business at Read- ing in 1890. Mr. Heinly was married May 33, 1895, to Bess Maguire, daughter of William Maguire, deceased, of Reading, and four children have been born to this union : Martha, Katheryn, Marian and David, the first two named at school. Mr. lieinly belongs to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Like his father he is a Democrat. C. GILBERT STEI--FE, late of Reading, was in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for over fifty years before his retirement, in 1904. For a number of years previously he acted as general road foreman for the company. He was an expert in his line and recognized as such in railroad circles all over the country. Mr. Steffe was a native of Lancaster county, Pa., born in Earl township, Jan. 26, 1834, son of Frederick and Annia (linger) Steffe, who were farming people. Some- what late in life his father went to Ohio, where he en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and remained to the close of his days. , j Mr. Steffe spent his boyhood and youth in the public schools of Earl township, helping his father at farm- ing. At the age of eighteen he came to Reading, where he became an apprentice in the machine shop of the Phil- adelphia & Reading Company. He remained in the shops there three years, for he had determined even then to learn the business of practical railroading from the very beginning. In 1855 he began on the road as brakeman, and later was fireman on both passenger and freight en- gines, all of which at that time burned wood. During the years 1853-54 he was on the Williamsport branch, with Reading engines, in 1855 returning to Reading, and becoming fireman for passenger trains on the well known "Mohawk" and other engin.es then quite famous. Pic was made fireman for the "Illinois," the first engine in the United States to burn anthracite coal. In 1858 Mr. Steffe was promoted to the position of en- gineer, running trains on the main line. When the Civil war broke out he and others connected with the motive department of the road, evinced a desire to enlist in the service of the Union, but the superintendent requested them to stand by the railroad, arguing that they were needed there as badly as at the front. The superintend- ent then went to Washington, D. C, and after an inter- view with Lincoln and Stanton secured exemption pap- ers for Mr. Steffe and others whose services he wished to retain. During the battle of Gettysburg, Mr. Steffe was under orders to hold a train at Harrisburg, ready to take all the valuable documents there to Philadelphia in case of Lee's victory. In 1866 he was appointed en- gine examiner, to take charge of the engines as they came out of the shops, and he remained in that position until 1871. In that year he was sent with efficient help to in- stall what was known as the "pop valves" over the whole system. His mind was constantly on the alert for a solu- tion of the various problems of his work, and in 1876 he assisted in the arrangement of a means of improv- ing engines so that they could burn all kinds oi fuel, and especially fine anthracite coal. Through all these years Mr. Steffe was steadily gain- ing recognition as an expert in his line, and when, in March, 1878, the great engine "412" was made in the Reading shops, to be sent to the Paris Exposition, he oversaw its packing and shipment, and then went over to France to install it in its place. Returning in July of that year, he spent some time in experimental work on the New England railroads in the interest of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and in Octo- ber, 1878, made a second trip to Paris to install "413" on the road. During the winter of 1878 and spring of 1879, prior to the opening of the exposition he traveled through France operating the engine on the different railroads in that country, and thence went to Switzer- land, Germany, and Italy, running his engine in each of these countries. In November, 1879, he returned to America with his engine, on his arrival in America being appointed road foreman of engines with headquarters in Philadelphia. There he remained until transferred to Reading in 1888, as general road foreman, a position he was still holding when put on the company's retired list, March 2, 1904, after a faithful service of just fifty- two years. When Mr. Steffe entered the employ of the Reading Company they had only between fifty-five and sixty engines, and at the time of his retirement the equip- ment included eleven hundred. Though all of this large number were under his charge he was able to locate any engine and day of the year, a feat considered remark- able even among railroad men. During his career he had many experiences not included in the duties of the average railroad man, and was called upon to exercise his resourcefulness in various unusual circumstances. While at Milan, competing with the French, English and Ital- ian engine builders, he had some exciting as well as enjoyable experiences. It was necessary for him to be constantly on his guard against the Italians, who made every conceivable effort to create the impression that the American engine was not equal to theirs, especially as regarded consumption of fuel. But Mr. Steffe was ready at every turn, and succeeded in convincing the judges that the Americans were not only the best builders but also capable of caring for their own interests. Mr. Steffe enjoyed nearly half a century of happy mar- ried life. Wedded in June, 1858, to Esther, daughter of John Hill, their union was unbroken until March 25, 1905, when Mrs. Steffe passed from this world. She left no children. Mr. Steffe continued to reside at No. 106 North Ninth street, during the remainder of his life. Mr. Steffe was a member of a number of organizations, principally of fraternal character, and he was an enthusi- astic Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M. ; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M. ; De Molay Com- mandery, No. 9 ; and Philadelphia Consistory. On Sept. 19, 1893, the Thirty-third degree was conferred upon him, in Chicago, and he was enrolled as an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite for the Northern IMasonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and on the same date was made a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Mr. Steffe was also a member of the Philadelphia Veteran Association. In Maj', 1907, Mr. Steffe attended the Ma- sonic gathering at Los Angeles, Cal., and was on his way home in the train wrecked in Honda, Cal., Mav 11th, meeting his death in that frightful accident. Mr. Steffe was a man of real achievement, actively con- cerned in the forwarding of our country's material ad- BIOGRAPHICAL 533 vancement, and his work won the unstinted respect of all informed on the general subject of railroading. THOMAS JEFFERSON OBERLIN, a school teach- er in Berks county for over twenty-three years, and a wholesale florist of Sinking Spring, was born at Schaef- ferstown, Lebanon county, June 21, 1850, son of Levi Schaeffer and Elizabeth (Spangler) Oberlin. He was educated in the local schools, the Palatinate College and the Ursinus College, qualifying himself for the pro- fession of teaching. In 1868 when eighteen years of age, he began teaching public school in the vicinity of Epler's Church, in Bern township, Berks county, and he continued teaching in different parts of the county until 1876, when he located at Sinking Spring, and a year lat- er opened a private school. He there established an in- stitution under the name of the Charter Oak Academy, in the Mull Mansion, which he carried on successfully for fifteen years, being supported by pupils from the village and vicinity. Then the township school directors erected a large two-story brick building, and established graded schools, which caused Prof. Oberlin to abandon his academy. Having made a special study of botany and flowers since his boyhood, he naturally turned his attention to the extensive cultivation of flowers, and he has pursued this business in the line of cut flowers during_ the spring, summer and fall seasons until the present time, in a very successful manner, making almost daily shipments to large wholesale dealers in Philadelphia and New York. Prof. Oberlin made a valuable collection of the flora in Berks county, which he arranged and classified scien- tifically, the specimens numbering over 1,000, and including several species which are exceedingly rare. Among these he found the very rare orchid, Pogonia affinis, C. F. Austin, in June, 1883, in Cumru township, this county, the third station known for it in Pennsylvania, and the fourth in the United States. This specimen was deposited in the herbarium of Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. For this extraordinary work of classifying the Berks flora, he was highly complimented by the late Prof. Thomas C. Porter, of Lafayette College, the recognized authority on botany in Pennsylvania. Apropos of the subject of botany. Prof. Oberlin, in July, 1907, read a very practical paper, "The Redemption of the Hog Backs," before the Florists' Club of Philadelphia, at its session in Horticultural Hall, which paper was widely published in the floral journals of this country. Upon locating in Sinking Spring Prof. Oberlin identi- fied himself with St. John's Reformed Church, and he took an active part in organizing the first Reformed Sunday-school in the village and became its first superin- tendent, serving in this position for several years. Since 1897 he has been officiating as a member of the consistory, acting as secretary of that body. In 1902 Prof. Oberlin laid out the Mull plantation in the eastern section of the village into building lots, which num- ber altogether nearly 1,000, and a considerable part of these lots have been sold. They have taken the local name of "Oberlin's addition." Prof. Oberlin married Eva Ann Mull, daughter of Reu- ben Mull, of Sinking Spring, and widow of Dr. William J. Thirwechter, of Stouchsbutg. By her he has four children: Elizabeth, Mrs. Irvin R. Huyett; Eva Maria, Mrs. Harry W. Burgner; Frederica, Mrs. Floyd E. Groff ; and Reuben L. Mrs. Oberlin had a daughter by her first husband, Marguerite, who married Dr. Thomas G. Binkley, a practicing physician at Sinking Spring. Levi Schaeffer Oberlin was born in 1818 and died in 1893. He married Elizabeth Spangler, and had these childreri : Thomas J.; William Wallace, m. Lillie F. Sallade; Levi F. .m. Eveline A. K. Myers ; Ida Elizabeth m. Daniel F. Lynch; John Charles m. Kate V. Souders; Tamar A. m. Harry T. Myers; and George F., died in infancy. Frederick Oberlin, father of Levi S., and grandfather of Thomas J., was born near Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, in 1775i For many years he was the owner and landlord of the "Franklin House" at Schaefferstown, which was built by Alexander SchaeflFer in 1746. He died in 1840. He married Maria Schaeffer, daughter of Capt. Henry Schaeffer, and granddaughter of Alexander Schaeff- er. John Adam Oberlin, lather of Frederick, married Mar- garet Stober, and his father, the great-great-grandfather of Thomas J., was Michael Oberlin, who emigrated from Germany in 1751, and settled in the vicinity of SchaeflFers- town. Capt. Henry Schaeffer, father of Mrs. Maria (Schaeff- er) Oberlin, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and his company was included in the Second Battalion of Penn- sylvania Associators from Lancaster county. This com- pany was engaged in active "service in the battle of Long Island, in August, 1776. In 1777 and 1778 he served as a justice of the peace, and as such administered the oath of allegiance to more than 360 persons at Schaefferstown. He married Anna Eva Schweitzer, by whom he had six children, of whom Maria was the third. Capt. Schaeffer's father, Alexander Schaeffer, was born in 1712 in the Pal- atinate, Germany, and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1738, landing at Philadelphia. He was accompanied by his wife and several children. It was he who laid out and founded Schaefferstown in 1758. EDWARD PENGELLY, one of the substantial men of Reading^ senior member of the printing firm of Edward Pengelly & Brother, was born in 1856, in Cornwall, Eng- land, son of Michael and Frances (Merrifield) Pengelly. Michael Pengelly came to the United States in 1866, having previously worked as a miner in Chile, South Amer- ica, for six years. He died in Nevada City, Cal., in 1867. His widow came to America in 1873. with two sons and two daughters, namely : Emily, Edward, Harriet and James H. In religious belief the family are Methodists. Edward Pengelly was seventeen years old when he ac- companied . his mother to America, locating at Reading, Pa. Ten days later, Oct. 13, 1873, he entered the office of the Reading Eagle as an apprentice, where he worked until 1880, when he was engaged as a compositor on the Reading News, where he continued for six years, or until it suspended. Mr. Pengelly then went West and for a time worked at Butte City, Montana, and later at Center- ville, a suburb of Butte, where he was foreman for six months of the Mining Journal under Mr. Penrose, who was later murdered. He then returned to Reading, and, in company with five other practical printers, started the Daily Telegram, retaining his interest for four years, when he sold out and entered into partnership with Adam G. Harner in book and job printing. They began business under the name of Harner & Pengelly, and the partnership lasted until 1899. On May 10th of that year the present firm was organized, under the name of Edward Pengelly & Brother, and they control a fair share of the better class of the printing trade of Reading. In 1893 Mr. Pengelly was married to Emma G. Boyer, daughter of Alvin N. Boyer, and they have one daughter, Frances Merrifield. In 1884 Mr. Pengelly became identi- fied with the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 435. He belongs also to Mount Penn Lodge, I. 0. O. F. In politics he is independent. In 1903 Mr. Pengelly -enjoyed a pleasant visit to his old home in England. JOSEPH D. C. UMBLE. One of the familiar figures in the public life of Reading is Joseph D. C. Umble, pro- prietor of the "Mansion House," a hotel favorably known, throughput the East. Since 1893 Mr. Umble has in some way, or in some capacity, been identified with the "Man- sion." He is the son of Capt. Joseph and Phoebe (Dick- inson) Umble_, the former a prominent figure in the poli- tical and business life of Lancaster county, and one of the well-known veterans of the Civil war. He died in Read- ing, March 1, 1905, at the age of seventy-seven. years. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he was one of the first to in- terest himself in his country's defense, raised a company, went at once to the front, participating in all the privations that fall to the lot of the soldier. After the war he was 534 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA prominent in civil life, being a justice of the peace for a number of years, and register of wills of Lancaster coun- ty during 1882-83-84. Mrs. Umble, mother of Joseph D. C., together with her two daughters, Anna Mary and Ida E., have their home at the "Mansion House," and assist in its management. Phoebe E., the third daughter, is the wife of R. M. Breneiser, a wholesale tobacconist of Read- ing. The father of Mrs. Umble was Henry Dickinson, one of the prominent husbandmen of Lancaster county. _ Joseph D. C. Umble was born in Salisbury township, Lancaster Co., Pa., March 26, 1867. He passed the for- mative period of his life on the home farm, securing a good common school education in the village of Christiana, and in the Yeates Institute at Lancaster. When his father was elected to the ofSce of register of wills, he entered the office as his clerk. This was in January, 1882. In 1885 he took a position with the ■ Pennsylvania Steel Company, at Steelton, as clerk to the manager of their commissary department, and in the experience he secured in that line in the following four years, lies the secret of his success in the hotel business at a later period. Coming to Read- ing about this time, he was variously employed for sever- al years, in different service for the railroads. The point to be' noticed is that he was always "employed" and to this his advancement and prosperity may be ascribed. In the spring of 1904, he became proprietor of the "Mansion House," having previously served there as clerk and mana- ger, and it is needless to add that these experiences well equipped him for the fuller responsibilities. It is but fair to state that under the present liberal regime the house has come into much favor. The hotel is complete in every detail, thoroughly accoutered, and spacious enough for the accommodation of 150 guests. Whether by endowment or acquisition, no matter, we find in Mr. Umble a man of pleasing manners and personality, to which no doubt his popularity is attributable. To the prince, pilgrim or peas- - ant, the same welcome and hospitality meted to one, is measured to all, when within the doors where "Joe" Umble presides. Mr. Umble is a prominent member of several of the most popular fraternal and club organizations of the city, among them being the Elks, the Masons, the Berkshire Country Club, Wyomissing Club, and he is quite active in the State Association of Hotel Men. He is a Republican in politics, though he takes little part in such matters, aside from casting his vote on 'election day. GLYNDEUR HICKMAN, D. D. S., a prominent den- tist of Reading, was born in Chester county. Pa., Sept. 6, 1863, son of John W. and Elizabeth (Lamborn) Hickman, and a grandson of Benjamin and Julia A. (McFarland) Hickman. Benjamin Hickman located at Brag Hill, Ches- ter county, and there cultivated a farm all of his life. Dr. Glyndeur Hickman was educated in the schools of Chester county, and then entered the office of Dr. R. L. McClellan, where he studied dentistry for five years. In 1885 he entered the Philadelphia Dental College, and graduated therefrom in ]886. Two years later he located in Reading, and here he has resided ever since, engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. His well appointed offices are located at No. 35 South Fifth street. Dr. Hick- man is a member of the I. 0. R. M. and the Royal Arca- num. In 1887 Dr. Hickman married Mary E. Thompson, and two children have been bom to this union, namely : J. Earl and Roy L. The Doctor is a member of the Baptist Church. In his political affiliations he is connected with the Republican party. HOWARD ERASMUS GERHARDT, dealer in pianos and all kinds of musical instruments, was born Jan. 18, 1879, in Millersburg, Bethel P. O., Berks county, Pa., son of Dr. Erasmus and Agnes (Weber) Gerhart. The Gerhardt family is of German descent, and Mr. How- ard E. Gerhardt has succeeded in tracing his line back to (I) Christian Gerhardt, Burgomaster of Grafenhaininchen, Saxony, Germany, who died July 11, 1637. His wife was Anna Dobler, daughter of Gallus Dobler, Court Chaplain at Dresden. They became the parents of a son, Paul. (II) Paul Gerhardt, son of Christian and Anna (Dob- ler, was born March 12, 1607, and he died June 7, 1676. On Feb. 11, 1655, he married Anna Maria Berthold, daugh- ter of Andrew Berthold. Paul Gerhardt was known as a religious poet, the Luther of the seventeenth century hymnology. (III) Paul Frederick Gerhardt, son of Paul and Anna Maria (Berthold), was born Aug. 2, 1662. (IV) Christopher Gerhardt, son of Paul Frederick, died Aug. 15, 1736. (V) William Gerhardt was a son of Christopher. ■(VI) Frederick Gerhardt, son of William, was born March 26, 1714, in Langenselbold, Dukedom of Isenberg, Germany. He emigrated to America prior to the Revolu- tion. On Jan. 22, 1737, he married Elizabeth Fisher, daugh- ter of Henry Fisher. With their son John Peter, born Oct. 28, 1737, they emigrated to America, landing at Philadel- phia, Aug. 27,. 1739, having made the voyage on the ship "Samuel," Hugh Percy, commander. Shortly after their arrival in Philadelphia, the wife died, and Frederick Ger- hardt located in Heidelberg township, Berks county, where, Feb. 14, 1740, he married a widow, Barbara Rieger. On Dec. 1, 1768, he purchased of George Brendle, a tract of seventy acres of land in Heidelberg township. By trade he was a wagoner. His parents had been members of the German Reformed church, but through a sermon preached in 1742 by the Rev. Mr. Ruettner, a Moravian minister, he became a member of Reed's Church, and subse- quently he became one of the principal founders of the Moravian Brethren in North Heidelberg township, known as the Herrn Hiiter Church. As an elder of the Mora- vian Church he attended the first public convention of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania, held Aug. 29, 1743. He died Nov. 30, 1779, and is buried in the cemetery ad- joining the church. Through the efforts of a grandson, John K. Gerhardt, a monument was erected by subscrip- tion. Frederick Gerhardt was the father of ten children, namely: (1) John Peter Gerhart, born Oct. 2§, 1737, m. Elizabeth , and had one child, Andreas (born Oct. 13, 1791, died Oct. 31. 1791), and was buried at Host Church. (2) Conrad Gerhard, born Nov. 22, 1740, was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Heidelberg township until 1808, when he retired from business and located in Philadelphia. In 1768 he m. Rachael Rogaert Ysselstein, and they had seven children — Rachael, Elizabeth, William, Mary, John, Elonora and Thomas. In 1815 he m. (second) Elizabeth Jungmann, daughter of Rev. George Jungmann. There were no children by this marriage. (3) EHzabeth Gerhardt was born Sept. 29, 1743. (4) Frederick Ger- hard, born Sept. 23, 1744, m. Susanna Dundor, daughter of Jacob and Anna INIaria Dundor. In his will, dated Nov. 30, 1822, he mentions three sons and two daughters : Frederick (1780-1845) m. Magdalena Troutman, and had eleven children; Jacob, who m. (first) a Miss Leiss, had two sons, and (second) Catharine Magdalena Schock, and had eight children ; John died in 1852 ; Anna Maria m. Jacob Ebling; and Barbara m. a Mr. Strauss, and died in 1840. (5) Johannes Gerhart, born Feb. 12, 1747, lo- cated in the neighborhood of Swamp Church in Lancaster county, and there he and his wife. Susanna Rhoads, are buried. They had nine children: Peter, John, Frederick. Jacob, William, Susannah, Barbara, Christian and a daugh- ter who married a Mr. Bixler. (6) Anna Maria Gerhart, born June 13, 1750. m. Jacob Meahlaesen. (7) Jacob was born Jan 1, 1752. (8) Anthony Gerhart, born Feb. 10, 1754, died in infancy, (9) Anna Rosina Gerhart, born Oct. 29, 1755, m. Henry Burkholder, and had children: Daniel, Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sally and Maria, (10) Catharine Gerhart was born Oct, 2, 1758, (VII) Jacob Gerhart, son of Frederick by his second marriage, was born Jan. 1, 1752. By his father's will dated Nov. 26, 1779, he received the old homestead. He was a private in Capt. Ferdinand Ritter's Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county militia, commanded by Joseph Hiester in the service of the United States in 1780. He died Dec. 13, 1808, and both he and his wife Elizabeth BIOGRAPHICAL 535 Potteiger (born May 7, 1752, died April 25, 1824, daugh- ter of Martin and Susanna Potteiger), are buried at the Eck Church. They had three sons: (1) Martin Gerhart, born April 6, 1776, died Dec. 7, 1826, m. MargUeretha Leiss, and had four children : Isaac m. Catharine Klopp, and had four children, Kate (m. George Zimmerman), Emma (m. Nick Hunter, and had two sons, Edward and Fred- erick), Rebecca (m. George J. Ecker't) and Elizabeth; John Gerhart; Elizabeth Gerhart; and Elias Gerhart. (2) Frederick, born April 13, 1781, is mentioned below. (3) John (born April 11, 1789, died March 20, 1827) m. Anna Maria Klopp (born . March 5, 1791, died Aug. 28, 1824) and had eight children: John K., Elias, Isaac, Maria, Joel, Nathan, Elizabeth and Esther. (VIII) Frederick Gerhart, second son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Potteiger), was born April 13, 1781, and died March 20, 1823. He m. Elizabeth Kalbach (born Sept. 17, 1786, died April 15, 1817). They had six children: (1) John Gerhart, born May 24, 1805, died Sept. 5, 1868. He was twice married. By his first wife, Kate Meiser (1805-1837), his children were: (a) Mary Gerhart m. (first) John Filbert, and had children — ^Henry R. Filbert (m. Amelia Kalbach, and has eight children, Ella, Anna, Nathaniel, Millie, Mary, Ida, Carrie and Charles) ; John Filbert (m. Emma Stump) ; Agnes Filbert (m. James Wagner) ; and Emma Filbert. Mary m. (second) Sam- uel Dundore, and to this marriage were born four child- ren : Clara Dundore (m. Clayton Schaeffer) ; James Dun- dore (m. Ella Himmelberger) ; Thomas Dundore (m. Catharine Burkey) ; and Darius Dundore (m. Kate Hies- ter). (b) Lizzie Gerhart m. Adam Stump, and their son Levi m. Emma Seidel. (c) Levi M. Gerhart, captain of Company G, 151st P. V. I., in the Civil war, was mustered into service Nov. 1, 1862. He m. Elmira Lamb, and their children were: Beulah, Sallie, James and Kate, (d) Kate Gerhart m. Adam Stoudt, and had three children, Ida, Kate and Levi. John Gerhart m. for his second wife, Martha SchuU (1810-1878), and they had five children: Ellen; Louise m. John Keener, and had three children — Adam, Ella and Sarah; Amelia m. Amos Graul, and had one child; Emma Victoria; and John, (s) Mary Ger- hart (born July 4, 1807, died Dec. 21, 1894, m. George Beyerle (born March 19, 1804, died Sept. 20, 1875) and their children were: (a) Dr. Wellington G. Beyerle m. (first) Anna Hines, and had eight children: George; Flora Grace (m. Milton H. Fahreiibach, and has two children, Russel Fahrenbach and Sarah Fahrenbach) ; Charles ; Wil- liam Percival (m. Hannah Peters, and has a daughter, Helen) ; Louis Allen (m. Gertrude Heffner, and has a son, Wellington); Ida E.; Walter Henry; and Anna Matilda (deceased). Dr. Beyerle m. (second) Arabella Daniels, and they have one child, John Franklin, (b) Mary Ann Beyerle m. Rev. Franklin H. Schwartz, a Reformed pastor (no children), (c) Percival Beyerle was twice married^ but no records can be found, (d) William Beyerle m. Valeria Lesher, and had three children: Ida (m. Edward J. Krause, and has two children — Walter Krause and Alfred Krause) ; Alice ; and William, (e) Sybil- la Beyerle m. Dr. John Brobst, and has six children : Laura (m. Newton Harrison, and has four children, Edward, John, Robert and Laura) ; Mary ; Minnie ; William (m. Victoria Grunwell, and has three children, Thomas, Robert and Marshall); Lillie; and Jennie. (3) Isaac Gerhart, born Nov. 26, 1808, is mentioned farther on. (4) Elizabeth Gerhart (born May 22, 1811, died April 4, 1880) m. George Miller (born July 34, 1806, died March 22, 1888). Their children were : Kate, nl. to Nathaniel Kalbach ; and Lizzie, m. to Abraham 'S. Groh. (5) Ephraim Gerhart, born Feb. 24, 1816, -died in infancy. (6) Gabriel Gerhart, born Feb. 24, 1816 (twin to Ephraim), died December, 1891. He m. Catharine Gruber (born Feb. 1, 1815, died March 24, 1865), and their children were: (a) Emma S. Gerhart m. John G. Royer, and had two children : Kate (m. Jeremiah Hartman, and had one child, Edith Hart- man) ; and Liza Jane, (b) Amelia Gerhart m. Adam D. Stump, and had children : Laura. Robert, Lillie, Florence, Harvey and Allen, (c) Elmira Gerhart m. Monroe Zerbe, and had children : Charles ; Laura (m. John Bohn) ; Ed- ward; Lovey; and Cora, (d) Jonathan, (e) Amos Ger- hart died unmarried. (IX) Isaac Gerhart, son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Kalbach), was born Nov. 26, 1808, and died July 12, 1894. He m. Elizabeth Kurr (born July 3, 1813, died May 9, 1898). Their six children were: (1) Emma Gerhart, born May 24, 1836, m. Charles H. Zieber (born Aug. 13, 1840). (2) Ephraim J. Gerhart, born July 1, 1837, m. Mary Brown (born Feb. 11, 1845) and has children: Lizzie m. John Lindenmuth; Emma, born Feb. 24, 1871, m. Wall Piefer; Charles W., born Feb. 19, 1873, and died Aug. 1, 1873; and Paul W., born June 13, 1882. (3) Minnie Gerhart was born Nov. 11, 1839. (4) Erasmus, born June 25, 1843, is mentioned in full below. (5) Meranda Gerhart and (6) Celissia Gerhart died in infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth (Kurr) Gerhart, wife of Isaac, was born July 3, 1813, and died May 9, 1893. She was a daugh- ter of John Kurr (died March 38, 1863, aged eighty-one) and Mary (Rehrer) (died Sept. 9, 1875, aged eighty-one), a granddaughter of Thomas Kurr (who died Nov. 28, 1832, aged seventy-eight years) and of Godfried Rehrer (State Representative m 1819 and 1822, who died Sept. 33, 1823), and great-granddaughter of Thomas Kurr, Sr. (Deacon in 1757 of the AdtoUohoe or German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rehrersburg) and of Godfrey Rehrer (who in 1768' had a tavern in Rehrersburg, where in 1789 was the voting place of the 4th District). (X) Erasmus Gerhart, M. D., born June 35, 1842, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Kurr), died July 27, 1896. He was enrolled Oct. 7, 1858, as a student in Swatara College at Jonestown, and on Nov. 3, 1859, at Freeland Seminary, Perkiomen Bridge, Montgomery county. On Oct 10, 1864, he entered the Medical Department of the University^ of Pennsylvania, and graduated therefrom March 14,' 1867, with the degree of Doctorem in Arte Medica. On Dec. 24, 1875, he m. Agnes Weber (born Feb. 13, 1853), and their children were : Gertrude Charlotte, born July 1, 1877, m. Hunter Henninger, and has two children, Marian and John Hunter; Howard Erasmus, born Jan. 18, 1879, is the subject proper -of this sketch; Ida May, born April 20, 1881, m. Harry E. German, and has one son, Robert German (born Dec. 24, 1906) ; John Isaac, born May 30, 1884; and Sophia Elizabeth and Florence Grace (twins), born Jan. 19, 1893. Mrs. Agnes (Weber) Gerhart was born Feb. 13, 1853, a daughter of John and Sophia (Snyder) Weber. John Wieber was born in 1833, and died in 1900, son of John Adam Weber (born July 13, 1788, died March 12, 1849) and his wife Juliana Bordner (born May 31, 1791, died Sept. 26, 1869), the latter a daughter of Ensign Jacob Bordner (born 1754, died 1837, Capt. Lesher's Company, Col. Patton's Battalion, Berks county militia, 1776) and his wife Anna Maria Brosz (1761-1839). John Adam Weber was a son of Henry Weber. (1758-1799) and Mar- garet (Meyer) Weber, the latter a daughter of Court Mar- tial Man Valentine Meyer, of the 6th Company, 6th Bat- talion, 1777. Henry Weber was a son of John Henry Weber (born May 38, 1737, died April 10, 1815) and his wife Elizabeth Filbert (1741-1813). Mrs. Sophia (Snyder) Weber, mother of Mrs. Agn^s (Weber) Gerhart, was born in 1830, and died in 1896. She was a daughter of Peter Snyder (1803-1860) and his wife Eva Rieth (1806-1871). Peter Snyder was a son of George Snyder, Jr., and his wife Katharine Koebe, and a grand- son of George Snyder, Sr. (the maiden name of whose wife was Rehrer). Eva (Rieth) Snyder was a daugh- ter of J. Adam Rieth (born 1756, died 1815, a fifer in Capt. Furrer's Company, Col. Patton's Battalion) and Juliana Braun (1766-1836) and a granddaughter of Leon- hard Rieth and Elizabeth Lebo, who donated between seven and eight acres of land for church and burial pur- poses, upon which Reed's church was built. (XI) Howard Erasmus Gerhardt attended the district schools of Bethel township, and later he taught school for one term in Brecknock to-(vnship. In the fall of 1897 he enrolled as a student at the Inter-State Commercial- Col- lege, Reading, graduating the following spring. He se- cured a position with C. H. Lichty as stenographer, and 536 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA later was given charge of the Musical Merchandise and Sheet Music department, where he laid the foundation of his successful career. On May 19, 1903, he opened a musi- cal merchandise and sheet music store of his own at No. 757 Penn street, and in March, 1904, owing to the devel- opment of the business he was compelled to procure larger quarters, moving to No. 809 Penn street. At this time he formed a partnership with Bertrand H. Farr, un- der the firm name of Farr & Gerhardt, and they were the sole representatives for the Aeolian line of instru- ments, including the Weber, Steck. Wheelock and Stuy- vesant Pianola pianos, the Metrostyle and Themodist Pianolas, the Orchestrelle, and the Sohmer, Wegman, Estey and Becker Bros, pianos. They carried a complete line of musical merchandise, sheet music, Edison and Victor machines and records, Regina music boxes, etc. Mr. Gerhardt retired from the firm on March 10, 1909, and on Aug. 30, 1909, he opened a complete music store of his own at No. 843 Penn street. He controls several well-known piano and player piano agencies, and car- ries a full line of musical merchandise. Mr. Gerhardt was received into full communion in the Salem Reformed Church, Bethel, by the rite of confirma- tion administered by Rev. Henry Hilbish, and a few yeajrs later he was transferred by certificate to the Second Re- formed Church, Reading. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the followmg fra- ternal organizations : Mt. Penn Council, No. 495, Royal Arcanum; Reading Tent. No. 426, Knights of the Macca- bees; Penn Primary, No. 2, Prudent Patricians of Pompeii; and Progressive Americans, No. 1. He is eligible for mem- bership in the Sons of the American Revolution through five different lines, as follows : Jacob Gerhard, a private in Capt. Ferdinand Ritter's Company. 6th Battalion, Berks county mihtia, in 1780; Capt. Henry Weaver, commissioned captain of the 6th Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county militia. May 17, 1777, Henry Spycker, colonel; Court Mar- tial Man Valentine Meyer, 6th Company, 6th Battalion, May 17, 1777; Ensign Jacob Bortner (or Bordner), Capt. Fisher's Company, Col. Patton's Battalion, Berks county militia, Aug. 27, 1776; and Adam Read (or Rieth), fifer in Capt. Michael Furrer's Company, Col. John Patton's Battalion. Berks county militia, stationed at South Amboy, Sept. 5, 1776. On Nov. 28. 1901, Mr. Gerhardt was married to Re- becca Rosella Seyfert, who was born July 5, 1885, daugh- ter of Charles Robert and Amelia Catharine (Frentzel) Seyfert. To this union have been born two children : Thelma Seyfert, born May 26. 1903 ; and Reginald Robert, born March 7, 1906, who died five days later. Mrs. Rebecca Rosella (Seyfert) Gerhardt is descended through her father from Johann Schwank, Mayor of the City of Fulda, Germany, in 1732, who was born at Neisse, in Schlesien, Germany, and whose son, George Schwank, also became mayor of Fulda. John C. Schwank, great- grandfather of Mrs. Gerhardt, was born in Heinfelt, Ger- many, in 1796, and died March 14, 1864. Fie m. Elizabeth Schall (also a native of Heinfelt), and their daughter, Catharine Schwank, m. Robert Charles Seyfert, Band- master of the Regimental Band in the German array from the Dukedom of Waldeck, at the Siege of Paris, and later Bandmaster at the Castle at Arolson, the capital of the Dukedom of Waldeck. Charles Robert Seyfert, son of Bandmaster Robert Charles and father of Mrs. (jerhardt, was born Oct. 19, 1854, and he m. Amelia Catharine Frent- zel, born Jan. 4. 1860, daughter of Frederick William and Margaret (Snyder) Frentzel. Frederick William Frentzel was born Dec. 24, 1804, at Spielberg, Kreis Hanau, Court Vagtersbag, in Kurhessen, Germany, and died April 18, 1881. Mrs. Margaret (Snyder) Frentzel was born Feb. 14, 1830, daughter of Philip Snyder (born March, 1802, and emigrated from the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany), and his wife Mary Anna Diller, and granddaughter of Adam Snyder and his wife Anna Kline. MATTHAN HARBSTER, former president of the Reading Hardware Company, and a business man who has been prominently identified with some of Reading's most successful enterprises, was born May 18, 1831, in Lehigh county. Pa., son of Henry and Mary (Buchgr) Harbster. The Harbster family originated in Germany and was founded in Pennsylvania by John Harbster, grandfather of Matthan. At an early age he came to Berks county, later resided in Montgomery and still later in Lehigh, where he died. Henry Harbster, son of John, was born in Berks county. His trade was that of blacksmith, but he was also something of a machinist and realized an ample for- tune from the manufacture and sale of cofifee-mills. He married Mary Bucher, and they had seven children, Mat- than being the fourth in the order of birth. The parents both died in 1860. Matthan Harbster had what might be termed meager educational opportunities, as he was but a lad when he began to contribute to his own support, engaging in boat- ing on the Schuylkill and Juniata canals. After several years' experience in this hard life, his brother William took him into his blacksmith shop, at Hamburg, to learn the trade, where he also learned coach-making. When he had completed the necessary apprenticeship, he worked as a journeyman, as was the custom then, until )851, when the three brothers, Matthan, William and John, became associated in business, and in a little shop at the foot of South Sixth street, under the firm name of Harbster Brothers, was founded the immense business which is now known all over the United States as the Reading Hardware Company. All three brothers were practical business men, energetic and industrious, and the business was profitable from the start. Its expansion soon made larger accom- modations necessary, and in 1858 the concern was re-or- ganized, William M. Griscom coming into the partnership and the • firm name becoming then Harbster Brothers & Co., which continued until 1862, when the present name was adopted. Of the original partners only Matthan re- mains, the other two brothers being deceased. The Reading Hardware Company conducts one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in the United States and employs 2,500 men in turning out the various products and attending to the vigorous pushing of the business at different points. The works, which cover an area exceed- ing five acres, comprise substantial brick buildings, three and four stories in height, all especially constructed for the operations carried on in them, and all equipped writh all the modern conveniences known in the business. The buildings include large storage warehouses for the com- pleted articles of manufacture, shops where the artistic finishing is done by expert workmen, a japanning build- ing, lock and general hardware buildings, shops for drill- ing, plating, bronzing and finishing, machine shop, butt and screw factories, and all of these have been completely furnished with the best mechanical appliances, serving to reduce expense while turning out better and better products each year. The Reading Hardware Company has branch stores in such centers as New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Its traveling representatives cover the whole country and are welcomed wherever the excellence of the products of this concern has been tested. The firm makes a specialty of all kinds of builders' hardware, and special hardware furnishings for the most up-to- date buildings. In addition to his important duties in connection with this immense industry, Mr. Harbster for a time was president of the Reading Screw Company, whose works were lo- cated inNorristown; was formerly president of the Mon- tello Brick and Clay Company, and is also president of the Reading Land and Improvement Company. He is on the directing boards of the following institutions: Farm- ers' National Bank, Reading; Reading City Passenger Railroad ; and Reading and Columbia Railroad. In former years he was connected with a number of the city's infant industries and his sound advice and financial backing have done much to make many of them the successful enter- prises they are today. For sixteen years he served as water commissioner of Reading, and for several years was a member of the school board. Mr. Harbster married Aug. 12, 1856, Susan Bingham, who died in 1900. She was survived by four children, BIOGRAPHICAL 537 namely: Ida C, JoHn E., Ellen Kate and Nellie G. Mr. Harbster was married (second) in 1904 to Mrs. Mary Hetrich. • In political sentiment Mr. Harbster is a stanch Repub- lican. He has never accepted office outside of the city, but as a member of the council at various times has demonstrated his public spirit and shown his interest in the welfare of his fellow-citizens. He is a Mason of long standing, and for many years has been a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. L. HOWARD GEHRIS, an enterprising and ener- getic young business man of Reading, Pa., was born in 1877, in Fleetwood, Berks county, son of Nathan Henry and Mary A. (Spang) Gehris, a full sketch of whom will be found elsewhere, Mr. Gehris attended the common schools of his native borough, and on coming to Reading, entered the Car- roll Institute, after leaving which he went to New York City. Here he entered the law office of Alexander Thain, with whom he remained three years, later taking a course at the New York University . Night School. On com- pleting his studies, Mr. Gehris secured a position as trav- eling representative for the New York house of The Purdue, Frederick & Co., having his headquarters at Boston, and covering the Eastern States. Later, he en- gaged with another large New York house, traveling throughout the Middle Atlantic States, after which he en- gaged with the well-known Mellin's Food Co., being, for about three years, that company's New York City representative. At the end of this time Mr. Gehris em- barked in the stove business on Fulton street, New York, continuing there until his return to Reading, when he engaged with A. B. Sausser in the stove and tinning business, at No. 326 North Sixth street, under the firm name of A. B. Sausser & Co., which partnership continued from August 1, 1901, until March 30, 1906. After the lat- ter date Mr. Gehris was in business on his own account until April 15, 1907, when the Gehris-Herbine Company at Nos. 45-47 Reed street was incorporated for the manu- facture of fancy hosiery, of which company Mr. Gehris is secretary and treasurer. He resides at No. 216 North Sixth street, Reading. Mr. Gehris married Edith V. R. Leinbach, daughter of the late Joseph A. Leinbach, senior member of the well-known firm of Leinbach & Bros., clothiers of Read- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Gehris have two daughters, Made- line Louise' and Mary Alice. In politics Mr. Gehris is a member of the Republican party. At the present time, he is representing his ward in the lower branch of coun- cils. His religious faith makes him a member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church. Mr. Gehris' rise in the business world has been very rapid. He is honest and reliable and has the gift of business ability that has made his success assured. He and his wife are greatly es- teemed in their community. EDWIN A. BOYER, chorister and organist of Maxa- tawny Zion's Church, and a popular music teacher as well as a' composer, was born in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown, Pa., Aug. 28, 1871, a son of Abraham and Lucy Ann (Youse) Boyer, grandson of Abraham Boyer and great-grandson of Philip Boyer. (I) Philip Boyer was a native of Germany, and came to America before he was married. Meeting his future wife dn ship board, a pretty romance followed and the young couple were married in Philadelphia, but later re- moved to Rockland, where they settled. He is buried at Mertz in the same township. The four children born to himself and wife were : Jacob moved to Union coun- ty. Pa.; Abraham; William lived in Rockland township; Lydia m. Jacob Wanner of Richmond. (II) Abraham Boyer, Sr., was born in Rockland town- ship, in 1791, and died in 1849. aged fifty-eight years, and is buried at Mertz church. By trade he was a weaver and butcher,_ following both callings according to the season, and in addition he owned a fine farm in Rock- land township. He married Mary Welder, a daughter of Philip Welder, and she died at the age of eighty-five — many years after her husband. Their children were : Solomon died unmarried ; Hettie, deceased, m. Daniel Heist of Rockland; Sarah m. Benjamin Ruppert; Cather- ine m. Daniel Heist; Betsy died young; Benneville; David; Daniel; and Abraham. (III) Abraham Boyer, Jr., was born in Maxatawny township Jan. 15, 1837, and for many years was a farm- er of Maxatawny township, but during eight years he lived near Breinigsville ; at Monterey for fourteen years, and in 1897 he retired to Schofers where he now lives, acting as janitor for the Maxatawny Zion's Church. On June 28, 1857, he married Lucy Ann Youse, daughter of John and Barbara (Noll) Youse, and the following children were born to them: Charles, of Tatamy, Pa.; Louisa m. Henry Ebert, of Monterey; Solomon is of Lehighton, Pa. ; Jeremiah is of Lyons, Pa. ; Prof. Edwin A. ; Alice m. Jeremiah B. Trexler, of Breinigsville; Amanda died young. (IV) Edwin A. Boyer worked upon the farm for about fifteen years, and attended the local schools, but when only eighteen he began to cultivate his musical talents, under the instruction of Prof. C. A. Marks of Allen- town. He is a musician of marked ability, and plays all instruments equally well, although he makes a specialty of the piano, pipe organ and violin. A number of years ago he began to give instruction in music, and since 1902 he has devoted all of his attention to his beloved profession, now having a large class, numbering about forty-five, gathered from Upper Berks and Western Lehigh counties. He is the organist of the Maxatawny Zion's church, and the Mertztown Union church, having been elected to these positions in 1900, and prior to that, from 1894 to 1900, he held a similar position with the Seiber- lingville Union church. Since 1894 Prof. Boyer has sung at 294 funerals, his services being in great demand upon such occasions, as well as those of a less serious char- acter. He leads the singing at both the churches be- fore mentioned, alternating Sundays, and the choirs in both are excellent owing to his skill as an instructor. Altogether he has played at 1,325 services. He is a com- poser of both instrumental and vocal music, among his compositions being the Boyer's Reunion March, in 1908, which was played by Unger's Band, of Reading, at Black Bear Park. Fraternally Mr. Boyer is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., Pioneer Council No. 380, New Smithville. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran con- gregation of Maxatawny Zion's Church. On April 25, 1895, Mr. Boyer married Lizzie A. Smith, daughteir of George L. Smith, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere. GEORGE SOLOMON SCHLEGEL, D. D.~ S. Among the prominent young professional men of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned George Solomon Schlegel, a success- ful dental practitioner of that city. Solomon Schlegel, his paternal grandfather, was a resident of Fleetwood, Pa., while his maternal grandfather, Simon Kline, was the pioneer brick manufacturer of Reading. Edmund Schlegel, father of George S., was a farmer, now living in Reading. He married Mary M. Kline, and their only child was George Solomon. George S. Schlegel was born in Cumru township, Berks county, April 9, 1879, and was educated in the public schools, graduating from high school in 1897. He then at- tended the dental department of the University of Penn- sylvania, and in 1900 graduated a doctor of dental sur- gery. He came at once to Reading, locating at No. 147 North Eighth street, where he has since enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Schlegel belongs to Delta Sigma Delta fraternity of the United States, and to the Auxiliary Chapter, Philadelphia; to the Reading Dental Society and the Lebanon Valley Dental Association and the Pennsylvania State Dental Sdciety. He is a life mem- ber of the Alumni Association of the University of Penn- sylvania. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. He be- longs to Trinity Lutheran Church, and is a teacher in its Sunday-school. • Dr. Schlegel was married, Oct. 29, 1903, to Miss Emma Brurabach Strohecker, daughter of Augustus J, Stro- 538 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA hecker, a member of the board of park commissioners of Reading. Mrs. Schlegel is a graduate of the Reading high school, graduating therefrom in the same class as did her husband. JOHN RICK, one of Reading's enterprising young business men, who is a member of the firm of C. K. Whitner & Co., was born in 1880, in the city in which he now resides, son of John and Emma (Ammon) Rick. Herman Rick, great-great-grandfather of John, came to this country with his parents in 1712, being then about twelve years of age. He received his education in the pay schools of Bern township, after leaving which he en- gaged in farming, an occupation which he carried on throughout life. John George Rick, son of Herman, was also a farmer, and he became a large land owner and influential citizen of Bern township, where all his life was spent. He and his wife, Catherine Weiser, were members of the Re- formed Church, and in political matters he was a stanch Whig. Charles Rick, the grandfather of John, received his education in the early schools of his native township, .af- ter leaving which he engaged in a general store at Cen- treport and Peacock's Locks, but in 1841 came to Read- ing where the rest of his life was spent in retirement. He died in the faith of the German Reformed Church in 1878, as did his wife in 1880. Their children were : Cyrus, for many years cashier of the Farmers Bank and a mem- ber of the firm of Rick Brothers, m. Emma Madeira; John; Charles, a retired citizen of Reading and veteran of the Civil war, was also a member of the firm, and m. Emma Pauli ; Mary m. Franklin Dundore, of Philadelphia, and had three children, — Charles, Frank and Ella; James, formerly a member of Rick Brothers and now proprietor of the Rick Knitting Mills, Reading, m. (first) Ellen Trate, and (second) Julia O'Hara, and had five children, James, Edward, Albert, Harrison and JuHa, all by the second marriage ; and Ellen m. William A. Arnold, and had six children, William, John, Franklin, Anna, Ellen and Mary. John Rick, father of John, was for many years a mem- ber of the well-known firm of Rick Brothers, which was established in 1867, and discontinued in 1905. He died in 1900, aged sixty-two years, Mr. Rick married Emma Ammon, and four children were born to them : George, John, Paul and Margaret (deceased). John Rick was educated in the schools of Reading and later attended a school at Lawrenceville, N. J., after which he took a course at Stoner's Business College, Reading. He served his time at the machinist's trade in the Philadel- phia & Reading railroad shops, and in 1905 entered the employ of C. K. Whitner & Co., as clerk, teing made a partner in January, 1907. In March, 1905, Mr. Rick mar- ried Miss Carrie Whitner, daughter of C. K. Whitner, and two children have been born to this union : Mary Elizabeth and Horace Whitner. Mr. Rick is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 115, B. P. O. E., and the Berk- shire Club. His religious connection is with St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. FRANK I. RAUCH, who holds the responsible posi- tion of assistant superintendent of the Reading Eagle Publishing Company, was born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, Sept. 1, 1854, son of William and Matilda (Ulrich) Rauch. When he was about five years old the family moved to Stouchsburg, Marion township, this coun- ty. His earlier education was acquired in the public schools of that township and later he was sent for some time to the Stouchsburg Academy. On starting to make his own way in the world he began with farm work, spending fotir years in that occupation; he then secured employment in a store in North Heidelberg, where he clerked for one year and following that was similarly en- gaged at Stouchsburg, for a year and a half. In 1874 he re- moved to Reading and became associated with the Reading Eagle Publishing Company, 'in the capacity of subscription clerk. Since then he has steadily risen, becoming, several years after he entered as clerk, bookkeeper for the concern and for the last ten years having held the position of assist- ant superintendent. Mr. Rauch possesses admirable qualifi- cations for his work and well deserves the confidence which the company reposes in him. On Dec. 37, 1881, Mr. Rauch was united in marriage to Miss Martha Houder, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Houder, of Reading, both of whom are deceased. Daniel Houder was for years in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. Mr. Rauch belongs to St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church, and was secretary of the consistory for three years. Fraternally he has been quite active and belongs to the Masons, the Elks and the Press Club of Reading. In the former order he is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, is a past master, and for eleven years served as secretary. He is also a past offi- cer in the Elks. GEORGE W. BIEHL, senior partner of Biehl's Carriage & Wagon Works at Reading, and actively identified with the business for thirty years, was born in AUentown, Feb. 5, 1854. He received his education in the common schools of Reading. At the age of thirteen years he en- tered the employ of Conrad Krebs as a helper to his father (who was employed there as a coach trimmer), Mr. Krebs having been then the leading carriage manufacturer in Reading. He mastered the trimming trade and started in business on his own account in 1877, locating his shop on Cherry street below Sixth, where he remained until 1880. He then moved his establishment to his present factory on Pearl street, between Cherry and Franklin, with show room at No. 31 South Fifth street. Every department is equipped with modern machinery, and expert mechanics are kept busy in turning out special products, which comprise light carriages, transfer and express wagons, ambulances, em- balmers' wagons, hearses, speed-sleighs, etc. Anything in the carriage manufacturer's line can be furnished by this large and well-known establishment; all kinds of har- ness can also be procured there. In 1903, Mr. Biehl admitted as a partner, Wilson H. Eisenbrown, then proprietor of the Eagle Wagon Works, and the two plants were consolidated ; and in 1904, on account of the large increase in business, Thomas De- Moss was admitted as a second partner, the firm name becoming Biehl's Carriage & Wagon Works ; and since then this enterprising firm has been very successful. In 1907 they incorporated the Berks Auto Garage Company for selling, repairing and storing automobiles. In 1871 Mr. Biehl married Emma Morgan, daughter of Thomas Morgan of Reading, and they have five children: George M. (married Julia Pougel), Bessie (widow of Charles F. Worrell, residing at Wayne, Pa.), Alvin J. (married Sophia Skinner), Herbert T. and Earl. Mr. Biehl is a member of St. John's Lodge No. 135, F. & A. M., of Reading, of the Scottish Rite, 32d degree, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Reading. George Biehl, the paternal grandfather of Mr. Biehl, was brought up and educated in the schools of Kutztown, and while a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for many years. He died at Kutz- town in 1861, aged forty-eight years. He married J\Iary Bobst and she survived him two years, dying in 1863, aged forty-eight years. They had the following children: William, John A., Henry. Jane (m. Thomas Hemmig) and Enieline (m. Henry Essen). In religious belief they were Lutherans. John A. Biehl. the father of Mr. Biehl, was born in the vicinity of Kutztown, Nov. 17, 1831, and his educa- tion was secured in the advanced schools of that town. His first work was as helper in his father's blacksmith shop, and after working thus for a short period he appren- ticed himself to the carriage trimmer's trade at AUen- town, Pa., which he learned thoroughly in all its branch- es. He then worked as a journeyman in AUentown, Hamburg, Reading and other cities, and was con- sidered a superior workman. He continued working at his trade until in 1902, when he retired, making his home with his son until his decease in 1908. In 1853 he mar- BIOGRAPHICAL 539 ried Matilda Wetherhold, daughter of George Wetherhold, of AUentown, and they had one son, George W., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Biehl died in 1905, when in her seventy-fifth year. GEORGE B. ALBRIGHT, proprietor of the Market House Saloon, and superintendent of the South Read- ing Market, and who is well known in business circles of the city, was born in Bern township, Berks county, son of Amos Albright. Amos Albright was also a native of Bern township, and a blacksmith by trade. He married Tamson Smith, daughter of Thomas P. Smith, and to this union were born children as follows : Mary m. Isaac S. Leining ; Alfred S.; Ellen R. m. Monroe Bender; Lucinda m. Reuben Leinbach; and Helen m. Pierson Hetrick. Amos Albright died in 1901, aged seventy-five years, in the faith of the Reformed Church, which his wife, who survives him, attends. In politics Mr. Albright was a Demo- crat. George B. Albright was educated in the common ■ schools of Bern township, and followed farmmg until the age of nineteen years, when he learned butchering and engaged in that business on Sixth street, Reading, for ten years. In 1875, in company with his father-in-law, Abraham S. 'Kissinger, Mr. Albright started a coal yard at the corner of Sixth and Bingaman streets, and this was carried on until 1885, with great success. Mr. Al- bright came to his present stand in 1895 as superintendent of the South Reading market house, which had been built by a company, organized as the South > Reading Market House Company, in 1870. Since Mr. Albright has taken charge many substantial improvements have been made, including a cement floor • throughout the building, and a stable, containing 282 stalls to accom- modate an equal number of horses. Mr. Albright became manager of the saloon in 1895, and this he has conduct- ed with much success, it being very popular with out-of- town people. In 1874 Mr. Albright married Mary A. Kissinger, daugh- ter of A. S. Kissinger, now deceased, and six children were born to this union, three of whom survive : William A., Howard and L. Annie. The other three children died in in- fancy. Not only in business circles has Mr. Albright been prominently connected, but in politics as well, being a stanch Democrat and at one time school controller of the First ward. He has attended both county and State con- ventions, and is regarded as a strong party man in this sec- tion. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. E., and Teutonia Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M., and the Liberty Fire Company. GEORGE M. GRAEFF, general manager of Kline & Eppihimer's department store of Reading, was born in this city Jan. 30, 1840, son of John and grandson of Jacob Graeff. Jacob Graeff was born in Maiden-creek township, Berks county. He married a Miss Schaeffer and they had three sons: William, of Reading; Frederick and John. John Graeff, son of Jacob, was born at Reading in 1804,' and died in that city in November, 1876. By trade he was a wool hat maker, and followed his calling many years. In religious faith he was a member of the Reformed church, and he is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. His wife was Catherine Stable, daughter of Major Will- iam Stable, a prominent citizen of Reading, who from 1838 to 1849 served Berks county as coroner. Among other things he wrote a business history of Berks county that is regarded as one of the best records of the earlier records of the county in existence. Mr. and Mrs. John Graeff had these children: Sarah; Joseph; Mary; Susan; Marks ; George M. ; Catherine, m. to Henry J. Reiff, of Reading; Rebecca and Rosa, all deceased except George M. and Catherine. George M. Graeff was educated in the public schools of Reading, and was one, of the first pupils to attend the Read- ing high school, but'he left before completing his course to earn his living. He became a bundle boy, now called cash boy, with Hain & Gernant, who conducted a store in the Odd Fellows hall on Penn street, now called Library hall, and was still in the employ of this firm when they retired from business. He was then employed with Asa M. Hart, a dry goods merchant on Penn square, but after several years his employer died. In 1870 he connected himself with the concern of which he is now general mana- ger, as bookkeeper, and was gradually promoted until in 1885 he became general manager which responsible po- sition he still holds. Mr. Graeff was a member of the old Salome Lodge of Odd Fellows until it was suspended. He is a member of the Order of Red Men ; of Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R., and takes a deep interest in Post work, he having served as a private in Company H, 11th Pa. V. I. Mr. Graeff and his family are members of St. James Lutheran church, and since 1895 Mr. Graeff has been a member of the vestry. For many years he has sung in the choir, and he takes a deep and active interest in church affairs. In 1863 Mr. Graeff was married to Hannah Morris, daughter of Israel Morris of Reading. They have two children: Charles C, of Reading, m. Susan Bechtel, and has two children — George and Leonore ; Edna m. George A. Snyder, of Pine Grove, now of Reading, and has two children — Donald and Josephine. JOHN NEWTON BOWEIR, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Birdsboro, was born on the Bower homestead along the Monocacy creek in Amity township, Berks county, adjoining the Perkiomen turn- pike, Feb. 7, 1856. He attended the township schools and the Oley Academy. In 1875 he passed a creditable examination given by the county superintendent of schools, and received from him a certificate authoriz- ing him to teach, but he did not follow the profession. Shortly afterward he entered the employ of the E. & G. Brooke Iron Company, at Birdsboro, Pa., as a nailer, and he continued there until 1891. The direc- tors of the First National Bank of Birdsboro then selected him as their bookkeeper, anu he filled this position until March, 1905, when he was promoted to assistant cashier. He is identified with the Birdsboro Building & Loan Association, and also with the pub- lic school affairs of the borough as a director. Daniel Bower, his fatber, was a farmer on the home- stead in Amity township, for upward of fifty years, having been previously employed as a forgeman at the Gibraltar forge. Besides carrying on farming, he was actively engaged in conducting a sawmill, on the prem- ises, which was run by water power, supplied by the Monocacy creek. He died in 1894, aged eighty-seven years. He married Elizabeth Matilda Lewis (daugh- ter of Archibald and Catharine (Coulter) Lewis, of Robeson township), who was of Welsh ancestry and the descendant of a well known Quaker family. She died in 1868, aged fifty-seven years. They are both buried in the St. John's Church Yard, Robeson town- ship. They had seven children: Catharine (1833-1889) m. John W. Hartranft; Jacob L. (1834), who lives on the homestead, m. Sarah Babb; Justina (1837) is living at Birdsboro; Samuel L. (1842-1908) m. Amanda Ludwig, and they moved to Wilmington, Del., about 1880, where he died; Susan M. (1845) m. William R. Potts, a farmer of Amity township, who died in 1888, and after his decease, she moved to Birdsboro, where she now resides; Lewis A. (1848) ra. Justina Johnson, and resides in Wilmington, Del., and John Newton. The parents were thrifty and industrious, were widely known and universally esteemed for their sterling qualities of heart and mind. Jacob Bower, or Bauer, as the name was then spelled, the grandfather, was a farmer _ of Amity township, having inherited his farm of ninety acres from his grandfather, Moses Bower._ He died in 1867, aged eighty-six years. He married Susanna Happel, who died. Dec. 28, 1854. They had ten children: Daniel, m. to Elizabeth M'atilda Lewis; John, m. to Anna Bush; Jacob H., m. to Matilda Bush; William, m. to Catharine 540 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Boyer; Elizabeth, m. to William Uf'degrove; Hannah, old, operated by water power supplied by the Monocacy m. to Jacob Moyer; Mary Ann, m. to Benjamin creek and is widely known as Bower's sawmill. The Rhoads; Catharine, m. to David Scheetz; Susanna; original structure stands today, and the mill is still in and Samuel, who died young. use. Many Indian relics have been found on the farm, Moses Bower, the great-grandfather, when a child bearing mute testimony that prior to the coming of the emigrated from Germany with his parents. He was white pioneer, this must have been a favored locality twice married, and was the father of nine children, for the Red Man. as follows: Jacob, Elizabeth, Moses, George, Daniel, The great-great-great-grandfather of Dr. Bower, Samuel, David, John and Michael. Moses Bauer, or Bower as the name is now spelled, Moses Bower, the great-great-grandfather, and his and his wife Catharine and four children — Michael, wife Catharine and four children, Michael, John, Moses John, Moses and Labright — were the first of this fam- and Labright, were the first settlers of this family in ily to come to America, and came from Germany, America. They arrived in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1753. landing in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1753. Moses Bower In 1773, he purchased 137i acres of land in Amity died in 1805, and was survived by his wife, one son township, a large part of which constitutes the present Michael and twenty-nine grandchildren. He was in- Bower homestead. He died in 1805, and was survived terred in the old graveyard at Amityville. by his widow, one son Michael and twenty-nine grand- The great-great-grandfather, Moses, was the third son children. He provided amply for his widow, and to of his father Moses. He was twice married, and was his son Michael and grandson Jacob, the grandfather the father of nine children: Jacob. Elizabeth, Moses, of the subject of this sketch, he bequeathed his farm George, Daniel, Samuel. David, ,John and Michael, to be divided in equal portions subject to certain cash Jacob Bower, the great-grandfather, was born Oct. payments on the part of said son Michael and grand- 16, 1781, and was the eldest child of Mioses and Bar- son Jacob, to his grandchildren. He was buried at bara (Frederick) Bower. He was married to Susanna Amityville in the old burying ground connected with Happel who died Dec. 28, 1854. They had ten chil- the Lutheran and Reformed Church. dren: Daniel. John. Jacob H.. William, Elizabeth (m. William Updegrove), Hannah (m. Jacob Moyer), JOHN LINCOLN BOWER, M. D., was born in Mary Ann (m. Benjamin Rhoads), Catharine (m. Da- Amity township, Berks county, on the Bower home- vid Scheetz), and Susanna and Samuel died in early stead, July 13, 1865. The Bower homestead is nart life. of a five hundred-acre tract of land purchased by Otto Daniel Bower, his grandfather, was born Oct. 17, Earnest Koch from the commissioners of William 1807, in Amity township, and died March 30, 1894. Penn, by patent bearing the date of June IL 1705. He married Elizabeth Matilda Lewis, of Robeson town- This property was given and granted by said Otto ship, who died Jan. 13, 1868, aged fifty-seven years. Earnest Koch to his son Zacharias (who signed his name They are buried in St. John's Church Yard, in Robe- Zacharias Cock) by a grant dated the "Thirteenth day of son township. There were seven children born to Aprill in the Fourth year of the Reign of our Sovorain them as follows: Catharine, deceased, m. to John Lord King George, Anno Dom. 1718" and remained W. Hartranft; Jacob L. ; Samuel L., deceased; Justina. in his possession until March 10, 1723, when it was living in Birdsboro; Lewis A., of Wilmine-ton, Del.; acquired by John Waren, who dying without issue, Susan M.. widow of William R. Potts, Birdsboro. April 24, 1734, bequeathed 150 acres of said property Pa.; and John N., Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, to his brother Jacob Waren. On March 10, 1764, 113 Jacob L. Bower, father of Dr. Bower, was born acres of this tract of land were sold by Jacob Waren Nov. 23, 1834, in Robeson township. He resides on and his wife Ann to their son Thomas (who signed the old homestead. Mr. Bower for many years con- his name Warren). Thomas Waren or Warren was ducted the farm and sawmill with unusual success, but possessed of additional property, for the records show for some years he has lived retired. Some years ago, that April 13, 1772, he and his wife Eva sold 137j acres Mr. Bower served his township as school director, of land to Moses Bauer (since Anglicized to Bower) He is a solid, substantial and progressive man, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Dr. Bower, for a has always endeavored to live up to his high ideals consideration of £480 7s. 6d. of good citizenship. On November 4, 1860. he married Moses Bower was not the first of his family to Sarah Babb, daughter of the late John and Mary hold property in this section, for on June 37. 1763, Ja- (DeHart) Babb, of Alsace township. They had these cob Waren sold to Michael Bower, eldest son of children, and all survive: Dr. Elmer E., a dentist of Moses Bower, thirty acres of land, but May 7, 1767, Camden. N. J.; Emma; Dr. John L. and Miary S. this was purchased by Eleanor Lotz. Moses Bower Dr. Bower attended the public schools of his dis- died in 1805, and in a will dated March 14th, of the trict and this was supplemented by several terms at same year, he bequeathed his "plantation" in equal the Amityville Seminary, following which he taught his shares to his only surviving son Michael and his grand- home school. Leopard No. 4. for one term. He was son Jacob, son of Moses Bower, and great-grand- graduated from the Jefiferson Medical College in 1888 father of Dr. Bower— Michael to have the lower half and became a resident physician at the Philadelphia and the grandson Jacob to have the remaining portion Hospital, and remained there for a little more than fif- of the "plantation." By reason of these bequests cer- teen months. After this he entered the service of tain cash payments were required to be made by said the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. and is one of its oldest Michael and Jacob to the widow and grandchildren medical examiners, having been located in Reading of Moses Bower. since Oct. 15, 1892. Upon the death of Michael Bower in 1823 the prop- Dr. Bower is a member of the Berkshire Country .^.[.*?f,R^T!lll *° ,'IJ°".J.^f°:^Z!^°„.'!!llTlJPu°^^ Club, ,tlie .Wyomissing_ Club, the Union League of ociety. ledical y. the I,' The aer of •, \t , ,„ „.,„ L — -^ .-.-...-- ^-..--.—„.. v^iuu, tne vvyomissing i_iuD, tne Union League ui until March 13 1839, when it was purchased by Daniel Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania German Society, idfather^ of Dr.^ ^o^^^L] u".!..*?'^ .f"'°'''r Professionally he js a member of the Reading Medical the The owner and the father of the subject of this biograph- the Medical Staff of the Reading Hospital, ical sketch. The farm now consists of 104 acres, com- ° '■^ posed largely of the portion bequeathed by Moses GOETZ. Among the leading business enterprises of Bower to his son Michael, and lies nn both sides of Reading, Pa., is that of Ferdinand Goetz Sons Company, what was formerly known as the Reading and Perki- with main offices at No. 26 Spruce street. New York City! omen Pike, the main highway from Reading to Phila- The business now conducted by tlijs firm was first es- delphia, and is intersected by the Monocacy creek. A tablished in Reading in 1869, by Winters & Blotz Mr landmark of the place is a sawmill more than a century Ferdinand Goetz. who was admitted to the firm upon Mr BIOGRAPHICAL 541 Blotz's retirement, was born in Germany in 1850, and emigrated to America in 1868, first settling in Maryland, and finding employment as a farm laborer. In 1870 he came to Reading, here finding employment as a laborer in the building trade. He then secured a position as re- porter on the German Daily Post, owned and published by Mr. William Rosenthal, but finally he became ac- quainted with the firm of Winters & Blotz. Upon Mr. Blotz's retirement, Mr. Winters offered Mr. Goetz an equal interest in the business, which the latter subse- quently accepted. From the start the business prospered, and from a poor farm laborer Ferdinand Goetz became one of Reading's best-known business men. At the time he joined the firm they were operating their tannery at the foot of Jefferson street, but in 1882 it was removed to its present quarters, formerly occupied by the Fink Planing Mill Company. Here the business was conduct- ed under the style of Winters & Goetz until 1904, when Mr. Gpetz died, the business being reorganized into a stock company under the style of The Ferdinand Goetz Sons Company, with the following, officers; Fred W. Goetz, president; W. C. Billman, secretary and treasurer; and Karl Goetz, George Rumer and Charles E. Miller, as members of the corporation. This company manufac- tures the white and fancy colored alum tanned lamb, sheep, calf skins and hides for suspender, shoe and belt work, and white and fancy colored slipper calf as special- ties, their straight line bearing a world-wide reputation. Each member of the firm is an expert in the business, and takes an active part in conducting one of the several departments. Fred W. Goetz, president of the firm, was born in the city of Reading, in 1877, received his education in the common schools and also took a course in a busi- ness college in Brooklyn, N. Y. While still a boy he worked in the tannery of his father, learning all the details of the business. He married in 1899 Miss Elizabeth B. Potteiger, of Stouchsburg, Pa., and to this union have been born two daughters, Ruth and Grace. The family are Lutherans in their religious belief. LEVI S. STAMM, a resident of West Reading, has been engaged at the carpenter's trade since 1867, and is one of the thrifty, intelligent citizens of the borough. He has been a lifelong resident of Berks county, having been born Aug. 21, 1848, in Penn township, where his ancestors have lived for over a century. The name Stamm or Stam is found frequently among the lists of emigrants to America. On the passenger list of the "Hope," Daniel Reed, master, from Rotterdam, qualified Sept. 23, 1734, is the name of Peter Stam, aged twenty; on the "Samuel," Hugh Percy, captain, from Rotterdam, qualified Dec. 3, 1740, that of Adam Stam, aged twenty-five; on the "Francis and Elizabeth," George North, master, from- Rotterdam, qualified Sept. 21, 1742, those of Johann Adam Stam and Werner Stam; on the "Snow Charlotte," John Mason, master, from Rotterdam, Sept. 5, 1743, Johann Jacob Stam ; on the "Phoenix," Wil- liam Wilson, commander, from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, 1743, Johannes Stamm; and on the "Union," Andrew Bryson, captain, from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, 1774, Adam Stam. The Stamm family is one of the oldest in Berks county. (I) Werner (or Peter*) and Johann Adam Stam (or Stamm), brothers, were natives of Switzerland, and emi- grated to the New World on the ship "Francis and Eliza- beth," George North, commander, from Rotterdam. It qualified at Philadelphia Sept. 21, 1742, and of the 141 male emigrants who had taken passage many settled in Berks county, their descendants being still found in goodly numbers in the districts where they located. Where Johann Adam Stam settled, or what became of him, * The name Peter is said to have been "Werner Stam. There is a "Werner Stam buried at the Bern Church. The Pennsylvania Archives record the name as Peter, but this is reputed to be an error, the tax-iists, church records, etc., all bearing: evidence to the contrary. However, it is reasonable to suppose that Werner Stamm was under age when the two mentioned in the Archives arrived, and that for that reason his name does not appear. The date of their landing agrees with the date tradition and old members of the family have of Werner's coming to America. we do not know. The other brother, Werner, was the ancestor of the Stamms of Berks county. He was born Nov. 13, 1736, in Bern, Switzerland, and died May 16, 1795. He settled in what is now Bern township, in 1763, obtaining a large tract of land in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant, in this county, where he lived and died. He and his wife are buried at the old Bern Church. He married May, 26, 1748, Catharine, born in 1728, died Nov. 4, 1812. Among his children were two sons named Nicholas and Frederick, the latter the next in the line of descent we are tracing. (II) Frederick Stamm, son of Werner, the emigrant ancestor, had the following children: John; Frederick; Jacob; Catharine married Abraham Good; Mary m. Dr. Schwartz; Maria Magdalena m. Peter Bright (1793-1877). (HI) John Stamm, son of Frederick, had these children: Benjamin; John; Levi; Henry; William; Lydia m. George Staudt; Maria m. Jonathan Eberling; Catharine m. John Billman; Julian m. Joseph Greth; Cassia m. Bohn; Eliza died unmarried. (III) Frederick Stamm, son of Frederick, and grand- father of Levi S., was born June 20, 1790, in Penn town- ship, and died Oct. 3, 1860. He married Susanna Gerhart, born Dec. 22, 1792, died Sept. 8, 1876, and he and his wife are both interred at the Bern Church. Their children were: Emanuel; Isaac; William; Adam; Jacob; Elias; Levi; Serena m. Nathan Billman; Catharine m. Adam Moyer; Harriet m. William Hetrich; Mary m. Jonathan Spangler. Frederick Stamm, the father of this family, was a farmer by occupation. He was a prominent man in his day, serving as county commissioner from 1822 to 1825. (III) Jacob Stamm, son of Frederick, lived at Orwigs- burg, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and his family consisted of tiyo children, Israel and Mary. The latter married a Walborn, of Millersburg, Pa., 'and later they lived at Orwigsburg. (IV) William Stamm, son of Frederick and father of Levi S., was born in Penn township Oct. 23, 1815, his birthplace being near Stamm's Hotel, which is now known as the Pleasant Valley Hotel. In early manhood he learned shoemaking, but he did not follow the trade for long, farming- being the principal business of his life. For a period of sixteen years he was engaged in farming in Jefferson township, this county, whence he moved to Penn township, continuing to carry on agricultural pursuits there until his retirement, in the year 1885.- He now re- sides with his daughter, Mrs. Fietta Shade. Though over ninety-three years old he enjoys comparatively good health, and he is a man of genial disposition and pleasant man- ners, highly honored and universally liked in his commu- nity. His upright life has won him the good-will and respect of the many who have known him, and he is accorded the utmost consideration wherever he goes — not only the veneration due to his 'years but the recognition of a life well spent. Mr. Stamm m. Magdalena Schneider, daughter of Wil- liam Schneider, whose wife was a Rothenberger. To them were born children as follows : Cassia m. Daniel F. Kline, of Strausstown, Pa., and lives in Upper Tulpehocken town- ship; William was a member of Company G, 151st P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; Adam S., a miller, is living in Penn township, near Mt. Pleasant; Al- bert was a miller at Centreport, this county, throughout his active years, retired in 1906, and now makes his home at Shoemakersville; John is a farmer of Jefferson township; Levi S. is a resident of West Reading; Fietta m. Jacob Shade and resides in Penn township; Franklin, now living retired at Bernville, was a farmer all his active life; Re- becca m. William Lengel and resides in Penn township; Allison A., M. D., is engaged in the practice of medicine at Mohnton, Pa.; James, a farmer of Penn township, m. Clara Wenrich. The mother of this family died Sept. 12, 1885, at the age of sixty-six years, and her remains rest in the Bernville cemetery. William Stamm has always been active in the religious life of his community and a' zealous worker for churches 543 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and church enterprises. He is a member of the Reformed denomination, has filled the offices of deacon and elder in his church, and had the honor of taking out the first spadeful of earth removed when the construction of the St. Thomas Union church was commenced, in 1904. In political opinion he is a Democrat, and he took a public- spirited interest in the administration of local affairs, serv- ing as supervisor and school director of Penn township. During his early manhood he belonged to the State militia. (V) Levi S. Stamm attended the schools of Jefferson township during his boyhood and youth, meantime assist- ing with the farm work at home until ready to commence carpentering. He learned his trade in Tulpehocken town- ship. During the years 1885 and 1886 Mr. Stamm was in Carbon county. Pa., and thence removed to Columbia county, this State, where he lived for about eight years. In 1896 he returned to Berks county, remaining in Read- ing until his removal to West Reading in 1899. Mr. Stamm has found steady employment at his trade in his present location, being in the employ of a contractor, and bears a reputation for skill and reliability which brings him all the work he can attend to. His character is above re- proach, and he receives the respect which he deserves. In 1870 Mr. Stamm m. Matilda R. Blatt, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Reigle) Blatt, and to this union have been born the following named children : Robert died in infancy; Rev. James C. is pastor of St. Paul's Reformed Church at Pottstown, Pa. ; Maggie and Clara died in in- fancy; Ida has been teaching in West Berwick, Columbia Co., Pa., since 1904; T. Wilhelm is at present a student at Ursinus College; Laura M. has taught school in West Reading since 1902; Gertrude died young; Charles L. is a pupil at the West Reading high school. The family are all identified with the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Stamm was formerly quite active, having served as deacon during his residence in Bernville. tie is a Democrat on political questions. (VI) Rev. James Calvin Stamm, son of Levi S. Stamm. was born in Bernville in 1876, and was nine years old when the family removed to Birdsboro. Later they moved to Bloomsburg, where he was confirmed in Trinity Re-' formed Church and graduated from high school with cred- itable standing. When the family moved to Reading he learned the locksmith's trade at the Penn Hardware Works. But it was his ambition to secure a higher edu- cation and engage in professional work, and he accordingly entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, \''here he was given a teacher's certificate at the end of a year's study. He immediately obtained the position of in- structor at the Butler Orphans' Home, near Pittsburg, where he was principal of the school-room for one year, resigning to become a traveling salesman, in which line he was also successful. He covered the entire South, selling stereoscopes and similar goods, but after almost a year at that work he decided to take up chemistry. However, he changed his mind before he had taken any serious steps in that direction, determining that he would devote his life to the ministry. Entering the Ursinus School of Theology, at Philadelphia, he took the three years' course graduating May 3, 1906. The same year he was made a licentiate by the Reading Reformed Classis. Meantime he had gained experience in the practical duties of a mini- ster of the gospel by serving St. Paul's Church, at Potts- town, as supply, and upon his graduation he was called to become the regular pastor of that congregation. He ac- cepted, vi-as ordained and installed May 27, 1906, and has since been in charge of that pastorate. He gave early evi- dence that he possessed the requisites of a forceful preach- er, and his energy has found many useful outlets in the field in which he is located. Rev. Mr. Stamm m. in the fall of 1906 Miss Pauline Herbrecht, of Doylestown, Pa., formerly of Philadelphia. (V) Adam S. Stamm, son of William, was born May 22, 1841, in Penn township, and since he was twenty-one years old has conducted the old Stamm mill in Penn town- ship. He has followed farming and milling all his life, and has been very successful in material matters, being a man of thrift and intelligence, energetic and honorable. His business has naturally brought him into contact with most of the residents of his section, and he is held in high esteem by all who know him, being regarded as a straight- forward business man and an excellent citizen. Like the members of the Stamm family generally he belongs tothe Reformed denomination, being a member of Christ's Little Tulpehocken Church. Mr. Stamm m. Anna E. Kalbach, who was born Feb. 17, 1841, daughter of Joseph and Anna Elizabeth (Stump) Kalbach, and this marriage has been blessed with nine children: Morris K., Francis and Martha (twins), Isabella R., Ella K. and a son that died in infancy, Edwm A., William J., and Maggie K. (VI) William J. Stamm, son of Adam S., was born July 5, 1873, in Jefferson township. He received his edu- cation at the schools of Penn and Upper Tulpehocken townships, attending until he was fourteen years old, since which time he has been engaged at the carpenter's trade, with the exception of three years he worked for his father. He served his apprenticeship with John Meyer, of Bern- ville, in whose employ he remained for a year and a half as apprentice, until he went to Reading. There he was employed by George F. Foos, contractor and builder, and in 1901 he removed to the borough of West Reading, where he has since lived and labored. For three years Mr. Stamm worked for his father at milling. During his residence in West Reading he has built up a large local patronage in his line, particularly in the execution of fine cabinet work, in which he is especially skillful. There are few mechanics as proficient as Mr. Stamm. He de- lights in intricate and difficult work, the kind that requires artistic ability and patience as well as expert workmanship, and several specimens of his art are worthy of mention. In 1904 he finished a chest 17 by 8i inches, and 10| inches deep, which contains 2,384 pieces of wood of seven differ- ent varieties ; the smallest pieces are diamond shaped, and measure %g by 9io inches. Mr. Stamm has also made puzzles of various kinds. Pie is a master hand at any kind of wood-working. He enjoys the highest standing in his line, and is a prominent member of the Carpenters' Union. Upon his removal to West Reading Mr. Stamm pur- chased the brick residence at No. 113 Obold street where he and his family have since resided. He m. in 1S93 Emma E. Bohn, born Nov. 12, 1870, died Nov. 14, 1900, the mother of five children, viz. : Bertha M., Elsie E., Simon S., William J. and Elizabeth E., of whom Bertha is the only survivor. The others died in childhood, and are laid to rest in the cemetery of Christ's Little Tulpehocken Church, where their mother is also interred. In 1901 Mr. Stamm m. (second) Lillie M. Webber, born Oct. 8. 1876, daughter of Davilla and Caroline (Strause) Webber, the former of whom is now deceased. One child has been born to this tinion, Caroline M. Mr. Stamm and his family are members of St. James Reformed Church, in which he at present holds the office of deacon. He is an active worker for the welfare of the church, and has aided faithfully in its upbuilding. In politics he is a member of the Republican party. CORNELIUS S. STAMM at the time of his death was a well-known resident of Reading. He was born in Bern township, Berks county, March 21, 1828, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Seaman) Stamm. (I) Werner Stamm, his earliest ancestor in this country, is mentioned above. (II) Nicholas Stamm, son of Werner, born April 22, 1752, died Oct. 6, 1828. He m. Catharine Lerch, born April 21, 1754, died May 16, 1844. Like his parents, they are buried at the Bern church. Among their children were: Johann Adam, Frederick. Peter, John, Mrs. Benja- Imin Graeff, Philip, William, Catharine (m. Peter Rein- hart) and Benjamin. Some of this family moved to Lycoming, Snyder and Northumberland counties, Penn- sylvania. (III) Benjamin Stamm, youngest son of Nicholas, was born Feb. 21, 1795. He became interested in the stone- mason's trade early in life, and followed it throughout his active career. For several years prior to his death. BIOGRAPHICAL 543 on Dec. 20, 1873, he lived retired. Mr. Stamm was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Sea- man, he had four children: (1) William S., chief engineer in the United States navy, was on the retired list at the time of his death, June 27, 1897; he married Emily Pax- ton, and had four children, of whom Norman, a resident of Philadelphia, survives. (2) Cornelius S. (3) Mary A. became the wife of James P. Walter, of St. Louis, Mo. (4) Elmira married Samuel Fulton. Benjamin Stamm married (second) a widow, Mrs. Heacock (born Oct. 13, 1814, died April 11, 1897), and three children were born of this marriage, namely: Franklin, Jane (deceased) and Wellington. The family were at one time members of the Reformed Church but later became Universalists. Mr. Stamm was a Whig in politics, but on the organization of the Republican party cast his vote in its support. (IV) Cornelius S. Stamm was educated in the schools of Reading. He learned the brick-layer's trade, and fol- lowed it for many years, later, however, engaging in contrasting, a business he followed for many years. Mr. Stamm was prominently connected with the Masons, be- longing to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M. ; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; and DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. For many years he also belonged to the I. O. O. F. In his political views he was a stanch Re- publican, and for several years he was a member of the city council. He died Feb. 21, 1902, sincerely regretted, the people realizing the city had lost an able business man and public spirited and valuable citizen. On Feb. 13, 1870, in Reading, Mr. Stamm was married, by the Rev. Aaron Leinbach, to Emma M. Rick, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Rick; her father born Feb. 28, 1799, died Jan. 29, 1839. To this union were born : William W. B.; and Emily E., born 1876, a teacher in the public schools and an accomplished musician, who died Aug. 24, 1897. William W. B. Stamm, son of Cornelius S. and Emma M. (Rick) Stamm, was born in Reading April 9, 1874. He attended the public schools and graduated from the high school in 1892. He then took a course in me- chanical drawing at Franklin Institute, in Philadelphia, and completed it in 1894. From 1895 to 1897 he studied ap- plied electricity at Drexel Institute, and he is now a thor- oughly equipped and practical mechanical draughtsman and machinist with the E. & G. Brooke Co. at Birds- boro, Pennsylvania. Mr. Stamm is very prominent fraternally. He belongs to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., which he joined in 1901, and he w^as Worshipful Master in 1908, when the lodge celebrated its sixtieth anniversary; he rgp- sented it at the Grand .Lodge in 1909. He is a, member of Williamsport Lodge of Perfection, fourteenth degree, and Williamsport Consistory, thirty-second degree, serv- ing as a member of the choir. Among other Masonic bodies to which he belongs are Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M. ; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Mr. Stamm resides with his mother at No. 316 Washington street, Reading. HON. WILLIAM KERPER STEVENS, Additional Law Judge of Berks county, was born at Reading in 1861. He attended the public schools for several years and after taking a special preparatory course under a private tutor, entered Yale College where he pursued the regular course and was graduated in 1883. Choos- ing the law as his profession, he entered the office of Isaac Hiester, Esq., of Reading, and pursuing the reg- ular course of reading under Mr. Hiester's direction, was admitted to the Bar Nov. 10, 1884. He immiediately engaged in active practice in the office of his precep- tor and after carrying it on several years in a success- ful manner formed a law co-partnership with Garrett B. Stevens, Esq. (an older attorney, but no relative), and they continued to practise together with increasing success until Sept. 10, 1908, when he received the ap- pointment of additional law judge to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Hon. G. A. Endlich to the office of president judge; then the co-partnership was dissolved and he has been performing the duties of additional law judge until the present time in a most satisfactory manner. The term for which he was ap- pointed by the Governor terminates on the first Mon- day in January, 1910. At the primary election of the county in June, 1909, his name was placed on the Re- publican ticket for the office of judge and he was nom- inated without any opposition, which evidences the superior manner in which he performed his judicial duties. Immediately after being admitted to the Bar, Judge Stevens identified himself with the Republican party and took much interest in the management of its affairs. In appreciation of his services and ability he was se- lected as school solicitor for the years 1892, 1893 and 1894, and as city solicitor in 1895. In 1901 he was the nominee on the Republican ticket for Congress from this District. He served as chairman of the county committee for some years and also as a mtember of the State central committee. He assisted in organizing the Reading National Bank in 1893, the Berks County Trust Company in 1900, and the American Casualty Company in 1903, and served as a director until he be- camle additional law judge, when he resigned. He co- operated earnestly with other gentlemen of Reading in the establishment of the Wyomissing Club, and the Berkshire Club, and has since taken much interest in their affairs. He is a member of the University Club of Philadelphia, and of the Yale Club of New York. In 1887 Judge Stevens was married to Mary Depuy Davis, daughter of Col. Depuy Davis, and they have a son Frederick William. His father was Dr. Sadosa S. Stevens, a prominent and successful druggist at Reading for fifty years. He was born in Cumberland county in 1825, and there ob- tained his education in the subscription schools until he was fifteen years old, when he went to Carlisle and, entering a drug store, became a druggist. He was then engaged for several years until 1849 in a drug store at Philadelphia when he located in Reading and em- barked in the drug business, which he carried on in a successful manner until his decease in 1900. In the organization of the board of health, he was selected as one of the members and served on the board from 1874 to 1882. He also took much interest in the Reading free library, and the Historical Society of Berks County. In 1852 he was married to Eleanora B. Kerper, daugh- ter of Abraham Kerper and Elizabeth Boyer, his wife, of Reading, and they had four children: Frank and Emily (died young); William Kerper; and Bessie Ker- per (m. Rev. William P. Taylor, an Episcopalian cler- gyman at Morristown, New Jersey). The first ancestor of Judge Stevens in America was Thomas Stephens, a native of Leicestershire, England, who emigrated from^ that place to Philadelphia . in June, 1777. Two months after his arrival (Aug. 3, 1777), was born his son George, who became a prominent woolen manufacturer of Cumberland county, where he lived until he died at the age of ninety years. He was enlisted in the English War of 1812-15. In 1797, he was married to Margaret Clendenin, and they had two sons: John C. and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson Stevens, grandfather of Judge Stev- ens, was born in Cumiberland county in 1800, and after becoming of age succeeded his father in the woolen business which he carried on for a number of years. He was a man of unusual literary culture, and displayed great fondness for music and painting. He became an intimate friend of the famous scientist and superin- tendent of the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C, Spencer Baird, and through his association with Mr. Baird accumulated a large and interesting collec- tion of curios. He died in 1884 leaving to survive him his eldest son, Dr. Stevens, who died April 17, 1900. 544 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PHILIP S. ZIEBER, a prominent member of the Berks County Bar, bears a name familiar in the city of Reading, and, indeed, throughout eastern Pennsylvania, his father and grandfather before him having been identified vs^ith the manufacturing interests of the city as makers of wool hats. His grandfather Philip Zieber ■was the pioneer in this industry in Berks county, while Samuel Zieber, father of Philip S., continued the busi- ness in New Holland, Lancaster county, though he maintained his residence in Reading. Samuel Zieber was born in that city in 1794, and died in 1868. He mar- ried Matilda Schmeltzer, daughter of Andrew, a farmer of Bethel township, Berks county, and to them were born three children, of whom Catherine and Emma still reside at home, while Philip S. is the third. Philip S. Zieber was born June 30, 1861, in Reading, and was carefully schooled in his native city, graduating from the Reading high school in 1876, as valedictorian of his class. In 1879 he was sent to Lafayette College, at Easton, entering the junior class, where he grad- uated in June, 1881. Returning to Reading he began reading law in the office of George F. Baer, then one of the leading attorneys of the city, but now president of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and in November, 1884, successfully took the examination for admission to the Bar. Mr. Zieber won his spurs alone, and had established himself firmly when, in 1889, he was asked to become a member of the firm of his former preceptor, then Baer & Snyder. His acceptance changed the firm name to Baer, Snyder & Zieber, and it remained so until Mt. Baer's election to the presi- dency of the railway company caused his retirement, when it became Snyder & Zieber. The firm has always enjoyed a large and select practice, serving such im- portant concerns as the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road, the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com- pany, the Reading Iron Company, the Farmers Na- tional Bank, Penn National Bank, and numerous smaller private corporations. It will be seen at a glance that Mr. Zieber bids fair to establish himself in the front rank of his chosen profession. On Nov. 26, 1889, Mr. Zieber married Miss Annie Gillespie Fry, daughter of Rev. Jacob Fry, D. D., for thirty-five years the beloved and able pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading, and now occupying the chair of Homiletics and Sacred History at the Luth- eran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy. Two children came to brighten the Zieber home, one of whom, Anna, the younger daughter, passed away July 15, 1904, at the age of twelve years. Catherine Fry Zieber, the surviv- ing daughter, is a student at Smith College, Northamp- ton, Massachusetts. In his private life Mr. Zieber is most exemplary, taking a lively interest in the welfare of the com- munity. He holds membership in the Odd Fellows, is a director in the Penn National Bank and also of the Berkshire Country Club and votes with the Democratic party. In the religious life of the city he is equally helpful and prominent, being a vestryman of the Trin- ity Lutheran Church, and is identified with its national organization as a member of the Foreign Mission Board of the General Council of the Lutheran Church in North America, of which board he was treasurer for a number of years. CYRUS RICK, who died at his home in Reading, Pa., in 1895, was one of that city's leading business men, and was for many years well known in the manufacturing cir- cles of Berks county as a member of the foimdry firm of Rick Brothers. Mr. Rick was born Sept. 3, 1837, in Bern township, Berks county, son of Charles and Ellen Louisa (Ruth) Rick, Herman Rick, the great-grandfather of Cyrus, came to this country with his parents in the early part of the eighteenth century, when about twelve years old, and received his education in the pay schools of Bern town- ship, after leaving which he engaged in farming, an occu- pation which he carried on throughout life. John George Rick, son of Herman, was also a farmer, and he became a large landowner and. influential citizen of Bern township, where all of his life was spent. He and his wife, Catherine Weiser (a grand-niece of Conrad Weiser), were members of the German Reformed Church, and in political matters he was a stanch Whig. Charles Rick, son of John George and father of Cyrus, received his education in the early schools of his native township, after leaving which he engaged in a general merchandise business at Centreport and Peacock's Locks. In 1841 he came to Reading, where he was engaged in mercantile business and in real estate operations for a number of years and where he lived retired the remainder of his life. He died in 1878, and his wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Louise Ruth, in 1880, both in the faith of the German Reformed Church. They were the parents of children as follows : (1) Cyrus. (2) John, who died in 1900, was a member of the firm of Rick Brothers. He married Emma Ammon. (3) Charles, a retired citizen of Reading and veteran of the Civil war, was also a member of the firm. He m. Emma Paul. (4) Mary m. Franklin Dundore, of Philadelphia, and had three children, Charles, Frank and Ella. (5) James is mentioned below. (6) Ellen m. William A. Arnold, deceased, and had six children, William, John, Franklin, Anna, Ellen and Mary. Cyrus Rick was educated in the schools of his native place, and at an early age he entered the Farmers' National Bank, of which he later became cashier, becoming widely known in financial circles. On the establishment of the firm of Rick Brothers he was made a member in 1873, and he continued as such until his death, in 1895, in the faith of the Reformed Church. In 1868 Cyrus Rick m. Emma R. Madeira, daughter of William S. and Rebecca (Shepp) Madeira, and five chil- dren were born to this union, four of whom are living; Ella (m. S. K. Spang, and has two children, Emily and Mary), Anna, Mary and Charles. James Rick, son of Charles and brother of Cyrus, and a prominent business man of Reading, Pa., being at the head of the Rick Knitting Company, was born in Reading in 1844. He was educated in the local schools and served his apprenticeship with one of the large carpenter firms. Later he engaged in pattern-making, and also clerked for the West Reading Iron Company in 1866. In 1867, with his brother John and Franklin Dundore, he engaged in the hardware business under the firm name of Dundore, Rick & Co., their plant being at Third and Buttonwood streets. In 1869 Mr. Dundore withdrew from the firm and sold his interest to Charles Rick, and then the firm changed to Rick Brothers, but the last named did not take an active part. In 1873 one-fourth of the interest was sold to Cyrus Rick, also a brother, as it was the father's wish to have his four sons together in business, but Cyrus never took an active part in the management. In 1904 this property was sold to the Keystone Hardware Com- pany, and leased to the Consolidated Hardware Company. In 1905 Mr. James Rick organized the Rick Knitting Com- pany, and has associated his sons with him in the business. The firm was incorporated in 1906, and has one of the successful industries of the city. The officers are: James Rick, president; Edward Rick, vice-president; James Rick, Jr., secretary and treasurer; and Albert Rick, a member of the board of directors. Mr. Rick has been twice married. His first wife, Ellen Trate, died in 1881. In 1883 he m. (second) Julia G. O'Hara, and they have had six children, namely: Helen (deceased), James, Jr., Edward, Albert, Julia and Har- rison. Mr. Rick and family are members of Calvary Re- formed Church, in which he is a deacon. He has always taken an active part in civic affairs, and from 1888 to 1892 served as a member of Ihe board of water commis- sioners. He is a member of several business and social clubs of Reading, including the Wyomissing, Berkshire and Maiden Creek Fishing Clubs (of which latter he was one of the organizers and has been president). BIOGRAPHICAL 545 CHARLES L. MOLL, who was the competent and faithful city comptroller of Reading, Pa., is descended from German ancestry, who came to America several generations ago, his grandfather, George Moll, having been born in this country. Alfred Moll, father of Charles L., was born in Maid- en-creek township, Berks county, raised at Strauss- town, same county, followed milling, and later engaged in farming. He married Emma E. Boltz, daughter of Isaac M. Boltz. He served with the famous 151st P. V. I., and was slightly wounded at Gettysburg. Two sons were born to Mr. Moll: Lehman, who has charge of the stock of the Hooven Mercantile Company, whole- sale grocers; and Charles L. Charles L. Moll was born at Strausstown, Berks county, April 3, 1866, and was educated at the Bernville high school and at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which latter institution he was graduated in 1884. He taught school for six years in Berks county, and later engaged in the grocery busi- ness, continuing therein in Reading for eleven years. In 1899 he was elected city comptroller for a term of three years, and was re-elected in February, 1902, his second term being readily and heartily accorded him for the capable manner in which he had discharged the responsible duties of the office. He was again re- elected in 1905 for another term of three years, and continued in office to the end of his term, when in 1908 he became the secretary and treasurer of the Mt. Laurel Slag Company, which position he still holds. Mr. Moll was married Dec. 4, 1886, to Catherine Obold, the daughter of Elias Obold, a retired merchant and justice of the peace of Mount Pleasant, Berks county. Six children were born to this union: Alfred, with the Mt. Laurel Spring Water Company; Abner, with the City Laundry Company; Lloyd, a graduate of the Reading high school, 1909, now assistant ship- per for the Barbey Brewing Company; Herbert, with Orr & Sembower, learning the machinist's trade; and Florence and Russell, at school. Mr. Moll belongs to the Order of Elks as well as a number of other secret organizations. Politically he is a Derrtocrat, but he is very popular with men of all parties. He is a member of St. Stephen's Reformed Church. ADAM M. ROLLMAN, formerly postmaster at Shillington. and now living retired, was born in Cumru township, Berks County, Oct. 7, 1841, son of Henry and Elizabeth S. (Matz) Rollman. The family has long been resident in Cumru town- ship. William Rollman, grandfather of Adam M., was a farmer and landowner in that section, and his farm descended to his son Henry. He married a Miss Eliza- beth Spohn. and they had five children, viz.: Joshua, a farmer and butcher near the "Five Mile House" m. to Miss Amelia Mengel; Henry; William and Sallie, who both died unmarried; and Molly, m. to William Matz, of Reading. Henry Rollman, born Jan. 21, 1819, was a farmer for the better part of his life. Until 1851 he operated his father's farm of ninety-six acres near Sinking Spring, but in that year he sold the place and bought instead the Schwartz farm, of 300 acres, on Mt. Penn. There he remained till 1873 when he sold this second farm also, and moving to Reading, opened a shoe store. He conducted this a number of years, but finally retired not long before his death, Sept. 3, 1890, when he was aged seventy-one years, seven months and twelve days, and he was buried at Sinking Spring Union Church. Mr. Rollman married twice. On July 11, 1840, he m. Elizabeth Sharp Matz, who died April 22. 185 — , aged thirty-eight years, one month and twenty-eight days, and was buried at Sinking Spring Church. The only child of this marriage was Adam M. On Oct. 28, 1856, Mr. Rollman m. (second) Marguerite, daughter of John and Elizabeth Swartz. The issue of this second union was two daughters, viz.: Elizabeth, m. to Albert 35 Schuck, of Hyde Park, Pa.; and Mary, m. to Martin Leininger, of Reading. Mr. Rollman and his family were Lutherans in their religious faith, members of the Sinking Spring Church. Adam M. Rollman grew up at home, familiar with the routine of farm life, but he was sent to school for a generous portion of the time, attending first the township schools and then a private one in Reading. At the age of twenty-five he took up butchering, and has made that 'his trade for the greater part of his life since. He learned his trade from his uncle Joshua Rollman, under whom he worked a year, and then until 1871, did butchering among the farmers. The next two years he was associated with John Yerg- er, of Reading, and then from 1873 till 1877 he worked for H£rir_3E_-HQ0ver, of that city. When he left Mr. Hoover it was with the intention of going into business for himself, and he selected Shillington as his location, opening a butcher shop there in 1877, which he con- ducted with most satisfactory results till his retirement in 1901. This, however, was not his only interest, for his wife had previous to her marriage carried on a mercantile business, of which after 1884 her husband assumed a joint management. The preceding year they had built a home on Lancaster avenue and planned it with reference to continuing and enlarging this busi- ness at this new location. The enterprise proved in- creasingly profitable, and was maintained till 1904. Mr. Rollman also combined with his other duties that of postmaster for Shillington from 1884 till 1894. He was the first incumbent, as the office was estab- lished at that time. The village had been called Shil- lingsville, after the Shillings residing there, but on establishing the office there the postal depart- ment asked Mrs. Rollman to suggest a name for the station. As there were so many "villes" in that sec- tion already, she proposed the present form. Shilling- ton, and it was at once adopted. Mr. Rollman has always been a strong Republican and his appointment was made by that party. On Sept. 1, 1908, he was elected first chief burgess of Shillington, and declined a renomination, as he felt he had had honor enough. On April 26, 1877, Adam Rollman was married to Mary, daughter of Henry W. and Elizabeth (Penny- packer) Deeds. The other children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Deeds were: Angeline, m. to Richard Schnader; Elizabeth, m. to John F. Leib; Owen, and Henry. The paternal grandparents, Henry and Mary (Warner) Deeds, were the parents of five daughters besides the only son, Henry W., viz.: Susan, Mary, Leah, Harriet and Nellie. Mrs. Rollman is a lady of much intelligence and has an unusually good memory. From 1867 till 1874 she was a teacher in Cumru town- ship, but in July of the latter year she definitely a- bandoned that profession and opened the store in Shillington referred to above. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roll- man are Lutherans, and members of the Sinking Spring Union Church. In person Mr. Rollman is tall and well-built and of considerable physical power. A good business man, practical and energetic, he has accumulated a good property, and is now able to live comfortably free from all cares and responsibilities. EDWARD J. MORRIS gave efficient service as prothonotary of Berks county, elected in 1903 for a term of three years. John Morris, Sr., grandfather of Edward J., lived in Ireland, where he reared a considerable family. John Morris, son of John, Sr., became the father of Edward J. He came to America in October, 1859,, and stopped for a year in New York, then settled in Read- ing, Pa., where he has since lived. He is at present the tipstaff of Judge Bland's court. After coming to this country he married Catherine, daughter of Charles Rogers, a brewer of Cleveland, Ohio. Two of the five children born to this marriage are now deceased, Rose and John; those living are, Sallie C. a school teacher 546 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA in Readino- Toseoh F wholesale grocer; and Ed- the National Biscuit Company. Mr. Esterly remained in Reading, josepn r., wriu = ^^.^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^.^ ^^.^ branch of the busmess "^Edward T Morris was born Nov. 3, 1864, in Reading, was closed. In April, 1903, Mr. Esterly, with his br.oth- He passed through the public schools of the city, and er, H. S., formed a partnership, and since that time at an early age began his business life as a cleric in a they have engaged successfully in the baking of cakes, grocery store. He continued in this line for nearly ten crackers and biscuits under the firm name of the Read- years when he embarked in the grocery business on j^^g Biscuit Company. They have a fine large four-story his own account. Mr. Morris is still interested in the building at No. 120 Third street, 60x130, well equipped business. He was elected prothonotary m Novem- ^^^^ ^j, ^^^ j^j^^j machinery and improvements, em- ber, 1903. He leads a very busy hfe. being pitying forty- five skilled workmen. The firm works connected with a number of the fraternal organiza- ^p ^^^ average of 135 barrels of flour weekly, and be- of the city, and also is closely identified with local and ^j^j^g enjoying a good, steady local trade, ships the Slate poHtics. He is a member of the B. P. O. Elks, prQ^^gt throughout the surrounding country. Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus Total ^^ Romanus Esterly married Miss Sallie Brown, Abstinence Society, and Knights of St. John. He has ja^gbter of Charles and Sarah (Levan) Brown, and also taken great interest in Building and Loan Asso- f^^^ children have been born to this union: Mabel, Sar- ciations, and has acted as secretary of many of them ^^j.^^ p.^^J]^ Charles and Frances. In politics Mr. Ester- in the past few years. Mr. Morris is at present State j^ ^^ ^ Democrat. He is connected with St. Matthew's financial secretary of the Retail Merchants' Association Lutheran Church, serving as a deacon and as a teacher of Pennsylvania; a director of the Retailers Mutual jj.^ ^^^^ Sunday-school, and is a member of the Christian Fire Insurance Company; secretary and treasurer of Endeavor. Mr. and Mrs. Esterly and their children the Pasteurized Milk and Cream Company of Reading; „-^^]^^ d^gir home at No. 731 North Fourth street. Mr. and president of the Reading Wholesale Grocery Com- gsfgrly has made his own way in the world, and his pany. success is due to his native ability, his determination In the political field Mr, Morris is a valued worker ^^ succeed and his straightforward manner of doing in the Democratic organizations. He has been a dele- business. He and his wife are highly esteemed in the gate to many important conventions of the party, community in which he has proved himself to be such notably that of the national organization at St. Louis ^ useful and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Esterly is a in 1904. and is at present the Second ward member of Mason, being connected with the Isaac Hiester Blue the Deniocratic county central committee. He made a Lodge, No. 660. losing fight for the Legislature in his district in 1896, not being able to overcome the large Republican ma- ADDAMS. On Dec. 23. 1681, by deed recorded in jority normally given. ^ Philadelphia, William Penn granted to Robert Adams, The church affiliation of Mr. Morns is at St. Peter s ^f Ledwell, in Oxfordshire, England, five hundred Catholic church, and he is quite active in the different acres of land, to be surveyed and located in the Prov- charitable institutions connected therewith. He j^ce of Pennsylvania. Immediately thereafter, Robert has won a very large measure of the esteem of the Adams came to America and settled in Oxford town- general public. ship, Philadelphia county (now city), where he died in 1719. From him in direct line Sarah B. (Addams) ROMANUS ESTERLY, one of Reading's successful Zimmerman, of Perry township, Berks county, was business men, and one of the proprietors of the Read- descended. ing Biscuit Company, manufacturers of cakes, crackers Her great-grandfather, William Addams. settled in and biscuits, located at No. 120 South Third street. Cocalico township, Lancaster county, early in the was born in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa., son of eighteenth century, and in 1761 laid out the town Henry Esterly. and grandson of John and Mary (Clark) which is now the borough of Adamstown. He mar- Esterly. John Esterly, who was a farmer and black- ried Ann Lane, of Philadelphia, and had five sons, smith of Exeter township, died when eighty-three Isaac, Abraham, Samuel, Richard and William, and years of age. and his wife at the age of eighty-two one daughter. Two of these sons: William and Isaac, years. removed to Berks county and settled in Heidelberg, Henry Esterly attended the public schools of Ex- now Spring, township. William married Barbara eter township, receiving a fair education, and early Ruth, and after his death, his brother Isaac married in life engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning a fine the widow, by whom he had six sons, William, Isaac, farm of 110 acres. He continued to operate in that Samuel, John, Peter and Abraham. township until 1903, in which year he removed to Mt. Isaac Addams, the elder, grandfather of Mrs. Zim- Penn, where he has since resided, retired from active merman, was born at Adamstown in 1747, and died at business life. For one and one-half years, Mr. Esterly Reading in April, ]S09. He was a farmer, then a lead- kept the old "Washington House" in Exeter town- ing merchant and citizen of Reading. In 1776 he was ship, conducting it under the name of the "Gechter's captain of a company of light infantry belonging to Hotel." He is known as an honest, upright citizen, Colonel Peter Grubb's Battalion of Associators in and has the respect and esteem of all with whom he Lancaster county. He was a county commissioner has come into contact. Mr. Esterly married Sarah, and member of the Assembly from Berks county, daughter of Peter and Mary (Herbein) Snyder, of Oley His eldest son William (1777-1858) and wife Eve Valley, Berks county. The children born to this union Van Reed, settled on the Cacoosing creek, Berks were: John, of Mt. Penn.; Harrv S.; Romanus; Alice, county, at the Addams mill. They had these children: m. to Ploward Body; George, m. to Catherin Keener, Kittle, m. to Rufus Davenport; Richard; Rebecca; of Reading; and Sallie, m. to Harvey Dunn. Henry Josiah; and Amelia, m. to John H. Van Reed. He Esterly is a Democrat in politics, and for ten years afterward m. Catherine Huey Van Reed, widow of was a school director in Exeter township. He is now John Van Reed, and had three children: William; serving as a member of the board of health of Mt. John; and Valeria, m. to John Knapp. William Ad- Penn, and as member of town council. dams was a leading citizen of his day, and served Romanus Esterly received his primary education in as county auditor, county commissioner, member of the public schools of Exeter township, which he sup- the Assembly, was twice a Presidential elector, a mem- plemented with a course at Stoner's Business College, ber of Congress two terms, and was associate judge and subsequently attended Kutztown State Normal of Berks county 1839-1842. school in 1888 and 1889. The next four years he Isaac Addams, the younger (1779-1844), married taught schools in his native township, and was then Catherine Eckert, and settled at Leesport, Berks coun- employed as a salesman with F. S. Wertz & Co.. bak- ty. Their children were: Isaac; Sarah, m. to Michael ers, with whom he remained until they sold out to Haak; Eliza, m. to Charles Kessler; Catharine, m. to BIOGRAPHICAL 547 Dr. Charles Zoller; John E.; Reuben E.; and Annie, m. to John Runkle. Samuel Addams (1782-1854) married Catharine Huey, at Sinking Spring, and they had these children: Charles H.; Rebecca, m. to Richard Adams; Mary, m. to John Van Reed; Elizabeth; Harriet, m. to Na- than Young; Jane, m. to Edwin Mull; Isaac; Lydia. m. to Rev. Daniel B. Albright; James H.; and John H. The latter settled in Cedarville, 111., and became one of the founders and leaders of the Republican party in that State. He was for sixteen years a State senator and declined the governorship. He was the father of Jane Addams, the head resident of Hull House, Chicago, and well-known writer and lecturer. Abraham Addams (1787-1849) married Lydia Miller, of Millerstown, Juniata county, where he settled and died in 1849. He had two daughters: Ann Eliza m. Jacob Beaver, and their son, Gen. James Addams Beaver, was a brigadier general of volunteers during the Civil war, and served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1887 to 1891, and since 1891 has been a judge of the Superior court; and Lydia m. Capt. Thomas McAllister, of Virginia, who in the Civil war was captain of a company forming part of the "Stonewall Brigade" under command of Gen. Stonewall Jackson. The grandson of the latter, J. Gray McAllister, D.D., is president of Hampden-Sidney College (Virginia). General John Addams (1780-1832) was long prom- inent in politics and for about twenty years held local office in Reading. In 1814-15 he commanded the Sec- ond Brigade of Pennsylvania Militia, one of the two brigades furnished by the State, which' lay at York during the winter of 1814-15. to check the tht'eatened British advance from Washington. He died unmar- ried. Peter Addams, the father of Sarah B. Zimmerman, was born at Adamstown, Lancaster county, May 31, 1784, and came with his parents to Heidelberg town- ship, Berks county, in early life. On Oct. 29, 1811, he married Susan Eckert, daughter of John and Bar- bara (Gernant) Eckert. He resided at Morgantown, Berks county, Lewistown, Mifflin county and for the greater part of his life in Bern and Centre townships, Berks county, near Leesport. He was a farmer and miller. Originally a Jacksonian Democrat, he be- came an ardent follower of Henry Clay. In 1825 he was a Presidential elector for Andrew Jackson, and in 1848 was the Whig candidate for Congress, but was defeated by William Strong (Democratic), after- ward justice of the United States Supreme Court. He had these children: Sarah B.; Annie E., who died in July, 1891; Adeline, who died in May, 1839; and the late Rev. George Eckert, who died at Read- ing in June, 1897. Peter Addams died Jan. 20, 1852, and his wife Aug. 8, 1842. Sarah Barbara Zimmerman, eldest daughter of Peter AddanLS. was born on her father's' farm, one mile west of Leesport, in Bern town'ship, Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 8, 1813. About the year 1836 she came with the family to the large farm near Dauberville, in Bern (now Centre) township. After the death of her parents, she, her sister Annie and brother George, continued on the farm until March, 1857, when she became the wife of Seth Zimmerman, and removed with her husband and sister Annie to her late home in Mohrsville, Berks county. Mr. Zimmerman was a native of Columbia county, and for fifty years was agent at the Reading railroad station. Mohrsville. He died in September, 1888, and his wife died Feb. 7, 1907, in her ninety-fourth year. They had no chil- dren. BERTRAND H. FARR, of Farr's Music House, No. 809 Penn street, Reading, is a member of a very old family in America, the early New World home being in Stowe, Mass., where the family was established for over one hundred years, having come over from Eng- land in the early part of the Puritan movement. Abra- ham Farr died at Stowe in 1689. Abraham Farr, the second of the name of whom' we have definite record, was a resident of Stowe, Mass. He married Rachel Fasket, and they became the par- ents of a son, Abraham. Abraham Farr, son of Abraham and Raphel, was born in Stowe, March 22, 1761. He moved to Chesterfield, N. H., and there died April 29, 1840. He married Polly Harris, who died in her one hundredth year while sitting at her spinning wheel. Their chil- dren were: Rufus. born March 23, 1783, died May 7, 1858; Amy, born June 15, 1785, m. a Mr. Miller, and died in Vermont; Jerusha, born Dec. 7, 1787, m. a Mr. Miller of Putney, Vt.; Polly, born July 7, 1790, m. Ezra Pierce, of South Windham, Vt, and died Oct. 13, 1856; Clarissa, born Jan. 21. 1793, m. a Mr. Estabrook, settled in Dummierston, Vt, and died May 11, 1839; Sally, born Aug. 8,- 1796, m. Eli Hitchcock; Ira, born Dec. 1, 1797, m. Florinda Stowell, and died March 6, 1870. Rufus Farr, son of Abraham, was born March 23, 1783, in Chesterfield. N. H., and he died at Windham, Vt., May 7, 1858. On Oct 21, 1810, he married Susan Stone, who was born Nov. 21, 1789, in Groton, Mass., daughter of Asa and Polly Stone, and died at Rochester, Wis., Nov. 16, 1872. To Rufus and Susan Farr were born children as follows: Lurency, born Nov. 11, 1811; Eli, born July 15. 1814, died Oct 8, 1890; Aurilla, born April 11, 1817;Philesta, born June 9, 1820, died aged eighteen years; Rufus, born Aug. 16, 1823; Merrill H., born April 16. 1827; and Orlando. Orlando Farr. son of Rufus, was born Dec. 9, 1832. at Windham, Vt, at the homestead where his father settled on the Glebe Mountain, succeeding him in the business of sheep raising, and maple sugaring. In 1868 he went to Illinois, and located at Shannon, where he was engaged in the grain and lumber business until 1871, when he moved to Kamrar, Iowa, where he is the owner of a large amount of land and is now living retired. He married Pauline C. Holton, a native of North Walcott, Vt., and they had a family of seven children: Frank died aged four years; Bertrand H.; Nellie; Stella died in Iowa in 1903; Florence and Leslie died young; and Edward M. is in Iowa with his father. Bertrand H. Farr was born Oct. 14, 1863, at Wind- ham, Vt., and was six years old when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. He attended the public schools in that State, and at Webster City, Iowa. At the age of seventeen he began teaching school, and followed that calling three years. In the fall of 1883 he went to Boston, and entered the New England Conservatory of Music, studying piano and vocal music and also the tuning of pianos. Returning to Webster City, he spent three years in the music business, and then sold out with the intention of finishing his education at Boston, but upon his arrival at the "Hub," he received a flat- tering offer to go to Philadelphia, to a Chestnut street music house. This offer he accepted, and he remained in Philadelphia five years, at the end of that time com- ing to Reading (1891) as a piano tuner. He had his office in the store of C. W. Edwards for fourteen years. He opened a store in Lancaster, in 1900, in the new Y. M. C. A. building, but later sold this to the Weaver Organ Company. In 1904 he formed a partner- ship with H. E. Gerhardt, in Reading, and under the firm name of Farr & Gerhardt carried on an ex- tensive business in pianos, orgafis, talking machines, musical merchandise, etc. In March, 1909, Mr. Farr pur- chased Mt. Gerhardt's interest in the firm, and is now carrying on the business alone. Mr. Farr is active in the ranks of the Republican party, and is very public spirited. He was one of those instrumental in organizing the borough of Wyomissing, and in September, 1906, he was elected its- first chief burgess and shortly after his term of office expired he was appointed a member of Council to fill a vacancy in that body. He built the first house in the borough. Besides his music business he has devoted considerable time to floriculture making a specialty of hardy plants, such as irises, peonies, phloxes, devoting about fifteen 548 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA acres to his nursery, and he issued his first catalogue in 1908. It is said to be the most complete catalogue of peonies and irises ever published in this country. He was elected president of the American Peony Society, at the last meeting, at Queens, L. I. Mr. Farr married Annie Willis, of Farmington, Maine, a member of a very old New England family. JEROME LUDWIG BOYER. who has been prom- inently identified with the great iron interests of Read- ing and vicinity for many years, and has gained the reputation of being one of the most prominent direc- tors of these immense industries, is a descendant of one of the oldest and most honorable families of Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was born at Boyertown, Berks Co., Pa., Jan. 19, 1843, son of Jacob K. Boyer, a distinguished citizen of the Keystone State. The Boyer family is of French Huguenot extraction and was founded in America by Jacob DeBeyer, the great-grandfather of Jerome Ludwig. He settled in Berks county and there became a man of substance and standing and lived to the unusual age of 103 years. His remains lie in the cemetery at Amityville, one of the oldest graves in that sacred spot. Henry Boyer, father of Jacob K., was born in 1779. and was a pioneer settler at Boyertown, giving his name to the hantlet, in which he built the first I'og house and opened the first blacksmith shop. Here he followed blacksmithing for some years, and he took a prominent part in public affairs. In 1824 he was nominated by the Democratic party as their can- didate for representative and was elected, being re- elected in 1827 and 1832. He died at Boyertown at the age of ninety-eight years, and was buried at that place. He married Catharine Krebs. of Montgomery county, who died at the age of eighty-four years, and they became' the parents of a large family. Jacob K. Boyer, father of Jerome Ludwig, was born in 1821, in Boyertown, and in his youth followed farm- ing and engaged in school teaching. He later engaged in the mercantile business at Boyertown, following this for a few years, when he came to Reading and made that city his home for the remainder of his life. During his residence there he was employed in the freight house of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road on Eighth street. Like his esteemed father Mr. Boyer was a Democrat, and served in the House of Representatives. Mr. Boyer died in the prime of life, aged thirty-nine years, and his wife, who was Lucy K. Ludwig, died in 1867. aged fifty-eight. Jerome L. Boyer received his literary training in the common schools of his native locality, and when a boy was employed as a clerk in a store at Boyertown. He later went to District township, and after clerking a few years there, removed to Reading, where he was first employed by Kline, Eppihimer & Co., for three years as a clerk, and later was made a member of the firm. Staying there three and a half years, he left to accept the position of head bookkeeper of the First Na- tional Bank, later being made cashier of the institution, and there he remained three years. Then, with others, he organized the Reading Fire Brick Company, being elected president thereof, and this position he con- tinues to hold. In connection with this industry, Mr. Boyer has also been identified with many other large inter- ests, including mining and the manufacture of iron. He was at one time manager and part owner in the Temple Iron Company, had charge of the E. & G. Brooke plant at Birdsboro, and in 1880 acted as general man- ager of the Chestnut Hill Iron Company, at Columbia, Lancaster county, a position he held for four years. At present this firm is gradually disposing of its plant, although Mr. Boyer still retains his interests therein. Mr. Boyer was prominently identified with the build- ing of the Bachman Valley railroad for the carrying of ore, and was its president for some time. During the existence of the Citizens Bank of Reading, Mr. Boyer was largely interested in that institution, and was one of the board of directors. Mr. Boyer is serving as adviser of the Home for Widows and Single Women, and during the years 1891 and 1892 he served as president of the board of this institution. He is prominently connected with fraternal organizations, being a mem- ber of Chandler Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 227; Reading Chapter, No. 152; Reading Commandery, No. 42; Phil- adelphia Consistory; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In religion Mr. Boyer is connected with Trinity Lutheran Church, and for a period of thirty-seven years has been an official member thereof. On Oct. 20, 1868. Mr. Boyer married Miss Susan E. McHose, daughter of Isaac McHose, of Reading, and two children have been born to this union: Wil- liam McHose, chemist for the Reading Iron Com- pany, is the father of one child: Frederick Jacob is a machinist and resides at home. In 1892 Mr. Boyer was president of the Board of Trade of Reading, and during his incumbency the membership grew from seventy to three hundred. We here give his address, delivered at the banquet held at Neversink Mbuntain Hotel, Sept. 29th, of that year: 'Gentlemen: Our last banquet, held April 21st at Mineral Springs was a success. There were present at that time eighty members; to-night we have one hundred and thirty. At the April Banquet we had with us Hon. Erastus Wiman, and I trust none of us has forgotten his grand speech. To-night we have with us Gen. Gregg, without whom the State government could not get along; so we have for the present, loaned him, as it were, to Harrisburg, but expect him back to Reading at some future time. We have also present Col. Brown, the inventor of the Segmental Wire Gun, and his very able co-laborer, Lieut. Whistler, from whom we expect to hear. "This Board of Trade was organized April 21, 1881. Its first president, J. H. Sternbergh. Esq., is with us; as are Isaac McHose. Peter D. Wanner and S. E. Ancona, the succeeding and all the presidents. During the first year of its organization the Board had 149 members. It subsequently commenced growing back- wards, and in April, 1891, its membership was seventy. Jan. 1, 1892, we had 110 members; at this date we have 216; and on Jan. 1. 1893. we will have 300. "This Board of Trade represents a city of 70,000 people. We have reason to feel a pardonable pride in our city, its population and its Board of Trade. We have industries that we can well foster, manufactures that we sustain and in return are sustained by; and if we have any individual amongst us who would make in- vidious and disrespectful comparisons with other cities, may such an one's flesh be mortified and his vanity seared, for we are in such a prosperous condition, as I will endeavor to show you, that none dare to molest us or make us afraid; and I can conceive only the perfidy of man to lower the estimate of our city. "Think of it! We manufacture stockings amounting to $550,000 per annum. A few years ago some other cities were making this hosiery, and all we had in the matter was buying and wearing them, whilst some of us went about sockless. So with boots and shoes. Our city produces $150,000 worth. The stove industry is growing fast — the present capacity is $659,000. Cot- ton and silk industries, $1,725,000. An industry in our city, of which many of us know nothing and hear very little about, I mean cordage, ropes and twine, goes along begging with an output of $600,000. Fire brick and terra cotta and glass, $320,000. Fur and wool hats. $3,000,000. This means a good hat for every tenth person in the United States, or say forty hats for every man, woman and child in Reading. Hardware, locks, butts, etc, $1,650,000. Pig iron, plate iron, wrought- iron pipe and machinery, $8,400,000, Iron bridge work, beams and steel. $4,000,000. Bolts, nuts, rivets etc $1,000,000. BIOGRAPHICAL 549 "The capacity of our cigar factories is simply amaz- ing; and had I not made a special effort to get at the facts I would not believe it. One hundred and five million cigars is the present capacity, some new shops now building not being taken into this account. A number of factories turn out fine goods, $60 to $75 per thousand. Am told a fair average for Reading's output would be $30 per thousand. This smoke production then aggregates $3,150,000. "Our streets and electric railways carried 3,607,920 passengers in 1891. Gross income, $325,000. For 1892 I could not get, but am told the business on all our lines aggregates an increase of ten per cent yearly. ■'Our Trust companies show a constant and healthy growth, and enjoy the well deserved confidence of our good people. They show loans, $688,000; deposits, $480,600; Trust funds, $1,248,300. "Our eight banks will bear comparison with any other eight banks of a city of our size. Any business man in Reading can get all the money he wants if he presents good paper. There is not one bank in our city but which is first class in every particular. The capital aggregates $1,425,000. The deposits aggregate $4,760,000. The loans aggregate $5,150,000. "I have given only about twenty industries, which for lack of time to collect does not cover one-third of all, such as wagon works, red brick, cast iron pipe, and many others, which would require weeks to get at. Yet it shows an aggregate of over $30,000,000. "This certainly requires a strong constitution and a clear conscience to believe at one sitting. But, gen- tlemen, this is not a theory, but a condition. I trust I have given enough to stimulate our Committee on Statistics, who will, no doubt, give us a full and accur- ate report early in 1893. "Gentlemen, we have a grand city — a fire department which I doubt has its equal in the world. Our business opportunities are vast. Let every stranger who comes within our boundaries be made welcome. Let us deal honorably with one another. Let us hang our banners on the outer walls and proclaim our strength from the mountain top." HENRY R. NICKS, A. M., an educator of note in this section of Pennsylvania, where he is particularly well remembered in his association with the early days of the now famous Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, Berks county, was born Feb. 27, 1833, in the Palatinate on the Rhine. Melchior Nicks, his father, was born in Germany in 1795, and came to America in 1842. For a short time he remained in Baltimore, Md., and then set- tled on a farm at Redland, Adams Co., Pa., nfear Lit- tlestown. He married Margaret Rosenberger, and they h^d the following children: Henry R., M'ary, Margaret, Lizzie (a teacher at Littlestown, Pa.), and Magdalena (who died young). Melchior Nicks lived to be ninety years of age, and during the last twenty years of his life was blind. He understood the profession of veterinary well, and his services were often solicited by his neighbors. Mr. Nicks was possessed of wonderful psychic powers, and, although blind, could tell by touch the ailment from which an animal was suffering. He was also a gifted mathematician, and in his blindness was able to make all kind of difficult calculations. For in- stance, he could tell by mental calculation, at any time of the day, his own age in minutes and seconds, or that of any friend who would give him the date of birth and the hour of the day. His powers were very remarkable. Henry R. Nicks came to America with his father in 1842. He worked on his father's farm in Adams county, attending school whenever opportunity offered, and teaching in his early manhood. In 1856. after strenuous endeavor, he was able to enter the junior class of Franklin and Marshall College, and gradu- ated in 1858 with honors, being the salutatorian of his class. After graduating from college he continued to teach, filling important stations at Limestoneville and Me- chanicsburg. Having the ministry in view he had com- menced a course of study in the theological seminary at Mercersburg, when he was called, through Rev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart, to come to Kutztown and open a classical school. On Nov. 15, 1860, he located at Kutz- town and opened what was known for a number of years as Fairview Seminary, in what is the beautiful mansion of Thomas S. Fister, immediately south of the borough. Here he began with five pupils, and for a period of months it was a severe struggle, and a problem as to the success of the venture, but hard work, sound scholarship and superior teaching ability won, and by the spring of 1861 the school had been placed in a flourishing condition and continued until pupils overcrowded the school quarters and the town became filled with boarding students. The success was phenomenal, and by 1863 Professor Nicks began to look around for permanent quarters, and through his efforts a sufficient amount was subscribed to erect what was known as Maxatawny Seminary, which stood where the Principal's office of the Keystone State Normal School is now located. These schools were the beginning of the Keystone State Normal School, and Professor Nicks was the real founder. He broke the soil and sowed the seed, and others came to reap. He led in the work of raising stock to enlarge the institution and turn it into a State Normal School, and if it had not been for his work and the confidence which his success inspired, there would to-day be no State Normal School at Kutztown. When the Normal School was organized in 1866 he accepted the position of associate principal and pro- fessor of higher mathematics, and filled same with great efficiency until 1867, when he accepted the prin- cipalship of Palatinate College, Myerstown, Pa., now Albright College. This position he held for seven years, and during his incumbency the institution was in a very flourishing- condition — Failing heaLth^ however, compelled him to resign in 1874, and thus ended his career as a teacher. The remaining days of his life he spent on the farm, known as the old David Levan farm, where he died Oct. 16, 1903, and he lies buried in Hope cemetery. He was an educator of rare ability, un- tiring, thorough and, withal, tactful. He had few equals in the work of inspiring pupils with noble zeal and lofty ambition, and many there are who rise and bless him' for his noble work. Professor Nicks married Sarah Levan, daughter of David and Lydia (Jarrett) Levan. David Levan was a son of John Levan. who was the grandson of Jacob Levan, the immigrant, and one of the most promi- nent early citizens of this section of the county. The children of David Levan were: Anna Eliza m. James G. Treichler, a well-known farmer and business man of Kutztown; Sarah m. Henry R. Nicks; Alvin m. Anna Weidner, and died at Kutztown in 1888. Professor Nicks and wife had three children, namely: Annie, m. to Nicholas Rahn; Mame, m. to Dr. Oscar W. Sellers, of Philadelphia; and David Levan. David Levan Nicks, an expert civil engineer at Kutz- town, was born April 8, 1869, at Myerstown, Pa., and was educated at the Keystone State Normal School and at Lafayette College, from which he grad- uated in 1899. During 1890 and 1891 he was employed by the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Com- pany, and from 1902 to 1904 by the Lehigh Engineer- ing Company, Allentown, Pa. For one year he was also in the employ of the United States Bureau of Forestry, and was stationed in the Adirondack Moun- tains and in the State of Maine. For the past three years he has been in the employ of the city of Reading, being one of the resident engineers in the department of public improvements. On Oct. 23, 1900, Mr. Nicks married Annie E Stoudt daughter of Francis and Catherine (Emore) Stoudt' and they have one child, Jarrett Levan, born Oct is' 1901. 550 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA GEORGE F. HAGENMAN, a leading member of until 1883, when he declined. For twenty years he was the Berks county Bar, and a most public-spirited and chairman of the high school committee, and he advo- progressive citizen of Reading, was born Alarch 9, cated better buildings and more modern heating ap- 1857 and died one of the victims of the wreck of the pliances. In recognition of his valuable services the special train bearing the members of Rajah Temple board named the J. Hagenman School Building after of the Mystic Shrine in California, May 11, 1907. him. He served the county commissioners as solicitor Judge Jeremiah Hagenman, father of the late George for a number of years, and about 1860 he was instru- F , was born in Phoenixville, Pa., Feb. 6, 1820, son of mental in having them to allow half of court fines to Jeremiah F. and Mary H. (Idler) Hagenman, 'who be appropriated toward establishing a law^ library for came to this country from Wurtemberg, Germany, in the Bench and Bar in the court house. This was done 1816, shortly after their marriage. The family lived in for five years, and a Law Library Association was a little house near the Phoenix Iron Works for a num- incorporated, which now has a valuable library, ber of years, the father winning their support by his In 1889 Judge Hagenman was elected president of the work as a nail packer in the neighboring nail works. Keystone National Bank, and he held that position until They moved to Reading in 1836, and there the father, his death March 36, 1904. He belonged to the Odd Fel- Jeremiah F., died in 1856. He was a Democrat in lows, being affiliated with Salome Lodge, No. 105, I. politics, and a Lutheran in religion. Flis wife, Mary O. O. F.; and Reading Encampment. No. 4S. He was H. Idler, lived to the advanced age of ninety-three prominent on the Council of Grace Lutheran Church, years. Their three children were: Lewis; Jeremiah; In 1850 Judge Hagenman was married to Louisa and Mary (Craig). E. Boyer, daughter of George Boyer, who was a mem- Judge Hagenman procured his preparatory educa- ber of Trinity Lutheran Congregation, and who took tion in the schools of his native town, and when old an active part in the erection of the church building enough began to assist his father in the nail works, in 1791. To Judge and Mrs. Hagenman was born But the whole course of his life was altered by an one son, George F. accident. He was out with. a number of companions George F. Hagenman was educated in the Reading for the purpose of gathering hickory nuts; they came high school, and then took a three years' private course, to a tall tree and this it was decided young Hagenman his mother's delicate health making him unwilling to should climb and then shake off the nuts. In some leave her the length of time required for a collegiate way he lost his hold and fell, breaking his arm. and course. It was this same thoughtful, chivalric con- although the fracture was set and did not seem severe, sideration for others that characterized his entire life, the bandages were left on too long, and amputation and endeared him to all who came in contact with him. became necessary. Now, unfitted for manual labor. After completing his literary studies, he pursued a law he determined to enter the legal profession. He con- course, reading under the direction of the late Henry tinned his studies until old enough to teach, in the C. G. Reber, of Reading, and he was admitted to the meantime assisting his father packing nails. In June. Bar of Berks county Jan. 22, 1881. and later to the 1S36, at Phoenixville, he began teaching, and at the Supreme, Superior and United States District Courts, end of three months removed to Reading, where he He practised alone until 1889, when he formed a was also engaged in teaching, and at the same time partnership with his father under the name of J. pursued some of the higher branches of study until Hagenman & Son and this was terminated only with he was nineteen years of age. He then began the the death of the senior member. Father and son study of law under the direction of the Hon. Peter showed a marked resemblance in disposition and in Filbert, teaching occasionally, and he was admitted to tastes. Both were sternly just, yet their mercy tem- the Bar April 7. 1842. In the following autumn he pered justice — both loved their profession, yet in their opened an office in Reading, and entered upon a sue- love never lost sight of its mission, and never through cessful general practice, which he conducted success- legal technicalities were blinded to the welfare of the fully for seventeen years. At the end of that time community. he was elected additional law judge for Berks county Like his father Mr. George F. Hagenman was a for a term of ten years. In 1875 he was elected presi- Democrat, and was active in party work. He was dent judge, and in 1879 re-elected. elected county solicitor a number of terms, and Soon after his admission to the Bar Judge Hagen- acquitted himself with honor. For seven years he was man began to be actively interested in politics, and a member of the school board, taking a deep interest until his elevation to the Bench was very prominently in the cause of education. For a number of years he identified with the Democratic party. He was a dele- was a director in the Keystone National Bank, gate to a number of State conventions, and was a mem- Mr. Hagenman had long taken an active part in ber of the convention that nominated Horatio Sey- Masonry, in which he had attained the Thirty-second mour for President in 1868. He was the first incum- degree. He belonged to Lodge No. 62. F. & A. M., bent of the office of district attorney elected in 1850, Reading; was past high priest of Chapter No. 152, and at the end of three years was re-elected. He was Royal Arch Masons; was past commander of De Molay elevated to the Bench as stated above, and his duties Commandery, No. 9, K. T, ; and a member of Rajah thereon terminated in 1890. His career on the Bench Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He was also affiliated was an honorable one, and rarely, indeed, were any with the Odd Fellows, of his decisions reversed in higher courts, though some of the cases tried before him were of the most notable DR. PHILIP M. ZIEGLER died at his home No. in the history of the county. Among these may be 524 Franklin street, Reading! Nov. 23, 1907, after a long incntioned the Hunsecker case, brought over from life devoted to ministering to the sufferings of man- Schuylkill county. This trial continued for thirteen kind. He was born near Annville, Lebanon county, weeks, and in the course of the argument one of the Jan. 11, 1834, a representative of the fourth generation attorneys cited the opinion of Judge Woodward, which of the family in America, his great-grandfather Philip was in opposition to that of Judge Hagenman. The Ziegler, having come to this country from Switzerland latter indicated his decisive character by replying: in 1734 and located in Berks county. "I am responsible for my opinion; Judge Woodward Dr. Ziegler's parents. Philip and Catharine Ziegler, foi his." moved from Lebanon county to near Mastersonville' Judge Hagenman was for forty years interested in Lancaster county, when the Doctor was but a bov the public schools of Reading. About 1846 he became He attended Mt. Joy Academy and Lititz Academy a director in the Southeast ward, serving several years. Returning then to Mt. Joy he read medicine under In 1858 he was elected to represent the same ward Dr. J. L. Ziegler, and after a course at the Pennsvl- (afterward the Third and then the Fourth) nn the vania Medical School, graduated from that institution school board and was afterward re-elected each term in 1859. I-Te located for practice in Elizabetht6wn BIOGRAPHICAL 551 Lancaster county, and won a high place in the estima- tion of the people. The Civil war broke out, and he became an assistant surgeon of the 62d Pa. V. I., and in that capacity served until the close of the war. When peace was declared, acting under the advice of the regimental surgeon. Dr. Kerr, he applied for a commission as surgeon in the regular army, but while this was pend- ing, he purchased the drug store of Dr. J. Heyl Raser, at No. 526 Penn street, Reading, Pa. His commission arrived in due time, but he resigned it out of considera- tion to his family and his new enterprise, and continued in the drug business until his death, a period of more than forty-two years. Dr. Ziegler was by profession a Presbyterian, and was one of the organizers of Olivet Church, at Read- ' ing, being elected an elder of same. He labored earnestly and efficiently in developing the congregation and placing it on a sure foundation. While at school he had become proficient in the classics, and never al- lowed this attainment to suflfer by disuse. As a teacher of the Bible class in his chosen church, no matter what other helps he might use, his scholars received the benefit of his study of the lesson in original Greek. Though a man of warm impulses and kind heart, the decisiveness with which he expressed his convictions — and they were never wavering — often gave color to a severity not intentional. Eminently successful in his business, his prosperity was based as much on his unflinching honesty as on sound business principles so that his store became known for honest drugs. Purity rather than price influenced his purchase, and if a salesman deceived and ventured to trade with him again, he found his reception very frigid, and if he persisted the interview would be terminated abruptly in a most startling manner. He was bashful in every- thing that called notice to personal merit, and seemed uncomfortable when paid a compliment. The earnes.t- ness with which he regarded everything in life was stamped on his countenance, giving it a look of severity, yet no man could laugh at a clean joke more heartily than he. While he undoubtedly felt much satisfaction in having been an officer in the Union army, he seemed to think the part he played was too humble to publish by joining any of the organizations based on army service, and it was a long time before he would consent to be mustered into Gen. William H. Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R., and just the year be- fore his death he became a companion of Pennsylvania Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He was one of the founders of the Reading Hospital, and among its most liberal contributors, and for many years was its treasurer and a manager until his business in- terests interfered. He was conducting his business with his usual energy, when suddenly stricken, and the whole community was shocked to hear of his death. On July 13, 1871, Dr. Ziegler married Sarah Ann McFarland, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Arbuc- kle) McFarland. To this union were born two children: Howard P.; and Stella, wife of Dr. William W. Livin- good, of Reading. He is also survived by two sis- ters, Mrs. Catharine Geib and Mrs. Isaac Zook, of Mastersonville, Lancaster county. CHRISTIAN H. RUHL, attorney at the Reading Bar since 1875, and President of the Berks County Trust Company since its organization in 1900. was born at Carlisle, Cumberland county. Pa., Aug. 7, 1853. He was educated in the local schools, and at Dickinson College, from which institution he was graduated in 1874. During his course of study in the College he had entered the law offices of Charles E. McLaughlin, Esq., at Carlisle, for the purpose of taking up the prac- tice of law as his profession, and shortly after his graduation was admitted to the Cumberland County Bar (Aug. 24, 1874). Having decided to locate in a larger county, he selected Berks county for his field of practice and removing to Reading was admitted to the Bar April 15, 1875. He gradually secured an in- creasing .practice by his careful attention to business, and when James N. Ermentrout, Esq. (member of the law-partnership of Daniel and James N. Ermentrout), was elevated to the Bench Jan. 1, 1886, his senior part- ner. Hon. Daniel Ermentrout (then in Congress from the Berks District), selected Mr. Ruhl to take the place of his brother, and formed the partnership of Er- mentrout & Ruhl ; and this partnership continued in a very active and successful practice until the decease of Mr. Ermentrout in 1899. Mr. Ermentrout having been prominently identified with the political aflfairs of the county during this time, the legal business of the firm was attended to almost wholly by Mr. fiuhl. Their business embraced an extensive practice in all the local courts, and the prosecution of numerous cases and the settlement of intricate estates having involved much litigation, he came to attend the terms of the Supreme court an- nually during the week set apart for Berks county. He began his practice before the Supreme court in 1877. The State reports during a period of thirty years show cases annually which were represented by Mr. Ruhl, either for the plaintiff or for the defendant, and the paper-books display his great care and ability in the preparation of his legal contests. Besides appear- ing before the Supreme and Superior courts of the State, he has also had considerable practice before the District, Circuit and Supreme courts of the United States, which has given himi a wide acquaintance with the legal profession in many States of the Union. He has been a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Associa- tion for many years. In 1904 he represented the asso- ciation as one of the delegates to the Universal Con- gress of Lawyers which assembled at St. Louis, Mo.; and in 1905 to the American Bar Association which assembled at Narragansett Pier, R. I. During this time, from 1898 to 1905, he officiated as the Register in Bankruptcy. From; the time of locating in Berks county, Mr. Ruhl has taken an attive part in local politics with the Democratic party and exerted a large influence throughout the county in the nomination of candidates for office. Mr. Ruhl has been identified with different financial institutions of this community, either as counsel or director, for many years: National Bank of Boyer- town. Wbmelsdorf National Bank, and East Reading Electric Street Railway Company. H'e was one of the organizers of the Berks County Trust Company in 1900, and has since officiated as its president; also of the Reading Glove & Mitten Manufacturing Com- pany in 1898, and has since served as a director. In 1878," Mr. Ruhl was married to Elizabeth K. Runkle, daughter of John Runkle, of Reading, manu- facturer for many years, who died in 1904, aged eighty- seven years. They have been active members of the First Presbyterian Church since their marriage. He served as a trustee of the congregation and as su- perintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. They also co-operated heartily in the successful estab- lishment of the Homeopathic Hospital in 1888, and the Young Women's Christian Association in 1898, Mr. Ruhl serving the former as secretary for five years, and as president for twelve years, and the latter as president since its organization. Mr. Ruhl's father, jfesse Ruhl, was born in 1812, in Lancaster county, near Mt. Joy. He was a year old when his parents moved to Cumberland county, about three miles east of Carlisle, and engaged in farming. Upon the decease of his father, he carried on the farm until 1865, when he removed to Carlisle, and lived there in retirement until his death in 1891. He was married to Mary Ann Gladfelter, daughter of George Gladfelter, of York county, and they had four children: Joseph (farmer on the homestead) ; George (for many years 553 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA in business at Carlisle and died in 1906); Catharine (m. to John H. Strickler) ; and Christian Henry (the subject of this sketch). His grandfather was Christian Ruhl, born in 1751 in Lancaster county, and brought up to farming. He removed to Cumberland county in 1813, and besides carrying on farming was also engaged in lumbering, milling and distilling until he died in 1850. His great-grandfather was also named Christian, born in Lancaster county, followed farming, and died in 1829. His great-great-grandfather emigrated from Holland in 1743, and settled near M'ount Joy, in Lancaster county. WILLIAM RICK, Mayor of Reading for the term of 1008-11, was born July 28, 1875, at the village of Millers- burg, Bethel township, Berks county. He acquired his preliminary education in the local schools and at the Keystone State Normal School, after which he entered Muhlenberg College at Allentown, Pa., and remaining there three years, was graduated in June, 1893. He then be- gan the study of law by registering as a student in the law office of Jacobs & Keiser, at Reading, and on Nov. 11. ISOt), was regularly admitted to practise before the courts of Berks county. He then went to the Yale Law School, and graduated in 1897. Immediately beginning active practice, he has continued with increasing success until the present time, his offices being at No. 526 Court street. Shortly after entering upon his legal practice, he identified himself with the Republican party, and in ap- preciation of his services was given the appointment of deputy controller of Berks county by Joseph N. Shomo, who was appointed on May 22, 1901, by the Governor, as the first controller of the county, a position which he filled until Jan, 6, 1902, In 1904 in the organization of the school board of that year, Mr. Rick was elected school solicitor of the Reading school district, and served for the term of 1904-'07, In 1908 Mr. Rick was nominated for mayor of Reading on the Republican ticket, being chosen in preference to several other candidates. His Democratic opponent was Edward Yeager, wto had been Mayor three years before, and who was popular with the community. .A. vigorous campaign was waged, Mr, Rick conducting much of it himself and making numerous speeches. Though Read- ing was normally Democratic by about 500, Mr. Rick was triumphantly elected mayor by upwards of 1.800 majority, being the youngest candidate ever elected to that position. Shortly before his inauguration he formed a law partnership with Frederick W. NicoUs, under the title of Rick & Nicolls. and, though he spent part of his time in attending to his law business, devoted himself principally to the intricate municipal affairs of the city. One of the most remarkable local improvements during his term was the completion of the Spring street subway, connecting the northeastern section of the city with the north central, and greatly expediting traffic and transpor- tation which had formerly been almost impossible between these districts except by a circuitous route. Mr. Rick has always had a good business head, and it is as a business lawyer, seeing the common sense side of the law and discarding its technicalities and in- equalities, that he has been particularly successful. His conduct of city affairs thus far has also been on a strictly business basis, as well as of absolute integrity. His busi- ness capacity is evidenced by his connection with a num- ber of local enterprises, being a director of the Berks County Trust Company, the American Casualty Company, the Reading Wood Pulley Company, and the Readin,g Saddle and ;\Tanufacturing Company. I\fr. Rick, both as lawyer and as public officer, has al- ways been animated by a keen desire to do his full duty to his clients and to his constituents, and nothing is too laborious or unpleasant for him to undertake in attaining this end. His courtesy and patience are inexhaustible, and if his resentment is ever aroused, it means that he hab endured until endurance is no longer right, and th;it the offender has been guilty of some utterly indefensible action. In 1899 Mr. Rick was married to Carrie B. Lawshe, daughter of Abner Lawshe, merchant at Reading, and they have one daughter, Margaret. Mr. Rick's father was Garrick Mallery Fisher Rick. He was born June 15, 1831, in Penn township, at Centre- ville, now Garfield. He attended the local schools during his boyhood, and also a school in Chester county. Upon his return home he was employed on a farm for a number of years, and then entered a general store at-Rehrersburg for the purpose of learning the mercantile business, and in 1855 he embarked in business for himself. He continued at Rehrersburg until 1860, and then moved to Millers- burg, where he carried on a large general store with increasing success until 1884, when he retired, and lived in retirement until his decease Oct. 10, 1908. For forty years he was prominently identified with the business, financial and political aflfairs of his section of the county, and exerted much influence in the community. Upon his retirement from business, he was succeeded in his busi- ness by his son John George Rick. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church for many years, and in politics was a stanch Republican. He officiated as post- master of Millersburg for twenty-five years. He married Sarah Ann Beyerle, daughter of Dr. George Beyerle, of Bernville. They had three children : John George ( m. to Clara Kline) : Mary (m. to Harry A. Reinoehl, a lumber merchant at Lebanon, Pa.) ; and William, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Rick's grandfather was John Rick, who carried on a store and tannery at Centrevilie for many years. He died in 1839, aged thirty-nine years. He married Eliza- beth Fisher, by whom he had eight children : Louisa (m. to William Schaffner) ; Fayetta (m. to John Heighold) ; Garrick M. F. (m. to Sarah Beyerle) : Emma M. (m. to Cornelius Stamm) ; Lydia (m. to Amos Huyett) : John; Sidney, and George (m. to Mary Ann Deppen). DIETRICH. The Dietrich family is one of the most numerous and prominent in Berks county. It has been distinguished for the loyal and intelligent citizen- ship, and for the honorable and upright lives, of those bearing the name. The ancestry was of royal blood in the German empire, and acts of valor and deeds of philanthropy of the Dietrichs have illumined the pages of German history for more than one thousand years. Five distinct houses of Dietrich or Dieterich have been elevated to the same armorial bearings as have been worn by the kings and emperors them- selves. In the New World they have participated in all the wars of this country, and in times of peace have been among the industrious and useful mem- bers of society. The Dietrich Family .Association was founded along original lines in the year 1903 by William J. Dietrich. of Reading. Meetings were held in 1903, at Lenharts- ville, and in 1904 and 1906 at Kutztown. At the last meeting were representatives from seventeen States, and also from Canada and Mexico, and upward of three thousand persons were present. Up to the pres- ent time this is the largest family gathering ever held in Pennsylvania. In the following record of the family, the Roman numerals indicate the number of the generation, begin- ning with the first American ancestor. (I) Adam Dietrich, born in the German Palatinate, in the Rhine Valley, Oct. 28, 1740, was reared to agri- cultural pursuits in his native country, where he also learned the trade of weaver. In 1751 his elder brother, Johannes Dietrich, emigrated to America, and settled m Greenwich township, Berks County. Pa, He was followed to this country by Adam and another brother, Casper, m 1767. The two brothers crossed the At- lantic in the .good ship "Britannia." which qualified at Philadelphia Oct. 26. 1767. Casper located in North- ampton county, Pa., where he lived until about 1790. when he settled m Virginia, from which State his AA/1LL.IAM RICK MAYOR OF REATDING 1908-1911 BIOGRAPHICAL 553 son, Casper, Jr., served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Casper Dietrich had a large family. For some years after coming to this country Adam Dietrich apparently lived in Lowhill township, North- umberland county, where in 1772 he paid a proprie- tary tax of $37.96. His occupation was that of a farm- er and innkeeper at Sunbury. In 1785, when a federal tax was collected in that county, he was no longer a resident there, but the State records, and the old tax lists of Berks county, show him a resident in Greenwich township, Berks county. In 1779 he owned there 130 acres of land, four horses and three cows. In 1780-81-82-83 he was assessed with 130 acres, two horses, two' cattle in Greenwich; and in 1779-80-81-82- 83-84-85 he was assessed also in Maxatawny township with two horses, two cattle and two sheep. He conduct- ed an inn a quarter of a mile northeast of Topton for some years, in addition to farming in Greenwich. A warrant for eighty acres of land located in Northumber- land county was deeded to him Feb. 15, 1767, by the Commonwealth. On Feb. 15, 1787, he obtained an- other warrant, this one for sixty acres located in Greenwich township. In 1785 he bought several lots of ground located on White Oak street, Kutztown, from George Kutz. In 1789 he bought from Michael Roth, who lived in Virginia, a tract of land located in Maxatawny township, Berks county. This deed states that Adam Dietrich was a yeoman, and a true and trusty friend of the grantor. In 1793 he purchased more land,- this being a tract in Kutztown, from Sam- uel Schoedler. On November 30, 1809, a warrant was granted Adam Dietrich by the Commonwealth of Penn- sylvania for a tract of 200 acres located in Greenwich township, and this he sold, June 3, 1812, to his young- est son, Johann Christian, for $2,796. Adam Dietrich was loyal to his adopted land, and the Dietrich Family Association have certified records that he was a ser- geant in Capt. Jacob Baldy's company, under Lieut. - Col. Joseph Hiester, of Berks county, in the Revolu- tionary war in 1780. Adam Dietrich was married before his emigration to America, and two of his children,' Johann Adam and Johann George, were born in the Fatherland. He married Maria Barbara Steinbruch, who was born March 13, 1741, daughter of Jacob Steinbruch. She died on the homestead in Greenwich township, June 6, 1821, aged eighty years, two months, twenty-four davs. He died in Greenwich township March 1, 1817, aged seventy-six years, four months, and three days. Both Adam Diet- rich and his wife were stanch Lutherans, and were members of the Moselem Church (which was estab- lished in 1742), of which he was an official, and they are both buried in the cemetery adjoining this church. To this couple were born seven sons and five daugh- ters, all but one of whom lived to old age. All the sons were named Johann, but each was known by his second name with the exception of the sixth son, who had no second name. These children v/ere: (1) Jo- hann Adam, born Dec. 11. 1765, died Au^. 19. 1823, aged fifty-seven years, eight months, eight days. (2) Johann Georg. born May 7. 1767, died Nov. 4, 1845, aged seventy-eight years, five months, twenty- seven days. (3) Maria Barbara, born 1769, m. Jo- hannes Zimmerman, of Albany township, where their descendants still reside. (4) Maria Catharine, born 1771, m. Rev. Johann Michael Schmidt, mentioned elsewhere. (5) Johann Jacob, born June 25, 1773, died Sept. 1, 1857, aged eighty-four years, twoi months, six days. (6) Johann Michael, born April 6, 1775, died June 19, 1861. aged eighty-six years, two months, thir- teen days. (7) Johann Heinrich, born 1777, died 1857. (8) Johann, born Jan. 7. 1779, died July 28, 1830. aged fifty-one years, six months, twenty-one days. (9"! Ma- ria Elizabeth, born 1781. (10) Johann Christian, born Jan. 13, 1783, died Nov. 21, 1873, aged ninety years, ten months, eight days. (11) Maria Magdalena, born 1785. was known by the name of Polly. She m. a Becker. (12) Anna Margaret, born January, 1787, died July 14, 1838. aged fifty-one years, six months. She was called Beckie, and she m. Jacob Heflfner (1781-1867), of Virginville, Pennsylvania. (II) Johann Adam Dietrich, oldest son of Adam the emigrant, was born Dec. 11, 1765, in Germany, and when a mere child came with his parents to Pennsyl- vania. He grew up on the farm, and when twenty-one years old, in 1788, married Catharine Christ, born 1767, who died in Greenwich in 1837, aged sixty-nine years. He- lived in Greenwich township for some years, and then owned a farm on which he lived in the Stony Run, in Albany township. Here he died suddenly of apo- plexy, Aug. 19, 1823, aged fifty-seven years, eight months, eight days. He and his wife are buried at Grimville. His three children were: Johannes, born Feb. 26, 1795, died April 1, 1872; George died in in- • fancy; Mary (1803-1883) m. Jacob Wessner. (III) Johannes Dietrich (1795i-1872), son of Johann Adam, lived in the Stony Run, on the homestead which latterly was owned by his son John, who was oyer six feet tall, and very strong. Johannes Diet- rich kept many bees, and was very successful in rais- ing them. Visitors to his family were treated to an abundance of honey, which he had the year around. His sons and grandsons inherited from him the art of bee raising. In 1823 he married Catharine Kunkel, born in Al- bany June 8, 1800, died Sept. 22, 1880, aged eighty years, three months, fourteen days. They had the fol- lowing eight children: Polly m. Daniel Fenster- macher; Rebecca (1824-1891) m. Johannes Schlenker; Daniel m. Catharyn Dietrich; Anna m. Samuel Mil- ler; Maria C. m. William S. Mosser; John H. m. Polly Leiby (they had no issue); one died young; David (1840-1852). (IV) Daniel Dietrich, son of Johannes, was born in Albany on the homestead in Stony Run, where all his brothers and sisters were also born. He .died on his farm at the top of Stony Run hill Oct. 5. 1901, aged seventy years, seven months, eighteen days. He was a life-long farmer, and also raised bees. He was an honest and kind-hearted man, tall, strong and a little stooped; he wore a heavy beard. He and his family were Lutherans and are buried at Grimville. His wife, Catharyn Dietrich, a daughter of Michael Dietrich, died Oct. 10, 1895, in her sixty-sixth year, rfhey had these seven children: Levi D. m. Mary Dietrich; Catharyn m. Augustus Dietrich (they have Newton E. and Walter L.) ; Daniel m. Emma Rein- hart; Ellen m. Jacob George; Sarah m. Mr. Baer; Charles A. m. Louisa Kutz; Mary A. m. Nathan Zimmerman. (II) Johann Georg Dietrich, born May 7, 1767, son of Adam the emigrant, came with his parents to America when a mere child. He located in Green- wich township, near Dunkel's Church, of which he was an official Lutheran member. In 1809 his name appears as a church official and active member. He died Nov. 4, 1845, aged seventy-eight years, five months, twenty- seven days. He and his wife, Elizabeth Brunner (1773- 1850). are buried there. Their eight children were: (1) Johannes (born 1793, died 1872) m. Maria Moyer (1793- 1861), and had children: Polly, Hannah, Jeremiah, Het- tie and Lucinda. Polly and Hettie still live on the farm, the former past ninety years old, and the latter nearly ninety. (2) Katie (1796-1870) married Jacob Stoyer,' and had eight children. (3) Beckie (1798) married Benjamin Hummel, of Greenwich, and had three chil- dren. (4) Maria Magdalena (1801-1880) married John Komp, and had four children. (5) George B. (born 1805, died 1878) was of (Greenwich. He married Polly Riegelman. and had children: Fennias, Jonas, Katie, Lewis and Helena. (6) Daniel (born Nov. 12, 1809, died Jan. 18. 1842). (7) Ann married Benjamin Riegelman, of Greenwich town- ship, and had two children. (8) Lucinda married Jacob Lesher, of near Topton, Pa., and had six children. 554 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (III) Daniel Dietrich, son of Johann Georg, was born Nov. 13, 1809, and died Jan. IS, 1842, aged thirty-two years, two months, six days; he was buried at Dunkel's Church. He was a farmer in Greenwich township. On Oct. 17, 1830, he married Catharine Lesher (1812-1844), and they had five sons and one daughter, namely: (l) Benjamin married and had children: John, Mary, Ella, Rachel and James D. The last named was the father of Prof. A. M. Dietrich, of Reading. (2) Samuel lived at Lewisburg, Union county, where he died. He had two children, Frank and Laura. (3) Daniel died at Mif- flinburg. Pa., at the age of fifty-four. He had three children, Charles, George and Irwin. (4) Joel L. (born June 6, 1837). (5) Isaac is buried at Hamburg. His son Irwin lives at Schuylkill Haven, Pa. (6) A daugh- ter. (IV) Joel L. Dietrich, son of Daniel, born June 6, 1837, in Greenwich township, was reared to farming. In his young manhood he went to live with his uncle, Solomon Lesher, who was a farmer in Upper Tulpehocken township. There he lived some years, and was married to Catharine Unger, daughter of David Unger, of that township. Mr. Dietrich worked at car- pentering for some years, and then engaged again in farming. He owned a farm of over one hundred acres in Jefferson township, near Bernville, and this he cul- tivated some years. He also owned a smaller tract adjacent. In 1905 he sold his land and retired, mov- ing into Strausstown, where he makes his home at the present time. He is a man very highly respected, and for many years he was active in church life at the Zion's Blue Mountain Church. To him and his good wife were born twelve children, as follows: (1) Frank- lin P. (born April 2, 1860). (2) George B., of Reading, m. Valeria Groff, and has one daughter, Miary. (3) Milton C, of Reading, m. in 1890 Ida Fox, and their children are: Robert F.. Ida S., John J. and Annie C. (4) William A. (born Feb. 24, 18G6, died Sept. 9, 1903). (5) Mary m. in 1888, Charles Christman, and has four sons and four, daughters. (6) Katie m., in 1892, Wil- liam Kenney, and has one son and four daughters. (7) Amelia m., in 1889, Calvin Himmelberger, and has three sons and one daughter. (8) Lizzie m. in 1893, Levi Christman, brother of Charles, and has a daughter, Ella. (9) Fietta m., in 1892, Moses Ebling, and they have four sons and one daughter. (10) Charles (1863- 1884). (11) Isaac, of Rehrersburg, m. Lizzie Gehart. (12) John, a music teacher and organist and chorister of the Rehrersburg Lutheran Church, m. Lillian Bright, and has a son, Charles. (V) Franklin P. Dietrich, son of Joel L., born April 2. 1860, at Schaefferstown. Jefferson township, this county, is a farmer in Bern township. He obtained a common school education, and remained at home un- til he was thirty-two years of age. He then began farming in Cumru township, near Mt. Penn Furnace, where he remained three years. In the spring of 1902 he went to his present farm, located near Leinbachs, in Bern township. This farm, which contains thirty-seven acres of good land, he purchased from Jacob Balthaser. In his young inanhood he learned the painter's trade, and this he followed for nineteen years, of which time three years were passed in Reading and three years in business for himself at Strausstown. He is an ener- getic and progressive citizen. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, and in religious connection he and all his family are members of Eplers Lutheran Church. On June 18, 1893, he married Ellen Schlappig, daughter of William and Mary (Savage) Schlappig, of Upper Bern. They have three children, all in school: Lillie, Mary and Charles W. (V) William A. Dietrich, son of Joel L., born in Upper Tulpehocken township Feb. 24, 1866. died at Strausstown Sept. 9, 1903, aged thirty-seven years, six months, fifteen days, and was buried at Blue Mountain Church. He was a musician of note, was organist of Blue Mountain Church and Sunday-school for seven years, a leader of the Strausstown choir, and made great efforts to improve the younger element in vocal and instrumental music. He was a man of high ideals, and was greatly beloved by all who knew him. By trade he was a stone-cutter, and this he followed in con- nection with the teaching of music. He moved to Strausstown in 1895 from Hamburg, having lived in the latter place three years, there following the profession of music teacher with great success. On April 29, 1892, he married Sallie M. Potteiger, daughter of William Potteiger, a former member of the State Legislature, and justice of the peace of Berks county many years. No children were born to them. (II) Johann Jacob Dietrich, son of Adam the emi- grant, was born in Berks county, June 25. 1773, and he died on his farm in Albany township, whither he had moved in 1817, Jan. 1. 1857. He was an official member of the Lutheran congregation of the Union Church at Lenhartsville, and is buried in the cemetery there. He was an extensive landowner. In about 1817 he settled at "Spitzenburg," in Albany township, where he suc- cessfully conducted a tannery and hotel for many years. On Jan. 30, 1829, he purchased seventeen acres and three rods from Jacob Trautman, a neighbor in Albany township. On Dec. 22, 1829, he obtained a grant from the Commonwealth, through the Secretary of the Land Office, for sixteen acres, twenty-six perches, for $33.- 78. This tract was lying adjacent to his other land. He also purchased a tract from John Stoudt, a neighbor, for £3,100. From the Christian Henry estate (to whom it had been ceded by the Common- wealth) he obtained 194 acres, 84 perches, in Albany, and adjoining his other land. He owned about 500 acres of land in the southern end of Albany township, around the south and west base of Spitzenburg, part of this land lying across the Albany line into Green- wich township, and he was known as "Spitzenburger Jake Dietrich." This land is now divided into three large farms: The 148-acre farm owned by Jacob H. Dietrich (son of Samuel P. and grandson of Johann Jacob); the Nathan Stump farm (on which Johann Jac- ob Dietrich built the present barn in 1837); and the Simon Bautsch farm. The last named tract was the homestead farm of Mr. Dietrich, and on it is a one and one-half story stone house, which was erected in about 1760 by the Henry family, the original owners. This had no cellar, and was used as a church many years ago, and also as a schoolhouse, one Karl Cook being the teacher. In a corner in the wall was a hollow or hole, in which the Holy Bible was kept, Mr, Dietrich kept a very popular hotel, known as "Dietrich's Hotel," in this house for many years, and about 1800 built a stone addition on the west side. Battalion days were held annually in an open field at the Spitzenburg, and on this day the militia met and drilled in all the splendor they could muster. Each company tried to exhibit the best discipline, Dietrich's battalion was always largely attended, and was a very joyful occasion, the ladies in their bright attire adding to the brilliance of the scene. The day, however, usually wound up somewhat disas- trously, as the disputes regarding the relative merits of those participating in the day's work were frequent- ly settled by blows. Mr. Dietrich was also a distiller, and burned considerable apple-jack, the ruins of his old distillery still being visible in the meadow facing the house. He sold a "smaller," a drink of apple-jack, for two cents. I-Ie was a man of no little prominence and influence in his district, and while of mild disposition, and kind heart, he was unbending in his convictions, and was very strict in his discipline of his children. He was smooth-shaven, had black hair and clear white teeth, and though small in stature was possessed of great strength, being able to carry twelve bushels of wheat at one time, six bushels of which he could shoulder alone. In 1806 Johann Jacob Dietrich married Christina Peiffer (1786-1861), and they became the parents of eleven children, namely: (1) Daniel (born 1808, died BIOGRAPHICAL 555 1872) m. Anna Christman. (2) Samuel (born 1810, died 1898) m. Sarah Heinly. (3) Henry (born 1812) m. Anna Kline. (4) Jacob P. m. Leah Greenanwald. (5) Gideon P. (born 1815, died 1898) m. Susan Moser. (6) Solomon P. (born 1817, died 1901) m. Anna Hein. He was a well-known citizen of Albany township. (7) Pol- ly (born 1819, died 1900) m. Charles Greenanwald. (8) Sally m. Peter Kline. (9) Moses P. (born 1824, died 1906) m. Anna Dreibelbis, owned and conducted a grist mill on the Ontelaunee, at Lenhartsville, for many years. (10) Charles P. (born Nov. 11, 1826), formerly a well known citizen of Albany township, who how lives at Reading, m. Kate Smith. (11) Caroline (born 1830) m. Peter Krause, of Klinesville. He died in the nine- tieth year of his age, in 1909. She died shortly after- ward. (III) Daniel Dietrich, eldest child of Johann Jacob, was born in Albany township, July 27, 1808, and died of smallpox at Reading, Aug. 30, 1872, aged sixty-four years, one month, three days. He was first engaged in farming immediately west of the borough of Kutztown, from there moving to Oley township, where he was engaged in farming for many years. On retiring from agricultural work, he moved to Reading, and there for ten years conducted a dairy, meeting with great suc- cess. In 1833 he married Anna Christman, born May 6, 1814, daughter of Peter Christman. She died Oct. 24, 1883. Both Daniel Dietrich and his wife are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. They had a family of thirteen sons, and we have record of the following: (1) James M. (born Aug. 11. 1834, died in Nebraska, Feb. 5, 1901) m. Sarah Neiferd, of Iowa, and had seven children — Franklin, Daniel, John, Charles. Rebecca, Mary and Amelia — and fourteen grandchildren. (2) Daniel P. (3) Charles C. (born Oct. 20, 1837) lives at No. 923 Elm street, Reading. He m. Sophia Gehret, who has been an invalid since 1898, and they have had four children: Mary Ann. Cyrus (1862-1891), Alice and Amanda. (4) Penrose (born 1838) m. Wilhelmina Mary Buchanan, from the West, and has children: Anna Mary, William F., Edward C, Franklin A., Carrie M., Albert A. and Elmer J. (5) Alfred m. Beckie Fisher, and lives at No. 110 North Tenth street, Reading. No issue. (6) Francis F. (born Jan. 6, 1841) m. in 1872, Amanda Jane Zumbrun, of the West, and they live in Nebraska. Their children are: Alvin M., Truman O., Mary A., Emma M., Fianna S., George F.. Valetta J. and Lloyd J. (7) Thomas T. (born Feb. 29, 1848) m. and with his son, Fred W., lives in the West. (8) Alvin, of Yellow House, Berks county, m. Catharine Miller, and has children: Oscar M.. Alvin M.. Elmer M., Bertha, Anna, Katharyn and Mary. He also has four grand- children. (9) Cyrus died young. (10) Jacob (born 1850, died 1897) was unmarried. His remains rest in the Charles Evans cemetery at Reading. (IV) Daniel P. Dietrich, the second oldest son of Daniel, was born in Albany township, June 12, 1836. He was educated in the schools of Albany and Green- wich townships, and when fourteen years of age was sent to Columbia county by his father to obtain an English education. While at this place he made his home with his uncle, Gideon Dietrich, and he attended school until eighteen years of age. He remained with his uncle eight years, the last four at work on his uncle's farm. At the age of twenty-two years he went to. Montour county, and there in Derry township worked on a farm. In 1859 and 1860 he operated a farm for his father-in-law, Leonard Raub, and he later became foreman for a large lumber company in Cameron coun- ty. Pa., remaining there four years. He again worked at farming, following this occupation for ten years, when he removed to Richardson county. Neb., where he worked on a farm for three years. He then purchased a farm which he operated for nine years, and then bought 440 acres in Buffalo county. Neb., and 360 acres in Phillips county, Kans. These large farms he oper- ated successfully for sixteen years, selling them at a very large profit. He understood the nature of the Western soil, and raised very large crops. He also engaged in stock raising, meeting with great success. He purchased his land at several dollars an acre, and commenced raising alfalfa, which greatly enhanced the value of the land, and his real estate speculations always were profitable. During the winter of 1898-99 Mr. Dietrich came East, and, becoming ill, decided to remain in the region of his nativity. Until the spring of 1907 he resided on South Third Street, in Hamburg, and he then located in Reading, where he purchased a fine home at No. 1019 Franklin street. He is now living retired. Mr. Dietrich has been twice married. In 1859 he married Catharine Raub, daughter of Leon- ard Raub, and to this union were born children as fol- lows: Sarah died aged twenty-two years; William L. lives at Sweetwater, Buffalo Co., Nebr.; Lucinda C. died in her fourth year; Emma R. rri. Wellington Moser, a native of Columbia county, and they now live at Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. In 1900 Mr. Dietrich married (second) Lizzie Hoff, of Hamburg, daughter of John and Ellen (Gehris) Hofif, of Reading. (II) Johann Michael Dietrich, the sixth child of Adam the emigrant, was born April 6. 177'5, and died near Klinesville, on his large farm in Greenwich town- ship now owned by Daniel J. Fraunfelder, June 19, 1861, aged eighty-six years, two months, thirteen days. He married Sophia Brunner, bdrn in Greenwich, Nov. 8, 1779, died Sept. 23, 1863, aged eighty-three years, ten months, fifteen days. They are buried beside each other in the graveyard at Lenhartsville. They were devout Lutherans, and he was a foremost member of the Lenhartsville church, serving the congregation faithfully as an official many years. He helped to build the church in 1856 and gave liberally toward its erection. Michael Dietrich, as he was known, began farming on a large tract located midway between Len- hartsville and Virginville, on the Ontelaunee. This farm is now owned by a Luckenbill. On April 14, 1814, he bought a 156-acre tract from George and Eva Heinly, located in Greenwich, one mile east of Klines- ville. Here he built a big stone house and greatly improved the land. On Aug. 15, 1853, he sold this farm to his son Michael for $3,600 in gold or silver. Mdchael Dietrich and wife remained on this farm until they died. Some of their children were born at this place. i After the father's death Michael Dietrich, Jr., lived on the farm, and on April 17, 1867. sold it to his son Eli for $6,660. Eli Dietrich in 1882 traded the farm to Henry Fraunfelder, for a 117-acre farm in Maxa- tawny. located to the right of the main road leading from Eagle Point to Kutztown. Here Eli has since lived and prospered. The "Dietrich Farm," as it is still known locally, is one of the best farms in the township, and is bounded by lands of other Dietrichs. Sophia Brunner, wife of Johann Michael Dietrich, was a devout Christian. She read her Bible daily and taught her children the love of the Master. She liked to collect relics, and had many old dishes, coins, etc. The children of Michael and Sophia Dietrich were as follows: (1) Maria Barbara (Polly), born Jan. 2. 1799, died June 11, 1877, m. Christian Braucher. (2) Michael, born May 12, 1801. died, July 14, 1880, married Hannah Will. They had these children: Catharyn, Mary, Wil- loughby, Caroline, Benneville, Abby, Anna Caroline and Eli. (3) Daniel is mentioned later. (4) Lydia, 1805- 1863, m. Daniel Stump. (5) Betsy m. John Kistler (6) Hannah, 1808-1886, m. Samuel Kunkel. (7) Sallie, 1810-1895, m. Jonas Wiesner. (8) Catharine m. Nathan Kistler. (9) Heinrich ("Harry"). • (IV) Benneville Dietrich was born in Greenwich township June 15, 1836, son of -(HI) Michael, Jr., son of (II) Johann Michael, son of (I) Adam the 'emi- grant. He was reared to farm, life in his native town- ship. In 1868 he came to Albany township, where he purchased the farm of ninety-five acres on Pine 556 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA creek now owned by Mrs. Braucher. This farm he cultivated some twenty-four years, operating at the same time a sawmill. Benneville Dietrich was a vet- eran of the Civil War. going forth to do battle under the flag in Company K. 170th Pa. V. I. With his family he belonged to New Bethel Lutheran and Re- formed (Corner) church. He is described as of sturdy build, and wore his red beard long and flowing. He married Matilda, daughter of Christian Braucher. Mrs. Dietrich was born March 22, 1835, and died Feb. 13. 1907, aged seventy-one years, eleven months, twenty- two days. To her were born six children, noted as follows: Mary m. Clayton Smith of Sellersville, Pa.; William L., of Sittlers, Schuylkill county, m. Emma Smith, who died in 1907, the mother of Jennie, Mamie. Annie and Sallie (twins), Irene and Frank; Daniel O., of Watkins, N. Y.. m. Esther Robinson, and they have Samuel, Oliver and Clayton; Charles W.; Sarah Jane, born 1871, died when less than a year nld; Jon- athan p., a blacksmith at Tamaqua, Pa., m. Clara Ely (no issue). The father of this family died July 26, 1887, at the comparatively early age of fifty-one years. (V) Charles W. Dietrich was born March 22, 1868. in Albany township. He passed his life to the time of his majority on the home farm, acquiring such education as the country schools afforded. Upon attaining his majority, he served the farmers about the neighborhood for five years, and then took up residence on his present farm in 1894. The farm had been owned by his father-in-law, Dav,id S. Kamp. and consists of seventy-nine acres, twenty-nine of which is woodland. To this Mr. Dietrich has added a tract of 136 acres of wooded land adjacent. One of the particularly strong points of this farm is the excellent and abundant water supply. Mr. Dietrich built a barn in 1889, and in 1896 a substantial frame farm-house. These, together with other minor improvements, have greatly increased the value of the farm. General farming is carried on by Mr. Dietrich and with a success which always attends earnest and persistent agricultural effort in Berks county. He is an influential member of the Democratic party in his locality, and has at different times served as delegate to county conventions. He is now serving as registry assessor of the district, having been elected at the spring elec- tion of 1909. In a social way he affiliates with Wash- ington Camp No. 288, P. O. S. of A., at Steinsville, and the Independent Order of Americans. Lodge No. 544, at Kempton. He and his family are members of the New "Bethel (Corner) church, which Mr. Dietrich has served three terms as deacon. Mr. Dietrich married. Oct. 10, 1891. Amanda E. Kamp. only child of David S. and Fianna (Berk) Kamp, of Albany township. Their children are: Ida N., who graduated from the public school of Albany at the age of twelve; Oscar J., Mabel F. and Edna M. (Ill) Daniel Dietrich, son of Johann Michael, was born in Greenwich township, one mile northeast of Klinesville Jan. 2. 1803, and died March 22, 1884. He and his wife are buried in the cemetery at the United Brethren Church in Tilden township. He was edu- cated in the pay schools of his native township, and was trained to farming, remaining at home until his marriage, in 1828, after which he located in Albany township, on a farm belonging to his father. There he lived for three years. In 1834 he located in Bern (now Centre) township, where he purchased a farm of 121 acres from the Kauffmans. This was extremely fertile land, and was located along Irish creek about two miles west of Centreport, and the cultivation of this farm engrossed his attention until his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and he was a man of high repute and of great influence in his district. In his earlier life he was a Lutheran member of Belleman's Church, serv- ing as an official, but later he became active in Salem United Brethren Church of Tilden township. Pie was liberal in his contributions toward religious and chari- table objects. At the time of his death his estate was valued at $32,000. In 1828 Mr. Dietrich married Salome Fisher, born Sept. 29, 1808, daughter of Philip and (Weaver) Fisher, of Windsor township, and she died July 10, 1878. They had children as follows: Levi F. is men- tioned below. Daniel F. is mentioned below. Hen- ry died age sixteen years. Samuel died unmarried. Eliza m. Isaac Rhoads and lives at Shoemakersville. (IV) Levi F. Dietrich, son of Daniel and Salome, was born in Windsor township July 23. 1832, and was educated in the common schools of his district and at White Hall Academy, in Cumberland county, Pa. He taught school in Centre township three terms. In 1855 he became a practical farmer, and has attained consider- able success in that line. His home farm consists of 165 acres of the best land in the township (Centre) and is kept in excellent condition; the buildings and general condition of farm and live stock could not be improved upon. He also owns a farm of 103 acres elsewhere in the same township, and this he has rented. About 1897 he sold a half interest in the old Centre township Dietrich homestead to his brother. Daniel F. Mr. Diet- rich has ever been prominently identified with the pro- gressive movements of the district. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director seven years and as assessor nine years. In 1884 he was elected prothonotary of Berks county, serving most efficiently from Jan. 1. 1885, until Jan. 1, 1888. He and his family are faithful members of Belleman's Lutheran Church, where Mr. Dietrich has served as a deacon for many years. On Nov. 10, 1854, he married Louisa Moser. and they have ten children: (1) Henrietta m. George B. Miller, of Hamburg, who for seven years was a leader in the Democratic party, and who for three years was register of wills. (2) Salome m. William E. Gruber. a carriage manufacturer of Mt. Pleasant, Berks county. (3) Howard M. lives at Bernville. (4) Valeria m. James H. HoUenbach, cabinet-maker and undertaker at Bernville. (5) Emma m. Jeremiah Heckman, hosiery manufacturer at Shoemakersville. (6) Levi H. is a prosperous farmer in Centre township. (7) Nelson C. lives in Centre township. (8) Wilson P. lives in Centre township. (9) Irwin R. resides in Philadelphia. (10) Horace is a farmer in Centre township. (IV) Daniel F. Dietrich, son of Daniel and Salome, was born Sept. 6, 1834, and is now a prominent citizen of Reading. He attended pay schools four win- ters, and then the public schools of his district, later for three months a boarding-school at Amityville. and lastly the Freeland Seminary, at the Trappe, in Mont- gomery county. Until he was twenty-four years of age he assisted his father on the home farm. At that time he was married and began for himself on one of his father's farms in Centre township, where he remained four years, and then moved to a farm in Exeter town- ship, near Jacksonwald, belonging to his father-in-law. For one year he lived there as a tenant and then pur- chased the farm, cultivating it four years. In 1868 he moved to Reading, where the previous year (Nov. 7, 1867) he had bought out the mercantile firm of Lein- bach & Brother, then located at No. 325 Penn street. Mr. Dietrich formed a partnership with Peter A. Alt- house, iMider the firm name of Dietrich & Althouse, general merchants and merchant tailors, and this lasted eighteen months, when Mr. Dietrich took in Elijah Am- nion, who bought out Mr. Althouse. and for twelve years the firm of Dietrich & .Amnion had one of the largest and best known stores in the city and county. Mr. Dietrich continued the extensive business alone from 1882 until his retirement in 1902, when he was suc- ceeded by his eldest son, Elmer W. The Dietrich store at No. 325 Penn has been a well-known stand since 1868. Mr. Dietrich is a director and large stockholder of the Reading Real Estate Exchange, with offices at No. 612 Washington street. Before he became a member of the Real Estate Company he built nineteen houses in the city. He owns the Dietrich farm of 160 acres in Centre township. Since 1S64 he 'has been the owner of the BIOGRAPHICAL 557 farm on which he formerly lived in Exeter township. He has made his residence since 1868 at No. 203 South Fourth street. While engaged in farming he took a fancy to fine horses and cattle, his herd of Holsteins being the finest in the county. In politics Mr. Dietrich is a Democrat. While living in Exeter township he served as school director. In 1897 he was a candidate for register of wills, and had ninety-seven delegates in the convention. In 1888 he was a delegate to the State Convention, and at the same time his brother was a delegate to the same con- vention from the country. He and his family are faith- ful members of the First Reformed Church in Reading, and he has served for more than a quarter of a century as elder. He is prominent in the Classis of the Re- formed Church of Eastern Pennsylvania, serving fre- quently as a delegate and in various other important capacities. On Nov. 6, 1858, Mr. Dietrich married Catherine A. Althouse, daughter of Henry and Mary (Kissinger) Althouse, of Bern township. They had children: (1) Clara A. m. William A. Heilig, of Cleveland, Ohio. (2) Ida m. Joseph W. Holmes, a coal merchant at Reading. (3) Irvin died in infancy. (4) Elmer W. succeeded his father in business; he m. Laura Ermentrout. (5) D. Wellington is unmarried and is president of the Sea- board Milling Company, West Reading. (6) Harry W., manager of Seaboard Milling Company, m. Ella Showalter. (Ill) Heinrich Dietrich (son of Johann Michael and grandson of Adam the emigrant) was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, April 16, 1816, and died sud- denly of apoplexy near New Smithville, in Maxatawny township (where he had his home), on May 27, 1901, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He is buried at Grimville, by the side of his wife Judith (nee Kutz), a daughter of the late Joseph Kutz, who lived on the Sacony near Kutztown, and was nearly one hundred years old when he died. Heinrich Dietrich was reared upon the farm, and after he became of age rode on horseback to Ohio, where he lived two years and worked upon a farm. In 1842 he married and for some years was a farmer at Kohler's Hill, in Greenwich. Here one of his horses which had been bitten by a mad dog had hydrophobia, which caused a great sensation in the dis- trict. Later Heinrich Dietrich bought a large farm lo- cated in Maxatawny township, across the line of Greenwich, and along Weisenburg township, Lehigh county. This farm he operated for many years. He also operated a clover mill located on this place, in the Mill Creek valley. Early in the seventies he retired to a 40-acre tract lying adjacent to his large farm, which he sold to his son-in-law. Henry Fenstermacher. Here he lived until, becoming too old, he was requested by his daughter Isabella, wife of Henry Fenstermacher, to make his home with them. This he did, and he died at their home, ripe in years, a highly esteemed man. Heinrich Dietrich was better known as "Harry Diet- rich." He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and throughout his lifetime a constant reader. He is remembered with profound reverence by his many grandchildren. He read the Bible often. He was a man of strong convictions and a strict disciplinarian in the family. He had one favorite ejaculation, "By Judas." He was never heard to use God's name in vain. He was tall, about six feet in height, and erect in his bear- ing until he was seventy-five years old, when he became very stooped and walked with a cane, but he was well preserved, had good teeth, eyes and ears, and retained all his faculties to the last. His thick hair was black until he was sixty-five years old. Altogether he was a man of fine appearance. He was a pleasant talker and loved company. On his eighty-fifth birthday his child- ren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a birth- day party in his honor. They had an elaborate dinner, and he was given the seat of honor at the table, and with happy tears streaming down his cheeks praised God for this pleasant event. He told the gathering that this was his last birthday on earth, and his prediction proved true. In the late afternoon of the last Monday in May, the following month, his spirit took its flight. His wife Judith had preceded him in death about twenty-five years. The following were their children: William J., 1843-1870; Susan, born April 7, 1845, is unmarried; Isa- belle m. Henry Fenstermacher; Henry A., born Feb. 6, 1850, m. Sallie Buchman, and they live at Ricketts, Pa. (they have Franklin, Louisa, and Emma); Hettie E., born July 14, 1853, m. Amos Loch; Alfred, 1855-1856; Emma, born Aug. 1, 1857, m. Amos Loch; Annie M., 1860-1882; Sarah, born 1862, is the widow of Sylvester Weil. (IV) William J. Dietrich (son of Heinrich) was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, Dec. 9, 1843, and died at Hamburg, from typhoid pneumonia, July 19, 1876, in the thirty-third year of his life. He was reared upon his father's farm, and in his youth attended the public schools with regularity. He had a bright mind and was a student. He was made administrator of an estate before he was thirty years old, and was helpful in many ways in his community. He owned a small farm one- quarter of a mile from where his father lived, located in Greenwich township, now owned by Lewis Behler. This he operated until the latter part of 1874. when it was sold and he m-oved to Hamburg, where his death occurred. He worked in the ore mines in Maxatawny township in 1873 and 1874, during the spring and fall. At Hamburg he followed huckstering and butchering, and for a short time worked in the rolling-mill, which is now abandoned. He and his family were devout Lutherans, and constant in their attendance at worship. Mr. Dietrich was a man of fine appearance. On July 11, 1868, he married Susanna F. Seaman, youngest daugh- ter of Jonathan Seaman, a foremost man of Tilden township. She was born Dec. 24, 1844, and died sud- denly of apoplexy Sunday night, June 4, 1899, in her fifty-fifth year. Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich are buried in the Dietrich family plot at Hamburg. Mrs. Dietrich was a woman of noble character and high intelligence. She had many virtues, and was a pious woman. Being left a widow with six children, the youngest a posthumous son, she reared them in the fear and admonition of God, and her last spoken word was "God." She was esteemed by all who knew her. William J. and Susanna F. Dietrich had the follow- ing children: (1) Lizzie C, 1868-1881. (2) Agnes V., born Feb. J, 1870, m. G. J. Heintzelman, the financial manager and general superintendent of the Trexler & Turrell Lumber Company, Ricketts, Pa. They have a daughter, Carrie May. and a son, Henry Clay. (3) Zi- villa J., 1871-1872. (4) Oscar H., born July 23. 1872. m. Aquilla Kostenbader, and has daughters. Mabel and Su- san. He is the secretary and treasurer and business manager of the Dietrich Motor Car Company (Inc.) of Allentown, Pa. He is a successful and prosperous bus- iness man of Allentown. (5) David J., born M'arch 1, 1874. (6) William J., is mentioned further on. (7) Al- fred M., born Nov. 30, 1876, is married and has one son, Alfred. (V) William J. Dietrich, of Reading, is a represent- ative and native citizen of Berks county, Pa. He was born at West Hamburg, Tilden township. May 12, 1875, son of William J. and Susanna F. (Seaman) Dietrich, both deceased. When he was five years old his mother moved to Hamburg, and in 1884 they moved to the home of his grandfather, Harry B. Dietrich, in Maxatawny township. From 1885 to 1894 he was hired to farmers in Maxatawny and Greenwich townships, and for one year (1891) he lived in Lynn township, Lehigh county. The young man even in those boyhood days showed the same conscientiousness in the performance of duty that has char- acterized all his later years. In 1894 he worked m the lum- ber-mill at Ricketts, in Wyoming and Sullivan counties, Pa., and in seven months saved $112. Mr. Dietrich is a self-mar'e man. The public schools afforded him his mental training, and he early showed a fondness for 558 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA books, coupled with an investigating mind — a desire for thorough understanding of every subject within his sphere of observation. In the winter of 1894-95 he last attended public school as a pupil, and in the spring of 1895 he entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, with four teachers from Tilden township. In the examination that was required for their admission M'r. Dietrich made a. high average. In the same spring he was also examined by the county superintendent, receiving a creditable certificate, en- titling him to teach in the public schools. In Septem- ber, 1895. he went to Philadelphia, and remained until March, 1896, working during the holiday season for John Wanamaker, and afterward in a wholesale dry goods house. On his return from Philadelphia he again entered the Normal School, at Kutztown, and con- tinued there until June, 1898, when he graduated. The school board of Tilden township then tendered him the West Hamburg school at a salary of thirty dollars a month, for seven months, which he accepted. In the fall of 1899 he began teaching the Five Mile House school in Cumru township, at forty dollars a month, teaching this school one term, when the board offered him his preference of six schools in Miohnton, where he resided. He accented the grammar school, and taught there three terms; and later, during 1905-06, he taught Yocom's school one term in the same township. He was original in many of his methods to interest the pupils, which won their attention, respect and good- will. He considered order and discipline necessary for effective work, and few teachers in the county stood equally high with patrons and pupils. Mr. Dietrich also taught night school in Reading for a number of terms, winning commendation for the success of his efforts. In October, 1904, Mr, Dietrich was apoointed a clerk in the Philadelphia post-office, but this position he re- signed in March of the following year because of fam- ily ties, his wife and children having continued at their home in Reading. Postmaster Clayton McMichael en- deavored to dissuade Mr. Dietrich from resigning, say- ing that "he had a future in the government postal service," but he persisted, and during 1904-05 worked at life insurance in Reading and Berks county — a business that he had followed to some extent in 1902. Mr. Diet- rich is of the temperament that does not permit of idle- ness, and when he was engaged in teaching, as soon as the vacation season approached he found something to engage his time and attention profitably. During the sumimer of 1900 he was engaged as a conductor on the trolley. During 1901 he represented a New York pub- lishing house before school boards and succeeded in se- curing the adoption of their text-books in a number of school districts. Since the early spring of 1906 Mr. Dietrich has been in the employ of J. H. Beers & Co.. publishers of Chicago, collecting much of the gen- ealogical material used in their Historical and Bio- graphical Annals of Berks County. Pa. Mr. Dietrich ' has a valuable collection of coins, stamps and china- ware. He has a large acquaintance among profession- al nien and those in public life, and has traveled the en- tire county by political districts a number of times. He is well read, and posted on public questions. His library of standard works has been carefully selected, and contains all the works on local history (Berks county) ever published. He is especially fond of his- tory and has collected much information pertaining to the county. He is a member of the Pennsylvania German Society; and of the Berks County Historical Society, and has contributed articles to both. In the latter his "Caves of Richmond and Perry Townships, Berks County," was published in .permanent form and is preserved in the archives of the Society, In 1903 he organized along original lines the Dietrich Family Association, which held successful reunions in 1903. 1904 and 1906. He is also a member of the P. O. S. of A.; K. of P.; I. O. O. F.; and Chandler Lodge, No. 1227, F. & .\. M, ; E.Kcelsior Chapter, No. 236, R. A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection, fourteenth degree; and Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. O.n May 20, 1899, Mr. Dietrich married Miss Sallie M. Merktel. daughter of James K. Merkel, of Berne Station, Tilden township. To this union have been born three children: Naomi Evangeline, Ruth Emily and William Joseph, Jr. The two daughters became members of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution in 1909. Mr. Dietrich is much devoted to his family, all of whom are members of the United Evangelical Church, in which Mr. Dietrich has served as an official, and for some years has been teacher of the Men's Bible Class. (II) Johann Heinrich Dietrich, son of Adam the emigrant, was born in 1777, and was brought up as a farmer. After his marriage he lived a half mile north- east of Klinesville. He owned the farm now the prop- erty of Albert D. Kunkel, and the adjoining farm now owned by Peter Stump. In addition to farming "Hein- rich" Dietrich, as he was known, conducted a sawmill. He was a fairly prosperous man, but was drawn into an unfortunate piece of litigation. One Jacob Stein stole some clover seed from him. but through^ some technicality of the law Dietrich could not obtain his con- viction. He spent his small fortune, and died in Aug- ust, 1857 or 1858, a poor man, in Albany township, where he was nevertheless respected by all knew him. In subsequent years Stein confessed, but the evil was done. Heinrich Dietrich in the later years of his life lived along the Ontelaunee, below the Albany Statioti, near the railroad. He was a man of dark complexion, of medium height and weight. He is buried at Dunkel's Church. He married Hannah Kraemer. who is buried at Grimville, and had the following children: (1) John m, Christiana Bautsch. (2) Adam, who left Berks county when he was about twenty years of age and still unmarried, located in Mercer countv. Pa,, where he married and reared a family, (3) Hannah. (4) Sallie m, Joseph Greenawald and they moved to Emporia, Lyon Co., Kans. (5) Henry K., born March 16, 1817, died of smallpox Feb, 20, 1S62. aged forty- four years, eleven months, four days. He lived in Greenwich on the farm now owned by Peter Stump. He was known as "Der Wake Mashter Henny'' ("The supervisor Henry Dietrich"), holding this oflfice many years. His wife was Sarah (Sally) Opp. They had the following children: Willoughby, Samuel, Peter, Mary and Wallace A, (6) Polly m, Samuel Ernest, They are buried at Paradise Church, in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. (IV) Willoughby Dietrich (son of Henry K.. son of Johann Heinrich. son of Adami the emigrant) married Ellen Gorman. They had four sons and one daugh- ter. Two of the sons and the daughter reside at New Orleans, La. They are highly educated and are prom- inent in the social and business world. After the Civil war Willoughby Dietrich located at New Orleans, where he is buried. He was a soldier in the Union army from Oct. ."i. 1861, to the end of the war, being the first volunteer soldier on record from Greenwich town- ship. He was a graduate of the Government Military School, and was an officer in the army. His brother. Samuel O. Dietrich, was also a soldier in the Union ar- my, and died on the field of battle at Vicksburg, Miss.. ^vhere he is buried, Peter Dietrich, brother of Samuel O, and Willoughby, was a soldier in the Union army, enlisting when only seventeen years old, and served with honor from the beginning to the end of the war. He returned to Berks county and married Sarah Hun- sicker. They have a son Charles, and two daughters living at Seigersville. Pennsylvania. (II) Johann Dietrich, son of Adam the emigrant, was born on his father's farm in Greenwich township. Jan. 7, 1779. He engaged in farming in that same district, not far from Dietrich's mill, on a farm con- sisting of upward of 100 acres. He died upon his BIOGRAPHICAL 559 place July Z8, 1830, aged fifty-one years, six months, 26, 1890, and (11) Edward Christian, born April 8, twenty-one days, and is buried at the Grimville Church. 1892, are all at home. In 1807 he married Elizabetii Ohl, who survived him Mrs. Susanna (Spohn) Dietrich, widow of Samuel many years, and they became the parents of thirteen A. Dietrich, resides on a fine farm of 140 acres, m children, as follows: John, Reuben, Samuel, Anna Greenwich township. Her .&reat-great-grandfa her Maria (born 1809), Jonas. Hanna (born 1812), Ben- ^^s George Spohn who '^^"'^d Margaret Schulter Joseph, Esther and Ca tharine . ^7^g3_ j;^'^ ^^^^ j^^^ had these children: Johannes, CTT^ T^i,,„^ rv,,;ofV t,- * ■ u c \a .u Johann Peter. Susanna. Maria. Abraham and Eliza- .Ji"lJ Christian Dietrich son of Adam the ^teth. Of this family/ Johannes Spohn, the grand- emigrant, was born on the Dietrich homestead in father of Mrs. Dietrich, was born in 1785 and died Greenwich township, Jan. 13, 1783. This farm he pur- ;„ i857. He married Maria Sitler, and they had the chased from his father in 1813, and on it all his life following children: Polly, Hannah, Sarah, Samuel, was spent. He was a farmer, and by industry and Jonathan, Rebecca, Catherine, Daniel, John and Eliza, frugality accumulated a small fortune. He was a short- Daniel Spohn, Mrs. Dietrich's father, was born in 1818 set, strong and robust man, very fond of horseback and died July 29, 1903, and he married Anna Dietrich, riding. Like most of the family, he was full faced who was born in 1830 and died in 1881. and had very black hair. He was kind-hearted and (V) Robert D. Dietrich, a rising and respected young affable, but firm in his convictions. He was very prom- farmer in eastern Richmond township, where he inent in his community, and was an official member owns a fertile farm of fifty-seven acres, was born of the Lutheran congregation at Dunkel's Church, Oct. 14, 1874, near Dunkel's Church, in Greenwich where he and the members of his family are buried, township, son of Samuel A. He was reared on a He died Nov. 31, 1873, aged ninety years, ten months, farm, and received his early education in the common eight days. He married Elizabeth Georg, born Jan. schools, later attending the State Normal School at 27, 1786. who died Jan. 17, 1846, aged nearly sixty Kutztown, Pa. He is very industrious, and by his own years. They were the parents of twelve children, energy has acquired his present property. He is a namely: Cl) Benjamin (born 1806, died 1894) m.' Anna Lutheran member of Dunkel's Union Church in Green- Wiltrout. (2) Solomon (born 1807, died 1874) m. wich township, as is also his wife: In politics he is Beckie Will. (3) Jonathan (Jonas) (born 1808, died a Democrat, and has taken an active interest in the 1862) m. Betsy Shearer. (4) George B. (born 1811, welfare of his party, and in the progress of his com- died 1887) m. Polly Heinly. (5) Beckie m. Jacob munity. Heinly. (6) Samuel (born 1817, died 1893) m. Juli- Mr. Dietrich married Laura S. Fraunfelder, daugh- annus SchoUenberger. (7) Anna m. Daniel Spohn. ter of W. Adam and Catharine (Lenhart) Fraun- (8) Hettie (born 1823, died 1904) m. John Moyer. felder, prominent farming people of Windsor town- (9) Daniel (born 1824, died 1898) m. Sally Ann Christ, ship. Five children have blessed this union, namely: (10) Jeremiah (born 1826, died 1901). (11) Nathan Susanna May, born in 1896; Harry Adam, born in (born 1827, died 1880) m. Elizabeth Stump. (12) Hen- 1898; Raymond Daniel, born in 1899; Paul Leroy, born ry (born 1832, died 1905) m. Lydia Merkel. in 1900; and Helen Fannie, born in 1902. (III) Benjamin Dietrich, son of Johann Christian. (Ill) Jonathan (or Jonas) Dietrich, son of Johann was born in 1806, and died Aug. 26, 1894, at the age Christian, born Dec. 3, 1808, died Jan. 29, 1862. When of eighty-eight years. He was a prominent citizen a young man he followed blacksmithing and later in and large taxpayer of Greenwich township, owning life became a farmer, in Greenwich township, where 375 acres lying between Dunkel's Church and the he lived all his life. He is buried at Moselem Church. Three Mile House. He married Anna Wiltrout, and In 1831 he married Elizabeth (Betsy) Schearer, born they enjoyed a happy wedded life of more .than fifty Sept. 25, 1810, who died June 7, 1897. The following years. They were the parents of children as follows: children were born to this union: Ephraim died at Magdalena, Levi, Daniel W. (m. Sallie Ann Merkel), Silver Lake, Kans., in 1905, aged seventy years, leaving Benjamin. Lewis, James W. (m. Elizabeth Fetherolf), a large family, and is buried in Kansas; Jonathan died Henry W. (m. Amelia Heinly), Samuel A., Adam, in 1870; Joel, born in 1837; William, born in 1838, Susanna and Eliza (m. Rolandus Dreibelbis). died in 1906; Daniel S., born Sept. 20, 1840. died in (IV) Samuel A. Dietrich, son of Benjamin, was born Baltimore, Md., May 11, 1907; Henry; Samuel; Ed- in 1848, and his death occurred in 1894. He was win; Sarah Ann m. Cyrus Lesher, of Reading. a farmer by occupation, and his land was located (IV) Daniel S. Dietrich, son of Jonathan (or Jonas), in Greenwich township, about one and one-half miles was born in Berks county Sept. 20, 1840. While a southwest of the Three Mile House. In the year 1870 young rnan he moved to Montour county, Pa., where he married Susanna Spohn, only child of Daniel and ho married Catherine B., daughter of Jacob and Jus- Anna (Dietrich) Spohn. the former a farmer in Green- tina (Boyer) Moser. Her father was born in Mont- wich township. Eleven children blessed this union, viz.: gomery county. Pa., oldest son of Peter and Anna (1) Clara A., born March 3, 1871, m. Samuel S. Men- (Steinbruch) Moser. Peter Moser was the son of S. gel, and lives in Maiden-creek township. They have P- Moser, who lived in Pottstown, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. had children: Katie M.. born in 1891; Flossie A., Dietrich were the parents of four sons: S. P., Jacob born in 1897; Elsie L., born in 1899, and Lizzie I., M., Edwin M. and J. Calvin. Jacob M. and J. Calvin born in 1903. (3) Wilson L., born July 29, 1873, lives died young. Edwin M. married Susan C, daughter of with his family at the old Dietrich homestead. He Samuel and Margaret Mauger. They have two sons, m. (first) Kate Adam, by whom he had one son, Clar- Mark S". and Kenneth, and live in Harrisburg, Pa. Mrs. ence S., born in 1893, and m. (second) Cora Dietrich. Catherine B. (Moser) Dietrich died at Milton, Pa.. (3) Robert Daniel, born Oct. 14, 1874, is mentioned March 14, 1897. The father then moved to Baltimore, below. (4) Henry B., born Sept. 17, 1876, died Dec. where he followed building and contracting until the 8, 1876. (5) Louisa Kate, born Jan. 31, 1878, married time of his death, which occurred May 8, 1907. Both Charles H. Fegley, of Maiden-creek township, and has Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich are buried at Oak Grove ceme- had three children: Edna, born in 1896; John S., born tery, in Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1899, and Jennie S., born in 1903 (died in 1905). (V) Prof. S. P. Dietrich, of Reading, was born in Mon- (6) Elmer Samuel, born June 14, 1880, died July 7, tour county, Pa., Aug. 3, 1866. He was reared on a farm, 1880. (7) Charles L., born Aug. 36. 1883, married upon which he worked during the summer, attending Sallie Leob and has two children: Elda, born Jan. the rural schools during the winter- until he was 31, 1907, and Florence S., born Sept. 31, 1908. fourteen years old. He then attended the Potts Grove (8) George Herbert, born Nov. 7, 1885, (.9) Jennie Su- Academy and Prof. Schneider's select school, at Mil- san, born Dec. 21, 1887, (lO) Calvin Andrew, born Aug. ton, Pa. At the age of eighteen years he began teach- 560 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ing in the rural schools of Montour county, Pa. In this manner he earned sufficient money to pay his own way through the Williamsport Commercial College and Ursinus College. He graduated from the former in 1888 and from the latter in 1894. In 1897 he took the examination with the junior and senior classes in the Bloomsburg State Normal School under the State board of examiners and passed the same, re- ceiving his credentials with the senior class. After graduation he in 1894 accepted the principalship of the McEwensville Academy, where he reipained two years. In 1896 he resigned to accept a position in the Dan- ville (Pa.) high school. In 1899 he resigned his posi- tion in Danville to accept the vice-principalship of the Sunbury (Pa.) high school. He remained in Sunbury, Pa., eight years, and in 1907 resigned to accept a position in the Boys' High School, Reading, Pa. Pro- fessor and Mrs. Dietrich are members of the New Lutheran Church. He is a man of marked intellect- ual attainments, and is a fluent and able speaker, frequently called upon to make addresses at public functions. On Dec. 23, 1896, he married Sara H., daughter ot Alem and Hannah (Hood) Mauser. They have no children. (IV) Edwin Dietrich, son of Jonathan (or Jonas), born in Greenwich township, is a small farmer in Richmond township, where for many years he was engaged in milling. He has served in the office of su- pervisor of this township, and is now acting in the ca- pacity of road-master. He married Rufena Adam, daughter of George Adam, of Greenwich township, and to this union have been born the following chil- dren: Wilson G. is mentioned in full farther on; Charles E. is a miller in Greenwich township; Pierce A. is a well-known druggist in Philadelphia; Mahlon J. is a miller by trade; Jane m. Henry Adam; Francis A. is a student in Muhlenberg College; Alice resides at home. (V) Wilson G. Dietrich, son of Edwin, was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, March 4, 1869. He obtained an ordinary common school educa- tion in his native township and in Albany township, and his early boyhood was spent on the home farm, where he early learned that industry was requisite to success in life. In 1899 he began farming in Maxa- tawny township, where he lived seven years, removing to Richmond township in the spring of 1906. He now lives on one of the farms of Lawson G. and Calvin J. Dietrich. He is a man of good traits of character, and is industrious and persevering. By thrift and econ- omy he has earned sufficient capital to buy a good farnf stock. He is deeply interested in the welfare of his family and children. On May 20, 1893. Mr. Dietrich married Katie M. Adam, daughter of Benjamin and Catharine (Mengel) Adam, farming people of Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich are both members of Dunkel's Church. In political matters he is a Democrat, and he is well in- fornied on all topics of the day. He and his wife have had children as follows: Llewellyn, Edna (died in childhood), Minnie (died in childhood). Pius. Mamie, Effie, and Lizzie (died in childhood). (III) George B. Dietrich, son of Johann Chris- tian, was born Jan. 20, 1811, and died May 2, 1887. He owned land in Richmond township, along the Easton road, two miles west of Kutztown, and while he al- ways followed his trade of carpenter, he also worked at farming. He married Polly Heinly, and they became the parents of three children: James H., born Nov. 22, 1840, died Aug. 26. 1893; Maria, who is unnTarried, lives on the old homestead, which she now owns; Katie m. Enoch J. Heinly (mientioned elsewhere in this work). (IV) James H. Dietrich, son of George B., was born in Greenwich township Nov. 22, 1840, and was there reared and educated, making his home throughout life in the same township. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and this he followed in connection with farming all of his active years. He died Aug. 26, 1893. He married Mary Behler, who survives him and lives with her sons on their farm in Richmond township. Three sons blessed the marriage of James H. and Mary (Behler) Dietrich, as follows: Lawson G., Llew- ellyn J. (died in 1890, aged twenty-two years) and Cal- vin J. (V) Lawson G. DiiiTrich. son of James H.. and .one of Berks county's representative men, was born in Greenwich township, May 2. 1864. His early years were passed upon his father's farm and in attending the public schools of his district. Later he attended the Keystone State Normal School, and in 1881, when sev- enteen years of age, he began teaching, a profession he followed with marked success for nine years. After spending two years as a student and bookkeeper in the city of Reading, he moved to a farm in Richmond township, two miles east of Kutztown, where he has since made his home. Since 1890 he has been exten- sively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and with his brother Calvin J., with whom he formed a partnership, he cultivates 376 acres of excellent land. The brothers employ only modern machinery, and are always the first to give practical tests to the new methods. Mr. Dietrich has made earnest efforts to improve condi- tions in his section, and on his own farm lays great stress upon hay raising, shipping annually car-loads of baled hay to the city market. He is a man of large business capacity, and is a financier as well as a thor- ough farmer. In 1892 and 1893 he studied civil engin- eering and surveying, and he is an able mathematician. Frequently he is appointed by the court of Berks coun- ty to survey new roads or lands in dispute, having the largest practice in his profession in the upper part of Berks county. He is often called upon by the courts ot both Berks and Lehigh counties to give expert tes- timony, and has rendered valuable service. He was elected a justice of the peace in Richmond in 1895, re-elected by an overwhelming majority in 1900. and re- elected without any opposition whatever in 1905. His decisions have never been reversed by any higher court. Mr. Dietrich is an uncompromising Democrat, and a man of great influence in the party. He has served as delegate to many State and county conventions, and for ten years he represented his township as committee- man on the county committee, being one of the oldest members of that body in point of service. In the spring of 1906 he was a candidate for the office of clerk of the Quarter Sessions of Berks count}-, re- ceiving nearly 3,000 votes. i\Ir. Dietrich is a man of varied interests, and is prominently identified with the Kutztown Fair Association, of which he was an organ- izer and is a director. He is a stockholder in several banks and trust companies in Berks county. He is a close student of men and events, and is possessed of calm, prudent and sound judgment. His life has been above reproach. On May 20. 1893, Mr. Dietrich married Miss Mary .Mice Shollcnberger. daughter of the late Capt. Jonas and Mary (Dry) Shollenberger, the former a success- ful farmer in Richmond township and protbonotary of Berks county. To this marriage has been born one sou, Trwin, a public school teacher. Mr., and Mrs, Diet- rich have also an adopted daughter, Ida Shollenber- ger. who is a niece of Rfrs. Dietrich. (V) Calvin J. Dietrich, youngest son of James H., was born in Greenwich township June 30. 1869, and is now one of the prosperous citizens of uoper Berks county. He obtained a .eood education at Shofer's school in his native township, and at the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, which he attended in 1884 and 1885. He then taught his home school for several terms, and in 1900 entered into partnership with bts brother Lawson G., in the agricultural business. They have a modern threshing apparatus, and in ad- dition to threshing do shingle and wood sawing for the farmers of their vicinity, also engaging extensively in hay raising, selling baled hay by the car-load lots' an- nually. Mr. Dietrich is an intelligent and respected citi- BIOGRAPHICAL 561 zen, a Democrat in political principle, and actively inter- ested in the success of his party. He is prominently connected with the Dietrich Family Association, which has members all over the country. On April 25, 1891, Mr. Dietrich married Evada E. Trexler, born Dec. 28, 1868, daughter of Benneville and Maria (Hoch) Trexler. the former born Dec. 14, 1839, died Feb. 25, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Trexler were the parents of: Evada E. (now Mrs. Dietrich); Francis, who married Clara Stein; Beulah, who died in childhood; and Miss Mamie. Mrs. Dietrich was confirmed in the Lutheran faith by the Rev. Dr. W. S. Mueller, at Mos- elem Church, and there she and her husband both attend. They have no children. (III) Daniel Dietrich, son of Johann Christian Diet- rich, was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, April 34, 1834, and died at Dietrich's mill in the same township April 20, 1898. He was one of the best known men in all that locality, and for many years con- ducted what is known as Dietrich's mill, located on the Sacony on the road from Kutztown to Hamburg, two miles north of the former place. With the mill property were fifty acres of land, which Mr. Dietrich cultivated and improved. He built the large brick residence there in 1857, and the barn some years later. He was public- spirited and progressive, and was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and one of its first trustees, serv- ing as such from the time of its organization until his death. He is buried in Hope cemetery at Kutztown. On May 28. 1842, he married Sally Ann Christ, born Nov. 12, 1824, died July 5, 1898. To this union were born ten children: (1) Willoughby, born Jan. 10, 1850, died aged twenty-three days. (2) William C, born 1851, died 1876. (3) Jonathan C, born Nov. 26, 1852, in Greenwich, owns and lives on the old homestead, where he oper- ates a creamery, and is also engaged in the ice busi- ness. For a number of years he was chief bookkeeper for the Keystone Shoe Manufacturing Company, and he was deputy county controller under H. F. Livingood and A. L. Rhoads. (4) Mahlon C. (5) Mary Elizabeth, born Jan. 25, 1857, is the widow of Levi D. Dietrich. (6) Franklin, born Aug. 15, 1858, died aged forty-four days. (7) Diana, born Sept. 5, 1859, died March 22. 1862. (8) Aaron, born Oct. 11, 1860, died March 23, 1862. (9) Emma Amanda, born Oct. 25, 1861, died May 31, 1870. (10) Amelia, born April 14, 1863, is the widow of Charles A. Ketner, and has two children, Anna Bell and Wil- liam R. (IV) Mahlon C. Dietrich, grain, potato, lumber, coal and general merchandise dealer at Kempton, Pa., was born January 3, 1855. He early became familiar with the milling and lumber business, and on August 3, 1874, located in Kempton, which then consisted of one private dwelling and the hotel, but which has since grown to contain twenty-five houses. He conducted the grain warehouse for Dietrich & De Turk, the senior partner of the firm being his father. In 1877 he pur- chased his father's interest in this business and the firm continued under the same name until 1881, when he also purchased the interest of his partner, Isaac L. De Turk. Since that date he has been alone, building up one of the largest businesses of its kind in the State. He has a large stock of general merchandise, carrying everything that might be included among the needs of a farmer. He is an extensive potato shipper — in fact the most extensive on the Schuylkill & Lehigh railroad, a branch of the P. & R. road, and he has many customers in the large cities of the East. Mr. Dietrich is interested in all that tends to the development of his county. He was active in the Diet- rich Family Reunion Association, and gave great as- sistance in the preparation of the family record. He is a member of the New Jerusalem Church, belonging to the Lutheran congregation. On Sept. 2, 1876, Mr. Dietrich married Miss Sarah E. Bachman, daughter of Nathan and Eliza (Donat) Bach- man, of Lynn township, the former born 1817; died 1908 36 Mr. and Mrs. Bachman had children as follows: Rev. Adam J., of Schaeflferstown, Lebanon county; Rev. James N. (1854-1907), of Lynnport, Pa.; and Sarah E. To Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich have been born two daughters and one son, namely: Roie Annie Eva, born Sept. 12, 1877, died Jan. 21, 1883; Edgar Adolphus, born Nov. 20, 1886, died Jan. 33, 1889; Blanche R., graduated from the public schools of Albany township in 1906, and is a. member of the class of 1910 at the Keystone State Nor- mal School. Mr. Dietrich is so well known in his district as a shipper of potatoes that a few words from him about the potato growing industry which plays so prominent a part in the agricultural prosperity of the section will be of interest here: Potatoes are raised on every farm in Albany town- ship and in part of Greenwich township, Berks county, and in the lower section of Lynn township, Lehigh county, which adjoins the two townships named, are raised more than in any other township. From all these localities a good many are brought to Kempton, Berks county, for shipment. Hence not all the po- tatoes shipped from that station are raised in Berks county. A good many were raised before the building of the Berks County railroad, which was first operated in 1874. The nearest markets then were Allentown, Reading, Pottsville and Tamaqua. To each place the distance is about twenty-five miles from this section, the trip taking two nights and one day or two days and one night. Since the railroad was built more have been raised from year to year. The old varieties have been supplanted by new favorites, and many have held their reputation as good yielders. At present the Dewly, Vul- can, State of Maine, Prince Henry, Twenty Century, World's Wonder, National and Banner are principally raised, and all are a round white potato, good yielders, and also best adapted for the market. The planting season begins about April 10th. Many turn the sod in the fall, some in the. early spring, and make ready to plant with the Aspinwall and other plant- ers; the slanting tooth harrow is used, then the weeder and cultivator. The Colorado potato bug or beetle is very injurious to the plants and the growers must spray them in time with Paris green or arsenic; and some also spray for the prevention of the blight, which is a much dreaded disease, as potatoes commence to rot about the time when the first shipments are made in car-load lots, which is about Sept. 1st. York State stock is always about two weeks later, and Michigan and other northwestern States still a few weeks later. The shipping of potatoes is a most hazardous under- taking. All kinds of risks are connected with it. The rot,' the cold weather and the overstocked markets have to be contended with. Most of the farmers have not yet provided a good protected storage place, and have to sell about half the stock raised before the cold weath- er sets in, being therefore obliged to sell those out- side the cellars and other protected places. Some three hundred full car-loads and a number of bushels in bag lots are shipped from the different stations in Albany township; six hundred bushels is about the average for a car, or about two hundred thousand bushels at an average price of fifty cents ; the shipments amounting to $100,000. (ill) Nathan Dietrich, son of Christian, was born in Greenwich township, July 30, 1827, and died Jan. 24, 1880. He was reared to farm life and when about twenty-five years old began work for himself. He lived in Montour county, Pa., for a time, working on a farm for a man by the name of McCormick. When he returned to Greenwich township, Berks county, he began farming at Stein's mill, and then lived on different farms in that locality until the spring of 1860, when he went to Albany township, and purchased a farm, now the property of Henry Heffner, which he sold six years later and bought the 162-acre farm from Daniel Kunkel, that is now owned by his son. 562 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Henry S. The barn on this farm is 114 feet long — in Virginia, from which State one Casper Dietrich, the largest in the township, and the farm and sur- Jr.. had enlisted in the war of 1812. roundings are kept in first-class condition. Nathan (II) John Adam Dietrich, son of Johannes the emi^ Dietrich was a Lutheran member of New Bethel grant, was born Nov. 23, 1784. in Greenwich town- Church in which he was an official. He married ship, and died on' his farm July 23. 18R4. He was bap- Elizabeth Stump, daughter of Samuel Stump, who now tized Dec. 12, 1784, by Rev. Heinrich Hartzel in Green- ,. ^ T^ /' c- „i,:,j,.»„ ,11 ctiii i;,,;„o- wprp wch township, and the certificate states that his spon- hves at Kempton. Six children, all still living were ^^^^ ^^^^^^ his uncle Adam and his wife. Maria Bar- born of this union: (1) William S now living re- ^^^^ Dietrich. This is proof conclusive that Johannes, tired at Weatherly, Pa., owns two farms and a mil . ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^p^^ Dietrich were brothers. The line He is married and has children— Wilson, James, Maud, ^^ Adam is fully treated of elsewhere. Annie and Francis. (2) Catharine, widow of Moses ■[„ ^gos John Adam Dietrich married Susanna Ar- Hein, lives at Kempton. (3) Henry S. (4) Rosetta nold, born Feb. 5, 1783. died Oct. 6, 1869, and both m. Francis Lenhart, a farmer in Albany township, are buried immediately back of the Lenhartsville (5) Annie m. Owen Snyder, a farmer at Steins Corner, Church, of which they were prominent members. Lehigh county. (6) Lenius S.. a farmer in Albany They were pious people, good though strict parents, township, m. Ellen Miller, and has three children — and "Mother" Dietrich was an excellent housekeeper, Verna Alma and Anson. noted especially for her old-fashioned bread. She had (IV) Henry S. Dietrich was born in Greenwich town- ffw equals as a breadmaker and her rye bread was ship, Aug. 17, 1859. was educated in the public schools, the best that could be made. Visitors were always f 1 I i 1 i-i u c T? f„.,_ treated to butter-bread and honey. Most farmers in and worked at home untd he was of age. For four ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ twenty-five beehives, and years after he attained his majority he had charge ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ pl^^^jy ^f j^^^^y "Father" Dietrich of the home farm, and in the spring of 1886 he began ^^^ equally noted in his way. He began farming for himself on the homestead, near Albany postoffice. near Dreibelbis Station, and owned the tract now This farm consists of 163 acres of excellent potato owned by a Stettler, from there moving to the farm land, and he plants from twenty-five to thirty acres which his youngest son. Reuben A., came to own every year. He has excellent crops, and besides this after his death. It is now the property of Reuben's farm he owns sixty-four acres of woodland at the son, Thomas K., who is the fourth generation to own Blue Mountains. He has his farm well stocked, and and live upon this land. This Dietrich homestead is verj' justly proud of his horses, their equal being originally belonged to the Brobst family, hard to find in the township. He has from fifteen to John Adam Dietrich was a carpenter by trade, and twenty-five head of cattle all the time. did such excellent work that he was known as one In politics Mr. Dietrich is a Democrat, and he and of the best wood-workers of his day. He built the his family are Lutheran members of the New Bethel present barn on the place in 1836, and the house in (Corner) Church, in Albany township. 1844. The house is of stone, and as only the best Mr. Dietrich married Caroline Sechler, daughter of stones were used, and the masons of that day knew Joel Sechler. late of Albany township. Five sons their work well, the walls are very substantially made, and five daughters have blessed this union: Addie as well as workmanlike. The woodwork in the house m. Fred Fetherolf: George; Joel; Albert, a graduate shows the same care and skill, and was done for of the township schools, is now attending the Nor- the most part by "Father" Dietrich himself. The mal at Kutztown; May is a graduate of the township last will and testament of this worthy man is a model schools;, William: Maud; Ina; Frank and Helen. Mr. of its kind and shows that the spirit of a pure heart Dietrich is a believer in the cause of education, and actuated all his deeds. It was made a few years be- is giving his children good school advantages. fore his death, and is on record in Will Book II, page 333. The old family Bible is well preserved, ALFRED K. DIETRICH, late of Albany township, and is now owned by his grandson, Henry K. Dietrich, was born Feb 7, 1854, and died Aug. 5. 1907, aged To John Adam Dietrich and his wife were born fifty-three years, five months, twenty-eight days. He fourteen children, of whom we have the following was a son of Reuben A. and Catharine (Kunkel) Diet- record: Maria, Dec. 29, 1803; Rebecca, Oct. 11. 1805; rich, and a direct descendant of Johannes Dietrich. Jacob, June 27. 1807; Isaac, March 30, 1809 (died July the first of this numerous Berks county family to 22, 1822); Elizabeth. Oct. 25, 1810; Annie. Oct. 25. come to America. 1812; Gideon, March 30, 1814; Adam, Oct. 17. 1815 (I) Johannes Dietrich was a native of the German (died April 16. 1826); Moses. Oct. 23. 1817; Rufena, Palatinate, and emigrated to the New World on the Nov. '20, 1819 (died Nov. 28, 1848); Catharine, Dec. good ship "Phoenix," landing (qualifying) at Phila- 15, 1821; Reuben. Oct. 20. 1823. It will be noticed delphia Sept 25, 1751. It appears that soon after his that six members of this family were born in the arrival in this country he settled in Berks county, month of October. Isaac, Adam and Rufena are Pa., where he married Barbara Braucher, of Albany buried at Dunkel's Church. township. Johannes Dietrich died in 1785, and his (III) Reuben A. Dietrich, youngest son of John widow. Barbara, was adminis'tratrix of the estate; she Adam and Susanna (Arnold) Dietrich, was born in had as her sureties Christ. Braucher ana Jacob Mer- Greenwich township Oct. 20. 1823, on the John Adam kel. Johannes and Barbara Dietrich had three children, Dietrich homestead near Klinesville, and died July all sons, as follows: Johannes. Jacob (who is said to 31. 1889. He was a lifelong farmer, succeeding his have settled in Schuylkill county) and John Adam, father on the home niace, which now consists of 155 One Johannes Dietrich, probably son of Johannes, acres of valuable land. He Avas prosperous, and added born Nov. 7, 1760. in Maiden-creek township. Berks seventy acres to this tract, but this extra land was county, located in East Buffalo township. Union Co., sold off again after his death. Mr. Dietrich was Pa. From there he enlisted in Colonel Servant's reg- originally a Lutheran member of the Dunkel Church, iment, Wayne's brigade, Pennsylvania Line, when but in 1S54. when the Lenhartsville Church was or- eighteen years old. and returned at the expiration of ganized, he became one of its members, and he was his service, in 1781. One of the sons of Reuben Diet- an official of that church until his death. He married rich, now living in Greenwich township, recalls that Catharine Kunkel. born in 18:;4. daughter of Daniel his father visited his uncle (Johannes) in Union coun- and Maria Magdalena (Zimmerman) Kunkel, and eight ty, making the journey on horseback, and that tlie children were born to them: Alfred K. is mentioned visits were returned. below; Lewis K. is a prosperous farmer in Kistler's Johannes Dietrich, the emigrant, had brothers .'N.dam Valley, Lehigh county (he married .'Mice Howerter, (1740-1817) and Casper, both of whom came to Ameri- and they have had five children, Valorius, William, ca, the latter, with a man named Bollinger, settling Lizzie, Ed^ar and Norman); Ellen (deceased) was the BIOGRAPHICAL 563 ■wife of Alfred Greenwalt, of Bernville; Henry K., born in 1860, a farmer near Lenhartsville, is the vice-president of the Dietrich Family Association (he married in 1883, Mary Seidel, and they have children, Robert, Lizzie^ Edgar, Flora, Nora, Harvey and Annie, of whom Lizzie, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, is engaged in teaching) ; Florenda married George Kutz; Thomas K. owns and farms the home- stead (he married Ida Komp, who died June 17, 1907, and has a son, Ira); Charles and James both died in childhood. The burial ground of this family is at Lenhartsville. Mrs. Catharine (Kunkel) Dietrich now makes her home with her son Thomas, on the old homestead. Alfred K. Dietrich was reared to farming, and when* twenty-one years old went to learn milling from Sol- omon P. Dietrich, who then operated what has been known for many years as the Dietrich mill. The spring after his marriage Mr. Dietrich engaged in the business for himself at Dietrich's Mill, which he bought about 1889. and which he conducted in all .for almost thirty years — from 1877 until -two years before his death. This mill is located in the Stony Run Valley in Albany township. The first mill at this site was built by a Grim, in 1750, and the present stone mill is at least the second, probably the third, mill at this place. On a stone in the wall of the south gable are the dates 1750 and 1795, the latter being probably the date of the building of the second mill or the repairing of the iirst one. To the mill property belongs a fine farm of ninety-five acres, lying in the potato belt of this section. Mr. Dietrich raised many potatoes, planting twenty acres every year. This property is a valuable one. the buildings being very substantial. The larsre Swiss barn was erected by Alfred K. Dietrich in 1891. He owned also the old Wiesner homestead in Stony Run Valley, a farm of 122 acres, which he bought in 1898, and which is now tenanted by his son Irwin C, who is an enterprising young farmer, and extensively en- gaged in potato planting. On this farm stands a stone house which was built in 1796, and which originally belonged to one Samuel Miller. On a stone in the west gable of this house is the following: S B & H M P E & H M 1796 On Jan. 21, 1877, Mr. Dietrich married Louisa Mer- kel, daughter of William D. Merkel, of Windsor, and to them were born five children, as follows: Irwin C, Anson W., Mary V. (married Elton J. Trexler, of Albany, Pa., and has a son, Clinton M.), Howard W. and Agnes C. With his family Mr. Dietrich belonged to the Wess- nersville Friedens Church, all being members of the Lutheran congregation there, of which Mr. Dietrich served as deacon. He was the third person buried in the new cemetery of that church. In politics Mr. Dietrich was a Democrat. He was a man much esteemed for his devotion to his family and his duty. DIETRICH (Line of Conrad). This branch of the Dietrichs, so far as is known in no way related to Adam Dietrich and his descendants, has its origin in Conrad Dietrich, who was born in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 11, 1763. In his young manhood he came to Berks county. Pa., and located in Hereford township. He was married there, and in 1790 the Federal Census Report records him the head of a family consisting of four persons, himself and wife and two daughters. Their seven other children were born after 1790. About 1795 he and his fam- ily came to Reading, and there he passed the remainder of his life. He owned considerable property, and was regarded as a fairly well-to-do man. His wife was Elizabeth Seisholtz of Longswamp township, Berks county, born March 3, 1769, died Sept. 22, 1837, aged sixty-eight years, six months and nineteen days. Con- rad Dietrich died Dec. 18, 1841, aged seventy-eight years, eleven months, seven days. They are both buried in the western part of the Aulenbach cemetery. The tomb- stone inscription states that they were the parents of nine children — four sons arid five daughters. The names of four children only could be ascertained as follows: (1) George settled in the vicinity of Scranton, Catawis- sa or Tamaqua, Pa., where he manufactured bricks. He was born Aug. 4, 1813, was married, and had a number of children. '(2) Jacob is mentioned below. _ (3) Susan married Henry Fry of Reading. (4) Conrad is mention- ed below. (II) Jacob Dietrich, son of Conrad, was born in Reading, and he made his home on Tenth street, south of Cherry. He was a laborer, and fot many years was the grave digger for Trinity Lutheran Church,, at Sixth and Washington streets, and there he, too, was laid to rest, but later his body with others was removed to the Lutheran cemetery. He married Abbey Dieter, and to this union were born three sons and five daughters, namely: (1) Savannah m. Amos Giley, of Reading. (2) Conrad m. Hannah Geeze of Allentown. (3) Jacob m. in Schuylkill county, where he had settled and reared a family. He had a son, Al. Dietrich. (4) Catharine m. Fred Ulrich Hains. (5) Susan (born in Reading Dec. 5, 1835) resides in Reading. She m. Charles Houck, a native of Germany, who was a saddler in Reading. They had children: Hattie, Mary (deceased), Rosa and Katie (who are both deaf mutes), and Elizabeth. (6) Isaac (born at Reading in 1837) settled when about twenty-five years old in Drehersville, Schuylkill county, where he married Deborah Hollenbach. Their son, William H.. born Sept. 18, 1853. at Temple, Berks county, died March 9, 1909, at Reading, and is buried at Alsace Lutheran Church. He was a laborer. He was twice married, first, April 27, 1875, to Emma Kissinger, who bore him four children — Irwin W.. George A., Katie D. and Sallie M.; and (second) to Hannah D. Sell, by whom he had children — Bertha E., Edward H.. Carrie L., Gertie E., Deborah A., William H. and Christ- ian R._ (7) Mary died young. (8) Abbey m. in Phil- adelphia where she lived and died. (II) Conrad Dietrich, son of Conrad, was born at the big dam at Reading, July 36, 1798, and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a paper manufacturer in Snyder county for many years, but his plant was destroyed by fire in 1840. In later life he moved back to Reading, where he died Feb. 12, 1861, aged sixty- two years, six months, sixteen days, and was buried in Aulenbach cemetery, by the side of his father. He was twice married, and by his first marriage had three children: (1) Henry left the parental home when twen- ty-two years of age, while the father lived in Snyder county, and his whereabouts were unknown for twenty years, when one afternoon, to the surprise of all, he came home only to remain one night and to leave with- out telling any one where he had lived or where he was going. _ It was afterward learned that he was comfort- ably situated in, Wilmington, Del., and in later years he paid annual visits to his brother, William H., in Reading. By his first wife he had a son. Reuben, who lived at Mechanicsburg, in Cumberland county. Pa. (2) Mary m. Hon. Reuben Keller, a State senator from 1S59 to 1862. (3) Adam. Conrad Dietrich was married (second) Oct. 9, 1836 to Martha (Moyer) Spohn, widow of . Jacob Spohn, of Sprmg township. She was born Jan. 13. 1805. and died in 1889, aged eighty-four years, daughter of Jonathan Moyer. In the old Spohn Bible the following children are credited to the marriage of Conrad and Martha Dietrich: Amelia, born Dec. 17, 1837; Conrad, born Feb 9, 1839; William H.. born Oct. 29. 1840; Rebecca born ^?^TT^ ^Ml' '^'^'^ ^T?""-^*' ^^^^ ('"■ J°l^" L. Horaan). (III) William H. Dietrich, Sr., son of Conrad, was born in Snyder county. Pa.. Oct. 29, 1S40 When a young man he came to Reading with his parents and here he learned the art of photography with S. B. How- ard, who after the business had been thoroughly mas- 564 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA tered, admitted him as a partner, under tJie firm name of Howard & Dietrich. Some years afterward Mr. Howard retired from business, and Mr. Dietrich formed a partnership with Mr. Patton, under the firm name of Dietrich & Patton, and for twenty years they conducted a successful business at the corner of Seventh and Penn. streets, where Rosenbaum's hall now stands. Later Mr. Dietrich conducted a grocery store at the corner of Ninth and Robeson streets. Since 1895 he has been the proprietor of the "Veteran Hotel" of Reading, located at the northeast corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets. In 1860 he married Hannah Brobst, of Read- ing, who died Oct. 17, 1900, after a married life ofmore than forty years. She' is buried in the Dietrich family lot in Aulenbach's cemetery. Seven children were born to this union: (1) Martha m. George Snyder, of Reading, and has children — Howard, Chester, George, Bert. Mar- tha, Clara and Hannah. (2) Emma died in infancy. (3) Emma (2) m. Elmer Stott, of Reading, and their child- ren are Eugene, Bessie, Harry, Frank and Wallace, (4) William H., Jr., is mentioned below. (5) Annie died unmarried aged twenty-one years. (6) George P. (born at Reading, Dec. 6, 1869) is associated with his father in the management of the "Veteran Hotel." In 1907 he was the Republican nominee for the office of high sheriff, and received the highest vote ever given a Republican candidate for that office. He m. Annie Jenkins of Pottsville. (7) Clara married James Yost, a farmer of Spring township, whose record appears in these volumes. (IV) William H. Dietrich. Jr., son of William H. Sr., and proprietor of the "Muhlenberg Mansion" at No. 1057 North Ninth street. Reading, was born at No. 145 Mulberry street, Reading. His early education was ob- tained in the public schools of the city, and after leav- ing school he was employed at Mohn's hat factory for two years. He then worked for Augustus Hassler in the restaurant at No. 503 Penn street, where he re- mained a number of years. He was next manager for William H. Reist's cafe, Mr. Reist being proprietor of the "Hotel Penn." There he continued until 1893, when he assumed the proprietorship of the "Hyde Park" Hotel, in Muhlenberg township, which he con- ducted with great success for two and one-half years. In October. 1895, he took charge of the Reading "Fair Ground Hotel," which he carried on until April 1, 1899, %vhen he assumed control of his present stand, where he enjoys a large patronage. He is a successful hotel man, genial and popular with his guests, and has many warm friends in Reading. Mr. Dietrich is connected with a number of social and fraternal organizations, among them being: B. P. O. E. Lodge No. 115. Reading; Reading Aerie, No. 66, F. O. E.; K. G. E. Castle No, 391, of Hyde Park; Neversink Fishing Club; Junior Fire Company; Juniata County Fishing Club; Old Bachelors' Club; Marion Fire Com- pany. In his religious faith he is a believer in the doctrines of the Reformed Church.' On March 12, 1891. Mr, Dietrich married Miss Annie Leitheiser (born Feb. 5. 1869. died April 11, 1906, aged thirty-seven years, two months, six days), and they had one son Wilson F. (born Sept. 8, 1893). REV. GEORGE BORNEMANN, the only priest of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church for a continuous period pi forty-two years, and most affectionately recognized and spoken of in the community as "Father Bornemann," was born at Lingen, in the province of Hanover, Germany, Oct. 5, 1838, He is the son of William Bornemann, a rope- maker, who died at Reading in 1884, aged eighty-two years, and Louisa Rolfs, his wife, who died while he was still a young boy. He emigrated to the United States when fifteen years of age, his father following some years afterward. He was specially educated for the priesthood in Germany and the United States, g:raduating from St. Vincent's Col- lege at Latrobe, Pa., in 1862. and then extended his ecclesiastical studies at St. Charles Seminary, in Phila- delphia. He was regularly ordained as a priest in 1865 by Bishop (afterward Archbishop) Wood. After serving as assistant priest at Philadelphia for a year, and as priest at Newcastle, Del., for the same period, he became pastor at St. Paul's Church in Reading in 1867, and this large and growing parish he has served most devotedly and success- fully for forty-two continuous years, a truly remarkable period. His communicant members have come to number three thousand. During bis ministrations the church property at Ninth and Walnut streets, for religious, edu- cational and charitable purposes, has become the largest at Readings evidencing in a high degree his superior judg- ment and executive ability. Besides being directly interested in the success of his own parish. Father Bornemann has been very active in the establishment of other institutions immediately connected with the Roman Catholic denomination: St. Joseph's Hospital; House of the Good Shepherd; St. Catharme's Orphan Asylum for Girls; St. Paul's Orphan Asylum for Boys; the Polish, Italian and Slavic Roman Catholic Churches; St. Bernardino's Convent and Asylum, Oak Brook; and Gethsemane Roman Catholic Cemetery; all of which are successfully administered. GEORGE HENDEL, hat manufacturer at Reading for over thirty-five years, was born in 1835, at Adams- town, Lancaster Co., Pa., where he received his educa- tion in the local public schools and then learned the hatter's trade in his father's factory. He continued in his father's employ until 1860, when the latter formed a co-partnership with him and his brother John, and they traded together under the name of Levi Hendel & Sons for four years. The partnership was then dissolved, and he and his brother John located at St. Lawrence, in Berks county, and there they car- ried on business until January, 1867, when they re- moved to Reading, having erected a plant on Maple street south of Chestnut. Here they traded for three years and then dissolved the partnership. In 1871, he and his brothers, John and Henry B., formed a co- partnership under the name of John Hendel & Bros, and purchased the Wyomissing Woolen Mills, situated on Fifth street below Laurel, which they remodeled and supplied with superior machinery for manufactur- ing wool hats, and he continued in the firm until 1895, when he sold his interest to his brother John. In 1878, Mr. Hendel erected a wool hat factory along the Wyomissing creek, near Shillington, and he and his brother John carried on business there until 1895 as Hendel Brothers; and in 1886, they erected another wool hat factory along the Cacoosing creek at Mon- tello, which they operated under the name of Hendel Hat Company until 1895; then he purchased the in- terest of his brother in the two plants. The former was converted into a fur hat factory, and it has since been carried on by him and his two sons, trading as George Hendel & Sons, emplojang about 225 hands. The wool hat business in the Montello factory was continued by him and his two sons as the Hendel Hat Company until 1901, when they dismantled the plant and removed the machinery to a factory at Tenth and Spruce streets, Reading, and here they have continued the manufacture of wool hats under the same name until the present time, employing about one hundred hands. Mr. Hendel was made a Free Mason in Chandler Lodge. No. 227; and he is a member of DeMolay Com- mandery No. 9, K, T. In politics he has been a Re- publican for fifty years; and in religious matters identified with the Evangelical church since 1864. He was married to Catharine Mohn, daughter of William Mohn and Polly Gerner his wife, by whom he has two sons: John R. and William H. His wife died in 1902. Mr. Hendel's father was Levi Hendel. a hat manufacturer at Adamstown for many years. [See sketch of his older brother Jolin Hendel in this publi- cation.! /y^-^^i^^v^^ <:$^^-; BIOGRAPHICAL 565 MAHLON E. WEIDNER, director of the National Bank of Boyertown, proprietor of the Manatawny Flour Mills, in Amity township, and extensive land owner, is a member of an early settled Berks courity family. (I) David Weidper, son of Adam of Oley township, located in Amity township prior to 1752, and settled on a farm now (1909) owned by Matthias Levengood, but which at that time was much more extensive, including the adjoining property now owned by Anthony Al- bright. On the LevenFOod farm was a private burial ground which since 1900 has been under cultivation. Here were buried David Weidner and wife, and some of their children and grandchildren. David Weidner was a farmer by occupation. He married Hannah Moser. In the federal census of 1790 he is recorded as the head of a family consisting of nine persons, as follows: father and mother, one son above sixteen years of age, and two sons below sixteen years of age and four daughters. (II) Jacob Weidner, son of David, in the federal census report of 1790 is recorded the head of a family consisting of eight persons: the parents, four sons un- der sixteen years of age, and two daughters. Jacob Weidner married Barbara Weidner, and their children were: Peter; Jacob lived in Amity township, where he owned a small farm now the property of a Fry- muth; David m. and lived at Birdsboro (No issue); Susanna m. a Romich, and had a blind daughter, Sus- anna; Elizabeth m. Tobias Fisher; %nd one whose name is not given. Jacob Weidner owned the farm on the Swamp road in Amity which later became property of John Swavely. (III) Peter Weidner, son of Jacob, was born Dec. 4, 1787, and died Nov. 9, 1847. He was a weaver by trade, and had a shop in'Amityville on a lot now owned by John Bertolett. He also owned a small farm at Amityville, which became the property of his son Charles. He married Elizabeth Levengood, born May 1, 1793, and died May 21, 1844, and they are both buried west of the present church at Amitjrville. They were members of the Reformed congregation. Peter Weid- ner and his wife became the parents of twelve children, namely: Harijiet m. Jared Jones. Charles and Samuel were twins. Nellie m. Charles Goodman. Sallie m. John Lundy, and they moved to Greencastle, Ind., where both died. Lewis (Ludwig) is mentioned be- low. Anna, born Jan. 6, 1823, m. in 1852, Christopher Renz, a native of Germany, who died Nov. 10, 1876. aged seventy years, the father of Lydia, Emma, Rosa, Albert, Annie and Laura, and Mrs. Renz now lives with her daughter Laura, widow of Edward G. Davis, of Reading. Peter was next in the order of birth. Aaron, born 1826, died 1847. Elizabeth m. William Schaeffer. Catharine is the widow of Samuel DeHart, of Bloomsburg, Pa. Lydia died aged nineteen years. (IV) Lewis (Ludwig) Weidner, son of Peter, was born in Amity township, Dec. 27, 1820, and died Aug. 25, 1907. He was a laborer and post fence maker, be- ing an expert at the latter. In the possession of his son, Mahlon E., is the following document: "On the 19th day of August, 1843, Lewis Weidner was honor- ably and legally discharged from all the duties enjoined of him as a member of the National Blues attached to the Washington Battalion o£ Volunteers, within the Second Brigade, 6th Division of P. M. Cjiven under my hand and seal the day and year above written. J. W. Rhoads. Capt." Lewis Weidner was a private in Company B', 205th Pa. V. I., enlisting Aug. 24, 1864, to serve one year. On June 2, 1865, he was honorably discharged. During the latter years of his life he lived with his son Mahlon E., and from the time of the Span- ish-American war in 1898, in which James S. (son of Mahlon E.) served as a private under Gen. Nelson A. Miles in the Porto Rico campaign, three generations of one family lived in the same house, who had served their country in time of war. Lewis Weidner married Hannah Engel (daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth), born Oct. 1, 1820, died Dec. 3, 1895, and both she and her hus- band are buried at Amityville, where they were Re- formed members of the Amityville Church. Their children were: Mahlon E.; Francis, of Amityville; George, who died in 1867; Bertolet, of Pottstown; and John, of Reading. Lewis Weidner was a stanch Repub- lican from the time of the organization of the party. (V) Mahlon E. Weidner was born in Amity, Oct. 2, 1844. His schooling was limited, and was all received in the common schools of Amity. From the time he was ten years of age he worked among the neighboring farmers, and at fifteen he was apprenticed to learn the wheelwright's trade. He had served eighteen months of his time when the Civil war broke out. He enlisted Sept. 30, 1861, at Lebanon, Pa., in Company B, 93d Pa, V. I., under Capt. John E. Arthur (afterward Col. Arthur), and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and served principally in the Sixth Army Corps, While with the regiment (which was one of the fighting regiments from Pennsylvania) v he participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Retreat, Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the Wilderness. In the last mentioned battle Mr. Weidner was wounded in the right fore arm (May 5, 1864), and was confined eight months in the Carver General Hospital, Washington, D. C. He was first honorably discharged Dec. 31, 1863, at Halltown, Va., and re-enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer Jan. 1, 1864, and was promoted for merit to corporal, and was honorably discharged at Carver General Hospital Jan. 27, 1865, .because of wounds received in battle. After the war Mr. Weidner learned the milling trade at Solomon Rhoads' mill, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He then worked two years more as a journeyman at the same place and eight years at a neighboring mill. In the spring of 1879 he took possession of the Manatawny Flour Mill, which he had purchased of the Solomon Rhoads estate in the fall of 1878, and he has successfully conducted this mill for thirty years. In 1884 he entirely remodeled the mill, and installed the roller process, and since then has made many other improvements, having one of the most up-to-date mills in the county, with a capacity of two and one-half barrels an hour. There is a tract of sixty acres of land with this mill, on which in 1899 Mr. Weidner built a new barn 43 x 70. The large stone house was built in 1807 by Othniel R. Sands. In 1893 Mr. Weidner purchased the Amity mill, also on Mana- tawny creek, and this has been named the Glen Alpine Flour Mill. It also has the roller process and a capac- ity of two barrels per hour. To this mill belongs thirty acres of land. On this property was a stone mill erected in 1745, but the present brick mill replaced it in about 1840. This mill is conducted by Mr. Weid- ner and his brother Francis, under the firm name of F. E. Weidner & Brother. The flour is shipped to Philadelphia. Mr. Weidner owns the Ezekiel Rhoads farm of 122 acres in Amity township, which he pur- chased in October, 1907. He is a director of the Na- tional Bank of Boyertown, tp which position he was elected in 1896. He is one of the substantial and fore- most citizens of the township, and wields great in- fluence in public affairs. In politics Mr. Weidner is a stanch Republican, and from 1866 to 1902 served as a member of the county committee, giving efficient and faithful service. He has, however, always refused to hold office. Frater- nally he belongs to Camp No. 43. Union Veteran Le- gion, of Reading; Post No. 16, G. A. R., of Reading; and the P. O. S. of A., No. 213, of Amityville. On Sept. 23, 1865,. Mr. Weidner married Amanda Shadier, daughter of Jeremiah and Harriet (Schealer) Shadier, who in later years lived near Republic, Ohio, where they died and were buried. They became the parents of eleven children: Mary Ellen m. Irwin Rein- ert; George is deceased; Grant C. died in infancy; Emma m. Marks Boyer, and both are deceased: William H is a miller at the Glen Alpine Mill; Anna m. George 566 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Delcamp; Louisa ra. Jeremiah Hine; Irwin died in bushwhackers, and equipped for both land and water infancy; John is a farmer in Amity; James operats engagements. He served until the discharge of his the Manatawny roller mills; and Sallie died in infancy. Command per General Orders in 1865. After the close of the war Dr. Cleaver settled in ISRAEL CLEAVER, M. D., a prominent physician Luthersburg, Clearfield Co., Pa., and remained there of Reading, represents a family that dates back to the a year, when he removed to Philipsburg, Centre coun- time prior to the Revolution. The first of the name in ty, and entered upon a professional career that lasted Pennsylvania of whom record is found was Derrick until 1871. In 1871 he left Centre county, and after a Cleaver. course in certain special branches he located in Read- (I) Derrick Cleaver was twice married. By his first ing, Pa., in the spring of 1872, being still in practice in wife he had one child, John. By his second marriage this city. He is connected with a number of profes- there were seven children, one of whom was also sional organizations viz.: the Berks County Medical n#med John, and he became the great-grandfather of Society, the Reading Medical Association, Pennsylvania Dr. Cleaver.' State Medical Society, the American Medical Associa- (II) John Cleaver was also married twice. By the tion, and the Lehigh Valley Medical Association. He first union were born Joseph, John and Ruth. On is a member of the board of managers of the Reading Nov. 2-, 1767. John Cleaver was married by Rev. Hospital, and secretary of that body. He holds the Joseph 'Miller, to Catherine Kline, and they had seven position of County Medical Inspector, Pennsylvania children, Peter, Derrick, Isaac, Jonathan, Martha, Re- Department of Health, and is in charge of the local becca and one that died in infancy. John Cleaver died Dispensary for tuberculosis under the Department, in 1790, and his widow married Benedict Martz. After In 1866 Dr. Cleaver was married to Miss Lorena about forty years of wedded life she was again left a Moore, daughter of the late Wilson Moore, of Clear- widow, and survived Mr. Martz ten years. She died field county. Pa. Of their four children Mildred died April 14, 1841, aged ninety-two years, eleven months at the age of four years; Wilbur M. is the office man- and seventeen days. John Cleaver was a Quaker in ager of J. C. McCrorey & Co., New York City; Hattie religious belief, but as he married out of the church m. J. Freeman Boas, office employe of the Reading he was dropped from the Society. Hardware Company; and Helen Guthrie is at home, a (III) Jonathan Cleaver was born in 1781, in Earl graduate of the Reading high school and a teacher in township, Berks county. Pa. He learned the business Sternberg School of Music, Philadelphia. The family of woolen manufacturing, later owning and operating belong to the M. E. Church. Fraternally Dr. Cleaver is a woolen mill. He was interested in military matters, a member of Reading Lodge, No. 579. F. & A. M., and during the period of "training days" held rank as a and of the Militafy Order of the Loyal Legion, Pennsyl- colonel. He died in 1862. vania Commandery. He is also a m'ember of Gen. Wil- Jonathan Cleaver married Elizabeth Boyer, born In Ham H. Keim Post No. 76, G. A. R., while his loyal in- 1782. daughter of Samuel and Catherine Boyer, and terest in the school of his early days is evinced by his children were born to this union as follows: Anna, born connection with the local alumni association of the Uni- July 4. 1806, m. to Samuel Armpreister; Esther, born versity of Pennsylvania. July 17, 1808; Peter, born April 1, 1810. father of Henry Tyson Cleaver, an engineer in the United States Navy; EDWIN L. MOSER was for many years at the Elizabeth, born Feb. 2, 1812, m. to Isaac Bertolet head of the drafting room of the motive power depart- (their son was Dr. Jonathan Bertolet late of the U. ment of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Com- S. Navy); Jonathan, born April 30, 1814; George K., pany, located at Reading, Pa. He learned his trade in born May 18, 1816; Lewis, born Nov. 24, 1820; Mary the establishment where he was until recently engaged, (deceased) and Catherine (twins), born Jan. 8, 1822, and with the exception of two years spent in Phila- the latter of whom married Joel Golden; and Leida, delphia was connected therewith until May 1, 1909. He born Oct. 14, 1824. Jonathan Cleaver was a member of was born in Reading June 5, 1865. son of Solo- the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Whig. mon L. and Catherine (DeTurck) Moser, members of (IV) George K. Cleaver was educated in the com- two of the oldest families in the Schuylkill Valley mon schools, and he learned the trade of wool fulling, in Berks county, numerously and creditably represented, In 1852 he moved to Reading, and accepted a position particularly in the central and northern parts of the in the county prison as assistant under the warden, county. Mr. Moser is of Swiss and French Huguenot Dr. Henry Tyson. This responsible place he occupied descent, his French ancestors coming from Alsace- for twelve years, but finally went back into the busi- Lorraine. Representatives of the Moser family settled ness world and engaged in the manufacture of car- in Berks county in pioneer days, and George Moser, pets, which occupied his attention until his death in grandfather of Edwin L., was a farmer in Baumstown. 1897. He married Miss (Christiana Neiffer, and to Berks county, during the first half of the nineteenth them were born eight children, namely: Israel, of century. He died there in 1863. Reading, Pa.; George W., of Hackensack, N. J.; Chris- Solomon L. Moser, son of George, was engaged at tian H., deceased; Jonathan, deceased; John W., a various times as a carpenter, cabinet maker organ hatter residing in Reading; James T., who died in builder and patternmaker in Reading He "married April, 1907; Gertrude A., deceased wife of Linton Mil- Catherine De Turck, daughter of Jacob De Turck who ler, who. left two children Earl and Alma J.; and for many years owned and operated a fulling mill near Charles E.. deceased. The mother of these children Bauinstown. To Mr. and Mrs. Moser were born the died in 1893. In early life a Lutheran, later Mr. Cleaver following children: Calvin De T ■ Amanda E • Emma united with the M. E Church. ^ ^^ M.; Howard L. and Henry I. died in infancy; and (V) Israel Cleaver, M. D., was born Nov. 26, 1S42, Edwin L. and in his early childhood was sent to the public Edwin L. Moser was educated in the public schools schools m Readmg. He completed the high school of Reading, and during the winter of 1881-82 taught course, and then after his graduation began his medical school, in Spring township this county From Anril studies in the office of Dr. Henry Tyson. He took 1882, until August, 1883. he was in the employ of his medical course in the University of Pennsylvania the Reading Hardware Co. and on Seot 1 IBS'? in is in Stanton then Secretary of VVar, as assistant surgeon department."" Finishing hVs'Vradrinl887"he' condnued in the Mississippi Marine Brigade and Ram Feet, a intermittently in the shops and the drawing room until special organization designed to keep the river clear of transferred to the latter in August, 1888 There he BIOGRAPHICAL 567 remained, engaged as a draftsman, until June 1, 1891, when he was advanced to the position of chief drafts- man. Upon the resignation of Samuel F. Prince, Jan. 1, 1892, Mr. Moser was promoted to be mechanical engineer, and was thus engaged until Nov. 15, 1897, when he resigned and accepted a position in the Baldwin Locomotive Works, at Philadelphia. While there he devoted his time principally to designing electrical locomotives. On Nov. 1, 1899, he returned to the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Company, as chief draftsman in the Motive Power Department — the position of mechanical engineer having been abolished — where he remained until May 1, 1909, when his health demanded his retirement from the con- finement of office work. Mr. Moser has been twice married. On May 24, 1888, he m. Sallie Schaeflfer, a native of Berks county, who died May 12. 1905. To this union were born two children. Esther A. and Ruth K. On Nov. 27, 1907, he m. (second) Elizabeth R. Brunner, daughter of Hon. David B. and Amanda (Rhoads) Brunner. Mr. Moser is a Lutheran in religious belief, and served three years as deacon of Grace Church. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Reading Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T. ; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of Washington Camp, No. 61, P. O. S. of A.; and of Mt. Penn Coun- cil, No. 495, Royal Arcanum. DANIEL J. DRISCOLL, manufacturer of seamless steel tubing, was born at Reading Dec. 25, 1862. He received his education in the schools of the city and in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Resigning from the navy he entered the employ of the Philadel- phia & Reading Railway Company as a clerk in the office of the superintendent of motive power. After serving there several years he secured a position in the large establishment of J. H. Sternbergh, manufac- turer of nuts and bolts, for the purpose of learning the business, and he continued with Mr. Sternbergh until 1887, when he established a plant of his own at Auburn, in Schuylkill county, along the Schuylkill river, twenty-five miles north of Reading. Mr. DriscoU operated this plant in a successful man- ner until 1896, when he abandoned the further manu- facture of nuts, bolts, rivets and bar-iron, and sub- stituted machinery for the manufacture of seamless steel tubes, his establishment being the first plant of the kind in the United States to manufacture seamless tub- ing from American steel. His product was highly appreciated by the Navy Department of the National government, and he came to supply a considerable pro- portion of the seamless steel tubes in the building of the monster war-ships for the new navy. He continued to operate the plant until 1903, when it was absorbed and abandoned by the United States Steel Corporation. However, in one year, Mr. Driscoll succeeded in re- purchasing the plant, and after installing new machin- ery resumed the manufacture of seamless steel tubes. Since then he has carried on a large business under the name of Delaware Seamless Tube Company. In' 1888 Mr. Driscoll married Laura B. May, daugh- ter of Isaac May, and Mary Sterling, his wife, of Shamokin, Pa., and they have four children: Marie, James, Caroline and Elizabeth. They are members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Driscoll has established a superb country home, "Doneraile," in Bern township, on a bluflf along the west bank of the Schuyl- kill river, a short distance beyond the Berkshire Club, which commands a fine view of the river and the sur- rounding country. He is a director of the Keystone National Bank, and a trustee of St. Joseph's Hospital, both of Reading. Daniel Driscoll, his father, was born in 1824, in County Cork, Ireland, and was an infant about a year old when his parents emigrated to America, locating at Pottsville, in Schuylkill county. Pa. He learned the trade of machinist in the large works of Haywood & Snyder, and continued with them until 1848, when he removed to Reading and entered the machine shop of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company. He worked continuously for this company in the same shop for nearly thirty-five years, filling the position of fore- man of one of the departments in the large shop for a considerable part of the time. He lived in retirement for about ten years before his decease, in 1894. He married Elizabeth Grady (who died in 1905, aged eighty years), daughter of Patrick Grady and Margaret (Hayes), his wife, who also emigrated from County Cork (Doneraile), Ireland, in 1840, and settled at Philadelphia. They had thirteen children, of whom the following reached maturity: Catharine, who be- carne a sister in the Notre Dame Convent at Cincinnati, Ohio; Agnes, a graduate of the Reading Girls' high school and teacher in the public schools; Johanna, m. to Matthew J. Buckley, mechanical superintendent of the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia; Daniel J.; and another son, John A., who was educated for the priesthood in St. Charles Seminary at Overbrook, Pa., ordained as a priest in 1892, and stationed at St. Mark's Church, in Bristol, Pa., but died four years afterward. [See succeeding sketch.] Mr. DriscoU's grandfather, also named Daniel, was born and brought up in County Cork. He was rnarried to Mary Conway, of the same county. Their families were prominent in that section of Ireland. Mr. DriscoU's wife's father was born in Cornwall, England, emigrated to America when a young man, and settled in Schuylkill county, afterward removing to Shamokin, where he became a prominent mine operator. REV. JOHN A. DRISCOLL, Catholic priest at Bris- tol, Pa., for a time, was born at Reading Oct. 14, 1867, and received his preliminary education at the Con- vent of the Immaculate Heart at Reading, wljere he attended until he was thirteen years old. He was then a pupil at the Boys' high school until he was fifteen, when he entered the Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo,. at Overbrook, Pa., for the purpose of preparing to en- ter the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. He devoted nine years to his studies in the most assid- uous manner, and finally reaped the reward of his great industry and perseverance by being ordained at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on June 11, 1892. He cele- brated his first Mass at St. Peter's Church in Reading on the following day. Shortly afterward he was given his first charge at St. Patrick's Church, in Norristown, but his health failing he was transferred to St. Mark's Church, at Bristol, where he continued in, the active and successful performance of his duties, winning the great love and confidence of the members of his congrega- tion, for nearly four years, when his physical condi- tion was so weakened and he himself so incapacitated that he was relieved of his charge and returned to the home of his mother at Reading (the house in which he was born). There he died on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1896. The following extract from an interesting account of his funeral was taken from the Philadelphia Tintes: "On Thanksgiving night the remains of Father Dris- coll lay in state at St. Peter's Church, where several thousand persons took a last view of the familiar feat- ures then cold in death Members of the T. A. B. Society acted as guard of honor during the night On Friday morning Solemn Re- quiem Mass was chanted by Rev. Thomas Farrelly of St. James Parish, West Philadelphia, celebrant; Rev Michael McCabe, of St. Agatha's, deacon; Rev. J. Kier- nan, of St. Paul's, sub-deacon; and Rev. P. J. McMahon master of ceremonies, who had been his classmates, and were ordained with him at the Cathedral. Absolution of the body was pronounced by Right Rev. Bishop Prendergast, of the Philadelphia diocese, after which an impressive sermon was delivered by Rev P J Gar vey, p. D of St. James Church, Philadelphia, k life- long friend of Father DriscoU's who took for his text 568 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Verses, 8, 9, 10, 1,1, 13, 14 and 15, Chapter IV, Book of Wisdom: " 'For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years, but the understandmg of a man is gray hairs. '• 'And a spotless life is old age. " 'He pleased God, and was beloved, and livmg among sinners he was translated. , , ,, " 'He was taken away, lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. " 'Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time. " 'For his soul pleased God, therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities, but the people see this and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts. . . , tt- " 'That the grace of God and His mercy is with His Saints, and that He has respect to His chosen.' "He paid a glowing tribute to the well-known nobil- ity of soul and high intellectual qualities possessed by the departed young clergyman. "There were a number of religious societies m at- tendance, and upward of eighty clergymen participated in the solemn, impressive ceremony, which truly inani- fested their great love for this promising and admirable young priest, and their deep sorrow at his untimely de- parture." JACOB KNABB, in whose death, which occurred Jan. 30, 1889, at his home in Reading, this city and section lost a man of more than ordinary distinction, was born in Union township, Berks county, Aug. 21, 1817, son of Jacob, Sr., and Hannah (Yoder) Knabb, and grandson of Michael and Eve Magdalena (.Seltzer) Knabb. Michael Knabb, the grandfather, was a native of Bavaria, born at Pfeldersheim, in the Pfalz, April 17, 1717. About 1737, in company with his two brothers, John and Peter, he came to America, and settled near the Exeter township line, in Oley township, Berks county. Pa., on the farm now occupied by Samuel B. Knabb. The old house was burned in 1816-17, and the same year the present_ house was erected. A family cemetery on the farm contaifis the remains of the three brothers and many of their descend- ants. John died in the forty-eighth year of his age, unmarried, but Peter lived to his seventy-fourth year and left a numerous progeny. Michael Ivnabb married, on March 11, 1755, Eve Magdalena Seltzer, only child of Jacob and Elizabeth Seltzer, of Heidelberg township, and they became the parents of eight children : Nicholas, Peter, Jacob. Daniel, Susan, Sarah, Catharine and Mary. Mich- ael Knabb died June 17, 1778, in the sixty-second year of his age, and was laid to rest in the family cemetery above mentioned. Jacob Knabb, son of Michael, was born in Oley town- ship in 1771. Soon after his marriage, in 1800, he moved to Union township, where he prospered as a farmer. He died in February, 1825. In 1800 he married Hannah Yoder, daughter of John Yoder, and a descendant of John (Han- sel) Yoder, a Huguenot, who on account of religious persecution emigrated from Switzerland in the early part of the eighteenth century, and went first to England, thence coming to America and locating early in Oley township, Berks county. From John (Hansel) Yoder, Mrs. Knabb's descent is through John (3) and Daniel. To Jacob and Hannah (Yoder) Knabb were born six children : Daniel, George, Jacob, Margaret, Catharine and Hannah. The mother died in August, 1824. Jacob Knabb, son of Jacob, and the subject of this sketch, was but seven years old when his parents died. Until he was about eleven he attended the pay schools of the township, making his home with an elder sister. He apprenticed himself to learn the printer's trade under George Getz, of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, and re- mained there until Mr. Getz sold the paper. By this time Mr. Knabb realized the benefit of an education, and he set about remedying his deficiency in that line, studying for one year in the Lititz school, and for another year in Lafayette College. From the time he left college until 1840 he was engaged in printing in Reading, and in Har- risburg. In the latter city he worked on the Harrisburg Telegraph, where the State printing was done, and he held the position of foreman for a time. In 1840, with Mr. J. Lawrence Getz, he began the publication of a weekly paper, the Reading Gazette, but in 1843 he sold his share, and the next year found him in Harrisburg, pub- lishing the Clay Bugle, a campaign paper. In 1845 he came back to Reading and became the editor of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, some time later becoming also its proprietor. This he continued for about forty-five years. In 1866 he associated two partners with himself, and the firm became J. Knabb & Co. Three years later (1869) they purchased the Reading Daily Times, and some years afterward the Evening Dispatch, and the two papers were consolidated under the name of Reading Times and Dis- patch, and published daily and weekly. Prosperity .attended the venture, and in 1881 Mr. Knabb erected the substantial four-story brick building, which became the paper's home. Mr. Knabb's mature life was devoted to the interests of Reading, and he was particularly prominent in all public movements which contributed to the spread of educatibn. The Reading Library received his assistance for many years, and for many years he was its president, up to the time of his death. During the Civil war he re- sponded to the call for emergency militia in 1863, and after the battle of Gettysburg he served in Maryland as a member of Company C, 42d P. V. I. Mr. Knabb cast his first vote in support of the Whig party, and when the Republican party was formed he be- came one of its active supporters, acting for some years as chairman of the county Republican committee. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Chicago Convention from the Berks district, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for Pres- ident. He was postmaster of Reading under that admin- istration, and in 1876 he was Presidential elector from this Congressional district and cast his ballot for President Hayes. He was prominent and influential in party politics for a quarter of a century. In 1878 Mr. Knabb, with a friend as a companion, made an extended tour through Europe, and his letters, pub- lished from time to time in his paper, were so full of interest that he was urged to publish them in book form, but with his natural modesty he declined. In 1856 he published the first directory of Reading. Mr. Knabb was twice married. In 1846 he married Ellen C. .Andrews, daughter of Machiavel Andrews. Dur- ing the Civil war she was active in caring for soldiers in the local hospital, and was in charge of one of the de- partments of the Sanitary Fair, at Philadelphia. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and was a great friend of the poor and needy. Her death in 1875 was universally regretted. In 1879 Mr. Knabb married (sec- ond) Ellen M. Jameson, daughter of James and Mary (Worman) Jameson, the former a well-known and suc- cessful merchant at Reading. Mr. Knabb early became a communicant of the Episcopal Church, and served as ves- trymen many years. He held the confidence and good- will of all. BRUNNER. The Brunner family is an old and honorable one in Berks county, and its representatives in each generation have borne it worthily, among its more prominent members being the late Hon. David B. Brunner, a representative from the Ninth Congress- ional District of Pennsylvania, and his brother William B. Brunner. now of Amity township, and both prom- inent in the educational world. Peter Brunner, a Palatinate from Erbach, a town noted for its vineyards, in the vicinity of Coblentz, on the Rhine, came to America on the ship "Albany" with 284 other passengers, landing at Philadelphia. Sept. 2, 1749. There were two men on board by the name of Peter Brunner and at the arrival in Philadelphia, one signed his name, and the other's name was written by a clerk. It is not likely that they were related as they separated after landing. The one who signed his name went, soon after, to New Hanover, Montgom- BIOGRAPHICAL 569 ery Co., Pa., and settled there. He was unmarried ■when he came over, but must have married shortly after. About 1765 he moved to Douglass township, Berks county, and bought a farm along Iron Stone Creek. The deed was not recorded and the tax lists are missing prior to 1770, at which time his name ap- pears on the tax list. By occupation he was a farmer and weaver, carrying on both for a number of years. He acquired considerable property. He sold his son William, Aug. 4, 1800, thirty-eight acres, sixty-three perches. In 1787 he served as a tax collector in Douglass township. It was customary in those days for families or neighbors to get together and set apart ground for burial purposes. In accordance with this custom, those residing in Douglass township set apart 85j perches about one and one-half miles west of Little Oley for the burial place of Lutherans and Cal- vinists, and the road leading thereto was deeded by John Keely, to Henry Yorgey, Sr., Jacob Keely, Sr., Peter Brunner and John Nagle for the consideration of six pence Dec. 17, 1790. Peter Brunner was a Lutheran, and joined the church at New Hanover, continuing his membership there after his removal to Berks county. The first record of the family is the birth of his first child, Nov. 1, 1752. He was evidently married at New Hanover, but the records are so badly worn it is im- possible to trace his full connection with the church, but New Hanover was a Lutheran center. Peter Brun- ner had three sons and four daughters: Philip, born Nov. 1, 1752, was always a delicate child; William, born Dec. 5, 1753; George, born April 7, 1755; Christina Nagle; Elizabeth Wentzel; Maria Eagle; and Margaret Heilig. On Aug. 4, 1804, Peter Brunner made his will and gave all his property to his wife except sixteen bonds, amounting to 800 pounds. The wife died before 1808, and Peter's will was probated Oct. 16, 1813. He was rather corpulent and while assisting in gathering "second crop" was stricken with apoplexy. He was eighty-four years of age when he died in 1812, and he was buried in the Fritz Burving Gro und which he had helped to provide. William Brunner, son of Peter, was born Dec. 5, 1753, in New Hanover, and accompanied his father to Doug- lass township in 1765. Like his father he became a farmer in summer and a weaver in winter. The tax lists are missing for some years previous to 1778, when his name appears. In August, 1808, as' stated above, he bought 38 A. 63 P. from his father. In 1805 he was assessed on 138 acres, in 1808 on 36 acres, and in 1811 on 176 acres. He lived in Douglass township, Berks county, until the death of his father in 1812, when he sold his farm and moved to Pottsgrove (now Potts- town), where he continued to farm and weave. He was not satisfied with his place and surroundings at Pottsgrove, and one 'of his causes of discontent was that he thought his farm was not in the range in which the rains generally moved. He discovered that the people north of Monocacy Hill had more rain than in his locality, and he also noticed that on some occa- sions the rain clouds came fromi a northwesterly direc- tion, and seemed to strike against Monocacy Hill, and separate, bringing showers to the people east and west of the Hill. He determined to sell and move north of Monocacy Hill where the people were blessed with a greater rain supply. Accordingly he sold his farm, and bought two tracts of John Kinze, about one and one- half miles north of Monocacy Hill for 2,500 pounds $6,666 2-3), Pennsylvania -currency, June 29, 1819. The larger tract, owned by Mrs. Henrietta Hess in 1895. contains 92 A. 83 P., while the other was a tract of woodland a mile south of the one just mentioned. Wil- liam Brunner was a man of restless nature. Taking a fancy to a farm, he thought that place the only place he could be happy, and as s.oon as he found himself the owner he saw another place still more desirable. As a result he made no less than eleven sales and purchases. He was fond of good horses, and took great pride in driving a lively team. When he lived on his farm in Amity, he purchased his groceries and other household supplies in Pottstown, and in winter when nearly seventy years old he would drive to Pottstown in his sleigh, standing up, and always at a good speed. His wife, Christina Witz, whom' he married probably early in 1774, was born Dec. 7, 1755, and died Oct. 12, 1821, and is buried at Pottstown, in the western part of the cemetery adjoining Immanuel Lutheran Church. At this time their only son, George, was living with hiin. After his wife's death Mr. Brunner desired to sell his farm and move to Catawissa, but he soon abandoned that notion and remained on Jiis farm until his death. About this time an epidemic called "fever" (malaria) and a drought began, extending over the whole Schuyl- kill Valley, and lasting three years, known as "fever years." Many persons died of the disease, others were too sick to work, and on account of the drought the farms scarcely afforded a living. In one of these years William Brunner raised only fifteen bushels of corn. Land became valueless. He had paid one-third of the purchase money, and still owed about $4,400, but the property had depreciated so much that it was worth hardly one-half of the balance of the debt. On March 24, 1823, he sold his farm to John S. Hiester, a lawyer of Reading, for $4,500. Mr. Hiester undoubtedly had a mortgage on the property for that amount, and Mr. Brunner surrendered the farm as it was worth far less than he owed, the transfer beihg made in settlement of the mortgage. The son George, then rented the farm, and William remained there until he died, Dec. 13, 1823, when he was buried in Pottstown. George Brunner, only child of William, was born March 6, 1775, in Douglass township. Hte passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farms on Iron Stone Creek. He worked on the farm and in the meantime learned the weaver's trade. At the age of twenty-four he drifted into Pottstown (then Pottsgrove), a little country village. He was utterly unlike his father. The latter, with his restless disposition was always full of life and energy, but George was quiet, with little energy and am'bition, and could be easy and contented in any surroundings. His father endeavored in vain to arouse himi. While in Pottstown he met and married about 1804, Rebecca Knauer (for whose grandfather, Knauer- town, Chester county, was named). This was a most singular match. He was very slender while she was inclined to corpulency; he was quiet and slow, while she was positive, quick to discern and was a most success- ful manager of her own affairs. His business ability can be inferred from the story of one of their changes of abode in Pottstown. Houses were scarce, and they were obliged to move on a certain day. No house had been secured, but after the furniture was loaded on the wagons, he heard of an empty house, and went and rented it. In 1819 he moved from Pottstown with his father to Amity, and when the latter sold the home to Mr. Hiester, George and his wife rented it. They pros- pered slowly, but times brightened and they debated the advisability of repurchasing the farm. Their four children were about grown, and Rebecca planned that the boys were to attend to farming, and sow flax, that she and her daughter would do the house work and spin, and George would do the weaving. This succeeded so well that in 1827 the farm was bought back for $2,300, about one-third of the original price. Thus they con- tinued to thrive slowly. In spite of George's quiet ac- ceptance of conditions there were somie points on which he was adamant. When Rebecca's relations, who lived in Chester county and spoke nothing but English, came to visit 'he stayed away from the house. While he never expressed any displeasure at the visitors he was exceedingly shy of English-speaking people, never venturing so much as "yes" and "no" in that language, and^ as soon as the "besuch" were gone, he was natural again and much relieved. His wife was a woman who enjoyed company, and was a good talker and very pleasant to meet. 570 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA When his son David was married and purchased a property south of the home farm, the late owner claimed a quantity of hay that had evidently been included in the sale, threatening to haul it away. To do this he would have been obliged to go through JVIr. George Brunner's farm. Mr. Brunner had a shot-gun, though he never had the courage to fire it off. He resolved that if any person attempted to drive through his yard with a hay wagon he would arm himself with a pitchfork, guard his gate. The hay was not molested. Mr. Brun- ner was a strict and attentive Lutheran, belonging at Amityville, but though he owned a good carriage he would never ride in it. walking all the way to church, and usually was passed by the family at W'eaverstown, and as regularly refused the invitation to ride. In politics he was a Democrat, and was often an enthus- iastic worker at the polls on election day. Though not a strong man he enjoyed good health, and died of the infirmities of old age June 20, 1855. His widow lived with her daughter Mrs, Moyer at Baumstown, where she died of dropsy Nov. 12, 1859. Both are buried at Amityville. They had four children: (1) Mary married John Moyer and lived at Baumstown. (3) John is mentioned in full below. (3) Samuel was a stone mason and worked on his father's farm; he cared little for books, and made all his calculations mentally. He married Rebecca Yorgey and they had a son, George, who now lives at Pottstown. (4) David Brunner, third son of George and Rebecca, was left in Samuel's care as a child, but wandered off, fell in a ditch, and but for the prompt action of his mother would have been drowned. He later owned property south of his father, but selling this moved to Fox Hill, where his barn burned. This he rebuilt, sold the property and settled in Amityville. He had great powers of endurance. He was of kindly disposition, and rarely was angered. His wife, Caroline Yorgey, had no education, but was a great talker. They had no children. John Brunner, eldest son of George and Rebecca, was born Aug. 23, 1807, at Pottsgrove. In 1819 the family moved to Amity, where he worked on the farm. He was well educated for the times. From .a Mr. Goodman in Oley he learned the carpenter's trade, and also the wheelwright's and millwright's trades, working as a journeyman until 1833. In the spring he moved to Greshville, and began his trade on his own account. After living there two years he purchased his farm of George Dry for $700 (1837). There in 1840 he built the house, and in 1848 the barn. He was a strong and vigorous man, and was industrious and progressive. The handling of heavy timbers and fitting together the frame work of a large barn was tedious and laborious, and he decided all this could be' avoided if the fram- ing was done on scientific principles. The braces and oblique pieces were the diffi'culties, so he took his arith- metic and looked up square root, and in a short time he learned to frame the short and long braces. He was the most scientific carpenter in the country, and his reputation spread far and wide. Hie was not only skilled in carpentry, but could do fine and artistic work, though this was tedious and did not appeal to his more energetic nature. In .his younger days he made a cymbal which in form, finish and ornamentation compared very favorably with those made by skillful manufacturers. He was a man of good judgment, and his opinions were formed after mature deliberation. In his family he was a strict disciplinarian and he was very exact about sending his children to school. He himself knew the value of an education, and he gave his children all that could be obtained in the common schools, the term then being but four months in the winter, and later he sent them to Freeland Academy, now Ursinus College, and two went to College, the father helping them all he could financially and other- wise. In religion he was a Lutheran and he was a regular church goer, and in politics he was a staunch Democrat. When sixty years old he abandoned farm- ing, his son Amos taking care of that, and William managed the carpentering business. At the age of sev- enty Mr. Brunner had a severe' attack of dropsy, but recovered and for four years enjoyed fairly good health. Pie began to fail then, however, and died two years later, Jan. 3, 1884. One after another the child- ren had married and left home, except Amos, who stayed with his parents, and after they were gone bought the homestead. In 1833 Mr. Brunner married Elizabeth Bachman, who was born March 26, 1814. and died Jan. 21, 1896, daughter of Daniel Bachman (born 1786) of Ruscombmanor township. Mrs. Brunner ^yas a kind-hearted, industrious woman, who did everything to keep her home bright and pleasant. The evening with the family was the happy time of the day, and was devoted to reading, study and the good times that a jolly congenial family thoroughly enjoys. There were seven children in the family: Mary; David B.; John B. taught ten terms of school, and is now a carpenter and builder in Reading; Frederick B., taught five terms of school, and died at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, a Senior, in 1862; William B.; Amos B.; and George B. taught twelve terms of school and is the carpenter at the Boyertown Burial Casket Factory. Hon. David B. Brunner was born in Amity town- ship, March 7, 1835. At the age of, twelve after attending the common schools he was apprenticed to learn his father's trade, and at this he worked until he was nineteen. Feeling desirous of a higher educa- tion he prepared himself for college with such as- sistance as he could procure from teachers of the neighborhood, and in the meantime he taught school. After a short course at Freeland Seminary he entered Dickinson College, in 1856, and taking the classical course, graduated in 1860. He then opened a private school in Amityville, which he conducted for two years. In 1863 he purchased the Reading Classical Academy, and conducted the school with the except- ion of short intervals until 1888, under the names of Reading Scientific Academy, and Reading Scientific and Business College. In 1869 he was elected superintend- ent of the common schools of the county, and filled the office with great acceptability for six years, be- coming well known throughout the State as an edu- cator. In 1880-81 he served as superintendent of the schools of Reading. In addition to educational work, Prof. Brunner took great interest in mineralogy, and in Indian relics. In 1881 he published "Indians of Berks County," a reliable account of the aborigines. He collected many relics and at one time had the finest collection in the State. He was a frequent con- tributor to newspapers on subjects in which he was interested, and he lectured in all parts of the city and county on scientific subjects. In 1877 he published an elementary work on English Grammar, which had a wide sale. He was a Lutheran in religious belief. In 1861 Prof. Brunner married Amanda L. Rhoads, of Amity township. They had five children: Daniel E.. who died in 1888; Elizabeth; Edgar A.; Mary; and Dr. Plenry P., of No. 126 Oley street, Reading. In politics Prof. Brunner was an ardent Democrat, and on the subject of the tariff held advanced vievi's. On Aug. 29, 1888, he was nominated after a bitter con- test over Daniel Ermentrout for member of Congress from the Ninth Congressional District of Pennsyl- vania. The confidence imposed he kept sacred, and he proved to be a remarkably able and useful repre- sentative and in 1890 was re-elected. He was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, and was more of a student than a politician. As a speaker he expressed readily what he had to say, but laid no claim to the art ot oratory. He was impressive but had no great amount of personal magnetism. He made friends, however, whom he kept, and whose respect his Christ- ian manhood retained. He was a conscientious official, a true patriot and noble man. He died Nov. 29. 1903, and was buried in the Brunner lot at Amityville. WiLLiAii B. Brunner, of Amity township, was born on the Brunner homestead, July 31, 1842. His BIOGRAPHICAL 571 early intellectual training he received at home, and in the common schools of the district which he attended altogether thirty-three months. Later he attended Amity Academy for fifteen days, then taught by his brother, Prof. David B. Brunner, county superintend- ent and congressman. In 1859 when he was seventeen years old he was examined and passed a very credit- able examination for teaching. He taught his first term in Brecknock township, then one in Oley, one in Muhlenberg, one in Ontelaunee and seven in Amity. At the age of fourteen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has ever since followed during the summer months, in his section, except for two years that he lived in Reading. He employed a number of men regularly and erected nearly all the houses and barns in his neighborhood during that time. He was active and was a master mechanic. Since the spring of 1875 he has lived on his present place, which he bought from the Daniel Lee estate. It consists of thirty- five acres of fertile land, located on the State road in Amity. Mr. Brunner is tall and erect, and of com- manding presence, and he is a fluent, easy speaker. On March 2, i869, Mr. Brunner married Amanda Francis, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Koch) Francis, of Amity township. To this union were born four children, namely: William Benton, who in 1896 graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, and taught school in Amity for a number of years, mar- ried Catharine Kline, of Reading, and they live in Harrisburg, where he is engaged in the merchandise business; Anna, the eldest, m. Eli R. Snyder, and died Oct. 12, 1895, aged twenty-five years, ten months, twen- ty-seven days; Martha taught school five terms of school, and m. M. L. Botts, a railway mail clerk and merchant at Harrisburg; and Samuel Anson m. Annie Graefif, and is a grocer at Harrisburg. Mr. Brunner and his family are Lutheran members of the church at Amityville. In politics he is a Democrat, and for six years served as school director. AUGUSTUS R. ANDERSON, President of the , Board of County Commissioners and a representative citizen of Mohnton, was born in Washington town- ship, Berks county, March 21, 1865, son of Peter S. and Catherine (Ritter) Anderson. The Anderson family to which Augustus R. belongs is of Irish origin, and is descended from James, a native of Ireland, who came to this country before the Revolu- tion. He became a clerk in the Oley furnace and forge and is supposed to have boarded at "Woodchopper City." The Httle colony known by that name was located in Earl township, and sprang into existence about the middle of the eighteenth century. James Anderson (2) was born in "Woodchopper City" in 1794, and lived to his ninetieth year, passing away in 1883. By trade, he was a shoemaker, but also farmed and was the owner of a tract of forty-four acres in Washington township. He married Miss Re- becca Spohn, the daughter of Casper and Rebecca Spohn, and to their union children were born as fol- lows: Hettie m. Gideon Hartline, a farmer at Shanes- ville; Matilda m. Daniel Mosser, of Reading; Sophia m. Henry Frunheiser, a farmer in Washington Town- ship; Rebecca m. Jacob Seachrist, who moved to Ful- ton county, Ohio; Catherine m. Augustus Nagel, of Gilbertsville; James, a farmer and shoemaker of Wash- ington Township, was twice married; Jeremiah, of New Berlinville, Pa., m. Miss Catherine Muthart; Peter S.; John, twin brother of Peter, a blacksmith at Shanesville, was twice married; and Jacob died aged twenty-two. Peter S. Anderson was born in Washington township, Sept. 24, 1835, and received most of his education in pay school in that section, with one year in the public schools. As a young man he learned the trade of wheel- wright, at which he was employed but four and a half years, when he turned his attention to farming. In 1878 he moved to Reading and has since made his home there, except for a period of six years when he lived with his son Augustus at Mohnton. On Oct. 16, 1857, he married Catherine, daughter of Isaac and Anna (Mosser) Ritter, and they became the parents of: James, of Boyertown; a victim of the Boyertown calamity of Jan. 13, 1908, m. Miss Laura Reppert; Henry died aged nineteen; Audora, deceased, m. ilarry Levan; Lizzie ra. Albert Reifsnyder; Jacob R. m. Miss Sallie Foust, and he conducts a secondhand furniture and auction house at No. 229 North Ninth Street, Reading, Pa.; Augustus R. m. Miss Rosa H. Snyder; Anna L. and Wellington both died during the "spotted tever" epidemic, and were buried in the same coftin; Ida died of the same disease two weeks later; Irwin m. Miss Norah Kline, and is a barber in Reading, Pa.; Laura m. Adam Schnabel of Reading, Pa.; Edwin m. Miss Emma Kelley, of Read' ing. Pa.; and Kate m. James Bailey of Reading. Augustus R. Anderson was sent to the public schools during his boyhood, but left at an early age to go to work, and for five years was employed as clerk at the "Union House" in Reading, the beginning of his associa- tion with hotel life. The next four years he was in charge of the "Oley Line Hotel" at Lime Kiln, and in 1888 he engaged for a time as clerk in a hat store, and then was employed by a tea and coffee house. In 185l he was ready to return to the hotel business and accord- ingly leased the "Mohnsville (now Mohnton) Hotel" from Frank F. Mosser for two years. Results proved entirely satisfactory and April 27, 1893, Mr. AnderS'on bought the place and at once proceeded to remodel- it, adding all the latest improvements. The house has twenty-eight rooms, is well managed and regularly pat- ronized by a large proportion of the traveling public. Mr. Anderson is essentially a public-spirited man and has done much to add to the convenience and pleasure of his fellow citizens. One of his progressive enter- prises was to purchase the Body estate at Mohnsville (now Mohnton), held at a high figure, and to erect on that site the upper station at Mohnton, a great accomimodation. Just opposite this he built in the spring of 1906 the Mohnton Auditorium, standing near the trolley tracks. This building, 50x100 feet, is finished throughout in yellow pine and. hard wood lumber, with all modern appointments, and is used for sociables, band rehearsals, basket ball, poultry shows, entertain- ments of all kinds. In 1907 there was added at a con- siderable expense an artistically equipped stage. Polit- ically Mr. Anderson has made himself well known in Berks county, working in the' Democratic ranks. He has served as township committeeman, county and state delegate, acting in the latter capacity at the convention where Hon. Robert E. Pattison was nom- inated for governor. In 1904 he was a candidate for director of the poor, and polled a large vote. Mohnton became a borough in the spring of 1906, and Mr. Anderson was elected to the first council and chosen as the first President, thus evidencing his pop- ularity in a community not fettered by party lines. On Nov. S, 1908, he was elected to the office' of County commissioner by the sanction of 16,204 voters, a com- pliment of no mean significance, and of this board he was also chosen president. He was one of the organiz- ers of the Mohnton National Bank, in which he has held a directorship since its founding. Socially Mr. Anderson is equally prominent and popular. He be- longs to the F. O. E., Aerie No. 66, Reading; Eagles' Mountain Home; the K. of P. No. 485, of Mohnton; D. O. K. K. No. 37, of Reading; the I. O. O. F. No. 518, and Rebekah degree; the Knights of Friendship, Fidelia No. 5 fall of Reading) ; to the P. O. S. of A., No. 221, of Oley Line, also P. O. S. of A. Commandery Lexington No. 2, of Reading; the Liberty Fire Company No. 5, and the Schuylkill Camp Club of Reading. On Nov. 25, 1882, Mr. Anderson married Miss Rosa H. Snyder, daughter of Jacob and Emma R. (Hartman) 573 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Snyder, the former a landlord in Exeter township, the King, his brother and many noblemen were pres- Three children were born to them: Emma May; Wei- ent to pay tribute to his memory. His portrait hangs lington S. who died May 1, 1896. aged eleven years; in the Admirals room in the Art Gallery at Amsterdam, and Edna ' '^^^ ^''^^ settlers in the vicinity of Main's Church, were a part of the 150 families who emigrated from DR. LEONARD G. HAIN. Among the members Holland, and settled in 1723 or 1733 at Schoharie, N. of the medical profession in Cumru township, Berks Y. In 1739 some dissension caused a removal of county, may be mentioned Dr. Leonard G. Hain, who several families to the Tulpehocken valley, and others has an' extensive practice in the pleasant borough of to Heidelberg township, Berks county. Among these Shillington. Dr. Hain was born Oct. 27, 1872. in Wer- first settlers we find the name of Hain, or Hohen or nersville, Berks Co., Pa., son of John H. and Rebecca Hean. With great industry and self-denial these pio- (Gerhard) Hain. neers erected a church and founded a congregation The early hotne of the Hains was in Holland, where of the German Reformed Church. The five acres the name was spelled Heyn. Through various changes, (since increased to seven) belonging to Hain's Church Hayn. Hohen, Hein, Hean, it is now generally used were donated by George Hean (Hain) about 1830, Hain. At Delftshave (now Delf shaven), a suburb and according to the custom of the time the church be- of Rotterdam, in 1590 lived Piet Heyn, with his wife came known as Hain's, though its name was St. John's and four sons, the eldest of whom was Piet Peterson Church from the time it was dedicated to the "service Heyn, born Nov. 37. 1577. The latter was a strong- of the Tri-une God." Early pastors of this church willed boy, bold and adventurous, full of energy, and were Pastors Boehm, Weisse and Schlatter, followed he was looked upon by the townspeople with some by the well known Rev. Jacob Lishy, of Lancaster concern. School masters would have none of him. Af- county. George Hain, who gave the land for the ter being expelled from school he went to Rotterdam, church, died in 1746. where he found work on a boat. His father was a John H. Hain, father of Dr. Leonard Gerhard, was fisherman, and was often away on long voyages, so born in Lower Heidelberg township, on the farm on the elder son, who was not by any means the hopeless- which now stands the Wernersville Asylum. This ly bad boy many thought him, went home twice a was the original home of the Hains in this section, week to see his mother. His old enemies, young rela- He was born Aug. 18, 1843, and died May 4, 1903, tives of the master who had expelled him from school, after a long and useful life. Mr. Hain owned the would lie in wait for him, and endeavor to beat him. homestead of 130 acres, which is still in the family's He was stronger than they, and in spite of their num- possession, and was engaged in farming and cattle bers would always defeat them. One night these boys dealing, being known throughout Berks and Lancaster gathered their friends until they had fourteen to wait counties as a man of sterling worth. A stanch Dem- for the one lad coming home to his mother. Too ocrat in politics, he was active in the ranks of his many were in the secret, however, and Piet's younger party, serving ably as school director for a period brothers heard of it, but they could muster champions of nine years. Fraternally he was connected with enough to make but nine on their side. The fourteen the Odd Fellows at Wernersville, and he and his fam- met Piet first, with sticks and stones, but the noisiest ily attended Hain's Church, where he is buried. Mr. one of all he threw into the water, and by that time Hain married Rebecca Gerhard, daughter of Adam the brothers and their friends joined him, and to- and Catherine (Strunk) Gerhard, and to them were gether they completely routed the superior numbers, born: Harry G, foreman at the Hampden Planing and would have done them violence, but Piet interposed Mill; Dr. Leonard Gerhard; Frederick, who cultivates and insisted that all shake hands. That same night he the old homestead farm; and Leah, m. to Charles proved his courage and his ability to act quickly in Hain, who is engaged in the hosiery business at an emergency by assisting in preventing a fire to Wernersville. spread, and the boy who had been looked upon as bad Dr. Leonard Gerhard Hain was reared upon his and unruly was lauded by all as the bravest boy in father's farm, on which he resided until entering col- town. Shortly after this he went to sea, and became lege. His early education was obtained in the town- a prisoner on a Spanish vessel, being held a very long ship schools, later he attended the Hughes Academy time. He then shipped as second mate on the man- at Bellefonte, Centre Co.. Pa., where he prepared of-war "Samson," commanded by Capt. Gerbrandt for college, and in the fall of 1888 he entered Palat- Jansroon Sael. Before 1601, with nine other war ships inate College, at Myerstown. where he completed his all under the command of Admiral Obdam, and English preparatory course for medicine. Entering Jefiferson men-of-war under Admiral Lewison, they sailed to find Medical College in the fall of 1890. he graduated May the Spanish fleet. The Spaniards were beaten at great 4, 1893, and on June 5th of the latter year engaged in price, the first mate of the "Samson" being one of the practice at Shillington, being the first physician in many victims. In a storm a few days later the captain the borough. He has gradually built up a large and was swept overboard, and young Heyn became master lucrative practice in a densely settled community of the ship. On his return home, after transactinq: within a radius of five miles, and his skillful services business in Batacalo, he married Anetje De Reus, and have won for him the confidence and respect of the settled in Rotterdam. He was not to be permitted to entire section. Personally the Doctor is pleasant and live quietly, however, and the next voyage he sailed courteous, and as a consequence he is very popular was as Vice-Admiral of the West Indian Company's with all who know him. He was one of the organ- fleet of men-of-war sent against the Spanish. Admiral izers and is a director of the Mohnton National Bank WiUeneus bemg in command. They captured San Sal- of Mohnton. yador in April, ]626, and Piet Peterson Heyn became In political matters Dr. Hain is a Democrat and Admiral, and was sent after the Silver Fleet of Spain, for three years served as Almshouse physician He After many adventures, and the capture of many Span- is a member of Teutonia Lodge No 367 F & A M ish vessels, in one battle taking twentv-six ships from Reading; Reading Chapter, No. 53, R A M ■ De Mo- the enemy, he eventually found and defeated the fa- lay Commandery No. 9, K. T.; Rajah Temple A A raous Sliver Fleet (with 13,000,000 florins captured as O. N. M. S.. Reading; Reading Elks. No lis' Aerie booty) and carried his prizes triumphantly home to No. 66, F. O. E., Reading; Independent Americans Holland, where great honors were heaped upon him. of Shillington; Knights of Pythias No 385 Mohn- .■\t the battle off Dunkirch (Dunkirk), France, in the ton; and Knights of the Golden Eagle of Kutztown North Sea, Admiral Heyn was killed June SO, 1039. He and his family are Reformed members of the His remains were interred in the Church of the Lean- Hain Church, of Lower Heidelberg, ing Tower at Delft, and a magnificent tomb was On Nov. 13, 1893, Dr. Hain was married to Annie erected there to his memory. In 1870 his statue, made K. Miller, daughter of John H. and Sarah (Kinser) of Udelsfenger stone, was unveiled by the people, and Miller, of Wernersville, Pa., and to this union have BIOGRAPHICAL 573 been born two children: Stuart J., who died in in- fancy; and Marguerite L. J. MILTON MILLER is a member of the Berks County Bar. His grandfather, Jacob Miller, was a pioneer of this county and resided at Hamburg. Dr. Alexander Merkel Miller, father of J. Milton, was a physician of repute, and practised his profession at Tower City, Schuylkill county, but died at the age of thirty-eight years, in 1877. Mr. J. Milton Miller was born July 25, 1872, at Tower City. He attended public school for only a few years, and his education was continued after he was twenty years old at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, Pa. In 1898 he was admitted to the Bar of Berks County, and later to the higher courts. On Jan. 27, 1897, he was married to Miss Sara G. Miller, daughter of J. Russell Miller, who was in the Reading Railroad service for more than forty years, and who was a Corporal of Company A, 88th Pa. V. I., serving in the Civil War for four years. J. Alexander, Rich- mond P. and Emily L. are the children of this mar- riage. Mr. Miller is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Americus Club, and belongs to the Calvary Re- formed Church, where he takes an interest in the church and Sunday school work. D. NICHOLAS SCHAEFFER, one of the leading representatives of the legal fraternity in Berks county. Pa., and a resident of the city of R.eading, was born Sept. 10, 1853, in Maxatawny township, Berks county, son of David and Esther (Christ) Schaeffer. His paternal great-grandfather was George Schaeffer, a native of Southern Germany, north of the Rhine, who, in 1750, with 30,000 other inhabitants of that coun- try located in Pennsylvania. He settled upon a tract of land in Richmond township, which is now owned by his descendants, and there reared a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. This sturdy old pioneer passed to his eternal reward in 1792, after a long and useful life. Philip bchaefifer, grandfather of D. Nicholas, was born on the old homestead farm in 1770, and became an agriculturist. He manufactured the first threshing machine in Berks county, and met with such success as to warrant him to continue in that line of work the remainder of his life. He was the orogenitor of a family of twelve children: Geor"-e; Peter; Isaac; Jonathan; Daniel; Philip; William; David; Sarah m. Jacob De Long; Elizabeth m. Solomon Yoder; Anna M. m. Isaac Merkle; and Esther m. Francis De Long. In politics he was a Democrat, while in religious attachments he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, our second great conflict with Great Britain, and acquitted himself with credit. M,rs. Schaeffer died in 1849, and her husband in January, 1853, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. David Schaeffer, the father of D. Nicholas, was born in Berks county, Oct. 3, 1820, and engaged in tilling the soil, after obtaining a good education in the com- mon schools. He was deeply interested in the edu- cational advancement of his community, and was one of the charter members of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, of which he is still a trustee. In May, 1848, he married Esther Christ, who was born in Greenwich township, Berks county, in 1825. Five children blessed this union, and each was given the best educational advantages, and is now a credit to the community in which he lives. The record is as follows: Nathan is Superintendent of Public In- struction of the State of Pennsylvania; William D. is a Professor in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa.; .D. Nicholas; James is engaged in farming; and Charles is a physi- cian of Allentown. D. Nicholas Schaeffer, after completing the required course in the common schools, attended Franklin & Marshall College, at Lancaster, graduating therefrom in the class of 1876. Immediately thereafter he began reading law under the tutelage of George F. Baer of Reading, and was admitted to the Bar in 1878. He then opened a law office in the city of Reading, and soon acquired a large and lucrative practice, which is still his in a much augmented state. He is a rnan of great determination and shrewdness, and having once entered upon a case he works with might and main, ana usually with pood results. He is a dutiful citizen and a good neighbor, being held in high esteem by a large number of friends and fellow citizens. Mr. Schaeffer married, Nov. 11, 1880, Katherine Grim, aaughter of Jonathan K. Grim, and three bright and interesting children blessed their union, namely: Forest G., Paul N. and Harry H. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles . of the Demo- cratic party, and in religious affiliation a member of the Reformed Church of Reading, of which he is an elder. SCHULTZ. Among the prominent representatives of the Schultz family in Washington township are the brothers, Owen K. Schultz, farmer, dairyman and stockman, now living retired, and Joseph K. Schultz, who in the spring of 1899 retired from the milling busi- ness. The Schultz family came to America from Saxony. Melchior Schultz was born June 26, 1680. and died Feb. 15, 1734. in the fifty-fourth year of his age, at Berthelsdorf, Saxony. His death took place just about two months before the time set for his emigration to America. His children were: George, M'elchior and Christopher, the latter of whom became a noted minis- ter. George Schultz, son of Melchior and brother to Rev. Christopher, married, Jan. 31, 1744, Maria, daughter of Abraham Yeakel, and they made their home in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery Co.. Pa. Their child- ren were: Abraham, born March 23, 1747; and Melchior, born March 25, 1756. George Schultz died Oct. 30, 1776, aged sixty-five years, and his wife Maria passed away Dec. 13, 1797, at the age of seventy-nine years. Abraham Schultz, son of George and Maria, was born in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, March 23, 1747. He was a great lover of books and having a retentive memory and comprehensive, mind, he became one of the best educated men of the time. He was a member of the Schwenkfelder religious so- ciety, and he served it in the capacity of trustee, school inspector, teacher and catechist. The community fre- quently called his services into requisition as scrivener and counsellor. In 1796 he was elected a^ member of the General Assembly from Montgomery county. He died Dec. 25, 1822. In 1771 he married Regina Yeakel, daughter of Christopher Yeakel, and their children wefe: Benjamin, born July 20. 1772 (died March 20, 1802); Adam, Sept. 20. 1775; Isaac, March 4. 1778; Ab- raham, Feb. 18, 1781 (died March 23, 1802); Freder- ick. Aug. 10, 1784 (died Dec. 17. 1794); Joseph, Jan. 22. 1787; and Melchior, June 23, 1789. Isaac Schultz, son of Abraham and Regina, was born March 4, 1778, and died Oct. 15, 1867. He had a good farm of 100 acres, besides woodland, in Upper Hanover township, and for a time taught school. He had eight children: Amos; Isaac; Abraham; Daniel S.; Christina; Joel; Philip and Joseph. Amos Schultz, son of Isaac, born May 11, 1809, died at the home of his son. Owen K., May 10, 1895, and is buried at the Schwenkfelder Church, Washington town- ship. In 1861 he built the mill now owned by Joseph K. Schultz, and operated by the tatter's son, Amos K. Amos Schultz married Elizabeth Kriebel, daughter of Samuel Kriebel, of Worcester township, Montgomery county. They had eight children: Sarah, wife of Joel Schultz. ri Upper Hanover township; Susan, deceased wife of A. T. D. Johnson, of New Berlinville; Joseph K.; Anna, deceased; Edwin, president of the First Nat- ional Bank of Boyertown; Owen K. ; Lucina, who lives 574 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA with her brother Owen K. ; and Elizabeth, wife of Josephus Gerhard, of Hereford township. Mrs. Eliza- beth (Kriebel) Schultz was born Dec. 33, 1812. and she died March 29, 1891. Mr. Schultz was active in local politics, and for ten years was justice of the peace in Douglass township, A'lontgomery county, and was di- rector of Schultzville Independent School District, and in many other ways served his community. Owen K. Schultz, son of Amos, was born in Doug- lass township, Montgomery county, just across the Berks county line, March 23, 1851. He attended the Schultzville Independent School in Washington town ship, whither the Amos Schultz family moved in the spring of 1857. His early years were passed on the home farm, and after he was twenty-one years of age he continued working for his parents for seven years. In 1880 he took possession of tht farm on his own account. This consists of ninety-three acres of excellent land, and he was very successful in its management. He paid special attention to dairying, and had some fine stock, as well as a complete line of modern farm machinery. He continued to farm until 1903, when he retired. He has the agency for the Page Woven Wire Fence Company, of Adrian, Mich., and in this work he has met with success. His farm is one of the most attractive on the west branch of the Perkiomen. A mill dam covers a few of his acres with water, and the mill is located but 130 feet from the residence, and is familiarly known as the "County Line Mill." The house was built in 1856 by his father, Amos, and is a substantial brick structure of large dimen- sions. It is surrounded by a carefully kept lawn, studded with Norway and silver maple trees, and en- closed by an iron fence. The Swiss barn was built by Amos Schultz in 1855, and was the first barn in the district to have running water in the stalls. Mr. Schultz is one of the active business men of his district. He was one of the organizers of the Niantic Dairymen's Association, which conducts a creamery at Niantic, and of this he has been treasurer since its organization April 1, 1889. They make a high grade of butter, and also have a large cheese trade, their product being sold in the community and in Phila- delphia. He was instrumental in having the State Road built through his district. He has been a di- rector of the Reading Bone Fertilizer Company since its organization March 8. 1905; a director of the Moun- tain Telephone Company. Inc., which has thirty miles of wire in the eastern township of Berks county; and is treasurer of the Douglass Telephone Company, oper- ating ten miles of wire, and of which company there were sixteen original shareholders. Mr. Schultz is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Boyertown, and acts as its agent, weekly making deposits for the people of his district. Mr. Schultz has been twice married. On Feb. 7, 1880, he married Leanna Kriebel. of Worcester township, who was born June 8, 1852, and who died April 5, 1887, the mother of two children. Chester and Mabel, both graduates of Perkiomen Seminary, since which time Chester has also graduated from Princeton University, Princeton, N. J., class of 1908, and Pierce's Business College, Philadelphia, fall of 3908. Mr. Schultz mar- ried (second) Sept. 31. 1889. Mary Schultz, daughter of Adonia Schultz, of Worcester township. Montgom- ery county. The family attend the Schwenkfelder church. Joseph K. Schultz, son of Amos, was born in Doug- lass township, Montgomery county, Nov. 20, 1840. The district school afforded him his educational ad- vantages, and at home he was trained along agricul- tural lines. He was twenty-two when he began work in his father's mill, and in 1882 he succeeded to the ownership. This mill was first a grist and flour mill, and in 1895 a roller process was added. The present narne of the iiiill is the Wave Roller Mill, but early in its history it was called the County Line Mill. It is a four-story building. 40x45 feet, with an addition 28 feet square, and it is run by water from the west branch of the Perkiomen creek. Seventeen acres of land are included in the mill property. At the present time Mr. Schultz's son. Amos K., is operating the mill and he turns out three brands of fiour that are very popular — "Wave," "Union" and "Schultz's Best." Mr. Joseph K. Schultz retired from the management of the mill in 1899. With his son Elmer he organized the Champion Manufacturing Company, Inc., of Philadel- phia, manufacturing horse and cattle powders, and poultry feed powders at Barto, but the main office is at No. 427 Walnut street, Philadelphia. Mr. Schultz has been quite an apiarian, and at one time had as many as forty hives, producing about 500 pounds of honey annually. He resides in a comfortable brick house built by his father in 1867. In 1865 Mr. Schultz married Susan Bechtel Krauss, daughter of George Krauss, an organ builder of Upper Hanover township. They have had four children: Elmer, an insurance agent and real estate dealer in Philadelphia, m. Marie Hirner. daughter of Dr. C. G. Hirner, of Allentown, and has two children, Lloyd and Miriam; Hannah m. Joseph B. Bechtel, a jeweler in Philadelphia, and has two children, Francis Clarke and Dwight Earle; Amos m. Irene Seipt, daughter of Wil- liam Seipt. of Worcester township. Montgomery coun- ty, and has two children, Florence and Harold; Olivia m. John G. Deihl, Wharf Master at Port Richmond. Philadelphia, Pa., and they have one daughter, Frances. Mr. Joseph K. Schultz and his sons and sons-in-law are Republican in political principle and in religious faith he and his family are Schwenkfelders. DANIEL H. CHRISTIAN (deceased). One of the best known of Reading's citizens, who was for many years identified with the construction work of the Phil- adelphia & Reading Railroad, was Daniel H. Christian, who died December 22, 1903. Mr. Christian was born Oct. 17. 1849. on the old Christian homestead in Ex- eter township, Berks county, son of Edward and Cath- erine (Hofifmaster) Christian. Henry Christian, the great-grandfather of Daniel H., was a carpenter in Switzerland, and died in that coun- try in his fortieth year, his death being caused by a fall from a ladder, when he broke his back in two places. His wife, Frenna, was a seamstress and mid- wife, and died in her eighty-ninth year, much beloved in the village where she had lived so long. She and her husband had three children: one son who settled in Virginia; John, the grandfather of Daniel H.; and a daughter who remained in Switzerland. John Christian was born in the village of Frenk- endorf. Basel Landschaft, Switzerland, Jan. 20. 1786, and was baptized and confirmed in the Reformed Church in Frenkendorf. He attended the village school during the winter, this school being attended most of the time by over 100 children. Later he went to a school at Liestell for three months, but his school- ing came to an abrupt end when Napoleon marched into the town with his army of 200.000. Until sixteen years of age young Christian was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits and wine culture. The Napoleonic army having brought hardship upon the Basel Land- schaft, there was no money with which to pay the heavy taxes, and times became very hard, this causing nearly 400 families to depart from the wharves o1 the city, Mr. Christian being one and the youngest of four single men. He started from the Rhine waters April 10, 1804, and seventeen days later the Swiss emigrants arrived at Amsterdam, whence they took passage on the ship "Rebecca," bound for Philadel- phia, the contract price being sixty-five dollars per person over seventeen years of age, and one meal per day. After some difi^culty the ship glided into the English Channel from the Texel Sea, and then to the ocean, and after a very stormy vovage, during which sea-sickness, hunger and thirst caused the death of sixty-four of the 374 passengers, the ship landed en a Sunday morning, .Aug. 17, 1804, at the Lazaretto BIOGRAPHICAL 175 below Philadelphia. After suffering from fever for some time, Mr. Christian escaped from the overcrowd- ed hospital and through the friendly services of ac- quaintances was directed to Philadelphia. . Three young friends, and many others who had escaped the ter- rible journey went to Ohio, and Mr. Christian finally settled at Reading in 1807, where he was married Oct. H, 1808, to Margarete Deem, daughter of Christo- pher Deem, and wife (whose maiden name was Settly), of Reading, the former of whose parents had come to America from Germany. After living near Lancaster for one and one-half years with' his wife ana her sister Elizabeth, Mr. Christian returned to Reading and built a still house on a lot he had bought before his marriage from one David Bright. Then Mr. Christian formed a partnership with Michael Bright, this con- nection however being of short duration, he taking into partnership John Birkenbine, whose share Mr. Christian bought later. In 1822 Mr. Christian sold his interests for $2,450, $1,600 in cash and the residue in two equal payments, and in the soring of 1823 he bought thirty-two acres of land in Exeter township. along the Schuylkill, where he moved his family in the fall of that year. His children were: John, born in 1810, a railroader, who lived in Lebanon, Pa., and died Oct. 12, 1875; Edward, born March 13, 1817; Frenna, born 1821. who died of a prevailing fever when she was nearly two years old; and a son, born Feb. 12, 1824. John Christian was a man of more than ordinary education, and in 1865 wrote a forty- eight page booklet, which he named "An Autobiog- raphy of John Christian," in which he gave a graphic account of his journey from the land of his nativity to the land of his adoption, his trials and hardships, and his subsequent prosperity. One of these booklets is now in the possession of Edward Christian's familv, of Reading. Edward Christian, father of Daniel H., was born March 13, 1817, at the corner of Front and Franklin streets, Reading, where his father, John Christian, carried on distilling until 1822, when he removed his household effects on a boa*' which was pro- pelled uv six hand oars, and landed near the locks of the Big Dam. Here they built a house at a point now called Neversink Station, ana young Christian helped his father to cultivate five or six acres of land, cut down trees and stack the wood in cords in dif- ferent parts of. Exeter. Later .he attended school about two miles below the Black Bear, where he learned his first lessons, and subsequently a pay schopi was started by Gustavus Lewis, where young Christian attended. This school was fitted up in a single room in a private house and there were but eight pupils. Many years later a large schoolhouse was built at the Black Bear, which he' also attended. In 1830 he assisted his father to join shingles for the barn of George de B. Keim, about half a mile below the Neversink Station, and later in squaring logs for Sey- fert & McManus' furnace. In 1838 he went at his trade, that of milling, with Amos Esterly, at Hertzog's mill, on the Perkiomen turnpike, and he remained here three years, polling his first vote in 1839 at Stoners- ville, when he voted the Democratic ticket, which was his custom to the time of his death, missing but one election; he voted at fifteen Presidential elections. In 1839' he and his father built the old Sunday schoolhouse situated on the road leading from Black Bear to the Schuylkill river, and the building is still standing in a good state of preservation, being called "All Sorts" school house, on account of the different kinds of stones used in its construction. Mr. Christian was superintendent of the Sunday-school for ten years, and taught a class of young men. He married, Aug. 21. 1842, Catherine Hoffman, daughter of Christian and Ellen Hoffman, of Stony Creek, the former of whom was the proprietor of a grist mill and the first owner of a wool factory in that district. In the spring of 1842 Mr. Christian moved back to the old homestead at Neversink, where he engaged in farming. When the Civil war broke out he was very active in securing recruits. He was well preserved to the 'time of his demise. He was five feet, eleven inches tall, and very erect, but during the last few years of his life his eyesight failed very rapidly. He was a school director for six years, aiding in the establishment of many schools, and was appoint- ed by the court to appraise damages and lay out new roads in Berks, and in various ways he was a very useful citizen. He was the last of his family, and at the time of his death had sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His own children were: Mrs. George Esterly; Jacob H., of Reading; Daniel H.; Ed- ward H., of Mt. Penn., Pa.; and Solomon H., of Reading. Mr. Christian lived in retirement from 1883 at No. 1216 Chestnut street. In religious belief he was a Lutheran, and attended Grace Church of that denom- ination, in the faith of which his estimable wife died ' Feb. 19, 1907, aged eighty-three years. Fraternally Mr. Christian was connected with Salome Lodge No. 105, I. O. O. F., in which he was very popular. Daniel H. Christian attended the schools of his town- ship and was reared on his father's farm, assisting in its cultivation until 1862. He then secured employ- ment with the repairing gang of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, where he worked for some years, and in 1874 was sent to Lancaster to superintend the laying of tracks on a new branch of the Philadelphia & Reading, extending from Lancaster to Quarryville, about fourteen and one-half miles. In the spring of 1876 he returned to Reading and took charge of the West Reading branch, remaining, until 1878. when he was sent to Shamokin as superintendent of track re- pairs of the Mahanoy division. In 1883 he was ap- pointed general supervisor of the Division, with head- quarters at Mahanoy Plane, but in 1888 he resigned to become coal and iron policeman of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company at Nescopeck and Wilkes Barre. After a short time he resigned this position and returned to the Reading, 'in whose employ he was, all told, twenty-one years. He was superintend- ent of the work of changing the tracks in the Mana- yunk tunnel and was an expert at finishing and laying rails for large curves, being in later years frequently consulted as to how tracks should be laid to insure safety and easy riding. After the completion of the tunnel Mr. Christian came back to Reading and took charge of the erection of the electric power plant at the Big Dam, for the Neversink Mountain Rail- road Company, and later he was appointed super- intendent of the road, which was built around the mountain under his supervision. He rendered valuable service to the company, and while thus employed made a number of important inventions, among which are a brake shoe and fender, the former being used on all Neversink cars. His car fender was adopted by the Philadelphia Traction Company. One of his most important inventions was the automatic block signal, which is used on the Neversink and other lines, and he also invented an automatic switch, catch ' ' and lock, which is used on many portions of the Phil- adelphia & Reading road at present. For the last few years of his life he was employed as electrician by the United Traction Company of Reading, and was an expert in this line. He had charge of all of the electric work on the Neversink road, including overhead work, wires, motors and repairs and rewind- ing of armatures. While working around the con- trollers of summer cars at the North Tenth street barn, removing an incandescent lamp from its socket, being in the act of replacing it with a search light, Mr. Christian received a shock, and soon afterward he ex- pired in the arms of a fellow workman, where he had fallen. Mr. Christian was held in high esteem by his employers, and was a great favorite among the employes, the general declaration among whom was: "I never worked for a better man." Mr. Christiari died Dec. 23, 1903, aged fifty-four years. 576 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Daniel H. Christian was married Aug. 8, 1868, to Mary Catherine Houck, born Aug. 8, 1849, daughter of Henry G. and Hannah (Gilbert) Houck, and grand- daughter of John Houck, of Chester county. To Mr. and Mrs. Christian were born these children: Oliver W.. an electrician who took his father's place with the Reading Traction Company, m. Bertie Templin; Per- milla m. Robert Hardy, a draughtsman at the Acme Motor Works, Reading; Harry is an electrician and car inspector at the Wilson avenue car barn, Cleve- land, O.; and Daniel resides at home with his mother at No. aso South Thirteenth street, Reading. CHARLES E. AUMAN. The Chief of Police of the city of Reading is necessarily a man much in the public eye and the present incumbent of that important office, Hon. Charles E. Auman, is one whose private reputation and public record prove him worthy of the trust reposed in him. Chief Auman comes of German ancestors, both his grandfather and father being natives of Bavaria, Germany. The grandfather, Bernard Au- man, with his son Cornelius, then a child of three, came to Pennsylvania in 1848, settling in Adams county, where he and his wife were buried. Being a hard work- er and good manager, he accumulated property and died in advanced age, a wealthy man. His wife also lived many years and lies beside him in the cemetery at Littlestown. Cornelius Auman was reared on his father's farm, later purchasing one of his own. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company G., 209th Pa. V. I., under Col. Tobias B. Kauffman, and Capt. George W. Frederick. He was mustered in at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 16, 1864; was wounded at Fort Steadman, Va., March 35, 1865; and was in the hospital when mustered out. At present he lives retired at York, Pa. His wife was Agnes Eckenroad, of Bonneyville, Adams county, Pa. They had children as follows: John, a cigar-packer of York, Pa., m. Miss Katie Gottwald, of Hanover, York county; William, a cigar-packer at Schenectady, N. Y., m. Miss Annie Culp, of Gettysburg, Adams county; Charles E.; Margaret is the widow of Frank Sauer- wald, and lives at Baltimore, Md.; Augustus, a car- penter living at Gettysburg, Adams county, m. Emma Gottwald, also of Gettysburg; Mary died at the age of four years; Annie m. Emory Waltman of York, Penn- sylvania. Charles E. Auman was born at Gettysburg, Pa., Jan. 19. 1871. His boyhood days were spent in Adams county, and there he attended the public schools until he left to learn the cigar-maker's trade, which he has fol- lowed at intervals all his life. He came to Reading, April 29, 1890, and worked for Glaser, Frame & Co. for seven years, and then for others until his appoint- ment as police patrolman in 1899 by Mayor Adam H. Leader. He served three years with great credit, and in 1902 was made inspector of the 4th Precinct of the Ninth ward. In 1908 he was appointed Chief of Police by Mayor William Rick. In the short time he has been in office, Chief Auman has made many very beneficial changes, and he is resolved to mark his incumbency of the position by a vigorous crusade against vice. Es- pecially are his efforts directed towards the clearing out of the undesirable places in the tenderloin district. Al- ready there is a marked change, and the people of Read- ing are beginning to realize the wisdom of his Hon- or's choice of Chief. In 1893, Mr. Auman married Catherine M. Plank, daughter of Sebastian and Frances Plank, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Auman have had two children: Raymond S., who died in infancy; and Edna F. The pleasant residence of Chief Auman is at No. 1037 Elm street. The Chief has always been an active Re- publican, and has served many times as delegate to city and county conventions. In personal appearance he is a man of fine physique, tall, well built and of good appearance, while his knowledge of conditions of his office and the need for vigorous and energetic action by the police is far reaching, and, as has been said before, he is showing the people of Reading that he knows just what to do in emergencies. EDWARD C. NOLAN, of Reading, enjoys the distinc- tion of being the youngest vice-president of any national bank in America. Reading between the lines, this means that he has a natural aptness in the management of finan- cial affairs. While this is true, it is also true that the death of his father threw heavy responsibilities on him at a very early age. It is but justice to say that Mr. Nolan, to use a common expression, has "made good." He was born in Reading Aug. 8, 1880, son of William and Cathe- rine (McDonough) Nolan. William Nolan, the father, was for many years one of the heaviest railroad contractors of the city, his death, on Feb. 28, 1903, at the age of sixty-three, removing from the business circles of Reading a well-known figure. His wife, Catherine McDonough, was the daughter of Dr. Charles McDonough, a prominent practising phy- sician of Berks county for many years, and a member of a family celebrated in the medical world. Their child- ren, nine in number, were : Anna, wife of Charles P. Bower, a prominent civil engineer of Philadelphia, but residing in Reading; Catherine, who married Fred Jones, of Philadelphia; James B., a contractor; William, pres- ident of the Nolan Construction Company, and also of Nolan Brothers; Charles J., a contractor; Thomas G., a civil engineer; Barnard J., who studied at Villa Nova College, class of 1907 ; Francis Reilly, a student at Villa Nova College, class of 1909 ; and Edward C. Villa Nova College furnished Edward C. Nolan with his Hterary education, his graduation taking place in 1899. A course at the Inter-State Business College- fol- lowed. Mr. Nolan's first entry into the business world was as bookkeeper and timekeeper for his father and brothers, William, Jr., and Charles J., the brothers at that time conducting operations under the firm name of Nolan Brothers, being the largest contractors in the city. After two years Mr. Nolan engaged in the real estate business, and had hardly made a fair start when the death of his father occurred. This event changed the course of his life. He at once took hold of the work which his father had so summarily laid down, becoming a director in the First National Bank in his stead. In 1904 JNIr. Nolan, in company with his brother William and C. P. Bower, organized the Nolan Construction Company, in addition to Nolan Brothers. In 1905 he was elected vice-president of the First National Bank, being the youngest man to hold that important position in the country. In Sep- tember, 1905, in company with his brother-in-law, C. P. Bower, and William Nolan, Jr., Mr. Nolan bought the G. W. Hawk Hosiery Co., one of the largest of the kind in the State, and doing a splendid business, and he is serving as treasurer of the company. Mr. Nolan is already one of the leading business men of his city. He continues his real estate and insurance office at No. 24 North Fifth street, having established a fine patronage in that line. He has been president of the Keystone Vehicle Company since February, 1907 ; is president of the Ar- nold Safety Razor Company; and a member of the Board of Underwriters. Although a very busy man, JNIr. Nolan finds time to indulge in the social amenities of life, being a popular member of Reading's most exclusive clubs, the Wyomis- sing (in which he is a director and treasurer) and the Berkshire, and he is also a member of the B. P. O. E. He belongs to the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, and is much interested in its work. In religious life he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, with mem- bership at St. Peter's. In political faith he is a Democrat. On Nov. 6, 1906, Mr. Nolan was married to Cora, daughter of Clarence H. and Emma Lou Sembower. WILLIAM NOLAN, Jr., a prominent railroad contract- or, residing at Sinking Spring, was born in Reading Mav 4, 1874, He was educated in the local schools, and also at St. Alary's College, at Emmitsburg, Md. Then he ^^(uu. AAh\ Ogoj BIOGRAPHICAL 577 learned the business of railroad contracting with the ten years old. and then went to work in a cotton mill, firm of Nolan Brothers, of which firm his father was from which he went into a photograph gallery, learned the senior partner, and while still under age he became the business and followed it for himself for twelve years. a partner of Joseph P. O'Reilly. From 1893 to 1896 Retiring from this work he visited California for eight they executed several large contracts, puttmg up iron months, and on his return to Reading bought the bridges at Reading and Harrisburg, enlarging the water- Reading Knitting Mills The business was first con- works and puttmg m the sewerage pumping stations at ducted under the firm name of Gaenzle & Co., Luther Reading. From 1896 to 1905 he was associated with his e. Gable being the Company. bfrW f^T .^ p % R™^i <=°'^'"'=ting, more particu- i„ ^^96, after Mr. Gable's death, Charles E. Leippe W^l KT 1 ^^^'^.'"S Railroad Company, their father, became a partner and the firm name became as at rl^ Nolan, being interested with them from 1900 present. This industry carries the name of Reading to 1902. This enterprising young firm put up all the to as many distant points, perhaps, as any other in stone bridge work for the Buffalo and Susquehanna Berks County. The company justifiably claims to Railroad Company from Smnamahomng to Weedville, manufacture the best 84-needle stockings in the Unit- a distance of thirty-two males. Their grandfather, ed States and ship goods all over this country and to James Nolan, had been the contractor for the stone work Australia. They are the third largest manufacturers on this same railroad for thirty miles some sixty years ^f this class of goods in the United States, and give before and their father for thirty-two miles, some thirty constant employment to 300 people and more than years hefore. these at times. In addition to the business above In 1905 Mr. Nolan organized the firm of Nolan Broth- mentioned, our subject is a director of the Reading ers, with his brother Edward C. as partner, for carrying Pure Milk Company, and has other important inter- on construction work more extensively, and since then they ests. From 1895 to 1898 he was one of the owners have successfully executed a large number of contracts, and directors of the Lancaster Cold Storage plant. One of these contracts, worthy of special mention, was but disposed of that interest. the extension of the Bethlehem Steel Works, which in- On April 1, 1883,' Mr. Gaenzle was united in mar- volved the excavation of over a million yards of rock riage with Ellen Esther Gable, daughter of Amos and earth on an area of forty acres ; and its execution Gable, the retired artist, whose portraits and land- required an equipment of nine locomotives, five steam scapes enjoy a reputation not only in Pennsylvania, shovels, three hundred dump-cars, two grading machines, but aU over the United States. To this union was one hundred horses, twelve steam drills, four miles of born a son Lester E. Gaenzle, Nov. 1, 1885, who is railroad track, etc., all this affording facilities for re- one of the bright young men of this city, a graduate- moving 150,000 cubic yards monthly. They also built the of the Reading high school and of the mechanical new Sacon plant of the Bethlehem Steel Company, the engineering department of the Drexel Institute, class Philadelphia & Garrettford Railroad, and the Boyertown of 1905. & Pottstown Railroad. Fraternally Mr. Gaenzle is a 33nd degree Mason. Mr. Nolan has identified himself with a number of In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the financial institutions of Reading by investing in their the Lutheran Church. He is one of the best types bonds and stocks; but on account of his absence in giving of self-made men that the prosperous city of Reading contract work his personal supervision he has not become contains and it has numbers of them. He resides in connected with their management. a handsome home at No. 45 North Fourth street, In 1896 Mr. Nolan married Margaret Coppinger, daugh- where his friends are always received in the most ter of Michael and Margaret (Duffy) Coppinger, of Read- hospitable manner. He is in the enjoyment of the ing, and by her he has two sons, John C. and Richard, fruits of honorable busmess methods and persevering Mr. Nolan's home was at Reading until 1898, when he industry. removed to Sinking Spring, having purchased a farm of ^.^,, .-.r-o-o-c-o .i. n i . j • . u fifty acres adjoining the village on the west, along the PAUL WEBER, the well known taxidermist, whose main thoroughfare. place of business is located at No. 161 Buttonwood William' Nolan, Mr. Nolan's father, was a successful street, Reading. Pa., was born in Saxony, Germany, railroad contractor of Reading. He was born in Ireland April 16, 1861, son of Carl and Anistina (Wolf) Weber, in 1840, and married Katherine McDonough, a daughter Carl Weber came to America prior to 1880. He had of Dr Charles McDonough, of Reading. He died in 1903. followed the trade of a weaver in his native country, but locating in Philadelphia he engaged in butchering, JOHN GAENZLE. of the firm of Gaenzle & Leippe, continuing in that line until his retirement. He and proprietors of the Reading Knitting Mills, is one of his wife now live in Philadelphia, where all of their a large family of children born to George and Mar- twelve children, with the exception of Paul of Reading, garet (Sweitzer) Gaenzle. also reside. .,,.,. George Gaenzle came from Omden, Wittenberg, Paul Weber received his literary training in the Germany, to America in 1864. and settled in Reading schools of Germany, and while yet a boy studied the where he followed the business of cloth weaving, at art of preserving and mounting birds and animals under which he was an expert. Since 18-89, however, he has Professor Bessler, graduating in the art of taxidermy, been engaged in farming in the vicinity of Reading. On coming to America he located for a time in Phila- He married Margaret Sweitzer, also of Wittenberg, delphia, whence he went a short time later to Black- and the following children were born to this union: wood, N. J., where he remained about two years, and at Frederick, who is connected with a cold storage plant the end of that time returned to Philadelphia, establish- at Lancaster, Pa., as an engineer; John, senior pro- ing himself in business. Here he remained until 1903, prietor of the Reading Knitting Mlills; Henry, con- when he located in Reading. Mr. Weber is an artist in nected with the firm of Curtis & Jones; William and his line, and it has been said of him that he can mount Frank, in Hamburg; Kate, m. to Daniel Rhodes in any animal, "from a mouse to an elephant." Specimens the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad service; Mary, of his wonderful work may be seen in nearly every State m. to John Zieber, also in the Philadelphia & Reading in the Union. He mounted a beautiful specimen for service; Lena; Rosa, m. to Albert Snyder, connected President Roosevelt's library, and -has done work for •jvith Curtis' & Jones in the shoe trade; and Annie, Senator Penrose, George F. Baer and others. who is housekeeper in her father's home. It is some- Mr. Weber was married in 1889, to Helen Helt, a what unusual to find a family as large as this into native of Saxony, Germany, and three children have which Death has never entered. blessed this union: Charles (deceased), Paul J. and John Gaenzle was born in Omden. Germany, July Helen. In religious belief Mr. Weber and his wife 37, 1860, and when his parents brought him to Reading are members of the Lutheran Church. In his political he was yet a child. He went to school until he was views he is independent of party affiliations 37 nrs HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FRANKLIN BOONE KERN, one of the foremost publican, and he served some time in the council at citizens of Birdsboro, Berks Co., Pa., where he had Birdsboro. His fraternal connections were with Nev- been engaged in the general merchandise business for ersink Lodge, L O. O. F., of which he was a charter many years, as well as taking an active interest in member; Reading Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M. (which public affairs, died July 15, 1903. He came of good lodge had charge of his funeral services); the Knights pioneer stock, and the characteristic traits of the of Pythias; and was at one time a member of the sturdy independent spirits of his ancestors made him G. A. R. one of those substantial citizens upon whom people Qn Sept. 34, 1864, Mr. Kern was married to Eliza- instinctively rely in time of need, and he was never {jg^f, Hahn, born in Robeson township, daughter of found wanting. Mr. Kern was born in Exeter town- ja^ob and Mary Ann (Ehrgood) Hahn. Three chil- ship, Berks county, March 34, 1833. son of Samuel ^j^.^^^ ^^^^ ^^^.^ ^f j[^jg ynjon: Mary Elizabeth m. and Elizabeth (Boone) Kern, his mother a descend- ^j^^ ^^^ j^jj^g^ Bowman May, an Episcopal minister; ant of the race that gave the immortal Daniel Boone Samuel Jacob died aged two years; and Sallie Hahn to the civilization across the rnountains. married Charles Marquette Steinrock, of Staten Island, Michael Kern, grandfather of Franklin Boone, was ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^j,i,j Franklin Kern, of German blood, and settled in Exeter township. Berks county, at an early day. His life was devoted jamES L. FREEMAN, who carries on an extensive to farming. He married Mary Boone daughter of business in lime and fluxing stone, and crushed Isaac Boone, who was a cousm of Darnel Boone, stone of all sizes, at Sinking Spring, Berks Co., Pa„ was and they had a large family, which they reared in the j^^^,^ -^ ^^^^ j^^^ p^^ ^_ jg57_ ^^^ ^f ^^^^^ ^nd faith of the Lutheran church. , , , , Rebecca (Luft) Freeman, and a member of an old and Samuel Kern, son of Michael, was born and reared honored Pennsylvania family, in Exeter township, and his first ram.ng was along . (George) Freeman, the American ancestor of he line of farm wor^ He then learned the tailors ■! ^^J was born in Germany in 1706. and came to rade and followed it for many years. He died in ^^. J; . ^. thirty-third year, landing at Phila- 1873, aged seventy-five His wife Elizabeth Boone ^^^. ^/ J^^ ^^.^ "Samuel," command- Kern, died in 1868, aged seventy-s|x years. They had ^ Hugh Percy. It appears that he settled in Cumru two sons, William (m. Hannah Haws, and had five township some time afte? 1750. children) and Franklin Boone. Samuel Kern was ^ V great-grandfather of James L., was a Republican but had never cared for politics. In ^ jf 1783, and died in 1825. He married Eliza- Vr!n^° \^n K Jn ' == l^,^., H i th. =.hnnU beth Gerhard, boi^n in 1786, and they became the par- hrankhn Boone Kern was educated in the schools ^ r i -u in r^ u n = i%no. of his native township, and at the age of fourteen he f'l^ of children as follows: George, born Dec. 5, 1808 began to learn the cooper's trade. Later with his l^^^'^^'^^'^T^^T'' ^Y ',« i«U^T ■ •''" K father he worked at the tailor's trade, but neither f' ^^13•El'^^^^th, born May 28, 181o; Benjamn, born proved congenial to his tastes, and he turned his J""^ \ 1^17; Cornelius, born Nov. 29, 1819; Peter; and attention to commercial pursuits, entering as a clerk '^amuei. , n ^i r the general merchandise store of Brooke & Evans, at , George Freeman, son of George, and grandfather of Birdsboro. This he continued until after the outbreak J'"''\" L., was born Dec. 5, 1808, and died July ^1, 1881. of the Civil war. On Aug. 10, 1863, he enlisted in ^ged seventy-two years, seven months, twenty-six days. Company A. 128th Pa. V. I., under Col. Samuel Croas- "e married Sarah Breidenstein of Cumru township dale, and was mustered in as third sergeant under l?''^" ''^'^^ nearby his parents) born March 17, 1807, Capt. L. H. Smith, and with his regiment moved on ^led March 33 1893, aged eighty-six years, six days, to Washington, D. C, thence to Fairfax Station, and find they had these children: Moses, Catherine, Jacob, to Frederick. Md., and South Mountain. They par- Benjamin and Levi. Mr Freeman was a farmer m ticipated in the battle of Antietam in September. 1863, ^PJl^S township, whither he had removed in early life, and in the pursuit of Stuart's Cavalry. They went Moses Freeman, father of James L., was born March into winter quarters the latter part of January, 1863. \^' ^^^^- ^t Freemansville, m Cumru township, and died but on the opening of the spring campaign under J^n- ■\' 1^59 aged twenty-five years, nine months, six- Hooker, they set forth, and took part in the battle ts«" ^ays. He was a carpenter by occupation, following of Chancellorsville May 1-4, 1863. Mr. Kern was cap- that trade at Sinking Spring, where he had erected his tured by the enemy, but escaped. He had been pro- residence just before his death. Mr. Freeman married moted to first sergeant Feb. 1, 1863. On May 12th Rebecca Luft, born Nov. 8, 1835, daughter of Adam the regiment proceeded to Harrisburg. and there was and Elizabeth (Bensing) Luft, and three children were mustered out of service May 19, 1863, on account of born to this union: Helen C. m. William Schlegel, the expiration of the term of enlistment, Mr, Kern of Sinking Spring, Pa„ and has two'children, Nora and re-enlisted July 6, 1863, as captain in Company I, 43d Harry; James L.; and Moses, roadmaster at Sinking Pennsylvania Militia, and served during the emergency. Spring, has these children, Walter, Bessie, Emma, Mos- being mustered out Aug. 13, 1863, es, Paul, Catherine and Nora. After his return from the war, Mr, Kern went to James L, Freeman obtained his education in the Schuylkill county. Pa., and at New Philadelphia clerked township schools ^ which he left when sixteen years in a general store until 1866, when he engaged in of age. from which time until 1881 he engaged at business for himself, continuing for ten years. Com- laboring. In the latter year he engaged in huckster- ing to Birdsboro he established a general mercantile ing. which he followed successfully for some time business on Mill street, near First, and here he soon ac- through Lancaster county, subsequently embarking in a quired a good trade. People came to know and to mercantile business at Sinking Spring, of which he was respect the enterprising merchant, and to realize that the proprietor until 1904, when he sold out. He was he was not only always accommodating and courteous, also the owner of a restaurant for some time, but this but he was absolutely honest and fair in all his deal- b" also sold. About 1882 Mr, Freeman first engaged ings. His patronage increased with the years, and he in the lime stone business at Wernersville, whe're^he gained a comfortable fortune for himself, He con- had a lease upon a quarry on Abraham A'liller's farm, tinued in business until 1898, when he sold out and Here he burned lime and soM furnace stone to Birds- retired, boro. Keystone furnace of Reading, and Warwick Iron Mr. Kern was one of Birdsboro's best known cit- Company, This business he continued at Werners- izens, and in all public aflfairs he took an active and ville for four years, at the same time conducting a intelligent part. He vs;as^ a staunch Lutheran, and was quarry on the Evans farm at Sinking Spring, which he - member of the building committee in 1877 when discontinued in 1900 to engage on his own tract at th a the present edifice of St, Mark's Evangelical Luth- eastern end of Sinking Spring, consisting of about eran Church was erected. In politics he was a Re- eight acres. He ships to Berks and surrounding- coun- BIOGRAPHICAL 579 ties, employs ten men, owns his own crusher, and has built up a large and profitable business. He is a rnan of progress and enterprise and has won a reputation for honesty and integrity in all business dealings. In political matters Mr. Freeman is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for his party in 187'8. He was elected tax collector in 1909. Fraternally he is a member of Lexington Lodge, Knights of Pythias, No. 155; Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 77; charter member of the L O. O. F., No. 660, all of Sinking Spring; and order of Red Men, No. 301, Reading. He and his family are memers of St. John's Reformed Church of Sinking Spring, in which he has been a trustee, and from 1897 to 1905 deacon. In the year 1880 Mr. Freeinan was married to Sallie Schell, born April 18, 1858, daughter of William and Mary (Smith) Schell, farming people of Heidelberg township. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman: Charles W., a merchant at Sinking Spring; and Clarence J., a trolley car conductor, at Sinking Spring, who married' Addie Reinhart, and has a daughter, Evelyn. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman also reared a niece of Mrs. Freeman's, Lou Ludwig, taking her at the age of seven, and giving her the love and care of parents. Ch.^rles W. Freeman, son of James L., was born Feb. 8, 1881, at Sinking Spring, Pa., and was educated in the borough schools, and the Inter-State Commercial College, Reading, from which he was graduated in April, 1899. He then assisted his father in the mercan- tile business until November, 1905, when he purchased . his father's interest, and since that time has conducted the business alone, with much success. Socially he is prominently identified with the P. O. S. of A., being a member of Washington Camp No. 282, at Sinking Spring, of which he is a past president. He served as district president of district No. 5 from 1904 to 1906. and on Feb. 22, 1907, was elected to the high office of county president. He is also a member of Sinking Spring Lodge No. 660, I. O. O. F., and member of Wil- liamson Lodge No. 307, F. & A. M., of Wom'lesdorf. Mr. Freeman and his family are members of St. John's Reformed Church of Sinking Spring, where for two years he served as assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school, where he was a teacher for some time. On June 7, 1906, Mr. Freeman was married to Miss Nora C. Lamm, daughter of Charles F. and Sallie (Gaul) Lamm, of Lower Heidelberg township. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have one daughter, Olga Sarah. Peter B. Freeman, a well-known farmer of Cumru township, is conducting operations near Freemans- ville, where he was born Feb. 28, 1844, son of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Britton) Freeman and grandson of George and Elizabeth (Gerhard) Freeman (mentioned above). Freemansville.' a village in Cumru township, was named after Cornelius Freeman, the oldest resident of the place, who was instrumental in establishing the post-office there. Cornelius Freeman was born at this place. Nov, 29, 1819, became a well known citi- zen and land owner, and a deacon of Yocom's Church. He married Mary Ann Britton, who bore him nine children, as follows: Peter B.; Cornelius; Ellen, m. to Christian Breidenstein; Elizabeth, who died single at the age of nineteen years; John; William; Mary and George, who died young; and Catherine, who died at the age of sixteen years. , Peter B. Freeman was educated in the public schools, and was reared upon the farm, which he left at the age of eight years to go to work in the Mount Penn furnace, where he continued for about fourteen years, being an all around mechanic. He began farming in 1866 on his father-in-law's farm, and this property he purchased in 1871, since which time he has been en- gaged successfully in agricultural pursuits. He devotes considerable attention to truck farming, attending the market at Ninth and Buttonwood streets, Reading, where he has been a well-known figure since its es- tablishment. He specializes in strawberries, his high- est year being the one in which he raised 105 bushels. In 1890 he erected the present house, replacing an old log cabin, forty-two feet long, which had been built iti 1783 by one John Weidner. He has in many other ways improved the property, and uses the best and latest improved machinery and implements. His chief enjoyment is hunting, and he is noted as a fpx hunter in his vicinity, being well acquainted with the sur- rounding hills of Cumru township. In political mat- ters Mr. Freeman is ■ a stanch Democrat, and his first vote was cast in 1865. He and his family are Lutheran members of Christ's (Yocom's) Church. On May 14, 1865, Mr. Freeman was married to Dora Rathje, born June 14, 1845, daughter of Dietrich and Christiana (Geeseka) Rathje, natives of Hanover, Ger- many. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, namely; Mary m. Charles Hartz; Eliza- beth m. Samuel Hafer; William m. Dinah Fleck; Ella m. William Bower; George m. (first) Catharine Breidenstein, now deceased, and (second) Mary Zieg- ler; Annie m. Israel Schmehl; Kate m. Harvey _Nea- tock; M.arguerite m. Frank Gring; Charles is single, and resides at home; Emma m. Walter Andrew; Min- nie m. George Kurtz; Frederick m. Alice Neatock; and Edith is single and resides at home. HENRY T. WAGNER, senior member of the well- known firm of Wagner & Emrich, Womelsdorf, Pa., was born April 24, 1859, in Jefferson township. Berks Co., Pa., son of Levi L. and Mary (Troutman) Wagner. Levi L. Wagner, who now resides in his own home at Myerstown, was for more than a quarter of a cen- tury engaged in shoemaking, which he was compelled to give up on account of failing health, and subse- quently in 1888, he commenced farming. For some years he has been living a retired life. Mr. Wag- ner is a deacon and elder in the Reformed Church at Myerstown. He was married to Mary Troutman, who also survives, and to them were born six chil- dren, namely: one who died in infancy; Henry T. ; Samuel T. m. Leah Dockslacker and resides at Day- ton, Ohio; Ella m. Levi J. Emrich, her brother's busi- ness partner; Sarah m. Calvin S. Schaeffer, of Greg- ory, S. Dak.; and James T. m. Maggie Lessley, re- sides in Reading, and has one daughter, Edna N. Henry T. Wagner attended the district schools, and the Palatinate College, Myerstown, for five terms, and was reared upon the home farm, which he left at the aee of twenty-six years to become assistant station agent at Myerstown, a position which he filled acceptably for eight years. He then became em- ployed at the Myerstown Planing Mill, where he con- tinued for two years, and in 1894 formed a partner- ship with Levi J. Emrich, under the firm name of Wagner Sz; Emrich, which has continued in the milling business to the present time, gaining a reputation for fair dealing and honest representation. The Wom- elsdorf Rolling Mills cover a floor space of 50x50, and are three stories high, and have a capacity of from forty to fifty barrels every twenty-four hours. The leading brand of the mills, the IXL flour, has a large sale throughout the Eastern markets. In poli- tics Mr. Wagner is a Democrat. He and his family are Reformed members of the Myerstown Church. In 1892, Mr. Wagner married Lizzie H. Frederick, daughter of Andrew and Justina (Troutman) Freder- ick, the former a railroad employe at Lebanon, Pa. Four children have been born to this union: Lester H., born imov. 22, 1892; Paul F., Sept. 7. 1894; Edith C. Aug. 12, 1898 (died Dec. 14. 1904); and Laura M., June 3, 1906. LEVI J. EMRICH. junior partner of the well-known milling firm of Wagner & Emrich, proprietors of the Womelsdorf Roller Mills, and an enterprising and progressive business man, was born Nov. 10, 1857, in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, son of Daniel and Catherine (Weber) Emrich. 580 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The great-great-grandfather of Levi J. Emrich came from Holland with his two brothers and first settled in New York State, whence they later came to Schuyl- kill county. Pa. John Sebastian Emrich, the son of the emigrant, was a resident of Schuylkill county, and was the father of six children, among whom was Jacob, who was born in Schuylkill county. Jacob Emrich was a laborer most of his life, but in his later years purchased a small tract of land near Mount Aetna, Berks county, where he died in 1882. He married Susanna Morgan who died in February. 1905, and to them were born two children: Annie, who died at the age of twenty years; and Daniel the father of Levi J. Daniel Emrich, father of Levi J., was born Dec. 4, 1839, in Schuylkill county, Pa., and died July 9, 1904, being buried at Tulpehocken Reformed Church. He was a tanner by trade, and moved to Berks county in 1852, settling at Rehrersburg, where he worked at his trade. Mr. Emrich enlisted in Company H, 151st Pa. V. I., and served his country faithfully, although for six months of his enlistment he was sick in the hospital. Mr. Emrich married Catherine Weber, born Nov. 16, 1837, daughter of Samuel and Pauline (Mil- ler) Weber, and she still survives and lives one mile west of Stouchsburg. along the Berks and Dauphin turnpike. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Em- rich were as follows: Levi J.; Susan E. m. Levi Fair, of Reading; Miranda A. m. T. W. Kissinger, of No. Ill Oley street, Reading; Jerome P., a foreman of Myerstown, Pa., m. Kate Mountz, and has two chil- dren, Frank and Sallie; Frank L., a painter and paper hanger at Reading, m. Rosa Schlanker, and has one son, William; Wesley G.. a cigar maker of Myers- town, m. Kate Bentz. and has three children, Edna, Grace and Wallace; Valeria m. John Callaney, super- intendent of the American Iron & Steel Company, at Lebanon, Pa.; Amy F. m. Wallace W. Weighley, a cigar maker of Richland, Pa.; and Miss Alva, with her mother, conducts a small grocery store. Levi J. Emrich attended the public schools of his native locality until reaching the age of sixteen years, and at this time went to learn the milling business with John G. Frantz, of Mount Aetna, Pa., remaining with this gentleman for two years. From this time until 1894 he worked at various mills, and in that year formed a partnership with Henry T. Wagner, under the firm name of Wagner & Emrich, and this con- nection has continued to the present time, with much success. The old Womelsdorf Mills, erected in 1815, by Martin Brown, were occupied bv the firm in 1894. but were totally destroyed by fire on Jan. 13, 1900, and were replaced by the present excellent structure, which cost nearly $15,000. This building, which is three stories high, covers a floor space of fifty square feet, and is equipped throughout with the latest and most highly improved machinery. The firm manu- facture a high grade of flour, grain and feed, their best known brand being the IXL. for which there is a ready market not only locally, but all over the country. The partners are industrious, capable busi- ness men, and possess the full confidence of the com- munity. Mr. Emrich was married Aug. 0, 1892, to Ellen T. Wagner, born Jan. 30. 1862. daughter of Levi and Mary (Troutman) Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. Emrich are members of the Reformed congregation of Tulpe- hocken Church. In politics Mr, Emrich is a Repub- lican, and fraternally he is connected with Golden Rule Lodge No. 159, I. O. O. F., of Womelsdorf. GEORGE DELL FAHRENBACH, who makes his home in Penn township, Berks county, was born Aug. 15, 1S46, in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, but has lived in this country from boyhood. Charles William Fahrenbach, his father, was also born in Hesse-Cassel, where he learned the trade of wheelwright, but he was best known as a musician. He taught music, being a master of many instruments, and was also engaged as orchestra leader in opera houses in his native land. He was a bugler in the Ger- man cavalry, and after coming to this country served in the same capacity in the Pennsylvania State militia. _ In 1851 Mr. Fahrenbach came to this country, bring- ing his wife and family, which then consisted of five children, and locating on a farm in Penn township. Berks Co.. Pa., he followed farming and wagon-mak- ing, finding his trade very useful in the new world. He became a member of the Reformed Church in Penn township, in which both he and his wife were active workers, and he was known as a devoted student of the Scriptures, concerning which he was very well informed. Mr. Fahrenbach married Christiana Dell, a native of Rhein-Sachsen. Germany, and they became the par- ents of six children, five born in the old country and the youngest born in America, viz.: John, who is de- ceased; George Dell; Adam, who has been blacksmith at the Berks County Almshouse for twenty-seven years, being elected each year by the board of directors; Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. O. C. Collins; Maria, married to Christian Bohringer. of St. Louis, Mo.: and Caroline, wife of Monroe Strouse. of Clearfield county. Pa. The mother of this family died in 1891, at the age of seventy-five years, and the father preceded her to the grave in March, 1883. at the age of seventy-four years. , George Dell Fahrenbach grew to manhood upon a farm in Penn township. He had few educational ad- vantages, and began work early, when only nine years old. earning seventy-five cents a month in addition to his board and clothing. After the second year his wages were three dollars a month, and later he was paid seven dollars a month. Though little more than a boy when the Civil war broke out he enlisted in the Union service, entering Company G, 151st Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, serving two months overtime on that enlistment. Re-enlisting, he became a member of Company B. 55th Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and after his discharge from that command, in February, 1864. he again enlisted, serving to the end of the war. The list of important engagements in which he partici- pated with his regiment is a long one: Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862; Getty.sburg. July 1-S, 1863; Oldtown Creek, May 9. 1864; Proctor's Creek, May 13, 1864; Drury's Bluff. May 12-16, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1-3. 1864: Petersburg, June 15-18, 1804; Cemetery Hill, July 30. 1S64; Chapin's Farm, Sept, 29. 1864; Signal Hill, Dec, 10, 1864; Hatcher's Run. March 30, 1865; Peters- burg and Richmond, April 2-9, 1865; Rice's Station, April 6. 1865; and Rappahannock Court House, April 9. 1865. On April 15, 1865. tor meritorious conduct, Mr. Fahrenbach was promoted to corporal. He had many thrilling experiences during his service. At the battle of Chancellorsville he was taken prisoner while out sharpshooting, but fortunately escaped soon after- ward. At the battle of Gettysburg he was wounded three times the first day, in the arm, the abdomen and the. head, his skull being severely fractured. But he continued in active service through the three days of the engagement. He was sent on a dangerous mission within the Rebel tines, and in the Confederate uniform made his way into the enemy's camp between Peters- burg and Richmond, at Bermuda Hundred, finding out their numbers, plan of campaign and other things of importance, which he reported to Generals Butler, Gilmore and Smith, upon his return, three days later. He subsequently made a similar trip, at Petersburg, and obtained the desired information without going into the enemy's lines. After the close of his military service Mr. Fahren- bach returned to Penn township, Berks county, where hf worked upon a farm for a year before moving to Luzerne county. There he operated a sawmill for three years, in 1869 returning to Penn township, where he began farming on his own account, renting two BIOGRAPHICAL 581 farms, comprising 200 acres, of Daniel Strouse. These he cultivated until 1892, and in the meantime he had accumulated considerable propertv, having bought a farm of 167 acres in 1887. Later he purchased others, one of 231 acres and another of 114 acres all in Penn township, cultivating the two larger tracts and renting the smaller one. He has continued to add to his pos- sessions, being at present one of the largest land- owners in his end of Berks county, his holdings now including 630 acres of valuable land. In 1893 he moved to Reading, though he did not give up his farming operations, and in 1905 he put up a fine brick residence on the place where he now lives in Penn township, and which is also improved with up-to-date farm buildings. Mr. Fahrenbach has very valuable limestone quarries on his land; and burns as many as 30,000 to 35.000 bushels of lime a year. As an active member of the Democratic party Mr. Fahrenbach has been prominent in the local councils, frequently serving as a delegate to county conventions, and he has also held various public offices. For eleven years he was a member of the Penn township school board and for six years served as president of the board. He was president of the Bernville Cemetery Association for nine years. In 1893 ,he was elected sheriff of Berks county, and served one term of three 3'ears, during which time the Italian murderer, Pietro Buccieri, was hung, in 1893. Mr. Fahrenbach has taken especial interest in old home week at Bernville, and was one of the leaders in that movement, to which he has given much of his time and attention. In 1907 and 1908 he acted as chief marshal. He is a prominent member of the Reformed Church at Bernville, and served as chairman of the building committee that built the present St. Thomas Union (Reformed and Lutheran) Church at Bernville in 1897, though he was still living in Reading at that time. Sunday-school work has always received his particular attention, and he served as superintendent of the Penn Valley Sunday-school for a 'period of twenty-five years. In fraternal societies he is also very well known, belonging to Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf; Excelsior Chapter. No. 237, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.— being a thirty-sec- ond-degree Mason; he also belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Odd Fellows, the Grange, the Grand Army of the Republic and Star of Welcome Lodge, No. 60, Shepherds of Bethlehem. In spite of his many interests and activities Mr. Fahrenbach has found time to do considerable traveling, having visited every State in the Union. In 1866 Mr. Fahrenbach married Mary Ziebach, of Bernville, and seven children were born to them, five of whom survive, namely: Sallie, who taught school ten years, married Rev. W. B. Werner, a minister of the Reformed Church, of Schweiikville. Montgomery county, and they have two children, Helen and Emily; Frank,-who attended Stoner's Business College, taught eight terms of school, and is now a pure food inspector for the Government at Cleveland, Ohio (he is married to (Tora Haag. of Williamsport, and has one son, Frank); George W. is mentioned below; Mary taught school before her inarriage to Charles Bender, and is now living in Penn township (she has one child. George Frank); Jo-hn H. received his early education in Read- ing, and is a member of the class of 1909 at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster. George W. Fahrenbach, M. D., son of George D., was born in Penn township April 16, 1873, and re- ceived his early education in the public schools and Bernville high school. Before taking his professional course he taught school for six terms, in Robeson, Lower Alsace and Spring townships, Berks county, and West Cocalico township, Lancaster county. He then entered the Baltimore Medical College, graduating from that institution in 1900, magna cum laude. Im- mediately afterward he located at Bernville, which he has since made his field of practice, having a large clientele in and around the borough. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical As- sociation. Socially he is connected with the Sons of Veterans and the I. O. O. F., and he is a member of St. Thomas Church at Bernville. belonging to the Re- formed congregation. Dr. Fahrenbach married Miss Maggie B. Mertz, daughter of Jacob Mertz, of Reading, and two children have been born to this union, Margaret and Charles. AMMON L. HAFER, member of the firm of Hafer Bros., commission merchants at Reading and promi- nent factors in the city's business life, was born June 3, 1866, in Exeter township, Berks county. Pa., son of Samuel R. and Elizabeth G. (Lincoln) Hafer. John Hafer, great-grandfather of the Hafer brothers, was a native of Berks county. Pa., and for many years resided on his farmi in Exeter township, which he cultivated in addition to working at his trade of stone mason. He assisted in the erection of the old Schwartzwald stone church and of Spies's church in Alsace township. He is recalled as a man of robust appearance. His first marriage was to Gertrude Kline. When she died she was interred at the Re- formed Church cemetery, at Sixth and Washington streets, Reading, Pa., but later she was reinterred, by the side of her husband, at the Schwartzwald Church. His second wiff was Mrs. Diehl (widow), by whom he had no children. To the first marriage were born: George m. Ellen Heller, and had children, William. Phebe, Daniel and Amanda; Daniel m. Chariot Egel- man, and had children, Charles E., Maryetta, John E., Rosetta, Daniel E., Wilhelmina, Edward E. and Anna; John was twice married, and by his first wife, Rebecca Esterly, he had four children — George, John, Mary and Amanda — and by his second wife, Sarah Moyer, he had — Henry, Westley, and three daughters; Sarah m. Abra- ham Wien, and had children, John, Rebecca, Sarah and Samuel; William m. a Miss Lerch, and had two children, William and Margaret; Mathias m. Rachel Romig, daughter of Jacob Romig, and had four chil- dren, Samuel R., Amelia (wife of Daniel Yergey), Susan (died in infancy) and Anna (widow of Henry L. Gil- bert) ; Henry m. Julia Eigelman, and had children, Henry, Heryetta, William, Mary, Augustus, John and Cyrus; Levi m. a Miss Hoffa, and had children, Adam, ■Emelia. Louisa and another daughter; and Anna m. Samuel Romich, and had one son. Franklin. All the family are deceased. Mathias Hafer, son of John, was born in Alsace township, Berks county, and died on his farm in Exeter township, in 1898, aged eighty-two years. He was a life-long farmer and owned a tract of ten acres of land on which he lived. Both he and his wife belonged to the Reformed Church, and they lie buried in the Schwartzwald cemetery. He married Rachel Romig, daughter of Jacob Romig, and they had four children, namely, Samuel R. ; Amelia, wife of Daniel Yergey, re- siding in Exeter township; Susan, who died in infancy; and Anna, widow of Henry L. Gilbert. Samuel R. Hafer, only son of Miathias Hafer, was born July 8, 1840, in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa., and he attended the old subscription schools when his parents paid three cents a day for his tuition, his teacher at that time being Jonathan Moyer. He at- tended from twenty to sixty days a season and con- tinued until he was twenty-one years of age. Accord- ing to the habit of the times he was hired out to neigh- boring farmers durina; his youth. When eighteen years of age he came to Exeter Station, where he later be- came station agent and ennbarked also in a general store and hotel business, which he continued for eight years. He then moved to Birdsboro, where, for five years, he engaged in clerking in George W|. Hain's general store and assisted also in the lumber and coal yard. For eight years thereafter he conducted the Co- 582 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA operative Association store, and during President Cleveland's first administration he served as post- master at that point. In 1888 he came to Reading and since May, 1905, he has been bookkeeper for the com- mission house of Hafer Brothers, his sons. For some years after his location at Reading. Mr. Hafer con- ducted a grocery store, for John F. Reifsnyder, whom he later bought out. In 1864, he married Elizabeth G. Lincoln, daughter of John D. Lincoln, a distant relative of the great President. They have five children, namely: Ammon L.; Adelle, wife of John Seigfried; Samuel L.; Matthias L., a grocery merchant at Reading; and Rachel, wife of Harry McKinney, a furniture merchant at Reading. Samuel R. Hafer is a member of the Re- formed Church. Ammon L. Hafer was educated in the public schools at Birdsboro, where his boyhood was spent, and at an early age he commenced to work as a clerk in a store •in that town, and later went to work in the Brooke Nail Factory, at Birdsboro. In 1S87 he came to Read- ing, and for two years he drove a team for Daniel S. Esterly, wholesale grocer. In 1889, he entered the em- ploy of John F. Reifsnyder, commission and produce merchant, at Reading, 'both he and his brother, this house for seventeen years, both he and his brother, Samuel L.. becoming silent partners. In March, 1905, Mr. Reifsnyder died, and on May 1st, following, Hafer Brothers became sole owners, purchasing the good will, stock, and fixtures, as per agreement. In ,1895 Ammon L. Hafer married Nellie Lebkicher, daughter of Alfred Lebkicher, of Reading, and they have one son, Lloyd A. Mr. Hafer belongs to Progres- sive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. F., Reading. He is a mem- ber of the Second Reformed Church, and was an official of the Birdsboro Reformed Church, prior to coming to Reading. Samuel L. Hafee, member of the firm of Hafer Brothers, the largest wholesale commission merchants at Reading, was born Sept. 30, 1870, in Exeter town- ship, Berks Co., Pa. His schooling was obtained at Birdsboro, and when sixteen years of age he became a clerk for J. H. Brindley, of that place, with whom he remained for three years. When nineteen years of age he became a salesman for John F. Reifsnyder, com- mission merchant at Reading, with whom he continued two years and then took service with M. B. Slichter & Co., at No. 6 South Sixth street. One year after, he became a salesman for still another commission firm, Claus & Silvas, where he remained for two years, when both he and his brother Ammon L. became silent part- ners with the late John F. Reifsnyder — a partnership which continued until May 1, 1905. On that date the firm of Hafer Brothers became sole owners, Mr. Reif- snyder having died in the previous March. The mem- bers of the firm are successful business men of high repute, and they do the largest produce business in Berks county. They employ fifteen men, and have six teams in constant use. They have established trade re- lations Avhich make them tlie leaders in the wholesale commission line at Reading. In 1890 Samuel L. Hafer married Ida M. Endy, and they have three children: Earl E., Paul E., and Nellie M. The eldest son is a graduate of the Interstate Business College at Reading, of the class of 1906, and he now fills a lucrative position as clerk for the Read- ing Iron Works. The other son and the daughter are still at school. Mr. Hafer and family are members of the Second Reformed Church at Reading, a religious body to which the family has been faithful for genera- tions. He is an Odd Fellow, and belongs to Progressive Lodge, No. 470, at Reading. JAMES B. LEINBACH. a retired citizen residing in Friedensburg, and one of the best known musicians in Berks county, was born in Oley township, July 10, 1846, son of Daniel S. and Susanna H. (Barto) Lein- bach, and a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of the county. The earliest known ancestors of the Leinbachs of Berks county were Henry Leinbach and his wife Bar- bara Lerch, of Wetterau, Germany. From them the line of descent to James B. Leinbach is through Johan- nes, Sr., and Anna Elizabeth (Kleiss) ; Johannes, Jr., and Catharine (Riehm) ; John Daniel and Mary Mag- dalena (Hartman); Benjamin and Catharine (Snyderj ; and Daniel S. and Susanna H. (Barto). Benjamin Leinbach, son of John Daniel, and grand- father of James B., was born on his father's home- stead in Oley township, Sept. 25, 1793, and his sponsors \vere Benjamin and Margaret Leinbach. He died in Oley Oct. 39, 1851. By trade he was a tailor, and he followed that occupation in his neighborhood for many years. In those days it was customary for the tailors to visit the farmers, and make the clothes for the fam- ily. These clothes were of home spun, the pioneers raising their own flax and weaving the cloth, Mr. Leinbach was buried at Friedensburg. He was twice m.arried. His first wife, Catharine Snyder, was a daughter of Daniel Snyder, of Exeter township. She bore him three sons and two daughters: Daniel S.; Augustus, died without issue; Dr. Benjamin died with- out family; Lucy Ann m. Benjamin Ritter, and died leaving no children; and Hannah m. William Glase, and reared a large family. Mr. Leinbach m. (second) Catharine Guldin, and two children were born of this marriage: Sarah died in 1908, aged seventy-six years, unmarried; and Israel G. died in 1907, aged seventy- two years, leaving children — Benjamin, Charles and Emma (wife of Aaron Grim). Daniel S. Leinbach, son of Benjamin, was born in Oley township Feb. 24, 1819, and he died Jan. 3, 1881. In his earlier life he was a farmer, but later became associated as clerk with B. A. Glase in his large general store. His last years were passed in Friedensburg, and the last year of his life he lived retired, in the residence now occupied by his son, James B. He mar- ried Susanna H. Barto, daughter of Benjamin and Catharine (Hunter) Barto. She was born Nov, 16, 182-5, and died April 17, 1901. They had one son, James B, James B, Leinbach was reared under the parental roof, and obtained his education in Oley Academy un- der the instruction of Dr, D. M. Wolf. In 1867, Prof. John S. Ermentrout licensed him to teach, and for twelve consecutive terms he was in charge of the Palm school in his native township. When only ten years of age he began his musical education under Samuel Fellen, a native German of high ability, and later he passed under the instruction of Frederick Herr- mann, a student of Leipsic University. In 1867 he be- gan teaching music to the youth of his own district, having from thirty to forty pupils in Oley and sur- rounding townships. Since 1863 he has served as church organist, beginning that year in Friedens Church in Oley township, and in 1871 he went to Schwartzwald congregation; from 1875 to 1886 he served the congre- gation at New Jerusalem in Rockland township. He has officiated at more than two thousand funerals. He and his family belong to the Reformed Congregation at Friedensburg. Since 1893 he has served as an elder, and in 1908 was made superintendent of the Sunday school. He has always been active in Sunday school work, becoming a teacher when he was only fourteen years old. In politics he is a Republican, and always takes a keen interest in his party's welfare. Since his retirement from active business, he has devoted his time to the management of his farms. Two of these came under his supervision through his wife, one in Exeter containing 135 acres, and one in Spring township, 130 acres. On May 27, 1875, Mr. Leinbach married Amelia Sail- er, daughter of Adam H. and Mar" Ann (Gring) Sailer. Two children have been born of this union: (1) Clem- ent Waldo, a graduate of Franklin and Marshall Col- lege, class of 1898, taught school for four terms in the Oley township high school, and since the spring of 1907 has been connected with A. J, Brumbach's pants factory. He m. Chrissie Miller, daughter of Henry BIOGRAPHICAL 583 Miller, of Monroe county and has three children: Mary Evelyn, Anna Magdalene and Margaret Genevieve. (2) Rev. Henry Jerome was educated in Oley Academy, Franklin and Marshall College, class of 1901, and the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church of the United States, at Lancaster, Pa., graduating in 1904. He was ordained and licensed the same year at Reading, and for upwards of three years served Olivet congrega- tion, Reading, but in the fall of 1907 accepted a call to Jonestown, Lebanon county. He m. Mary Snavely, daughter of George Snavely, of Spangsville, and has a son, Carl. GEORGE W. DELANY, secretary of the Reading Iron Company, which employs about five thousand men, enjoys the distinction of having been private secretary to three Reading railroad presidents. His an- cestors came from France, Germany and Ireland, and his father, Henry Delany, who was born in New York, became a shoe dealer in Philadelphia, where he died in January, 1904. aged seventy-two years. Henry De- lany married Johanna Houck, daughter of William H. Houck, a manufacturing saddler of Easton, Pa, :iix of the ten children born of this union are living, and of these George W. is the eldest. George W. Delany was born in Philadelphia Aug. 10, 1860, and after receiving an education in the public schools, entered the Reading Railroad service as a junior clerk, and he remained with that road for fif- teen years, having been during that time stenographer and private secretary to George de B. Keim, president of the Reading system. Later he held the same rela- tion to Franklin B. Gowen, who also was president, and a month after the death of the latter, in December, 1889, settled in Reading in a similar position under George F. Baer, the present president of the company, retaining that position until October, 1900, when he became secretary of the Reading Iron Company. Mr. Delany is also secretary of the Deer Park Land Com- pany, was for three years treasurer of the Berkshire Country Club, and is now a member of the board of directors and secretary of the club, having resigned the treasurership on account of its onerous duties. Mr. Delany was married April 14, 1891, to May B. Rothenhausler, daughter of J. N. Rothenhausler, a wholesale dealer in glass and crockery ware in Phila- delphia. Three children were born of this union: Katharine and Josephine, both in school; and George, Jr. In politics Mr. Delany is an ardent Democrat. In his religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His position at various times as private secretary to three great rail- road magnates was certainly remarkable, reflecting credit upon his intelligence and ability. DR. CHARLES CLINTON BOYER.. The Boyers, as the original spelling of the name Beyer or Bayer indicates, are Rhine Bavarians. The records show that this family dates back into the earliest tribal history of Germany and France, in both of which countries they hold an honorable place' today. Miany of them be- came Protestants both in Germany and France; per- secution drove them to America. About thirty-five Boyers, as the ships' lists show, came to Pennsylvania before the Revolutionary war. From the well-known fact that the earlier settlers "sent for their relatives and kin," we gather that the Boyer settlers of Pennsyl- vania were blood relatives in Europe. There are thous- ands of them now in Philadelphia, Reading, and in the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Ken- tucky, Missouri, Illinois, etc. Philip Beyer, who came over in the ship' "Winter Galley" in 1738, was the European ancestor of Dr. Charles Clinton Boyer, of Kutztown. Philip Beyer, as the connection of events proves, found his way into Bern township, Berks county, where, as the list of Berks county taxables shows, he owned property in the vi- cinity of what is now known as St. Michael's Church, before 1755. This church was founded a few years before Philip died, and it is likely that he is buried in the cemetery of St. Michael's, but the brown headstones found over the earliest graves of the church reveal nothing concerning him. The early church records, to- gether with the list of Bern taxables, seem to prove that there were at least four sons, namely: M'ichael, , Henry, John and Christopher. The mother's name, at this writing, has not been ascertained. Philip disap- pears from the tax list in 1780. Christopher Beyer, in all probability the youngest son of Philip Beyer, was born in Bern township, Berks county, about 1740 or 1745. He became a member of the Lutheran Church. To his marriage with Katherine Reif Schneider were born children as follows: Chris- topher, born in 1765; Jacob, 1767; Henry; Christian, 1781; Daniel, and two daughters. In 1785, or soon afterwards, the family removed to what is now Bruns- wick township, Schuylkill county. The elder Chris- topher's name appears for the first time on' the tax list of Brunswick township in 1791. He lived in a log hut, probably constructed by himself, against a hill side in the rear of what is now known as Friedens Church, about a mile north of McKeansburg. Whetheror not he was the schoolmaster of the congregation is a little uncer- tain. Missionaries stopped at his house and preached in his barn, as Rev. H. A. Weller records in his history of Friedens Church. He was certainly closely identified with this congregation, as we infer from a fragment of church records to which his name is signed. His name disappears from the tax list in 1811, or soon afterward. He and his wife lie buried in Boyer's Row, Friedens cemetery, but the brown headstones that marked the graves were rudely removed when the present church building was erected. Jacob Boyer. second son of Christopher and Kather- ine (Reifschneider) Beyer, was born in Bern township, Berks county, Jan. 14, 1767, and became a member of Friedens Church (Lutheran). In 1802 he owned a large farm in Lewistown Valley, about four miles north of Friedens Church. He died April 1, 1829. and lies buried in Friedens cemetery. His wife, Susanna Schaeffer, born Jan. 14, 1775, died Nov. 4, 1849, in the home of a daughter, and is buried in the cemetery of the Lutheran Church, East Germantown, Ind. Their children were: Jacob, Samuel. Joseph, Daniel, Mary, Elizabeth, Susan, Kate and Hettie. Samuel Boyer, second son of Jacob and Susanna (Schaefifer) Boyer, was born in Lewistown, Schuylkill county, Feb. 13, 1801. He was confirmed in the Luth- eran Church and on Nov. 9, 1823, was married by Pastor Schofer to Lydia Bensinger, daughter of Michael Ben- singer. When his father died six years later, Samuel, who was a blacksmith by trade, took the father's farm, which, as the deeds show, comprised about 300 acres. On the Yost farm, which he owned soon afterward, he carried on milling. He was prominently identified with the founding and maintenance of the Lutheran Church at Lewistown. In 1873, when he was serving as township supervisor, he died in the Bauscher home, where he had called to warm himself on a bitterly cold morning. His wife, Lydia, born Feb. 29, 1808, survived him until 1894. They are buried at Lewistown. The sons and daughters of this marriage were: Israel. Samuel, Emanuel, Joseph, Benjamin, William, Jacob, Daniel, John, Catherine, Elizabeth and Caroline. Joseph Boyer, fourth son of Samuel and Lydia (Ben- singer) Boyer, was born Jan. 27, 1831. When he began to go to school the free school bill of 1834 and 1835, framed by Lawyer Breck and saved bv Thaddeus Stevens in Governor Wolf's administration, had just been put into operation by Secretary of State Thomas Burrowes. The Lewistown school fell in line in 1837. The teachers, however, were poorly qualified. Joseph's best teacher was a Mr. Huey. The school terms were short, about three months, and the branches about the same as those of subscription schools. The rod was freely used, and the pupils were hardly able to under- stand the importance of an education. The English language was not in high repute in the valley as yet and 584 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA German spelling, together with the trapping system in the "paragraph reading" of the German Psalter, was about all that counted for much in serious study. There were no blackboards and few books. The long plank benches were arranged around the walls of the room, with benches for the smaller boys and girls in the middle of the room. The old frame schoolhouse, how- ever, in which Joseph Boyer received his education, has long since been replaced. Joseph was a miller by trade, but lived on a Lewistown farm the greater part of his life. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church of Lewistown. In 1856 he married Magdalena Gunsette, daughter of Christian Gunsette (who came from Alsace with his father Philip Henry and his mother Margaret (Houser) Gunsette in 1828) and Mary (Lintz) Gunsette (a Lehigh county p^irl). To this marriage were born: Charles Clinton. Alice Minerva, George Harris and Frank Samuel. Joseph Boyer served his township eight terms as supervisor of roads, took an active interest in the political affairs of his times, and lived to enjoy a ripe old age. At this writing he is seventy-nine years old and his faithful helpmate fe\enty-five. Dr. Charles Clinton Boyer, eldest son of Joseph and Magdalena (Gunsette) Boyer, was born at Lewistown, Schuylkill county, Aug. 6. 1860. His first school teacher was Mr. Benjamin Scheirer, a man of learning, of charming personality and remarkable teaching powders. His last teacher in the public schools was that excellent master of boys, Mr. David Bauscher. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Rev. I. X. S. Erb, and it was partly through his influence, and that of Mr. Bauscher, that in 1877 Mr. Boyer first came to the Kutztown Nor- mal school, to which he continued to return every spring as a student until 1883. For one term he was a pupil of the now illustrious Dr. Thomas Balliet in his Center Square Academy. He prepared for college under Rev. Mr. Erb, while teaching at Landingville and('Orwigsburg. In 1885 he was graduated from Muhlenberg College with second honor. He studied Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, but. called, to the chair of Latin and Greek at Kutztown through Dr. Schaefifer, he completed his theological course under Dr. Hancher, and was ordained with his class in 1888. Then, while teaching, writing and preaching, he com- pleted six years of post-graduate work, graduating from Wooster University in 1894, and receiving the title Doctor of Philosophy cum laudc. His thesis on "Psychic Initia- tive in Education" attracted considerable attention. After that he studied psychology, experimental and theoretical, under Dr. H'ugo Munsterberg, of Harvard University. In 1901 he traveled in Europe, accom- panied by Professor George E. Kramlich, the main ob- ject of interest being history, education and art. Dr. Boyer began his teaching career at Patterson, Schuylkill Co., Pa., when he was seventeen years of age. Then he taught an ungraded school in Lewistown for two years. Hie gave up this school for the Landing- ville grammar school, in order that he might take up college preparatory work under the Rev. Mr. Erb. of Orwigsburg. This proved to be his stepping-stone to the principalship of the Orwigsburg high school, where he remained until in 1883, when he entered college. In the fall of 1887, after conducting a very successful summer school for teaching at Lynnville, Pa., he was called to the chair of Latin and Greek in the State Normal School, at Kutztown, Pa. Two years later when he had entered upon his duties as professor of Greek in the Pennsylvania MaMtary Academy, at Chester, Pa., he was recalled to Kutztown to teach psychology and English classics. Two years later, after supplying the pul- pit of St. John's Lutheran Church at Boyertown. Pa., for six months or more, and confirming a large class of catechumens, he went to Boyertown as pastor of this congre.gation. remaining there until 1893. Then Dr. Schaeffer. the principal of the Normal School, became Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Professor Boyer was called back to the Normal again, this time to the chair of Pedagogy, under the principalship of Dr. Hancher. In 1900, when Vice Principal Rothermel be- came Principal, Dr. Boyer became Vice Principal of the Normal School, a position which he fills with much ability at this writing. Dr. Boyer has few superiors as a teacher. His rapid promotions were due not simply to his acknowledged scholarship, but to his marked teaching powers. Pro- gressive and modern in spirit and method, he is also well proportioned and conservative. He has served the cause of the Normal school and education about twenty-two years at this writing. As an institute in- structor and lecturer he is as well received in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey as in Pennsylvania. Among the subjects on which he has lectured most frequently are"Mental Moods and Tenses," "On the Up-Grade." "Lawlessness in Pupils." "Serpent and Dove in Disci- pline," "As You Would Like It in Schooldays," "The Roman Child and Ours," "Spencer's Theory of Con- sequence." "In Touch with the Infinite in Teaching," "Vulcan and Venus." and "An Hour in Europe." He is considered an eloquent and forceful talker, and a master in the art of thinking, and this is as true of his sermons as of his lectures. The most tempting propositions have at this writing not persuaded him to leave Kutztown. As an author Dr. Boyer has won signal success. He published his "Concrete Psychology" in 1891. for the use of his own classes. "Principles and Methods of Teaching," a work that has now gone through many editions, and that is deservedly popular, followed in 1899. A book entitled VVavmarks of General History" was published in 1902. This work, like that on methods of teaching, is highly praised by the reviewers. His book on "Modern Methods for Modern Teachers" was published in 1909. He is a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania German So- city and the Historical Society of Berks county, etc. In 1889 Dr. Charles Qinton Boyer was united in mar- riage with Margie Wright, daughter of Calvin D. Wright, a cavalry oflicer of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment during the Civil war, and his wife, Kath- erine (Gartley) Wright. She was born Oct. 11, 1869. in Pottsville. Pa. The Wrights were originally English Quakers and the Gartleys Scotch Presbyterians. Through her Gartley ancestry Mrs. Boyer is related to the Potts family, founders of Pottstown, Pa., and through her father's more distant Lafferty ancestry she is also of Irish descent. She is a cultured artist and musician, and devotes much of her energies to church work. There is one son, Karl Wright Boyer. born at Mt. Carm,el, Pa., Nov. 26, 1897. PETER BARBEY, the founder of Barbev's Brewery at Reading, Pa., was born Nov. 9, 1825, in Dierbach, Canton of Bergzabern, Rhinepfalz, Bavaria, son of Chris- topher Barbey. He attended the schools of his native place until he was fourteen years of age, when he entered the brewing establishment of his uncle, Peter Barbey, for the purpose of learning the business. After remaining there three years, he found employment in France and Switzerland in dififerent brewing establishments during the next four years, in observance of a German custom to increase his knowledge of the business in this way by practical experience. He then returned home, and being twenty-one years of age, entered the army in a cavalry regiment where he served as a soldier for four years. At the expiration of his term of service, he emigrated to America, proceeding immediately to Philadelphia, and for several years he was engaged there in different breweries; he then located at Reading, and entered the employ of Frederick Lauer, also a German, who had by this 'time established himself in the brewing business at Third and Chestnut streets. In 1860 Mr. Barbev embarked in bus- iness for himself as a brewer, and carried his affairs on with increasing success until his decease in 1897. Mr. Barbey was a Democrat in politics, but never inclined to fill any public offices. He assisted in organizing the Keystone National Bank in 1883 and served as a direc- BIOGRAPHICAL 585 tor until his decease in 1897. He was prominently identified with Teutonia Lodge, No. 368, F. & A. M., in which he was' a past master, and with Germania Lodge, L O. O. F. Mr. Barbey married Rosina Kuntz, daughter of Philip Kuntz, of Rhenish Bavaria, and they had two children: Katrina, who died in infancy; and John, who, after ar- riving of age, engaged with his father in the brewing business under the name of P. Barbey & Son. Not- withstanding the decease of his father in 1897, the firm name has been continued until the present time. JOHN BARBEY, son of Peter and Rosina (Kuntz) Barbey, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 19, 1850. When he was four years old his parents moved to Read- ing, where his father became engaged in the manufac- ture of malt liquors. He was educated in the local schools, taking an extra course in a business college, and was then placed in his father's brewery for the pur- pose of learning all the details of the brewing business. In this he was very successful, and in 1880 the father admitted him into partnership, and they traded under the firm name of P. Barbey & Son. The father died in 1897, but the son has continued the business under the same hame with increasing success up to the present. In 1906 the capacity of his large plant was the greatest of any at Reading, a fact which evinces the superior judgment of the son in conducting the complicated affairs of the brew- ery for the years it has been under his management. Mr. Barbey has become largely interested in a number of the financial institutions of Reading, particularly the Keystone Bank, Farmers Bank, Colonial Trust Company, and several industrial institutions, in a number of which he is a director. He has been prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity at Reading since 1876, becoming a Mason in Chandler Lodge, No. 237, and a Knight Tem- plar in the Reading Commandery, No. 42, of which he was Eminent Commander in 1886. He has reached the thirty- second degree. Mr. Barbey married Mary Ellen Garst, daughter of George W. Garst, of Reading, a prominent building contractor for many years. They have seven children, six daughters and one son, John. JO*IN B. STERLEY, M. D., one of the most prom- inent citizens of Reading, Berks Co., Pa., who was distinguished as a physician and surgeon, died in Read- ing, Nov. 24, 1905. Dr. Sterley was born July 26, 1837, in Limerick township, Montgomery county, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Bertolette") Sterley, both of French origin. The Sterley family was founded at an early day in Salford township, Montgomery county, by great-grand- father Sterley, who emigrated from Lorraine, France. and here the grandfather of the Doctor was born and reared until manhood, when he removed to Limerick township, carrying on agricultural pursuits in that lo- cality all the rest of his life. Philip Sterley, father of the Doctor, was born Feb. 22, 1800, and was educated in the common schools. He followed the occupation of his father, being a good, practical farmer and public-spirited citizen. In politics a Whig and later a Republican, he was interested in the success of his party, but never to the extent of running for any office. He died in 1868. The early life of Dr. John B. Sterley was spent upon his father's farm, and until about sixteen years of age he attended the common schools of his native locality. At this time he went to Philadelphia, where for one year he was employed by his cousin. Simon R. Snyder, after leaving whom he entered Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College). After two and one-half years of study, young Sterley engaged in teaching in Oley township, but after six months gave up the profes- sion, having fully decided to engage in the practice of medicine. He entered the offices of Drs. Keeler and Groflf of Harleysville, Pa., to take up his preliminary studies, and shortly after entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated with honor,. March 6, 1857. Locating at Earlville, Lan- caster county, Dr. Sterley continued there until 1860, when he moved his office to Annville. Lebanon county. In July, 1862, Dr. Sterley joined the 167th Pa. V. I., receiving the commission of surgeon, and at the expira- tion of nine months was appointed examining district surgeon for the Ninth Congressional District of Penn- sylvania, a position he ably filled until June, 1864, when he left the service. Until 1879 he practiced at St. Marys, Elk Co., Pa., but in the year mentioned he removed to Reading, to which city, its people, its development and its varied interests, he devoted the remainder of his life. The first board of pension examiners of Berks county was organized in 1881 with Dr. Sterley as one of its members, and he served the full term, being re- turned to the board under the Harrison administration, when he was made president. On May 11, 1898, he was reappointed by President McKinley. On Sept. 1, 1864, Dr. Sterley was married to Amanda R. Rightmeyer, and the one child of this union, Win- field Bradley, born Sept. 18, 1865, died Jan. 17, 1877. Dr. Sterley was a Republican in politics. He was one of the organizers and vice-president of the Reading & Southwestern Electric Railroad. His profession con- nects him with the following societies: the Reading Medical Association; Berks County Medical Society, and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society. He was prominently connected with St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., and was also an active worker of Gen. William H. Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R. The death of Dr. Sterley brought grief to a large circle outside his own immediate family. His personality was strong, and of him it may be truly said as of another: "He earned honor and respect in public life as well as af- fection and veneration in private." Mrs. Sterley, who survives her husband, resides in Reading, where she is very well known, and where she owns considerable city and suburban property. BENJAMIN F. DETTRA, one of the older members of the Berks county Bar, was born in Upper Providence township, Montgomery county. July 4, 1845. His grand- father, Abraham Dettra, was a farmer in Lower Sal- ford township, that county, and his father, Abraham Dettra, was a farmer in Upper Providence township, same county. He diefl about sixty years ago. His wife was Sarah Boas, daughter of John E. Boas, who was an influential farmer and for many years justice of his township; Mr. Boas died in Chester county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Dettra had four children, as follows: William C. died when thirty-seven years old; Andora married Samuel Bard, of Montgomery county, and died at the age of forty years; John B. is a builder of Montgomery county; and Benjamin F. Benjamin F. Dettra attended the district school and Washington Collegiate Institute, where he prepared himself for work in the school-room as teacher. He served in the Civil war in the 129th Pa. V. I. and on his return home passed the next five years in teaching in the winter and working on the farm in the summer. He now decided to take up the law for a life work, and began reading in the office of the late Albert G. Green, being admitted to the Bar in April, 1875. and later to the higher courts. He has since pursued the practice at Reading. In addition to looking after a large private practice Mr. Dettra. has at different times served as county and city solicitor, and as solicitor for the Board of School Controllers. Mr. Dettra has always been alive to the public in- terest, is a supporter of the Democratic party, and holds membership in the Royal Arcanum and other insurance companies, and is a member of the Calvary Reformed Church of Reading. On Dec. 25, 1869. Mr. Dettra married Emma Louisa Reese, daughter oi William Reese, a farmer of Chester county. Four children have been born to this mar- riage: Emma V. died in October, 1903, aged twenty- four; Susan R. and Sarah M. are at home; and Paul Sterly was a member of the class of 1906 in the Read- ing high school. 586 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA STRASSER. The biography of the individual man is but the history of the human race and his family, plus his environments. Since the beginning of time our sun and the myriads of shining stars have been oscillating and radiating energy in the form of wireless waves into the ether of infinite space. Primitive man viewed them with super- stitious awe and framed supernatural myths. Science regards them as an electro-magnetic displacement or disturbance of the ether, periodic in space and time, traveling 186,500 miles per second. The ether being the source and reservoir of all energy, there is a con- stant interchange of energy from ether to matter, and matter to ether, transforming it at one time into kinetic, at another into potential energy, thus causing or con- stituting all the phenomena of the material universe and known as the science of Natural Philosophy. But the loftiest ideal of man conceives them as symbols of infinite Wisdom, Power and Love, and as wireless telephonic messages of glad tidings of peace on earth and good-will toward men. "The works of God are fair for naught Unless our eyes, in seeing. See hidden in the thing the thought That animates its being." Mother Nature, the patient teacher, is ever beckon- ing to man the imitator, and ready to unlock her sec- rets. But how blind and deaf a pupil is man! Thund- ers rolled and lightning flashed for ages before he heard or saw how to use these wireless waves to per- form the recent wonders of the X-ray, the wireless telegraph and wireless telephone. Nature never sleeps. Her essence is motion. Ether, matter and motion act- ing and reacting, forming and transforming, are the bases of all phenomena in time and space. The high- est and most mysterious is life with all its environments. Thus is man, his energy, his powers, his physical and mental characteristics — all that he is — indirectly indebted to the wireless ether waves of space. Wave motion is cyclic — crest and trough, nodes and loops of energy. Such is the story of the Universe and Life. Exaltation alternating debasement with intermediate nodes _ of equilibrium — in fine, evolution, involution, dissolution. Tradition is ever rife, but vague and mythical, hence the data here given are only such as are based on authentic records. The family name Strasser (or Strascher) is of an- cient origin extensively disseminated, and its influence in church and State, in both the Old and the New world was no small factor. The genealogical and heraldry records (Vol. VL Page 87) at Vienna, Austria, date the origin of the family to the age of Knighthood and Chivalry. In A. D. 1143 they were found at Mergentheim, Swabia (the headquarters of the order of Teutonic Knights in the year 1386), and vicinity, where a Knight Templar whose birthplace and home was Mergentheim, after long and strenuous service in the Holy Land, and being disabled for further service from wounds, returning, took unto himself an orphaned nephew, named Edward Strasser. He taught him Astronorhy, Astrology, Alchemy and other occult arts he had learned in the East. Edward practiced these arts among many rich Counts and Princesses, compiled books on these subjects and acquired great wealth and fame. He united in matrimony with Jutta Von Schenck, and died at Mergentheim. A. D. 1197, leaving one son Rudiger Strasser. who loved arms more than the arts of peace. He sold his father's books and possessions, and as a man of war roamed over many lands with a company of mounted knights called the Black Band. Only after he had had enough of the warrior's life did he marry Euphragine Mehring, the wealthy widow of a patrician at Zweibriicken. Here he lived until his death, A. D. 1232, and left three sons, viz.: Arnold. Gunther and Frederick. Arnold, being of delicate health, entered a cloister, and there is no further record of' him. nor of Frederick, who, after a duel with Count Von Spanheim, whom he killed, fled and was never after heard from. Gunther, however, remained at Zweibriicken of which he was Mayor (Stadtfocht), and was married to Sophia Von Elrichshousen, of a good Prankish or Franconian noble family. He died A. D. 1315, leaving one son John Strasser. The latter had no love for arms, engaged himself with books, music, literary work and the fine arts, and lived a quiet private life. His wife was Elizabeth Mastlin of humble birth, but had wealth of beauty and mind. In A. D. 1335, during a violent storm, his house was destroyed by fire, and his wife and five children perished, only one small boy being rescued. In con- sequence of this misfortune the circumstances and standing of this family were greatly reduced, and later we find the family mostly as farmers, mechanics and merchants in the vicinity of Zweibriicken, Alsace and the Palatinates in which regions they were still found in the beginning of the ISth century, but accurate and connected records are wanting. The American Strasser family is without a doubt of German ancestry. Their nativity and time of emigra- tion cannot now be definitely fixed. Tradition has the ancestral home at Wurtemberg, Rhenish Palatinate, and Zweibriicken, and the time antedates the American Rev- olution, for we find them enrolled as soldiers of the war for independence as well as all the wars for the de- fense and preservation of the Union. According to Colonial Records, on Nov. 3, 1749. John Nicholas Strasser enters a caveat against the acceptance of a survey on that oiece of land which he holds by warrant of 37th of March — made to Georare Boone, until he hears as to his claim, signed Richard Peters, to Nicholas Schull, Surveyor General. Also warrants of land surveyor May 7, 1753, Oct. 6, 1773, etc. The same John Nicholas Strasser, of Albany, Berks Co., Pa., was naturalized April 11, 1763, and as early as 1754 he is as- sessed £18, 4s., 6d. tax in Albany township, and his name appears for successive years to 1790, with the additional names of John, Jr., a weaver, Henry, Peter George. Not until 1'773 does the name of Conrad Strasser appear as a taxable married mian in Windsor township. This is the great-grandfather of Dr. Thomas A. Stras- ser, of Reading, and Strasser's Thai or Valley, Windsor township, Berks Co., Pa., was the permanent if not the original homestead of this family. What was the relationship of this family and the Albany family is not now known, but from the similarity of the names of their children as we shall see it must have been close. The church books of Zion's Church at or near Wind- sor Castle_ record the baptisms of seven children, the parents being Conrad Strascher and his wife Catharina. They are Conrad, born August, 1744; sponsors, Conrad Strascher and wife Catharina, the parents; Andon. July 1, 1746, sponsor Andon ; Elizabeth, born Nov. 1. 1747, sponsor Elizabeth ; Peter, born April 9, 1749, spon- sors: Peter Rothermel and wife Sabylla; Mathias, born July 32, 1751, sponsor Mathias ; Phillipus, born 1753; and Johanes, born April 30, 1756. Where these baptisms took place is not stated, but Zion's Church was not then organized. Another record is the baptism of John Henry Strasser, born April 11, 1777; sponsors, Conrad Strasser and wife Dorethy. Conrad Strasser was twice married; his first wife. Dorethy (Housknecht), bore him six children, viz.: Conrad, born in 1708; John, 1770; Jilagdalena; John Nicholas, died previous to 1795; John Henry; and George. His second wife, Christina (Rausch or Hum- mel?) also bore him two daughters and four sons. They were: Elizabeth, Catharine, Frederick, INIichael (grandfather of our subject). Peter and Daniel. Accordingly, there was Conrad, the first, father of seven children; Conrad, the second, father of twelve children; and Conrad, the third, oldest son of Conrad the second and brother of Michael. Conrad, the third, was thrice married, first to a Miss Sheidy, by whom he had a son John; second to a Miss Hummel, by whom he had one daughter, Rosina; third to Rosina BIOGRAPHICAL 587 Hummel, a sister of second wife, and they had nine children, Jeremiah^ Jacob, Isaac (m. to Hannah Knittle), Hetty, Sallie, Catharine, Polly, Rachael and Leah. On Nov. 9, 1790, Conrad Strasser, the second, peti- tioned the Orphans' court of Berks county, to appoint guardians for his sons, John Henry and George, they being minors under the age of fourteen years. On the same day Magdalena, a daughter, John (Johanes), John Nicholas, minors above the age of fourteen years, petitioned court to choose guardians; they chose Conrad, the father, and the court approved and ap- pointed him for all the above children. Conrad, the third and oldest son, born in 1768, being of age, was not included in the above. On May 5, 1803, Christina Strasser, widow and relict of Conrad Strasser, late of Windsor township, petitioned the courts — says her hus- band died and left issue eleven children (John Nicholas having died between 1790 and 1795), that Frederick, Michael, Peter and Daniel are minors under age of fourteen years and have no guardians to care for their persons and estates; the court appointed John George Focht. The same day appeared Elizabeth Strasser ,and Catharine Strasser, daughters of. the aforesaid Conrad Strasser, they being minors above the age of fourteen years; they chose Peter Bauscher, which choice was approved by the court. This accounts for the twelve children of Conrad Strasser, the second. The court records show that Magdalena Strasser gave a power of attorney to John Strasser, her next friend, both then living in Paxton township, Dauphin county, dated 1795. to collect that share of inheritance due her from her mother's estate through the death of John Nicholas (Honnickel) Strasser. her brother. Elizabeth Strasser was married to Adam (no far- ther record). Catharine was born Sept. 16, 1785, and married George Sontag, the progenitor of the Windsor Sundays, and died March 5, 1850 (tombstone record, Zion's Church). Frederick's name is on the tax lists of Greenwich township from 1810 to 1813, when it disap- pears. Peter settled at Roaring Creek, Columbia county, and his wife's tombstone at Zion's Churchyard records — "mother of seventeen children." Daniel lived on one of the original Conrad Strasser farms, died there about 1840, leaving a large family. Michael Strasser, the grandfather of Dr. Thomas Au- gustus, the seventh son of Conrad, the second, and his second wife, Christina, was born at the old homestead in Strasser's Valley, Windsor township, about the year 1791. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Zion's Church. His father having died about January, 1799 (his will probated Feb. 12, 1799), and he being one of the three youngest sons mentioned in above will, who were to learn a trade arriving at the age of sixteen years, he accordingly became a carpenter and cabinet- maker and his name appears as a taxable single man in Maxatawny from 1810 to 1815. At this time Kutz- town was incorporated as a borough and it was here he made his permanent home and carried on his trade. He was a member of the first fire company of Kutztown organized in 1815, and built one of the first three houses in Freetown, upper Main street, above Baldy's lane. He was married to Sarah Kittling, about 1816. a native of Mifflinburg, Pa., a sister' of Mrs. Jacob Humbert, mother of Rev. David Humbert, Bowers Station. Mrs. Jacob Baldy and Mrs. Peter Fritz of Kutztown were aunts. Jacob of Mifflinburg, was a brother and so was William, of near Blandon. M'ichael was successful in business, had just finished a new homie, and had a promising future, but in the prime of life he became the victim of a typhoid fever epidemic and died about December, 1821. His remains were interred in the old Union Churchyard at Kutztown, but his resting-place cannot now be located. Letters of administration were granted to John_ Wanner and Solomon Kutz, Jan. 7, 1823. He left his widow and one son. Isaac Kittling Strasser, and one daughter, Abigail. .The widow was remarried to Solomon Kutz, a widower with a large family. Their issue was seven children: among them, Louisa E., born in 1826, m. Daniel B. Kutz, in 1850, both living over fifty years in the house built by Michael Strasser; Lydia m. John Van Scheetz; Susan, born Sept. 3, 1832, m. Harry Scheldt. Sarah, mother of the above, and maternal grandmother of our subject, died on her birthday, on June 29, about the year 1846, aged exactly fifty years. Abigail, only daughter of Michael Strasser, was born Sept. 10, 1821, and was married to John Snyder. They reared a large family. Mr. Snyder dying, she married Egedius Butz. She survived him and died in 1908, aged almost eighty-seven years. Isaac K. Strasser was born on his father's (Michael) homestead at Kutztown, Pa., Aug. 3, 1817. Orphaned • at an early age, he lived with his mother until he was apprenticed to a Mr. Kraft at Reading, Pa., serving four years as a saddler and harness maker. Returning to Kutztown he bought the property now the corner of M'ain street and Strasser Alley, where he lived over half a century, reared a large family, and carried on his business. In 1842, he married Flora Anna Koser, a daughter of John George Koser and wife Esther (Christ) of Green- wich township. Esther was the oldest daughter of Jacob Christ and wife (nee Merkel). She is buried at Bethel or Zion's Church, Grimville, Pa., and her tomb- stone records: "Esther Koser," daughter of Jacob Christ, born March 21st, 1794, married Dec. 36th, 1811. Had 3 children, 1 son and 2 daughters. Died Jan. 24th, 1832, aged 37 years, 10 months, and 3 days. Text, St. John 5-24." Her sisters were: Rachel m. Daniel Beaver, and moved to Tulpehocken; Kate m. a Christman; Pdlly m. a Messersmith, of Fleetwood; and Hannah m. Martin Wanner, she aged over ninety years. Her brothers were Jonathan, m. to Susan Bieber; Daniel, Jacob and Solo- mon (the grandfather of Nathan C. Schaefler, State Superintendent of Pennsylvania Schools). John George Koser, maternal grandfather of Dr. Thomas A. Strasser, was born in Greenwich township, Jan. 7. 1787, on the old homestead, and died at Kutz- town Nov. 28, 1873. He was the son of John George Koser of Greenwich and his second wife a Baer, of Albany. His second wife was. Anna Maria Helfrich. widow of Sam Helfrich, and sister of Colonel Daniel Grim, and a born Krouse. She had four daughters. Anna Maria, Sallie, Amelia and Betzy Helfrich, and died at Kutztown about 1865. His sisters were: Regina, wife of Henry Adam, who went West; Barbara, wife of A. Schearer of Windsor; another married to a Mr. Bailer; and one married to a Kercher, moved to Lehigh Gap. The Koser family were pioneer settlers of Green- wich and extensive land owners. In 1754 George Koser is taxed £16, 4s., 6d.; in 1759, John Koser, £20, and later we have names of John, Jacob, and George. One Jacob Koser (according to Colonial records), aged twenty-three years, qualified Sept. 23, 1734, having emi- grated in ship "Hope" from Rotterdam; and Christopher Koser, aged thirty-six years, in the ship "Mary" of Lon- don, qualified Sept. 6, 1733. John Koser was naturalized at Northern Liberties, Philadelphia county, on the 24th and 25th of Sept., 1764. The Kosers who first emi- grated were natives of Wurtemberg, Swabia. The Koser family is of Greek origin. In the year 1102 one Herman Abolde, a crusader, armourer and farrier returning homeward from the east, took a Cyprian youth captive in the mountains of tlie Isle of Cyprus, and brought him safely through Italy and Switzerland to his home in Saltzburg, Germany. Here the Bishop Eustachius, after a consultation, himself baptized and named him Herman Koser — signifying, "the rescued, or the redeemed." He learned the trade of his captor and later became a great warrior, and by his valor became the chief of a large troop of knights he massed in Bohmen, Ungarn and Sclavonia, with which he made many destructive invasions into Baiern, Schlesien and Sachsen. In Schlesien he stole and married a lady of noble family whose name was Isabella Von Koeneritz. During an engagement in 588 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the vicinity of Regentsburg. while following up the enemy and rashly crossing the Danube at a dangerous place, he was drowned in the year 1145. His four sons followed the footsteps of their father and three remained in the many violent battles they fought. The fourth and youngest, named Ferdinand Koser, joined the Crusades and returning he found most of his prop- erty at Saltzburg. destroyed. He sold the rest at a small price and moved to Augsburg and from there to Donauworth, where he married Durethe Meininger, and on his death, A. D. 1203, he left one son Karl Koser. He married Elenora Schippen of Innsbruck, and left several sons, whose descendants were decim- ated by famine, pestilence and the sword during the Thirty Years' war, so that (according to the genealogi- cial tables at Vienna. Vol. Ill, Page 202). in the year 1634, only two remained. These two were distantly related and the one, Albert Koser, was a magistrate or judge (Schultheiss Zu Soflingen) at Ulm, and his descend- ants were scattered in Upper Swabiaiand Switzerland. The other one was John George Koser, who was primus or principal (Kloisterfocht) of a monastery at Frankfurt-on-the-Main. In the middle of the eighteenth century his descendants are found at Frankfurt and also in other places on the Main, and the Rhine, and in various circumstances. Flora Anna Koser had one brother, Daniel, who died March 18, 1821, in his ninth year. She was born March 2, 1822, on the original Koser homestead, in Greenwich township. She had one sister, Hannah, born July 12. 1824, married to Joseph Dry, of Drysville. She raised a family of ten children, and is now living at Reading, Pa., in her eighty-fifth year. Isaac K. Strasser and his wife. Flora Anna, were the parents of eleven children as follows: (1) Charles Koser, born July 19, 1843, died in infancy. (2) Dr. Thomas .Augustus was born Dec. 24. 1845. (3) Anna Familia Caroline, born Sept. 23, 1847, is the de- ceased wife of William Weaver, a traveling salesman (left no issue). (4) Sarah Sabina C, born Oct. 27. 1849, (first) m. Eugene D. Bieber, of Kutztown (had chil- dren: Rev. Herbert Walter, a Presbyterian minister at Bradford, Pa., and Stella Louisa, m. to Mr. Robert Alsover, of Big Stone Gap, Va.), and (second) Charles Messersmith, deceased (children: George Strasser Messersmith and Lieutenant Robert Eugene Messer- smith of the U. S. Marine service). (5) Horace Wil- liam, born March 23, 1852, a railroad engineer and former clerk in a mercantile house, died in Reading in October, 1885. He m. Mary Scheidy, and left no chil- dren. (0) Leander Gustave, born Feb. 37, 1854, died in infancy. (7) Ellen Esther, born Feb. 10. 1855, died at Kutztown in July, 1876, aged over twenty-one years. (8) Clara Louisa, born March 28, 1857, m. Levi S. Mabry, of Mertztown, at one time a justice of the peace and deputy treasurer and later Register of Wills of Berks county. They have one son Roy, a graduate of Keystone State Normal School, and of Ursinus Col- lege. (9) Annie Lydia, born Nov. 8, 1858, m. Nathan S. Schaeffer, a merchant of Fleetwood, and they have one daughter Helen. (10) Elizabeth Alice, born Sept. 10. 1861, m. Josiah Koch, a contractor and builder of Reading, and died the mother of Harry, Elsie. Floyd and Evelyn. (11) Avila Maria, born April 22, 1864, died in infancy. Isaac K. Strasser, father of above, died at Fleetwood. June, 1897, aged seventy-nine years and ten months. His wife Flora Anna died in August, 1896, aged seventy-four years. Both are resting in Hope Cemetery, at Kutztown. Dr. Thomas Augustus Strasser was born at Kutz- town, Berks Co., Pa., on Dec. 24. 1845. From boyhood he loved books and Nature, and evinced a desire foT study, preferring the field of Science. His ambition was to obtain a classical or higher university education but circumstances were not favorable as he was the oldest of a large family. He felt it incumbent to assist his parents rather than impose a burden. Ete regularly attended the public and private schools at Kutztown and at the age of fourteen, the Allentown Seminary, now MJuhlenberg College. Against his own inclination, but to comply with his father's wishes, he served as a clerk in the store of G. Y. Kemp and Jacob Sunday from the Spring of 1861 to the Fall of 1862. At this time a business life being distasteful and not conducive to study, he resolved to enter upon teaching as a step- ping-stone to a learned profession. He secured the Lockridge school. Longswamp township, and in the spring of 1863 returning home he continued his studies at Maxatawny and Fairview Seminary (now Keystone State Normal School), until fall, when he taught two successive terms in the Kutztown public schools, in the meantime continuing his studies at Fairview Seminary during the summer and private tutoring while teaching. In the spring of 1865 he entered the office of Drs. Ger- asche and Trexler as a medical student and in the fol- lowing October matriculated in and attended the Med- ical Deparment of the University of Pennsylvania, session 1865-66. Returning to Kutztown in the Spring of this year he opened a private school having 75 to 85 pupils on the roll, continuing the same time his medical studies with his preceptors. In October, 1866, he re-en- tered the University and took his degree in Medicine on March 14, 1867. The following May he located at Pleasant Corner, Lehigh county; the field being con- tracted and isolated and not adapted, for a permanent home he returned to his native place to await the op- portunity of a more promjsing field. On Oct. 21, 1868, he located at Millerstown, Lehigh county (now Macun- gie). where by January, 1869, he had succeeded in establishing himself in an extensive and lucrative practice, and here he remained for a period of seventeen years, having a career of continued success. This success he ascribes in a large measure to the advice of his mother: Remember the poor, be kind and considerate, the Lord is their paymaster. During this time he succeeded Dr. William Herbst, of Trexlertown, as physician and sur- geon to the Lehigh County Almshouse and hospital, serving nine years. In 1870 he became a member of Lehigh Lodge, No. 33io, F. & A. M., Trexlertown, and other organizations. He served fourteen years as a school director of Macungie. The most important events here were his marriage and the birth of his three children. On May 17. 1870, Dr. Strassex united himself in hymeneal bonds with Alawilda Catharine Elizabeth Greasemer, only daughter of Dr. Abraham Greasemer, a dentist of Allentown and his wife Sarah (Stettler) and sister of their only son, Asher B.. a physician and dentist. Dr. Greasemer was born in Hereford town- ship, Nov. 4. 1822, and is still living. His wife Sarah was born December. 1826, near Ziegels church, Weis- enburg. Lehigh county, and died Aug. 7, 1907. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Strasser are: (1) Charles William Thomas, born March 22. 1871. is a graduate of Allentown high school, Muhlenberg Col- lege, attended Mt. Airy Lutheran Theological Seminary and graduated from Divinity Department, Yale Univ- sity. He has served over ten years the Hamilton charge, Monroe county. He was married to IMinnie Har- man, of the same place. (2) Robert Eugene, born June 5, 187.1, a successful physician at Reading, is mentioned farther on. (3) Ellen Esther, born Aug. 8, 1876, a graduate of the Reading high school, is the wife of H. M. Albright, a manufacturer and wholesale shoe merchant, at No. 335 Penn street, Reading. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Strasser Albright. A Reading medical practitioner expressing an urgent desire to retire from practice, induced Dr. Strasser to buy the house at No. 210 North Sixth street, on condi- tion that they enter into partnership for a short time until he introduced him into the practice, when he was to relinquish in his favor. Accordingly Dr. Strasser moved from Macungie to the above place on Oct. 5, 1885, but the latter part of the above ciontract never having been fulfilled, this move proved neither agree- able nor profitable, but entailed a great financial sac- rifice on the part of Dr. Strasser. In October 1888 BIOGRAPHICAL 589 he moved to No. 31 South Ninth street, and attended special courses on eye, ear, nose and throat diseases at the Philadelphia and New York Polyclinic and post- graduate schools. His practice steadily increased and in April, 1891, he located at No. 914 Penn street, and in May, 1899, he moved to No. 931 Penn street, where hav- ing relinquished general practice he still continues the treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat and chronic diseases. Dr. Strasser is now past sixty-three years and is still a lover of books and nature and although his youthful aspirations for a higher university training were not realized he has more than compensated for it by his studious life and a library of standard authors. As a relaxation from his professional duties, he has engaged in original research in signalling through space, direct conversions of the energy of coal (crystallized sunlight) into electricity, local and long-distance electric steth- oscopy for diagnosis of diseases of heart and lungs, transportation of electric power, navigation of space, heating and lighting, aids of hearing for the deaf, means of a literature for the blind, the phonograph and other fascinating and interesting subjects. In 1899 he dis- covered the principle of long-distance telegraphy and telephony, by means of loadinpj the lines thereby neu- tralizing the electrostatic capacity with the electro-mag- netic induction and sending along the wires distortion- less waves suffering equal attenuation. He was antic- ipated by Prof. Pupin, of Columbia University, who realized over one million dollars from the idea. In the spring of 1900 he designed a self-restoring or auto- matic eye or ear for the detection of wireless tele- graphic and telephonic waves, and later found it was used in the Italian navy and was the coherer used by Signor Marconi to receive the first wireless signal across the Atlantic on Dec. 12. 1901. He has since con- tinued the work and his experiments, and invented transmitters, repeaters and receivers embodying an en- tire new and broad principle for telephoay, with and without wires, and foresees the possibility at a day not far distant of talking across the Atlantic and the Con- tinent as easily as we talk to New York or Chicago. Dr. Strasser, having considered through life that the acquisition of knovv^ledge for the betterment of society or race and the conscientious discharge of the duties of his self-sacrificing profession are paramount, found no time for the acquisition of wealth. 'Dr. Robert Eugene Strasser began his education at the common schools of Macungie and Reading, to which city he had come with his father when a boy, and later attended the high school. He took up the reading of medicine with his father, following with courses in the M?edico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, and the Baltimore Medical University, from which latter he graduated in 1894. After that he did post-graduate work at the University of Vermont, graduating therefrom in 1895. and Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia, grad- uating from the latter in 1896. While there he was on the hospital staff as clinical assistant in the eye and surgical department of Jefferson College Hospital. H« commenced practice in Lehigh county in July, 1896, re- maining at his father's old location in Macungie until Sept. 28, 1898, when he came to Reading, becoming a member of the staff of Reading Hospital, where he serv^sd for a period of five years. Meantime he had entered upon general practice as assistant to his suc- cessful father; and his increasing practice made it ne- cessary for him' to resign from his hospital duties at the end of that time. Dr. Strasser is a general prac- titioner, and has been very successful in his treatment of many complicated cases, giving most careful atten- tion to his patients, sparing himself in no way when life or health are in the balance. Thus he has won the confidence and affection of the community, and he enjoys as much practice as he is able to handle. He was nominated as candidate for Coroner of Berks county on June 5, 1906, his thirty-third birthday, and was elected the following fall, being his first candidacy and the winner over five competitors. It was his lot to officiate at the Boyertown fire which occurred Jan. 13, 1908, and where 171 lives perished. The Doctor is a close student and has associated himself with the var- ious medical organizations of his county and State, in- cluding the Lehigh County Medical Society, the Read- ing Medical Society and the Pennsylvania State Med- ical Association. The Doctor's offices are located at No. 1024 Elm Street, where he also has his home. In politics he is a Democrat. Dr. Strasser married Miss Laura E. Dreibelbis, daugh- ter of Dr. Samuel L. Dreibelbis, and one child has been born to this union, a daughter. Hazel. DAVID MERKEL. One of the well-known names in Berks county is that of Merkel. The family has been connected with the history of this section of the State for many years, a worthy representative being the subject of this review. David Merkel was born in Longswamp township, Berks county, M'ay 3, 1837. He was the son of Peter Merkel, and the grandson of Peter Merkel. Peter Merkel, the grandfather, is supposed to have been a native of Germany, leaving that country with his parents when quite young. He married Christiana Weiss, and together they made their home in the vicinity of Fogelsville, in Macungie township, where they lived for many years. They both lie in the old cemetery at Zeigler's church in Lehigh county. Their family numbered five children: Peter (2); John, who lived in Weisenburg township, and whose only son was named Charles; Jacob, who also had a son Charles, and whose home was near Kline's Corner, in Maxataw- ny township; Jonas, of Longswamp township, whose children were — John, Willoughby and Mary; Daniel, also of Longswamp township, who had three children — Nathan, Eliza and Hannah. Peter Merkel (2), son of Peter, and father of David, was born in Macungie, Lehigh county, Sept. 23. 1796. His occupation was that of farming, which he followed all of his life. A fine tract of seventy acres of land lying on the line between Maxatawny and Longswamp townships was kept under cultivation. Besides his farm work he took great interest in the affairs of the community, and was also active in the work of Zeig- ler's Church, being deacon and elder of that organiza- tion. Peter Merkel's wife was Catharine Walbert, daughter of John Walbert. . She was born Sept. 14, 1801, and died March 27, 1865, aged sixty-three years, six months, thirteen days. Her husband died two years later, on May 30th at the age of seventy years, eight months, seven days. Both are buried at Zeig- ler's Church in Lehigh county. To Mr. and Mrs. Mer- kel seven children were born, four daughters and three sons: Hettie died unmarried; Caroline m. David Zeig- ler; Eliza m. Isaac Mayer; John, a resident of Maxa- tawny township, had children — Albert, William, Har- vey, Cassie, Peter, and four who died in childhood; Mary, born Dec. 24, 1834, m. Thomas Warmkessel; David is referred to later; Henry, living near Cedar- ville, has six children living — Frank, Harry, Peter, Ed- win, Eliza and Hettie. David Merkel spent the first eighteen vears of his life on the farm, where he became proficient in all work pertaining to an agricultural life. Here was ac- quired the strength of mind and muscle that was to become such a factor in his future life work of rail- roading. He also learned the trade of saddler which he followed for four years, when he resided near Farm- ington, Lehigh county. At the age of twenty-two he became an employe of the East Catasauqua & Fogels- ville Railroad, and four years later he was given the place of section foreman, retaining this position for mcrre than forty years, or until two years before his death. 'J'be long service to the railroad entitled him to the well-earnpd pension which he was receiving at the time of his death. Aug. 31, 1906. at his home one 590 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA mile south of Rothrocksville, in Maxatawny township, where he had made his residence since 1868. Here on a fine tract of nine acres with a substantial brick resi- dence he lived all of the time that could be spared from the exacting duties required by such an important public utility as a railroad. He was a Reformed mem- ber of the Maxatawny Zion Church, in the adjoining graveyard of which he is buried. On Oct. 5, 1861, Mr. Merkel married Sarah Ma- tilda, daughter of Peter Schwoyer, of Fritztown, Spring township. They became the parents of eight children: Catharine, born Oct. 3, 1862, m. Frank Moyer, of Hoffmansville, Pa.; George M., born Feb. 3, 1864, is a farmer in Richmond township; Louisa R., born Oct. 20, 1865, m, Charles Levan, of Maxa- tawny; Anna Esther, born Nov. 2, 1867, m. Martin Good, of New York City; Laura E., born Aug. 31. 1870. m. James Guldin, a farmer of Maxatawny town- ship; Robert W., born 1874, died 1889; Lillie A., born June 28, 1877, m. John Kemp; Caroline, born 1883, died 1886., ELMEJR. F. REED, senior member of the firm of Reed & Kurtz, restaurant proprietors at No. 433 Penn street, Reading, was born on the old Reed homestead in Marion township, Berks county, Feb. 8, 1876, son of Franklin B. Reed, and grandson of Daniel Reed. Franklin B. Reed was born one mile north of Stouchsburg, Dec. 23, 1839, and died Jan. 16, 1905. He was reared to farming, and he followed that occupation all of his life on the Marion township homestead. He owned a tract of forty-five acres there, and this tract was crossed by the old Union canal and Tulpehocken creek. He was a man of progressive spirit, and for eleven years was a school director in his township. He was a prominent member of Reed church, at Stouchsburg. which had been founded by earlier mem- bers of the family and several of their pioneer neighbors in the Tulpehocken settlement in 1733. He served as a deacon and elder, and also as treasurer of the church. He was always active in public affairs, and was one of the useful men in his commiinity. He was an antiquar- ian, and he had a large collection of Indian relics, in- cluding arrow heads, tomahawks, hatchets, skinners, giggers, etc., all now in the possession of his son, John A. Mr. Reed married Rebecca E. Reed, born Aug. 35, 1841, daughter of John S. and Rebecca (Eckert) Reed. She now lives among her children. Three children were born of this union, namely: William, born in 1864. was drowned in the Union canal at the age of seven years; John A., born Oct. 3, 1871. married Annie Sholl; and Elmer F. Elmer F. Reed received his education in the district schools, and later attended Stouchsburg Academy, then under the direction of Rev. John Klingler and Prof. Harry Posey. He was brought up on the home farm, working there until he was nineteen years of age. In 1895 he came to Reading and entered the em- ploy of Ezra Wenrich, proprietor of Wenrich's restau- rant below Sixth street on Penn, now at Penn and Seventh streets. There Mr. Reed worked for about four years, gaining a very thorough and practical knowledge of the business. In 1899 he began for him- self at No. 545 Penn street, and for three years car- ried on the restaurant there with great success. In 1902 he formed a partnership with Adam Kurtz, under the firm name of Reed & Kurtz, and they have since con- ducted the restaurant at No. 433 Penn street. They are well known all over the county, and have a very, large trade, paying particular attention to working men. They employ seven waiters, and the partners personally look after the business. Mr. Reed is a member of Camp No. 560, P. O. S. of A., at Reading; and the Liberty Fire Company. He is a member of Reed's Lutheran Church at Stouchsburg. In politics he is a Republican. On Alarch 3, 1907, Mr. Reed married Hermie Hoffa. daughter of Jacob and Mary (Schoener) Hoffa, of Marion township. Two children have been born to them, namely: Earl Valentine and Theodore Roosevelt. ADAM KURTZ, junior member of the firm of Reed & Kurtz, .proprietors of a popular restaurant at No. 433 Penn street, Reading, Pa., was born Aug. 21, 1877, in Marion township, Berks Co., Pa., son of William and Seleca (Kintzer) Kurtz. William Kurtz was born March 32, 1834, in Marion township, where the Kurtz family was established early in the eighteenth century. All of his life has been spent in agricultural pursuits on the fine 100- acre farm on which he now resides, and on which is situated an old two and one-half story stone barn, a part of which was erected by Johann Jacob Losch, in about 1753, in which year he also erected the old his- toric house, which was used as an Indian fort in Col- onial days. William Kurtz was married (first) May 12, 1863, to Amanda Grimes, who died in 1865, in her twenty-first year, leaving two children: Lizzie, m. to David Althouse, of Womelsdorf; and Sallie, m. to William Boyer, of Heidelberg township. Mr. Kurtz's second marriage occurred in 1867, when he was united with Seleca Kintzer, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Kintzer, and there were two sons born to this marriage: Adam; and Samuel, born March 3, 1881, m. Lottie Trautman. by whom he has had two children, Mildred and George W. Adam Kurtz received his education in the public schools of his native township, and his youth was spent in agricultural pursuits on the old home farm. Deciding that there was a brighter future offered him in the city, he came to Reading in 1895, and for a time was in the employ of E. S. Wenrich, at No. 545 Penn street, but in June, 1903, with Elmer F. Reed as a partner, he established the present busi- ness, the connection having continued to the present time. The restaurant caters especially to the work- ing man, and is one of the most popular of its kind in the city, gratifying success having attended the partners' efforts. In fraternal circles, Mr. Kurtz is connected with Washington Camp No. 560. P. O. S. of A.; Muhlenberg Lodge. No. 1082, I. O. O. F.. both of Reading; Chandler Lodge. No. 327, F. & A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; Williams- port Consistory. 32d degree, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of Liberty Fire Company. He and his family belong to First Reformed Church. On June 1, 1903, Mr. Kurtz was married to Bessie Horn, eldest daughter of Robert and Mary (Reider) Horn, of Reading. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz reside in their comfortable home at No. 513 Weiser street. ROBERT H. DENNISON, Sr., now retired, who- was master painter for the Philadelphia & Reading system, with headquarters at Reading. Pa., is one of the best known men in his line in this city, as well as a highly respected citizen. Although a native of another country he has given his allegiance to his adopted land and proved himself a public-spirited, progressive and intelligent citizen, He was born in 1862, at Kingston, Canada, and was but a child when his parents removed to Albany, N. Y., and in the pub- lic schools of that city he obtained his education. His schooling completed, Mr. Dennison apprenticed himself to learn the trade of carriage painter, a call- ing he industriously and successfully followed until 1887, when he was offered a position in the painting department of the New York Central Railroad. This he accepted and held until 1896, when he became mas- ter painter for the Philadelphia & Reading Company. This position he continued to fill until his retirement to the satisfaction of all concerned. He showed great executive ability in his management of the two hun- dred men under him, his work covering several di- visions of the system, and he won the regard and respect of his subordinates as well as his superiors, a state of affairs very essential to success. BIOGRAPHICAL 591 In 1887 Mr. Dennison was married to Miss Margaret Acker, of Albany, N. Y., and to this union has been born one son, Robert H., who is employed in the mechanical department of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Company. The pleasant home and comfortable residence of Mr. Dennison is located on the Kutz- town Road, Hyde Park. Mr. Dennison is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., of Reading; Reading Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery. No. 42, K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory, No. 320, of Philadelphia; a charter member of the Lodge of Per- fection, of Reading; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to Reading Lodge of Elks. Mr. and Mrs. Dennison .are members of the Episcopal Church. CHARLES A. SMITH, the well known contractor of Reading, who resides at No. 313 North Ninth street, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 10, 1856, son of Joseph T., whose father was a farmer of Adams coun- ty. Joseph T. Smith attended the public schools of Ad- ams county, and when a young man learned the brick- laying trade. His early business life was spent in Reading, but later he removed to Philadelphia, where he spent eight years, at the end of that time return- ing to Reading. In 1873 he engaged in contracting in brick, and this he followed very successfully until his death, Aug. 6, 1891. He married Barbara Ritner, daughter of Jacob Ritner, and to this union there were born: Frank, a brick layer is employed with his brother; Charles A.; Mary, m. to George Rippel; John, deceased; Vincent A.; and William A., who was Charles' partner until his death in 1897. For a number of years Mr. Joseph T. Smith was a school controller from the Ninth ward. Charles A. Smith's educational advantages were se- cured in the schools of Reading, after leaving which he secured employment in the Scott works, and he continued at various positions until 1873, when he began to learn the bricklayer's trade with H. J. De- Long, of Reading. Remaining with this gentleman but a short time, Mr. Smith entered his father's em- ploy and continued with him until the latter's death, when he and his brother William took uo the business, which they continued until William's death. Since this time Mr. Charles A. Smith has continued the business alone with great success. Among th^ many large buildings of Reading erected by the Smiths may be mentioned the St. Joseph Hospital, and Mr. Smith has also done much work for the well-known firm of Rehr & Fricker. Charles A. Smith married Maggie Waldman, daugh- ter of Joseph Waldman, and to this union there have been born: Joseph, who is engaged with his father at brick laying; Mamie; William, and Edward. Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics, but has never cared for office. He is a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church. Fraternally, Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Eagles. LOTZ. The records of the Lotz family show that it was founded in America prior to the Revolution by (I) Nicholas Lotz, who was born Feb. 20, 1740, in the Palatinate, Germany. He emigrated to Pennsyl- vania when still a young man. first settling in the western section of the county of Berks. Some time previous to the breaking out of hostilities in the Rev- olution, he located at Wyomissing creek, where he be- came the owner of two miles at its mouth, a princely possession, and he conducted it very successfully. When the struggle for independence demanded his ser- vices, he was prominently identified with the patriotic movement at Reading. In January, 1775, he was se- lected chairman of the standing committee. He served as delegate to the Provincial Conference in June, 1776, and upon his return home he took an active part in the enlistment of men. He himself was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and took part in the campaign of the "Flying Camp" at New York, where he was en- gaged in the battle of Long Island and taken prisoner. He was admitted to parole within certain bounds on April 16, 1777, and exchanged on Sept. 10, 1779. He showed great interest in militia matters, being at the head of the battalion in the central section of the county from 1775 through a period of miany years. In 1780 he was appointed commissioner of Forage, and as such purchased supplies for the army until the close of the war. The executive council addressed him as col- onel, and recognized him as holding such rank. Col. Lotz represented Berks county in the General Assembly from 1784 to 1786, and again from 1790 to 1794, and he filled the office of associate judge of the coun- ty from 1795 to 1806. Gov. Thomas Mifflin gave him the appointment, not only because of his belief that he was the best man for the exalted position, but also because of the deep friendship which existed between them. While President Washington was at Reading on his way to Carlisle, in 1794, Col. Lotz commanded the imposing parade which honored the presence of the distinguished visitor. The review took place in Penn square, and the President was sta- tioned on the second story of the "Federal Inn" (now the site of the Farmers Bank building). Col. Lotz was a tall, finely proportioned man, over six feet in height, and weighing about 300 pounds, and upon that occasion, he attracted marked attention not only on account of his commanding presence, but also because of his military, political and social prominence. Col. Lotz died at Reading Nov. 28, 1807, and his' remains were interred in the graveyard of the Reformed church, but later they were removed to the Charles EVans cemetery. Eight children survived Col. Lotz: Philip, Nicholas, Jacob, John, Henry, Michael, William and Rosa (m. to John Yeager). (II) Philip Lotz, son of Col. Lotz, was a life-long resident of Reading and for many years he kept a hotel at Lutz Dam. By trade he was a saddler. In 1856-57 he represented the Southwest ward in the council. By his wife. Catherine, he had children as follows: Sarah m. Ivan Benson; Rebecca m. a Mr. Shanaman; Hannah m. George Fichthorn; Mary ra. Paris Hain; Molly m. George East; Peter m. and his children were — Mary, Henry, William, John and Peter (twins), Harry. James! Philip and Louise; Philip; William m. and had children — Barbara, Kathryn, Henry, Caroline, Philip, William, Casper and Emma. (HI) Philip Lotz, son of Philip Lotz, was born Nov. 24, 1802, and died Aug. 9, 1858, aged fifty-five years. By trade he was a butcher, and followed that occupa- tion many years, residing at Lutz's Dam where the sheet mill is now located. The old stone house was built in 1811, and there all his children were born. This landmark is still standing. Philip Lotz married Anna East, born July 7, 1808, died May 20, 1882. aged sev- enty-four years. Their children were: Henry and Na- than died in infancy; Cyrus and Jeremiah were killed in the Civil war; Mary Ann died in infancy; Sarah m. Charles Melcher; Catherine m. Alfred Franks, of Read- ing; Michael was killed in the Civil war; Ivans, born Nov. H, 1842, died May 17, 1899; Andrew; and Anna ■m. Harry Cook, of Reading. , * (IV) Andrew Lotz, son of Philip Lotz, was born in Reading April 6, 1844, and has always made this city his home. When only seventeen years of age he commenced working on the old Schuylkill canal as a laborer, and after two years began boating on the canal, under Captain Aaron Hoyer. After several seasons they were in the employ of the government in the vicinity of Washington, but upon the outbreak of the Civil war, he sympathized with the struggle of the government, and in 1864 enlisted in Company D, 198th Pa. V. I., and served fifteen months. He was wounded in the leg at South Side Railroad in Virginia, March 29, 1864. After the war he returned to Reading nd2 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and became bar clerk for several establishments, finally establishing himself in the hotel business in which he continued for twenty years, but he is now living retired at No. 458 Tulpehocken street, Reading. In 18G5 Mr. Lotz married Ellen Catherine Lieb, born March 8. 1850, daughter of Joshua Lieb of Spring town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Lotz had these children: Sallie C, George E., Rosa, Annie, Edward, Joseph, Ella and Howard, all of whom reside in Reading. (V) Geoege E. Lotz, son of Andrew Lotz, was born in Reading Aug. 16. 1869. He commenced working in a pipe foundry at Second and Court streets when only fourteen years old, and there remained for several years, when he went to work in a brick yard. After several years he engaged with the United States Express Com- pany, and was with them for nine years, when he changed to the Adams Express Company, and remained with thera for eighteen months. For one year he was in the employ of the Union Cab Company, and then for another year he was with a wholesale house. His next employer was Wj. H. Luden, the candy manufacturer of Reading, whose head teamster he was for three years. On Jan. 8, 1906, Mr. Lotz embarked in the hotel busi- ness, and is the proprietor of the popular hotel at No. 153 North Tenth street, which he has since conducted so as to win for his hostelry a steady patronage, not only from the traveling public, but also from residents of the city. For three years Mr. Lotz served as a member of the National Guard, and with Company I of the Fourth Regiment was at Drifton, and at Latimore, Pa. This company was first attached to the Eleventh regiment. He is now a member of the Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 16; the Old Guard Association; the Reading Turnverein; and Nest No. 116, American Order of Owls. He is also the representative of the Liquor Dealers Protective Association. Ever since old enough to cast his first vote, he has been a Democrat. On May 14, 1889, Mr. Lotz married Catherine Raeger, daughter of Henry and Emma (Snyder) Raeger, of Reading, and they have two children, Elwood Hl and Walter A. (III) Witliam Lotz, son of Philip, and father of Casper Lotz, was born at Reading April 4, 1799. All of his life was spent in Reading, where he carried on a large and successful butchering business on North Fifth street at the location of the present Masonic Temple. Mr. Lotz was active in church work, assisting in building the First Reformed and St. John's Re- formed churches of Reading. He served on the build- ing committees of both churches, and was very liberal in his contributions. Among other things he contrib- uted the brick used in the erection of St. John's Re- formed church at Ninth and Chestnut streets. He mar- ried Sarah Hess, daughter of Casper Hess, of Reading, and they had these children: Barbara m. Rev. Henry Hoflfman, a Reformed minister; Kathryn m. John H. Seltzer; Caroline died unmarried; William died in in- fancy; Henry is of Reading; Philip is of Reading; Cas- per FI.; Emma m. Albert Briemer. of Reading. (IV) Casper H. Lotz was bom in Reading Oct. 27, 1839. and was educated in the public schools of Read- ing. He learned butcherinp- from his father, following that line of business all of his active life in Reading. For years he attended the Reading miarket on Penn Square, and was one of the well known butchers of the city for nearly half a century, and controlled the best trade, always carrying a very fine class of goods. He gave his personal supervision to the work. His butcher shop was on North Fifth street, the present location of the Masonic Temple. This property was the home- stead of his grandfather, Casper Hess. Mr. Lotz built his residence on the southeast corner of Fifth and Windsor, and there he also had his shop and slaughter houses, which were very complete. Mr. Lotz retired from business in ]904, and the family now reside at No, 715 North Fourth street. Reading. In politics, Mr. Lotz is a Republican, and in 1864 cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He served in the common coun- cil from 1880 to 1884 from the Seventh ward. He and his family are members of the Reformed church. In ISoO Mr. Lotz married Rebecca Nagle, daughter of Henry and Mary (Homan) Nagle, and they had a family as follows: Alice m. Ellsworth Leinbach, of Reading; Harry W. is engaged in a laundry business at Reading; Sue is at home; William was accidentally killed on the Reading railroad at Blandon, Pa., on June 5, 1904. leaving a daughter Edna. Mys. Casper H. Lotz died suddenly Feb. 25, 1909. GEORGE A. LEINBACH, late of Reading, who was well known in business circles as the junior member of the firm of Leinbach & Bros., died at his residence. No. 611 Walnut street, Reading, at four o'clock, Thursday afternoon, Sept. 21, 1905. He was born in Bern township Sept. 29, 1843, son of Christian and Susan (Althouse) Leinbach. The Leinbach family is an old one in Berks county. Mr. George A. Leinbach's line of descent from the earliest known American ancestor, Johannes Leinbach, Sr., was through Johannes, Jr. (and his wife Catharine Riehm), John Daniel (member of the State Assembly from Berks county in 1790), and Christian (and his wife Susan Alt- house). At the age of eighteen years George A. Leinbach en- listed in Company H, 104th P. V. I., being mustered in Sept. 5, 1863. On Oct. 21, 1864, he was promoted to ser- geant-major of the regiment, and he served until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge June 16, 1865. In the fall of the same 3'ear Mr, Leinbach and his brother, Joseph A., formed a partnership and engaged in the clothing business, continuing thus until the death of George A. In business circles Mr. Leinbach was known as an active and progressive man, always able to see an opportunity and grasp it. His business principles were hard steady work, fair, square dealing, courteous and gentle manners. The business which he and his broth- er started gradually enlarged until their establishment be- came the leading and best known clothing house in the city of Reading. Mr. Leinbach never took an active part in politics, but in religious work was very active, being very charitable, and distributing much in that way. He was a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church, and was a member of the Consistory. At the last session of the General Synod of the Reformed Church before his death Mr. Leinbach was elected a member of the Board of Ministerial Relief. ]\Ir. Leinbach married ^Miss Emma C. Shartle, daughter of Benneville and Mary (Shenk) Shartle. She survives her husband and makes her home in Reading. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Leinbach still surviving is Katharine L., wife of C. Clarence Long, of Reading, and mother of a son, George Leinbach Long. George Leinbach Long, grandson of George A. Leinbach, possesses a beautiful claw foot Chippendale chair, which was used by John Daniel Leinljach in the Colonial As- sembly which met at Philadelphia in 17:;."). The chair was the property of Pennsylvania, but when Mr. Leinbach's term of office expired he bought it and brought it home, and it has since descended to the nearest and eldest male Leinbach. Its history as printed on the back of the chair is as follows: "Daniel Leinbach, of Gilbertsyille, Montgomery Co., was a member of the Colonial Assembly held in the State House of Philadelphia, 1735, and when his term had expired he bought the chair he had used in the Assembly from the State as a memento, paving $5.00 for the unique piece of furniture." D. WEBSTER BLAND KUPP, M. D.. a popular physician, residing at Gibraltar, Berks Co., Pa., has met with success in his chosen calling. He was born at Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, July 4. 1857. The original spelling of the name was "Krupp,'' and the family is distantly related to the noted gun makers t7^^^i-9e »--7\ BIOGRAPHICAL 593 Frederick Kriipp, great-grandfather of Dr. Kupp, emi- sician and loyal friend, belonging to that happy class grated from. Germany^ and became one of the early set- of useful men, now all too fast disappearing in the rush tiers lof Union township, Berks county, taking up a large of modern life — the family physicians. tract of land opposite Douglassville, and there he en- Qn March 15 1882 Dr. Kupp was united in marriage gaged in farmiiig and blacksmithing. Frederick Krupp ^^^^ Amanda Smith, daughter of Jacob Smith, of had four sons: William, John, Frederick and Henry. shenkel, Chester Co.', Pa. To this union were born John Kupp, son of Frederick, was born in Union ^^^ ^^^^. warren Newton, born May 34, 1884, died township, Berks county, and became his fathers sue- j^ ^ggg ^„^ Webster Bland, born Jan. 13, 1889, cessor in both farming and blacksmithing. He was a ' jualed from the preparatory department of Dick- member' of the German Baptist Church of Chester ? ^^„ College in June 1907, and then entered the Med- county Pa. He had seven children: William, Samuel. ■ ^ Department of the Medico-Chirurgical College, John, Isaac, Harrison Elizabeth m. Jacob Haws, a Philadelphia, Pa., to take up the profession so ably carpenter and undertaker of Union township) and Mary followed by his- father. Mrs Kupp died June 6, 1906. E. (m. Henry W. T.tlow, of Pottstown, Montgomery ^^ ^^^.^ married (second) Anna F. (Warmkessel) «-o., ra.) ■ ^i. ,j -vr Wolfe, widow of Dr. William S. Wolfe, of Fleetwood, Isaac Kupp son of John was born in the old Kupp p \^. ^^-^^ j^^^ ^^^^ blessed with one daughter. Wn;/?h- t.'iW \r^i .Th^'Th .T °°f\,.^^ Miriam Bland, born March 6, 1908. Dr. and M.rs. Kupp learned the tailors trade, and conducted a clothing ^re members of the Lutheran Church, store at Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county. Pa.,, and later one at Pittston, Pa His health failed, and in 1860 gAMUEL C. MAYER, for over fifty years a prom- he gave up his mercantile business and returned to the ■ j j^^^ ^f Reading, where he died at an advanced v,™'A'if''i^ •'■ A ";/> ^ l-rj'^^' .t Py"'" age. was prominent both in the business life and ad- l^lli t' .^l^u^l "P"^*?"^ \' "-"'-l^'' Alf'V!'^ ministration of public affairs of that city. 3,1893 In 1840 he became a local mimster of the Meth- y^^_ y^ .^^s ^ nati,^,^ of Lancaster. Pa., born odist Episcopal Church, and was a preacher through all ^ jj ^^ \g^, g^,, j,f George Louis and Esther the remainder of his life. On Aug. 4 1839 he married ((fiarkson) Mayer. He received his education in his Margaret L. Bland,. who was born Jan. 19 1819, daughter ^^^jj^^ ^ ^1^^^^ he passed his early boyhood, being of Edward and Martha Bland. Edward Bland was born ^-^^^^^ ^f ^^en he came to Reading. His ^!^^; ^\ ^^^\.^^^ belonged to the old Bland family g^gt business venture here was in the hardware line, of Mt. Airy, Union township, Berks county. Pa. He ;„ association with his cousins, John and William was the father of the following children: Edward born j^eim, and later he entered into partnership with his Ja». 23 1794; Catherine, Dec. 7, 1798; Mary. July 16, brother-in-law, A. M. Hart, in the dry-goods busi- 1800; Ann, April 13. 1803; William, Sept 13, 1804; ^ggg jjg ^as also interested in the West Reading Samuel, Niov. 13, 1806; Robert; Jan. 23, 1809; Adam, Roller Mill, which he served as secretary and treas- May 5, 1811; John, Jan. 6, 1816; and Margaret L., Jan. ^je,., and in all his enterprises he proved his right to 19, 1819. To Isaac and Margaret L. (Bland) Kupp were ^^e high standing he enjoyed among business men born four children, namely: Elizabeth Anna, born May ^vherever known 3, 1845, died Aug. 27, 1880; Edward Newton, born Dec. ^j ^he breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Mayer 10, 1847, read law with John S. Richards, a leading mem- enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a ber of the Berks County Bar, and after graduating with member of Company C, 42d Pennsylvania Volun- first honors at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., Sept. 1, teers, and he was a soldier until the close of the con- 1868, took charge of a classical institute at St. Michaels, fijct ft .^^as after his return from the army that he Md., and died at that place Dec. 30, 1868; Walter Earl, began to take an active interest in municipal affairs born Sept. 5, 1853, died Nov. 17, 1855; and D. Webster ;„ Reading. He was a stanch member of the Demo- • B.. born July 4. 1857. cratic party, and as its candidate, in 1871. was elected Dr. D. Webster B. Kupp received his early education mayor of the city by a majority of 451 votes, his Re- in the Hill school at Pottstown, Montgomery county, publican opponent being William Geiger. He served and he began the study of medicine with Dr. Franklin one term in that responsible incumbency, giving thor- R. Gerhard, of Douglassville, Berks county. After a ough satisfaction to his constituency and maintaining three-years course he graduated from the Medical De- the high reputation he had made in business life. In partment of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- 1868-70 Mr. Mayer was a member of the common phia, Pa., March 15, 1882. On June 1, 1882, he located council, representing the Seventh ward. Mr. Mayer at Gibraltar, Berks county, for the practice of Mfedicine. was in poor health for a number of years toward the and there he has continued ever since. He has built close of his life, suffering from a complication of up a large practice and has won a warm place in the ailments, but his last illness was comparatively brief, hearts of the people in the village and in the surround- He died at his residence No. 144 North Fifth street, ing country. on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25, 1906, aged eighty- Dr. Kupp is a firm believer in the principles of the two years, five months, eight days. He was a member Republican party. In 1885 and 1897 he was a delegate of the Episcopal Church. to the Republican State convention from Berks county, Mr. Maye-r married Miss Mary A. Hunter, whom and in 1892 was alternate delegate to the National Re- he survived a number of years, the only surviving publican Convention at Minneapolis, Minn. For many member of his family being Miss Mary H. Mayer, years has been a member of the county committee, principal of the Girls' high school, Reading. From 1899 to 1905 he was a member of the school board in Robeson township, filling at different times the LATSHAW. The first of the name of Latshaw in offices of president, secretary and treasurer of the America came to Pennsylvania late in the eighteenth ■ board. Since May 1. 1898, he has been a memiber of century, and settled_ either in Chester or Montgomery the board of Pension Examiriing Surgeons and sec- county, and there his son John was born. John Lat- retary of the board since 1899. He is an ardent friend shaw, on reaching manhood, settled in the vicinity and supporter of the Hon. Boies Penrose, senior Senator of Fritztown, Berks county. of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1903 Dr. Kupp was John Latshaw (3), son of John and grandfather of raised a Mason in Union Lodge. No. 479, F. & A. M.; Howard and Adam Latshaw, was born in Spring He is a charter member and past president of Wash- township about 1804, and died in middle life. He was ington Camp. No. 593, P. O. S. of A., of Gibraltar. He a tailor by trade, and was also engaged for many is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, has years in quarrying stone, which he disposed of to con- been a member of the State Medical Society since June tractors. He married Polly (Mary) Hinnershitz, and 39, 1887. and of the American Medical Association since to them were born the following children: Jacob; John 1896. Dr. Kupp is both the practical, resourceful phy- (3); Abraham; Isaac; Harriet, m. to Solomon Yerger- 38 594 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Mary, m. to Valentine Moyer; Jonas; Catherine, who Myers, of Reading, and now holds membership in died at the age of ten years; Joseph, a farmer of Bethany Lutheran Church of West Reading. Spring township; and Susan, m. to John Moyer. Both On Sept. 15 1884 Mr. Latshaw was married to John (3) and his wife are buried at Hain's Church. Annie Eyrich, born Oct 17, IfS./vho died Dec. 9 John Latshaw (3) was born Nov. 7, 1838, in Spring l^"^.' .'daughter of Franklm and Mary Ann (Adam) J""".-^'"-= J ' .^ ,-' . rj-^ „, ' ,„ »r,^i Evnch, the former of whom lost his life at the age township, and died Aug. 29, 1903. He was an engi- ^^ twenty-three years, when with his brother on a neer and was sixteen years with the G. AA' Alexan- jg^^g^^e trip, he slipped on the deck of a steamer der Company, of Reading. During the Cml war he ^^^^^j ^^,1 overboard. Mrs. Latshaw had the following enlisted as a member of Battery F, 1st Pa. Light Ar- half-brothers and sisters: Annie; Richard;" Robert tillery, being mustered into service Feb. 13, 1864. He Pattison; Mary Ann; Carrie' and Katharine A., all served in the Second Army Corps, Army of the Po- Qf ^hom are deceased, with the exception of Miss tomac, and among others participated in the following Katharine A., who with her mother resides at the engagements: Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Har- home of Mr. Latshaw in West Reading, bor and siege of Petersburg. He was mustered out with his regiment June 9. 1865, and was given an GEORGE H. LASH, deceased, who was long a honorable discharge. Mr. Latshaw married Rebecca citizen of the city of Reading, being employed for a Reedy, born Dec. 28, 1839, who died Sept. 36, 1903, period of thirty years at the Seyfert McManus Iron daughter of John Reedy, of Spring township, and chil- Company, was born in Baden, Germany, June 21, 1819. dren as follows were born to them: Mary E.; J. Mr. Lash was educated in the common schools of William, who died suddenly in 1907, aeed forty-three his native country, where he was employed until his years; Thomas; Adam, of Reading, m. to Christina F. twenty-eighth year, at which time, in 1847, he came Bower; Howard; and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Lat- to America. He at once came to Reading, finding shaw are buried at Sinking Spring burial ground. employment as a laborer, but later entered the employ Adam Latshaw, son of John (3), was born at Sink- of Seyfert & McManus, in whose iron mill he worked ing Spring, May 13, 1868. When still quite young as engineer for thirty years. Mr. Lash died Aug. 31, he learned the hatting trade, and during the summer 1893, aged seventy-three years, two months, months he worked at the trade at Alexander's Hat Mr. Lash was married to Mary Ann Wonderly, Factory at West Reading, and during the winters he daughter of Henry and Mary (Whitman) Wonderly, attended school. For about six years he was em- and to this union there were born twelve children, ployed by the Alexanders, and later he worked for all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Kessler's at Reading for about seven years. In 1895 Philip H. and George F. Mr. Lash was a valued mem- he commenced working at the John Hendel & Son ber of the Lutheran Church, which he attended reg- Hat Factory in Reading, and continued with them ularly. In his political views he was a Democrat, as journeyman until 1901, when he was made foreman His widow resides at No. 924 Spruce street, where of the blocking department. This position he has since the family has lived since 1869. most capably iilled. and being a good mechanic him- self, he is able to direct wisely the nine men in his ADAM H. LEADER, one of Reading's successful charge. Since 189-1 he has resided in his own home business men, has been prominent in public life as at No. 118 Hamilton street, and in 1905 he built his well, having in 1896 become city comptroller, and later present handsome residence, a two-story brick, to mayor. He was born March 22, 1867, in Reading, take the place of the former home at that number, son of Jacob and Sarah (Herb) Leader. He is the owner of some fine pigeons, all flying Jacob Leader, grandfather of Adam H., was born homers, and of these he has from one to three hundred in Montgomery county. Pa., whence he removed to all the time. His best bird won a 500-mile race. He Bern township, Berks county, and later to Reading.^ also keeps fancy chickens, white, brown and buff Leg- where he died, horns, as well as other fancy breeds. Jacob Leader, son of Jacob, was born in Bern town- On July 6, 1894, Adam Latshaw was married to ship in 1838, and in 1850 located in Reading, where Christina (or Christie) F. Bower, daughter of John the rest of his life was spent at the molder's trade, and Christina Fredericka (Bower) Bower, both na- He was a stanch Republican, but never cared for pub- tives of Wittenberg. Germany, who emigrated to lie office. His religious belief was that of the Cov- America, landing at Castle Garden July 4, 1881. Mr. enant Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was and Mrs. Bower have five children; Maria Catharine, a trustee. Mr. Leader married Sarah Herb, born in Christina Fredericka. Wilhelm Frederick, Rosanna 1840, and four children were born to this union, Barbara and Martin Frederick. Mr. and Mrs. Latshaw namely: Adam H.; Sadie M., m. to Irwin B. Homan, have one daughter, Rosiena Helen, an accomplished of Reading; and J. Elmer and Harry R., machinists of musician who began playing the piano when only Reading. seven years of age, and who is now attending the Adam H. Leader received his education in the pub- public schools. lie and high schools of Reading, graduating in 1884 Howard Latshaw, son of John (3) and brother of from the latter at the age of seventeen years. He Adam, was born in Spring township Sept. 15, 1870, learned surveying, and was engaged therein for about and was educated in the township schools. He was seven years, at the end of which time he entered the but thirteen years of age when he learned the hatting real estate field, in which he has been eminently suc- trade with G. W. Alexander & Co., with whom he cesstul. In 1889 Mr. Leader formed a partnership served a full apprenticeship of three and one-half with Mr. H. H. Roland, and continued this business years. He continued in the employ of this firm until for a period of twelve years. March 1, 1890, when he engaged in the grocery busi- Mr. Leader's political affiliations are with the Re- ness at the corner of Chestnut street and_ Second av- publican party, in the ranks of which he has been a enue, West Reading, where he owns a brick dwelling stanch and steady standard bearer. In 1S93 he was 15x43 feet, with additions. He carries a full line of elected to the office of city assessor for a term of general merchandise, and he possesses the full confi- three years, and he was subsequently placed in charge dence of the community in which his business is of the finances of the city, being elected to the posi- located, his goods being of the best quality and his tion of comptroller, for also one term of three years, prices moderate. In addition to his home and busi- In 1899 he was elected mayor of the city of Reading", ness property Mr. Latshaw owns much other valu- and served a full term, until April, 1903, after which able building property in the borough, and is consid- he_ entered the contracting field, his principal business ered one of the most substantial business men in being municipal work such as street paving and the West Reading. In politics he is a Democrat. He construction of sewers and filtration plants, and he is was baptized and confirmed by the Rev. William H. now building a water filtering plant (known as the BIOGRAPHICAL 595 Burkhart plant) for the city of Reading. Fraternally Mr. Leader is connected with Reading Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M., and Progressive Lodge, L O. O. F. On June 23, 1898, Mr. Leader married Mary K. Fisher, daughter of Wellington H. and Caroline Fisher, of Reading. JOHN SAUER, who passed many years in Reading engaged in shoemaking and in the retail shoe business, died suddenly Feb. 3, 1908. He was a native of Bavaria, born in 1844, son of John Sauer, Sr., and his wife, Anna Eva (Georg) Sauer. John Sauer, Sr., was born in H-ahnbach, Bavaria, Germany, in 1811. In August, 1854, he came to Amer- ica with his wife and children, and located in Readihg, Pa., where he found work as a roof-tile and brick'maker. In Germany he had married Anna Eva Georg, daughter of Nicholas Georg, and their children were: Abolonia, m. to Christoph Sauer, of Germany (he died in Read- ing); Barbara, m. to Joseph Waltman, a boiler maker, and living at No. 109 North Ninth street, Reading; John; and Anna, m. to Adam Leithan, deceased. The mother died in January following their arrival in Amer- ica. Mr. Sauer married a second time, and this wife also preceded him in death. He died in 1894, and is buried in the Catholic cemetery at Reading. He was a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, and was always interested in its work. John Sauer, whose name heads this sketch, was six- teen years old when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and he 'worked at it until a year before his death when failing eyesight caused him to give it up. He still, however, continued his retail shoe business, at No. 350 North Ninth street, a place he had occupied for thirty-five years, and which building he owned. For some years he conducted a cigar shop in connec- tion with his shoe shop, and he made shoes for Martin Streng, whose store was at No. 715 Penn street. When the latter died Mr. Sauer gave up his cigar business, and opened a shoe store, making and repairing boots and shoes. He was a fine workman and by steady in- dustry and good business sagacity he amassed a com- fortable fortune. Not all of his time was given to the shoe business, as he became interested in the Hamp- den Knitting Mills Company, and was one of its direc- tors at the time of his death. In public affairs he was more than an interested on-Iooker — he was an active participant, and as a Democrat represented the Ninth ward in the common council one term, and in the select council two terms. Mr. Sauer was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and a charter member of the Catholic Literary Union of the Bonifacius Brotherhood. In the latter society, organized forty-two years ago, he had been president twelve successive years, and previous to thav time had served as vice-pres'ident and in other posi- tions. He also belonged to the Holy Cross Beneficial Society of the Catholic Church. Mr. Sauer married Nov. 26, 1869, Margaret Knapp, daughter of George Knapp, and she with six children survives him, the children being: John E.; Catharine, m. to George Born; George C. ; Francis S.; Rose, m. to Jacob Ashenbrenner; and Adam. George Knapp, father of. Mrs. Sauer,' was a native of Germany, who came to America in his young man- hood, and settled in Reading. He was a stone cutter by trade, and helped to build the entrance to the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading. He married Margaret Moss, a native of the same German town as he, though their marriage took place in this country. Their chil- dren were: Margaret, Catharine, Barbara and Rosa. ALVIN DUNLAP, superintendent of the United Traction Company, of Reading, is a self-made man who by sheer force of ability has risen from the ranks to his present responsible position. The Dunlap family have lived in Berks county for about forty-five years, Mr. Dunlap's father, Thomas, having come to Reading from Chester county. He was a grocer by occupation and was so engaged at the time of his death, May 30, 1900, when aged sixty-two years. He married Sarah Margaret Smith, who died about six months before her husband, the mother of ten children, five of whom she outlived. ' Those who are still living are: William, a street railway con- ductor; Sarah Ellen, m. to Lewis Schott, a grocer in Readitig; Howard F., a farmer in Lancaster county; and Alvin. Alvin Dunlap was born Sept. 30, 1863, in Reading. Until he was thirteen he attended the public schools, but was then obliged to start working.. He began in 1875 as a driver of a horse car and has been con- nected with the street car service ever since. Not many months after his appearance as a driver, he at- tracted the attention of some one on the staff of the Eagle, and in the issue of Jan. 21, 187S, he was given, a big write-up, and a successful future Was prophe- sied for him. His rise was both steady and rapid, and as early as 1891 he reached the position of despatcher. In 1900 he became assistant superintend- ent, and four years later^ was promoted to his present office of superintendent, 'and he has about three hun- dred men under his personal control. His rise has been due to merit alone, for he possesses the qualities specially requisite for success in a traction business.- Mr. Dunlap has been twice married. His first wife, who died about seventeen years ago, was Miss Mar- garet Snell, daughter of 'a veteran of the Civil war, who died from a wound received during that struggle. There were three children by this union: Thomas Alvin, a railway conductor; Anna Margaret, m. to Harry F. Hertzog, a conductor; and Ellen, at home. The present Mrs. Dunjap was Miss Sallie Endy, daughter of Jediah Endy, of Reading. Mr. Dunlap is a member of St. James Lutheran Church. In poli- tics he is a good Republican, but has too little time to spare from his duties as superintendent to be active in politics. Fraternally he belongs to Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; Castle No. 63, Knights of the Golden Eagle; and Juniata Tribe, No. 74, I. O. R. M. He has long been connected with the United Traction Company's Employees Benefit Association, in which at present he holds the office of treasurer. HARVEY A. SPANNUTH, proprietor of the Kemp- ton Creamery, was born at Crosskill Mills, Bethel township, Berks Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1877, son of Eman- uel and Lydia (Trautman) Spannuth. On the memorable Christmas night of 1776, when General Washington crossed the Delaware and sur- prised and captured the German contingent of the British army, one Henry Spannuth was made a pris- oner. He was a native of Brussels and had been hired as a British soldier, but after he had met his Ameri- can captors and was released by them, like many others he not only refused to take up arms against them, but on the other hand cast his lot in with the struggling patriots and assisted them in their battle for justice. After the close of the Revolution, he set- tled in Lebanon county. Pa., on land now owned by Jonathan Yeiser. Here he reared his family, and died. His children were: Jacob and George (twins). Mol- lie, Elizabeth, Catherine, Christian, Eva and Sarah^ long since deceased. George Spannuth was born Nov. 17, 1800, in Jack- son township, Lebanon county. In. 1823 he married Mary Weber, of Bethel township, and of their seven children six grew to maturity: ' Andrew. J. Henry, Emanuel, Mary, George and John, of whom the last survivor was J. Henry, who died Feb. 8, 1908. Emanuel Spannuth, son of Georee, was born in Jackson township, Lebanon county, Feb. 2, 1828, and died Feb. 13, 1896. In his young manhood he came to Berks county, and he purchased the Newcomet Mill m Bethel township, Berks county, and for thirty- five years conducted it with great success. This he 596 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA remodeled at great expense and made it thoroughly county, Pa., Mr. Kreider being descended from the up-to-date, being one of the first roller mills between latter. Hamburg and Lebanon. It had a capacity of sev- William Kreider, grandfather of the Alderman, lived enty-five barrels per day (twenty-four hours). It is in Lititz, Lancaster county. He went to Florida and said that altogethef the mill cost him $50,000, took part in the Seminole Indian war and was never but he had a large local trade and regardless of the heard from afterward. Edwin W. Kreider, the Alder- amount expended on his mill, he made a good per cent man's father, was then but four years old. He be- on his investment. This mill and the one hundred came a carriage builder and died in Reading May 17, acres of land belonging to the mill property had been 1904, aged seventy-four years. He^ married Ange- in the Newcomet name for a century. Mr. Spannuth lina Missemer, daughter of Samuel Missemer, who was employed six or seven men all the time, and he was in the cigar business at Catasauqua, and they were succeeded in this mill by his son Acquillas, who now the parents of ten children, four of whom are deceased: operates it and owns the property. It was burned E. W., who died in 1876, aged fourteen years; George Oct. 1, 1891. causing a loss of $12,000. Mr. Spannuth B., who died in 1866, aged two years; Mary Ida, who was a Republican and for many years was com- died in infancy in 1860; and Clarence, a book- mitteeman of his party, and he was delegate to various deeper who died in 1903. The surviving children county conventions. He and his family were members ^"^e Milton C; Frankhn _S.. a constable of the Fourth of the Lutheran congregation of Klopp's Union ^"d, Reading; Annie, wife of Benjamin Schoenberger, Church, in which he had held membership for forty '^J^^A°'^^'''Sj''^''''''l>l^^^^ , J 11 J i_ *„ T lOQo u „ K-Olana ana Henry, carriage painters oi Reading. years, and was deacon, elder and trustee. In 1882 when A/r;r(.„„ r tt^^-.aL, „„„ i ,„ n/r„,„u oo 10c.. j IT, ■ X 1 1 ■ L -1^ 1 1. • r iT_ Milton L.. Kreider was born March 23, 1854. and the present church was built he was chairman of the , „ „„ ,. . , . ,, ui- 1,1 t ^""•»^> t"-^ , -ij. .., TT u ■ J ■ ^u * he was educated in the public schools. Leaving home building committee. He was buried in the cemetery „. ,.„ „„ f ^ ^ t- c ^ ^■ J- ■ ■ -r- , c it. ■ J T 1- T i at the age of seventeen years his first occupation was adjoining. Emanuel Spannuth married Lydia Traut- ,,. i,.„j;„„ „^?, ^u i • -lj "^v^">'.'»'- "" 11.. TT iUTi ju -J at herding cattle on the plains. He spent eigrht years man, daughter of Jonathan Trautman, and she survived „„ .1 „ r= .. _ , ^, ^ . . . ^ -r, j? j'taia u^^ u„^u„,,A K„(. =i„„<,„ tu^ ■T'U^,, u„A 4.i,;,t=„„ °^ the frontier, and then returning to Reading, went tier nusbana but eleven months. Ihey had thirteen ■„,. .i,„ ■ u ■ vi i.- r ii, u ■ children: Henry, a wholesale milk and ice cream '"'° ''^%'?,';,^Tn^ ?'. Ti*^' w. ^^*^m' ^^=°'?'"§ dealer at Pottsville; Elizabeth, who died young; Mad- ?f""t nnc^f nn r i«Br u l^' ^\ remained eline, who died young; Emma, m. to Isaac Sensing; 'J^n*^'' P°''*'°^ ""*'' ^f^ ^'''•'' ^'^'^n"' ^° ^=5"y'"i Amelia, unmarried; Lydia, deceased, m. to Benjamtn hLin^ ^' if ^"^''^^'^ '" '^""^^^ building and hotel Strause and had two daughters; Morris, a miller at ll^,^'"^ ^°l±t own account, remaming there six Fredericksburg, Pa.; Andrew, a miller and farmer at ?'l?:^,^', "™'"^ 'i° ^^^^/"g he entered his fathers Enders, Dauphin county; Acquillas, successor to his ""'^f^ li'oi'V/T ■' *''" Pos tion of superintend- father knd owner of the home.teprl- Alire m to T..,-,. «?':. ^5. ^^?? ^i' .Mulder was elected superintendent lected lected Crosskill Milk- and Hnrvpv A '^° ^"cceed himself in that office. In 1902, although L-rosskUl Mills and Harvey A. , , ,■ ■ running on the Democratic ticket in a Repubhcan ward Harvey A. Spannuth received a good education m ^^ ^^° ^^^^^^^ alderman of the Fourth ward which the public schools which he supplemented. by a course 0^,^ ^e is still filling. in the Commercial Department of the Lebanon Busi- ^ Kreidpr wn=! m-ii-nVrl Anril ci iqri f„ v.,i» ness college, from which he graduated in 1899. At rZr R. .Ll hf= ZVf^h. . I I 1 ! ' °, Tf """ the age of sixteen he ilearned milling under his TrT.v Rpdrn^ .n^ llrn Hn, r f '^ J'T? children: father, and this he followed for five years. In 1900 ^T/t ^chnnl """l.^^Z^^ m? "' ^^^■?^ '^•''°"' he began in the creamery business at Crosskill Mills, "e^hl/';'}°°,L p^f^AW fl\ T^l' ^'^'n', " ^ and at the same time took a course in the Dairy De^ ??,^X, .I1 "Thf ror^J;.ill= " ^7*""^? .O^^er of „_.-i„,„„i t tu TD 1 • Ci i ^ ri T^r Hagles, and 1 lie L-ommercials. In reliffion he i<; Knn^L^.H 1,^= K nTfl'"'"'Mr ^'''*1 ^^"'#^- ^'- a member of the Methodist Church. ^ apannuth and his brother Acquillas, under the firm name ?^,A-^^- Spannuth & Brother, conducted Crosskill JOHN F. REIFSNYDER, in whose death at Reading Mills Creamery for one year, when the firm dissolved. Pa.. March 17, 1905, this city lost a citizen who had Mr. Harvey A. Spannuth went to Fredericksburg, and been identified with the commission business here for operated the Fredericksburg roller mills for two and many years, was widely known. one-half years. In the fall of 1904 he came to Read- John F. Reifsnyder was born in Oley township ing, and for one year was in the employ of the Read- April 22. 1848, a son of Joel and Margaret (Jones)' ing Radroad Company. In 1905 he moved to Lyon Reifsnyder. His father was a blacksmith and followed Valley, and there conducted the Lyon Valley Creamery his business at Unionville, where he died at the ao-e and farm for Smale Brothers, remaining two and of thirty-three years. His widow died in October one-half years. From there he came to Kempton in 1908, at Baumstown. They had four children Georee" the spring of 1909, and has since successfully operat- John F., Matilda and Joel, Jr (who died ' Tulv lo' ed the Kempton Creamery. He receives about 20,000 1909). J :> > pounds of milk per week. , ^ , . , ,. Mr. Reifsnyder obtained a common school educa- bocially Mr. bpannuth is a member of Fredericks- tion and when he was sixteen years of age he se- burg Lodge, No. 353, I. O. O. F.; and Jordan Encamp- cured employment in the shipping department of ment of this order, at Pleasant Corner, in Lehigh the Brooke Iron Company, of Birdsboro In 1886 he county. He and his wife belong to the old Lutheran came to Reading and opened a retail commission house ^^^\?^ Rehrersburg. at No. 210 North Ninth street, where he continued for On May 20, 1902, Mr. Spannuth married Laura H. ten years, when, on account of business exoansion Snyder, daughter of Davilla and Catharine (Schneider) he bought the two dwellings at the north-east corner Snyder, the former a horse dealer in Bethel township. 01 Ninth and Elm streets. These he converted into Two children have been born of this union: Ray S., appropriate buildings for his business and here con- who died m mfancy; and Donald S. tinned in the commission line, both wholesale and J i r KREIDER, alderman of the Fourth Reading Railway freight house, at Eighth and But- ward, Reading, has been prominently connected with tonwood streets, with an office on the Eighth street the political affairs of that city for a number of years, side, and this he converted into a storage warehouse He is descended from a family of German origin. Here he carried on his enormous business for four- the tounders of which in this country were three teen years and during this time handled hundreds of brothers, who came to America many generations car loads of commodities. As an example of his ago One of them settled in Lebanon county, one vast trade, in a single year he handled seventv-five in Huntingdon county and the other in Lancaster cars of bananas and sixty cars of oranges BIOGRAPHICAL 597 Mr. Reifsnyder was married at Reading, in 1870, to Annie G. Lincoln, daughter of the late John D. and Sarah (Gilbert) Lincoln, the former of whom died at the age of eighty-one years and the latter at the age of eighty-five years. They had the following child- ren: Amelia, deceased; Alfred; Harrison, of Reading; Elizabeth; John, deceased; Richard; Martha; Annie G.; Sarah; Mary; and Oscar, who died young. Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnyder had one daughter that died in infancy. Mr. Reifsnyder invested in Reading property to some extent and in 1893 erected Reifsnyder Hall, which is situated on the northeast corner of Ninth and Elm streets, and which is rented for lodge pur- poses. Mrs. Reifsnyder belongs to the same Lincoln fam- ily that gave the people of the United States the immortal President. Abraham Lincoln. In Exeter township about a mile below Exeter Station there is an old stone house in which lived, up to the time of his death, in 1736, Mordecai Lincoln, who was the great-great-grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln homestead, which embraces sixty-one acres is owned by the brother, Richard G. Lincoln, who was born in Exeter and is the third surviving brother of Mrs. Reifsnyder. He purchased the property some ten years since, and in many ways he is a typical Lincoln, closely resembling the martyred President. The latter was not born in the old stone house, but it ' is so closely associated with the early days of the family that its possession is a source of pleasure to the younger generation. JOHN H. OBOLD, of John H. Obold & Co., hard- ware dealers. No. 300 Penn street, Reading, Pa., is a representative business man of that city, and was born in Penn township, Berks county, March 8, 1850, son of Elias and Elizabeth (Filbert) Obold. The name was originally spelled Abold, and tradition says that three brothers of the name came to America, one set- tling in Bern township and one in Heidelberg town- ship, Berks county, while the third, it is believed, settled in the southeastern part of the state, although nothing definite is known of him. The progenitor of this old and honored family was Joseph Obold, who settled in Bern township, Berks county, prior to the erection of the county in 1752, and in 1759 he paid a federal tax of eight pounds. His will is on record in Will Book 3, page 80, and was entered Nov. 30, 1770, from which fact it is deduced that he probably died early in November, 1770. He was survived by his wife Maria Elizabeth. From items in his will it appears that he had children not yet twenty-one years of age. He mentions his son Joseph, who obtained the homestead by paying seventy pounds to the other heirs and twenty pounds annually to his mother. The will was witnessed by Hieronymus Hemmig. Mathias Stoudt and Nicholas Holler. This Joseph Obold is probably the same Joseph who came to America on the ship "Robert and Alice" which landed at Philadelphia, Sept. 3, 1739, and on this same vessel was one Mathew Onbolt, perhaps a brother. In 1759 in Heidelberg township lived Sebastian Obold, who paid a federal tax of ten pounds. There is, how- ever, nothing to indicate his relationship to Joseph, .though it is very likely that they were related, nor is there record of his children. Joseph Obold, great-grandfather of John H., died during the building of the Union canal, where he con- tracted a fever. He was a farmer by occupation, own- ing upwards of_ three hundred acres of land in Penn and North _ Heidelberg townships, this being subse- quently divided among his children, and he was also the owner of the "Mt. Pleasant Hotel." Among his children were: Rebecca, m. to Andreas Greth; Eliza- beth, m. to Benjamin Haas; Mrs. Umbenhauer; Joseph, whose only daughter became the wife of James Christ, of Reading; George; and Philip. Philip Obold, son of Joseph, was a yeoman of Penn township. He made his will March 27, 1843, and it , was probated June 17, 1843. He married Susanna Hetrick, and among their children were: Elias, who was executor of his father's will; and Sophia and Philip, who were under age at the time of their fath- er's death, and for whom their uncle, George Obold, acted as guardian. Philip Obold was a stanch Democrat in his political belief, but was never an aspirant for political preferment. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church. The early Obolds were Roman Catholics, and with the Deppens, Kisslings and others donated the land for the Catholic cemetery. Elias Obold, son of Philip and Susanna, was reared to farm pursuits, but on reaching manhood directed his attention to the mercantile business, carrying on a successful general store at Mt. Pleasant, although he still owned and operated a farm. He was honest and upright, and his word was as good as another's note with those he met in business. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and in that faith died in 1888, at the age of sixty-eight years. He married Elizabeth Filbert, who died Dec. 26, 1904, aged eighty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Obold were the parents of the following children: P. Reiley F.; Elias; Emma; Mary; Katie; John H.; Annie, who died aged twelve years; and several who died in infancy. John H. Obold received his education in the common schools and in the Keystone State Normal at Kutz- town, Palatinate College at Myerstown and Mt. Pleas- ant Seminary at Boyertown. He taught school for seven terms, and for some time was engaged in farm work. In 1871 he came to Reading where he engaged. as a clerk with the firm of Lerch & Co., hardware mer- chants, in which capacity he remained until 1881, when he came to his present stand, then operated by Jones & Clous, purchasing the stock, and doing business un- der the firm name of J. H. Obold & Co. The firm, handles all kinds of shelf hardware, builders' mater- ials, gjass, paints, oils, etc., and all other lines usually carried in a first class store, giving particular atten- tion to shot-guns, rifles, and ammunition. The firm also carries a full line of horse blankets and lap robes, and is the Reading agent for the Oliver Chilled Plows and Blue Rock Targets. Mr. Obold has sustained the reputation of his ancestors for honest and square deal- ing, and his house is known all over this section of Pennsylvania. Sixteen men are employed, including three traveling salesmen who cover eastern Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Obold has been twice married. His first wife, Elizabeth M. Evans, who died May 3, 1900, was a daughter of John V. R. Evans. Three sons were born of this union: Howard, Calvin and Lester Elias, the latter of whom died Oct. 23, 1905, aged twenty years, five months and twenty-five days. Of the others, How- ard, a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College and the Eastern Theological Seminary both of Lancaster, was ordained a minister of the Reformed Church in 1901, and is now located at Alexandria. Pa. Calvin is ond) Mrs. Elizabeth (Yalentine) Fidler, of Womelsdorf. 'clerking in his father's store. Mr. Obold married (see- Fraternally Mr. Obold is a member of Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 257. R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, K. T.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Wyomissing Council, R. A. For over thir- ty years he has been a member and officer in the Second Reformed Church. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and for seven and a half years held the office of Prison Inspector. For more than twenty years he has been a member of the Reading board of school controllers, and has been serving as chairman of the Text Book committee many years. He also is a member of the Building and Sites committee. JAMES FICHTHORN, a representative business man of Reading, Pa., who is engaged in general con- tracting, is also the owner of a fine 129-acre farm in 598 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Bern township, Berks county, upjn which he does where he is still engaged in boating. He has been general farming and stock raising. Mr. Fichthorn was very successful in this line and now owns several canal- born Nov. 14, 1848, in Reading, son of George and boats, worth $3,000 each, and several spans of good Hannah (Lutz) Fichthorn mules. Mr. Martin has been twice married. By his The grandfather of James Fichthorn was a native of fi^t wife, Lucy Ann Miller, he had one son; Esekiah, Reading, and received his education in the schools of ^ho inamed Florenda Swoyer. Mr. Martin m. (see- that city. After acquiring his literary training he ond) Catherine Trumbert, who was born in Germany chose farming as a vocation, and was actively en- and emigrated to America in 1845, when seven years gaged at that occupation all of his life. He married o'd To this marriage there have been born these I Miss Rapp, and to them were born: John, Daniel, children: Alice, m. to Joel Heckman of Shoemak- William, Lewis. Andrew, George, Charles, Catherine "j^^"^! ^'"I'l^ \"^ ?'"^"r'!l' ^1"°. djedin childhood; (m. Adam Fasig) and Susan (m. William Call). The Adam S.; Albert, who died of typhoid fever when family were Lutherans, and belonged to old Trinity twelve years old; Ida, who was drowned at Norris- Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Fichthorn was a town when twelve years of age; and Lloyd, who died Democrat. at Roanoke, Va., of congestion of the brain when George Fichthorn was born in Reading, where he twenty-two years old. received a good common school education, and when Adam S. Martin attended the schools of Hamburg a boy learned the blacksmith's trade, following that and Windsor township, and at an early age began occupation practically all of his life. He was a pow- boating with his father on the Schuylkill Canal, fol- erful man in body, and was known far and wide for lowing this until the spring of 1882. when he engaged his great strength. He married Hannah Lutz and ;„ boating for himself until 1886, when the boating children were born to them, viz.: Mary C. m. William business was practically abandoned in this section of Call; Catherine E. m. Jacob Miller; Susan m. John Pennsylvania. He then went to New York, engaging Obold; Ellen m. Aaron Wright; Ann m. Daniel Ruth; jn boating coal from all coal points on the Jersey Lucy IS deceased; and James. side, and in this he continued until 1895. and, being James Fichthorn received his education in the com- an expert boatman, was successful. In the spring of mon schools of Reading, and when yet a boy hired isge Mr. Martin returned to his native township and out to Wilham Call, a railroad contractor, driving settled on his father-in-law's farm for four years, after a horse and cart, and continued m this capacity for which he began operations for himself, until the death six or seven years, when he himself engaged in con- of his father-in-law in July, 1903, when he purchased tracting. This occupation he has continued to the the interests of the heirs. This property, which con- present time with great success, and is at present sists of eighty-four acres, twenty-five acres of which engaged by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Companv, is woodland, is situated north of the borough of Ham- on work that is known to coal operators as "strip- burg along the Blue Mountains and part of the old pmg," 1. e. removing the loose soil from the coal fields, house which is still standing on the farm was built He also constructs breakers and builds railroads, and by Henry Noecker in 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Martin for a number of years has been employed in the coal erected a new residence in the spring of 1907, and in districts of Pennsylvania, principally in Carbon county, various ways have improved their property. Mr. Mar- now working at Summit Hill. Mr. Fichthorn has been tin is engaged in the dairy and poultry business and very successful in his operations, and is considered is prosperous. He is one of Windsor township's six one of Reading's representative business men. Republicans, and is often a delegate to county con- On July 8, 1871, Mr. Fichthorn married Mary A. ventions. He and his family are members of the Heller, daughter of Frederick Heller of Boyertown, First Reformed Church of Hamburg. Pa., and these children have been born to this union: In 1886 Mr. Martin was married to Lillie H. Heck- Ella m. John Roy, and has one child. Alma; Anna man. born Jan. 8, 1866. daughter of Elias N. and Lucy m. Benjamin Hauser, and has three children, James, Ann (Mengel) Heckman, and granddaughter of Jacob Ruth and George; and Charles is at home. In polit- and Caroline (Sticker) Heckman. To Mr. and Mrs ical matters Mr. Fichthorn is a Republican. He is Martin have been born these children: Edna B.. born religiously connected with St. James Lutheran Church. Dec. 9, 1886; William S.. March 14, 1890; Mamie F .„.,, „ ^^.„„^-, • , • . -o , J"'y 2°' 1893; and Carrie' M., June 32, 1896 (died aged ADAM S. MARTIN, an agriculturist of Berks coun- five days), ty. Pa., who is carrying on operations on his farm of eighty-four acres in Windsor township, situated north WILLIAM B. ANTHONY, proprietor of the Strauss- of the borough of Hamburg Pa., along the Blue town Roller Mills, at Strausstown, Berks county has Mountains, was born in Hamburg, Sept. 15, 1865, in been established there since 1894 He is a native of Windsor township, son of Samuel and Catherine Northampton countv. Pa., born October C 186'> son <:'^i;"'"\7') . ^^?'"""- , „. . , , . ... of Jacob Anthony. His grandfather lived and died in The Martin family of this section had its origin in that county John and Jjacob Martin, early settlers of Windsor Jacob Anthony was born in Northampton countv township, who were already settled here in 1759, when and there learned his trade of carpenter He met an the first tax of the district was. levied, and who it is accidental death in the car shops at Packerton when thought came to America about 1743. Samuel J. Mar- he was fifty-three years old, and he is buried at Cherrv- tin, son of John and grandfather of Adam S., was ville, Northampton county. He was a member of the born May 9, 1799, and lived in Windsor township, Lutheran Church and a most respected citizen Tacob where he died Oct. 2 1871. He married Esther Breit- Anthony married Elizabeth Reber and to them were igan (1795-1865), and they were the parents of the born the following named children: Catharine, Mary ■ following children: Benneville died at the age of sev- Elizabeth. Lewis, Lucy. Malinda William B John enty-two years; Elizabeth died at the age of seventy; and Ellen ' Sarah died at the. age of forty-one; Rebecca died aged William B. Anthony attended the schools of North- eighty; Joseph died at the age of fifty-one; Samuel; ampton county, and when twenty years old went to ^'"f^-M^'^ 7\'" ^^^^"'y-i""-- y"" old; Mary died learn the milling trade, which has been h°s lifl work in childhood; James, aged seventy-five, now resides He spent three years with the Mnn<;pr Mill rrr,-„T,,^ / at Port Clinton, Pa-; William died aged forty-eight; at Tr'eichlers, \i^d tL^ for two ^ears ^as whirtYe and Israel died aged fifty-two. Samuel J and Esther Wolfe Company of ChambersburgfoundTrs and man- Martin are buried in the old graveyard at Hamburg. ufacturers of mill machinery, engaged as a salesma^i Samuel Martin was born in 1838, in Windsor town- and in the erection of mill macWnery hIs next To- ship and was a lifelong boatman, liymg at Hamburg cation was at Centerville, Md., where he remained for and Leesport, and in later years removing to New York, three years, thence moving to Cedarville near Allen BIOGRAPHICAL 599 town, Lehigh Co., Pa., where he had charge of a mill for L. H. Lichtenwalner for one year. At the end of that time he went to Womelsdorf, Berks county, where he engaged in business on his own account, staying at that place for three years, until he came to Strausstown, in 1894. Here he bought out the Webber estate and engaged in the business to which he has since given his time. His mill is considered the most thoroughly up-to-date in the county, if not in the State, the present structure, a three-story and basement stone and brick building, having been completed in 1907 and equipped with all the most approved modern machin- ery. The old mill was burned May 24, 1907, Mr. An- thony suffering great loss of both capital and business, but he did not despair or lose any time rehabilitating his establishment, beginning work upon his new mill injune, 1907. It is a model plant, equipped with a thirty horsepower auto gasoline engine and a large water-wheel eighteen feet in diameter and four and a half feet wide, known as the I X L steel over-shot water wheel. Mr. Anthony manufactures and deals in high- grade roller Rfocess flour for family and bakers' uses, also grain, mill feed and allied products. The brand of flour of which he makes a specialty as a manufactur- er is a fancy patent known as "Snoflake," for which there is a large and steady demand; it is sold mostly in Schuylkill county. There are fourteen acres of land connected with the mill property, about six acres being under cultivation. Mr. Anthony is a wide-awake busi- ness man, as his enterprising methods and large pat- ronage testify. He stands high in the community, both as a man of intelligence and high standards, one whose work has contributed to the growth of his section. Mr. Anthony married Mary A. Mertz, daughter of Reuben Mertz, of Lehigh county, Pa., and eight child- ren have blessed this union: Harry W. (m. Florence Battinger), Ida M. (m. Howard Spatz), Bertha M., Howard J., Esther L., George M., Charles A. and Paul R. Mr. Anthony is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife belongs to the Reformed Church. Socially he holds membership in the P. O. S. of A., the I. O. O. F., and the Ridgely Association. REUBEN G. SH ALTER. On the loster of the rep- resentative business men of the city of Reading is to be found the name of Reuben G. Shalter, manager of the Reading Lumber Company. He is a native of Berks county, where the family was established at an early day, and was born in Muhlenberg township, in 1843, son of Jacob and Henrietta (Getz) Shalter, both of whom are deceased. The, name Shalter is also spelled Schalter. Frantz Shalter (1735-1813), of Maiden-creek township, left a will, which is on record in Book D, page 173. Of this Michael Shalter was the executor, and in it are men- tioned his wife Elizabeth; son Michael, who obtained the homestead; son Jacob, who obtained the planta- tion in Alsace; and sons-in-law, Samuel Bernhard, Abraham Kissinger, Daniel Kershner and Peter Roth- enberger. The Federal census of 1790 records that France. Shalter, of Maiden-creek, had two sons under sixteen years, and two daughters. Jacob Shalter, son of Frantz, was born in 1777, and died in 1853, and is buried at Gernand's Church, in Ontelaunee township, as is also his wife Susanna, born 1784, died 1841. Jacob Shalter, son of Jacob and Susanna, and father of Reuben G., followed the vocation of farming throughout his entire life and was a resident of North- umberland county, this State, at the time of his de- mise, which occurred in 1862. His wife, Henrietta Getz, survived him many years, and died in 1888. Both were zealous and consistent members of the Luth- eran church. They became the parents of twelve children, namely: Jonathan; Sarah A.; a daughter died in infancy; Sarah C. m. Reuben Hoffa; Amanda m. Jacob Hoffman; Elizabeth died at the age of thir- teen years; Emma m. John Sheetz; Otilia m. Franklin Albright; Henrietta died in childhood; Reuben G. is mentioned below; Jacob; and James. When Reuben G. Shalter was a child his parents removed to Northumberland county, and in the public schools there he received his early educational train- ing, and continue^d to maintain his home there for twenty years. Since then he has been a resident of Reading. He remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, and for several years was part- ly engaged at teaching in the country _ schools, at somewhat irregular intervals. Upon locating in Read- ing he identified himself with the lumber business*, in which he became associated with Reuben Hoffa, his brother-in-law, continuing thus until 1886, when he be- came one of the organizers of the Reading Lumber Company, and with this he has since been identified owning a one-third interest. The enterprise is one of broad scope, and the thriving business has been built up largely through the effective efforts of Mr. Shalter, who is manager of the concern. Mir. Shalter is recognized as a liberal and public- spirited citizen and stibstantial business man. In pol- itics he maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to the men, and measures which meet the ap- proval of his judgment. He and his wife are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and are active in the various departments of church work. In 1876 he married Miss Amanda R. Zacharias, who was born and reared in Berks county, daughter of the late Daniel Zacharias. To this union children were born as follows: Carrie, m. to John Spayd; Charles G., who died in childhood; James E., in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company; John Z., who holds a clerical position in the postoffice at Chicago, 111.; Franklin, who is employed by the Reading Lumber Company; Charles (2), deceased; and Florence R., at home. Dietrich Shalter, a brother of Frantz of Maiden- creek, was a pioneer in Alsace township, where he owned land. The Federal census of 1790 records that "Didrich" Shalter was the head of a family of three sons, one over sixteen years of age, and one daughter. Dieter Schalter (or Shalter), a son, was a farmer in Alsace, and was married to a Miss Miller. Their children were: Benjamin, Reuben, Magdalena (m. Levi Guldin); and Charles. Benjamin Shalter, son of Dieter, became a promi- nent man in Alsace township, where he was born in 1813. He died in August, 1883. He married Louisa Mosser, and their six children were: Amanda m. John Gring, of Temple, Pa.; Jeremius died unmarried; Rebecca m. Albert Knabb, of Reading; Luzetta m. Penrose Wright (deceased), and lived first in Maiden- creek, but later in Red Lodge, Moi.t; Kate m. (first) Jacob Schmehl, whose children were, Lovina (m. Wash Guldin), Mary (m. Samuel Delp) and Augustus (of Kutztown), and (second) Charles S. Yocum; and Appolonius is a farmer on the Alsace homestead. Benjamin Shalter donated a part of his land for Shalter's church in Alsace, and on April 9, 1860. the corner stone of the first church was laid. The building is a two-story stone structure, plastered and painted in imitation of brick. It was thoroughly renovated and newly carpeted in 1907, and, together with a re- cently purchased addition to the cemetery, rededicated with appropriate ceremonies. The farm surrounding the church yard is now the property of Appolonius Shalter, a son of Benjamin. DANIEL H. MILLER, one of the venerable citi- zens of Spring township, Berks county. Pa., was born at Sinking Spring, August 20, 1835, on the Miller home- stead, son of Capt. Daniel and Mary (Hain) Miller. Sebastian Miller, grandfather of Daniel H., was a native of the Fatherland, who settled in Cumru town- ship some years prior to the 'outbreak of the Revolu- tionary war. In that great struggTe he bore arms, as 600 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA captain of the 7th company of the Berks County Mili- tia, which on May 17, 1777, was in active service, his ofificers being First Lieutenant. Adam Ruth, Second Lieutenant. John Gernant, Ensign, John Ruth, and Courtmartialmen Michael Ruth and Peter Fisher. Captain Miller was a farmer by occupation and gave each of his sons a large property, Sebastian obtaining the farm at Adamstown, on which was also a tannery; John, a farm at Sinking Spring; Henry, a farm in Cumru township; Capt. Daniel, the property now m the possession of Daniel H. Miller, of Sinking Spring; and Benjamin, the farm near Fritztown, now in the possession of John Miller, a descendant. Capt. Sebas- tian Miller was a man of more than ordinary intelli- gence, was a man of courage and enterprise, and was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was buried in the Sinking Spring burial ground, adjoining the church. Captain Miller's sons were: (1) Sebastian married Catherine Gernand. (2) Johannes born March 30, 1773, died Nov. 7, 1836; he married, in 1789, Hannah Ludwig, and they had six sons and three daughters, two of the former and one of the latter dying in in- fancy. (3) Henry. (4) Benjamin. (5) George mar- ried Susanna Ruth. (6) Captain Daniel. Capt. Se- bastian Miller also had several daughters, one of whom married a Ruth, and another a Gernand. Capt. Daniel Miller, father of Daniel H.. was born on the Miller homestead at Sinking Spring, May 2, 1789, and died there Feb. 6, 1844. aged fifty-four years, nine months, four days. He was first corporal in Capt. Henry Willotz's company, which was at York from Aug. 28, 1814, to March 5, 1815, and subsequently he was commissioned captain by Gov. Joseph Hies- ter of Pennsylvania. He was an active official in military affairs of Berks county, and was known and recognized as an authority on such matters. Captain Miller owned the property now in the possession of David G. Miller, of Sinking Spring, a descendant, ^nd was a lifelong agriculturist, becoming well and favor- ably known in his community. He married Polly (Mary) Hain, born Oct. 14, 1801, who died May 23, 1884. daughter of Frederick Hain, also a captain dur- ing the Revolutionary war. To this union were born: Hiram (born Sept. 21, 1821, died June 1. 1877) spent his life at Sinking Spring, where he married Ephia (1817-1873), and had one son, John M., of Reading; Isaac, who settled in Freeport, 111., had two child- ren, Milton (a very wealthy citizen of Mexico) and Hannah (who died unmarried); Sebastian, a farmer of Danville, 111., had three children — Harry, Ellen and Daniel; Jennie married Percy G. Smith, a clerk in the War Department, Washington, D. C. ; Frederick lived in Oakland, Cal.; Daniel H.; Miss Katherine lives on the old place; and Elizabeth married Jandon Smith, and resided at Williamsport for many years. Daniel H. Miller attended the old eight-cornered schoolhouse located on the Van Reed road, for some winters, his teacher being Prof. Henry Stetler, of Chester county. He was reared on his father's farm, and until fourteen years of age lived with his parents. then engaging in school teaching for two terms at the old Steffey schoolhouse, and one term, in 1867, at the Springs. He attended Graybill's Commercial school at Reading for nine months, and then resumed teaching, the school term lasting but four months, and the salary being one dollar per day. In the spring of 1854 Mr. Miller, Dr. Fisborn, and Rev. Eugene Van Reed, went to California, settling in Sierra county, where Mr. Miller engaged in mining, conducting the Pennsylvania Company, which was located twenty miles north of a town called Minnesota. He remained in California for thirteen years, and was fairly successful, also traveling in Oregon, Washing- ton, Mexico, Cuba, Panama, and the Central West of the LTnited States, Virginia, New Jersey and other parts of this country. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Berks county, where he has since remained. In 1894 Mr. Miller erected a fine brick residence on Flying Hill avenue, and here he now lives in quiet retireinent. In politics he is an independent Republican, and from 1884 until 1904 served as supervisor of Spring town- ship, a period of twenty years. He is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., of Sinking Spring. He and his family are Reformed members of St. John's Union Church, of which he was a deacon. In 1868 Mr. Miller was married to Rebecca Reber, born in 1845. daughter of Joel and Lovina (Faust) Reber, of Heidelberg township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two sons, namely: George, born Feb. 19, 1872, who married Ella Frankhauser, has two children — Esther and D. Shelton, is a dealer in horses and re- sides with his parents; and T. Norris. J. Norris Miller, one of Sinking Spring's well known young men, was born Oct. 31, 1874, received his educa- tion in the local schools, and was licensed to teach, although he has never followed that profession. He has spent all of his active life in dealinsr in horses, and in this line has been very successful, being judged a capable business man and substantial citizen. In poli- tics he is a Republican. His religious connection is with St. John's Lutheran Church, wheise. since 1899, he has been treasurer of the Sunday-school. In April, 1896, Mr. Miller was married to Alice M. Huyett, daughter of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Beidler) Huy- ett, and one son, Warren H., has been born to this union. JACOB NOLDE, of Reading, has had a business career which can find few parallels in the industrial his- tory of Berks county. As the head of the Nolde & Horst Company, manufacturers of hosiery, who have established at this point one of the largest plants of the kind in the United States, his operations bear an important relation to the prosperity of the city. The fifteen hundred em- ployes of this immense concern form a large propor- tion of its industrial population. Old-established families and native-born residents of this section are so numerous that Mr. Nolde's residence in Reading, dating from the year 1888, seems compara- tively brief. Its influence in increasing the wealth of the community is not to be measured by years. The profitable operation of so large an establishment as that conducted by the Nolde & Horst Company affects the welfare of many other lines, and the flourishing condition of this business has attracted to the vicinity various other desirable en- terprises. Mr. Nolde is familiar with the practical work of the mills as well as with their management, and he deserves his full share of credit due for their won- derful development. The manner in which he has forged his way to the front proves him worthy of the high position he has attained. Jacob Nolde was born in Berleburg, Westphalia, Ger- many, in the year 1859, and received the excellent educa- tional advantages of the schools of his native land. Until he came to America, in 1880, he was engaged as traveling salesman for a clothing house. His first location in this country was at Stony Creek, Berks county, Pa., where he found employment as a weaver with Louis Kraemer & Co., with whom he continued until he en- gaged in business on his own account. When Louis Kraemer & Co. started the Nazareth Manufacturinir Com- pany, in Northampton county, Pa., Mr. Nolde accom- panied them, remaining there until the spring of 1888, when he disposed of his interests and came to Reading. The Nazareth Manufacturing Company were converting their knitting-mill into a factory devoted exclusively to the production of underwear, and Mr. Nolde purchased their seamless half hose machinery, which comprised twenty machines and the necessary auxiliaries. This modest equipment has proved to be the nucleus of one of the largest and most completely appointed factories in the country. The machines were installed in the Thal- heimer building, at No. 143 Cedar street, Reading. But within a very short time the business outgrew these quarters, and in the spring of 1890 Mr. Nolde found more adequate accommodations at No. 222 Cedar street, r Bsers .1^ Cc S^ jT ^ ^'''7iY,a~Ts dB-^-Yf' JUo o^ <^^c^ BIOGRAPHICAL 601 in a building 45x100 feet in dimensions. While he was in that location he admitted Mr. George Horst to a partnership in the business, and they have been asso- ciated ever since. Purchasing the property, they carried on operations there until the year 1893, by which time they had reached the conclusion that it would be econ- omy to have a building especially adapted to the' needs of the growing industry. Consequently they invested in a lot 100 feet square, on Moss street, beyond Douglass, upon which they erected a three-story and basement fac- tory 50 X 100 feet. It was a model plant of its kind in every particular, and doubtless gave the ambitious young partners more pleasure than theif mature natures have found in the present immense factory. Their ex- pensive venture was followed shortly by the panic of 1893, but wise administration and indomitable effort soon made them masters of the situation, and the new in- dustry weathered the storm with such skill that it suffered no decline. The firm was now finding itself in a position to cope with the large manufacturers, and to be regarded by them as competitors worthy of attention. Up to this time the products of the factory had been a cheap class of goods, but when the fast black and tan goods came to be generally favored they found it necessary to meet the popular demand, and in order to facilitate their work opened a finishing establishment in Philadelphia. Mr. Horst took charge of the new branch, Mr. Nolde retain- ing the management of the Reading plant, and this arrangement lasted until the concern was incorporated, in 1897. It had previously been conducted on a part- nership basis. After, the incorporation the Nolde & Horst Company purchased a tract of land adjoining the first lot, 100x160 feet in dimensions, and built an extension 32 x 160 feet, as w€ll as a wing 50x100 feet, a dye-house and an engine-room. This gave them facilities for operating four hundred knitting machines, furnishing employment to five hundred hands. On Dec. 7, 1899, fire destroyed almost the entire plant, only the dye-house and boiler remaining. But this disaster in no way retarded the progress, of the: business. The debris was cleared away at once, and by May 1, 1900, within five months, the knitting mills were again in full working order, with im- proved equipment, all the new machinery installed being of the latest models. Moreover, extraordinary precautions were taken against a repetition of the catastrophe and to insure the safety of all employed in the building, which was provided throughout with the most approved fire escapes. The steady expansion of trade has since called for several additions. In 1903 two extensions, 60 x 33 feet and 50 X 100 feet, respectively, three stories and base- ment, were made. In 1905 two more of the same dimen- sions were found necessary, and the same year the dye- house was enlarged by an addition 40x130 feet. On the Ninth street side of the property another building, 50 x 380 feet; has been erected, increasing the floor space to the remarkable area of 230,000 square feet — over five acres. Fifteen hundred people are regularly employed in turn- ing out the product of this vast establishment, and when the addition now being niade is open the force will be increased to two thousand. There are only a few metro- politan establishments which have a showing to be com- pared with this. The output of this factory is confined to hosiery, but the Nolde & Horst Company are also interested in another establishment of similar nature, a large glove factory 50x310 feet, five stories in height, for the manufacture of silk gloves exclusively. More- over, since their operations have attained such enormous proportions, they have found it practicable to extend their attention to allied enterprises, and they are inter- ested in the Windsor Machine Company, manufacturing all their own knitting machines. Excellent management in this and in other respects has not only proved econom- ical, but has facilitated the work in many ways and improved labor conditions for the operatives as well as commercial opportunities for the management. This record of the success of the Nolde & Horst Com- pany and allied interests is in reality the story of Mr. Nolde's life. He has always been a man gi action and able to attend faithfully to many affairs, but nevertheless his ambition, his enthusiasm and his best efforts have been devoted to the building up of the concern of which he stands at the head. His energies have found expression in the improvement of every branch of the business, for having been a practical worker himself he understands the necessities of the operative as well as the directive department. The establishment has enhanced the indus- trial standing of Reading to such an extent that it is regarded with high favor by both capitalists and_ workers. Mr. Nolde is prominently connected with two important financial institutions of Reading, being a director of the Keystone National Bank, and the Colonial Trust Com- pany. His standing is irreproachable. Personally Mr. Nolde is well known as a member of the B. P. O. E. and a high Mason, his Masonic associa- tions including membership in Teutonia Lodge, F. & A. M., the Chapter, the Commandery and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has been twice married, his first union, which took place in 1889, having been to Lydia Lorah, who passed away in 1893. She was the mother of two children, Carl and Ella, both of whom are at home. His present wife was Louisa Horst, sister of his business partner, George Horst, and to them have been born four children, George, Lena, Hans and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Nolde are active members of Zion Reformed Church, with which Mr. Nolde united as a charter member. He has acted as secretary of the church organization since 1893. AUGUSTUS S. FLICKER, deceased, known among the hotel men of , Reading, Pa., and for fourteen years the proprietor of the "Merchants Hotel" of that city, was born in Oley township, Berks county, Aug. 22, 1847, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Swavely) Flicker, and died Nov. 28, 1900. The Flicker family has its origin in Christian Flick- er, who located in the hills of Earl township, Berks county, about the close of the American Revolution, in which war he is said to have fought against his will, in King George's Army. He was a German, and came from Brunswick or Hessen. In 1790 the Federal census report records him the head of a family consisting of five persons, made up of himself and wife, one son under sixteen years of age and two daughters. Jacob Flicker, his son, was the grandfather of Au- gustus S. Flicker. He was born in Earl township, but removed to Oley township where he died, and where his son Jereniiah was born. Jeremiah Flicker, son of Jacob, owned and operated a large tract of land in Oley township, where he con- tinued agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1863. when in his forty-second year, caused by a fall into a well some three years previous. He was a prom- inent Democrat, and for some years served as road commissioner. He married Mary Swavely, daughter of Jacob Swavely, and wife (nee Trout). Seven children were born of this union: Jacob m. Anna Drayer, and has five children, Laura, Harry, Ellen, Jennie and John; Augustus S.; Sally; Jeremiah, Jr., m. Mary Carl, and has one child, Anna; Mary m. Daniel D. Becker, and had five children: Esther, Wayne, Lucy, M'arcella, and one who died in infancy; and two others died in infancy. In re- ligious belief the family were members of the Reformed Church. Augustus S. Flicker was educated in the schools of Oley township, and as a boy of fourteen began work on a farm, carrying his earnings of four dollars a rnonth to his mother. He continued at farm work un- til he was twenty, and from that time until he came to Reading drove the Almshouse Farm team or was in charge of Amos Young's trotting horses in Exeter township. On coming to Reading he was employed on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad as a fireman until 1876. He then worked on a farm and the following year 602 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA engaged in huckstering. His next venture was in t^e grocery business, in which he continued for nine years and then for, a few years with various partners was in the flour and' feed business. In 1888 he engaged in the hotel business at the corner of Third and Penn streets. The place was owned at that time by John M. Kissinger. Mr. Flicker purchased this property after conducting it for five years. This hotel contained sixty-five rooms, and was one of the best kept hotels in the city. On Feb. 26, 1878, Mr. Flicker married Emma Snyder, daughter of Lewis and Kate (Gambler) Snyder, and four children were born to this union: Florence (m. Hollingsworth Spoitts, and they reside in Reading and have a daughter, Martha), Wayne, Edna and Earl. Mr. Flicker was a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He was well known as a member of the Nev- ersink Fire Company and of several clubs. In poli- tics he was a Democrat and was largely influential with his party in this section. In religion Mr. Flicker was connected with the First Reformed Church. JAMES ONEAILL, a highly esteemed retired citi- zen of Mohnton, Pa., and an honored survivor of the great Civil war, was born April 3, 1839, in Robeson township, Berks county, son of Michael Oneaill. James Oneaill, grandfather of James, came from Ire- land when eighteen years of age and settled in Berks county, where he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. His children were: Harriet (m. Abner Old, of Philadelphia), Katie (m. Patrick McNul- ty and lived in Iowa), Mary Cm. Frederick Homan, died in Iowa), Jane (m. Samuel Bittler, and died in Robeson township), James (m. Abbie Stafford), An- nie (m. Benjamin Wamsher), Hugh (m. Fannie Pain- ter, and died in Robeson township), John (died young), and Michael. Michael Oneaill, like his father, was a farmer all of his life, and followed this occupation in Robeson township. He married Mary Wolfe, and to them were born children as follows: Sarah A. (m. John Piersol), James, Mark M. (m. Jennie Lauderbach), Jacob (m. (first) Hannah Frey and (second) Sarah Jacobs, and resides in Robeson township), Ellen (m. George Geiger, of Geigertown), Hugh (m. Ellen Gor- man, of Robeson township), and twelve others, the oldest of whom was two years of age, who died in infancy.. This was one of the largest families in Robe- son township. James Oneaill attended the schools of Robeson town- ship and worked on his father's farm until twenty-one years old. He then went to Reading and found em- ployment at the iron works, where he was employed at the time of his enlistment, Aug. 8, 1863, in Com- pany K, 128th Reg., Pa. V. I., being discharged May 29, 1863. He enlisted (second) in Company I, 196th Pa. V. I., July 1, 1864, and was honorably discharged Nov. 17th of that year. His third enlistment was on Sept. 1, 1865, in Company E, 75th Pa. V. I. In his second enlistment he became seventh corporal of Job Obock's company, and throughout his entire service he was a faithful and cheerful soldier, perform- ing his duties efficiently and well. He participated in many of the hardest fought battles of the great struggle, including Antietam and Chancellorsville, and was always a brave and gallant fighter. After the war Mr. Oneaill returned to Reading and resumed work at the, iron works, later learning the hatting trade, which he followed for three years, also taking care of his small farm, which he still looks after. Mr. Oneaill now receives a pension from the Govern- ment as reward for his faithful services, and he re- sides on Oneaill street, which was named in his honor. He bears the reputation of being an honest man of sterling integrity, and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. In politics he is independent. He is a member of Salem Evangelical Association, of which he is now steward, and is also active in Sunday- school work. On May 21, 1866, Mr. Oneaill was married to Aman- da Reichwine, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Holtery) Reichwine, and to this union there were born: Ellen m. Walter Webber, of Mohnton, and has two children, Claude and Ralph; Mary J. m. William Beaver, of Reading, and has two children, Clyde and James; Sadie m. John Werner, of the firm of E. G. Werner & Sons, Mohnton, and has two children, Alethea and Norman; and Gertrude since 1902 has been a trained nurse in the German Hospital, Phila- delphia. Mr. Oneaill also has an adopted daughter, Katie Lausch. SAMUEL S. WEIS, a farmer on the Weis home- stead in Earl township, Berks county, near the Cole- brookdale township line, was> born Sept. 15, 1836, on the farm on which he now resides. Killian Weis, Sr., his grandfather, was born Dec. 15, 1751, and died Feb. 16, 1840, and was buried in the old cemetery at the Hereford Mennonite Church at Bally of which he and his wife were members. In the Federal census of 1790 he was recorded as a tax- able resident of Upper Milford township, Northampton county (a district now embraced in Lehigh county) and as the head of a family consisting of himself, his wife Cathari ne, (n_ee_Xandisj"and six sons, J^cob, John, Qeorge^ HSEy, Kjilian (father of Samuel S.)an3 Samu e J (three of whom, were under sixteen years of agej, ana three daughters, Anna (m. John Ehst), Kate (m. Henry Shelly) and Harm ah (m. Isaac Longacre). In Upper Milford township, in what is now Lehigh county, there also lived Jacob Weis, brother of Kill- ian, Sr., who was the owner and proprietor of the old Weis' mill, now known as Kriebel's mill, in Lower Milford township. In 1790 he had two sons and three daughters. Killian Weis. son of Killian. Sr., was born Jan. 31, 1788, and died Dec. 23, 1874. He was a life-long farm- er, and in 1819 bought the Ehst farm now occupied by his son Samuel S. This farm consists of 100 acres of fertile hilly land, on which is found a high grade of magnetic ore. The Berks Development Company have sunk a number of shafts and have found a good grade of ore. Killian Weis also owned the farm now owned by his grandson, Frank Weis. His name has been spelled Weis and Wise. He married Barbara Shelly, born Jan. 31, 1796, and died June 20, 1886. Their children, seven sons and two daughters, were: Jacob, born Feb. 9, 1825, died Aug. 10, 1899; Catharine and Franklin, twins, born March 2, 1826, of whom Cathar- ine died Oct. 12, 1849, and Franklin Jan. 19, 1888; Hen- ry, born 1837, died June 24, 1908; Killian. born 1838. died April 29, 1904; Joel, born 1830, died young; John! born 1832, died Feb. 38, 1899; Elizabeth, born 1834, died Sept. 26, 1908; and Samuel S. is the only survivor. Of these children only two married, Jacob and Kil- lian. John, Henry, Frank, Elizabeth and Samuel S. spent their lives on the old homestead. In poli- tics they were all Democrats. They were steadfast believers in the Mennonite faith, and belong to the Mennonite Church at Boyertown, where the parents are buried. The earlier generations lie in the Here- ford burial ground at Bally. Jacob Weis, son of Killian and brother of Samuel S., born in 1835, died Aug. 10, 1899. He was a far- mer in Colebrookdale township. He married Eliza- beth Moyer, daughter of Michael Moyer, and she died .in 1900, aged eighty-three years. They had two fhildren: Elizabeth, born April 8, 1857, m. Jan. 38. 1883, Oscar K. Hausman, of Colebrookdale, and has three sons and one daughter — Morris W. (born Aug. 13, 1882), Edward (Jan. 3, 1890), Jacob (Aug. 12, 1893) and Lizzie (June 32, 1896); and Kate, born May 21, 1859, has since 1906 been the home maker for her uncle Samuel S. (she is an active worker in the Mennonite Church). Morris W. Hausman mar- ried Sept. 6, 1902, Catharine Johnson, and has two sons. Monroe and Elmer. . I BIOGRAPHICAL 603 Killian Weis, son of Killian and brother of Sam- uel S., born 1828, died April 29, 1904, married Sarah Staufer, daughter of William Staufer, and they have had two sons and one daughter: Lizzie, born July, 1858, m. Samuel Beer, and died in April, 1892; Frank , born December, 1859, m. Mary UpdegrofiE, and had one son Samuel, Jr. (born Sept. 11, 1886, m., Jan. 19, 1907, Lillie Worstler and has two children, Samuel and Mary) ; and William, born October, 1874, died in February, 1887. Samuel S. Weis has passed all his life on the farm that is now his home, never having been absent from it more than one week at a time. In politics he is a Democrat, and has twice been delegate from Earl township to the county conventions. He adheres to the Mennonite faith, belonging to the, church at Boy- ertown. Mr. Weis though seventy-three years old is a very active man, and is an excellent farmer. He has an old grandfather's clock, made by John Brooker, of Germantown in 1789, which still keeps good time, and is in fine condition. Mr. We'is has never married. As stated above his niece, Kate, daughter of his brother Jacob, has kept house for him since 1906. FRANKLIN K. MILLER, who is proprietor of the well-known Excelsior Soap Works, one of the large industries of its kind in Reading, Pa., was born March 3, 1840, on the old MHller homestead in Upper Tulpe- hocken township, at Strausstown, son of Michael and Catherine (Klahr) Miller. (I) Jacob Mueller, the immigrant ancestor, according to his tombstone inscription at Little Tulpehocken Church, was born Oct. 22, 1697, died Dec. 18, 1772; married iifty-three years to Catharine '(middle name badly worn, but probably, according to will, it was Charlotte, maiden name not shown, born Oct. 11, 1699, died April 5, 1777); "left a good name, a sorrowing widow and four children." Jacob Mueller and his wife had ten children, of whom three sons and one daughter survived the father. He was the immigrant Jacob Mueller who, with Charlotta (very likely his wife), John Jacob (under sixteen) and Barbara (no doubt another child), all grouped together on the "original list" of passengers, is shown as having land- 'ed at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1732, having come over in the ship "Johnson," of London, David Crocket, master, from Rotterdam, last from Deal; passengers, 113 males above sixteen, 98 under sixteen; 98 females above sixteen, 85 under sixteen. He came from Ger- many. In 1759 Jacob Mueller paid ~ £11 tax. He is mentioned as a yeoman in his last will and testa- ment, made Jan. 39, 1766, witnessed by Balser Unbe- hauer and Henrich Kettner, and recorded in Book II, page 117. The oldest son was allowed £35 over and above all others for his birthright. The children mentioned are John Jacob, born Sept. 34, 1728 (was single in 1759); Johannes, born Nov. 9, 1733 (was married in 1759); Elizabeth Barbara Hess: and Math- ias, born Oct. 18, 1743. In the Little Tulpehocken Church records of births and baptisms are found the fol- lowing children of Jacob Mueller: John Jacob, born Sept. 24, 1728, in Europe, baptized Sept. 36, 1728 (sponsors, Frederic William Beckle, Christopher Haist, Joseph Rohr and Joh. David Bauer) ; John, born Nov. 9, 1733, in Pennsylvania, baptized Nov. 16, 1733, by Rev. Philip Boehm, Reformed minister at White Marsh at the time (sponsors, Joh. Henry Fegner and Mary Eliza- beth Barbara Schneider); Mary Elizabeth Barbara, born Sept.. 9, 1736, baptized Sept. 28, 1736, by Rev. Bartholomew Rugner, who was Reformed pastor at Germantown, Pa., at that time (sponsors, same as for John); Matthias, born Oct. 18, 1743, baptized Nov. 6, 1743, by Rev. Joh. Casper Stoever (sponsors, Matthias Schmidt and wife); Elizabeth Barbara, born June 7, 1755 (baptism not. given). It seems doubtful that the last named child belonged to the family of Jacob, the immierrant. , Samuel Miller succeeded his father, Jolfennes, m the tanning business, and carried it on during his whole life. He married a Miss Moyer, and to them were born children as follows: Michael, the father of Franklin K.; Jonathan, m. to Lydia Klahr; Sarah, m. to Elijah Weaver; Rebecca, m. to Israel Wagner; Cath- erine, m. to David Koenig; Matthias, m. to Eliza Sny- der; Jacob, m, to Mary Gerhard; Samuel, who died in June, 1909,' m, (first) to Hettie Christman and (second) to Henrietta Scholl; John, who died aged thirty-five years; Leah, m, (first) to John Miller and (second) to Joel Kantner; and William, m. to Theresa Wilhelm. Michael Miller, father of Franklin K., was born Aug. 3, 1814, and died March 19, 1883, having been a life-long tanner at Strausstown, and also owning the old homestead and tannery. He married Catherine Klahr, and to them were born ten children, as follows: Franklin K.; Mary, deceased; William; Rebecca; Charles, of New York, who died in March, 1908; Edward and Lewis, twins, born in July, 1850; Sabilla; Levi; and Albert. Franklin K. Miller received his education in the schools of his native locality, also attending Whitehall Academy, three miles west of Harrisburg, during the winter session of 1855 and 1856. He was reared on the old homestead, and when sixteen years of age learned the tanning trade with his father, following this oc- cupation until his twenty-second year. During 1863, when the Commonwealth was threatened with invas- ion, Mr. Miller enlisted in Capt. Augustus G. Greth's Company I, 48th Pa. y. I., for ninety days, and re- ceived his honorable discharge Aug. 26th of the same year. On returning home, Mr. Miller again took up tanning as an occupation, and on June 8, 1865, removed to Tamaqua, where he followed the trade two years, then removing to Ringtown. Forming a partnership with P. M. Barrow, under the firm name of Miller & Barrow, they continued at this place for two years, when Mr. Miller went to North Branch, between Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, and there formed a partnership with his brother. They con- tinued in the tanning business at this place until 1875, in December of which year Franklin K. Miller re- moved to Hazleton and there remained for a period of seven years, for a part of which time he was en- gaged in operating a currier shop. In 1882, Mr. Miller first engaged in a very small way in the manufacture of soap in Reading, making samples which he dis- tributed while doing other work. He also obtained a position in a tannery, and in the fall of that year removed with his family to the city. On Christmas, Mr. Miller was laid off from work, on account of slack business, but he soon found a position at the Scott foundry, at the meagre salary of one dollar per day, on which he paid rent and supported his larg^e family. Mr. Miller's_ energy and industry were not to be denied, and on again engaging in the soap business, to which he gave his entire attention, after another lay-off on account of slack work, he found success. While going to and from work in the foundry he distributed sam- ples, orders began to come in and soon his soap had gained a wide reputation. He first carried his soap to market in a basket, next used a wheelbarrow, soon thereafter getting a push-cart, and finally a horse and wagon. The Excelsior Soap Works of East Reading, Pa., is now a three-story, brick building, on a 60x110 feet lot, the building being 40x60 feet in dimensions. Here a large number of men are employed in the manufacture of laundry, fulling and scouring soaps, the latter two being specialties. Mr. Miller has four teams constantly on the streets, and his soaps find a ready sale in the markets all over the State. Success in this case has come where success was due. In all his early struggles with adversity Mr. Miller never, lost heart, but at each succeeding reverse started .in all over again to build up a paying business. He is now considered one of the substantial men of his com- munity, and has a large circle of friends who enjoy 604 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA his business prominence. In politics, Mr. Miller is a Democrat. He is a member of Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F., of Reading, and Mount Penn Encamp- ment, No. 15a. He and his family are members of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. On Feb. 14, 1861, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Caroline Nunnemacher, daughter of William and Esth- er (Gettle) Nunnemacher, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Ge&rge W., Mary, Elva, William, Stella, Henry R. (deceased), Laura, Phoebe and Beulah. JOSEPH! H. MOYER, who died in Reading in 1891, was one of the veterans of the Civil war and had been a resident of the city for the whole of his active busi- ness life. He was born in Spring township, .Berks county, in 1835, son of John and Elizabeth (Hontz) Moyer. Educated in the township schools, Mr. Moyer at first took up the vocation of a teacher, but after several years' successful experience, he decided to learn a trade, and at once apprenticed himself to a harness maker. When he had completed his term, he established him- self in business in that line in Reading, and thereafter made that city his home. When the Civil war broke out he at first continued in his usual routine and did som'e work on saddles for the government, but on Aug. 16, 1863, he responded to his country's call for m^ore men, and was mustered in at H.arrisburg in Company H, 138th Pa. V. I., under Capt. John Kennedy, and Col. J. A. Matthews. He proceeded with his regiment to Washington and thence to the front. He partici- pated in the battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville, besides a number of minor skirmishes and at the expi- ration of his term of enlistment was honorably dis- diarged at Harrisburg in May, 1863. Returning to Reading, Mr. Moyer once more engaged in business as a harness maker, and established him- self on Penn street, between Second and Third. He was a very good workman and comananded the very best prices, but despite his success he sold out his business after some years, moving to No. 8 North Ninth street, remaining there two years. He then moved to No. 308 Penn street where he retired and after five months he died. Invariably honest in all his dealings he commanded respect from all who had business deal- ings with him, while his genial jjersonality made him well liked socially also. On political questions he was independent, voting always for the man he considered best fitted for the ofifice regardless of party lines. In religion he was a devout member of the Universalist Church, and socially he belonged to the I. O. O. F. and the American Mechanics, besides being a member of McClellan Post, No. 16, G. A. R., of Reading. Mr. Moyer was married in 1863 to Miss Margaret C. Wright, and six children were born to them as follows: Lizzie; Annie, deceased; John and Susan, twins, the latter deceased; and Ella and Amy, both deceased. Mrs. Margaret C. W. Moyer was a daughter of John K. and Elizabeth (Sigman) Wright. Her father was a blacksmith by trade, and a man whose name stood for thrift and honesty, was prominent in the local ranks of the Democratic party, and served efficiently as post- master during President Jackson's administration. He died in 1848. A son, Charles E. Wright, was one of those who gave their lives for their country during the great Civil war. He enlisted June 7, 1861, in Company D, 3d Pa. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Fred- ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1863, at the age of twenty-three years. F. F. BRESSLER, a well known marble and granite dealer, of Reading, Pa., and ex-recorder of Berks county, died_ Oct. 32, 1908. He was born in Spring township, this county, in 1857, son of Darius Bressler, a stone mason, who was born near Adamstown, Lan- caster county, and died in Berks county at the age of sixty-two years. Mr. Bressler attended the public schools of Berks county, after leaving which he spent one year with H. H. Hettinger at Sinking Spring, at the stone cutter's trade. In 1876 he located in Reading, being eniployed with the Eisenbrown Marble Company, of this city, in whose employ he remained for three years. At the end of this time Mr. Bressler went to New York, where he was employed on the State Capitol at Albany, in 1880-81, from there going to Coatesville, Chester county, where he was engaged in business a short time. Returning to Reading, in 1883 Mr. Bressler engaged in business with Amos Esterly, under the firm name of Bressler & Esterly, they continuing as partners until 1877, when Mr, Bressler engaged in work by himself on Washington street, opposite the post-office. Here Mr. Bressler continued until 1904, when he removed to his late location, at Center avenue and Spring streets, his place of business being fitted with the latest im- proved machmery. He employed from ten to fifteen skilled mechanics. His shop was a frame structure, 60 x 100 feet in dimensions, and in one of the most desir- able locations that could be found for such a business, Mr. Bressler was before the public as an official hav- ing been elected recorder of deeds of Berks county in 1901, on the Democratic ticket, in which office he served faithfully for three years. He was a resident of the Seventh ward, and during 1890-91 he served in the select council. He served as a delegate to various conventions, among them the convention which nomi- nated William Jennings Bryan for the Presidency, at Chicago. Mr. Bressler was a member of the election board in his ward. Mr. Bressler was married to Mary Esterly, daughter of the late Amos S. Esterly, of Reading, who was a well-known hotel proprietor of the city, and two child- ren were born to this union, Mabel and Alice, Mr, Bressler was fraternally connected with the Elks Lodge of Reading, No. 115. JAMES M-. YERGER, who was one of the county commissioners of Berks county from Jan. 1, 1906, to Jan. 1, 1909, was born in Upper Tulpehocken township, this county, June 23, 1860, son of William and Diana (Moll) Yerger. Samuel Yerger, grandfather of James M., was a native of Berks county, born in Bern township. He was a farmer and stock raiser by occupation and was quite a prominent man of his day. Mr. Yerger married a Miss Nunemacher, and their children were: Joseph; John; Betsy, m. to Elias Spies; and William. In re- ligious belief the family were Lutherans. Mr. Yerger was a Democrat. William Yerger was educated in the common schools of Bern township, Berks county, and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade, at which, in conjunction with agricultural pursuits, he continued all of his life. Mr. Yerger passed away in 1885. aged sixty-three years, and his wife Diana (Moll) passed away in 1860. when thirty-three years of age. These children were born to them: Cyrus; Elizabeth, m. to Henry Heffner, of Youngstown, Ohio; William; Amos; Amanda, de- ceased; Clarietta, m. to Franklin Seidel; Annetta, m. to Alfred Stoyer; and James M. Mr. Yerger's second marriage was to Theresa Himmelberger Ulrich, and to this union there were born three children: Wilson; Morris; and Catherine, deceased, Mr, Yerger was a Lutheran. He was a Democrat in his political views, and for some years held the office of school director. James M, Yerger received his educational advantages in the schools of Centre township, and this was sup- plemented by an advanced course at the Keystone State Normal school at Kutztown, Pa, He taught school for seven terms and then engaged in the produce business, shippmg to Reading and Philadelphia. After six years Mr. Yerger removed to Reading, being appointed dur- mg President Cleveland's second administration to the position of stamp clerk in the revenue office located in the post-office building in Reading. After leaving this BIOGRAPHICAL 605 position Mr. Yerger was engaged for some time in the niannifacture of cigars, disposing of this enterprise to enter the insurance field as agent for the Equitable and Prudential insurance companies, and in this latter capacity he continued successfully until his election to the office of county commissioner in the fall of 1905 on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Yerger took up his official duties Jan. 1, 1906. He has ever been i faithful worker in the ranks of his party, and is considered one of the leaders thereof in this section. Mr. Yerger and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is fraternally connected with Leesport Lodge, No. 141, L O. O. F., St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M., of Reading, and of Centreport Lodge No. 446, P. O. S. -of A., being a charter member of the latter. Mr. Yergeir was married Oct. 15, 1887, to Anna S. Kline, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Seaman) Kline; five children were born to this union, James K., Wil- liam, Samuel, Mary and Earl, al'. deceased except James K. HENNE. The members of the Henne family refer- red to in this sketch are descended from Michael Henne, who passed his life in Berks county. He was born near Bernville, followed farming in that locality, and died there. He and his wife, whose maiden name was_ Catharine Haag, are both buried at Bernville. Their children were John, Michael, Daniel and Jared. Jared Henne, son of Michael, was born July 2, 1831, and died Nov. 3, 1906, in Upper Tulpehocken township; he was buried at the Blue Mountain Church. He was a carpenter, following the trade most of his life. He married Sallie Fox, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Potteiger) Fox, and she still survives, making her home at Strausstown. They became the parents of five children: Aaron F.; Howard F.; Salliej m. to Abraham Ritzman; Clara, m. to Wilson' W. Strause; and John, m. to Agnes Feick. Aaron F. Henne, eldest son of Jared Henne, was born Dec. 4, 1853, in Upper Tulpehocken township, learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and fol- lowed the same for twelve years. For five years he was in the mercantile business at Cross-kill Mills. For seven years he farmed on the Jacob Potteiger farm and for eight years on the Aaron Kern farm, in 1906 buy- ing the old William Reber homestead, in Upper Tulpe- hocken township, near Strausstown, upon which he has since resided. The place comprises twenty-seven acres, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time. He married Hannah Ritzman, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Wagner) Ritzman, and they have had two sons, Charles W. and William J., the latter a barber at Strausstown. Charles W. Henne, son of Aaron F., was born Feb. 12, 1879, in Upper Tulpehocken township, and received his education in the public schools. For three years after commencing to work he was engaged at clerking in the general stores of J. A. Smith and L. W. Ritzman at Strausstown, and Howard Long_ at Rehrersburg. On Aug. 1, 1899, he went to Reading, and learned the barber's trade from William Shearer, of No. 117 North Ninth Street. After completing his trade he returned home and opened the Lincoln Barber Shop, of which he is still proprietor, with his brother, William J., as his foreman. At Strausstown he learned the cigar business with John Bricker and Calvin Fore- man, and in 1905 he opened the La Fama Cigar Com- pany, embarking in business on his own account with only one employe. He now has from ten to fifteen men who turn out a high grade of work. His most popular brands, with more than locaf fame, are "La Fama 10," "Carrie May," "Henne Value," "1910," "Pad- dy's Delight," "Little Pets," "Dutch Charlie," "Henne's Reliable" and "The Cyclone." Mr. Henne married Kate Unger, daughter of Abra- ham and Rebecca (Resh) Unger, and four children have been born to' them: A son that died in infancy; Han- nah R., who died when three years old; Carrie May, and Jacob A. Mr. Henne is a JDemocrat in politics and interested ip local affairs, having served two terms as assessor of Upper Tulpehocken township, being elected for the second term without opposition, and receiving_ the highest vote on the ticket. He is a member of Zion s Blue Mountain Church (Lutheran). Socially he takes an active part in secret organizations, and is a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, P. O. S. of A. ,and P. O. of A. Howard F. Henne, second son of Jared and" Sallie (Fox) Henne, was born Nov. 9, 1855, in Jefferson township, and received his education in the public schools. When seventeen years old he went to learn the shoemaker's trade under J. A. Smith, at Strauss- town, remaining with him for seven years, after which he went into business for hiinself at Strausstown, Up- per Tulpehocken township, where he has continued to make his home until the present. He is kept busy doing fine custom work, having a large patronage in that line. Mr. Henne has other -business interests, be- ing treasurer of a building and loan association, and is a well-known resident of his locality. He has served as delegate to a number of county conventions, has been juryman several times, and has acted twice as judge of election, being quite active in local politics as a Democrat. He was formerly fire warden of upper Berks county, having been appointed to that office by the county commissioners; and has also served as school director of Upper Tulpehocken township. Mr. Henrie married Emma Henne, daughter of Moses and Leah (Feick) Henne, and they have had one son, M'artyn R. Mr. Henne is a Lutheran in religion, an active member of Zion's Blue Mountain Church, which he has served as deacon, elder and trustee. He is active in fraternal circles, belonging to the P. O. S. of A. and I. O. O. F., and is particularly interested in the latter order, being a past grand of his home lodge, a member of the Ridgely Protective Association and a member of the Rebekahs. He was a representative to the Grand Lodge at Wilkes-Barre. Martyn R. Henne, son of. Howard F., was born Aug. 16, 1881, and received his early education in the public schools of his home neighborhood. Later he attended the Palmer's Business College of Philadelphia, and then took a special course at the Y. M. C. A., Phila-' delphia, in Advanced English, Business Law, etc., and also a series of lectures in Credits, and a course in Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. He was employed with the Central high school in Philadelphia for nine months, and for one year following was with Dr. Ernest La Place, also in Philadelphia, at the en* of that time becoming connected with a plumbing sup- ply house, with which he remained nine months. He has since held his present position, that of bookkeeper at the Northern National Bank of Philadelphia, with which he became connected in November, 1899. He is a director of the Pennsylvania Building and Loan As- sociation, No. 3, and of the West Somerset Building and Loan Association, both of Philadelphia. Mr. Henne is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Phila- delphia. He also belongs to the P. O. S. of A., at Strausstown; Veritas Lodge, No. 643, L O. O. F., at Philadelphia; Palmer's Business College Alumni; and to the American Institute of Banking, having been en- gaged with the latter organization in numerous ca- pacities for a number of years. REV. HARRY CHARLES KLINE, pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Hamburg, was born at Philadelphia, Pa., May 37, 1868, son of Chris- tian S. and Amanda Jane (Koch) Kline. The father ■ emigrated from Monsheim, near Worms, Germany, in 1853. accompanying his parents, who landed at New York, and then proceeded to Salfordville, in Mont- gomery county, Pa. When a young man he went to Philadelphia and lived with a sister who was married to Philip Monkenbeck, a cigar manufacturer and mer- chant, who taught him the business, and he then en- 606 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA gaged in the same line on his own account at Ninth and Green Streets, carrying the business on success- fully until .1877. He then became a railroad engineer on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, being ern- ployed as such untiLl889, when he entered the Baldwin Locomotive Works; he was engaged there as a me- chanic until 1896, when he sustained a serious injury, from which he eventually died, in 1898. Christian S. Kline married Amanda J. Koch, of Le- high county, and by her had eight children: Harry Charles; Howard (m. Ella Robbins); Emma (m. Her- man Frankenfield) ; Catherine (m. Morris Raudenbush) ; Clara (m. Marshall Benner, and, after his death, Clar- ence Graham); three children died in infancy. Harry C. Kline received his early educati'on in the public schools of Philadelphia, and later attended Muh- lenberg College, at Allentown, Pa., from which he graduated with honors in June, 1894. He prepared for the ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, graduating from that institution in 1897. In June of that year, immediately thereafter, he was or- dained a Lutheran minister at Lancaster, Pa. Shortly after his ordination, June 23, 1897, Rev. Mr. Kline located at Hamburg and was regularly installed as pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and also of St. Paul's Church, in Windsor township, of Zion's, in Perry township, and of St. Mark's at Shoe- makersville. Pa. With the exception of the church at Shoemakersville, which he served for but four years, he has continued to officiate as minister of these churches to the present time. Immediately upon his taking charge of St. John's Church, new religious zeal in the members of the con- gregation was developed. They had a severe visitation the following year. On Monday, April 3. 1898, to the amazement of the congregation, the beautiful old church was' completely destroyed by fire, caused by a large spark which was blown from the destructive fire at the Wilhelm Bicycle Works, several hunared yards distant to the west. The evening of the day previous, Sunday, two fine windows had been dedicated, and a large catechetical class had been confirmed in the old church. Although shocked by the unlooked-for calamity, the minister and his flock were not discouraged, for they at once resolved to build their exclusive Lutheran church, separating from their Union relations with the Reformed brethren. They set to work in real earnest to accomplish the task, which was finished by Whit- suntide, 1899, when the building was consecrated. It was then and is still recognized as one of the hand- •somest churches in the county. In the erection of this superb structure. Rev. Mr. Kline has received much praise for his unremitting and successful efforts, and- in 1906 the congregation was highly gratified at the extinguishment of the entire indebtedness against the church, due mostly to the personal appeals of the pastor. Rev. Mr. Kline has also shared the honor of building a beautiful Union church, known as Zion's Union Church, in Perry township, which was conse- crated on Whitsunday, 1909; he is the Lutheran pastor of that church. In 1897, Rev. Harry C. Kline married Gertrude Lil- lian Leh, and they have had two sons, Arlan Luther and Bernard Leh. Mrs. Kline was given a superior education, more especially in music, under Prof. C. A. Miarks, and she became a music teacher, following that profession fof eight years. In 1890, Professor Marks organized the Allentown Oratorio Society, with which she filled the responsible position of piano accom- panist in a highly commendable manner until her mar- riage in 1897. Mrs. Kline is also an adept in needle- work, as the walls of her beautiful and well-kept home attest. She is a lovely character. Thomas H. Leh, of Allentown, Mrs. Kline's father, born in 1853, died in 1886. He married M. Alice Mu- maw, and they had three children: Gertrude (m. Rev. Mr. Kline), William T. (m. Mayme Matten), and Anna M. (m. Willis E. Kuehns). Mrs. Kline's grandfather, William R. Leh, also of Allentown, married A. Maria Ginkinger. Rev. Mr. Kline, being much interested in local his- tory, has become a member of the Pennsylvania Ger- man Society and the Berks County Historical Society, both of which organizations he encourages most heart- ily. WILLIAM BRIDEGAM, one of Reading's highly esteemed citizens and retired business men, is a native of Berks county, born June 10, 1836, in Alsace township, son of David and Catherine (Becker) Bridegam, also natives of this county. David Bridegam was educated in the common schools of his day, and when a boy learned the weaver's trade. This, in connection with farming a small property, oc- cupied his time during his short life. He died at the age of thirty years, having been married but eight years, and having four children: Louisa m. Philip Her- bine, a"nd had eight children, John (deceased), Wil- liam, Lucy, Mahlon, Louisa. Katie, Amanda and James; William; Augustus died single; and Lewis m. Mary Ann Shadle and had three children, Augustus, Katie and James. Mr. Bridegam died in 1832, while his wid- ow survived him fifty-five years and died aged eighty-, six years. The maternal grandfather was David Beck- er, who married Susan Messersmith. They were very prominent farming people of Alsace township, and he was an extensive land owner. He, however, disposed of his interests in Berks county and with a large fam- ily removed to Ohio, where some of his . descendants still reside. William Bridegam was but five years old. when his father died, and his mother not being in affluent cir- cumstances, he was taken to raise by Susan Hassler, with whom he remained until eighteen years of age, receiving, however, but a limited education. While yet in his teens, he was apprenticed to the tinsmith's trade, and this he followed for fifty-four years. Through honest enaeavor and perseverance he has accumulated a competency and now in the evening of his life is living quietly, enjoying the fruits of early labor. Mr. Bridegam has been twice married, his first wife being Rebecca Bells, by whom two children were born: Caro- line, deceased; and Susan, who became the wife of Wil- liam Hobart. Mr. Bridegam m. (second) Cynthia Waltz (now also deceased), and six children were born to this union, as follows: Clara, m. Samuel Hartman; Sarah, is a widow; Kate, m. John E. Hun- sicker of Los Angeles, Cal.; William E., is an elec- trician of Reading; Mary, is deceased; and Florence, m. John Fink, of SchuylkillHaven. In religion the family are members of St. James' Lutheran Church. Mr. Bridegam was formerly a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to Reading Council, No. .46, O. U. A. M. He is a very active man for his years, and is most highly esteemed in Reading. WILLIAM B. YEAGER, proprietor of the Reading Cornice Works, with business situated on the north- west corner of Eighth and Chestnut streets, Reading, Pa., is one of the leading business men of this city! He' was born at Reading, in 1851. a son of Abraham and Harriet (Dickinson) Yeager. Abraham Yeager was one of the business men of Reading for years. For a long period he was a con- fectioner and later went into the plumbing business m partnership with his father-in-law, William Dickin- son, under the firm name of Dickinson & Yeager. The business was then located on Sixth street near Penn street, Readmg. Subsequently Mr. Yeager was asso- ciated with a Mr. Miller and the firm became Miller & Yeager and so continued until the latter's death, at the comparatively early age of thirty-seven years. He was laid to rest in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mr. Yeager was survived by a widow and children. He married Harriet Dickinson, daughter of William P. and Elizabeth (Miller) Dickinson, the Miller family BIOGRAPHICAL 607 being a very old and prominent one at Readng. The children of this union were: William B., of this sketch; Edward, formerly mayor of the city of Reading; Harry; Pearson; Clara; and Alice, wife of Henry Heckman, of California. William _.B. Yeager was educated in the schools of his native city, including the high school. His first acquaintance with business was as a clerk in the dry goods store of B. H. Brown, where he remained a short time, and then entered the Reading Sheet Mill Works, and for one year worked at piling scrap iron. His next business connection was with the firm of Delp & Rapp, with whom he was associated for two and a half years. In 1878 he went with W. T. Hain, working at the tinning trade, and remained with him for sixteen years. That long experience gave him a thorough understanding of his present line of work. During this period he spent some eighteen months in Schuylkill county, in the same business. In 1887 Mr. Yeager engaged in business at his pres- ent site and has met with most encouraging success. The Reading Cornice Works include in their manu- factures copper and iron cornices, crestings, hipping, and finals, roofing, spouting and heater work and sheet metal work of all kinds. ' His plant is well equipped with all manner of modern machinery and he gives em- ployment to ten S'killed workmen. On Jan. 15, 1906, he received a patent right for a metal window sash and frame, and this device has met with a ready sale. Mr. Yeager visits neighboring towns in the interests of his business and has friends all over the region. Mr. Yeager was married to Susan Leitheiser, a daughter of Francis and Mary (Adams) Leitheiser, of Hyde Park, Reading. They have a daughter and son, Bessie and Harry, the latter of whom proves a very apt assistant to his father. In politics Mr. Yeager is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to Chandler Lodge No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, and Reading Commandery, and is a past officer of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Yeager and family belong to the Luth- eran Church. They have a pleasant home at No. 646 North Sixth street, Reading. A. W. HAAG, a prosperous business man of Read- ing, carrying on a large millwrighting business on the corner of Walnut and Third streets, was born Feb. 15, 1851, in North Heidelberg township, Berks Co., Pa., a son of Joel and Susanna (Wenrich) Haag. His education was obtained in .the schools at Bern- ville and from youth he took care of himself. In 1868 he went to California and helped build the Union Pac- ific railroad, and was one of the party to travel on the first train over the route. Upon his return h'e went to Luzerne county and there worked at sawmill work, having some acquaintances there, and worked also at Allentown. In 1875 he went to Fleetwood and worked on what was the invention of the Haag Reliance Tur- bine Water Wheel, superintending the setting up of the same, until 1894. Mr. Haag then came to Reading and established his business at the foot of Chestnut street, but in 1896 he opened his present place of busi- ness where he has a fine establishment equipped with all kinds of modern machinery for millwrighting. He makes a specialty of equipping dye works. He is a thoroughly competent machinist and stands very high in the trade. In 1873 Mr. Haag was married to Sevilla Eck and they have eleven children, namely: Katherine, m. to W. L. Fegley; Charles, m. to Jennie Rambo; Sarah, m. to Samuel Fegley; John A., m. to Ada Heck; George, m. to Blanche E. Wink; Elizabeth, m. to E. S. Fisher; Mary, m. to John Craig; Caroline, m. to E. Miller; Adam W., Jr.; William P. and James H. Mr. Haag is a member of the United Evangelical Church. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias. While in Fleetwood he was a member of the council, and for a number of years school trustee. He was also secretary of the board of town councilmen of Fleet- wood for six years. Mr. Haag is very well known in the city of Reading, where he is highly esteemed for his many sterling traits of character. ANDREW HONEKER, a resident of Reading, Pa., who was. engaged in the stone-cutting business, was born June 23, 1845, in Wurtemberg, Germany, son of George Honeker, an agriculturist of that country, where he died at the age of sixty-five years. Andrew Honeker received his eduoation in the com- mon schools of his native c'ountry, and was reared on his father's farm. He came to America in June, 1869, on a vessel of the Hamburg Line, and landed at New York City, where he remained but a few days, then go- ing to the State of Massachusetts. He worked on a farm there for a short time after which he came to Reading and was employed at a furnace for a few months. His next employment was at Altoona, Pa., for .a period of three years, after which he returned to Reading and learned the stone cutting trade with the Eben people, in whose employ he was for a period of twenty years. In 1894 Mr. Honeker engaged in business with John Fisher and Christ Becker, with whom he continued one year, after which he formed a partnership with Simon Abel, this connection con- tinuing for five years. In 1904 Mr. Honeker became the' partner of Henry Huber (see sketch elsewhere), and they continued as partners, their yard being lo- cated at Elm and Buttonwood streets, as long as Mr. Honeker lived, and after her husband's death Mrs. Honeker sold his'interests. The home of the family is at No. 1167 Green street. Mr. Honeker died July 23, 1908, aged sixty-three years, and is buried in the Geth- semane Cemetery, Reading. He was a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, and of St. Boniface's Society. Mr. Honeker married Ceicila Hohm, of Baiern, Ger- many, and to them were born the following children: Joseph, who is employed in Chicago as a clerk; Mag- gie; Albert; Annie; Lizzie, and Mary. RICHARD M. WHITMAN, former chief of police of Reading, is descended from David Whitman, a blacksmith of Robeson township, Berks county. Abraham S. Whitman, his father, who was a printer and publisher of Reading, died in that city in 1900, aged seventy-nine yeears, while his mother, Mary Eliza- beth (Reeser), daughter of Daniel Reeser, a droVer of Berks county, passed away in May, 1901, aged eighty-one years. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, two of whom, Rose and Kate, died in early childhood. Those still living are: Daniel R.; Mary, wife of David Fox, of the Reading Hardware Com- pany, Reading; Esther, the wife of William Clark, of the Reading Hardware Company; Henrietta, at home; Lilly, the wife of James Johnson, of the Pennsylvania Railroad service; Richard M. Richard M. Whitman was born in Reading, April 3, 1848. He received his education in the public schools, and then learned the printing business in his father's office, at the Times, and continued at printing for a number of years. He next took charge of the Daily News and remained there nine years, or until the paper was discontinued, when he became one of the proprietors of the Reading Daily Telegram and with this paper he continued three years. He was then twice elected to Common Council from the Second ward, resigning in 1890 to accept the position of high- way commission-er of the Western district of Read- ing. At the expiration of his term he was appointed chief of police, and served under Mayors Merritt, Yeager and Gerber, with an interval between Merritt and Yeager. During this interval he was employed on the Timies. Mr. Whitman was married Jan. 20, 1877. to Mary Catherine Shunk, daughter of John and Rachel (Savage) Shunk, the former a tanner and farmer of Heidelberg township, Berks county, and a nephew of the Hon. 608 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Francis Shunk, ex-Governor of Pennsylvania. Two sons' and two daughters have been born to this union: Daniel R., a toolmaker of Philadelphia; May; Jacob; and Mollie, wife of Clifford H. Price. Mr. Whitman belongs to St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M., and to the Foresters of America. He is also connected with Liberty Fire Company, in which he has held several offices. In politics he is a Democrat. During his career as chief of police he made many im- portant arrests, ^nd was a faithful and capable officer. GEORGE A. RICK, president of the common branch of the city councils of Reading, is a native of that city whose connection with its business and public life does credit to his birth and ancestry. He is a member of an old Berks county family, being a descendant in the fifth gen- eration from Hermann Rick, the emigrant ancestor of the family, who came to this country in 1712, when twelve years old. From him Mr. Rick traces his line through John George, Charles, and John Rick, the latter for many years a member of the well-known firm of Rick Brothers, manufacturers of tacks and builders' hardware, which was established in the year 1867, and for many years main- tained its position as one of the leading industries of the kind in Reading and elsewhere. John Rick married Emma C. Ammon, and to them were born three sons and one daughter : George A., John, Paul A., and Margaret Julia, the daughter dying in September, 1904. Further details concerning the ancestors will be found elsewhere. George A. Rick was born in Reading, Oct. 23, 1877, and there received his education in the public schools. After his graduation from the high school, June 1, 1895, he en- tered the office of William H. Dechant, civil engineer, with whom he remained until May, 1898, on the 9th o-f which month he entered the army in the volunteer service. He became a private in Company A (Capt. Samuel Wil- lits), 4th Regiment (Col. David Brainerd Case), Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, serving until Nov. 16, 1898; he was sent to Porto Rico. Upon his return to Reading after being mustered out of the service, Mr. Rick engaged in the real estate and in- vestment business, which he has continued to the present time. He is a director of the Colonial Trust Company. In 1906 Mr. Rick was elected to represent his ward in the common branch of the city councils, and in 1908 he was honored with re-election for another two years' term. Immediately following his re-electioi^ in April, 1908, he was elected president of that branch of the city govern- ment, and he has occupied the chair ever since. He is a Republican in political sentiment, public-spirited and con- scientious in the discharge of his duties, and alive to the needs of the community in which his life has been spent. On Nov. 12, 1903, Mr. Rick married Margaret Hunter, daughter of John and Marion Hunter, of Alva, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Rick have two children, John Hunter and Margaret Marion. Mr. Rick is a Lutheran in religious connection, holding membership in St. Matthew's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church. WALTON G. LEVAN, for many years a business man of Reading, bore a name not only to be found in the military annals of this country, but also well known in France in connection with the old Huguenot days. The family was founded in America by three brothers, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham, who fled from their native land in 1715 to escape persecution and came to Penn- sylvania, settling in Berks county, one near Kutztown, one in Oley Valley and one in what is now Reading. A warlike strain has run through their descendants and we find them among the defenders of liberty in bofh 1775 arid 1861. Abraham Levan, grandfather of Walton G, in the earlier part of his life resided in York, York county, a place then known as Little York. He was enga^d in business as a hatter and dealt almost entirely, whether for laying in supplies or disposing of his goods when finished, in Baltimore. Md. Later he settled in Read- ing and carried on the same business there. He was one of the leading supporters of the old Reformed Church there, and when he died, at an advanced age, was buried in the cemetery, at the corner of Sixth and Washington streets. Isaac N. Levan, son of Abraham, was born anc brought up in York and there learned the' trade of a hatter under his father. On moving to Reading, hr vv- ever, he went into the nail cutting line instead, traveling through Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Virginia. He re- turned to Reading about 1869 and went into the hat business again, opening a retail establishment at No. 727 Penn street where he continued a few years, then bought the property No. 719 Penn street and there continued until his death, in 1892, at the age of seventy- three years. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Jos- eph Guiel, resident of Canada, where Mrs. Levan was born, but later he removed to Connecticut. Mr. Guiel was a famous Indian scout and during the Rebellion his services were employed by the government. The last years of his life were spent in work among the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Levan had children as follows: Walton G, John A., Edgar M., Annie A., Ella G. (m. Peter Weber, of Lancaster, Pa.) , I. Newton, (of Wilmington, Del.), and Florence (wife of Dr. Charles W. Bachman, of Reading). Walton G. Levan was born in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 27, 1846. He came to Reading with his parents when only a child, and after completing his education in the public schools began to learn the trade which his father and grandfather before him had followed. This was during the period of the war, and after serving six months of his apprenticeship he enlisted in Company B, 2d Pennsylvania Cavalry under Gen. David McM. Gregg. He served in all two years and six months and during that time was once seriously wounded, in the battle of Hunter's Run, Oct. 22, 1864. The ' in- jury was in the left leg and he suffered from its eflfeots to the end of his life. Mr. Levan was honorably dis- charged July 20, 1865, and returning to Reading, re- sumed work at his trade where he had left off. He followed that line of work without intermission, in 1869 becoming associated in the hat business with his father at No. 727 Penn street. Continuing with him until 1874, in that year he opened an establishment of his own at No. 48 South Seventh street which he con- ducted until 1877. when he closed out his store and went back to the bench. He remained in the shop until March 9, 1895, when he and his son established a hat store at No. 903 Penn street, having both a manufacturing and retail concern. Nine years after, to a day, they moved to the present location. No. 847 Penn street. Here his son now carries on what has become known as one of the most progressive hat stores in the city. In the rear of the store there is a plant for manufacturing hats for the local trade, and as Mr. Levan was a skilled mechanic himself, and superintended his own workrooms, he established a splendid reputation for the output. His son. Isaac N. Levan, became a partner in the firm in 1897 and they did business under the firm name of W. G. Levan & Son. Mr. Levan was actively engaged in business until a few days before his death, though he had been suffering for some months with dropsy, from which he died Nov. 18, 1906, in his sixty-first year. He was one of the best-known men in his line in Reading. Mr. Levan married Catharine Boylan, who survives him, residing at No. 704 Walnut street, while his son. Isaac N. resides in the home at No. 133 North Eighth street. The;^ had one son, Isaac N. Levan, who mar- ried Mary A. Siegfried, and had three children, namely: Bertha A., Walton G. and William A. Mr. Levan was a member of Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R. ISAAC HOLLENBACH, a well known citizen of Reading, engaged in the building business, who resides at No. 600 Schuylkill avenue, was born in 1852 in Onte- launee township, Berks county, near Leesport, son of BIOGRAPHICAL 609 John and Mary (Hartman) Hollenbach, and grandson of John and Christiana Hollenbach. John Hollenbach, the grandfather, was a farmer near Leesport, Pa., where many years of his life were spent, and was a man noted for his thrift and enterprise, being held in high esteem in his locality. He and his wife Christiana became the parents of these children: Benjamin; Samuel; Daniel; Rebecca, m. to Adam Gear- hapt; Elithebes, m. to a Mr. DeTurck; John; and Kate, m. to a Mr. Schaeffer. In religious belief the family were Lutherans. Mr. Hollenbach was first a Whig in politics, and later became a Republican. John Hollenbach, son of John, was educated in the district schools of Berks county, and as a boy engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, later en- gaging therein for himself, following farming all of his life. He died aged seventy-one years, while his widow still survives him, being the mother of five children: Catherine, m. to William Marks; Emma, who died single; Isaac; Sally, m. to Charles Gernant; and John, a retired farmer of Illinois. Isaac HoUenbach's education was secured in the schools of Bern township, after which he came to Reading and pursued a course in the business college. He then returned to his native place and engaged in farming until 1891, in which year he came again to Reading and engaged in the butchering business, for one year, selling out to engage in the building business, at which he has since continued with much success. He has built many residences in the northwestern section of the city, among them sixteen on Gordon street, sev- en on West Green street, sixteen on Wesit Greenwich street, and a row on Schuylkill avenue in the 600 block, in one of which he resides. Hollenbach street, one of the prettiest residence thoroughfares in northwestern Reading, was named after Mr. Hollenbach, and here, in ^ company with P. Monroe Krick, Mr. Hollenbach built forty-three houses. He is well and favorably known in his section of the city, serving as council- man of the Fifteenth ward, but declining a renomina- tion on account of his varied business interests. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the North- easitern Republican League, and is fraternally connected with the Schuylkill Fire Company. In religious faith Mr. Hollenbach is a Lutheran. WILLIAM H. MOYER, of the firm of Strunk & Meyer, feed merchants, of Reading, Pa., was born July 17, 1859, at Reading, son of David and Mary (Bin- gaman) Moyer. David Moyer, father of William H., born in 1819, was a carpenter at Reading, following his trade here during the greater part of .his life. He died in 1878, and his wife, Mary Bingaman, died in 1865. Thev had three children: Clara, David A., and William H. William H. Moyer was educated in the Reading schools and began his business life as an employee of Aaron Yocum, in a flour mill, with whom he con- tinued for three years. Then began his association with John M. Strunk, for whom he worked eleven years, and in 1889 he was taken into partnership, and the present firm name was adopted. The business was founded in 1868 by Mr. Strunk, and by him was so conducted that it became favorably known all over Berks county. The warehouse' is located at No. 924 Franklin street. The scope of the business includes dealing in flour, feed, grain, hay, straw, potatoes and poultry supplies, and their trade connections enable them not only to do a good business for themselves but to make it of interest to their customers. Their claim to promptness in business transactions is well substantiated. They make a specialty of handling Nut- riotone, a condition remedy for horses, cattle, sheep and swine. Their warehouse consists of four floors and the dimensions of the, building are 34x24 feet. Mr. Moyer was_ married to. Louisa Zeigler, daughter of John and Louisa (Roland) Zeigler, of Reading, Pa. Mr. Zeigler died in 1892. For years he had been a 39 valued employee at the Johnston foundry. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer have one daughter, Helen May, who is a pupil' at the grammar school. In politics iVIr. Moyer is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Knight of Malta; belongs to Camp No. 89, Patriotic Sons of America; and was secretary of the Rainbow Fire Company for some years. He is a member of the First Reformed Church at Reading. DAVID DeLONG, now deceased, was a well known farmer of Bern township. He was born in Berks coun- ty. Pa., son of David De Long, Sr., who was for many years engaged in farming in Lehigh county — a very prominent man there. Mr. De Long was always identified with Berks county. He began his farming operations there on a traot of forty acres, which he purchased and to which he later added considerably. He was successful in his work, being both capable and industrious,' and his long life of seventy-seven years was full of useful and kind- ly deeds. Mr. De Long married Miss Mary Snyder, and they passed many years of wedded life, broken by the death of Mrs. De Long at the age of sixty years. A large family was born to them, all of them living in or near Reading, as follows: Mary, Mrs. Daniel Moser, of Bern township; Hattie, Mrs. Samuel Savage, of Read- ing; Catharine, Mrs. Reinart, of Reading, who has two children, George and Katie (m. Howard Zerr, who has two children, Luther and Helen Zerr); Joel, m. to Miss Matilda Althouse, and residing on the home- stead in Bern township; Lydia, m. to Frank Snyder, of Reading; and Sarah, m. to Levi Wagner. David De Long, was a man who held the respect of the com- munity in which he lived, and was of no little influence in the Democratic party. He was a member of the Reformed Church. DOTTERRER. In 1738 among the names of passen- gers on the ship "Mortonhouse," was the name of Johan Georg Doderer, also spelled, on the Captain's list, Hans Dirk Doddere. In 1756, according to the his- torian, Rupp, he had settled in District township, Berks county; and in 1759 his name appears on the tax list in that township. Tradition says he was an elder brother of Mathias Dotterrer, who came over in 1749. (I) Mathias Dotterrer, whose name on the passen- ger list is given as Mattheus Dotter, came to America on the ship "Jacob," Captain Adolph De Grove, from Amsterdam, last from Shields, England, qualifying at' Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1749. On the same ship were Nichlaus and Martin Dotter, who may have been sons over sixteen years of age. His son Mathias (1744- 1837), was about five years old at the time, and be- cause of his age his name would not appear on. the passenger list. (II) Mathias Dotterrer, son of Mathias, born Jan. 33, 1744, became a pioneer of Lower Berks county. His name is variously spelled — Dotterrer, Dottero and Toderrow. On the red sandstone that marks his grave just south of the Hill Church, is the following inscrip- tion: "Mathias Dotterrer, son of Mathias and Cathar- ine, Born Jan. 22, 1744, Died June 30, 1827, aged 83 years, 5 months, 8 days." His wife is buried at his side her grave being marked by the following inscrip- tion: "Anna Maria, daughter Adam and Catharine Im- holtz, and wife Mathias Dotterrer. She was born May 17, 1743, married 1765, and lived in holy wedlock over 60 years. She had two sons, twenty-six grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren at her death, which occurred Feb. 34, 1825, aged eighty-one years, nine months, sev- enteen days." They had two sons: Daniel was executor of his father s will (on record in German in Will Book 6, p. 99); and Mathias. (III) Daniel Dotterrer, son of Mathias, was born July 4, 1766, and he died Sept. 13, 1844, in the seventy- ninth year of his age. He lived in' Earl township where he owned a farm, and he also owned a tract in 610 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Rockland township, bequeathing the latter to his son Henry in his will made Oct. 29, 1834. This will is on record in Will Book 9, page is; executors, his sons Maithias and Daniel. In the Will Index his name is spelled Daniel Dottero. He married Barbara Muthart (born June 28, 1763, died Dec. 3, 1843, aged eighty years, five months, five days), and their children were: Mathias, John, Daniel (1792-1840), Jacob, George, Hen- ry, Susanna and Catharine. (IV) Jacob Dotterrer, son of Daniel, was born April 4, 1794, and he died in Earl township, Aug. 23, 1885, aged ninety-one years, four months, nineteen days. He and his family are buried in the cemetery at the Hill Church, of which they were Reformed members. In his earlier life he owned and cultivated a small farm in Pike township. By trade he was a carpenter. His wife, Sarah, daughter of Christian Sassaman, was born Dec. 21, 1797, and she died June 8, 1880, aged eighty- two years, five months, seventeen days. Four children were born to them: Maria, m. to Isaac Fry; John S.; Abraham, who lived and died in Pike township; Sarah, m. to Aaron Weller. (V) John S. Dotterrer, son of Jacob, was born dur- ing his father's residence in Pike township, Dec. 7, 1822. His death occurred Dec. 12, 1881, when he was aged fifty-nine years, five days, and his remains were buried at Hill Church. In his earlier life he was a school teacher, teaching a pay school at Shanesville, but later he became a farmer, owning the farm of 167 acres in Pike township that is now the property of his son Jacob and the heirs of his son John. In politics he was a Democrat, and was always active in work for his party. For a number of years he served as school director in Pike township. He married Hettie (Esther) Weller, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Mest) Weller. born July 29, 1828, died July 28, 1882, aged fifty-three years, eleven months, twenty-nine days, her death occurring but eight months after that of her husband. Their children were: Catharine, who died unmarried; Jacob, of Pikeville; John W. ; Daniel W. ; Sarah, m. to Irwin Buchert, of Gilbertsville; Elizabeth, m. to William Hilbert, of Pikeville; Hettie, m, to Daniel Peter, of Viola, Del.; Amanda, m. to John Ritter, of Boyertown; and Augustus, of Pottstown. (VI) John W. Dotterrer, son of John S., was a native of Pike township, born Aug. 16, 1852. He was first a farmer and then a merchant, later conducting the store and hotel (which he owned) at Hill Church, where he was also postmaster for more than a quar- ter of a Century. He was one of the active Democrats in his district, serving as committeeman for many years, and at the time of his death was serving as road commissioner. He died May 14, 1907, and was buried at Hill Church, of which he was a Reformed member. From the date of its incorporation in 1873 until his death, a period of thirty-four years, he was treasurer of the Cemetery company. He was a man of influence in the community. His wife, Elenora Brower. was a daughter of John G. and Elmina (Haus- man) Brower, of Colebrookdale township, the former at one time a well known school master. They had these children: Laura, who died in infancy; Dr. Char- les B.; and Hettie, whose husband, Harvey H. Weller, succeeded Mr. Dotterrer in business at Hill Church. (VII) Dr. Charles B. Dotterrer, of Boyertown, was born Jan. 12, 1880, near Hill Church, son of John W. and Elenora, and was given good educational ad- vantages. He attended the public schools in Pike township, and later the Pottstown schools, and then engaged in teaching in his native township for one term. In the spring of 1897 he attended Perkiomen Seminary, and continued there as a student until his graduation in 1898. He then entered the Medico-Chirur- gical College, Philadelphia, from which institution he graduated in 1903. While there he was awarded a gold rnedal for his high average in a competitive ex- amination. He then served one year in the Medico- Chirurgical Hospital, after which he took charge of the practice of Dr. G. A. Weida, at Frederick, Mont- gomery Co., Pa., during the latter's service in the lower house of the Sitate Legislature. He then began practising for himself at Zieglerville, and continued there until January, 1907, when he located in Boyer- town, quickly assuming a promihent place in the pro- fessional world. He has a most enviable record, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow practi- tioners. Fraternally Dr. Dotterrer is a member of War- ren Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M.; Norristown Chapter, No. 190, R. A. M.; Reading Lodge of Perfection. He is a past master of Perkiomenville Lodge, No. 367, I. O. O. F., and smce his location in Boyertown has be- come affiliated with Boyertown Lodge No. 708, I. O. O. F., which lodge rendered such invaluable services to the community at the time of the Opera House Fire in January, 1908. Dr. Dotterrer is very prosperous, and his automobile may be seen at all hours. He handles this machine with great skill. On Jan. 1, 1909, in partnership with Claude C. Graeff, P. D., he bought the large wholesale and retail drug store of Charles A. Smith, and when not engaged at his private practice spends his time in the drug store. The Doctor is very public-spirited, and has taken an active part in public affairs. He is a member of the board of health, and since the resignation of Dr. Rhoads he has acted as its president. He was one of the incorporators of the Boyertown Electric Light Com- pany, serving as vice president until he was elected hy an overwhelming majority as a councilman. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. On Dec. 17, 1904, Dr. Dotterrer married Mary Eliza- beth Wagner, daughter of Michael and Amelia (Reller) Wagner, of Obelisk, Pa. They have no children. (VI) Daniel W. Dotterrer, son of John S., was born in Pike township, Nov. 27, 1854. He received his early education in the township schools, and later attended Professor Hankey's select school at Boyertown. He also attended Friedensburg Academy one term, then under the charge of Prof. S. A. Baer, and later Dr. Daniel Schoedler. In 1880 he began farminar for him- self on the place where he now lives near Hill Church. He has a farm of eighty-eight acres, all in good con- dition. In politics he is a Democrat, and he wields considerable influence in the township, as he is a man of high repute and good judgment. In 1879 Mr. Dotterrer married Ellen Drumheller, daughter of David and Lydia (Rhode) Drumheller. and they had children :^ Wilson m. Hannah Mest; Ida m. John Hess; Daniel died in infancy; David m. Annie Moyer; John (twin to David) is a cigarmaker; Mamie, Augus.tus and Elizabeth are at home. GEORGE C. SUENDER, who resides at No. 1330 North Twelfth street, Reading, Pa., has served as ward assessor of the city for the past seventeen years. Mr. Suender was born in 1845, in Saxony, Germany, son of George and Catherine D. (Eisenhart) Suender. George Suender was a spinner by trade, an occupa- tion which he followed in his native country, and in 1847 emigrated to America on the ship "Louisa Maria," Capt. Lew Schwenk. landing May 7th, of that year, after a stormy voyage of seven weeks, at Philadelphia. After coming to this country Mr. Suender engaged in com- mon laboring and huckstering, and in these occupations continued until his death in 1890, at the age of seven- ty-two years, his widow surviving until 1903, when she passed away, being eighty-four years old. They were the parents of children as follows: George C; Charles M. D., deceased; Catherine, m. to Charles Bast; and Louisa, m. to George Kramer. In religious belief the family were Reformed. In 1856 Mr. Suender was naturalized, and became a stanch Democrat. George C. Suender received his education in the schools of Berks county, attending pay schools in Bern BIOGRAPHICAL 611 township and Freeland Seminary, and after leaving the latter institution taught school for five years. In 1868 he commenced farming, continuing thereat until 1870, when he embarked in the livery business on Pearl, below Franklin stree.t, Reading. One year later he sold out to engage in the flour and feed business with William Frame, and shortly thereafter accepted a position with William T. Clous & Son, ice dealers. In 1880, Mr. Suender engaged in the milk business, and this he carried on until April 30, 1907, when he sold out. Mr. Suender has been prominent not only in business, bu.t in political circles as well. He has long been a stanch adherent of Democratic principles in this section, was school director for six years, and for the past seventeen years has served efficiently as ward assessor. He is well known throughout the city, and has many warm friends. Mr. Suender was married (first) to Elizabeth Kauf- man, by whom he had two children: Lillie; and Eliza- beth, m. to John Sheidy. His second marriage was to Louisa Menges, and to them there have been born six children: Katie, m. to Elmer Heilig; Eugenia H.; T. Howard; Charles F.; Emma, m. to John Dersch; and Vernie. The family is connected with the Lutheran Church. GEORGE GRAFF, a farmer of Albany township, Berks county, now living retired in his comfortable home at Albany Station, is a native of Neubeuern. Germany, born Aug. 11. 1835. son of George Michael Graff. George Michael Graff was born in Bayern, Ger- many, May 23, 1793, and died at his home near Wess- nersville, Berks county, June 29, 1879. He came to America in 1839 bringing his family, and first lived for a few years in Philadelphia, from which city he came to Berks county, and made his first location in Green- wich township, on the place where William Emore now lives about Klinesville. About 1848 he moved to Albany township, and located where his son Christian now lives near Wessnersville. He owned this farm, which first consisted of fifty-six acres, and this he cultivated until a few years before his death. He was a Lutheran in religious faith, as was also his wife, and they are buried at Friedens Church at Wessners- ville, of which they were members. Mr. Graff had been a tanner in the Old Country, but never followed that trade in America. He was a man of medium height with very black hair. His second wife was Anna Maria Himmelshear'. who was bom — March I3r~t8137" and died April 21, 1881. They had four children: George and Michael, both born in Germany; and Christian and Catharine (m. Samuel Mohn, of Round Top, Albany township), both born in America. Of these children, Michael lived some years in Albany town- ship, and then moved to West Penn township, Schuyl- kill county, where some years later he sold out his farm, and then went to Tamaqua. He married Polly Kunkel, and their children were: Thomas, George, Charles, Alvin. Jonathan. Mary Ann, Missouri and Cora. Christian Graff, son of George Michael, a shoemaker by trade, also carries on farming on the old homestead in Albany township. He married Polly Krey (spelled Frai in German), sister to George Graff's wife, Sarah, both daughters of Napoleon Frey. To Christian Graff and wife have been born : Oscar, Mantillis (m. Amanda Zimmerman, daughter of Noah Zimmerman), Richard (m. Alice Zimmerman, sister to Amanda), Irwin, Elmer and Herbert. George Graff accompanied his parents to America, and in Greenwich township he learned the shoemaker's trade under Peter Reinhard, and this he followed four- teen years. During the Civil war he enlisted in Com- pany G, 167th Pa. V. I. and served nine months. After the war he engaged in farming in Albany township, and has a nice farm of 110 acres located in the potato belt on the Ontelaunee. IJe built in 1883 the present barn on his farm, and he retired in 1889, "having the previous year built at Albany Station the brick resi- dence near the railroad, where he now lives. The large lawn is most attractive. Mrs. Graff is a great lover of flowers and has been very successful in their cultivation, and the beautiful blossoms attract much attention, not only of the passers-by but also of the passengers on the trains of the Schuylkill & Lehigh railroad running close to the house. Mr. Graff is a man of intelligence and is well posted on public questions. He takes great pleasure in reading. He and his wife have erected their monument at Friedens Church cemetery. In 1860 Mr. Graff married Sarah Frey, daughter of Napoleon and Kate (Billman) Frey, the latter a daugh- ter of Jacob Billman (whose children were — Sallie, Leah, Betsey, Hettie, Kate, Polly, Jonas and Reuben). To Mr. and Mrs. Graff have been born no children. Mr. Giraff is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are Lutheran members of Friedens Church. WILLIAM BORDER, a retired citizen of Reading, has been a resident of that city from youth, and was one of its foremost business men for many years. His success was not made in any one line alone, but in different ventures, his chief interest, however, center- ing in the local financial institutions and in the Acme Manufacturing Company, of which important concern he was a member and director for several years. He is a man of independent spirit and persevering disposi- tion, and made his own way to a high position in busi- ness circles. Mr. Border is^ a native of Berks county, born in Al- sace township, ^une 6, 1829. He is of German descerit, his grandfather, Samuel Border, having been born in Germany, whence he emigrated to America, settling in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa. Daniel Border, son of Samuel, and father of William, was born in Exeter township and there passed his early life. In time he settled in Alsace with his family where he remained until his comparatively early death in 1821. He was a farmer by occupation. Daniel Border married Elizabeth Kline, and they had two children, Daniel and William, the former dying when eleven years old. Mrs. Border remarried, her second husband TDeing Jacob Bower, by whom she had one son, Jeremiah, who be- came a well known physician of Reading. William Border was only a year and a half old when his father died, and he remained at home with his moth- er, and step-father until he reached the age of eleven, when he began to support himself. For several years he hired out as a farm hand, but when he was seven- teen the family removed to Reading, and he accom- panied them 'to the city, which has since been his home. During his first summer here he found work in a brick yard, and then he did day's labor until he commenced fence-making, in which line he made his first notable success. He continued in that line for twenty-two years, taking orders for the particular kind of fence he sold in every section of Berks county, where he formed a wide acquaintance while traveling around in the pursuit of his business. For the first six months after he quit fence-making he was in partner- ship with Isaac Roland, whose interest he purchased at that time. He then formed the firm of William Border & Co., in which his associates were James T. Reber and Adarn Bard, and they continued together for eight years, doing a profitable business as manufacturers of parts for wagons, buggies, etc., such as felloes, spokes, shafts, etc. Mr. Border's next venture was as a money broker, a business which he began in 1873 at a most favorable time for that calling,- as the financial panic of that time had just broken out. He followed that line for three years, during which he not only exercised his native shrewdness to the best advantage in various financial transactions, but also found several openings for profit- able investment. The accuracy of his judgment, wheth- er in regard to men or conditions, was the principal factor in his success at this time. It was about this 612 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA period that he invested largely in timber lands, upon which he intended to realize by cutting and selling the ■timber, and the outcome of these investments showed him to be an expert in the valuation of such property. He continued on a similar line for some time after- ward, buying land which he laid out into building lots, and he did considerable trading in real estate through- out his active career, also retaining a number of lots for himself — about a hundred near Reading. His sales amounted to over $30,000 annually. In 1894 Mr. Border became a member of the Acme Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of the Stormer bicycle, whose business offered a most promising in- vestment as the demand for bicycles was then at i.ts height. His executive influence soon became apparent, and he continued to be a factor in the management of the concern, during which time the large bicycle fac- tory on Eighth street, at that time the largest in the city, was erected, in 1896. The product was twenty thousand bicycles yearly, and employment was given to a force of four hundred in their manufacture. The wheels were marketed all over the United States and also in foreign countries, being of high standard make. In 1893 Mr. Border opened a toy and variety store, the conduct of which he turned over to his grandson. Wil- liam F. Lease, and this was sold in 1903. Mr. Border has also been identified with some of the most notable of Reading's financial institutions. He had an interest in the Penn National Bank, the Schuylkill Valley Bank, the Reading National Bank and the Reading City Pas- senger Railway Company, still retaining his stock in the last named. Though his phenomenal success followed a youth of hard toil, with no promise of the affluence which crown- ed the efforts of his manhood, Mr. Border was never carried away with his prosperity, and never became a reckless investor or improvident in any way. His rise was steady, jind a wise conservatism and excellent judgment led him to decide deliberately and venture cautiously. Thus, having- gained ground, he did not lose it, and his course not only made for his own profit, but won for him a substantial position and gave the enterprises with which he was connected high prestige. He made his way against many obstacles, but he had the quahties of determination and perseverance, and his successful struggles against lack of means in his earlier years gave him courage for large things as time passed. His integrity in all transactions' gained him universal respect. On July 1, 1849, Mr. Border married Emma Harbold, like himself a native of Berks county, born May 26, 1822, daughter of Adam Harbold and granddaughter of Frederick Harbold. She died May 7, 1889. the mother of five children, namely: (1) Ellen Alwidla m. Jeremiah Lease, of Reading, and they have a family of five: Wil- liam F., m. to Sallie Hafer, has two children, Ella and Catherine; Edwin J., m. to Carrie Wiest. has six child- ren, Lester, Florence, Harold, Grace, Emily and Carrie; Arthur F.; Clarence, and Raymond. This family, with the exception of Arthur F., who is Reformed, belongs to the Lutheran Church. (2) Amanda Otilda. (3) Anetta m. Frank Reinert, of Reading, and they have had three sons: One died in infancy; Leroy, m. to Hel- en Fleckenstein, has one child, William; and Guy is un- married. (4) Emma and (5) Elizabeth died when young. Mr. Border and his daughter, Amanda, reside at No. 1238 North 12th street, Reading: Mr. Border is a Republican in political faith and has been almost since the formation of the party. He cast his first vote for Buchanan, supported Abraham Lin- coln, and has upheld Republican principles staunchly, though he has never taken an active part in political affairs. Fraternally he unites with Freedom Circle, Brotherhood of the Union, and is an Odd Fellow. His religious connection is with the Lutheran Church, to which he gives liberal support. Among the character- istic traits showing Mr. Border's beneficent spirit was the distribution of all his real estate in 1907 to his three daughters,, it being his desire to see the enjoyment of his children in his property while he was yet living. He is now in his eigbty-first year, and enjoying fair health. WANNER. The Wanner family was one of a half dozen families who came from the southwestern sec- tion of Germany or Switzerland prior to 1740, and settled in Richmond township, Berks Co., Pa. Old set- tlers, tradition, appearance and descendants of these families who are posted on genealogy, in many cases confirm the idea that they were Palatinates, who ac- cepted the Christian religion before they came to the New World. (I) Martin Wanner, the emigrant ancestor of this, old family, came from Germany in the fall of 1733. He had six children, namely: Christian, of whom we have no record; Jacob, who married Mary Elizabeth Drei- belbis, and had issue, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Peter, Magdalena and Mary; Peter; Margaret, who married a Burghart; Mrs. Muthart; and Mrs. Ango- stadt. (II) Peter Wanner, son of Martin the emigrant, was thrice married. He m. (first) Catharine Rothermel, and ithey had six children, as follows: (1) Daniel is mentioned below. (2) Jacob is not mentioned in the records. (3) Peter m. Catharine Redinger, and had seven children — Martin, m. to Hannah Christ; Anna and William, unmarried; Peter, m. to a Brown; Eliza- beth, m. to Charles Leis, and mother of seven child- ren; Isaac; and Esther. (4) Thomas m. Rebecca Al- bright, and had three children — Susanna, m. to John Adams, and had two children who died in infancy; and Mary and Peter, who are unmarried. (5) Cabilla was married, but we have no record of either her or her family. (6) Esther m. a Heckman, and had three children — George, Aaron and Esther. Peter Wanner m. (second) a Miss Schwartz, and by her had three children, all of whom died in infancy. He m. (third) Magdalena Dreibelbis, and they were- the parents of John Wanner, the grandfather of Solon A.. Wanner. (III) John Wanner m. Elizabeth' Biehl, daughter of Christian Biehl, and to this union were born the following children: Maria, born May 6, 1811, m. into the Sharadin family; Anna, born Feb. 4, 1813. m. into the Mertz family; Ephraim, born Feb. 4, 1815, died young; William, born Feb. 22, 1817, is a farmer; John Daniel is mentioned below; Joel B., born March 5, 1821, a graduate of the Franklin and Marshall College, a lawyer, and during the Civil war a major in the Union army, m. into the Zieber family; Peter Chris- tian, born March 24, 1823, m. a Moyer; John Charles, born Jan. 22, 1825, is a successful china merchant in Philadelphia; Charles H., born Sept. 3, 1827. a doctor, m. into the Hilbert family; Elizabeth, born Oct. 15, 1829, m: a Humbert; Amos, born Dec. 25, 1831, a lawyer and a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, m. into the Zieber family; and Henry, born March 28. 1834, is a tanner and currier, and is unmarried. John Wanner, the father, was a prominent politician, and served several terms in the Legislature. (IV) John Daniel Wanner, father of Solon A., was born near Kutztown, in Maxatawny township, Berks Co., Pa., Feb. 20, 1819. He m. Elizabeth, daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth (Sell) Bower, and to them were born these children: (1) Llewellyn, a graduate of the Franklin and Marshall College, was a member of the Reading Bar, and after a successful career in Reading he went to Goshen, Ind., with his family, where he practised law until his death. He m. Catharine M Dech, of Allentown, Lehigh Co., Pa., and to this union were born four children: Kate Laneta, m. to Joseph H. Lesh, a lumber merchant of Chicago, 111., has one daughter, Kathrine; Lulona Elizabeth,- m. to Edward Herith, a piano dealer in Indianapolis. Ind., has two daughters; William Ralph married Carrie • t"^ ^rl\^'rf^ ^T?"^" ,?r-.,*^ ^'■- Haskel, of Goshen, Ind. (2) Clara E. m. Wilson R. Merkel, of Lenharts- BIOGRAPHICAL 613 ville, Pa., son of George Merkel, an iron master of that place. The only child of this union was a daugh- ter who died at birth, the motheir passing away at the same time, April 10, 1883. (3) Solon A. is mentioned below. John Daniel Wanner received a common school edu- cation, and began life as a school teacher in Maxa- tawny township, later taking up civil engineering, which, he mastered successfully in a short time. He then began the' study of law, in his spare time, meanwhile working in the dry goods business with Heidenrich & Kutz, for meager wages. The firm kindly let him go surveying several days of the week, and at night when the rest of the family were in bed, he was preparing his drafts and making calculations, these being so cor- rect that his surveyings were never questioned by the courts. Raising and educating his own family, besides helping to educate three of his brothers, he was un- daunted in his efforts, and success attended his every step. He was a justice of the peace at Kutztown for many years, served as chief burgess, and was clerk of the borough council until age incapacitated him for further work. He also held the offite of registrar of wills for Berks county with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. The whole life of J. Daniel Wanner was an excellent example of ambition, pluck and energy, united with love and kindness to- ward his neighbors. Honest to himself and everyone who came in contact with him, sociable with everybody he met, loving and exceedingly kind to his family and friends — all of these characteristics, combined with a God-fearing spirit and a keen desire to do right, made up Mr. Wanner's life. (V) Solon A. Wanner was born Nov. 13, 1850, and spent his boyhood days in Kutztown. There he at- tended the public schools, and later entered the Key- stone State Normal School, in 1868 taking the regular course at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., graduating therefrom in 1869. After his return to Kutztown he became a clerk in the Peabody Bank, under his father, and four years later entered the employ of the Farmers State Bank, of Goshen, Ind. He remained there for three years, and then on account of the age of his parents he re- turned home, and engaged in business on Main street, conducting a branch office for the Keystone and Farm- ers' National Banks of Reading, Pa. He later en- gaged in the cigar and tobacco business, but is now yeoman. In 1905 he was called as an expert account- ant to examine and audit the accounts of the county alms house, which duty he performed with great credit. Besides being a good business man Mr. Wanner is a musician of some note. On Sept. 10, 1885, Mr. Wanner was married to Mary A. Leiby, daughter of Alfred and Susan (Wertz) Leiby, and to this union were born children: Lee, a telegraph operator; Vernon; Daniel, an expert electrician at the Locomotive works at Huntington, W. Va., and a clever musician; and Clara Mary, a bright and accomplished daughter, who is now teaching school. (III) Daniel Wanner, son of Peter and great-grand- father of Charles A. Wanner, married and became the father of three children, Samuel, Thomas and Jacob. (IV) Samuel Wanner, son of Daniel, was a farmer and miller, and erected a number of grist mills, among which was the Leinbach mill in Fleetwood. He was very prosperous, owning an excellent farm of 100 acres in Richmond township. He was a member of the Reformed ■ Church of St. Paul, of Fleetwood. _ In poli- tics he was a Democrat. He m. Anna Albright, and to them were born children as follows: Daniel A., a farmer in Alsace township; Thomas A., now retired, who was an iron worker, having a forge in Chester county; Peter A., retired drover; John A., deceased; and Lewis A. (V) Lewis A. Wanner was a well known and pros- perous business man of Fleetwood, and a member of the firm of Schaefier, Wanner & Co. He m. Hettie Kelchner, daughter of Jacob and Ann (Sheirer) Kelch- ner, and t6 this union were born the following children: Katie, wife of Marvin Moyer, a dealer in wall papers at Quakertown, Pa.; Isaac, deceased; Annie, m. to Henry D. Schaeffer, of Reading; Charles A.; Eliza- beth, who resides with her mother in Fleetwood; Lewis A., a student in the Department of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania; and Oliver B., a student at Albright College. (VI) Charles Albright Wanner was born Aug. 25, 1876, and received his primary education in the public schools of the place of his nativity, later attending the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town. Later he attended Albright College, at Myers- town, Lebanon county, and graduated from that insti- tution in 1895. The senior partner in his father's business retired, and the present firm, that of Schaef- fer, Wanner & Co., was formed, consisting of Charles A. Wanner, and. Llewellyn D. and Webster D. Schaef- fer, the two latter being sons of George B. Schaeffer, ex-sheriff of Berks county. The new firm has thus far been very successful. Charles A. Wanner is a Republican in politics. ' In religion he is connected with the United Evangelical Church. Besides other business interests he is a mem- ber of the hosiery manufacturing firm of Madeira & Wanner of Fleetwood. He is an honorable and public- spirited citizen, and a representative man of his com- munity. HERMAN. The Herman family of Berks county; represented in the present generation by that popular official, George C. Herman, Esq., of Maxatawny town- ship, had its early home in Holland, and the four generations in America have given their time, their talents and their education to the service of the public. The first of the family to come to the New World was the Rev. Frederick Herman, a native of Holland, who in 1786 was sent by the fathers of the Reformed Church to preach the Gospel in America. He located in New Jersey, but remained there only a short time, going then to Germantown, near Philadelphia, and there he was living in 1793 when President Washington and the American Congress met there. In fact, his home was secured for the accommodation of the President and his private secretary, Mr. B. Dandridge. Three rooms and two beds were placed at the disposal of the distinguished guests, "with breakfast, and tea in the afternoon, at ten dollars each per week." The dinners were sent in by a neighboring tavern keeper. From Germantown the Rev. Mr. Herman moved to near Pottstown, in Montgomery county, where he served many congregations, besides paying special at- tention to preparation of young men for the work of the holy ministry, and died at a ripe old age. after sixty years, of faithful service as a minister of the Gospel. Rev. Charles G. Herman, son of the Rev. Frederick Herman and Maria, his wife, whose maiden name was Feit, was born in Germantown. Philadelphia county. He, too, became a minister of the Reformed Church, and, locating in Maxatawny township, Berks county, made that locality the scene of his labors throughout the remainder of his life. He entered into rest Aug. 4, 1863, at the age of seventy years, nine months and eleven days. He married Hester Sassaman. who was born m Maxatawny township, and they became the parents of five children: Maria, m. to Judge Wil- loughby Fogle, and now deceased; Hester m to Dr Henry Helfnch, a resident of Allentown, Pa.; Louisa' m. to Rev. Daniel Brendel, of Bethlehem, Pa.; Jacob Sassaman, deceased; and the Rev, Alfred Jasper , Rev^^ Alfred Jasper Herman, son of Rev. Charles G and Hester (Sassaman), was born Nov. 6 1831 in Maxatawny township, in the house in which he now 614 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA lives. He was reared in the influence of a Christian home, and was early trained to habits of industry and self-denial. His education was acquired in the com- mon schools; in Easton Academy, under the Rev. Dr. Vandeveer; in the University of New York, where he pursued a special course for two years; and his theological studies under his uncle, the late Rev. Dr. Guldin, of New York City, and his father. The hono- rary degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by Frank- lin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. During the last year of his study in New York City he preached weekly, on Wednesday nights, in the Howsen street Reformed Church, of which his uncle wag pastor. In 1851 the Classis of the Reformed Church ordained him, and he immediately became assistant to his father, a position he filled for five years. At the end of that time he took charge of the New Jerusalem Church at Wessnersville, where he remained for half a century. He also had charge of a number of other churches in that locality, at one time being pastor of eight parishes — an almost superhuman task, yet his industry, his devotion never flagged, and his superb physical health sustained him. In forty-seven years he missed but twenty-five Sundays because of ill health or inclement weather. To his earnest efforts is due the existence of St. Paul's Church, at Seiberlingville, and of St. Peter's at Topton. In 1897 when he celebrated the forty-sixth anniversary of his ordination, and the forty- first of his pastorate at the New Jerusalem Church, people to the number of 2,000 gathered from all over Berks and Lehigh counties to do him honor, and to show their affection for their spiritual leader. The Rev, Mr. Herman was married on June 14, 1853, to Isabella Grim, daughter of Sem and Anna (Kline) Grim, of Lehigh county, and their children were: Ambrose, a practising physician at Lansdale, Pa., m. Alice Breinig; Annie m. Dr. Richard Beck, of New- burg, Pa.; and George C, Esq. The Rev. Mr. Her- man is now living retired on the 150-acre farm in Maxatawny township that once belonged to his father. On it is a large pebble-dashed house that has weathered the storms a full half century. George" C. Herman, son of Rev. Alfred J. and Isa- bella (Grim), was born on the old Herman homestead June 9, 1862, and was educated in the public schools of his native township, the Keystone State Normal School, Frankhn and Marshall College and the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. Since his return from school he has resided on the old homestead. In politics he is an energetic worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and is chairman of the Democratic Club of Maxatawny. For ten years he served as a member of the school board in his township, and held at different times all the various offices of the board. In 1900 he was elected justice of the peace, and has since been re-elected, and he has frequently been a delegate to county conventions. He has been treasurer of the board of supervisors of the township, since the pas- sage of the new State Road law, ana in many ways has been influential in the welfare of the township. With his family he attends, as a Reformed member, Zion's Union Church, and for some twenty years he has been superintendent of the prosperous Sunday school, and he is also the teacher of the large Bible class. In 1903 Mr. Herman was married to Mame E. Pott, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Schall) Pott, of Pottsville, the town being named for her paternal, great-grandfather. To this marriage has been born on May 12, 1904, one son, Benjamin Alfred. DR. CHARLES HUNTER RAUDENBUSH, who conducts a thriving drug business, at Reading, Berks Co., Pa., was born Oct. 7, 1866, at Adamstown, Lan- caster county, son of Dr. A. S. and Sarah (Stauffer) Raudenbush, whose history appears elsewhere in this "work. Dr. Charles H. Raudenbush attended the public schools of his na.tive place, and after graduating there- from entered the State Normal School at Millersville. After two spring terms at the latter institution, Dr. Raudenbush came to Reading with his father, and in 1882 entered the high school of the city from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. In October of the same year he entered the drug store of J. H. Stein, at Eighth and Penn streets, Reading, remaining until October, 1889, when he attended a course of lectures on pharmacy at Philadelphia. Graduating from The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1891, Dr. Raudenbush returned to Reading and engaged again with Mr. Stein, with whom he remained until March, 1896, and on May 1st of that year he engaged in busi- ness on his own account, opening a store in the Man- sion House building. This was the location of his business until April, 1905, when, feeling the need of larger quarters he removed to his present place. No. 39 North Sixth street, where he has since continued. Mr. Raudenbush has one of the finest equipped pharma- cies in the city, and he has won the steady trade of a large patronage.^ On Oct. 26, 1898, Dr. Raudenbush married Mattie B. Thompson, daughter of Isaac F. and Lydia (Steen) Thompson, of Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa., and to this union have been born one son and one daughter, Charles B. and Helen T, WILLIAM J. BAER, one of the leading citizens of Kutztown, Pa., and superintendent of the Allentown & Reading Traction Company, was born at Breinigs- ville, Lehigh county, Sept. 11, 1869. As a boy he worked on his father's farm and attended the public schools of his district. When a young man he found employ- ment in the ore mines not far from his home, and proved himself such a faithful and painstaking work- man that he found favor in the eyes of his employers, who made him superintendent of the ore beds at Breinigsville and Guth stations. Later he became su- perintendent of a paint mill for the Pennsylvania Paint & Ore Company, and was stationed for some time at Cartersville, Ga. His faithfulness to duty and his efficiency as an engineer secured for him due recognition, and he ran the engines at these ore beds for some years. In 1900 Mr. Baer became conductor on the Allentown & Reading Traction Company line, and when the company erected new power houses at Kutztown he took charge of the engines, and soon thereafter be- came chief engineer for the company. Later he was given general charge of the station and the power house, and in 1902 was appointed assistant superintend- ent of the company, a position he has very ably filled to the present time. In June, 1890, Mr. Baer was married to Ellen Sieg- fried, daughter of Reuben and Amanda (Grim) Sieg- fried, and to this union there have been born these children— Clara Victoria and Arthur William. His father was Jonathan S. Baer, who was mar- ried to Fannie Burkey. daughter of Daniel Burkey, of England. They had children: Charles, who died young; William J., subject of this sketch; George F., m. to Kate Levan, and living in Allentown; Frank F., m. to Tillie Houser, and living at North Hill; Alice, m. to J. Thomas Smith, and living in Scranton; Ida, m. to James Sup, and living in Allentown- and Harvey, who died in youth. His grandfather was Phillip Baer, who was a shoe- maker by trade, and was well known in the vicinity of Breinigsville and Fogelsville. He died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-five years, in 1901. and is buried at (Ziegel's) Church, In his younger' vears he had moved with his father to Mercer county, Pa., but he did not like his new home, so he returned to his native county, of Lehigh. He was married to Catharine Schaefter and had twelve children. When he died he BIOGRAPHICAI, 615 had fifty-nine grandchildren and thirty-five great- into the earth to reappear during January of the year grandchildren. Among his children were these: following. The spring never runs dry during the Charles, of Ohio; Mrs. Thomas Burky, of AUentown; months from January to August. Jonathan S., of Breinigsville; Peter L., of Hamilton, One part of Mr. Hainly's hotel building was erected Ohio; and Mrs. Rebecca Billig, of Mercer county, prior to 1767, being, built of stone nearly two feet Pennsylvania. thick, is substantial, and to all appearances will re- His great-grandfather was Daniel Baer, who was main so for a century or two to- come. The fourteen born in Weisenburg township, Lehigh county, where rooms are large and spacious, and the Coloriial style he lived until he moved to Mercer county. Pa. Among of architecture prevails. Mr. Hainly, who is genial his children were John, Daniel, David, Benjamin, and affable, makes an ideal host, and has won many Phillip, above named, and Catharine. friends in this community. He serves the best of His great-great-grandfather was Jacob Baer, who was liquors, beer and cigars, has excellent table service, the son of the immigrant, Hans Baer, and is well known and his prijces are moderate. His fine park, im- in the history of the Baer family. He was the father mediately in the rear of the hotel, covers an area of of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, and about two acres, and here is found the historic sink- he gave to each of his six sons a farm. His son ing spring. The park contains a large pavilion, and_ is Daniel sold his Weisenburg Township farm, and thickly grown with shrubbery and trees, the latter in- moved to Mercer county, where he raised his family eluding the Norway, Austrian, Excelsior and Stone and lived to the end of his life. pines, and the Douglass, Colorado Blue and Oriental spruce, with Arbor White American and Golden Arbor. JOEL W. HAINLY, proprietor of the original Pyramid and Siberian plants are found scattered about "Sinking Spring Hotel," one of the oldest hotel stands in artistic fashion, and the place is a delightful re- in Berks county, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., treat, where one may find rest from the noise and rush July 21, 1861, son of Michael and Lydia (Wiest) of town life. Hainly. On Sept. 19, 1885, Mr. Hainly was married (first) Michael Hainly, grandfather of Joel W., was a farmer to Kate Hain, born April 27, 1867, who died Oct. 31, in Lancaster county, and owned a small property near 1897, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Halt) Hain, Blainsport, where he died. He was twice married, the former a coachbuilder of Fritztown. Mr. and Mrs. (first) to Susanna Bergman, and (second) to Susanna Hainly had three children, namely: George Frederick, Gushert. His children, all by the first marriage, were: Mamie Elizabeth and Robert Michael. On June 20, Joseph, who settled near Schoeneck, Pa.; John, who 1903, Mr. Hainly m. (second) Valeria J. Addams, lived at Cocalico; Michael; Susanna, m. to Samuel daughter of Daniel and Susanna (Ulrich) Addams, of Betcher; Sophia, m. to Abraham Royer; and Polly Fritztown. Mr. Addams is an old resident of this (Mary), m. to Adam Noll. section, and was an active worker in the Democratic Michael Hainly, father of Joel W., was born July party in his younger days. His children are: Hannah, 6, 1831, and died Oct. 5, 1906, after a long and sue- m. to J. S. Strohl; Maggie, m. to John A. Fry; Ella, cessful life spent in agricultural pursuits. He was a m. to F. M. Gaul; and Valeria J., m. to Joel W. Hainly. prominent member of the Swamp Church, belonging No children have been born of Mr. Hainly's second to the Lutheran denomination, and was a man uni- marriage. He is a Lutheran member of St. John's versally esteemed and respected. Mr. Hainly married Church of Sinking Spring. In politics he is an active Lydia Wiest, born April 17, 1834, daughter of Benjamin Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of Tribe No. and Sarah (Stover) Wiest, and she now resides at the 301, Order of Red Men, of Reading; and Castle No. old home. They had a family of nine children, all of 334, K. G. E., of Sinking Spring, whom arfe living: Sarah, m. to Martin DeHart, of Fritztown; Benjamin, m. to Kate Kessler, and living HENRY W. LONG, teacher and agent for fertilizers, on a farm at Vinemont; Joel W.; Susan, m. to Wal- was born on the Long homestead in Upper Bern town- lace Eckenroth, of Gouglersville; Emma, m. to John ship, Berks county, April 30, 1866, son of Joel and Burkert, of Vinemont; Amanda, m. to Fred Artzbecher, Sallie Ann (Zettelmoyer) Long. of Cocalico; Mary, m. to Harry Showalter, of Rein- Joel Long was born in Upper Bern township, Aug. holds, Pa. ; Kate, m. to Harvey Gehret, of Blainsport, 31, 1838, on the Long homestead, of 130 acres, which Pa.; and Michael, a painter now living on the old he acquired by purchase in 1878. He was a tiller of homestead, m. to Cora Keener. the soil all his life, and was very prosperous in his Joel W. Hainly spent his boyhood days at Rein- undertakings. He died March 19, 1901, in his sixty- holds, Lancaster county, where he was reared on his third year of age. He voted the Democratic ticket, father's farm, and remained with his parents until He was honored by his fellow citizens by election to twenty-one years old, at which time he learned the the offices of township treasurer, assistant assessor, milling business with Richard Leinbach, near Reams- assessor, tax-collector, election officer, and he was dele- town, Pa., where he worked about one year. For the gate to county conventions. following five years he worked in August D. Keener's He and his family belonged to Shartlesville Friedens mill at Fritztown, and in August, 1886, he removed to Church, of which he was one of the founders in 1870. Reading and for a short time operated a stationary He was trustee of this church from its organization engine at a stone crusher. In 1886 Mr. Hainly engaged until death called him to his reward. In 1856 he married in the hotel business at the Cacoosing, conducting in the sixty-third year of his age. In 1856 he married that place successfully for one and one-half years, at Sallie Ann Zettelmoyer, daughter of Martin Zettelmoy- which time he purchased the "Fritztown Hotel," which er and wife (whose name was Sour). They had four- he greatly improved. He succeeded in building up a teen children — nine sons and five daughters — namely: large trade, and during his seven years' occupancy of R-ank W., James M.. Mrs. Hettie A. Rerjtschler, Hen- that site did a very profitable business. Mr. Hainly rietta Long (deceased), Mrs. Alice R. Aschenbach, Mrs. sold out this place in 1896 at a large profit, and in Kate A. Ney, Henry W., Irwin M. (deceased), Peter c" the spring of 1897 he removed to Reading, in the fall (deceased), Howard E. (deceased). Jerome (deceased)' of which year he bought the "Sinking Spring Hotel," Angelina, Manasses M., and Wallace Z. ' one of the oldest hotel stands in Berks county. The Henry W. Long was reared on the home farm and sinking spring, after which the village was named, obtained his education in the public schools, which he is located ort his premises, 100 feet from the hotel attended until he was seventeen years of' age He building. This interesting spring, which was given studied in the Bernville and Strausstown grammar its name by the Indians, is very strong and runs from schools, and in the spring of 1887, entered the Key- about January to August, when the water disappears stone State Normal School, graduating in June 1889 616 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA He began teaching in the fall of 1884 at the Bagen- stose school in his native (now Tilden) township, and after teaching there three years, entered upon the normal course as stated. In 1889 and 1890 he taught at Wernersville, and 1891 to 1894 inclusive at Vogans- ville, Lancaster county, at an advanced salary. He then returned to his native township and taught for six consecutive years. In 1903-04-05 he was in charge of Sheidy's school, and in the fall of 1906 began teach- ing at Hahn's school in Muhlenberg township, Berks county. He is an able, painstaking, conscientious and successful teacher, and has the respect of the many pupils he has had during his long career. In politics Mr. Long is an uncompromising Demo- crat, and frequently serves on election boards. _ He was elected as tax collector of Upper Bern township, in 1893-94-95, which office he filled with honor to him- self and credit to his electors. He has been delegate to a number of county conventions. He is a Lutheran member of Shartlesville Friedens Church, in which he was confirmed in 1880, by the Rev. D. D. Trexler. He has belonged to the Sunday-school connected with this church since its organization in 1879. In later years he became a teacher and superintendent. When he taught school in Upper. Tulpehocken he became super- intendent of Sheidy's Union Sunday-school, which office he filled for three years. During the summer months Mr. Long filled various positions, such as cigar-packer, clerk, and book-keeper. Since 1900 he has been the manager of the Joel Long estate for the heirs. Mr. Long is an intelligent and upright citizen, and is respected and esteemed by all who know him. J. HOWARD JACOBS, in whose death, which occur- red Aug. 18, 1902, at his home in Reading, that city lost one of its good citizens and a professional man of con- siderable reputation, was born in 1838, in the Conestoga Valley, in the lower part of Berks county, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Davies) Jacobs. Samuel Jacobs was a farmer in the Conestoga Valley. He and his wife, Mary A. (Davies), were members of the Episcopal Church. Of their children, Thomas (de- ceased) was a resident of Iowa; J. Howard is mentioned below; Mary married Clifton Moore, of Pottstown, Pa.; Annie married William Morris, of Atlanta, Georgia. J. Howard Jacobs received his early education in the public schools, and then studied law in the office of Judge Banks. After his admission to the Bar of Berks county, he practised in Reading, where all of his professional life was passed, becoming a leading member of the legal fra- ternity. Mr. Jacobs died Aug. 18, 1902, and was buried four days later in the Charles Evans cemetery. In 1860 Mr. Jacobs married Hannah E. Creswell, daugh- ter of Samuel M. and Thomazine (Lincoln) Creswell, farming people, the former of whom was a Presbyterian and the latter an Episcopalian. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, as follows: Carrie H., who mar- ried William Summerville, of Washington, D. C, and has one child, J. Howard Jacobs; Sallie, who married Pierson Hofif, and has one child, D. Pierson; Edward H. ; and J. Howard, an attorney at Reading, who married Margaret Kalbach. In his political principles Mr. Jacobs vvas a Repubhcan, and in religious faith an Episcopalian. For many years he had been identified with the Masons. DANIEL A. HEFFNER, senior member of the weU known clothing and men's outfitting firm of Heffner. Gilbert & Croll, Nos. 418-420 Penn street, Reading) was born in 1854, in Virginville, Berks county, son of Solomon And Wilhelmina (Weigley) Heflfner. In 1749 Heinrich Haeffner came from Eberstadt, Germany, to America and located in Richmond town- ship, Berks county, Pa. In 1752 he married Maria Eva, daughter of Matthaus Kelchner, of that town- ship. Their children were: John Heinrich, 1754-1825; Han Georg, 1757-1818; Eva Catharine, born 1760; Eliz- abeth, born 1762; Eva Magdalene, born 1765; and Catharine, born 1768. John Heinrich Haeflner, son of Heinrich, remained on the old stand in Richmond township, near Virgin- ville. He married Anna Catharine Kohler, born Sept. 26. 1759, and they had children: Daniel; John; Henry; Abraham (1789-1854); Samuel (1791-1872); Solomon (died 1876); Polly (was a cripple); Kate (born 1795); Hannah (born 1798); and Jacob (1804-1877, is buried on his land in a private burial ground). John Heinrich Haeftner was a soldier in 1777 in the Revolutionary war, and was a prisoner of war in a church in New Jersey. His relative and neighbor, a Merkel, froze to death in his arms. He suffered severe hardships through hunger and cold. He served in Capt. Jacob Baldy's Company, and Philip Gehr's Battalion. Solomon HefiEner, son of John Heinrich, married Rachel Graefif (1802-1849), and they lived at Virgin- ville. Their children were: Susanna, John,' Solomon (father of Daniel A.), Hettie, Kate, Mary, Henry and Lydia G. Solomon Heffner was born in Virginville, and when a young man learned engineering, which, however, he gave up in his latter years on account of failing health, and went into the hotel business. He died in 1862, at the age of thirty-five years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Wilhelmina Weigley, passed away in 1890, remaining a widow to the end of her life. The three children born of their marriage were: Solomon; Emma, m. (first) William Epling. and (second) Henry Smith; and Daniel A. The family were members of the Lutheran Church. In political belief Mr. Heffner was a stanch Democrat. Daniel A. Heffner was left without a father at a very tender age, and as a consequence his chances for an education were limited, most of his learning being acquired at night schools after a hard day's work. His first employment was on a farm, and he later worked in the ore banks of Berks county, but finally he learned the painting and paper-hanging trade, at which he worked for several years. Going then to Shenandoah, he went into the huckstering business, and later was a clerk in Lenhartsville, from which place he came to Reading as a clerk for B. H. Brown in the dry goods business. Mr. Hefiner next removed to Hamburg, where he engaged in a mercantile business, and this he conducted successfully for ten years. At the end of this time he sold out, and in 1884 came to Reading, where he engaged with Meyers & Heim, tailors and dealers in men's furnishings, continuing with these gentlemen until in 1898. In this year with John H. Gilbert and William M. Croll, Mr. Heflfner established the business of Heflfner, Gilbert & Croll, which did business from 1898 until 1904, at No. 528 Penn street. In the latter named year, on account of press of busi- ness, they were obliged to seek larger quarters, and subsequently removed to Nos. 418-420 Penn street, better known as the J. C. Illig stand. Here the firin has done a thriving business, carrying a full line of up-to-date goods. The partners are well known and popular in the community, and the firm has an. es- tablished reputation for honesty and integrity, having the full confidence of the people. Mr. Heffner is also prominent in fraternal and social organizations, being connected with Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M., of Hamburg; Excelsior Chapter, No. 437, R. A, M.; Read- ing Commandery, No. 42, K. T.; Reading Lodge of Perfection, of which he is a charter , member; Rajah Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S.; Knights of the Golden Eagle, Reading; Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. E.. and many other organizations. In political matters he is a Demo- crat, Mr. Heffner and his wife attend the Lutheran Church. In 1875 Mr. Heffner was married to Agnes Croll, and to them have been born two daughters: Minnie S., m. Joseph R. Sellers, of Reading, and has a son, James H. ; and Emily May m. Charles Dellinger, of Reading. 1 1 ti^^^^^^jjyBB I^Mp^^^H|^^^^^B lfl^fi£^^ll ^^^W •■" ^^^H ^p^^ J. HOWARD JACOBS BIOGRAPHICAL 617 WILLIAM R. HIGH, a highly respected retired citi- zen of Reading, Pa., who passed away Aug. 14, 1908, was born Aug. 10, 1835, in Cumru township, Berks coanty. Pa., son of Daniel and Esther (Rothermel) High, and a grandson of Gen. William High, who married Annie Van Reed. General William High was also a native of Cumru township, and for years was a prominent agriculturist there. His last years were spent in Reading. For a period of thirty-three years he was a brigadier general of the State militia and he also served as judge of probate. His children were: Charles, Daniel, Ezra. John, Reubin, Isaac (died young), Annie, Sarah, Lucie and Rebecca. The family was strong in its support of the Reformed Church. Daniel High was born in Cumru towriship and fol- lowed farming as his main occupation throughout his life. He died in 1839 at the age of thirty-one years. His widow survived him many years, dying at the age. of sixty-five. They had five daughters and one son, as follows: Sarah, m. to Samuel Schepps; Susan, m. to Nicholas Schaffer; Esther, m. to Frederick Bechtel; William R., of this sketch; Amanda, m. to Frederick Hartman; and Mary, who remains single. In religious belief the members of this family were_ all of the Reformed faith, with one exception. In political sentiment they were Denrocratic. William R. High was educated in the common schools of Cumru township, and when the time came for him to choose his life work he decided in favor of agriculture. For thirty-two years he continued to be engaged in farming and stock raising, and owned one of the finest and best developed farms in his lo- cality. In 1887 he left his farm in Cumru township and moved to Reading, where he entered into partner- ship with his son, Daniel K., in the coal business and continued with him until Daniel sold his interest to his brother Charles P. The father and son continued the business until 1903, when the senior member re- tired and Charles P. still continues to carry on the business. On Dec. 11, 1855, Mr. High was married to Lydia Krick, daughter of Daniel Krick, and they had five children, namely: Daniel K., William, Henry, Ezra and Charles. Up to the time of his death, in spite of his ad- vanced years, Mr. High very easily superintended the mahagement of the old High homestead; this was originally owned by his maternal great-grandfather Rothermel. He took an active interest in local politics and public happenings, and was a well known and es- teemed resident of his neighborhood. Mr. High' was buried in Yocom's Church in Cumru township. DANIEL K. HIGH, hosiery manufacturer at Rob- esonia. Pa., was born in Cumru township, on the old High homestead which has been in the family since 1747, May 22, 1856, son of William R. High. His early education was obtained in the district schools and later he went to Palatinate College, Myerstown, and D. B. Brunner's Academy in Reading. He was licensed to teach by County Superintendent, D. B. Brunner, in 1874. He taught two terms in his native township, one at the Cedar Top school and the other at the Kurtz school, meeting with great success as a teacher. He was reared to farm work, and continued at it sum- mers until he was sixteen. In 1876 he went to Read- ing and entered the dry goods store of B. H. Brown, remaining in his employ for a period of two years. He then entered into partnership with Howard Kauffman, under the firm name of High & Kaufifman, dealers in dry goods and groceries and general merchandise. This firm continued with success for two years, when ow- ing to failing health Mr. High was obliged to sell to Mr. A. S. Deeter and his brother Wm. F. High, who later also sold his share to A. S. Deeter, and the latter has continued the business to the present time. Mr. High then moved to a farm near Van Reed's paper inill in Spring township, and for five years devoted him- self to agriculture. In 1887, with his brother Henry, under the firm name of D. K. High & Bro., he opened up a coal yard at No. S12 Rose street, Reading, also handling flour and feed. They met with a good trade, and the business has been carried on with increased success by his brother Charles P. High. The firm was continued as D. K. High & Bro. until 1891, when Mr. D. K. High retired, and started in the creamery busi- ness on his farm. This he conducted for two years, but on account of the scarcity of milk in that locality he removed to Brownsville, and with M. K. Keith as a partner under the name of High & Keith carried on the business for five years. Again the difficulty of securing milk proved a factor in Mr. High's business arrangements, and he sold out to his partner, and bought a half interest of Harry W. Sheeler, of the firm of Sheeler & Leinbach, who were engaged in the hosiery business at Robesonia, Pa. Later Mr. High bought out Mr. Leinbach's interest, and he now con- ducts the business alone under the name of Robesonia Knitting Mills. His factory is a two-story frame struc- ture 40x60 feet. He employs upwards of fifty people, and the out-put is about 250 dozen pairs per day. This consists of men's fine seamless hosiery, and a ready sale is found all over the United States. In 1906 he started his sons Edwin and Walter in a branch factory at Bernville, where about thirty people are employed. The capacity of this factory is also 250 dozen pairs per day. This business is most successful. Mr. High still retains his fine farm of 118 acres on the Tul- pehocken, near the Van Reed mills (now used by the Acme Paper Company). In politics Mr. High is a Democrat. He was hon- ored by election as school director to fill an unexpired term, and then re-elected, serving as secretary of the board and rendering valuable service to the cause of education. Socially he is a member of Castle No. 49, K. G. E., of Reading. Since 1885 he and his family have been connected with St. Paul's Reformed Church at Reading, of which he was a deacon. On Feb. 26, 1880, Mr. High was married to Clara Van Reed, daughter of Henry Z. and Mary (Leinbach) Van Reed, and granddaughter of Charles and Margar- et (Zacharias) Van Reed. To Mr. and Mrs. High were born three sons, namely: (1) Edwin V. R., born July 14, 1881, in Spring township, has a liberal educa- tion, and is successful in business. He married, June 23, 1907, Rachel M. Taylor. (2) Henry V. R., born in Spring township, July 27, 1883, is a bookbinder by trade, and is manager and treasurer of the C. F. Heller Book Bindery, at Reading, where he learned his trade (D. K. High is vice president and director of this com- pany). On Sept. 12, 1906, he married Anna Lengel, (3) Walter V. R., born Aug. 16, 1885, with his brother Edwin is engaged in the hosiery business at Bern- ville, under the firm name of the Durable Hosiery Mill. Walter V. R. is the superintendent. He married. May 25, 1908, Estella May Gerhart. GEORGE FIELD, of Reading, who resides at No. 441j South Sixth Street, has made that city his home since 1865, but claims Philadelphia as his birthplace. His birth occurred Nov. 5, 1836, in a locality known as Francisville, but which is now a part of Seven- teenth street and Ridge avenue. Mr. Field passed most of his boyhood and youth in Conshohocken, and when old enough went into the People's Works in Philadelphia to learn to be a machinist. When his preparation was over he took a position for a short time with the Alan Wood Co., in the Schuylkill Iron Works at Conshohocken, and then went to Norristown, Pa. This, too, was but a tempor- ary position, as Mr. Field had an offer from the Ply- mouth Iron Works, which he accepted. On Feb 9 1863, he left the Plymouth Iron Works having ac- 618 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA cepted a position at tlie Monocacy Furnace, where he put the furnace in order, and remained for two years. A place was then offered him in the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Shops, and Feb. 8, 1865, began his long connection with that Company, covermg a per- iod of forty-two years. Mr. Field has long enjoyed a reputation as a most competent machinist and was ionsidered one of the Company's most reliable men. In 1878 the Railway Company sent a party abroad to assemble a locomotive built at the Reading Shops for the Paris Exposition, and Mr. Field, who had charge of erecting the engine at the Reading Shops, was among those chosen for this work. S. D. Blackmon, who was general foreman at this time, C. Gilbert Steffe Frazier W. Wooten and Mr. Field composed the party.' They left Philadelphia, April C 1878, on the steam collier "Pottsville, No. 14," Captain Samuel Col- burn, a vessel owned by the Reading Company, and arrived at Havre April 21st. After remaining there two weeks, seven days of which was required to 'assemble the engine, they left Havre May 5th. Mr. Field has always been a strong Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and has been active in party work in the Second ward. He was made representative from that ward in Common Council in 1869, and was one who helped to vote the market houses from Penn Square. Fraternally he was formerly connected with the I. O. O. F.. F. & A. M., and the K. of P., and is now a member of the Philadelphia & Reading Relief and Reading Railway Veteran Associations. On December 1st, 1906, he was retired and placed on the pension list, having attained the age limit of sev- enty years. In 1860 occurred the union of George Field and Miss Amanda Brant, ' also a native of Philadelphia, and a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Barndollar) Brant. The issue of this marriage is an only daughter, Kate v., at home. D. FRANK MARKLEY (deceased), who for many years was engaged in the real estate and insurance business, was born in Maxatawny township, Berks county. May 3, 1842, son of Joseph and Esther (Fisher) Markley, both parents being natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania. Joseph Markley was engaged in farming in Maxa- tawny township for many years, but removed to Minn- esota in 1876, dying in St. Cloud, that state, in 1889, his widow, Esther Fisher, surviving him but a few years. They had been the parents of five children, four of whom lived to maturity: D. Frank, deceased; T. Well- ington; Elmira, m. to John May, deceased; and Jos- eph H., deceased. The family were Lutherans in re- ligious belief. Politically Mr. Markley was a Demo- crat, but it is not known whether or not he ever held office. D. Frank Markley was educated in the common schools of Reading, and when a boy engaged in work at the old Bushong distillery, located at the corner of Front and Penn streets. Here he remained a number of years, and later accepted a position with the Nation- al Union Bank of Reading as clerk, continued in that capacity for some time, and then engaged with the Boas Lumber Company, for several years. Mr. Mark- ley then was employed by the Reading Fire Insurance Company, which he left in 1898 to engage in the real estate business, in which he continued until his .death, July 12, 1900. He was buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mr. Markley was married in 1864 to Amanda E. Ar- nold, daughter of William and Catherine (Sauerbier) Arnold, the former a hat manufacturer and director of three banks. To Mr. and Mrs. Markley were born children as follows: Catherine May; Edwin Arnold; Charles Hunter, deceased; William A., a druggist of Harrisburg; Frank A., of Reading, who is carrying on the real estate business at No. 535 Court street; Alice May; and Emma I., deceased. Mr. Markley was at one time connected with the I. O. O. F., and was a past officer of Freedom Circle, No. 7, Brotherhood of the Union. In politics he waS a Democrat, but never as- pired to public preferment, although he took a good citizen's interest in elections. He was a kind husband and indulgent father, and in his death the city of Reading lost one of its good, intelligent citizens, Frank A, Markley, one of the leading young business men of Reading, Pa., is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He was born May 26, 1874, in Reading, and received his educa- ■tion in the public schools of that city. His first busi- ness experience was gained as a clerk for the Reading Hardware Company, with whom he remained eleven years. He then succeeded his father in the real estate and insurance business, and in this he has successfully continued ever since. The business was established in 1898. Mr. Markley was married Aug. 11, 1904, to Mamie May Frederick, daughter of Louis and Emma Freder- ick, of Reading, and to them were born two children, Frank Edwin and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Frederick is the owner of a meat market. Mr. Markley belongs to the Fi-aternal Order of Eagles, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen of America, Har- monie Maennerchor, and the Friendship Fire Compaiiy, having served in all the offices in the latter organiz- ation, is a Past Worthy President of the Eagles, and President of Reading Eagles Home Company, Inc.. and has held office in nearly all these societies. He belongs to Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Markley is one of the foremost young business men of Reading, is popular in fraternal and social circles, and has a great number of friends. JAMES K. MERKEL has been a resident of Read- ing since 1903, and with but little exception has passed all his life in Berks county. His ancestors have long been settled here. Abraham Merckel (or Merkel) was born in Macungie township, Northampton (now Lehigh) Co., Pa., about 1767, and is a descendant of an old family of French origin. He was a farmer, and in 1785 and 1786 was as- sessed for 100 acres of land, two horses and three cattle. In 1785 he paid a federal tax of £1 8s 6d, and in 1786 the amount was £l Is 6d. The tax lists of his native county bear his name as a taxable until 1805. In 1806 he is assessed as a resident of Albany town- ship, Berks county, where he owned a tract on which he lived. The farm is now owned by Jacob Schroeder; a big hill on this farm for many years was known as "Merkel's Hill," now "Donat's Hill." It was at this place that his father-in-law, Jacob Donat, had previous- ly settled. Abraham Merckel was an industrious and honest citizen. He was a tall and well-built man, standing over six feet, and was possessed of great strength and endurance. He was a wheelwright by trade. He met a tragic end. During the summer of 1826 there was a drought in the upper end of Berks county. Water had become scarce on the southern side of the Blue mountains, while on the opposite side there was an abundance of rain and water. Therefore Abraham Merckel took his grain to a mill on the opposite side of the mountain, and on the return trip fell into the hands of a band of roughs, one of whom cruelly murdered him. On the slope of the mountain in West Penn township, Schuylkill county (on the road from Jacksonville to Tamaqua), which he had to pass, there was an old hostelry around which many stories of robbery, and even the murder of peddlers and cattle dealers centered. That the place was notorious was evidenced by the frequent reference to it in the recol- lections of the older residents of the section. It was abandoned over thirty years ago, and only crumbling walls and an old well half filled with stones and rub- bish mark the site of the once busy and widely known BIOGRAPHICAL 619 stopping place. While passing the hotel Mr. Merckel was requested to stop off, which he did. He found a number of men playing cards and also, undoubtedly, drinking. One of the card players, a man named Jacob Hawkenstein, commenced quarreling with Mr. Merckel, who told Hawkenstein it would be to his bene- fit to keep his peace. Hawkenstein, in confab with other men during that day, had made a threat that he would kill someone before the day was over. When Mr. Merckel was loosening his horse, which was tied to a tree near a fence, he was stabbed with a knife by Hawkenstein, who had secreted himself behind the fence, and died of his wounds. Hawkenstein there- after led a secluded and miserable existence among the rocks, dens and hollow trees of the Blue mountains, where he died alone and despised of all men. His skeleton was found more than a year after his death by a band of hunters. Mr. Merckel is buried in an unmarked grave at the New Bethel Church in Albany township. He died in the late summer of 1836. Abraham Merckel married Susanna Donat, who was born Nov. 6, 1779, and died Jan. 25, 1864, aged eighty- ' four years, two months, nineteen days. Her father, Jacob Donat, was a native of Germany. Four child- ren were born to Abraham and Susanna (Donat) Merckel, namely: Abraham was the father of James K. Merkel and is mentioned farther on; Elizabeth, born March 34, 1813, died unmarried March 15, 1894, aged eighty years, eleven months, twenty-one days, and is buried at New Jerusalem Church; Catharine, born Jan. 3, 1816, died unmarried Nov. 30, 1879, aged sixty-three years, ten months, seventeen days, and is buried at New Jerusalem Church; Joseph, who spelled his name Markley, married Esther Fisher, and lived in Reading until 1876, when he moved to St. Cloud, Minn. At a meeting of the Orphans' Court, April 6, 1827, accord- ing to the records in Vol. IX, page 206, Elizabeth Merkel, daughter of the late Abraham Merckel. of Al- bany township, Berks county, petitioned the court as a minor above fourteen years of age, asking that John Shollenberger be appointed her guardian. Henry Rup- pert appeared as a friend of Catharine Merkel and Joseph Merkel, minor children of Abraham Merckel, deceased, and William Sweyer was appointed guard- ian for Catharine, and John Shollenberger for Joseph. Abraham Merkel, eldest child of Abraham, was born about 1805-1806, and died in June, 1849, aged about forty-three years. His death occurred in the hay field, from the effects of drinking much cold spring water when overheated, and he is buried at New Beth- el Church, in Albany township. He was a tall man over six feet, and was strong and an excellent worker. Abraham Merkel married Maria (Polly) Kroninger, who was born Sept. 8, 1808, and died Dec. 23, 1878, aged sev- enty years, three months, fifteen days. Children as fol- lows were born to their union: Anna m. John Cameron, of Sagon, Northumberland Co., Pa.; Catharine m. Jon- athon Machmer, who was noted as a singer, and they conducted the Upper Bern Hotel a number of years; Abraham, born Jan. 13," 18S3, died Feb. 14, 1908, m. in 1859 Leah Follweiler (1835-1901), and they had a fam- ily of seven children: Sarah Jane (m. Adam Berk, and died leavin'g a son, Wm. H., who has his home with his aunts, Louisa and Clara Merkel), Astor (m. Ida Kline), Rosa Alice (m. Francis Allsbach, deceased), Cordelia (m. Alfred Allsbach, and died leaving a daughter, Leah M.), Louisa P. (a popular school teacher of Albany township), Clara (is unmarried and lives on the home- stead with her sister Louisa), and John A. (m. Emma E. Nester, and has two children, Elsie M. and Leah L.) ; Susanna m. Ferdinand Machmer and later a Mr. Baum, of Hamburg; Aaron m. Valeria Miller and they live at Conshohocken, Pa.; Caroline m. William Machmer, who met a tragic death ,in Michigan; Re- becca m. Michael Schaeffer, of Tower City, Pa.; Sarah m. James De Long, of Reading; James K. is mentioned farther on. Caroline and Susanna both lived and died in Michigan. James K. Merkel was born in Albany township Oct. 7, 1847. He has followed the blacksmith's trade almost from the time he began work, having commenced to learn it when he was only eighteen years old, under his brother Abraham, who at that time had a smithy in the village of Jacksonville, Lehigh Co. Pa. In 1867 Mr. Merkel came to Berne, in Upper Bern township, now Tilden township, Berks county, where he was engaged at his trade in the employ of another brother, Aaron, who had a blacksmith shop in the village' of Berne. In 1870, after several years' work in Mahanoy City and other places, he erected a shop of his own in the "Bockmohl" (a valley in the southern end of what is now Tilden township, to which he had come about 1867) and there continued to work at his trade until the year 1900. At that time he moved with his family to Conshohocken, at which place he remained for three years in the responsible position of boss blacksmith in the Alan Wood Iron Works, an indisputable evidence of his skill as a mechanic. In the spring of 1903 Mr, Merkel removed with his family to the city of Read- ing, settling in his own hor^e at No. 757 North Eighth street. Mr. Merkel also owns a small tract of good land, comprising twenty-four acres, near Berne station, upon which he lived for twenty-five years. He is a man of industrious habits and is a good citizen. His character is above reproach. Mr. Merkel has been twice married. In 1869 he was united to Sarah Schuman, who was born_ Oct. 6, 1847, daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Zweitzig) Schuman, and died Nov. 14, 1877, in her thirty-first year, the mother of four children, namely: (1) J. Franklin taught school for fifteen years, but has Iseen engaged as a railway mail clerk since 1904 and is stationed at Pitts- burg. (3) Anthony O. m. Ada Chamberlain, of Nor- ristown. (3) Ella V. m. Reuben Blatt, and has had three children, Reuben, Rachel and Ruth (who died in childhood). (4) Sallie M. m. William J, Dietrich, of Reading, and they have three children, Naomi, Ruth, and William J., Jr. Mr. Merkel's second marriage, in '1879, was to Emma L. Keim, who was born June 28, 1858, daughter of Percival and Susanna (Strasser) Keim, and by whom he has had ten children, namely; John, who died in infancy; Cora L. ; Clara A., who is the wife of Samuel Mengel and has two children, Mabel and James; James D.; Lizzie A.; Mame F.; Howard J., born Dec. 16. 1888, who died Feb. 19, 1890; Abbie A.; Lillie L.; and George R., born Jan. 25, 1897, who died Aug. 23, 1897. Mr. Merkel is a consistent member of the St. Paul United Evangelical Church of Reading, in the work of which congregation he has been quite active, having held various offices. HARVEY F. HETNLY was born at Hamburg, Berks county. Pa., July 1, 1873, son of David L. and the late Maria E. (Heinly) Heinly. When he was six years old the family moved to Reading, and Mr. Heinly is therefore indebted to the excellent school system of his adopted city for his scholastic training. He graduated from the Boys' High School in June, 1890, with first honors, being the valedictorian of his class, and leaving behind him a record for most effi- cient scholarship, winning prizes for spelling and essay, and the gold medal for oratory — in fact, all the prizes which were offered during his high school course. Mr. Heinly at once began reading law, his preceptor being William J. Rourke, then city solicitor and assist- ant district attorney. Upon his admission to the Bar, Nov. 12, 1894, he became associated with his preceptor in practice, which continued with success until March, 1901, when he established himself at No. 47 North Sixth street, and has since continued in active practice there. Mr. Heinly takes a lively and intelligent in- terest in public and political affairs. His reputation acquired in school as an orator brought him into im- mediate notice with the leaders of the Democratic party, whose principles Mr. Heinly has always es- 630 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA poused, and he has been in demand for "stump" service in every campaign since his majority. He has fre- quently been called upon to do like service for the Democratic State Committee, at Lancaster, Harris- burg, Lebanon, and other places. He is a member of the Americus (Democratic) Club-, the Northeastern Democratic Association and is the President of his Ward organization. He retains his interest in edu- cational affairs, having been an organizer of and still a member of the Alumni Association of the Reading high schools, and having served two terms as its presi- dent. He is a member of the Reading Press Club, the Board of Trade, the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and several fraternal organizations. His religious affiliation is with St. Luke's Lutheran church, and he is connected with the Sunday-school, being the teacher of the Young Men's Bible Class for the past twelve years. On Nov. 30, 1900, Mr. Heinly was married to Lydia I. Eckert, daughter of the late Rudolph and Lucetta Eckert, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The family of Mr. Heinly is one of the old fam- ilies of the State. As secretary of the Heinly Family Association, he has assisted in compiling a resume of its development in this country. Well authenticated records show that the original American ancestor, David Heinly, together with a brother, came from Germany about the middle of the eighteenth century. In Rupp's "Thirty Thousand Immigrants," there ap- pears an entry to the effect that David and Matthias Heinly landed in Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1749, having come over in the ship "Patience" from the Kingdom of Wurtemberg and the Palatinate. One of these immigrants, David, was the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this review. He received a patent for three hundred acres of land in what is now Green- wich township, the document being signed by the proprietaries of the State of Pennsylvania, July 21, 1774. In this township he passed the remainder of his days, and lies buried there in Dunkle's Church cemetery, the tombstone over his grave bearing these words, cut in the sandstone, with German words, but English letters: "Hir ligd Dafid Heinle, ist geboren 1728 den 17 Ockober und gestorben den 3 Ockober 1784." On the reverse side of the stone is the following from an old German Hymn, written in 1638, and appearing in the Leipsiger Gesangbuch: "Die Kron der gerechdig-keid, Ist mein schmuck und ehrenkleid: Damid will ich for Got bestehen. Wan ich werd in himmel eingehen." The Heinly Family Association was organized in August of 1899, the first meeting being held along Ontelaunee creek, near Virginville, on a part of the tract on which was located the homestead of the or- iginal American ancestor. Reunions are held annually, latterly at Kutztown Park, at which there are from four to five hundred members of the family present. At the Fifth Annual Reunion, Aug. 15, 1903, a handsome gran- ite mernorial in the form of an open book, symbolizing the family record, was erected adjacent to the old head- stone _ referred to above, and was dedicated with ap- propriate exercises. If to be well born is half the battle, then is victory certain for Harvey F. Heinly, since the other' half will be amply cared for by the wealth of energy and alertness of mind which he has displayed. Of good lineage, happily married, and with hosts of friends, what more could any man ask of the Fates? YODER. The first of the Yoder (sometimes spelled Yodder a»d Yotter in the German) name in America were Yost anad Hans (or Hance), brothers, who sought refuge- in England from the religious persecu- tions suffered in their native Switzerland. They brought little with them- to America besides their Bible. Upon their arrival in the New World they pushed on into the wilderness beyond Oley hills, and finally settled on the Manatawny. Yost Yoder was one of the most active of the early frontiersmen of Penn- sylvania. _ His chief occupations were hunting and trap- ping, which he always combined with farming, or rath- er with the "clearing and cultivation of a plantation." It is certain that he and his brother were located in Pennsylvania before 1714. Nine children were born to Yost Yoder, and of seven of these the record is as follows: (1) Johannes Yoder, often called Yost, was born in 1718. After 1752 he removed to Reading, where he died April 7, 1813, and his remains were in- terred on his father's land at Yottersville (Yoders- ville), named after his family, now Pleasantville, in Oley township. The following inscription marks his grave: "Hier Rhuet Johann-es Yoder. Erwurde geb- oren 1718. Verelichte sich mit Catharina Lyster (Lesher) 1747 und zeughte 4 sqhne und 5 tochtern. Starb den 7th April, 1812, nach seiner 66 yahr in der ehe gelebt hatte war alt warden 94 yahr und 14 tag." In 1747 he married Catharine Lyster (Lesher), and her tombstone records "b. 1730, d. 1812, having lived married 66 years and aged 83 years." (2) Jacob Yoder removed to the western side of the Schuyl4cill. On Nov. 6, 1757, at the age of twenty-two years, he enlisted in the Provincial service of Pennsylvania, and was a saddler three years in Capt. John Nicholas Weather- holt's Company. He was stationed in Heidelberg town- ship, Northampton county, in March and April, 1758 [Pa. Arch., 2d Ser., Vol. II). He served in the American Revolution as a private in Peter Nagle's Company, and later in Capt. Charles Gobin's Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county, Pa. He was in a detachment of the 6th Battalion to guard prisoners of war from the Hessian camp, Reading, to Philadelphia. He mar- ried Maria Keim. (5) Samuel Yoder settled on a "plantation" near Lobachsville, about one and one-half miles from Pleasantville. which he received from his father. He had children: John, Jacob, Samuel and Catharine. (4) Mary Yoder married Daniel Bertolet. (5) Catharine Yoder married John Reppert. (6) Eliza- beth Yoder was the wife of Mathias Rhode and they had children: Jacob, John, Joseph, Abraham, Catha- rme, Maria and Esther. (7) Esther Yoder mar-ied a man named Cunius. The wolves in Oley were a great injury to the sheep and hogs of the settlers. It was customary to make pitfalls and thus trap them. Many stories are told of Yost Yoder's efforts at their extermination. He sometimes disposed of five in a single night. He was a man of remarkable strength and powers of endurance, and possessed famous courage. He made customary hunting trips every fall into the Blue Mountains with his trusty rifle and faithful dog. On his trail at dif- ferent stages of his journeys he had places of de- posit for supplies in hollow trees. The Yoder Bible, dated 1530, was printed during the lifetime of Martin Luther. It was held continuously by the family until as late as 1860, and is now the property of Mary B. Yoder, daughter of David, son of Daniel It is well preserved, though unfortunately the hd and date are torn away. This priceless treasure of their faith from the Fatherland was "as a lamp unto their feet" in their flight to America. The Yoders of Berks extended into New York and the West In the list of representatives in the Fiftieth United States Congress was S. S. Yoder. of Lima, Ohio (I) Hans (or Hance) Yoder, the emigrant brother of Yost, was the builder and owner of what is now known as Griesemer's Mills (burned in 1847, and re- built the same year). This property in the early days was the homestead of the Yoders of Oley The sur- vey of the plantation under proprietary warrant to BIOGRAPHICAL 621 Hance Yoder was returned March 25, 1714. At that time Oley township was the haunt of Indians, wolves, bear and other wild game. The wives of the German settlers also bore their part in the subjugation of the wilderness. One day while at work, extending their clearing in the forest, they having shut their children in the cabin as a protection from the beasts which roamed over their land, they were suddenly aroused by the report of a rifle in the direction of their cabin. As it was not unusual for predatory bands of blood- thirsty Iroquois from the North to roam over the country they hastened in the direction of the shot to see their cabin surrounded by a party of drunken savages, who having been refused admittance by the terrified children within retaliated by firing through the closed door. Mr. Yoder at once made an attack with a singletree, and soon put them to flighf with threats of revenge. Returning with increased num- bers they demanded satisfaction, but Mr. Yoder's, cool- ness won him friends among them who forced the others to desist. Hans (Hance) Yoder was the father of four sons: Hans (2); Samuel; Peter; and Daniel, born in 1718, who died Aug. 21, 1749, aged thirty-one years, eight months, and was buried in the cemetery at Pleasantville. (II) Hans Yoder (2), son of the emigrant, married in November, 1746, in Oley, Sarah Shingle (or Schen- kel or Shankle). She died at Reading in 1789. and was buried during Whitsuntide in Peter de Turck's plot at Oley. They had sons: (1) Daniel, born 1748, died 1820, married 1773, Margaret Oyster, born 1753, died 1833, and both are buried at Pleasantville. (2) Martin was a lieutenant of the 4th Company, 5th Bat- talion, Berks county, May 10, 1780. (3) Jacob, born in Reading Aug. 11, 1758, was a soldier in the Revolution- ary war in 1777 and 1778. In 1780 he moved to western Pennsylvania, and in May, 1782, descended the Monon- gahela, Ohio and Mississippi rivers from Fort Red Stone, Brownsville, Pa., in the first flat-boat (built by himself) that ever descended the Mississippi river, landing at New Orleans with a cargo of flour. He traded with Havana, Cuba, and also in the sugar mar- ket in Philadelphia. He was a man of national reputa- tion at the time when Louisiana still belonged to France. His grave at his home in Kentucky was marked 1834, by an iron tablet. He died in Spencer county, Ky., April 7, 1832 (?). (4) Samuel, a Revolu- tionary soldier, died from a fall off a horse near Oley Church. (III) Daniel Yoder, son of Hans, born in 1748, died in 1820. In 1773 he married Margaret Oyster, who was born May 5, 1753, and died Dec. 23, 1833, and both are buried at Pleasantville. He was a farmer, and he made frequent trips to Philadelphia, taking down grain and bringing back merchandise. The early set- tlers had but few crops at first. Finally they intro- duced apple trees and Mr. Yoder built a di-stillery and a flax oil mill, and in time, as the land became more cultivated, he made weekly trips to Philadelphia to dispose of his product. He cut down trees, cleared land, and made many pitfalls for the wolves. Some of these holes or traps are still visible in the pastures and woods. Daniel Yoder loved the free life of the woods, and was on friendly terms with the Indians, often tak- ing hunting trips with them. He was a very powerful man physically. Before 1800 he built his home, which is well preserved and still in use. He had nine child- ren: Hannah, born April 17. 1775. married Jacob Knabb, and died Aug. 23, 1835; Daniel, born Dec. 7, 1777, died Nov. (or Dec.) 27, 1836; Martin, born Oct. 19, 1780, died Jan. 10, 1837; Catharine, born Oct. 12, 1783, mar- ried William William, and died Aug. 30, 1882, aged ninety-eight years, ten months, eight days; Maria, born in Bern township April 23, 1786, married Philip De Turck, and died Jan. 19. 1864; John, born April 23 or 23, 1788, died unmarried May 3, 1868, and is buried at Pleasantville; Margaret, born Aug. 4, 1790, married Solomon Peter; Samuel, born Nov. 33, 1793; David, born Feb. 8, 1795, is mentioned below. (IV) Martin Yoder, son of Daniel, was born in Oley Oct. 19, 1780, and died upon his own fine farm Jan. 10, 1837, aged fifty-six years, two months, twenty-one days. He was a tanner at Pleasantville, and also had a store and hotel on his farm, employing a number of people. He was one of the prosperous men of lower Berks county. The merchandise and general freight in the early history of the country were car- ried in big Conestoga wagons between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and the road between these two points passed by the homestead of Mr. Yoder, through the woodland, thus making his hotel a popular stopping place. This roadway is still plainly to be seen, but no longer in use. Freque;ntly so many guests appeared the same night that all the beds were filled, compelling the later comers to sleep on the floor, rolled up in blankets. In 1830 he built the barn, and in 1831 the house that now stands on the farm, the latter now the property of his grandson, Henry H. He married Susanna Peter, born Nov. 29, 1783, died March 13, 1844, aged sixty years, three months, fourteen days, and they both are buried in the Yoder lot at Friedensburg. Their children were> (1) David, who died in Union county. Pa., first married Persoda Yoder, born Dec. 16, 1816, died July 23, 1844, who is buried at Pleasant- ville. His daughter Priscilla, born May 7, 1838, at Pleasantville, died there Dec. 17, 1857. (2) Solomon, who died in 1905, at West Point, Nebr., first married Mary B. Yoder, born in Oley, June 24, 1818, died May 10, 1845, who is buried at Pleasantville. They had two sons and two daughters. Her mother, Char- lotte (Bertolet) Yoder, was born in Oley, Feb. 10, 1778, died Sept. 8, 1868, and is buried at Pleasantville (she may have been the wife of Jacob Yoder, born Jan. 2, 1778, who died Aug. 18, 1836). (S) Maria (Polly) married George Kemp, of Lyons, Pa. (4) Martin. (V) Martin Yoder, son of Martin and Susanna, wa's born at Pleasantville May 34, 1819, and died Feb. 7, 1888, aged sixty-eight years, eight months, thirteen days. He was a farmer and implement dealer, and owned the farm mentioned above as the home of his parents. In politics he was a Democrat, and for many years was interested in the schools of his district, serving efficiently as school director. He was a candidate for Congress, but _ was defeated by a small majority by Daniel S. Ermentrout. He was a man of affairs, and popular and influential in his district. He married Catharine Hoch, born June 30, 1831, who died June 1, 1879, aged fifty-seven years, eleven months, eleven days. They had four children: Mary, who married Joseph De Long, of Topton, Pa. (her children. Rev. Calvin De Long, his brother and two sisters, are the only living grandchildren of Martin Yoder; there is one great-grandchild. Erma De Long Hertzog); £zra, born Sept. 7, 1848, who died Sept. 16, 1868; Henry H.; and Susanna, born Oct. 24, 1860, who married Oliver Landenslayer, born April 13, 1870, of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. (VI) Henry H. Yoder, son of Martin and Catha- rine, was born on his grandfather's farm Jan. 5. 1850. , His early intellectual training was obtained in the common schools, and later Mr. Yoder attended the Oley Academy. He was licensed to teach in the public schools by Prof. D. B. Brunner, but he never cared for the profession. He was reared upon the home farm and this vocation he has, off and on, followed ever since, beginning for himself in 1874. This was his chief occupation until 1900. In connection with farming Mr. Yoder and his father were engaged in the implement business, and this he has continued, mak- ing a specialty of iron and wire fences. He owns the old homestead farm of 236 acres of valuable land, well located and very fertile. It contains valuable magnesia iron ore, and is considered one of the most desirable 622 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA pieces of property in Oley Valley. On a board in the he sold throughout Berks county, especially in Bern front of the barn below the cornice is the following: township, where some of his relatives had settled. He Martin Vnder owned the farm in conjunction with his brother Johii. qT,coV^, V^H»r . H^ ^^^ county commissioner in 1846-49. This branch 1 R^n °^ *^^ family are all buried at Yodersville, now Pleas- antville. David Yoder married Hannah Bitler (daugh- And on the house is the same, only the year is 1831 ter of Michael Bitler and his wife Hannah Yocum), instead of 1830. Besides the home farm he owned born July 13, 1797, died Oct. 15, 1852. Their children eighty acres of good timberland. Mr. Yoder has the were: Margaret, who married George K. Levan, of old military bugles which belonged to his father. In Maxatawny township; Miss Mary B.; Hannah, born politics he is a Democrat, and he was school director July 27, 1824, who died Jan. 11, 1896; and was buried of his township for three years, and since 1892 has been at Pleasantville; Daniel, born in April, 1827, who auditor, having been re-elected in the spring of 1908 lived at Pleasantville; Catharine, born July 16, 1832, for the fifth time. In 1907 he became one of the or- who parried Nathan Schaeffer, of Fleetwood; and ganizers of the First National Bank at Oley, of which Sarah, born Aug. 5, 1840, who married Abraham Gul- he is now a director. He belongs to Friedens Luth- din. eran Church, which for four years he served as deac- (V) Mary B. Yoder, daughter of David, was on, and since 1903 he has been an elder. born Oct. 19, 1821, and now resides on the homestead, Mr. Yoder resides on Main street, Friedensburg. He which she owns, containing ninety-four acres. She has been twice married. In 1883 he wedded Andora has rented the land. Miss Yoder is liberal in her Merkel, born Feb. 15, 1857, daughter of Elias Merkel, support of all the churches, but is, herself, affiliated of Maxatawny. She died Jan. 15, 1903, and is buried with no particular denomination. She has been edu- in the Yoder lot at Friedensburg. On May 14, 1906, cated both in English and German. Among her cher- he married (second) Ella L. Hertzog, daughter of Jacob ished .possessions is her grandfather's clock, made by E. Bogh, of Frankfort, Clinton Co., Ind., and widow John Keim for Daniel Yoder before the war of the of Dr. William F. Hertzog, of Oley township, by whom Revolution. Miss Yoder is deeply interested in local she had two children: Marion S., of Kutztown; and history and the history of her family, and she care- Solis C, of Oley. fully preserves everything that pertains to the early From 1833 to 1838 there lived on the Moon farm days. The original house on her farm was the log in Oley, now owned by Benneville Herbein, Jacob cabin which stood in the corner of the garden in front Frederic Bogh, or Bock. He was born in Schorndorf, of the present house; this was the cabin through which Wurtemberg, Germany, March 4, 1791. At the age of the Indians shot at the children. Of two ancient pear twenty-six, April 17, 1817, he married Barbara Bauer, trees standing on this farm, which Miss Yoder says then aged twenty. He was a general in the army under must have been nearly two hundred vears old, the Napoleon, and won seven medals of honor. While taller one died during the winter of 1907-08, but the shot nine times and badljr scarred he was not crippled, other is still alive and bearing fruit, yet the open wounds at times caused him trouble. He (V) Daniel B. Yoder, son of David, and late a claimed he was fireproof. When Napoleon was exiled resident of Oley, was born near Catawissa, along the he refused to serve the new rulers, was arrested Susquehanna river in Columbia county, in April. 1827. and thrown into prison, but friends liberated him and He attended a school conducted in a private house be- 'secretly placed him on board an American-bound ship, longing to Jeremiah Lee, a Quaker, and his first teach- where he found his wife. He landed in Philadelphia er was Sarah Pierson, who like the Lees was a Quaker. Sept. 11, 1818. He was highly educated, and quite a In his young manhood he learned the millwright's linguist, speaking and writing seven different languages, trade from Levi J. Smith. He was a soldier in the Civil For a living he engaged in school teaching, while in war in Company M, 5th U. S. Artillery, under Capt. Berks county teaching , at the Spies's church, and at James McKnight, for three years and three months, the same time did what legal work he could get, serving as a sergeant. For some years he followed farm- writing deeds, mortgages, etc., and settling disputes, ing in Oley. After the war he built a paper-mill in He also did some surveying. He took but little in- Oley township, on the Manatawny creek, and he manu- terest in his work in this country, being despondent factured paper for a number of years, selling out finally over the downfall of his commander. He was the to the Reading Paper Company. He built the house at father of ten children, six of whom lived to honorable Pleasantville where he lived retired until his death, old age. He died Nov. 11. 1R44, and is buried at being in very comfortable circumstances. For three Weissport, Carbon Co., Pa. His only descendants now years he farmed in Pike township, and retained the living in Berks county are: Mrs. Louisa Hill, wife of ownership of his farm there, which consists of some Jcnkin Hill, of Reading, and her three sons, Ralph, ninety acres; he erected the present house and barn Layton and Harold Hill; and Mrs. Ella L. Yoder and thereon. In politics he was a Republican, and served her_ two sons, Marion S. Hertzog, of Kutztown, and as school director of Oley township. Practically his Solis C. Hertzog, of Oley, and her granddaughter, entire life was passed in Oley, as he was but a small Erma De Long Hertzog, of Kutztown. lad when he accompanied his parents from Columbia Among the Yoder family relics are zinc dishes made county. He married Amelia Yoder (daughter of Jesse and used before the days of china. Some of the first Yoder, of Oley township), who died in 1895, leaving chma in this section found its way to the Yoders. An no children, and is buried at Hill Church Mr Yoder old sword used in the Revolution, and two bugles died Oct. 11, 1908, and is also buried at Hill Church made in the old country and bought by Martin Yoder Y'hen a boy, are the property of Henry H. Yoder. John Yoder. great-grandfather of Absalom S Yoder Martm Yoder was taught to use these bugles by an of Reading, was born in Oley township, Berks county' escaped slave, and was the first man in Berks county and there became an extensive farmer ' He made his to attam that accomplishment, and naturally he was last will and testament Aug. 24, 1804, and it was entered m great demand at the old battalion drills. Old for probate Nov. 7, 1807, being on record in Will Book spreads and quilts four generations old, are preserved A, page 528. He left a large estate and 'was survived ■" ,?^^., =nf sts^ with^ rare old books. by his wife Anna. Their children were: David "who ' " Pa., irho con- ried. David Yoder was a millwright by "trade, and Gerbe°r;" M'agdalena, 'who "marr^'eT' Abraham """Gerbe^r" made many blacksmith s bellows and windmills, which Elizabeth, who married Stephen Kurtz, of Mariori BIOGRAPHICAL 623 township; Sarah, wife of David KauflEman; Catharine; and Barbara, who died the wife of Jacob Vinegi. Jacob Yoder, third son of John, settled early in life with others of the family in Bern township, and he is buried on his farm in Centre township, now owned by Garean Y. Christ, his grandson. He married into the Rickenbach family, and his children were: Jacob, Reuben, Elizabeth (who married a, King), Nancy (who lived with her brother Reuben, and later with her nephew David, and died unmarried), and Sarah (who married Daniel Christ). Reuben Yoder, son of Jacob, was born in Centre (then Bern) township, and he died at the age of seventy-eight years. iHe owned four farms, the one on which he lived consisting of 180 acres, another in the same township of 190 acres, a third in the same district of about ninety acres, while the fourth was located near Schaefferstown. He built the present set of buildings on the farm now owned by his son Jacob in Centre township. He was a man of influence, and was a stanch Republican in politics. For many years he held the office of school director, and was treasurer of the board. In those days teachers were obliged to go to his home to collect their pay. He donated the land on which the German Baptist Church and schoolhouse stand, and he is buried in the Ger- man Baptist graveyard, midway between Centreport and Shoemakersville. He married Susanna Stepp, and "their children were: Ellen, who married Thomas Egolf, of Bernville; David S., of Kutztown; James, of Lititz, Pa.; Emma, who married Harry F. Long, of Lititz; Israel, Tamsen, Harrison and Mabry, all de- ceased; Jacob, of Centre township; and Absalom S. The wife and mother died in 1867, and Mr. Yoder married (second) Elenora Hiester, and the only son of this union is Nathaniel, of Centreport, Pennsylvania. David S. YodeS, son of Reuben, was born in Centre township, Oct. 14, 1852. He was reared to farming and remained at home until he was twenty- four years of age, when he began work on his own ac- count on a farm in Centre township, on which he re- mained twenty-six years. On his last place he lived eighteen years — this was the homestead of Johannes Yoder, who had come up from Oley township. Mr. Yoder was a successful farmer and a man of high reputation in his district. He sold out in the spring of 1901, and going to Kutztown built a fine brick home in 1903 on Normal Hill, where he has since resided. He has been employed at the Keystone State Normal School since his removal into Kutztown. He is a consistent member of Grace United Evangelical Church at Kutztown. Mr. Yoder has been twice married. In 1874 he was married to Emma Kline, only daughter of John Kline, of Centreport, where she died and is buried. To this union was born one son, Mabry K., who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1898, and is now teaching at Northampton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Yoder married (second) Feb. 3, 1883, Ida Spatz, daughter of Dr. John Spatz of Centreport, though formerly of Reading. The only son of this union, Clarence H., is a student in the Keystone State Normal School. Mabry K. Yoder, son of David S., was born Sept. 16, 1874, in Centre township, Berks county. He received his early education in the public schools of his native township. Later he attended select school at Centreport. When seventeen years of age he was appointed as one of the teachers of his township, in which he taught eight years. During vacation he completed a business course in the Reading Business College. In the spring of 1896 he registered as a student at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, from which institution he graduated in 1898. He taught six years in Lehigh county, after which he resigned and accepted a position as teacher of one of the schools in the borough of Northampton, and to this position he has been elected for the third time. He is a faithful member of the United Evan- gelical Church. On July 23, 1908, Mr. Yoder married Laura L., only daughter of Phaon S. and Ida (Walbert) Heffner. Absalom S. Yoder, son of Reuben," was"' born in Centre township, Berks county, Nov. 5, 1866. His early education was obtained at home and in the public schools of his district. Later he attended the select school at Centreport, the Millersville State Normal School, at Millersville, and the Keystone State Nor- mal School, at Kutztown,, graduating from the last named institution in the class of 1899. Mr. Yoder be- gan teaching in the fall of 1885, in Centre township, and there he taught two terms. In the spring of 1887 he went to Lancaster county, and for four terms was engaged in teaching in Warwick township. He lived at Lititz, where his wife died, and he returned to his native township, teaching the following term in Centre township, where he was located for eight more terms. Mr. Yoder has been a most successful teacher, and he has continued to study and advance ever since his graduation from Normal, by taking a special course in mathematics and ancient classics in the Reading Classical School under Rev. Dr. J. V. George. On- Oct. 6, 1903, under civil service rules, Mr. Yoder was appointed to a clerkship in the post-office at Reading, and he has since continued to hold this position. Mr. Yoder is a member of the United Brethren denomination. He married Sallie H. Yoder, daugh- ter of Alfred and Mary (Haag) Yoder, of Centre town- ship, and granddaughter of Fred Yoder, of near Belle- man's Church. She died Feb. 12, 1893, the mother of children as follows: Herma R., a graduate of the Key- stone State Normal School, class of 1907, and now a successful teacher at Centreport; J. Russell, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1908; and Daisy' E., a student in the Keystone State Normal. DANIEL S. ESTERLY, a well known business man of Reading, and a member of the Board of Trade, was born in 1831. in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Joseph Esterly. and grandson of Daniel Esterly, a blacksmith by trade, who followed that occupation in Exeter township, near the "Black Bear Hotel," where he died at an advanced age. Joseph Esterly was born in Exeter township, and learned the blacksmith business of his father. He fol- lowed that trade for some time, later devoting his time to farming, and he continued at that occupation until his death, aged sixty-two years, well known and highly respected in his native community. He married Lydia Snyder, who died at the age of eighty-three years, and of their family, two children survive: Au- gustus, a farmer of Exeter township, and Daniel S. Daniel S. Esterly attended the schools of the place of his nativity until fifteen years of age; and then learned the cabinet makers' trade, which he followed a few years on Penn street, Reading. The work not proving congenial, Mr. Esterly engaged with the Read- ing Railroad in the car shops, and remained therein for about two and a half years, when he was trans- ferred to Philadelphia, where he became car inspector. After nine and a half years in that position, Mr. Ester- ly returned to Reading and engaged in the produce business at No. 15 North Sixth street, in 1865, and later in 1868 took his brother Augustus as a partner. They later removed to the corner of Seventh and Penn streets, and continued business together at that stand until the spring of 1876. Their business became so prosperous that they had four private cars built, the first one, a four wheeler, being built at a cost of $400, and the second, an eight wheeler, at a cost of $350. In 1897 Mr. Esterly retired from the produce business and engaged in the wholesale grocery business at No. 818 Penn street, until 1901, when he retired. He was known as one of the largest commission merchants of Reading, his four cars running daily between Philadel- phia and Reading. Mr. Esterly built his fine home in 624 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1874, at No. 116 South Eighth .street, and there he has since resided. Mr. Esterly married Mary Miller, daughter of_ Dan- iel Miller, a well known blacksmith, and she died in 1889, the mother of these children: Joseph, a grocer salesman, of Reading, m. Lavina Quimby, and has two children, Daniel and Joseph H.; and Clara A. m. George W. Noecker and has a son Alpheus (m. Caro- lina, daughter of Edward and Kate (Homan) Taenzer). In politics Mr. Esterly is a Democrat, and is a mem- ber of the board of health. He has been a member of the Reading Board of Trade for many years. He is a member of the Baptist Church, has been a deacon for fifteen years, and treasurer of the Baptist Association for the past fifteen years. Fraternally he is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 330, F. & A. M., of Phila- delphia; the Good Fellows, No. 32, of Philadelphia; and also the Odd Fellows. GEORGE E. HAAK is widely acquainted in and known around Reading as proprietor of the Sienna Paint, Kaolin & Sand Works, being particularly well known among builders. His reputation in fraternal societies is even more extensive, his services in forming and pro- moting such organizations in this part of' Pennsylvania having been particularly valuable. The Haak family has long been represented among the prosperous agricultural class of Berks county. John Jacob Haak, the first American ancestor of George E., sailed from Deal, England, on the ship "Mortonhouse," John Coulter, master, June 15, 1738, and arrived Aug. 24th of the same year. In that same year he is noted as a member of the Lutheran Church at Tulpehocken, Berks county. John Haak, the grandfather of George E., was a farmer and large landowner in Alsace township, this county. He married Elizabeth Krause, a native of Berks county, and they had, a family of five children, namely: William, Isaac, John, Rebecca (Mrs. Addams) and Michael. They were Lutherans in religious faith, and in politics John Haak supported the Whig party, and later the Repub- lican. Michael Haak, son of John, was born in 1803 in Berks county, was reared to farming, and continued to follow that calling all his life. Like his father he was a Entheran in religion and a Republican in politics. He married Sarah Addams, and to them were born the following named children : Annie E. m. William A. Robinson ; Mary C. m. Thomas Munce; George E. is mentioned below; Clara V. m. John H. Rhoads. George E. Haak was born Oct. 3, 1843, in Leesport, Berks county, Pa., and received his education in the public schools of Alsace township, Lititz, Lancaster Co., Pa., and Reading. In 1874 he formed a partnership with Francis Keffer, conducting a glass and queensware busi- ness at No. 520 Penn street and continuing thus for three and a half years. After this experience he engaged in business for himself at No. 313 Penn street in the same line, continuing for ten years, and after the death of his father he took charge of the Haak estate, of which he had been appointed executor under the provisions of his father's will. This estate comprises 229 acres in East Reading, which at that time was counted among the most valuable land in Berks county, the finest deposits of kaolin and sienna in the United States being located thereon. It also contains a valuable sand deposit, un- equalled anywhere in the State, the product of which has been approved and adopted by the Reading school board for their buildings, in the construction of which no other sand is used. Mr. Haak furnishes sand and other pro- ducts to many of the principal builders of Reading. Pie was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Valley Bank, and served as a director of that institution for five years. Mr. Haak is a man of note in social organizations, in which he has taken the deepest interest for a number of years. He has a nature which attracts and holds friendship, as is evidenced by his influential standing in a number of fraternities. He is a past master of Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M.; past high priest of Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237; past eminent commander of Reading Com- mandery. No. 42, K T. ; and a prominent member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Reading, o^ which he was the organizer and first potentate. Mr. Haak was the first member at Reading in both the Knights of. the Golden Eagle and the Royal Arcanum; he was the first captain of a fully equipped company in Philadelphia and first m^jor of the battalion. REV. WILLIAM F. P. DAVIS was born in Paradise •township, York county. Pa., a rural district in the south-eastern part of this State, Oct. 1, 1831, son of John and Isabella Davis, the latter a daughter of the late Rev. Frederick William Vandersloot, and grand- daughter of one of the earliest ministers of the Re- formed Church in this country, of the same name — a sister, accordingly, of the Revs. Frederick WilHam and F. Edward Vandersloot, and aunt of the late Rev. J. S. Vandersloot, son of the Rev. F. Edward and a cou- sin of Mr. Davis. She was also a grand-daughter, on her mother's side, of the Rev. Philip Reinhold Pauli, for many years pastor of a Reformed Church in the city of Reading, Pa. — the father of the brethren Revs. Williams and Charles Augustus Pauli — her uncles — who, for many successive years exercised their min- istry in the city of Reading and vicinity — the former as successor to his venerable father. Mr. Davis was accordingly a direct descendant of both the Pauli and the Vandersloot families, so long and so prominently represented in the ministry of the Reformed Church of this country. Mr. Davis was baptized, in infancy, by his maternal uncle, the Rev. F. Edward Vandersloot, and subse- qviently catechised and confirmed by the Rev. Daniel Ziegler, D. D., and received as a communicant member of the Straeher's church, in York county. Pa. In early life already he felt himself powerfully drawn towards the work of the holy ministry, so largely represented by his ancestors, but was prevented from entering the sacred office for want of means to prose- cute the studies necessary to qualify him for the work. He learned the trade of a saddler and spent a number of years in this occupation. In this way he sought to acquire the means necessary for the prosecution of his literary and theological studies. He commenced his preparatory course in the excellent high school or academy kept for many years and successfully pre- sided over by the late Prof. Geo. W. Ruby, Ph. D., in York, Pa. Subsequently he entered Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., where he graduated in 1861, after which he entered the Theological Semin- ary of the Reformed Church, then located at Mercers- burg, Pa., and completed his studies in the same in 1863. During his student life, he was in the habit of working with the farmers, in the vicinity of Lan- caster, many of whom still remember him and speak of him with respect as an industrious and skillful laborer. His excellent character and conduct made a very favorable impression on the minds of these sim- ple-hearted and' unsophisticated tillers of the soiL They saw that a student, devoted to science and litera- ture, possessed at the same time both the requisite will and capacity to engage in useful manual labor. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Davis was licensed by the Zion's Classis, and during the same year ordained and installed as pastor of the Abbottstown or New Oxford charge, in Adams county, Pa. This first charge he served faithfully and with success for a period of about nine years. After the death of his relative, the Rev. Charles Augustus Pauli, in the fall of 1871, Mr. Davis became his successor in the Sink- ing Spring charge, in Berks county. Pa., then com- posed of five congregations, namely, Sinking Spring. Hain's, Yocom's, Kissinger's and St. John's at Ham- burg. Several of these congregations he subsequently resigned and had the charge reconstructed, so that latterly it consisted of four congregations. He served ;=%. cijCJU-n±_ BIOGRAPHICAL 635 his people faithfully, and, as a consequence, was high- ly respected and loved by them. In several of the congregations he was particularly successful in gath- ering in members, and thus adding to the numerical strength of the charge. His preaching was of a high order — practical and popular. He preached the Gospel in its purity, excellence and saving power; and his efforts were crowned with signal success. He officiated in both the English and German languages, using them with equal facility, accuracy and effect. Taken alto- gether, Mr. Davis was one of our best and most suc- cessful pastors, sincerely devoted to the spiritual wel- fare of his numerous parishioners, and well deserving of their grateful remembrance. Mr. Davis was married to Miss Ellen E. Myers, of York, Pa., Oct. 22, 1863. They had ten children, seven of whom — five sons and two daughters— survive their sainted father. Three of the children preceded him to the eternal world. Mr. Davis was a heavy-built man, of robust consti- tution and general good health. He was, however, predisposed to apoplexy. As far back as the 12th of March, 1881, he had an attack of this kind, from which, however, he soon recovered sufficiently to enable him to attend to the duties of his calling. On the 21st of February, 188S', he had a second attack, from which he never fully recovered. Still, although partially disabled, he continued to attend to his pastoral duties, but not without considerable effort and inconvenience. At length he was so much debilitated that he could scarce- ly conduct the services of the sanctuary. A few weeks prior to his decease, he told his congregations that he needed at least three months' rest, and, as advised by his physicians, entire freedom from clerical duties. By that time he hoped to be able to see whether he could further serve his congregations or not. He was advised to take a voyage to Europe, and, on the day preceding his death he completed his arrangements for the proposed trip. Shortly before midnight, on the 10th of June, he had a third attack of the fatal disease. He lay in an unconscious state until the next morning, Monday, June 11, 1883. when between five and six o'clock, in the bosom of his family, at Reading, Pa., Brother Davis gently fell asleep in Jesus, aged 51 years, 8 months and 10 days. His funeral took place on Thursday following, at one o'clock p. m. The services were held in St. Paul's Reformed Church, at Reading, of which the family were members. A large number of the members of the several churches which Brother Davis served were present to testify their love and attachment to their esteemed pastor. Some forty or fifty ministers of different denominations were also present at these solemnities, many of whom took part in the same. The services at the house were conducted by the Rev. Dr. McCauley. The assembled multitude then went to St. Paul's Church. Dr. Miller, of York, Pa., read the Scripture lesson and offered a prayer in English. He was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Kremer in a German prayer. Rev. A. S. Leinbach preached a German discourse from Rev, 2: 10: "Be thou faith- ful unto death, etc." Rev. Dr. Bausman preached an English sermon from 2. Tim. 4: 5-8. The Rev. L. K. Evans conducted the services at the grave. The breth- ren. Revs. H. Mosser, D. B. Albright, T. C. Leinbach, A. J. Bachman, John H. Leinbach, and L. D. Steckel, acted as pall-bearers. Beautiful and affecting was the presence of so large a number of the members of the pastoral charge of Brother Davis to testify their extreme sorrow, and bear testimony to the zeal and fidelity of their beloved pastor. Beautiful and appropriate, also, was it that so large a number of his clerical brethren should be pres- ent and participate in the solemnities attending the final disposal of his mortal remains. It was, at the same time,, hard to see the stricken^ wife and mother with her seven sorrowing children sitting beside the open coffin of a beloved husband and a kind father, of whom they had been suddenly and unexpectedly de- 40 prived. Here was room for the consoling promises of Him who is the "Father of the fatherless," and a "judge of the widow." Well is it for us all to remem- ber under such circumstances what is written: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit — that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." JAMES C. BENADE, who for a number of years was well known to the citizens of Reading, Pa., as an artist, was born in Lititz, son of Bishop Andrew and Maria (Henry) Benade, the latter a daughter of Judge Henry of Lancaster. Bishop Andrew Benade was of the Moravian denomi- nation, and was a very prominent man in his day. His death occurred in 1859, at the age of ninety-two years, his wife having passed away several years prior to this. They were the parents of: William, deceased, who was bishop at Philadelphia; Charles, an inventor; James C. Bishop Benade had two daughters, Lucia and Mary, by a former marriage. James C. Benade was taken to Salem, N. C, when a child, but when ten years of age was brought back to Lititz by his parents, and received his education at Nazareth Hall, Nazareth, Pa. Even at this early age he showed remarkable talent, and when a youth took up oil and water color painting, becoming a noted artist. He settled in Reading in 1837. His death oc- curred in 1853, at the age of thirty-two years, and he was interred in the Charles Evans cemetery. In 1845 he married Miss Sarah Moers, daughter of Daniel and Henrietta (Nagle) Moers. To this union there were born children as follows: James A., deceased; Patrick H., of Jefferson county. Pa.; Esther H., who conducts a private preparatory school, and Sarah M., both of Reading. In religious belief Mr. Benade was a Mo- ravian. DANIEL G. LEINBACH, an aged citizen of Read- ing now living retired at No. 639 Pine street, was born in Exeter township, Berks county, Dec. 13, 1829, son of P'rederick and Maria (Guldin) Leinbach. Frederick Leinbach, father of Daniel G., was a black- smith by trade, but owned a farm riear Leesport and gave a considerable part of his time to managing that property. Later in life his farming interests were in Exeter township. He died at that second home- stead aged fifty-seven years, leaving' a widow and children. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Guldin, lived to the age of sixty. Only five of their family still survive, namely: Daniel and Albei't, re- tired; Mahlon; Jonathan G. ; and Mary, widow of James Levan, a resident of Reading. Daniel G. Leinbach received his education in the schools of his native township and between the terms worked at farming. When he reached the age of sev- enteen he turned his attention toward blacksmith work and under the instruction of his father became an adept at that trade, following it for six years. He then learned boiler making and after mastering that trade, secured a position in the works of the Phila- delphia & Reading Railway Company. The fact that he remained there for thirty-one years, sufficiently at- tests his efficiency as a worker. On Oct. 13, 1887, he retired from their employ, and for the next eleven years was employed by his brother J. G. Leinbach in the latter's mill. Since 1900, he has given up all active work, owing to advancing years and now lives retired at his home on Pine street. Mr. Leinbach has accumu- lated a comfortable property and owns considerable real estate, being the possessor of two houses in the First ward, two in the Second and one each in the Tenth and Sixteenth wards. ' On Oct. 14, 1849, Mr. Leinbach married Catherine, daughter of John and Catherine (Heckler) Levan, and the following children have been born to them: Mary, m. to Frank Mallon; Ellen, m. to Charles Evans; Martha, m. to Samuel Rolland; Anna 636 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA E., unmarried, who is her father's housekeeper. Mrs. izations, many friends, and attached fellow citizens, Leinbach died Nov. 4, 1S94, aged sixty-eight years and to mourn his loss. He belonged to the First Reformed nine months, and was interred in Aulenbach's ceme- Church, having united with the society in 1883. In tery. Mr. Leinbach belongs to several fraternal orders, politics he was a Republican, and a faithful worker being a member of Mt. Penn Lodge, I. O. O. F.; of in the ranks of that party. He was always a loyal Freedom Circle, Brotherhood of the Union; and of the citizen, uphcilding American institutions. His fra- Rebekah Lodge, L O. O. F. Religiously he is a mem- ternal connections were with the Masons, he being a ber of the German Reformed Church of Reading. In member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., of his earlier days, during the war, Mr. Leinbach saw Reading, some military service, enlisting in 1863 for three months. His has been an industrious useful life, and A. W. FISHER, a prominent wholesale wine_ and he has well earned the freedom from care' he now liquor dealer, of Reading, Pa., whose place of business enjoys and the respect of the community which is is situated at the corner of Second and Penn streets, so freely accorded him. was born in West Reading, Spring township. May 27, 1851, son of William L. and Mary (Weitzel) Fisher, WILLIAM M. FULTON, deceased, was identified and a grandson of John and Barbara (Lichty) Fisher, with the building interests of Reading, Pa., for rnany John Fisher was born in Windsor township, Berks years. He was a descendant of a family whose rtiern- county, in 1800, and lived near Monterey, where he bers were men of influence, highly respected and was engaged in the building and furniture business, valuable citizens. and where all his children were born. He also had stone His great-grandfather, Samuel Fulton, a captain quarries and a lime kiln on the Allentown road east of in the Revolutionary war for six years, was in the Monterey church. It is thought that he built the old battles of Long Island and Brandywine, in one of stone church and school house at Monterey. In 1842 these battles receiving a body wound, but he stood he gave up the building business and moved to .Oley with his men nevertheless. He was in the battle township. About a year later a freshet in Monocacy of Staten Island, and marched from thence to White Creek carried away fences and washed out the grain Plains. He was in the Indian wars, and in the battle fields, and he moved to Cumru township, and about of Shamokin was wounded in the knee. He captured 1846-47 he located on the farm at the junction of large quantities of furs and booty from the British and Wyomissing creek and the Schuylkill river, where he Indians. died in 1849. In 1821 he married Barbara Lichty, and Samuel Fulton, grandfather of William M., was a they had the following children: Charles; Hettie, m. to color bearer in the war of 1812. He married Jenny Joseph Markley; Gideon; William L., the father of A. McClain, daughter of Andrew McClain, who was a W.; John; Daniel L., of Philadelphia, Pa.; Sarah; son of Lord Steel McClain, a Scotchman. He came Amelia, m. to Frank Adams, of Reading (they have a over from Scotland with Lord Baltimore. He, too, was daughter, Miss Mary, a supervisor of schools in Read- a captain in the Revolutionary war, and for his great ing, since 1906) ; and one child who died in infancy, bravery at the battle, or the storming of. Stony Point, The family were members of the Lutheran Church. forty miles above New York, on the Hudson river, was Mr. Fisher was a Democrat in politics. His first wife awarded by Congress a gold medal. He ordered the died while yet a young woman, and he m. (second) medal given to his namesake, Andrew McClain Fulton, Polly Leader, by whom one son, Glancey, was born, at his death. John Fisher had two brothers and a sister: George; Andrew McClain Fulton, father of William M., was a Solomon; and Mary, who married Philip Ziegler, a native of Ohio, where he was liberally educated and farmer near Rothrocksville, in Lehigh county, near became an attorney-at-law. In 1873 he moved to Read- the Berks county line, and had thirteen children, of ing and practiced his profession until incapacitated whom five, all over seventy years of age, are still by failing health. He retired from professional work living — Daniel (aged ninety-seven years), William (of and engaged in farming in Curaru township, removing Allentown), David (on the homestead), Mary (aged later to Muhlenberg township, where he died in 1902, seventy-six years, widow of Joseph Miller, of near aged eighty years. His first wife, Hattie (Wasson) Topton) and Gideon (of Allentown). The maiden Fulton, died in 1863, leaving two children, William name of Mr. Fisher's mother was Hauer, and her M. and Jennie, the latter of whom is principal of the brother, the late George Hauer, was a prominent mer- Lewistown, Mont., central school. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton chant in Windsor township. were both members of the Presbyterian Church. An- William L. Fisher, son of John, was born in Berks drew McC. Fulton married (second) Mary Schwartz, county and was educated in the public schools. He daughter of Hon. John Schwartz, M. C. Four children was reared to the life of a farmer, and this he followed were born to this union, namely: Elizabeth; John S., of in connection with trucking, owning a small tract of New York; Margaret, who married Horad Wolleth; land near the Cacoosing, where he also conducted a and Elmer O., of Muhlenberg township, Berks Co., Pa. country hotel. It is said that none of this family used The father was a Republican in his political belief. malt or spirituous liquors. Mr. Fisher conducted his Williarn M. Fulton was born Nov. 3, 1858, in Ash- hotel for several years, but later sold out and removed land, Ohio, and was educated in the schools there, to Reading, where he opened a cafe on the site of completing his training at a commercial college in Read- the present Schuylkill Valley Bank. This was in ing, after his father settled there. He then accepted a 1876 and he remained in business with his son, A. W., position as clerk in the Philadelphia & Reading freight until his death, in 1882, aged fifty-five years. He was depot, where he worked for five years and then took considered a very good citizen. Mr. Fisher was a up general contracting. This business he followed for very powerfully built man, his weight being 265 pounds, the rest of his life, accumulating a large amount of He and his wife were the parents of seven children, property. He owned a quarry at the west end of the four sons of whom died in infancy, A. W. being the Penn street bridge. only son to survive. The daughters were: Emma, de- Mr. Fulton was married in 1883, to Catharine R. ceased, m. to Ephraim Miller; and Agnes, m. to jere- Kline, a daughter of Simon and Catharine (Noll) Kline, miah Eppling. Both Mr. and Mrs. William Fisher and to this marriage two children were born, namely: were members of the Lutheran Church. He was S. McClain, who died aged five months and eighteen a Democrat up to the time of Abraham Lincoln's cam- days; and Jennie M., who is a graduate of the class of paign, when he cast his lot with the Republican 1907, girls' high school, Reading, and she is now a party. Mrs. Fisher died in 1874, aged fiftV-three student at the Teachers College, New York City. years. The death of Mr. Fulton took place July 10, 1899, A. W. Fisher was educated in the common schools He left a devoted family, members of various organ- of West Reading, and until 1876 worked upon a farm BIOGRAPHICAL 627 ■when, with his father, he came to Reading and en- certain that, he was a man of intelligence and stand- gaged in the cafe business. Like his father, Mr. Fisher ing. His will, made April 26, 1782, was probated is a very large man. At the age of fourteen years June 4, 1784, the year of his death, which occurred his weight was 263 pounds, and today his average at a ripe old age. He was buried at Sinking Spring, weight is 340 pounds. He enjoys the very best of health,- in the Baptist burial-ground back of the old eight- and is as supple and active as many a man of half cornered school-house still standing. He reared -a his weight. Since 1895 Mr. Fisher has devoted his large, family of sturdv sons and daughters, allof whom time solely to the wholesale business, and built his became useful men and women. Thirteen children are present place of business in 1901, the structure being mentioned in his will as heirs, and the sons Francis three stories high, and 20x98 feet in dimensions. He and George were executors of the will. In February, also owns the store property at No. 114 Penn street, 1782, Frantz Kriick sold some of his land to his son and handles a choice line of domestic and imported Frantz (Francis), who gave his father bonds of £50 liquors, having the reputation of conducting one of denomination each, and the will specified the dates the best kept places in the city of Reading. He com- upon which these bonds were to be redeemed. We mands the best trade in Reading and the surrounding have the following record of the fainily: (1) John, country. Although giving his business the closest at- born in Germany, came to America with his parents, tention, Mr. Fisher finds time for recreation, being In 1759 he paid £3 tax in Cumru township. His very fond of fishing, and many of the finny tribe have name appears in the roster of Capt. Jacob Myers' Corn- yielded to his rod and line. Mr. Fisher spends his pany, 6th Pennsylvania Battalion, 1782. This corn- vacations at Anglesea, New Jersey. pany had organized and was ready to respond to the Mr. Fisher has been twice married, his first wife call, but there was no actual service performed. John being Miss Emma Quinter, who died in 1895, leaving was married but had no children. He was a black- these children: William, deceased; George L.; Adam smith by trade. He died in 1800. (2) Jacob also came S.; Edgar R.; and Helen M. Mr. Fisher's second to America with his parents. His name appears marriage occurred in 1897, to Agnes Focht, daughter among the' single men in the tax list of 1759. He was, of Solomon Focht. Politically Mr. Fisher is a Re- however, married, as would appear from the baptis- publican. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. mal records of Hain's Church. He had the follow- 227, F. & A. M., Knights of the Golden Eagle, and ing children: John Jacob, Maria and John George, the I. O. R. M., being also a member of the Maen- He saw active service in the Revolutionary war in nerchor and the Reading Fishing Club. Capt. Reehm's Company of the 1st Regiment of Berks, County Militia in an expedition to Newtown, Bucks KRICK. The Krick family is one of the most num- county. (3) Francis is mentioned below. (4) George erous and prosperous in the Schuylkill section of Berks (known as "Blind George"), born May 8, 1738, died county. The name has been a familiar one in that Sept. 9, 1825. He m. Margarita Seitzinger and was the locality for a hundred and fifty years, associated in- father of a large family, Solomon, William, John, variably with good citizenship, thrift and integrity, its George. Isaac, Philip, Samuel, and eight daughters, members in every generation having been jealous of He was a taxpayer in Heidelberg township in 1759. their good repute and mindful of the honorable tra- A few years later he moved back to Cumru, now Spring ditions of their ancestors. All of the land purchased township, and purchased a farm between Sinking Spring by Frantz Kruck (as the name was originally spelled), and Reading, where he conducted a hotel for a number the founder of the family in America, is still owned of years. He is buried at Sinking Spring. (5) Adam by his descendants. His posterity is especially well (there is no record of him). (6) Philip was captain known in Cumru, Spring, Heidelberg, Windsor and of the 8th Company, Berks County Militia, Aug. 5, Tulpehocken townships, Berks county. Some of his 1777, to Jan. 5, 1778. This company joined the army descendants have also located in Lancaster. Union after the battle of Brandywine and took part in the and Mifflin counties. battle of Germantown. No doubt he spent the winter Frantz Kruck was a native of Germany, born in the at Valley Forge. We have no record of his family Rhein Pfalz in October, 1702. Having one night in a (7) Peter, the youngest son of Frantz Kriick, was born mischievous mood upset a sentinel (schilder) house he June 27, 1756, and died July 31, 1829. He was a soldier was found out, and in order to escape the punishment in the Revolution in the 8th Company, 6th Battalion, came to America, arriving at Philadelphia, Sept. 11, and saw active service. He was known as "School 1731, on the good ship "Pennsylvania Merchant." Set- Teacher" Peter and taught school near Sinking Spring, tling in the Cacoosing valley, along the Cacoosing and was also teacher and "Forsinger" at the Muddy creek, in what is now Berks county. Pa., he became Creek Church. He m. Catharine Rader, and was the the owner of considerable land, originally owning a father of a large family, as follows: Rachael m. Henry tract of 350 acres, in five parts, and later increasing Young; Elizabeth m. John Salladay; Katharine m. his holdings to 750 acres. His property was in Cumru Philip Getz; John m. a Hornberger; Lelia m. Frederic (now Spring) township, and comprised what is now Auman; Susanna m. Jacob Buchart; Mary m. Rudy the finest and most valuable agricultural land in the Miller; Adam m. Catharine Fisher, and lived at county. He devoted the rest of his life to the im- Reading; Barbara m. Daniel NefT; Magdalena m. John provement of his holdings, and his descendants have Luft; Christianna m. a Rupp ; Jonas moved to Holli- followed in his footsteps to such an extent that his daysburg; William moved to Hamburg; Peter moved property is still in their possession, and in some to Lancaster; John Jacob. (8) Margareth m. Michael cases has been farmed by the sixth generation. A Seitzinger. (9) Elizabeth m. Philip Worheim. (10) part of the original land secured by him from the Maria m. John Philip Spohn. (11) Catharine, born Penns in 1737 is now owned by Rev. Thomas H. Krick, Oct. "14. 1749, m. Jacob Ruth. (12) Eva. (13)' Mag- a descendant of the sixth generation. When the city dalena m. George Hain. of Reading was laid out, in 1749, Francis Creek (as Frantz (or Francis) Krick, third son of the original the name was Anglicized when he secured land from settler, was born Nov. 6, 1736, in Cumru (now Spring) the Penns) became the owner of lots Nos. 490 and township, and died April 20, 1814, aged seventy-seven 491. In 1759 he paid £19 taxes in Cumru town- years, five months, fourteen days. He was a shoe- ship, an amount equal to $50.54, a Pennsylvania pound maker by trade. In 1759 he paid £3 tax in Cumru. He being valued at $2.66. He was an industrious and was a private in Capt. Charles Gobin's Company, in well-to-do man, and the records of his extensive land 1780, during the Revolution, serving from Aug. ioth transactions and dealings with the early settlers are to Sept. 9th of that year, and saw actual service in proof that he was well educated, old papers that he the war. In 1757 he married Maria Spohn, who died signed being written in a good German hand. There in 1785, and his second marriage was to Catherine is a family tradition that he was of royal blood, and it is Schlegel, widow of Frantz Gehrling. She was born 628 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA March 1, 1736, was first married in 1754, and died March 1, 1830, aged ninety-four years. No children were born to this second marriage. The names of his children appear in his will, and the dates of birth are given in the family Bible: Catharine, born Dec. 20, 1758, m. William Brown; Jacob, born Aug. 27, 1760, moved to near Richmond, Va.; Maria, born July 30, 1762, m. a Mr. Brown; John Adam was born March 4. 1765 (he had a daughter Catharine, who married Henry Snider and had a son, George) ; John was born April 11, 1767; Philip, born Oct. 4, 1769, moved to Wooster, Ohio; George, born Sept. 8, 1771, m. Cath- arine Wagner; Crete or Margaret (known by both names), born Aug. 29, 1773, m. William Fisher; Francis, born Feb. 8, 1776, m. Hannah Gehrling; Peter, born Feb. 28, 1779, m. Elizabeth Hill. The son Francis, the third of that name, was the sole executor of his father's large estate. The will was witnessed by John Spyker and Jacob Lambert, and was probated June 8, 1814. Francis (3) disposed of- his farm to Francis (3) in the same way that Francis (1) had sold it to Francis (2), by bonds. Francis Krick, son of Frantz and Maria (Spohn) Krick, was born Feb. 8, 1776, at the homestead, and died May 19, 1863', aged eighty-seven years, three months, eleven days. He was a farmer in very com- fortable circumstances, owning about four hundred acres of valuable land. He was a soldier in the war of 1812-15. He married Hannah Gehrling, born June 4, 1774, died Feb. 3, 1842. They had a large family, two sons and seven daughters, and we have record of the following: Jacob is mentioned below; Katie, born May 7, 1801, died in infancy; Daniel is mentioned below; Elizabeth, born April 11, 1806, m. Daniel Bross- man; Sarah, born June 1, 1808, m. Israel Grimes; Han- nah, born May 9, 1810, m. Adam Bohn; Maria (Polly), born July 20, 1813, m. Abraham Briel ; Esther, born Nov. 22, 1815, Jacob Krick, son of Francis and Hannah (Gehrling) Krick, born in 1798, at the homestead, died Dec. 20, 1883. Like all his immediate ancestors he was a life- long agriculturist, and prospered so well in his chosen calling that he was able to present each of his sons a farm when they left home. He was a zealous church worker, being an official member of St. John's Reformed Church of Sinking Spring, and was known to all as a worthy and substantial citizen. He is buried at that church. Jacob Krick was married April 12, 1829, to Catharine Bechtel, and they became the parents of four sons and four daughters, namely: Wil- liam, born Oct. 10. 1829, lived and died in Lower Heid- elberg township; Mary, born Oct. 26, 1831, m. Daniel Seltzer, of Lower Heidelberg township ; Jacob B., born March 10, 1833, now a retired resident of Sinking Spring, m. Sarah A. Seltzer; Richard B.. born Feb. 1, 1835, is a resident of Sinking Spring; Francis B,, born June 2, 1836, died in Sinking Spring in 1902; Hannah, born April 4, 1834, and Sarah, July 5, 1839, both unmarried, have a comfortable home together at Sinking Spring; Susan, born Feb. 34. 1843, m. Jacob Eckert, of Wernersville. Jacob B. Krick, son of Jacob, was born at the old homestead in Cumru (now Spring) township, March 10, 1833. He remained at home working for his father until he was past thirty-two years old, after whieh he continued his labors upon the same property, but upon his owti account, living at the old Krick place until he decided to retire from the arduous work of the farm, in 1887. He then moved into Sinking Spring, where he has since resided, and in 1897 he purchased his present dwelling, formerly the Hettinger residence, on Main street. Here he has a most comfortable home, the house being one of the largest in the village and delightfully located. Though Mr. Krick has not en- gaged personally in the cultivation of the soil for many years he has retained possession of the old hornestead, which now comprises eighty-seven acres, besides twenty-five acres of woodland. During his active years Mr. Krick devoted himself thoroughly to business, attending to his work, and the management of his property with intelligence as well as industry, with excellent results. But he also found time for the development of his social and religious tendencies, and the associations growing out of such relationships have given him many pleasant interests for his leisure years. He holds membership in Coun- cil No. 77, Jr. O. U. A. M., and the K. G. E., No. 334, both of Sinking Spring, and is a past officer of both organizations. He is a Reformed member of St. John's Church at Sinking Spring, which he has served as dea- con and elder for many years, and he has proved his worth to the community in various other capaci- ties. While living on the farm he was for six years school director of Spring township. He is a Demo- crat in politics. Mr. Krick married, Sept. 19, 1863, Sarah A. Seltzer, daughter of William and Catharine (Ruth) Seltzer, of Womelsdorf, Berks county, and they have had three children, two daughters and one son, the latter still- born. Of the daughters, Mary Annie m. Isaac Het- tinger, of Kansas City, Mo., proprietor of the Hettinger Bros. Manufacturing Company, of Kansas City, Mo., and 'Madison, Wis., manufacturers of dental surgical supplies, electrici batteries, elastic goods, etc.; they have three children, Emily C. Evelyn G. and Francis K. Emily S. Krick, born Oct. 31, 1867, died Oct. 27, 1896. Mrs. Krick and her daughters united with St. John's Church as Reformed members. Daniel Krick, son of Francis and Hannah (Gehrling) Krick, was born Oct. 28, 1804, in Spring township, and there passed his life engaged in farming. About a year before his death he moved with his son, Henry B., to a farm in Lower Heidelberg, near the Cacoosing, where he died April 16, 1864. In 1833 he married Susan Bohn, daughter of George Bohn (son of Frederick Bohn), of Bern township, and she survived him many years, making her home with her son Adam, in Sink- ing Spring. She died Aug. 19, 1887. To Daniel and Susan (Bohn) Krick were born children as follows: James, born Jan. 12. 1834. died July 26, 1834; Lydia, born May 31, 1835, m. William R. High; Adam B. is mentioned below; Henry B., born Jan. 16, 1839, died Aug. 3, 1906; Mary E.. born Jan. 6, 1851, died May 19. 1902. Adarn B. Krick was born Oct. 27, 1836, in Spring township, and received a good education, attending school at Sinking Spring and Reading, and later study- ing at the Hudson River Institute, at Claverack, N. Y. During his early manhood he was engaged at teaching for five terms, after which he devoted himself to farming, continuing in that line for nine years. Meantime he had suffered more or less from the re- sults of an accident which occurred in 1852. and which culminated in 1873, when he found it necessary to undergo the amputation of a limb. This naturally caused a complete change in his plans for his life work, and in the year last named he removed from his farm into the village of Sinking Spring, where with- in a short time he embarked in a mercantile business, dealing in flour, feed and grain, both wholesale and retail. He carried on that business throughout his active career, meeting with excellent success, for he dis- played the same ability in the management of his busmess ventures as he did in his previous under- takings. He never lost his interest in educational affairs and the public school system', and served four successive terms as school director. He was an active ™epber of the Sinking Spring Reformed Church, of which he served as treasurer, for a period of thirty years. He also served as township tax collector for a number of years. In the year 1863 Mr. Krick married Lucy J. Reber born April 13, 1844, daughter of Benneville B. Reber (son of Conrad) and Sarah V. R. (High), daughter of William and Catharine (Van Reed) High Six child- BIOGRAPHICAL 639 ren blessed their union, viz.: William F., born Oct. 4; 1863, is mentioned below; Daniel B., born March 29, 1865, m. Mary Scheetz and resides at Sinking Spring; Sarah S., born Oct. 26, 1866, died in infancy; Rev. Thom- as H., born Jan. 11, 1868, is mentioned below; Ida R., born Oct. 11, 1869, lives at home with her mother; M. Ellen, born Sept. is, 18,71, is the widow of Prof. Frank P. Miller, of Kutztown, Pa. Mrs.-Krick still resides at the old home in Sinking Spring, where Mr. Krick died March 10, 1904, aged sixty-seven years, four months, fourteen days. He is buried at Sinking Spring. Mr. Krick' was one of the most respected representa- tives of this large and influential family, and he ever maintained high standing both as a citizen and a business man. For a number of years he was recog- nized as the foremost citizen of Sinking Spring. He was regarded as a man of excellent judgment, and his advice was sought by a great many people. For a number of years he was the recognized leader of his political party in the township. Many a struggling person received help at his hands; more than one student was assisted in his struggles for advancement by him. He was frequently asked to write deeds and legal papers for others and was frequently made the custodian of other people's money — people who placed more confidence in him than in banks. He was often appointed guardian by court for minor children. William F. ' Krick, one of the leading citizens of Sinking Spring of the present day, was born Oct. 4, 1863, on a part of the old Krick homestead, in Spring township. He obtained his early education in the public schools of that locality, later attending at Sink- ing Spring, and finally, in the spring of 1880, began a course at the Keystone State Normal School, where he studied for three terms. He received his first li- cense to teach, however, when but seventeen years old, from Prof. S, A. Baer, then county superintendent, and for two terms he taught the Gelsinger's school, in his native township. He had been reared to farming in his earlier years, and always had an inclination for agricultural work, which he began on his own account at the age of nineteen years, on a 130-acre tract be- longing to his father. He remained on that place for twelve years, during which time he made distinct pro- gress in the science of farming as well as in his finan- cial equipment. In 1894 he was able to purchase a farm in Lower Heidelberg township, consisting of 141 acres, and he has conducted this place ever since, improving it constantly according to the most approved mod- ern methods. He has not confined himself to farming by any means, but has branched out until his interests now include a large flour-mill and the controlling share in the Sinking Spring Electric Light Company, of which latter he is president. His farm is supplied with all the most improved implements and well stock- ed, and is considered one of the finest properties in the township. In 1894 Mr. Krick erected a Swiss barn 118 by 46 feet in dimensions, and his other out- buildings are on a similar scale and very substantial. Mr. Krick resided on his farm until 1902, when he removed to the village of Sinking Spring, his commer- cial interests demanding his constant attention. He put up the building on Main street -in which he es- tablished both his home and his business headquarters, the structure being a substantial brick three stories high, 48 by 64 feet, and he did business there for about three years. Meanwhile, however, he had 'erected the large Krick Roller Mills, along the south side of the Lebanon Valley railroad, a three-story structure of brick, 36 by 72 feet, with an annex 36 by 60 feet, erected in 1904. The mill is a model of its kind pro- vided with all the latest machinery required for the roller process, and a high grade of flour is manufact- ured, Mr. Krick's special brands being the "World's Best" and "Ladies Choice." The product finds a ready market throughout the Eastern States, and Mr. Krick has an extensive local trade in this line, as well as a large wholesale and retail trade at Reading in the grain, feed and flour business. He has developed his business to its highest possibilities, showing what a man of enterprise" and adequate, ability may accomplish, and he gives employment to from ten to fifteen men, also using three teams in the transaction of his busi- ness. Mr. Krick has displayed his enterprise as much in the development of an up-to-date public utility as in his strictly private affairs. The Sinking Spring Electric Company, in which he i? the largest stockholder, is a private concern, but its workings so affect the public comfort and welfare that the community has a much deeper interest in its conduct than in the average com- mercial venture. This company not only supplies the light for Sinking Spring, but also for Springmont, Wyomissing, Shillington and Edison. The excellent service of the plant, and its efficient management from an industrial as well as a financial standpoint, are fur- ther evidences of Mr. Krick's powers as a man of ex- ecutive force. His personal character is above reproach. In 1882 Mr. Krick married Clara Y. Hartman, daugh- ter of the late Amos and Rebecca (Yost) Hartman. Four children have been born to this union, as fol- lows: Bessie H., who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1902, is now engaged at teach- ing in Sinking Spring; Gertrude H., who also attended the Keystone State Normal, married Walter Graeff; Bertha H. is in high school; Charles H., born Oct. 10, 1892, is the fourth of this line born in October, his father, grandfather and great-grandfather having been born, like him. in that month, on the same farm in Spring township. The home of this family is a com- fortable dwelling, supplied with every modern conven- ience for the well-being of its occupants. It is sur- rounded by a large and well-kept lawn, and is delight- fully situated, being one of the pleasant homes in the village. Mr. Krick is a prominent member of St. John's Re- formed Church, of which he has served as deacon for two years, and which has so many dear associations for the members of this family. Many o.f the earlier generations sleep their last sleep in the graveyard of this old house of worship. Mr. Krick is a Democrat in his political faith, and in social connection he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Sinking Spring Lodge, No. 660. Rev. Thomas Henry Krick, a leading minister of the Reformed Church, now located at Coplay, Lehigh Co., Pa., was born Jan. 11, 1868, in Spring township, Berks county, on the old homestead near Sinking Spring, and was five years old when his parents moved to Sinking Spring, where he attended public school in the lower and middle stone school building. Later he attended the Charter Oak Academy, taught by Thomas J. Oberlin, in his district, and in the spring of 1885 entered the State Normal School at Kutztown, grad- uating from that institution in 1887. Through the efforts of his teacher. Dr. N. C. Schaeffer, and his thirst for higher education, he decided to take a college course. In 1887-88 he took the college preparatory course at the Normal school, and in the fall of 1888 matriculated at Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster. Pa., graduating therefrom in 1892. The same year he entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Lancaster. In 189S' he taught mathematics at the Keystone State Normal School, and he also engaged in canvassing a few summers before his graduation from the theological seminary, in 1895. He had been licensed as a public school teach- er when but sixteen years old, by Prof. D. S. Keck. During his college course he specialized in mathemat- ics, in which he is a master. One of his classmates ex- pressed the opinion that had he chosen to continue his studies in mathematics there is no doubt at all that he would have filled a chair in mathematics in one of the higher institutions of learning. He also took a very active interest in college athletics, playing on the foot-ball team as right tackle for five years. He is 630 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA six feet and a half inch in height, and built proportion- ately, and he was generally known as the "impreg- nable stone wall." The college team saw the "golden age" of its athletic glories during his attendance, de- feating nearly all the other college foot-ball teams that they played. Mr. Krick was manager of the team for one year. On May 22, 1895, Thomas H. Krick was licensed by the Lebanon Classis of the Reformed Church, and on July 7. 1895, he was ordained by a committee of the East Pennsylvania Classis, at Jacobs Reformed Church, Weissport, Pa., which charge he served with high merit for the period of six years. During this time he raised a debt of $1,500 on the church property within one year, remodeled the basement of the church, in- creased the membership greatly, and the collections for benevolent purposes were increased threefold. In August, 1901, he accepted a call from the Coplay charge, which is in the cement regions of the Lehigh valley. It consists of three churches. Trinity Reform- ed at Coplay, St. John's at Mickleys and St. John's at Fullerton. During the seven years of Mr. Krick's incumbency the membership at Coplay has been in- creased from 120 to 400, and in 1907 the congrega- tion erected one of the finest parsonages belonging to the Reformed Church. At Mickley's a new Sunday- school room was added through his- efforts, and in 1902 he organized the Fullerton congregation, which now has a membership of 225. Mr. Krick is a leading and active member of the Classis of the Reformed Church of the United States, highly esteemed by his brethren for his efficient work, high character and pleasant disposition. He is sec- retary of the Spiritual Conference of Ministers and Laymen of the Reformed Church. In 1908 he was elected president of the Lehigh Valley Ministerial Association. He was a delegate in 1899 to the General Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States, which met at Tiffin, Ohio, and in 1908 at York, Pa! He was delegate to the District Synod which met at Bethlehem, twice to the Synod when it met at Lan- caster and delegate to its meetings at Sunbury, Per- kasie, Lebanon and Reading. In 1898 he was presi- dent of the East Pennsylvania Classis. His exec- utive ability and skill as an organizer are gen- erally recognized, and he is as highly regarded in his own congregations as he is in other relations. He is a forceful and eloquent preacher, officiating in two languages, and ably proclaims the Word to whose spread he has devoted his life. For a number of years Mr. Krick took a deep and active interest in the history and genealogy of his own and other families, and in 1907 founded the Krick Family Reunion, which in 1908 held its second re- union on the ancestral acres and was largely attended. He traces his genealogy through the following families: Hoch, Van Reed, Hottenstein, Yost, Herbein, Reber, Bright, Kershner, Bohn, Slegel, Kissinger. Womerin, Spohn and Krick. He has given considerable time to research on most of these families. On Nov. 31, 1895, Rev. Mr. Krick was united in mar- riage with Jennie P. Hain, daughter of Peter L. and Sue L. (Oberholtzer) Hain, of Heidelberg township, and a descendant of George Hain (Hohn), who granted the land upon which is erected the Hains Reformed Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Krick have been born two daughters: Marie H., born July 21, 1898; and Ruth H., born May 13, 1901. Mrs. Krick is an ideal minister's wife and is prominently identified with every phase of church work. RICHARD B. KRICK, a retired citizen of Sinking Spring, was born Feb. 1, 1835, on the original home- stead of Frantz Crick, in what is now Spring town- ship, son of Jacob Krick (son of Francis (3) ). He be- gan his education in the pay schools which were then in vogue in his district, attending the old pay school held in the eight-cornered school-house which is so fully written up in the archives* of the Berks County Historical Society, he having supplied the major part of the information for the article mentioned. Later, when the free schools were established, he attended ithem for two or three months during the winter for a few years. Much of his education, however, has been self- acquired, and he has read and observed with intelli- gence all his long life. Mr. Krick was reared on the homestead, where he worked until he was thirty years old, and in the spring of 1866 he began farming on his own account in Spring township, where he continued agricultural pur- suits successfully for twenty years. He built the pres- ent house on this farm which he still owns, in about 1874, and had previously put up the barn, in 1868. This place was originally a Rollman tract. It comprises ninety-seven acres, and is one of the best farms in the valley. In 1887 he retired to the small tract at Sinking Spring where he has since made his home. Mr. Krick is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlist- ed at Reading Oct. 37, 1862, for a period of nine months. He actually served, however, but fifteen days less than a year, being mustered out Aug. 12, 1863, as_ sergeant of Company E, 167th Pa. V. I. He saw active service at the battle of the Deserted Farm (where his colonel was mortally wounded) and was on picket duty when they fought at Carrsville, Virginia. Mr. Krick is a Democrat in political opinion and has been somewhat active in local affairs, having served nine consecutive years as school director of Spring township and meantime acted as president of the board; he was also auditor of the district for a num- ber of years. He is much respected in his district, and has always been known as a good citizen. In spite of his advanced age his mind is clear and he is well preserved in every way. On Oct. 27, 1859, Mr. Krick married Emma Bickel, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Miller) Bickel, of Reading. She died Dec. 17, 1908, aged seventy years, eight days, and rests in the family plot at Sinking Spring. To Mr. and Mrs. Krick were born three children: Albert died when one year old. Lizzie S., born in 1861, married Miller Evans, of Reading, and died in 1902, the mother of six children, Annie (de- ceased), Emma, John, Richard, Fred, and Frank (the lastj^ named deceased). Jacob B. is mentioned be- low. Mr. Krick and his family are members of St. John's Reformed Church at Sinking Spring, of which he served as trustee for three years, deacon for some years, and elder two years. He has always been active in the work and enterprises of the church, and is a director of the Sinking Spring Union Cemetery Com- pany. He is a member of Castle No. 334, K. G. E., of Sinking Spring, and has been treasurer since its organ- ization in 1889. He is also active in the Krick Family Reunion Association, and in 1908 made the welcome ad- dress at the annual gathering. He has a resourceful mind, and was of great assistance to the historian of the Reunion Association, and also of this volume. Jacob B. Krick, son of Richard B., was born in Spring township, June 23, 1867, and was educated in the local public schools and Charter Oak Academy, as well as the select school known as Carroll In- stitute on North Fourth street, Reading, then under the care of Prof. Patrick Carroll. Later he entered Lafayette College, but he left that institution to ac- cept a responsible position with the Enterprise Manu- facturmg Company, of Philadelphia, in whose service he has been since 1889. The company employs 750 men. Mr. Krick is a member of the Order of Inde- pendent Americans. He is unmarried. HENRY B. KRICK was born in Spring township. Berks county, Jan. 16, 1839, son of Daniel and Susan (Bohn) Krick, and died Aug. 3, 1906, and is buried at binkmg Sprmg. He was reared to farm life, and soon after his marriage began farming near Sinking Spring, BIOGRAPHICAL 631 where he lived many years. He later moved to a tract along the pike a half mile above Sinkirig Spring, where he lived retired until his death. His farm con- sisted of about 150 acres, and belonged to his father. The Henry B. Krick residence is now the property of Robert Lance. Mr. Krick was a Democrat in politics, and held the office of school director. During the Civil war he served as a soldier and contracted rheumatism, from which he suffered all the rest of his life, and which in fact caused his retirement from active work quite early in life. He was prominent and influential in his community, and was highly esteemed by all. Mr. Krick married Catharine Smith, daughter of Daniel and Annie (Funk) Smith, of near Denver, Lan- caster county. She died Dec. 5, 1901, in the sixty- first year of her age. Five children blessed this un- ion: Daniel, who died in infancy; Anna S., residing at West Reading; Stephen, who died in infancy; Da:isy, who resides at No. 521 Weiser street, Reading; and Laura, who died in infancy. JOHN L. SCHARFF, a resident of Reatling since 1887, was born March 37, 1837, at Host, in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, He is a descendant in the fifth generation from Conrad Scharfl, the ancestor of a family which became numerous in western Berks county, a few of whose descendants still reside in the vicinity of Stouchsburg. (I) Conrad Scharff (also spelled Sharii and Scharf, though Scharff is the correct form) was born March 23, 1697, in Germany, and in 1709 landed at New York with his parents. They located at Livingstone Manor, in New York, but later with many other German fam- ilies, settled at Schoharie, where they lived in peace and contentment until about 17)19. In 1723 thirty-three fam- ilies moved to Pennsylvania, settling in Tulpehocken, some fifteen miles west of the Schuylkill river. Among these settlers were George and Peter Reith, Gottfried Fitler, Conrad Schuetz, Antonius Scharff, Christian Lauer, Andraes Walborn, Lorentz Zerbe, Sebastian Fischer. Johan Peter Pacht, Johann Adam Lerch and George Ansbach. In 1728 fifteen other families left the Schoharie and settled in the same vicinity, among this colony being Conrad Scharff. He was a farmer by oc- cupation. It is not known what relationship existed between Antonius and Conrad Scharff, but it is likely that they were brothers. Conrad Scharff died May 15, 1776. His wife, Maria Margaret, born July 28, 1721, died April 20, 1781. These pioneers are buried in the graveyard of the Little Tulpehocken Church. On Oct. 10, 1772, Conrad Scharff lived in Heidelberg township. His will, on record in Will Book A, page 17, men- tions the following children: George, who was to have £5 for his birthright; John, who was to have a plan- tation; Esther (Riegner); Catharine Margaret, and Mary Catharine. (II) Georg (George) Scharff, the eldest son of Con- rad, lived in Heidelberg township, Berks county, where he died some time in the year 1826. He was a farmer, and left his farm by will to his son John. His last will and testament, made in 1825, was witnessed by John and Paul Wenrich. It is in the old style of German script, written in very fine letters, and is ex- ceedingly hard to interpret and almost impossible of translation. It mentions a daughter Elizabeth, who it appears was twice married, one of her husbands being John Riessar, by whom she had John, Samuel and Maria Riessar. (II) John (Johan) Scharff, younger son of Conrad, was a farmer in Tulpehocken township. He died some time during 1838, his will having been entered on Dec. 20th of that year. It is written in German, was made April 20, 1829, and is on record in Will Book VIII, page 93. His wife. Rosina, must have died prior to the making of this document. The following children are mentioned: Johannes, Johan Georg, Daniel, and Susanna (born July 8, 1788, died March 6, 1857, m. Leonard Zerbe). (III) Johan Georg Scharff, son of John, born April 6, 1790, died May 25, 1861, in his seventy-second year. He lived and died on his farm near Stouchsburg, which consisted of 121 acres, and which after his death be- longed to his son Willoughby, after the latter's death coming into the possession of Morris W. Scharff, the present owner. On Dec, 3i, 1817, he married Catha- rine Walborn (1794-1872), and they are buried side by side in the graveyard of Christ's Lutheran Church, in Marion township. They had a family of six child- ren: Harriet died unmarried; Eliza married Benjamin Miller; Rebecca married Isaac H. Wenrich; Willough- by is mentioned below; Jonathan never married; Ed- ward died when young. (IV) Willoughby Scharff, son of Johan Georg, was born in Mill Creek township, Lebanon Co., Pa., Oct. 10, 1825, and died Jan. 5, 1907, in his eighty-second year. When he was two years old he was brought by his parents to a farm near Stouchsburg, and there he spent the remainder of his life, following farming throughout his active years. He was a Democrat, and served as school director of Marion township. He and his family were members of Christ Lutheran Church. His wife, Mary (Wilhelm), was a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Wilhelm. They had four child- ren: Amanda, Morris W., John W. (a cigar-maker at Stouchsburg) and Emma M. (V) Morris W. Scharff, born near Stouchsburg June 15, 1857, came into possession of his father's farm in 1879, and still cultivates that place. The bed of the Union canal passes through his property. The barn, 43 by 105 feet in dimensions, was built by his father in 1870, and the stone house, a residence of colonial architecture, was built by his grandfather, Johan Georg Scharff, in 1837. Mr. Scharff is active in local affairs, has served as school director of Marion . township, and in 1907 was elected a justice of the peace, which office he is at present filling. He is a Democrat in politics. In 1878 Mr. Scharff married Amanda E. Peiffer, daughter of Philip and Maria (Zerbe) Peiffer, and they have had two children, Mary E. and Horace P. The daughter married John J. Swalm and lives in Read- ing. Mr. Scharff is a member and officer of Christ Lutheran Church. (III) Daniel Scharff, son of John, born Sept. 4, 1793. in Tulpehocken township, died June 17, 1866, in his seventy-third year. He was a farmer, and also con- ducted the "Cross Keys hotel" and ware house for grains, salt, and coal, on the Union Canal, for many years. On June 30, 1813, he married Eva Elizabeth Forrer, born May 7, 1789, died Aug, 9, 1847, and to them were born two children, Isaac and Mary, the latter the wife of Jonathan Klopp, a hotel proprietor in Stouchsburg, Berks Co., and later a miller at Selins- grove. Pa. Mr. Scharff, when his daughter moved to Selinsgrove, became a resident of Womelsdorf, and lived in the family of his granddaughter, Mrs. George Filbert, but died while at the home of his daughter, on a visit, and he is buried at Host, Berks county. (IV) Isaac Scharff, son of Daniel, was born Aug. 22, 1814, in the vicinity of Cross Keys, and died Aug. 26, 1845, aged thirty-one years, four- days, and is buried at Tulpehocken Church. In his youth he at- tended the Harrisburg Academy for several winters, while he assisted his father on the farm during the summer days. He married Rebecca Leiss (1813-1847), daughter of John Leiss. In 1837 he moved his family to his farm about a mile east of Myerstown, Lebanon Co,, Pa,, and became the farmer thereof. He was inclined to music, and more than ordinarily skilled in mechanics. He organized the Washington Band of Myerstown, and conducted the same until his death He was a member of the Lutheran Church. To hini and his wife were born children as follows: John L- 63-3 ' HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Maria, who died young; Emma (deceased), m. to George Filbert, after she had finished her education at Linden Hall, Lititz, Pa.; and William. (V) William Scharfif, son of Isaac and Rebecca, at- tended the common schools, and Academy in Myers- town and finished his education at the Jonestown In- stitute of Lebanon county. Being musically inclmed, he spent several years at the Boston Conservatory of music, and later, two years in Stuttgart, Germany, as student on the piano, after which he became a teacher of music, and made- it his life profession. He con- ducted the Brass Band at Womelsdorf for many years, playing clarionet. In 1876 he married Miss Mary C. Leinbach, daughter of Joseph Leinbach, merchant, in Reading. To this union was born, one daughter, Elsie, who studied drama in New York and the old country, and toured the States with the Louis James Company. Mr. Scharff was the professor of music at the Jones- town Institute for some time, and had many stu- dents in Womelsdorf and vicinity. In the spring of 1888 he moved his family to Kansas City, Mo., where he still continues his profession. During the Civil War, he enlisted with the band, of Womelsdorf, and did camp service in Camp Cameron at Harrisburg for about three months, when he was transferred to Phila- delphia, Pa., and mustered into Company E, of the 90th Pa. v. I., as private musician Nov. 26, 1861. He left with the regiment the following spring, for the seat of war, but was taken sick, and placed in the hospital at Washington, where he was discharged and taken home. He recovered after many days, and fol- lowed his profession again. (V) John L. Scharfif was born March 37, 1837, at Host, Berks county, on the farm of his grandfather John Leiss. In April following, he was taken to his father's farm in Jackson township, Lebanon county, about one mile east of Myerstown, where he spent his youth, and attended the Myerstown Academy of which his father w^s a stock-holder. About the age of seventeen he became a teacher in the public schools under Prof. Henry Houck, then Superintendent of schools in Lebanon county, now the honored Secretary of internal aflfairs in Pennsylvania. In 1857 and 1858, he was a student of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster.. Pa., after which he lived with his widowed aunt in Host (Mrs. John S. Leiss), where he again spent his time in teaching school. In 1860 he be- came a resident of Womelsdorf living in his sister's (Mrs. Geo. Filbert's) family. He cast his first vote for the great Lincoln, and has been a warm Republican ever since. He was a charter member of the Minnehaha Cornet Band of Womelsdorf, in which he took a deep interest, and in September, 1861, went with the same to Harrisburg, and enlisted as Regimental Band, doing Camp duties in Camp Cameron until some time in No- vember, when the Band was transferred to Philadel- phia, and on the 36th of that month, were mustered as private musicians for three years in the 90th Pa. V. I. He became a member of Company H of that regiment, and spent the winter in Camp on Nicetown Lane in Philadelphia. In the early spring of 1862, he left with the Regiment for the seat of war, and participated in the battle at White Mountain, and on the 18th day of the following September, was discharged with the band by an order of the Adjutant General at Washing- ton, D. C. On July 2, 186.3, he re-enlisted as sergeant of Company K, 42nd Pa. V: I. for ninety days, and was again discharged on August 11th, following. On May 18, 1866. Mr. Scharff married Miss Otilla Moyer. daughter of Henry and Anna (Hain) Moyer, of Womelsdorf, Pa. Mr. Scharfif then taught the gram- mar school in Womelsdorf for a number of years, be- ing at the same time organist and superintendent of the Sunday school of Zion's Church of the same place, and Secretary of Williamson Lodge No. 307, F. & A. M., of which he is still a member. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scharff: Eva, William, Emma. Ella and Annie. Eva was given a liberal education on the piano by her uncle, and was a teacher on the same, and connected with Church Choirs and the Choral Societies of the able Prof. Ed. Berg, and Mrs. Dr. Howel of Reading. She was domestically inclined, and remained unmarried with her parents. William be- came a clarinetist and played with the Franklin Band of Philadelphia, a number of years. He was a cigar packer by trade, and died June 25, 1897. Emma was a milliner by trade, and a proficient performer on the guitar. She conducted a ladies Mandolin and Guitar Club for several years. She died July 25, 1901. Ella and Annie died at the age of five years. Mr. Scharfif moved his family to Reading, Pa., in March, 1887. He connected himself with the Reading Hardware Co.. with which he is still employed. For a number of years he was a member of the Ringgold Band. He is a mem- ber of McLean Post No. 16, G. A. R. ; and a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Reading. His home is at No. 349 South Third Street. WELLINGTON L ADDAMS, youngest son of Isaac Addams, was born on the old farm about two miles from the Sinking Springs, in Berks county, Pa., and received • his early education at the Van Reed private school near his home. After that he attended the Freeland Seminary, in Chester county. Pa., and finished at Bellefonte College, in Centre county. Pa. He then went to Philadelphia and took a course at Crittenden's Commercial College, and at once entered the foreign and domestic woolen commissio;i business with the firm of E. Kirberg & Co., and continued this for several years. He then took a four months' trip to Europe, visiting England, France, Germany, Switzer- land and Italy, and on his return went into business for himself as "W. I. Addams & Co., foreign and domestic woolens on commission," at No. 611 Chestnut street, Phil- adelphia. Mr. Addams now married the youngest daughter, Sarah N., of Mr. Robert K. Neff, in 1873, and built a home in Germantown. where they lived for more than twenty-five years. His son Robert N. Addams, better known as "Bob Addams," the caricature artist for "Life," "Judge" and "Puck," made his home in New York, and is well known both here and abroad. His son Clifford I. Addams won the first scholarship prize, $800, at the Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia in 1899, and then started for Paris, entered the art school -of Mr. James McNeill Whist- ler, and continued his studies there until the death of the famous painter, after which he went to London, and married Miss Inez Bate, an English lady, who had also studied art under Mr. Whistler, at the same time; Mr. Clifford I. Addams is now living in London, and has painted many important people during the last eight years. Miss Florence Biddle Addams, the onlv daughter of Mr. Wellington I. Addams, a few years ago married Mr. Robert G. Fell, and lives at their place, "Roslyn," Chest- nut Hill, Pennsylvania. Mr. Addams retired from business during the fall of 1902 and with his family traveled extensively abroad. He is fond of traveling and now contemplates a tour of the world for 1910. The family spent several winters in the south of France, sojourning at Menton, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice, etc., and made many delightful acquaintances with fellow travelers from London, Paris, Berlin, etc. ADDAMS. The Addams family are of English an- cestry and tradition says they came from Leeds. In their early religious belief they were members of the Church of England, but in later life they became identified with the Reformed Church. They were prominent in the war of the Revolution. Many of their descendants have continued to be residents of Pennsylvania. During the life of the Whig party they took an active interest in its support and success. The progenitor of those descendants who have been m Berks county was the father of Robert Addams, of Ledwell, in Oxfordshire, England. Robert is supposed to have emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1681, and then pur- chased from William Penn 500 acres in Philadelphia coun- WELLINUrON I.ADDAMS SAAC ADDAMS AND HIS WIFE REBECCA ./■Oa_e/J^ ■.^£:]!^££^^^t-£^ BIOGRAPHICAL 633 ty. He was not married, and had a number of nephews and nieces, including William. (I) William Addams settled in Cocalico township, Lan- caster Co., Pa., early in the eighteenth century. In 1761 he laid out the town which is now the borough of Adamstown. He married Ann Lane, of Philadelphia, and they had five sons, Isaac, Abraham, Samuel, Richard and William, and one daughter. Two of these sons, William and Isaac, removed to Berks county, and settled in Heidelberg (now Spring) township. William married Barbara Ruth, and after his death his brother Isaac mar- ried the widow. (II) Isaac Addams, above named, was a prominent man of his day. He was born where Adamstown is now sit- uated, in 1747, and died at Reading in April, 1809. He was a farmer for some years and then a leading merchant of Reading. In 1776 he was captain of a company of Light Infantry attached to Maj. Peter Grubb's Battalion of Associators in Lancaster county. He was a commis- sioner of Berks county from 1797 to 1800, and a member of the Assembly from Berks county in 1804 and 1805. He had six sons : William, Samuel, Isaac, Peter, Abraham and John. (III) William Addams, son of Isaac, was born in Lan- caster county March 9, 1777. Early in life he went to Berks county, settling on Cacoosing creek, at the Addams Mill, where his exemplary habits of life, "his sterling in- tegrity, good sense and unostentatious sincerity of purpose" won for him a high place in the esteem of the people, and he was frequently called upon to fill positions of honor and trust. In 1813 and 1814 he was county auditor; 1814 and 1817, county commissioner; 1883 and 1824, member of the State Legislature; 1839-42, associate judge of the county; 1825-29, a representative in Congress from Berks county; and twice a Presidential elector. He served as captain of the Reading Troop for many years. He died at his home in Spring township March 31, 1858, aged eighty-one years. He married (first) Eva Van Reed, and they had five children: Kittie, wife of Rufus Davenport; Richard; Rebecca; Josiah; and Amelia, wife of John H. Van Reed. He married (second) Catharine Huey iVan Reed, widow of John Van Reed, and by her had three children: William, John and Valeria (m. John Knapp). (III) Isaac Addams (3), son of Isaac and brother of William, was born in Adamstown in 1779, and died there in 1844. His earlier years were devoted to farming, butin later life h-e was a hotel-keeper at Leesport. He married Catharine Eckert, and by her had seven children among them being: Sarah (married to Dr. Charles Zoller), Reub- en, Anna (married to John Runkel), John E. and Isaac. In politics he was a Whig. (IV) Isaac Addams, son of Isaac (2), was born Jan. 3, 1801, at Adamstown, but his parents left that place and settled on a farm along the Cacoosing creek in Berks county when he was but three years . of age. He was educated in the old pay' schools of the county, and remained at home helping his father on the farm until he attained his majority. He then folloWed farming on his own account, until his forty-ninth year, when he re- tired from active labor. In 1859 he moved to Reading, residing on Penn street until 1865, when he took up his residence at No. 52 North Fifth street, where he died in 1876. He, too, was a Whig. In his early life he took much interest in the State militia. He married Rebecca Haak (daughter of John and Elizabeth (Krause) Haak), born in 1789, died in 1866. The remains of both were buried in the family lot in the Charles Evans cemetery. They had four children : Henrietta C. died unmarried Oct. 15, 1908; Rufus, who died in 1894, married Rebecca Van Reed, and they had four ' children, John V. R. (unmarried), Annie' V. R. (who died unmarried in 1909), Mary (who died unmarried) and Charles; Rebecca J. died unmarried in 1899; Wellington I. is mentioned above. RUFUS ADDAMS (deceased), a well-known farmer along the Cacoosing creek, in Spring township, Berks county, was born in tbat township Sept. 30, 1825, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Haak) Addams. His early training was all along agricultural lines, and he devoted himself all his life to the cultivation of farms in lower Berks county. His comfortable brick residence was erected by Jacob Haak in 1734, but was remodeled by Mr. Addains in 1892. He also built an addition which made it a very comfortable house, and as well the Swiss barn; 85 x 35 feet. Mr. Addams also owned a farm of 116 acres in Heidelberg township, and this is now the property of his daughter. He retired from active work about ten years before his death, Aug. 12, 1894. He and his family were members of St. John's Reformed Church at Sink- ing Spring, and there in the cemetery connected with that church is the family burial lot. Mr. Addams married Rebecca Van Reed, who was born May 30, 1830, daughter of Charles and Margaret (Zacha- rias) Van Reed. She passed away May 2, 1900. Four children came to bless this union, namely: John V. R. ; Annie V. R., who died in 1909, aged fifty-five years, seven months, twenty-three days (she was a member of the Reformed Church at Sinking Spring) ; Mary V. R., who died Jan. 13, 1873, aged twenty-one years ; and Charles, born in 1860, who married Annie Gruber, and died aged thirty-one years, the father of two sons, Clinton G. and Charles D. John, V. R. Addams and his sister, Annie V. R. Addams resided together on the old homestead farm, and there Miss Addams died. This place has been given the best of care, and kept with the same care which their parents before them exercised. Mr. Addams received his early education in the public schools, later attending Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania. MARTIN D. GRILL, a well known young business man of Berks county. Pa., who is engaged in the manu- facture of hosiery at Jilohnton, was born Oct. 20, 1874, in Cumru township, son of Adam M; and Sarah (De- wees) Grill. Adam Grill, the grandfather of Martin D., was a native of Spring township, Berks county, where he was born Aug. 22, 1793. He spent his life in agricultural pursuits in Cumru township, where he owned a tract of 155 acres of land, and here he died May 21, 1858. He married Catharine Mohn, born Jan. 11, 1800, who died March 31, 1888, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Albright) Mohn, and there were ten children born to this union: Samuel, m. to Betsy von Neida; Eliza- beth, m'. to Henry von Neida; Catharine, m. to Chris. Kress; Polly, m. to Richard Hornberger; Levi, m. to Polly Eshelman; Sally, m. to Nicholas Mosser; Adam M.; Lydia, m. to James Leininger; Daniel, m. to Mary Matz; and Henry, m. to Mary HIiester. Adam M. Grill was born Oct. 17, il835, and was reared on the homestead, where he lived until 1904. when he retired and removed to Church street, Mohn- ton. Since 1897 he has conducted a milk route into Mohnsville. He owns a twenty-six acre farm about two miles northwest of that village. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family attend Zion's Evangelical Church, of which he was a class leader, treasurer and trustee at Mohn's Hill. Adam M. Grill was married Nov. 6, 1860. to Sarah Dewees, born Jan. 4, 1841, daughter of John M. and Leah G. (Matz) Dewees, and five children were born to this union: William D. m. Ida Miller, and has two children. Leo and Harry; Alice R. died unmarried at the age of twenty-eight years; F. Pierce D. m. Annie H. Fisher, and has three children, Stephen F., Leroy F. and Lillie F.; Martin D.; and Quinton D. is un- married. Martin D. Grill received his education in the public schools of Cumru township, and the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa. During the spring ternis of 1894, 1895 and 1896, Mr. Grill was engaged in school teaching in Spring township, and from the latter year until 1907, followed that profession in Cumru township. At this time he engaged in his present busi- ness, the manufacture of men's seamless half hose, under 634 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the firm name of the Electrical Hosiery Company. Thirty hands are now employed at his factory, and these high grade goods find a ready sale throughout the State. , Mr. Grill was married to. Hannah R. Weidner, daugh- ter of John Y. and Catharine (Hornberger) Weidner, and three children were born to this union: John, Stanley and Forest. In politics Mr. Grill is a Republi- can, while in religious belief he and Mrs. Grill are connected with the United Evangelical Church. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias of Mohnton, and the P. O. S. of A., No. 211. Mr. and Mrs. Grill reside in their own home in Mohnton, which Mr. Grill purchased in 1898. John M. Dewees, grandfather of Martin D. Grill, was a son of William and Elizabeth Martin Dewees, and was 6orn Feb. 26, 1807. His only brother, George M., went to Stark county, Ohio. John M. Dewees followed the same trade as his father, that of a shop- carpenter, making all kinds of household ^ furni- ture. He was also an undertaker, making his own coffins. In 1835, he was commissioned Captain of the 12th Company, 55th Regiment, of the Mil- itia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the 2nd Brigade, of the 6th Division, composed of the counties of Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks and Schuylkill, his commission bearing date Aug. 3, 1835, and good until Aug. 3, 1842, given and signed by Gov. Joseph Ritner. He was also a surveyor and he served as jus- tice of the peace, his first commission bearing date of 1840. He was a justice from the aforesaid date until 1879, his last commission bearing date of April 13, 1874, good until 1879, having held the office for nearly forty years. Legal papers made and issued by him are noted for their neatness, accuracy and excellent penmanship. Lawyers and court officials often complimented him on his elegant penmanship which he did mostly with the quill. In 1834 he married Leah G. Matz (born Feb. 11, 1812) daughter of George Matz. They had three daughters and two sons, the sons dying in infancy. Of the daughters: Elizabeth M. m. Samuel P. Coldren; Sarah M. m. Adam M. Grill; and Rachel M. m. Jere H. Miller. John M. Dewees was a man of ordinary means, and proved himself to be of great usefulness in this section be- tween 1840 and 1875. He was intensely interested in the educational system provided by the Act of 1834, and in 1835, when an effort was made to repeal this act he labored hard to interest' the people and ex- plain to them the importance of educational advantages provided for by this act. He was a lover of music, especially of the fiddle, zither and accordeon. He was the owner of a small tract of land in Spring township. He died Dec. 14, 1881, and is buried at Mohns Hill burying ground. JAMES G. KAUFFMAN, farmer and lifelong resi- dent of Centre township, Berks county, was born there Sept. 21, 1862, son of David and Elizabeth (Greim) Kauffman. He is of the fifth generation of his family in Berks county, where his great-great-grandfather settled about the middle of the eighteenth century. Jacob Kauffman came to America on the ship "Phoenix," landing Sept. 15, 1749, with 550 other pas- sengers from Zweibrucken, Nassau, Wurtemberg and the Palatinate. He and two brothers located in Lan- caster county, Pa., but the land there was not what he wanted, so he did not remain long. He did not want to undertake the work of clearing away the for- ests which then covered that region, and land which could be converted into meadows, to raise hay to feed his stock, seemed to him more desirable, so with one brother he came to Berks county, settling in Bern (now Upper Bern) township. He took up a large tract of land in the fertile valley at the foot of the Blue M.oun- tain, near the present site of St. Michael's Church, re- ceiving a patent for about seven hundred acres, part of which was meadow land, with an abundant water supply. He built a log house with a cellar, particularly adapted for defense against the Indians, there being no opening which afforded an easy entrance, and an at- tack could be repelled by shooting from a window. The few settlers then in the vicinity suffered much from the treachery and depredations of the Indians, and they accordingly established a military post, the men carry- ing their guns when they went forth to their work in the morning and returning to the fort when their day's work was done. This state of affairs continued from 1754 to 1764, but with all their precautions about one hundred settlers were killed, a brother of Jacob Kauff- man being among the number. Jacob Kauffman, him- self had many thrilling adventures and some narrow escapes from death, but he continued to work and pros- per and in time became a well-to-do man. In later years he built a substantial stone mansion upon this farm, and this dwelling is still standing in a good state of preservation. Hie followed farming on his old home- stead until his death in 1804, and he left a tract of a little over one hundred acres (the old homestead) to his son Yost; this is now owned by the John Kauffman Estate, the sixth generation. Jacob Kauffman was buried at St. Michael's Church, of which he was one of the promoters and an active member. He reared a large family of children, and it is said that his' sons became great hunters, deer at that time being very plentiful in that section. Tradition has it that a gun now owned by one of his descendants has killed as many as two hundred deer. Philip Kauffman, son of Jacob, born Dec. 21, 1757, died Nov. 17, 1843. He was buried at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. For many years he carried on farming, living on a portion of the orig- inal tract taken up by his father, where he remained until his death. He married Magdalena Seaman, daugh- ter of Ludwig Seaman, and to them were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. David Kauffman, son of Philip, was born Sept. 24, 1790, in Bern township, after his marriage locating in Centre township. Hie was reared to farming, and fol- lowed that vocation throughout his active years, buy- ing 190 acres in Centre township, now Known as the Bushong farm, and also owning 120 acres adjoining this tract. He did not engage in active labors for fif- teen years prior to his death, but continued to live on his farm. He was a member of the Lutheran congrega- tion of Belleman's Church, and in politics was a stanch Democrat. On Feb. 26, 1814, Mr. Kauffman married Magdalena Kline, born April 15, 1793, died June 14, 1846, and he survived her many years, dying March 6, 1868; he is buried at Belleman's Church. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mlrs. Kauffman, namely: Elizabeth, deceased, wife of "Valentine Spatz; William, deceased, of Centre township; David, who is mentioned further on; Mary, deceased, wife of John Rothenberger; La- vina, wife of William Loose, of Centre township; Cath- arine, widow of Dr. John Spatz, of Centreport; Sallie, de- ceased, wife of John Kauffman; Matilda, deceased, widow of John Rothenberger, of Reading; Levi, de- ceased, who lived in Leesport; Lydia, deceased, wife of Leonard Schock, of Leesport; Deborah, deceas- ed; and George, deceased, whose family live at Potts- town. David Kauffman, son of David, was born Nov. 1, 1820, in Bern township, where he was reared, attending the public schools and growing up Into an intimate knowledge of farm work. He followed farming on his father's 190-acre farm for seven years before pur- chasing an adjoining tract, the farm of 161 acres which is now the property of his son James G. There he carried on general agriculture until eleven years before his death, when he retired, settling in Leesport, where he enjoyed a well-earned competency. Besides the home place he owned two farms in Bern township, one of 130 acres and another of 108 acres, as well as BIOGRAPHICAL 635 his fine home in Leesport. He was a stanch Democrat and took an active part in the public affairs of his community as w'ell as in religious matters, being a prominent Lutheran member of Belleman's Church, which he served for a number of years as deacon and elder. Mr. KaufEman married Nov. 34, 1849, Elizabeth Greim, born April 30, 1834, daughter of John and Sarah (Wertman) Greim, of Be.rn township. He died July 38, 1897, at the age of seventy-six years, and Mrs. Kauffman passed away Jan. 6, 1898, aged seventy-three years; they are buried side by side at Belleman's Church. They had children as follows: Sarah, de- ceased, m. Henry Phillips, a farmer of Centre township; Isabella, deceased, m. Isaac Bagenstose, who was a farmer of Bern township; John is deceased; Elizaljeth is deceased; David is deceased; Catherine (deceased) m. Samuel Moser; James G. is mentioned below; Louisa G. m. John Winter, of Reading. James G. Kauflfman received his education in the public schools of Centre township, the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and the Central State Normal School at Lock Haven, Pa. He was twenty when he left school, after which he engaged in farming with his father until 1886, when he took up farming on his oVn account. In 1893 he purchased the farm of 161 acres formerly owned by his father, a fertile tract supplied with very fine spring water. This farm was first purchased from the Pennsylvania proprietors in 1749 by Benjamin Lightfoot, a pioneer of Berks county, and was purchased by David Kauflfman, father of the pres- ent owner, in 1856. Mr. Kauflfman not only carries on farming, but also breeds stock, fattens cattle, and car- ries on a dairy business. On Jan. 30, 1886, Mr. Kauffman married Mary L. Hartman, daughter of George C. and Rebecca J. (I^in- bach) Hartman, of Bern township, and nine children were born to this union, nanlely: Winfield Hartman, who died Sept. 34, 1887; David Benjamin H., a graduate of the Perkiomen Seminary, 1908, and now a student at State College (he taught school three terms) ; Laura Rebecca H., who died Aug. 2)1, 1889; George Robert H., who is a teacher in Bern township at present; James Leinbach B., who is a student at the Keystone State Normal School; Mabel Elizabeth HL; John Greim H., deceased; Irvin Hartman; and Harry E. H. Mr. Kauflf- man and members of his family belong to Belleman's Lutheran Church at Dauberville, in Centre township, and he has served several years as deacon of that con- gregation. In politics Mr. Kauflfman is a prominent member of the Democratic party in his locality, and he has acted upon several occasions as delegate to county and State conventions. He has been the choice of his party for a number of local offices, having been elected assessor of the township shortly after he reached his majority, ser.ved two terms as school director, and since 1901 has served as justice of the peace. He was appointed to the office in May of that year, and was elected in the fall of the same year. His services in every posi- tion have been highly acceptable. Mrs. Mary L. (Hartman) Kauflman comes of a fam- ily that has been well represented in the educational world. She was born in Bern township March 25, 1863, daughter of George C. and Rebecca Jane (Leinbach) Hartman, of the borough of West Leesport. She was the eldest of eight children — six sons and two daugh- ters — the others being: Carrie Jane, m. to M. S. Par- vin. of East Berkley; Capt. J. D. L.; a Graduate of West Point Military Academy, now a captain in the First U. S. Cavalry, and stationed in the Philippines; Rev. George W, pastor of St. John's Reformed Church at Orwigsburg; Dr. Irvin H.. of Reading; Prof. F. O., supervising principal of the Woodbine Schools, New Jersey; Harry E., a member of the real estate firm of Barber, Hartman & Co., Philadelphia; and Prof. Winfield L.. instructor in Latin and Greek in Perkio- men Seminary. Mrs. Kauflfman is a member of the Reformed Church, and is greatly interested in the cause of education, having done much to inspire in her children an ambition for learning. She has been a faithful wife and mother, and her home is most pleas- ant and hospitable.. JOHN H. BOYER, a substantial farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Amity township, Berks county, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born Dec. 3, 1843, in Exeter township, Berks county, son of Abraham S. and Lucetta Holloway Boyer, and a member of an. old and representative family of the lower end of Berks county. . The emigrant ancestor of the Boyer family was John Philip Beyer, who came from the Palatinate to Philadelphia in 1731, with a number of children. He settled in_ Frederick township, Montgomery county, but later lived in Amity township, Berks county, where he died in the spring of 1753, at a ripe old age. He belonged to the Swamp Lutheran Church, and was buried by the pastor, Rev. Henry M'elchior Muhlen- berg, who reports the matter fully in the "Halleschen Nachrichten." His will is on record at the Philadel- phia courthouse, and in it some of his children are named. Among his sons were: Jacob, the ancestor of the Boyertown branch of the family; and Johann Heinrich. Johann Heinrich Boyer was born in 1714, in the Pfalz, Germany, and died May 2, 1814, in the one hundredth year of his age. In 1743 he was married to Magda- iena Kirchner, and among his children — six sons and one daughter — were Philip and Heinrich. Philip Boyer, born Dec. 14, 1754, died July 31, 1832. His wife, Christiana, who was born in 1754, also died in 1832, and both were buried in the old graveyard at Amityville. Philip Boyer made a will the year be- fore his death, while a resident of Amity township, and in it he mentions the following children: Michael; Jacob, who had a son Philip; John; Peter; Mary, m. to George Koch; and Daniel, born in 1792, who died in 1825. Heinrich Boyer was a son of Johann Heinrich. His wife's name was Hannah. They had children: Jere- miah, born April 36, 1810, died March 3, 1848, and his wife Nellie, born Dec. 30, 1807, died Dec. 12, 1883, aged seventy-five years, eleven months, thirteen days; Anna Maria, born 1812, died 1833; and Isaac, born 1817, died 1839. All of these Boyers are buried in the graveyard at Amityville. Philip Boyer (also spelled Beyer), grandfather of John H. Boyer, was a grandson of the emigrant John Philip Beyer. He was a farmer in Exeter township. Many years ago he owned and conducted what is now the "Stonersville Hotel." He was born March 16, 1775, and died Aug. 21, 1836, aged sixty-one years, five months, five days, and was buried in the Amityville graveyard. He married Elizabeth Schrack, born Jan. 18, 1780, died June 3, 1833, aged fifty-three years, four months, fifteen days. They had ten children, as fol- lows: Mary, John, Samuel, Jacob, William, Hannah, Isaac, Abraham S., and two died in infancy unnamed. Abraham S. Boyer, father of John H., was born in Exeter township, June 19, 1821, and died May 2, 1905. in Amity township, aged eighty-three years, ten months, thirteen days. In his early years he worked as a farm laborer, but later was engaged in farming in Oley, Lower Heidelberg, Colebrookdale and then Amity townships, dying in Amity, as stated above. His remains rest in the Amityville cemetery. In religious faith he was a Lutheran and he served in the offices of deacon and elder in the Amityville Church. In his political views he was a Democrat, and he served both as school director and as township supervisor. He married (first) Lucetta Holloway, born Dec. 17, 1820, died May 13, 1857, aged thirty-six years, four months, twenty-six days. They had seven children, namely: John H.; Charles F., deceased in infancy; Sarah E.; Morris L. H., residing at Reading; George M. deceased in in- 636 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA fancy; Emma E. and Mary C. He m. (second) Har- E.; John Ellsworth m. Matilda Reinhart, and is a riet Harbold, daughter of Jacob Harbold. She was broker in cotton yarns in Reading; William Oscar died born in 1819, and died in 1886. They had two children: at the age of three years, four months; and Cora Ella William, born in 1867, died in 1868; and Ann Laura, died when seven years, nine months, three days old. wife of Thomas C. Darrah, a prominent man of Berks Mr. Keim was a Lutheran in religious belief, and to county. that church his widow also adhered. Politically he was John H. Boyer was reared on his father's farm a Democrat, which he left for the first time when he enlisted in Mrs. Keim came to Reading in 1885, and after living September, 1862, for service in the Civil War, entering for four years on Fifth street, she purchased two Company I, 20th Regiment, Vol. Militia, for State de- houses on Pearl street, which she rebuilt in 1901. Mrs. fense, Capt. Frederick S. Boa?, commanding. Subse- Keim was a woman of many admirable traits of char- quently Oct. 23, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company K, acter, and had hosts of friends in the community who 179th Pa. V. L. and served nine months, and was mus- mourned her decease, tered out with the regiment at Harrisburg, July 27, 1863. After the war, Mr. Boyer became a hired man on the DR. PETER S. MOGEL, a well-known dentist lo- Williara Yocum farm in Amity township, where he cated at No. 814 Penn street, Reading, was born in remained for three years and was then in his father's Tulpehocken township, Berks county, Nov. 18, 1862, employ, on the same farm for three more years. In son of Emendon B. and Louise (Scha'de) Mogel. the spring of 1870 he began farming on his father-in- The name of Mogel has been spelled in nine different law's farm in Colebrookdale township, where he was ways by the members of the same family — Mochel, engaged for three years, after which he returned to Mockel, Mbckle, Mogel, M'ogle, Mocel, Mokel, Mokle the Wilham Yocum's farm on which he has resided and Mogul. The family was planted in this country for the past thirty-five years. He lays special stress by Valentine Mochel, who arrived at Philadelphia Aug. on dairying, operating this industry with thirty head 28, 1750, on the "Phoenix," John Mason, master. The of fine cows. Since 1875 he has shipped his milk to vessel had sailed from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, Philadelphia. and carried 339 passengers. When he arrived Valen- On Nov. 3, 1866, Mr. Boyer was married to Eliza- tine Mochel registered his name, spelling it "Mochel," beth G. Gabel, daughter of David and Mary (Gabel) and he first drifted to what is known as Penns Valley Gabel, of Colebrookdale township, and they had three in Perry county, above Harrisburg, at a place called children: Catherine, Sarah Ellen and Charles G. Cath- Millheim. He took up land, but after being there for erine is the widow of Webster Marquett, born in 1862, some time found the Indians becoming troublesome, so died in 1898. They had the following children: Edna fearing for his family's safety, he migrated to near M., Mayme R., Jennie E., John J., C. Earl and Mary Centreport, in the vicinity of Belleman's Church, where M., the latter of whom died Jan. 31, 1908, aged eleven he took up a tract of land in 1752, and this land has years, eight months, nine days. Sarah Ellen married remained m the family name to the present time, the William E. Romig and they reside at Reading and have owner now (1909) being ex-county treasurer David W. one daughter, Lena B. Charles G., ticket agent at the Mc%el, whose son John operates it. The house as South Street Ferry, Philadelphia, resides at Camden, originally built by Valentine Mogel (or Mochel) is N. J., and has had two children, John (deceased) and still standing, altered only by additions made by the Anna E. present owner. Valentine Mochel had three children, In politics, Mr. John H. Boyer is identified with the among them Valentine (2). Republican party. He and family are members of the Valentine M'ochel (2), son of the emigrant, was Lutheran Church, at Amityville. Mr. Boyer is a mem- born in Centre township. June 22, 1758, and died April ber of McLean Post No. 16, G. A. R.. Reading. Pa.. 25, 1830. He married Catharine Meyer, and they had and Washington Camp No. 213, P. O. S. of A., of nine children, among whom were: Valentine (3), born Amityville. Aug. 12, 1788, died unmarried Feb. 21, 1848; H^nry W.. Morris L. H.- Boyer, son of 'Abraham S., was born born Jan. 30, 1792, died Nov. 14, 1867; and Samuel in Oley township, July 27, 1848, and was' reared upon With the children of this generation came the change the farm. He taught school from 1868 to 1880 in Earl in the spelling of the name, doubtless due to the Eng- and Amity townships. He came to Reading in 1896 lish school teachers, who often tried to Anglicize the where he has since lived. He is an active Democrat, German names, and were consequently responsible for and was county auditor from 1885 to 1888; a clerk in the many of the changes in name so common throughout county commissioners' office from 1888 to 1891; a clerk Pennsylvania. ' in the Register's office from 1891 to 189'4; and Samuel Mogel, son of Valentine (2), was born Nov. during 1894 was in the Recorder's office. He was 2, 1805, and died May 4, 1&58. He married Sarah Bag- tax collector in Reading from 1901 to 1907. During enstose, and they had thirteen children, the Civil War he enlisted at Reading, March 10. 1865, Emendon B. Mogel, son of Samuel and father of in Company H. 50th Pa. V. V. I., when only sixteen Dr. Peter S., was born Nov. 11. 1834. in Centre town- years old, and was mustered out with the regiment July ship. Berks county, and he became a well-known man 30, 1865. at the end of the war. He m., Sept. 2, 1869. Re- in his district. He was a veterinary surgeon and for becca Kohler, of Greenwich township, and they have many years was located at Bernville, where he died one daughter, Cora, m. to William H. Luppold, city Dec. 17, 1901. He married Louise Schade, daughter of assessor of Reading. Joseph Schade, and they had two children.: Dr. Peter S.; and Rev. Levi S., born April 26, 1860, and now a WILLIAM M. KEIMi (deceased), who was for many Presbyterian minister located at Woodburn, Ore., mar- years a popular hotel man of Kutztown, Pa., was born ried to Maud McKinney. in Pike township. Berks county, in July, 1827, son of Dr. Peter S. Mogel received his preliminary educa- George M. and Susan (Mensh) Keim. tion in the schools of Bernville, and then entered the George M. Keim was an extensive farmer in Pike Dental Department of the University of Pennsylvania township, and he followed that occupation until his at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1889. He then death, when his property was purchased by his son, located at Bernville where for a time he followed his William M., who operated it in connection with hotel profession, comling to Reading in 1893. He is a mem- keeping. At the time of his death, in 1880, William M. ber of the Dental Alumni of the State University of Keim was pritprietor of the "Keystone Hotel" at Kiutz- the State Dental Society; of the Lebanon Valley Dis- town. In 'J860 Mr. Keim married Mary Ann R. Gonser, trict Dental Society; of the Reading Dental Society daughter of William and Mary (Reager) Gonser, and Fraternally he belongs to Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660 four children were born to this union: Ida Nora m. F. & A. M.; Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. E.; and Coun- George Marx, of Kutztown, and had one child, Warren cil No. 495, Royal Arcanum. BIOGRAPHICAL 637 Dr. Mogel married Laura C. Burkhart, and they have two sons: J. Vincent and Paul B. Henry W. Mogel, son of Valentine (3) and Cath- arine (Meyer) Mochel, was born Jan. 30, 1792, and died Nov. 14,1867. He was a farmer on the old homestead. He was one of the founders and an official member of Belleman's Reformed Church in Centre township; and he was prominent in public affairs, holding a number of offices. David W. Mogel, son of Henry W., was born Sept. 17, 1838, and has long been one of the well-known men in the political life of Berks county. In 1887 he/ was elected county treasurer, and filled that office efficiently for three years. During the Civil war he served in Company D, 167th Pa. V. I. His fraternal connections are with McLean Post No. 16, G. A. R.; Washington Camp, No. 165, P. O. S. of A.; and the Pennsylvania Grange. He m"arried Eliza Fryberger, and they had nine children: Morgan F., born July 30, 1863; Albert F., Nov. 5, 1864; Valentine F.. Nov. 28. 1866 (died Jan. 30, 1896); Ellen F.. April 20, 1869 (died Sept. 22, 1887); Howard F., June 16, 1871; Levi F., Sept. 9, 1873; John F.. June §, 1879; Adam F., March 39, 1881 (died Nov. 17, 1888); 'and David F., July 28, 1885. Albert F. Mogel, son of David W., was born Nov. 5, 1864. For some years he was a teacher in the pub- lic schools. In 1902 he was elected sheriff of Berks county on the Democratic ticket, serving three years. He is now. living in Leesport, where he has a general store. He is president of the First National Bank of Leesport. Fraternally he is a member of Vaux Lodge. No. 406, F. & A. M., Hamburg; Reading Lodge of Perfection; Philadelphia Consistory, 32d degree; Oley Lodge, No. 318, I. O. O. F.; Washington Camp, No. 165, P. O. S. of A.; Meade Camp, No. 16, S. of V.; Leesport Castle. No. 503, K. G. E.; Ontelaunee Council, No. 985, O. t>i I. A.; Leesport Camp, No. 9384, M. W. of A.; Leesport Temple. No. 10, O. U. A.; Munson Council, No. 382, D. of L. On April 19. 1887, Mr. Mogel married Alice Henrietta Rahn, daughter of William Rahn. Their only daugh- ter, Emma V., is married to Prof. H. C. Snyder. A son, Adam C, died Dec. 11, 1890', aged two years. GEORGE H. FELIX has been a resident of the city of Reading. Pa., since January, 1874. He was born in Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Pa.. Dec. 29, 1853. His father, still living in this city at the age of ninety- five years, is Jacob Felix, son of Henry Felix. Stephen Felix, his great-grandfather, was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1741, emigrated to this coun- try when a young man and settled near Hummels- town. in Dauphin county, where he engaged in farm- ing and followed it through life. He died .Oct. 31, 1821, aged eighty years. He married Mary Magdelena Eckenroth, of Elizabethtown, who died Feb. 19, 1819. Stephen Felix was prominently identified with the early history of Pennsylvania and was one of the pioneer members of the Catholic Church, worshipping in the then Mission Church in Elizabethtown, which was erected in 1779. Henry Felix, son of Stephen, was born and resided all his life ort a farm in Dauphin county. Pa., near Elizabethtown, Pa., where his son Jacob was born. His wife was Rosanna Lawrence, born in Goshenhop- pen. now Bally. Pa., who died Nov. 9, 1857. .Jacob Felix, son of Henry, married Mary Elizabeth Gross, who was born near Middletown, Dauphin county, and died in Reading, Pa., in July, 1883, at the age of sixty-three years. She was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Mackey) Gross. The former, Adam Gross, was a son of Andrew Gross, who died Sept. 19, 1829, aged seventy-nine years, and his wife, Anna Maria Gross, who died March 25, 1819. aged sixty- six years. The Gross family in their earlier years were engaged principally in mercantile pursuits, and were also among the early Catholic settlers in this State. The ancestors on both sides of the family of George H. Felix were honorable and progressive citizens, some of whom took prominent part in public affairs in the fiist half of the nineteenth century. Mr. George H. Felix passed his early years in Eliza- . betlitown, where he received but a common school education until sixteen years of age, when he began an apprenticeship at the cabinet-making trade with his father, who was then engaged in the furniture manu- facturing business in that place. He cornpleted his trade when nineteen years of age, after which he was employed as a cabinet-maker in a furniture factory in Middletown, Pa. In 1872 he secured employment in the cabinet department in the Pennsylvania Railway shops in Philadelphia, which continued for about one and one-half years. During his stay in Philadelphia he secured a business training in the night school of the Bryant Stratton Business College, which latter served him well, when, with his father, in 1874 he en- gaged in the retail furniture and undertaking business in Reading. In 1876 the furniture part of the business was discontinued, and their sole attention was given to the undertaking business. This partnership was continued until January, 1897. when the father retired, and the son continued the business until May, 1906. From July, 1889, to January, 1897, he was also engaged in the manufacture of bank and office fixtures, hotel bars, and interior house finishings. Soon after locating in Reading, and when still a young man Mr. Felix became associated with some of the leaders of the Derriocratic party, and winning their favor soon became popular in the party. In April, 1880, he was chosen clerk of common council of the city, which position he held for three one-year terms. Declining a renomination to this office in 1883, he be- came a candidate for clerk of select council and ex- officio city clerk, and received the caucus nomination over his opponent. Factional differences among' coun- cilmen prevented an election. In April, 1884, Mr. Felix was again the caucus nominee and was elected, and re-elected for four succeeding terms, thus serving with great credit five years as citj' clerk. The clerk of select council was also ex-officio secretary of the board of water commissioners. The business of the Water Department attracted Mr. Felix's attention more particularly, and he made a close study of its affairs. In February, 1891, Mr. Felix was elected by city coun- cils a member of the board of water commissioners for the Fourth district for a term of four years, an honorary position to which he was re-elected for three additional successive terms. In March, 1892, he was chosen by his colleagues president of the board, and continued the directing head of the Department for a period of ten years, during which time he took the initiative in making and executing plans for the future development and growth of the water works system, so as to meet the demands of a rapidly growing city population. In the board one of his special desires was to preserve harmonious relations with his col- leagues, thus securing united action in his. recommenda- tions for the betterment of the system. His progressive spirit, indomitable energy, and care- ful judgment, together with the prestige he obtained among the city councilmen, were influences which induced the city fathers to support him and the water board in almost any legislation recommended for the extension, maintenance and financial benefit of the Water Department. The one improvement to the water works system which Mr. Felix most persistently urged for many years, and the one most stubbornly resisted by the people of the city, was the purification of the whole water supply by some system of filtration, a work thoroughly practical, economical and necessary to the health and happiness of the citizens. His agitation of this question began in 1895, and securing the concrrrence of his colleagues in his views, was con- tinued for years until in 1902 he secured authority for a sample filter plant for the Egelman supply. The 638 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA success 'of this plant proved a strong recommendation for autliority, granted later, to build at Twentieth street and Perkiomen avenue a plant of the same type for the Antietam supply, the most objectionable drinking • water in summer furnished to the citizens. So success- ful and satisfactory have been the results attained by this improvement, that the citizens generally withdrew their antagonism to the filtration of the water supply, and conceded that Mr. Felix together with, the other members of the board had really done a great work, .and deserved the commendation of every citizen. That this was true is proved by the fact that a few years later a loan of $500,000 was voted by the people for the purification of the remaining sources of supply, viz.: the Maiden Creek and the Bernhart Creek, by the same system of filtration. Mr. Felix continued as a water commissioner until September, 1904, when he resigned and was chosen by the board general manager of the Water Department, pursuant to an ordinance unanimously passed by councils creating that office and prescribing duties. He served in this capacity for a period of seventeen months, when the legality of the ordinance creating the position was raised by a few citizens, and a suit in court begun to decide it. Not desiring to hold an office of doubtful legality he resigned it Feb. 1, 1906, before the case was tried, thus ending an honorable career in public life of about twenty-two years, thirteen of which were served gratuitously. Mr. Felix enjoys the confidence of the best people in the city, many of whom regard his efforts in behalf of the city Water Department as laying the foundation for the present excellent water works system. He continues his interest in the water works and takes pleasure in seeing that many of the improvements now being made are along the lines he favored in years gone by. He retains his m'embe/ship in the American Water Works Association, which 'connection has now covered a period of sixteen years, served five years on its executive committee, and was chosen its president in 1907, and pre- sided in the City of Washington in 1908 at the largest convention it ever held. He is also a member of the New England Water Works Associa.tion, and was chosen a member of the Pennsylvania Water Works Association in 1908, and was immediately chosen its second vice-president. He was director of the Second National Bank, and president of the Reading Suburban Water Company for several years. He is at present engaged in real estate operations, the build- ing and development of real estate on his own ac- count and for others, and is the manager of the West Reading Realty Company. Mr. Felix has enjoyed twenty-five years of married life. On Feb. 6. 1884, he wedded Katharine V., daugh- ter of Francis J. and Catharine P. Obert, of Reading. Mr. Obert, who was proprietor of the Union Boiler Works of Reading, was born in Baden, Germany, but came to this country when still in his minority. Mrs. Obert, whose maiden name was Winter, was born in Reading of German parentage. Her father was Joseph Winter who for many years was proprietor of a tan- nery at Second and Chestnut streets, Reading. Mrs. Felix has two sisters, Mary and Anna, residing in Reading with the father. To Mr. and Mrs. Felix have been born two daughters, Gertrude Loyola and Mary Katharine. Gertrude L. graduated from the Reading high school in 1904, and took a post-graduate course of two years in preparation for a course in Wellesley Col- lege which, unfortunately, ill health compelled her to relinquish after a short stay at the college. M. Katha- rine after leaving the city grammar school completed her education by a three years' course at Mt. Aloysius Academy, Cresson. Pa., and two years at Eden Hall, Academy of the Sacre.d Heart, Torresdale. Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Felix and his family are' consistent mem- bers of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Beneficial Brotherhood of the Holy Cross, of which he has been treasurer for the past sixteen years. He has a large acquaintance in the business and social circles of the city. CHARLES N. FRAME, an enterprising business man of Reading, manager and city circulator of the Reading Eagle, with which paper he has been identi- fied since 1875, was born Dec. 31, 1848, at Reading, son of Conrad and Catherine ^Marx) Frame, and grandson of George Ulrich Fremd, as the name was originally spelled. George Ulrich Fremd was born June 3, 1773, in Vaihingen, Germany, where he married, Feb. 11, 1798, Christina Dorothea Alsesser. born in the same place, June 10, 1774. Prior to coming to America Mr. Fremd had worked as a tanner and currier, but after coming to this country probably engaged in farming, settling in the vicinity of Reading. His death was caused by an accident while fording the Schuylkill river in 1823, when he was aged fifty years. Mr. Fremd and his wife had the following children: Johann Christian, born Jan. 24, 1799. settled in Mifflin county; Johannes, born May 13, 1803. moved to Philadelphia; Anna Maria, born May 28, 1805, settled in Philadelphia; Christina Doro- thea, born Sept. 13, 1811, m. George Ulrich, born Nov. 21, 1814, and they lived in Philadelphia; Eliza, born in Berks county, m. Risden Nichols; and Conrad, born Jan. 27, 1816. Conrad Frame was a small boy when he accornpanied his parents to America, and after the death of his fath- er he lived for a few months with his brother Christian, and then started out to make his own way in the world. He found a position as tow boy on the canal, and through his industry and attention to the details of his work he was promoted until the time came when he was made master of the canal boat known as the "Rough and Ready." which was owned by Darrah & Young, of Leesport, Pa. He continued to follow the boating business until 1848, when he engaged in a mercantile business _at Jackson's Locks. Here he did an extensive business in supplying and outfitting canal boats and he continued this enterprise until 1861. In 185S' he engaged in a coal business at the Lancaster bridge, at the Haubner stand, which is still in the posses- sion of the family. He remained in that business uiitil his death in 1885. Both he and his wife, Catherine Marx, are buried at the Charles Evans cemetery. He was a Lutheran in religious belief, while she was reared a Methodist. Mr. and Mrs. Frame had seven children: William J., a retired resident of Reading; Charles N.; George C., deceased; Harry C, formerly engaged in the coal business at Reading; Samuel A., deceased; H. W. ; and A. L., who is engaged in a foundry business in this city. Charles N. Frame was educated in the schools of Reading and attended the old Reading high school, where many of the leading citizens of Reading were educated. When he started to work, his first position was that of clerk and errand boy in a grocery, owned by William J. Rhoads, with whom he remained until the business was bought out by Mr. Markley. with whom Mr. Frame remained until he in turn sold out. For two years following he was a clerk in a general store conducted by David Keiser, whom he left to en- gage in a grocery business with his father, with whom he remained one year and then accepted a position with an uncle in Philadelphia for a short period. Mr, Frame then returned to his native city, and for two years conducted a flour and feed business, which he subsequently sold and went into a men's furnishing business, and this he disposed of in 1875 in order to accept the agency of the Reading Eagle. Mr, Frame has been very successful in this line, and since 1875 has had the sole management of the city circulation, including the hiring of the newsboys and office help, and has in his employ some seventy-five people. It will thus be seen that Mr. Frame is a very necessary factor in the business success of this popular journal. BIOGRAPHICAL 639 Mr. Frame was married to Louisa Bertolet. daugh- ter of Maberry Bertolet, and they have had seven children, as follows: Robert; Katherine; Charles, de- ceased; Bertolet F.; Maria D.; Helen M., and Louisa D. _ In their religious belief the family are Presby- terians. Fraternally Mr. Frame belongs to St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M. He formerly belonged to the I. O. O. F., was a charter member of Perseverance Council, Jr. O. U. A. M., a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and a member of Mt. Penn Council. Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Liberty Fire Company. Mr. Frame has always taken a good citizen's interest in the city's affairs, and has served one year as a member of the council from the First ward. Mr. Frame gives liberal support to schools, churches, chari- ties and benevolent objects, and has never been want- ing in public spirit when measures looking to the wel- fare of his fellow citizens have been brought to his attention. He is probably as well known as any citizen of Reading, who has been a resident here for as many years. FRANKLIN W. GERHART. Among the prominent and enterprising citizens of Berks county was the late Franklin W. Gerhart, whose death occurred Nov. 11, 1868. He was born in Bedford county. Pa., in 1839, brother of the late Rev. Henry Gerhart. The following is taken from one of the local papers at the time of the death of the Rev. Henry Gerhart: "Rev. Henry Gerhart, an aged gentleman, for many years past a resident of North Wales, died at his home at School street, Tuesday night, Dec. 17, at 11:30 o'clock, of heart disease. He had not been in his usual good health for a week past, but no serious outcome was expected from his indisposition. Deceased was at one time a minister, a school teacher and a soldier, serving in the Rebellion, participating in the battle of Antie- tam. He was born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Pa., Dec. 6, 1821, his father at that time being a missionary to that country, having been sent from Hatfield by the Re- formed Synod of this section of the State. In 1829 the father again became a resident of Hatfield, and Henry attended school in that vicinity. From there he went to Mercersburg College, and after graduating taught school for eight years in Kentucky. Then he went to Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster to prepare for the ministry. After finishing the pre- scribed courses there he received several calls to various churches, but never accepted any of them. He then enlisted for four years in the Union Army under Gen- eral Sherman and during his army life contracted sev- eral diseases, the most serious of which was asthma, and for which he received a pension. Two years ago he was an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Erie, Pa. He was an intelligent and well-read gentleman, and during his leisure hours wrote many interesting ac- counts of his war experiences besides articles upon religious and historical subjects. The branch of the Gerhart family of which he was a member is a large one, consisting of ten children, as follows: Fannie, now living in North Wales; Christiana, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Jesse Hendricks, of North Wales; Elizabeth, who died in Bedford; Jacob, of Norristown; Simon, of Lansdale; Samuel who died in Hatfield; Franklin W.. who died some years ago while distributing some mail in his store at Limerick Square, and Dr. Alexander Gerhart, who died in Lansdale." Franklin W. Gerhart attended the public schools and Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, and for a time taught school, later engaging in the mercantile business at Limerick Square, Pa., where he remained until his death. He was postmaster at this point, hav- ing the office in his store, and rose early on the morn- ing of his death. While attending to his duties at his office, his death occurred. He was a well-known and highly-esteemed man, and his death occurred when he was thirty-nine years, two months and five days old. He was a member of the Reformed Church; in politics he was a Democrat. Mr. Gerhart married Sarah Ann Huber, daughter of Jonas and Maria (Kurtz) Huber, and to this union were born the following children: Clara m. G. W. Rehrer, and has three children, J. Franklin, Robert and Paul; Simon W., a buyer for a dry goods house of Cleveland, Ohio, has these children, Glen, Clyde, Leslie, Gordon and Margaretta; Mary E. m. William Landaw, and resides at home with her mother; Ella m. Charles E. Bodey, Who is in the hardware business in Reading, and has had children, Earle (died Sept. 35, 1S'06), Maria and Allen. Mrs. Ger- hart carrie to Reading with her family in 1871, and has since resided at her home. No. 928 Elm street; Jonas Huber, father of Mrs. Gerhart, followed farm- ing at Gilbertsville, and was a very prom;inent man of his day, serving as deacon and elder of the Re- formed Church. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife were the parents of three children: Mil- ton, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Sarah A., who became Mrs. Gerhart; and Rev. S. M. K. Huber, of Philadelphia. The Rev. S. M. K. Huber, a mjinister of the Re- formed Church, graduated from Mechanicsburg, Pa., seminary. He married Amanda Fritz, of Limerick, Pa., and they have a family of seven children, namely: Mary B., Martha D., Ella B., Sallie, Nevin, Paul and Bertha. JOHN S. MATTHIAS, prominently identified with business, political and fraternal circles of Reading, was born in that city, Oct. 23, 1860, son of David and Eliza- beth (Whitman) Matthias. David Matthias lives retired in Reading. His two sons both reside here also: W. C, Superintendent of Fire Alarm at City Hall; and John S., who is the rep- resentative of the Lauer Brewing Companv. John S. Matthias attended school in Reading and then entered the Keyston'e State Normal School at Kutz- town, after which he took a commercial course at the Reading business college, where he graduated. He then served as bookkeeper in a brickyard for five years, and spent four years as a clerk in a mercantile estab- lishment at Kutztown. Following this he was con- nected for some eight years with the Reading Eagle, and then became bill clerk with the United States Ex- press Company for about four years. On Feb. 1, 1900, Mr. Matthias became associated with the Lauer Brew- ing Company. Mr. Matthias was niarried to Sallie E. Wilson, daugh- ter of Lyman Wilson, a well known citizen of Reading. Politically Mr. Matthias is a Republican. In 1904 he was elected a member of the city council from the Fifth ward, by a majority of 216 votes, the largest vote ever given any candidate for the same office in that ward. He is a valued member of Reading Lodge of Elks, No. 115;- and of quite a number of other sec- ret organizations. WILLIAM F. ANTHONY, a contracting brick- layer of No, 327 North Ninth street, Reading, and one of that city's representative citizens, was born Dec. 7, 1849, in Bern township, Berks county, son of Thomas and Rebecca (Spade) Anthony. John Anthony, grandfather of Wlilliam F., was a rail- road employe and worked for the Philadelphia & Read- ing Comipany many years. He died in Reading at the age of sixty years, he and his wife, Henrietta Schantz, having been the parents of eighteen children, seventeen sons and one daughter, among w,hom were Thomas, Henry, George, William, Charles, Luther, Cyrus, John C. and Emma (m. John Plaster, of Huntington, Ind.). Thomas Anthony was in his youth employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Company as fireman, and later promoted to the position of engineer, which he held until the time of his death, in his thirty-seventh year. His widow, Rebecca (Spade) Anthony, who is living at the age of eighty-three years, makes her homte with 640 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA her youngest son, Daniel. Their children were: Wil- liam F.; John; Selida, m. George Fick; Daniel; and Rebecca, deceased. William F. Anthony received his education in Read- ing attending night schools. At an early age he learned the trades of bricklaying and hatting, the latter with J. H. Spatz at Mohnton. After several years spent at the hatting trade, Mr. Anthony again took up brick- laying, and in 1871 engaged in cqntracting business. Two years later, however, he again' engaged in hatting, but did not follow that occupation for any length of time. He once niore took up bricklaying, and in 1904 again engaged in the business on his own account, now employing forty-seven hands. Mr. Anthony is very skilled in his work, and some of the finest buildings in Reading will testify to the fact. He erected the German Greek Catholic Church, and Eisenbrown mar- ble plant (which is one of the finest and largest of its kind in the State), and the private residence of Mr. Joseph Ganter at Mt. Penn borough. Mt. Anthony married H'enrietta Goodhart, daughter of John N. and Sarah C. (Lovering) Goodhart, and they reside at No. 337 North Ninth street. Mr. An- thony organized Bricklayers' Union, No. 21, and served as its first president. He is a member of the 1900 Beneficial Association; the Northeastern Democratic Association; and the Owls, and Turn-Verein Associa- tions. Iri political matters he is independent, voting for the man, regardless of party ties. DANIEL F. PRINTZ illustrates in a remarkable degree the power of natural endowments to overcome adverse circumstances, for though he started in youth without promise of any kind he nevertheless reached a position of commanding influence in manufactures, building opera- tions and finance almost at the threshold of his business career, which he has maintained in this community for twenty years with increasing success. Mr. Printz was born at Reading shortly after the close of the Civil war, on Oct. 26, 1865, and his mother having died when he was but a year old he was allowed to drift along without parental care as to his future destiny. Quite naturally he received a limited education in the elementary branches in the local schools which he attended until he became twelve years of age, and then secured his first regular employment for wages in the Reading Hardware Works. While he was working there a spirit of ambition to become a skilled mechanic asserted itself and accordingly within a year he applied for an appren- ticeship in the machine shop of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railway Company, which had a recognized fame for developing finished workmen. His application was granted and for the next four years, until the end of his apprentice- ship, he exerted himself toward acquiring a practical knowledge of the trade in all its branches; and he re- mained with the company afterward for five years for the purpose of increasing his proficiency. With this experience in turning out and running ma- chinery, he, at the age of twenty-five years, felt qualified to start in business for himself; and associating himself as partner with Mr. Samuel H. Fulmer, banker of Reading, he purchased a nickel-plating works. Within one year his genius for organizing and directing an enterprise was displayed in the development of the works into an estab- lishment for the manufacture of bicycle saddles and acces- sories. This was in 1891, when the bicycle craze in the country was at its highest point. The firm was known as the P. & F. Manufacturing Co., and in a few years its productions came to be forwarded to all parts of the world, and its plant to be known as the largest of its kind operated anywhere, with a volume of business ex- ceeding that of any other similar enterprise in the country. The spirit of organization, co-operation and concentra- tion was formulating and developing rapidly in the United States during this period, and in the next ten years the P. & F. Manufacturing Company had come to possess so much influence in the line of bicycle accessories that it was purchased by the American Saddle Company, with Mr. Printz included as one of the directors of the company; and this company afterward came to be absorbed by the American Bicycle Company when he retired from the management. In 1893 the Reading Wood Pulley Company was incor- porated with Mr. Printz as one of the directors, and he was chosen as president of the corporation, which position he has filled to the present time, successfully directing its affairs. During this period building operations were going on extensively at Reading, and Mr. Printz became inter- ested in them; and coroperating with Mr. Fulmer and later with Lambert Rehr and Jacob B. Fricker, he assisted in erecting and disposing of several hundred dwelling- houses, mostly in east Reading on and in the vicinity of Perkiomen avenue. In 1902 the Reading Stove Works was found to require re-organization, and the stockholders, appreciating the ability of Mr. Printz in managing various enterprises successfully, selected him to become its president. He has filled this position to the present, maintaining its trad- ing relations throughout the country, even throughout the world, in an admirable manner, and keeping up the repu- tation of Orr, Painter & Co., for superior stoves and heaters, which had been established by his predecessor, Jesse Orr. In 1904 Mr. Printz became interested in establishing a furniture business at Pittston, Pa.; in 1905 at AUentown, Pa. ; in 1907 at Hazleton, Pa., and in the same year at Rochester, N. Y. ; and in 1908 at Newark, N. J. — with a total capitalization of more than a million dollars by the several companies (made up of associates of his from Reading). In 1904 Mr. Printz organized the Penn Shoe Manufactur- ing Company for the manufacture of shoes; and in 1905 he organized the Reading Saddle Manufacturing Company, for the purpose of manufacturing bicycle saddles and hard- ware specialties which have since been sold extensively throughout the country, and he has officiated at the head of these enterprises to the present time. In 1906, upon the reorganization of the Reading Standard Manufacturing Company, for the increased manufacture of motor cycles, he was selected to act as president of the company. Over two thousand employes are required in the numerous in- dustrial establishments under his control and supervision ; and daily reports are submitted or forwarded to him for his inspection and approval, which evidences the exten- sive and important character of his duties and respon- sibilities. Mr. Printz represented the ward in which he resides (the Sixteenth) on th? school board as one of the control- lers from that district for two terms from 1898 to 1906 ; he has served as a director of the Penn National Bank since 1903, acting as chairman of the building committee; and since 1904 he has filled the position of treasurer of the Pennsylvania Stove Manufacturers Association. _In 1881 Mr. Printz married Matilda Becker, daughter of Nicholas Becker, of Reading, and granddaughter of Samuel Lewis, a descendant of one of the earliest settlers in Cumru township, at "Lewis' Neck" along the Schuylkill river, and great-granddaughter of Philip Rush, a descend- ant of Michael Rosch, Sr., who emigrated from Remming- sheim-, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and settled at Reading in 1751. By her he has a son, Harold Ellsworth, who was educated in the local schools and Kenyon Military Acad- emy, Gambier, Ohio. Jarnes Printz, the father of Daniel F., is a machinist of Reading; he married Susan Homan, daughter of Daniel Homan, of Reading, and they had two children: Charles (deceased) and Daniel F. Printz. DAVID HERTZOG, who for many years was en- gaged in the lumber business in Reading. Berks county, was a native of this county, born in Oley township, Sept. 16, 1834, son of Jacob and Mary (Greisimer) Hertzog, natives of this county. Mr. Hertzog died at his home in Reading in August, ISflS. Jacob Hertzog was an agriculturist of Berks county, and owned and operated a well-cultivated farm. He BIOGRAPHICAL 641 was well-known throughout the township. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Wil- liam, a blacksmith of Mohnton; Henry, of Pleasant- ville; Catherine, m. to a Mr. Dilliplaine, of Oley town- ship; and David. The family were members of the Reformed Church. David Hertzog received a common school education in Oiey township, and during his minority engaged in farming. On the death of his father, he inherited a farm near Shillington, Pa., and this he operated for a time, but later embarked in the lumber business, pur- chasing many tracts of wooded land. He continued in this connection and became very prosperous. IVLr. Hertzog was married in November, 1857, to Margaret Yocum, daughter of Daniel Yocum, and four children were born to this union: John, deceased; Daniel W., deceased; Henry F., a prominent hardware merchant of Reading; and Katie, m. to Ellis Worley, of Mohn- ton. Mrs. Hertzog is a member of the Reformed Church, and formerly took an active interest in the work of that church. Mr. Hertzog was a Democrat in politics, but took only a good, citizen's part by cast- ing his ballot, caring nothing for political preferment. ALBERT B. KAUFMANN, connected with the insur- ance business in Reading, is one of the influential men of that city. Mr. Kaufmann comes from German ancestry, his father crossing the sea in 1850, settling in Reading, and following his trade of a tailor with the clothing house of Jameson & Co., whom he served faithfully for nearly fifty years. He died Feb. 23, .1892, at the age of seventy-one years. He married Christiana, daugh- ter of John and Christiana Boyer, and she died Dec. 11, 1894, at the age of sixty-eight. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom are deceased; the others are Carolina, m. to Charles Drick, a planing mill oper- ative; John, a clerk in Reading; Charles, a tailor with Jameson & Co., for over thirty years; Adolph G., a grocer, member of the firm of Smith & Kaufmann, Reading; Albert B.; and William G., a tailor in Read- ing. Albert B. Kaufmann, born Jan. 22, 1867, in Reading, was educated in St. John's Lutheran parochial school of the city. He began his business life early, engaging as an operative in a planing mill, and this he followed for twenty-one years, when he launched out into the real estate and insurance business, which he has con- tinued with success to the present time. Fraternally Mr. Kaufmann is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encampment and the Protestant Junior Association. H« is quite active in church work,, being a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he has served as a member of the choir. He is also a member of the or- ganization known as St. John's Beneficial Society of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kaufmann is a Democrat in politics. On Oct. 29, 1888, Mr. Kaufmann married Miss Emma R. Braun, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Braun, both now deceased. Two of the six children born to this marriage, Florence May and Emma R.. died in infancy; those living are Adelaide, Elmer T., Walter J. and Ruth Elizabeth. RANDOLPH S. MECK, assistant cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Reading since 1903, was born at Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Oct. 3, 1873. He ac- quired his education at Refton, Lancaster county, and at Reading, Pa., and upon completing a special course in civil engineering secured a position with the Phil- adelphia & Reading Railway Company as a civil en- gineer. He continued with the company five years, resigning in 1893 to accept a position as messenger and clerk with the Farmers' National Bank of Read- ing. On account of his proficiency and reliability he was rapidly promoted until he became the assistant cashier of the bank in 1903, and he has filled this posi- tion in a most satisfactory manner until the present time. He is a past president of the Reading Council 41 of the American Life and Annuity Society of Pittsburg, Pa. and he is prominently identified with the Masonic order in Reading. In 1896, Mr. Meek was married to Clara A. Ruth, daughter of John A. Ruth, who has been connected with the Reading Eagle as solicitor and collector for manv years. They are active members of Calvary Reformed Church, both taking great interest in the work of the Sunday-school as well as of the church. He is a memjber of the Consistory, and treasurer of the church. Mrs. Meek is also actively interested in the work of the Y. W'. C. A. at Reading, having been one of the directors for many years. Mr. Meck's father is James A. Meek. He was born in 1848, in Bethel township, Berks county, while his father was cultivating a farm there. When a young man he was employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at Schuylkill Haven, and he con- tinued there until 1878, when he removed to Refton, Lancaster county, and engaged in the coal and lumber business until 1885. He then sold his business and accepted the position of assistant superintendent of the Baltimore Mutual Aid Association at Reading. He filled this position and later the position of super- intendent until 1904, when he located at Harrisburg. and became the superintendent of the Commonwealth Title Insurance & Trust Company, which responsible position he has since been filling. He was married to Susanna Coho (daughter of John L. Coho, of Schuyl- kill Haven), and they have three sons: Harry C. (cash- ier of the Reading Brewing Company, m. Mary Ruth); Edgar (manager of a department in the large store of Brown Shoe Company, St. Louis, Mo., m. Fannie Frost) ; and Randolph. Mr. Meck's grandfather was Benjamin Meek, born in 1804 in Longswamp township, Berks county, where he learned the trade of a shoe-maker, following it until 1845. He then bought a large farm in Bethel township which he cultivated until his death in 1889. Hie was married to Elizabeth Ruth (daughter of Jacob Ruth, farmer of Spring township), and they had fourteen children: nine sons and five daughters. And his great-grandfather was Dewald Meek, farmer of Longswamp township, who was a son of Jacob Meek, a farmer of Oley township. HENRY G. YOUNG (deceased) was a native citizen of Reading, son of Jacob Young, and one of a family well known in this city. The paternal grandparents were Jacob and Mary (SchrefiSer) Young, the former of whom was a native of Reading. He was a prominent brick manufacturer there, having established his plant when the city was only a small town, and successfully conducting it until his death in 1835. His wife survived him until 1854. They were the parents of the following children: Jacob (2); William S.; Charles; Elizabeth, m. to George Geiss; and Maria, who m. Peter Sherman, and had one daughter, Maria. Jacob Young was a Catholic in re- ligious belief, and his wife was a Lutheran. In pol- itics he was a Democrat. Jacob Young (2), father of Henry G., passed all his life in Reading, where he died at the home of his son, Henry G., in 1893, aged eighty-one years less one month. His brickyard was located where his son's late home stood, and for thirty years he was in the retail coal business. He was prominent in public life, and was prison inspector twelve years, and county commissioner three years. For many years he was a deacon in Trinity Lutheran Church. He married Cath- arine Henninger, who died in 1883, aged sixty-four years, and both are buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Reading. Their children were: Henry G.; Jacob never married; and Sallie married Joseph Klopp (de- ceased), of Reading. All three are deceased. Henry G. Young was born Dec. 28, 1838, and his life covered a span of more than sixty years, being brought to a peaceful close Jan. 9, 1900. His first ex- 642 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA perience in business was with his father, a brick man- ufacturer, but after working for him a while, he gave that up and secured a position Jn the Navy Yard, where he remained for seven years. ' At the end of that time he went to Kutztown, and in partnership with Fred Zehm, conducted a foundry for a couple of years. With- drawing from that enterprise he went back to Reading, and once more went in with his father, for whom he worked until 1896, in which year he was elected city treasurer. He was still discharging the duties of that office when death claimed him. For fourteen years Mr. Young also served as superintendent of the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. In 1S63 Mr. Young was married to Miss Hettie A. Rahn, daughter of John Rahn, and a family of five children was horn to them as follows: Clara; Fred; Katie, m. to John Miller; Ida, m. to Frank Gendall; and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Young belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in which he officiated as deacon for twelve years. Both were active in various departments of the church work, and were prominent among its members. Mr. Young likewise was connected with several fraternal organizations, in whose aims and methods he took much interest, belonging to the Ma- sons, the Knights Templars and the Odd Fellows. In politics he always supported the Democratic ticket. Mr. Young was one of Reading's prominent citizens. William S. Young, brother of Jacob (3), was born March 10, 1831. He first learned to make shoes, but as that trade did not prove congenial to his tastes, he learned brickmaking, and for many years was in the same line of business, that his father before him had followed. For a long time he was located at No. 63 Spruce street, but later removed to the vicinity of the Philadelphia & Reading depot, and remained there until he retired from business in 1865. William S. Young's chief connection with public life came after he retired. He had before the war served as market commissioner, and was active in the Democratic party, but the greatest service of his to the community came after his election in 1865 to the office of county commissioner.' When he entered upon the duties of that position the county was $600,000 in debt and Mr. Young made it his chief aim to reduce this amount. In 1868 he was re-elected to a second term of three yeafs, and when he retired from office in 1871, the county was not only free from debt, but also had a balance in the treasury, a noteworthy achievement and an illustration of what the application of business principles and honesty can accomplish in the public service. In 1879 Mr. Young was again nom- inated and elected county commissioner but he retired in 1881. He always received good majorities, and had the confidence not only of his own party, in which he was for years a prominent counsellor, but of the county at large. He was a good speaker and during the campaign before the election of S. E. Ancona stumped the county for him, while for years no county convention was complete without him. No other man has held three times the office of county commissioner for Berks county, and this fact alone, if proof were needed, would attest the great personal popularity of Mr. Young. William S. Young was united in marriage to Miss Susan Geiss, and children were born to them as fol- lows: Mary, who married a Mr. Cox, and has two children, Drusilla and Ralph; Hannah, widow of the late Thomas R. Hannah, and mother of one daughter, Susan; Sophia; and William R., who married Sallie Hawes and has four children, Paul, William. Mary and Helen. Mrs. Young passed from this world Dec. 39, 1904. She belonged, as did her husband, to Trinity Lutheran Church, and was an active worker in it. Mr. Young was for many years an Odd Fellow, be- longing to Montgomery Lodge, and to the Encamp- ment. REV. GEORGE B. SMITH. On Jan. 30, 1733, the proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania granted Casper Wister a patent for 633 acres of land lying in Philadelphia county. By the subsequent subdivis- ion of Philadelphia county the larger portion of this tract of land was brought within the confines of Maxa- tawny township, Berks county, close by the borders of Lehigh. Casper Wister dealt extensively in lands, and on the early records he is almost invariably desig- nated as the brass button maker of Philadelphia. In October, 1734, Casper Wister and his wife Cath- erine conveyed 133 acres of this land to one Jost Hen- ry Sasamonhousen, "Blacksmith," who on March 5, 1761, in confirmation of his title to the same, .ob- tained a patent deed for it from the proprietaries, John and Thomas Penn. On Dec. 3, 1761, Jost H'en- ry Sasamonhousen and his wife Petronilla conveyed the same to Henry Sasamonhousen, one of their sons, and on April 19, 1775, Henry Sasamonhousen and Elizabeth, his wife, conveyed it to George Smith, of Macungie township, Northampton (now Lehigh) county. From George Smitli it descended to his son, George Smith, Sr., from him to his son, George Smith, Jr., and from him to his son, George L. Smith, who is the present owner and occupant. Two George Schmits came from Germany to Ameri- ca in the fall of 1749, one on the ship "Patience," Sept. 19', and the other on the ship "Leslie," on Oct. 7. Other George Schmits came in other years, but the weight of circumstances favors the theory that one of the two arrivals named was the George Smith who came into possession of this tract of land in 1775. The future investigator through the help of addition- al facts may be able to determine wliich of the two it was. Landing at Philadelphia, he in time removed inland with the incoming drift of homeseekers, and settled where now is Fogelsville, within the present bounds of Lehigh county. He and his wife are in- terred in a family burying ground on the farm which he acquired in 1775, but as their tombstones have long ago crumbled away it cannot be ascertained when either was born or how long they lived. Their son, Joh. Georg Schmit, was born Feb. 12, 1770, while thev yet lived in Lehigh county. Hie married Margaret Klein, born April 10, 1768, and in course of time came into possession of the farm, improved it and lived upon it until the end of his days. He died Jan. 21, 1855, and his wife Margaret Oct. 33, 1850. both being buried in. the same little burying ground that con- tains the unmarked graves of their parents. When Joh. Georg Schmit came into possession of the farm, the house upon it was a massive stone structure, built in 1740, probably with a view of not merely using it for a house but in case of emergency as a fort as well. This was occupied until in 1841, when it was abandoned for a new and larger house, also of stone, which is the Smith family homestead of to-day. From the information at hand it does not appear fully what family Joh. Georg Schmit and his wife Margaret had, but it is definitely known that they had a son, George, designated as George Schmidt, Jr., and another named John, who lived near Clauss- ville, and there raised a family, among whom were several sons. They also had a daughter, Elizabeth, who died Oct. 13, 1804, at the age of six and one-half years; and a son Jonathan, who died May 1. 1816. in his twenty-third year, both of whom are buried in the aforementioned little family graveyard. George Schmidt, Jr., was born April 25, 1800, on the old homestead in Maxatawny, where he always lived. The country becoming. Anglicized by this time, the spelling of the name with him changed from Schmidt to Smith. He married Lydia Leibensper- ger, born Nov. 10, 1798, in Lehigh county, and to them, were born seven children, namely: Stephen, Caroline, David, George L.. Alfred. James and Re- becca. (1) Stephen died March 37, 1896, leaving a widow, one son and four daughters. (2) Caroline BIOGRAPHICAL 643 died Jan. 17, 1838, in her tenth year. (3) David mar- ried Catherine Adams, engaged at farming in Le- high county, and died leaving a widow and two sons. (4) George L. (5) Alfred died March 11, 1847, in his seventh year. (i6) James, who was a physician, died unmarried May 8, 1861, in his twenty-sixth year. (7) Rebecca married John Kump, of Maxatawny township, who died survived by his widow and three children. The remains of Caroline, Alfred and James rest in the little family burying ground on the Smith ancestral farm. George Smith, Jr., died Sept. 1, 1890. During his active years he was one of the leading spirits of his locality, enterprising and successful in his own affairs, and bearing his full share of the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, and during his long lifetime was respected and honored by those who knew him. HDis wife died Feb. 3, 1865, twenty- five years before the death of her husband, and the two rest side bv side in the family graveyard. George L. Smith, the fourth child of George and Lydia (Leibensperger) Smith, was born June 26, 1833, in the same house in which his father was born and in which his grandfather had lived. He grew to man- hood upon the old homestead and received the benefit of the schools of his neighborhood, later attending a select school in -Reading, of which the late Hon. Daniel Ermentrout was principal. He then returned to the farm and continued at farm labor until in 1854, when he went to Lehigh county and there for three years engaged at clerking in a general store. Re- turning to Maxatawny township, he took charge of the old homestead and has remained upon it ever since, engaged at farming and stock-raising. He mar- ried Louisa Dutt, daughter of Thomas and Henri- etta (Strauss) Dnitt, who paternally is of English ancestry and whose family formerly lived in Mont- gomery county. In course of time he acquired title to the old homestead and improved it in various ways, making it for himself and children not only a pleasant abiding place, but a home in the highest and best sense. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, a man of intelligence and integrity, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all his neighbors and friends. He belongs to the Reformed Church, the church of his family for generations past. In politics he is a Re- publican. To George L. and Louisa (Dutt) Smith five children were born, namely: Elizabeth, m. to Edwin Boyer; Rev. George B.; Dr. James, a prac- ticing physician living at Allentown, who m. Mary L. Richards, of Maxatawny, and had two children: Marion (died in 1903, aged seven years) and George; Anna, m. to George Strump, and had two children: Wayne and Mark (died aged five years) ; and William, m. to Annie Kiefier, living at home.. Rev. George B. Smith, second child of George L. and Louisa (Dutt) Smith, was born. July 8, 1867, on the homestead in Maxatawny township which his family have owned and occupied continuously for generations. He was reared on the farm and em- ployed at such duties as usually fall to the lot of farmer boys. His education began in the country district school, and was continued in the Keystone State Normal school at Kutztown. His object in entering the latter school was to merely obtain some- thing more of an education than that afforded by the country schools, but as he advanced from class to class a desire for more learning grew upon him and he decided to aim higher. Failing in one of his aspirations he applied to his Principal, Dr. N. C. Schaeffer, the oresent State Superintendent of Pub- lic Instruction, for information and advice, and in reply received a letter that turned his ambitions in the direction of college training. This he regards as the turning point in his career. He subsequently entered upon a course in Franklin and Marshall Col- lege, at Lancaster, and graduated from that institu- tion in 1889. With the advance of years and know- ledge came the natural desire for employment, and after careful and conscientious consideration he select- ed the ministry for his life work. This decision he arrived at unaided and uninfluenced by circumstances, purely fr9m a sense of duty, and after graduating from College he entered the Reformed Theological seminary at Lancaster, from which he was graduated in 1892. On leaving the seminary Dr. Smith returned to the place of his nativity and, where he was best known, was formally commissioned to work in the Master's vineyard. On June 21, 1892, he was ordained and installed as pastor of the Maxatawny charge of the Reformed Church, consisting of the congrega- tions at Maxatawny and at De Long's Church at Bow- ers. The following spring St. Paul's congregation in Kutztown, and St. Peter's at Topton were added to his charge, and in this enlarged field he has ever since been laboring with gratifying success, preach- ing to all of his congregations in both the English and German languages. On Aug. 22, 1893, Dr. George B. Smith was mar- ried to Miss Mary L. Reynolds, daughter of Stephen Cromwell and Mary L. (Capwell) Reynolds, of near Factoryville, Pa. They have one child, Arline Au- gusta Reynolds, born Sept. 4, 1896. ALBERT S. LEIDY, merchant of Boyertown, comes of a family long settled in Frederick township, Mont- gomery Co., Pa., where he was born Oct. 20, 1845. Jacob Leidy, his grandfather, lived in Frederick township, where he engaged in farming, owning the homestead farm of over 100 acres — a very fine place. He and his wife had a family of ten or twelve chil- dren, among whom_ was but one son, Francis. He is buried in the private burial ground of the family in Frederick township, near Keelers church, on the old Leidy homestead; several generations of the family are interred there. Francis _ Leidy, son of Jacob, was born about 1814 in Frederick township, Montgomery county, and died at the age of about forty-five, in 1857-58, at Potts- town, where he is buried. In his earlier life he fol- lowed farming, but later he was engaged as a hay dealer in Pottstown, continuing to follow that busi- ness until his death. He was successful in business and accumulated property. Mr. Leidy was twice married, his first wife being Rachel Smith, daughter of John Smith, of Red Hill, Montgomery Co., Pa., and to them were born three children, one son and two daughters: Rebecca m. Alex. Sassaman, and resides in Philadelphia; Amanda (deceased) m. William Dannahaur and lived in Phila- delphia; Albert S. is mentioned below. By his second marriage, with Mary Ann Hoffman, Mr. Leidy had one daughter, who died young. Albert S. Leidy was born at Frederick and attended the schools at Fegleysville and the Swamp, in Mont- gomery county. When young he followed the cigar business for a short time, but when the Civil war broke out he entered the Union service, in which he remained for three years. He was only in his seven- teenth year when he enlisted, in 1862, in Company H, 119th Pa. V. I., at Zieglerville, and he was promoted from the ranks, in time becoming first lieutenant of that company, which was attached to the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Though in many fierce engagements Mr. Leidy was never wounded. At the battle of the Wilderness he had a very narrow escape a bullet striking the scabbard of his sword, thus sav- ing him from a wound in the leg. He says he hated to lose the scabbard, as it was new, and he had just paid $25 for the scabbard and sword, but he' picked up another which' answered the purpose, and which he still has in his possession. He was mustered out at Philadelphia. After the war Mr._ Leidy engaged in the manufac- ture of clothmg at Zieglerville, following this business in all for fourteen years, and employing at times as (M4 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA many as two hundred people. The product was men's woolen clothing. He then lived for a year in Phila- delphia, where he was in the cotton yarn business, and in' 1881 he located in Gilbertsville, IVLontgomery county, where was in the horse and cattle business for six years. He was in that business with M. L. Ritter for one year. In 1886 he came to Boyertown, where he engaged in the baking and liquor business, continuing same successfully for a period of twenty- one years, at one location. In the soring of 1907 he was succeeded in this business by his son J. Albfert. Since that time he has built a double brick house on Walnut street, Boyertown, near the famous casket factory, and in the summer of 1908 he built a three- story brick store and residence on the northeast corner of Philadelphia avenue and Walnut street, where he is now conducting a grocery store. He is also interested in the casket factory. Mr. Leidy is a mem- ber of General Crook Post, No. 597, G. A. R., of Boy- ertown, and is also connected with Quakertown Lodge, No. 512, F. & A. M. In 1870 Mr. Leidy married Elizabeth Brvan, daugh- ter of Dr. Joel and Maria (Shaner) Bryan, the former an Englishman who practised medicine at New Ber- linville. Pa. Five children have been born to this union: Ulysses S. died in infancy; Oren Ross, a member of the law firm of Leidy & uoodstein, is practising law in New York City, with offices at No. 38 Park Row; Austin C. B. resides at Boyertown; Jacob Albert has succeeded his father in the baking and liquor business; Hiram B. perished in the Boyer- town Opera House fire, Jan. 1,3, 1908, when twenty- three years old. AMOS W. POTTEIGER. successful merchant and public-spirited citizen at Reading for fifty years, was born Nov. 23, 1823, on a farm in Bern township along the Tulpehocken creek, several miles from Reading. He was educated in private schools at Reading and the Unionville Seminary (situated alonar the Schuyl- kill river near the Chester county line). After leaving school he worked on the homestead farm until he became twenty-one years old, when he entered the general store of Francis B. Shalters, at Reading (Fifth and Washington streets), as a clerk, where he remained one year and then returned to the farm. While on the farm he taught school, acted as a surveyor, and officiated as a justice of the peace until 1848, when he went to Reading to engage in the mercantile busi- ness with John B. Schaefifer. Their store was situated on the north side of Penn street, below Third (now No. 251). After they had traded together for a num- ber of years, Mr. Potteiger became the sole owner of the business, which he continued at that place until 1866. Shortly before this time he had purchased a ■large property on the south side of Penn street, above Third (now Nos. 310-312), where he erected a large three-story brick building, which was the most mod- ern business at that time in Reading west of Fourth street. The plate glass for the show windows was imported from France, and their size attracted great public attention, they having been the largest at Read- ing up to that time. For several years before his death, Aug. 12, 1897, Mr. Potteiger was the oldest surviving merchant at Reading. He was elected to common council from the Northwest ward for two terms, from 1861 to 1864. While in council he gave much attention to the topographical survey of the city which was then being made; and he encouraged systematic numbering of the houses throughout the city. Upon the removal of the public market-houses on Penn Square, in 1871, he cooperated heartily with other enterprising men in the western part of Reading for establishing a private market-house to accommo- date the patrons as well as the farmers, which result- ed in the erection of the large and commodious mar- ket-house and the Grand Opera House on the south side of Penn street, west of Fourth, and he officiated as presidejit of the corporation until he died. He and his son also erected the large annex known as the Potteiger market-house in 1895. In the establish- ment of a new post-office building at Reading by the national government, 1887 to 1889, he acted as one of the commissioners. In politics he was identified with the Democratic party, in which he always took an active interest, but was never a candidate for office. Immediately after locating at Reading Mr. Pot- teiger became a member of 'the Trinity Lutheran con- gregation, and he continued a very active member until he died. He officiated as deacon, elder and trustee for nearly forty years, and during this time also took great interest in the Sunday-school, teach- ing a class the greater part of the time. When Muh- lenberg College, at Allentown, was established, he was a liberal contributor. He officiated as a trustee until he died, and his son, Samuel N., became his successor. For many years he was the largest single contributor toward the maintenance of this institution. In 1849 Mr. Potteiger married Louisa Seidel Kis- singer. They had four children: Clara Amanda (m. to George E. Haak); Samuel Newton; Emma (died when eighteen years of age); and Luther (died' in infancy). M'rs. Potteiger died Dec. 5, 1907, aged sev- enty-nine years. Mrs. Haak took 'much active interest in church and charitable work, having had official con- nections with the Reading Hospital and Widows' Home for many years. She died in 1905. Mr. Potteiger's father was John Potteiger, of Bern township, who was engaged in farming and also dealt extensively in cattle. He took an active interest in politics and officiated as sheriff of the county from 1850 to 1853. When he entered upon the duties of this office he moved to Reading, of which he continued to be a citizen from that time until his decease. He was born in 1.803, and died ih 1865. He married Sarah Wobensmith, of Reading, born in 1807. died in 1869. They had nine children: Amos Wobensmith; Levi (m. to Barbara Beidler) ; William (m. to Elizabeth Ruth); John (died in youth); Mary Ann (m. to Ben- jamin S. Fox) ; Rebecca (m. to Henry B. Fisher) ; Catharine (m. to William Ahrens); Sarah (m. to James T. Reber) ; and Amelia (m. to Daniel Engel). He was a lineal descendant of Martin Pfatteicher, who emigrated from Germany in 1737, settled in the upper section of Bern township (about two'miles north of Bernville), where he secured a large quantity of land, and carried on farming until his decease, in 1791. Mrs. Amos W. Potteiger's father was Abraham Kis- singer, a farmer, born in 1792, died in 1864; he mar- ried Susanna Seidel, born in .1795, died in 1875. Their homestead was Ipcated in Bern township, opposite Reading and overlooking the Schuylkill river. Her grandfather, also named Abraham, a farmer of the same township, was born in 1750 and died in 1833. He was married to Maria Angenisz Kieszling. born in 1752, died in 1838. Mrs. Potteiger's parents had njne children: Abraham S. (m. to Lydia Grins;); Re- becca (m. to Jonathan Gicker) ; ivlary (m. to Ben- jamin Schmeck); Elizabeth (m. to Samuel Kissinger); Louisa S. (m. to Amos W. Potteiger); Washington S. (m. to Elizabeth Yost); Susan (m. to William Parvin); Amanda (m. to James L. Miller); and Sarah (m. to Charles S. Birch). Samuel Newton Potteiger was born at Reading, and received his education in the city schools and in Muhlenberg College, from which he was graduated. Then he read law in the office of George F. Baer. Esq., and was admitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county and the State of Pennsylvania. Besides carrying on the practice of the law since then, he has given much successful attention to real estate and building operations at Readine. being one of its largest builders, having erected many rows of modern dwellings as well as the handsome stone- front Potteiger office building at Nos. 535-537 Court BIOGRAPHICAL 645- Street, built in 1904. He was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Valley Bank (adjoining the Potteiger store building) in 1890, and since then has served as one of its directors; and upon the death of his father, succeeded him as a director of the corporations with which he had been connected. ISRAEL GROMAN, a resident of Reading, was born in Bern township, Berks county, Nov. 8, 1838. The family, which is of German descent, has lived in that county for several generations. George Groman, grandfather of Israel, was a farmer in Bucks county, and his son Charles, father of Is- rael, worked as a stone mason all his life, both quarry- ing the stone and doing contract work. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Kissinger) Groman, had threfe child- ren, viz.: Fietta, m. to Solomon Kissinger; Israel; and Catherine, m. to John Lasch. The family were Lutherans in religious faith. Israel Groman went to school till he was about sixteen, acquiring as good an education as the town- ship schools offered, and then for three years drove mules along the canal route. For his permanent oc- cupation he decided on carpentry and learned that trade, but before he was fairly established in business, the war broke out and in 1861 he enlisted in Company H, 88th Pa. V. I., and served for three years. During that time he participated in twenty-one engagements and was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg, the others being Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thor- oughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Mine Run, Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville, Wilderness two days), Cold Harbor, North Anna River, South Anna Forks, front of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, charge on Fort Hill, Explosion of Rebel Fort, Five Forks, and cavalry charge prior to Five Forks. After his discharge, he returned to his native county, located at Reading and secured a place as carpenter for the Schuylkill Navigation Company. He left that company to work for the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, and after some time with that corporation he took up house carpentering. In 1904 a position with the Reading Iron Company was offered him and he has since been with them. In 1865 Mr. Groman married Barbara, daughter of William Douglass. There is a stepson, the child of Mrs. Groman's former husband, William Thompson. Mr. Groman has adhered to the faith in which he was brought up and is a member of the Lutheran Church. His political views are those of the Democratic party. He is an enthusiastic advocate of lodge work and is connected with a number of fraternal bodies, including F. & A. M. Lodge No. 62; Reading Commandery No. 43; Excelsior Chapter No. 237; the P. O. S. of A.; and the I. O. O. F., while he also belongs to the Carpenters' Un- ion and for many years maintained his connection with the G. A. R. The family resides at No. 34 Schuylkill avenue. A. R. ORTH, a cigar manufacturer of Reading, was born in that city, Nov. 19, 1852, son of William and Susan (Printz) Orth. William Orth during his active life was a black- smith by trade, and in, time secured a place in the Read- ing shops of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, where he worked continuously for thirty-five years. Both he and his wife are now deceased, his demise having occurred Sept. 1, 1895, hers in 1877. They are buried in the Aulenbach cemetery in Reading. Four children were born to their union, viz.: Al- pheus R.; Christiana, the wife of George Nagle, of Reading; Rosanna, Mrs. Henry Hertwig, of Reading; and William, also of that city. Alpheus R. Orth attended the public schools till he was twelve years old, and then entered the hat factory run by Kutz and Arnold, at present the property of J. G. Mohn & Brothers. When fourteen he left that place and went into a cotton factory and then at the age of seventeen he began to learn cigar making with Frederick Printz, who was alderman of the Third ward at that time, with whom he remained five months. After he finished his trade he worked for Charles Breneiser & Co., and then for John Maltzberger. At the end of that time, in 1887. he and Augustus Frame formed the firm of Orth & Frame, in the cigar manu- facturing business, with their location on Court street, above Sixth street. After four years Mr. Orth sold out his interest to his partner and himself resumed cigar making. He was employed first by John Keiser and then for six years by Frank Hunt. In 1898 Mr. Orth purchased Peter Krick's stand, on Sixth street be- low Penn, formerly William R. Eaches' well-known place, and established himself there till 1900 when he moved to his present location. No. 37 North Fifth street. This stand, which he bought from Edward Luden, was one of the most up-to-date in the city and under Mr. Orth its reputation has been more than sustained. It is located next to the postoflfice build- ing, has a frontage of thirty feet and depth of 330 .feet, and has a factory 15x45 feet in dimensions, in the rear. This factory Mr. Orth greatly improved in June, 1906, and keeps fourteen hands busy at all times. When he began he employed only two, but his business increased rapidly from the first and now he has a fine local trade, supplying his products to all the best cafes and hotels in the city. He makes principally the Pompey Branch five cents, and Pom- pey Shorts, for chewing and smoking, ten cents. The business is now conducted under the name of A. R. Orth & Son. In 1878 Mr. Orth married Ellen E., daughter of Wil- liam and Elizabeth Reider. There are three children, Annie, Walter and Lizzie, the last a graduate of the Reading high school. The family have their home in the store building, where a residence portion has been carefully fitted up. Mr. Orth has never mingled actively in 'politics but supports the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a charter member of Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 518 I. O. O, F., and belongs also to Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M. • He is a man of warm heart and charitable impulses, and is always a generous giver to worthy causes. His business success has been honestly won by his own unaided efforts, and he deserves the confidence and esteem in which he is held by all who have dealings with him. DANIEL SHAABER, a retired foundryman of Read- ing, Pa., is a native of that city, born at the corner of Ninth and Franklin streets, Dec. 19', 1833, son of John and Mary (Caldwell) Sliaaber. Mr. Shaaber was left an orphan at the age of eleven years, his father having died five years before, and he went to live with Adam Johnston, with whom he re- mained until twenty-five years old Mr. Johnteton being in the foundry business, young Shaaber soon mastered the details of the business, and when Mr, Johnston met with financial reverses Mr. Shaaber and Mr. Johnson's clerk, a Mr. Jones, took the business, this being in April, 1858. The partnership continued until 1860, when Mr. Jones sold his interests to Mr. Shaaber, and in this our subject continued alone un- til 1868, when Adam Johnston and his son, Henry, were admitted to the firm, it then being Shaaber & Johnston until 1877. In this year Mr. Shaaber with- drew from the firm and engaged in the cold storage business at Fifth street and the Lebanon Valley railway until the railroad company erected their bridge at that point, and as the plant was on railroad property it was forced to move. Since this time Mr. Shaaber has lived retired. Mr. Shaaber was married Nov. 24, 1859, to Asenath Johnston, daughter of Adam Johnston. In politics Mr. Shaaber is a Republican, and served in the Sec- ond ward as a member of the school board. Mr. Shaaber had the following brothers and sisters: Cather- me, m. to Amos Seyfert; Elizabeth, m. to a Mr Corn- 646 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Margaret, m. to Frederick Deaser; Mary, m. to Peter Adams; John; George; Sarah; Peter; Rebecca, m. to Jackson Sherman; Jacob, twin of Daniel; and Henry W.. deceased. JEREMIAH SEIDER. Among the prominent busi- ness men of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned Jere- miah Seider, of No. 937 Douglass street, who has for some years been engaged in contracting. He was born Jan. 5, 1830, in Reading, son of Daniel and Mary (Yeager) Seider. Daniel Seider, who was a boatbuilder in Reading in the early days, later removed to Northumberland coun- ty. Pa., where, he engaged in farming until 1845, then returning to Reading, where he carried on the work of carpenter. In 1850 he was engaged in the Read- ing Cotton factory, and in 1862 as a soldier in the Union army, he_ lost his life in the Civil war. He and his wife had about twelve children, of whom Jeremiah was the fifth. Daniel Seider was' a Lutheran in reli- gious belief, while his wife belonged to the Reformed denomination. Jeremiah Seider secured a somewhat limited educa- tion in the schools of Reading. He enlisted on April 18, 1861, and was made sergeant. He re-enlisted in the Ordnance department arid became first lieutenant of artillery, serving ninety days in 1863, and being now the only living officer of that command. After being hon- orably discharged he engaged in the contracting busi- ness, which he has followed to the present time, and was for one year in partnership with John B. Wagner. Mr. Seider was the first building inspector of Reading, and has been one of the best known contractors of the city. Although he has reached an age when most men are willing to give up their active opera- tions, Mr. Seider has no thought of so doing. Stand- ing six feet, one inch in height, and weighing 200 pounds, he is robust and hearty, and is in full pos- session of all of his faculties, being able to read without glasses as well as a young man of twenty. Mr. Seider was married in April, 1856, to Leann Armpreister, born 1830, and who died in November, 1904, aged seventy-two years. To this union there were born two children: Rosanna, deceased; and Je- rome, deceased, formerly a letter carrier, and also cap- tain of Company I, 4th Reg. Pa. National Guards. Mr. Seider is a member of McLean Post, G. A. R., form- erly a member of Chandler Lodge of Masons, and of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican. THEODORE BENZ, now living retired from active work at his home at Mineral Spring Park. Reading, is a native of Germany, born in Baden, Saalbach, Nov. 9, 1835, and he is the only survivor of the seven children born to George Benz. a locksmith, whose entire life was passed in his native country. ' Before coming to America Mr. Benz was employed with his brother, but in the fall of 1850 he set sail for the New World, the voyage lasting thirty-two days. He landed at New York City, but went at once to Philadelphia, where with his brother Charles he was employed at the Norris Machine Shop. After some time there he learned the baker's trade, and this he followed steadily until 1859, when he engaged in the_ oyster business at Reading, to which city he came in 1856. He was located at a corner on Penn street, and for a time was a partner of Capt. Michael Walters. This business was carried on most suc- cessfully until the time of the first draft for the Federal army in the Civil war. He served nine months in the Company known as the Hounds-Ward Company, and later was cook for Colonels Knoderer, Wert and Davis. In 1865 he began in the baking business at Reading, having his establishment at No. 814 Walnut street. This he continued for nine years, and then until 1892 he was engaged in the hotel business on Seventh street, between Penn and Frank- lin streets. That year he moved to No. 928 Penn street, from which place in 1892 he moved to his present location. In 1891 he built his home in Lower Alsace township, or Mt. Penn, on the Old Hessian Camp Ground. He has about eight acres of land, five of which are devoted to grapes and other fruit. Mr. Benz married Barbara Mohring, who came to America from Germany when five years old. She died ill 1890, aged fifty-two years, ten months, fifteen days, and is buried in the German Lutheran cemetery. Eight children were born to them, two of whom are de- ceased. The survivors are: Charles W., who has been a clerk in the Penn National Bank since its organiza- tion; John G., a plumber in business with his brother William, under the firm name of Benz & Bro.; Ed- ward, who is in the employ of the United Traction Company; William, a member of the plumbing firm of Benz & Bro.; Annie C, m. to Joseph C. Flatt, of Reading; and Miss Lillie, at home. In his religious faith Mr. Benz is a Lutheran. He is a member of Germania Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also of Reading Encampment. In 1900, just fifty years after his leav- ing the old home in Gerrnany, Mr. Benz revisited the scenes of his youth, and also attended the Paris Exposition, spending four months in travel abroad. WILLIAM A. SMITH, ex-member of the common council of Reading, has spent his whole life in that city, where he was born in 1864, son of Nicholas and Catherine (Hartung) Smith. William A. Smith was sent first to the parochial schools in Reading, and then to the public schools. After finishing his education he went into the shops of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad company, to be- come a machinist, but after about five years in that oc- cupation he went into business as a manufacturer of optical supplies and as a practical optician. His place of business is at Nos. 202-208 Cedar street, and he has been very successful. Mr. Smith has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the city and in politics is quite well known. He resides at No. 839 Washington street, his parents' home, in the Eighth ward, and for three terms has represented that con- stituencyin the common council, elected on the Dem- ocratic ticket. He has served on all the important committees, and was a member of the board of ap- peals for a number of years. He is a progressive practical man, and was strongly supported by his fellow citizens in the ward. He has also for a long time been prominently connected with the Harmonie Maen- nerchor, and for the past four years has been its president. Besides being a member of the Sons of Veterans. Mr. Smith stands very high in the Masonic fraternity, in which his name is on the rolls of Teu- tonia- Lodge, No. 367; Excelsior Chapter,- No. 237; and Reading Commandery, No. 42, in all of which he is past officer. He also belongs to Rajah Temple. SAMUEL H. SAILER, late a highly respected retired resident of Reading, was born in Alsace, now Muhlenberg township, Berks count" Nov. 25, 1S32, son of Henry and Sarah (Hahn) Sailer. The Sailer family is of French Huguenot stock, and Phihp Sailer, great-grandfather of Samuel H., was born in Alsace, France, whence, early in the eighteenth century, accompanied by his two brothers, he fled to America on account of religious persecu- tion. On coming to Reading, he located at Sixth and Frankhn streets, where he conducted a meat mar- ket. His two brothers went west of the Susquehanna river, and nothing further is known of them or of their descendants. Philip Sailer married a native of Alsace, France, and of their three sons, Philip lost his life in the war of the Revolution; Frederick was a farmer in what is now Muhlenberg township- and Henry became the grandfather of Samuel H. Henry Sailer was born in Reading Feb. 29, 1764 and passed his life as a farmer on land owned by Governor Hiester. He married Anna Maria Magda- BIOGRAPHICAL 647 lena Rothenberger, who was born Dec. IS, 1770, and they had two sons: Henry and John. Henry Sailer, son of Henry and father of Samuel H., was born in what is now Muhlenberg township, Dec. 16, lt96, and worked on the farm with his father until the latter's death in middle life. The young man being entirely without means hesitated to accept Gov. Hiester's offer to continue on the farm, but the latter insisted upon a loan, and in a comparatively short time the money advanced so kindly by the Governor had been repaid, and Mr. Sailer well ad- vanced on the road to prosperity. A few years later when a valuable farm was offered at sheriff's sale the Governor again insisted on a loan that Mr. Sailer might receive the benefit of the low price asked for the land. Again he justified his benefactor's con- fidence, and in time became one of the representative farmers of the county. Selling his farm then to Charles Evans he moved to Reading, and passed his last days in retirement. He died March 20, 1880. He had accumulated eight farms, and at his death gave one to each of his children. In his religious con- nection he was a member of the Reformed Church. He married Sarah Hahn, daughter of Adam Hahn, a neighboring farmer, and eight children were born to them: Sarah, deceased wife of the late John H. Mertz, a farmer of Richmond township; j-tdam H., a farjner in Exeter township; Henry, a retired farmer in Muh- lenberg township; Samuel H.; William, a farmer of Oley township; Franklin, a farmer of Amity town- ship; Solomon, deceased, a farmer of Muhlenberg township; and Catherine, who married (first) the late William Lauer, and (second) Jeremiah Guldin, a re- tired farmer of Muhlenberg township. Samuel H. Sailer attended the public schools of Berks county and Reading, and also a gradea school at Unionville, Chester county. Following the close of his school days he came to Reading, and "learned the butchering business with William Lutz, following that business for three years. He then returned to the old homestead farm for six months after which he resumed work at his trade in Reading. After his marriage in 1857, Mr. Sailer worked on his father- in-law's farm in Exeter township for two years, and then moved to his father's Spring township farm, which he operated for thirty-three years. In 1890 he came to Reading, and located at No. 44 North Tenth street, where, having put aside the cares of business, he resided until his death Sept. 21, 1908. He owned a farm of 156 acres in Spring township, and another of ninety acres in Lower Heidelbersr township. In 1857 Mr. Sailer married Catherine L. Schaeffer, daughter of Capt. Henry and Annie (Levan) Schaeffer, the former of whom was a large farmer and stock dealer in Exeter township. The children of Capt. Schaeffer were: Mrs. Mary Hartman; CatherineL., wife of Mr. Sailer, died in 1891; Rebecca is deceased; Jacob; Elizabeth; and Henry. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sailer were: Mary Ella, wife of John A. Ruth, with the Hollenbach &. Dietrich liquor stoce (they have one son. Arthur A., who is with the Heroy Tea and Coffee Store of Reading, and who married Catherine Lawen, and has one child, Ruth); Samuel S., a butcher by trade, employed by his brother Henry A., and who married Deborah Gass, and has a daugh- ter, (Catherine; and Henry A., who is engaged in the butchering business at No. 401 south Fourteenth street, and who married Helen Gass, and has three living children, Carl, Brook and Annie. Mr. Sailer was a member of the church in Alsace township, and is buried there. JOHN JACOBS, who died in Reading May 12, 1894, was a native of Chester county, Pa., born in 1836. Mr. Jacobs remained at home until he had finished his studies in the public schools, and had learned the trade of stone cutter, after which he went to Norris- town to work. He was employed there for several years, and then moved to Reading, where the rest of his life was spent. He worked for the Philadel- phia & Reading Railway Company, at first as a stone cutter and later as foreman, continuing in that po- sition until within the last six years of his life. He was a master of his trade, a fine workman and me- chanic, and his perfect reliability was fully appreciated by his employers. In politics he supported the Dem- ocratic party, and fraternally he was connected with the Red Men. A man of uniformly good character and' actuated by the best motives, his life was an exemplification of his religious faith, and he was a sincere member of the First Reformed Church of Reading. In 1874 Mr. Jacobs married Mrs. Mary A. Bechtel Winter, widow of David Winter, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Henry Musser, so long Mr. Jacobs' pastor. Mrs. Jacobs was daughter of John C. Bechtel, a farmer of Exeter township of well known Democratic principles. She was born in 1836, and her only brother, Joseph, m. Lydia DeHart, and has two daughters: Catherine m. John Grieff; and Louisa m'. the late George Fryberger. Mrs. Jacobs has no children. Like her husband she is a devout member of the Reformed Church, and one of its earnest workers. She has many warm friends. EPHRAIM G. WERNER, senior member of the well-known firm of E. G. Werner & Sons, manufact- urers of paper boxes, shipping cases and dealers in merchandise, at Mohnton, Pa., established this great business at the corner of Wyomissing avenue and Chestnut street in 1890. The business was begun in a very humble way, only one hand being employed, and the first product of the company was hat boxes. The demand for Mr. Wer- ner's goods soon became so heavy that in May, 1901, the firm began the manufacture of square boxes, the daily output being from 300 to 400. The firm now employ seventy hands in both factories, and turn out 10,000 boxes daily, their goods finding a ready sale at Reading and in the surrounding counties. The Mohnton factory, a fine two-story structure, 50x60 feet, is fitted with the latest and most highly improved machinery. Their Reading factory, at No. 313 Binga- man street, was opened in 1907^ with Mr. J. C. Werner in charge, making a specialty of fancy goods, and turning out some of the best work in the State. The firm also carry on a general merchandise business, and in this line have also been very successful. In politics Mr. Werner is independent. He is a faithful and devoted -member of the Salem U. E. Church, where he has served for many years as trustee, being now president of the board, Sunday-school superin- tendent of class No. 1, and leader of the English Bible class. He is one of the pillars of the Church, and is greatly honored by all who know him. Mr. Werner's fraternal connections are with the K. of P., No. 485. and the O. U. A. M. To Mr. and Mrs. Werner there were born si-x child- ren: (1) John C. was admitted a member of the firm of E. G. Werner & Sons in January, 1907. He m. Sadie M. O'Neill, and they have had four child- ren, Alithea and Norman, living, and Paul and John, deceased. John C. is a member of Camp No. 211, P. O. S. of A., and of the M. W. A. For several years he has been a chorister of the Salem Evangelical Church. (3) Jeremiah _ died in infancy. (3) Mar- garet, a musician of ability, who was for many years organist of the church, is now a trained nurse lo- cated at No. 1380 Wallace street, Philadelphia. '" (4) Irwing died in childhood. (5) Walter S., is also a member of the firm, admitted in January, 1907; he is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M., Reading; Reading Lodge of Perfection, Fourteenth Degree, and the M. W. A. He m. Mildred Hetrich, and they reside at Reading. They have one daughter' Dorothy M. (6) Anna M. died in infancy. Mr' 648 HISTORY OF BERK'S COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Ephraira G. Werner was one of the organizers of the Mohnton National Bank, and one of its first dir- ectors, in which office he is still serving. He also, served as chairman of the building committee when the present bank building was erected. He is chair- man of the Mohnton Cemetery Committee. JOHN HENDEL'S SONS. The hat business has con- stituted a prominent feature of the industrial life of Read- ing from the beginning of the place, and of all the numer- ous successful plants which have been carried on here dur- ing the past 160 years none has surpassed that which was established by John Hendel and his'brother in 1871 on Fifth street below Laurel, and which has been owried and operated by John Hendel's sons in an equally successful manner since 1895. In 1860, fifty years ago, Levi H«ndel and two of his sons, John and George, embarked in the business of manufac- turing wool hats at Adamstown, in Lancaster county (ten miles southwest from Reading), under the firm name of Levi Hendel & Sons, and there they carried on their fac- tory for four years. The sons retiring fromi the firm, they then established a factory at St. Lawrence, in Exeter township, Berks county, a short distance beyond the Black B^ar Inn, and after operating it three years moved to Read- ing, where they erected a more commodious plant on Maple street south of Chestnut. They carried on business there successfully for three years, when they sold the plant and dissolved the partnership. John Hendel then secured a hat factory at the corner of Eleventh and Spruce streets but he remained there only a year when he and his brothers, George and Henry B., trading as John Hendel & Bros., purchased the large "Wyomissing Woolen Mills" on South Fifth street below Laurel, and equipped it with the most improved machinery, making it at that time (1871) one of the largest wool hat establishments in Pennsylvania. Notwithstanding the growing uncertain conditions of the hat trade then, their enterprising spirit nevertheless as- serted itself and they developed their business into larger proportions and carried on their plant with a greater number of employees. In 1879 (Jan. 1) the senior partner, John Hendel, admitted three of his sons (Levi H., Daniel J., and James M.) as partners, and the firm name was then changed to Hendel Brothers & Sons. Subsequently other partners were admitted at different times, and the business was carried on extensively until 1895 when the founders re- tired, and the firm was reorganized by three of John Hen- del's sons (Daniel J., Edwin F., and Harrison P.), who purchased the plant and began to trade under the name of John Hendel's Sons. In December, 1897, the firm determined to discontinue the further manufacture of wool hats and 'after re-con- structing the large factory and equipping it with the latest improved machinery for the production of soft fur hats, medium grade, embarked in the new business, and since then they have manufactured large quantities of fur hats, which are sold at New York City through their own sales agents and shipped to jobbers in all parts of the United States and Canada. They began with 325 hands, but gradually increased their production until they came to em- ploy 400 hands. Harrison P. Hendel, the youngest partner, whilst on a pilgrimage with the "Shrine" to the Pacific coast in 1907, was accidentally killed with imany other Shriners from Reading at Honda, Cal., on May 11, and his interest in the firm was purchased immediately afterward by his two brothers, the surviving partners, who have continued the business under the name of John Hendel's Sons, keeping up the superior reputation and credit of the establishment which their enterprising father had created. He was born at Reading Sept. 12, 1867, and acquired his education in the local schools and at Hackettstown, N. J. He then entered the office of his father's factory 3,s a clerky and filled this position in a most faithful manner until 1895, when he became one of the firm of John Hendel's Sons. JoHur Hendel was prominently engaged in the manufac- ture of wool hats for. thirty-five years, and came to be identified with different financial institutions at Reading, more especially the First National Bank and the Reading Trust Company, of which he was a director for many years until his decease in March, 1905. He was very highly esteemed for his superior character as a man; and he had an exceptional career as one of the leading successful manu- facturers at Reading for twenty-five years, having operated his large establishment in a most remarkable manner through all the costly fluctuations of that trying period. He was an earnest advocate of Republican principles and ap- preciated the great, importance of supporting the doctrine of protection to home industries. He was a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 237, F. and A. M., and of DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He took an active interest iu matters relating to the development of the Evangelical Church in this section of the State, and served for many years as a class-leader, steward and trustee. Mr. Hendel was born at Adamstown, Lancaster county, Dec. 7, 1833, and, after receiving a limited education learned the trade of hatter under his father, an experi- enced hat manufacturer, and he was engaged at his trade at that place until 1860, when he formed a co-partnership with his father and his brother George. [For his sub- sequent career in the wool hat business, see previous sketch of John Hendel's Sons.] He married in 1853 Catharine Stieff, daughter of William Stieff, of Adamstown, and by her he had eleven children: Levi H., Daniel J., James M., John O., Mary A., (m. Walter A. Boas), George W., Charles W., Edwin F., Harrison P., Harvey H., and Cath- arine A. (m. George G. Guenther). John, George and Harvey died in their youth. James ably represented the firm for a number of years at New York City in the sale of their hats, and died in 1889, at the age of thirty-two years. Levi Hendel was the father of John Hendel. He was born in Brecknock township, Lancaster county, in 1809, and having been left an orphan at the age of four years, was indentured to a neighboring farmer until his four- teenth year, when he was apprenticed to the hatter's trade under Philip Fichthorn, of Adamstown, the brother of his sister Theresa's husband, William Fichthorn. After becoming a proficient workman, he engaged in the busi- ness oif manufacturing wool hats at Adamstown and he followed it until he died, in 1868. He married Susan Boll- man, a daughter of Jacob Bollman, farmer of Cumru (af- terward Spring) township, Berks county, and they had six children: John, George, Kate (m. Isaac Lausch), Henry, Louisa (m. William Humbert) and William. After the decease of his first wife, in 1862, he married Susan Will, a daughter of Henry Will, a coach-maker of Cumru township, and by her had two children, Emma (m. Isaac Y. Spang) and Howard (who died in infancy). And his grandfather was John Hendel, who settled in Lancaster county, at Adamstown, where he carried on the business of cabinet- making. He married Catharine Auman, and they had three children: Levi, John and Theresa (m. William Fichthorn). Daniel Jacob Hendel, the senior partner of John Hen- del's Sons, manufacturers of hats at Reading since 1895, was born at Adamstown, Lancaster county, July 8, 1855. He received his preliminary education at Adamstown and Read- ing, and then took a course of advanced studies in Millers- ville State Normal School, for several years, until he was sixteen years of age. He then entered his father's hat factory at Reading for the purpose of learning the busi- ness in all its branches, and after serving a regular ap- prenticeship and working as a journeyman until he became of age he was appointed foreman of the finishing depart- ment, which imposed upon him as a young man a large shajre of responsibility. He managed this department for several years until 1879, when he was admitted as a part- ner, evidencing the skillful manner in which he had dis- charged his duties. Mr. Hendel continued with the firm until 1895, attend- ing strictly to business and gradually assuming more and more responsibilities, when the firm was reorganized by the senior partner's three sons (Daniel, Edwin and Harrison), who purchased the plant and took upon themselves its management, for which they had been gradually prepared by their father, and in which they have since been very AvOiH^ V^z/^e^^W, / ZyC^7>C^ ^'S. BIOGRAPHICAL 649 successful, trading under the name of John Hendel's Sons. [See sketch of this firm.} He was made a Freemason in St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. and A. M., at Reading, in 1883, and was advanced to the thirty-second degree in the Phila- delphia Consistory in 1891. He has also been identified with the Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, of which he officiated as eminent commander, in 1894. Since 1906, he has served as a director of the First Nation- al Bank, of which his father had been one of the directors from 1879 to 1903, In 1880 Mr. Hendel married Amanda M. Bachman, daughter of Charles S. Bachman (a successful merchant- tailor for many years at Reading) and Sarah F. Barndt, his wife, by whom he had three sons : George Stanley, Frederick Bachman and Harry Bachman — the last two having been twins, who died in youth. Edwin Franklin Hendel, junior partner of John Hen- del's Sons, was born at St. Lawrence, near Reading, March 30, 1866, and was an infant when his parents removed to Reading. He acquired his- early education in the schools at Reading, and then attended an advanced school at Hackettstown, N. J. He learned the trade of hatter in his father's large establishmEnt, where he was employed until 1895 ; then he and his two brothers, Daniel and Harrison, formed a co-partnership of John Hendel's Sons and pur- chased the hat factory of Hendel Brothers, Sons & Co., in- cluding its extensive trade; and since then this co-partner- ship has carried on the business in a very successful manner. Mr. Hendel was made a Freemason in St. John's Lodge, No. 435, in 1903 ; and in June of that year he was advanced to the thirty-second degree in the Philadelphia Consistory. In 1887 Mr. Hendel married Mary A. Faber, daughter of John T. Faber and Savilla Miller, his wife, of Reading, and they have two children : Raymond Harrison and Catha- ine Marie. JOSEPH EBERLY, whose death on Feb. 23, 1897. removed one of the most prominent and influential men of Lower Heidelberg township, Berks county, resided on an attractive and productive farm of sixty acres. He was born March 23. 1809, in Lower Heidel- berg township, son of Christian and Christina (Flick- inger) Eberly. The Eberly family, which is of German descent, was founded in this country by Peter Eberly, who emigrated from Wittenberg, Germany, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and soon after land- ing settled in Lower Heidelberg township, on the farm now occupied by Peter Peifer, near Fritztown. Peter Eberlv, grandfather of Joseph, was also a farmer of Heidelberg township, and purchased 250 acres of land near Cushion Hill from pioneer Welsh settlers. His wife, who was a Newcommer, of Lan- caster county. Pa., accompanied her parents from Ger- many when a child. Peter Eberly and his wife are buried in a private cemetery on their property at Cush- ion Hill, this burying ground being surrounded by a three-foot wall, and they have rough sand stones, on which there, are no inscriptions, for tombstones. T'hey had six children, namely: Peter, who settled in Lancaster county, had a grandson, Peter (resides at Mohnton, Pa.); Michael was a farmer of Lancaster county; Christian: Daniel lived on the farm now occu- pied by Peter Peifer at Fritztown; one daughter married a Mr. Hauschen (?), and located in Cumber- land county; and a daughter of whom there is no record. Christian Eberly, father of Joseph, was born in Lower Heidelberg townshi" in 1759, and died in ]827, in his sixty-ninth year. He was a successful farmer and owned two large properties, one of eighty acres near Wernersville. In 1813 he built a stone house on his farm near Montello. and here his death o'ccurred. He conducted the Eberly mills for a number of years. Mir. Eberly married Christina Flickinger, daughter of Joseph Flickinger, of Lancaster county, and they had these children: Elizabeth, who died unmarried at the age of eighty-four years; Susan, who died unmarried. aged fifty years; Samuel, who married Nancy Con- rath and lived and died on the farm near Werners- ville; Molly, who married Samuel Reish, of Cumru township, and had two sons, Samuel and Isaac; Ca- therine, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Joseph. ■Joseph Eberly was a lifelong farmer, and owned the tract of sixty acres, on which was situated the Eberly sawmill, which later became a grist mill, and was finally turned into a factory, being abandoned in about 1901. Mr. Eberly was a well known and in- fluential citizen, and had the respect and esteem of all. He was a Republican in politics, and his sons are now following his party principles. Mr. Eberly was a member of St. John's Reformed Church, where the family have a nice burial plot. In 1837 Joseph Eberly was married to Martha Sharman, born Jan. 22, 1815, who died Feb. 22, 1894, aged seventy-nine years, one month, daughter of Hen- ry and granddaughter of John Sharman. of Cumru (now Spring) township. To Mr. and Mrs. Eberly were born these children: Samuel, born Jan. 26, 1838; Emanuel, born Feb. 21, 1840, a coachmaker at Fritz- town, m. Mary Fisher, daughter of William Fisher, and has a daughter, Catherine; Christian, born Aug. 3, 1842; Enoch, born Jan. 3, 1844; Eliza, born Aug. 27, 1846; Henry died aged nine years, ten months; Joseph, born Jan. 29, 1852, died Jan. 23, 1907, aged fifty-five years, m. Annie Wenrich; and William, a carpenter, and deacon of the Reformed Church at Sinking Spring, m. M. Alice Gromis, and has one son, Wellington. Samuel, Christian, Enoch and Miss ElizateEberly are all unmarried, and reside together near Mtontello, on the Lancaster road in Spring township. They are highly esteemed in the community, and are in com- fortable circumstances. DAVID D. BABB, a highly esteemed citizen of Lower Alsace township, Berks Co., Pa., who is en- gaged in blacksmithing and operating a well-cultivated truck farm, was born June 25, 1837, in Alsace (now Lower Alsace) township, son of John and Mary (De Hart) Babb. John Babb. son of John, Sr., and grandfather of Dav- id D., married and had the following children: Jesse, who in early life was a farmer, removed to Reading where he died aged seventy-eight years; Benjamin, a tailor of Reading, where he died when eighty years of age, married and left a family o.f children; John, father of David D.; Sarah married Peter Fies, a wheel- wright by trade, who kept the "Black Horse Hotel" for many years, and they had five children — Rachel, Sarah, Benjamin, Mahlon and Jerre; ana Rachel married Aug- ustus Eidel, a farmer of Olej', where she died aged seventy-five years. John Babb, father of David D., who was a black- smith by trade, conducted the "Centre Hotel" for many years, and there his death occurred. He married Mary De Hart, daughter of John De Hart, and to this union there were born sixteen children, as follows: David D.; Sarah, m. to Jacob Bauer, a farmer of near Baumstown; Emma, m. to Henry Christian, a farmer of Alsace township, whose death occurred in Read- ing; Mary, m. to Richard Long, a cooper who died in Reading; Elizabeth, who died in Reading, m. to Dallas Leinbach; Savilla, who died unmarried in Reading; Rose, m. to Daniel Reider, a brick layer who now lives in Nebraska; Caroline, m. to Fred Heine, who resides at Omaha, Nebr.; Daniel, a farmer of near Green Tree. Cumru township, m. to Amanda, daughter of Daniel Zieber; George, m. to Isabella Foulk, deceased; James, a farmer who resides near the old homestead, m. to Hettie, daughter of Jerre Fick; John, who was killed at the second battle of Bull Run, during the Civil war; William, who died young; Martha, m. to Thomas •Keller, who works in a woolen mill and resides near the Stony Creek Mills; Minerva, who married John 650 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Fisher, deceased, and resides near Reading; Ida, m. to Louis Kern, and residing near Reading. David D. Babb was reared and educated in Alsace (now Lower Alsace) township, and from the age of sixteen years assisted his father in the blacksmith shop. There he learned the trade, which he has fol- lowed to the present time, also carrying on truck farming. Mr. Babb was married to Miss Rebecca Marberger, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Hafer) Mar- berger and she died Aug. 3, 1907, being interred at Spies's Church cemetery. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Babb; Sarah Alice, born Feb. 3, 1862, m. William Ibach, and resides near Mt. Penn in Lower Alsace township; John M.. born June 12, 1863, m. Sarah Keller; David M., born Aug. 5, 1867, is single; Annie Rebecca, born June 15, 1869, m. John Klemmer, and they reside with her father; Mary Ida, born June 23, 1875, died Aug. 1, 1877; and Elmenda M., born June 1, 1878, m. Samuel Long, and they reside at St. Lawrence, Exeter township, where he is a weaver in Brumbach's woolen mills. Mr. Babb and his family are members of the Lutheran congre- gation at Spies's Church. CYRUS K. SPATZ, who is engaged in operating his 108-acre farm in Muhlenberg township, Berks county, one of the finest properties of the locality, was born June 17, 1841, in Bern township, son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Kaufifman) Spatz. Valentine Spatz, who was a farmer in Bern town- ship all of his life, died on his farm of 133 acres, about one mile from Bern Church, at the age of sixty- three S^ars, and his wife passed away when seventy- three years of age. He was a member of the Reformed Church, while she was a Lutheran, and both were highly esteemed in the community in which they spent so many years.' Mr. Spatz was a Democrat in his political opinions, and was a school director for some years in Bern township. Valentine Spatz and his wife had children: Cyrus K, Jonathan, Levi, Lov- ina, William, Elam, Amelia and Benjamin. Cyrus K. Spatz was reared upon his father's farm in Bern township, where he remained until twenty- seven years of age, and at this time located in Muh- lenberg township, where he has since resided. He bought the John Barnhart' property of 108 acres, a fine, fertile tract, upon which he built, at a cost of $4000, a two-story brick dwelling, the brick for which were manufactured in Leesport. This home, which is very substantial in character and model in design is one of the finest in Muhlenberg township. In 1868 Mr. Spatz was married to Catharine Barn- hart, daughter of John Barnhart, and to this union there have been born five children: Irvin D. B. m. Mary Shepp, and has three children, Mabel, Charles and Laura; Wilson D. B. m. Bessie Huntsberger, and has four children, Catherine, Warren, Emily and Eber; Catherine m. H. P. Shafier, and has one child, Cath- erine; Ella m. Howard Adam, and has one child, Mary; and Florence is single. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Spatz belong to the Reformed denomina- tion, Mr. Spatz having been a deacon and elder in the Hinnershitz Reformed Church for nearly thirty- five years. He is a Democrat in politics, and for twenty-seven years was a school director. Frater- nally he is connected with Muhlenberg Castle, No. 373, K. G. E., Hyde Park, Pennsylvania. JOHN S. ROTHERMEL, for many years propri- etor of the "Farmers' Hotel." was one of the most highly esteemed residents of l.iuhlenberg township, and in his death, which occurred Feb. 32, 1902, the county lost one of its most substantial citizens. Mr. Rothermel was born Aug. 21, 1844, in Muhlenberg township, son of Peter and Kate (Schaefler) Roth- ermel. Johannes Rothermel, grandfather of John S., was born in AlSace township, Berks county, in 1766, and his wife, Deborah DeTurk, in 1783 in Oley township. Her father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. To Johannes Rothermel and his wife were born: Jo- hannes, Sarah, Catherine, Deborah, Peter, Mrs. Beaver and Peter (2). In religious belief the family were Baptists, in which faith Mr. Rothermel died April 30', 1826, and his wife in 1844. Peter Rothermel, son of Johannes, married Kate Schaefifer, and to them were born children as fol- lows: Deborah m. Daniel Maurer, and had two chil- dren, Mary and Katie; Catherine m. Levi Rotheberger, and had one child, Deborah; John S.; and Peter m. Mary Barnhardt, and had one child, William. John S. Rothermel was educated in the public schools of Muhlenberg township, and also took a course at West Chester Academy, after which he worked on his father's farm until his marriage. On July 6, 1863, he enlisted for three months' service under Capt. Sam- uel A. Haines in Company G, 42nd Pa. V. I., and participated in the battle of Antietam, the balance of his enlistment being spent in guard duty at Har- risburg, his regiment guarding the bridge across the Susquehanna river. After the war he returned home, where he continued to work until his marriage, when he removed to one of his father's farms, which he operated as a tenant. Subsequently, Mr. Rothermel located on the Gabriel Gehret farm of sixty acres, where he carried on a butchering business for about six years., this farm being located three and one-half miles from Reading on the Centre pike, then known as the Pottsville and Philadelphia pike. "The Farmers' Hotel" on this oroperty is one of the oldest hotel stands in this part of Berks county, and was carried on by Gabriel Gehret's father, Jacob Gehret. Mr. Rothermel applied for a license here after the hotel had been closed for about twelve years, and after this was granted by the county courts he opened the hostelry, and until his death carried on farming and hotel-keeping. Mr. Rothermel was married to Catherine M. Gehret, daughter of Gabriel and Mary (Maurer) Gehret, and to this union there were born three children, namely: Harrison, born Aug. 4, 1867, m. Kate Hahn, and had one child, Edna; John B,, born Sept. 11, 1871, m. Alice Fox, deceased, and had one child, May (died May 33, 18S6, aged ten days); and Amelia L, m. Howard Schmeck, and had one child, Catherine. In religious belief he was Reformed, and was a member of Hin- nershitz Church, He was a Democrat in politics, hav- ing been elected a number of times to the office of school director. Fraternally Mr. Rothermel was con- nected with Leesport Lodge, No. 144, I, O. O. F., his wife being a member of the Rebekahs. Mrs, Rothermel was a daughter of Gabriel Gehret, and one of a family of four daughters, the other three being: Amelia, m. to Daniel Baum; Ellen, m. to Thomas Baum, brother of Daniel; and Adeline, m. to Daniel Holtry, deceased. SAMUEL BEARD, one of the oldest citizens of Reading, Pa., and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, was born in 1840, in Shoemakersville, Berks county, son of Herman Beard and grandson of Samuel Beard. Samuel Beard, the grandfather, was for some years engaged in the hotel business in Berks and Schuylkill counties, being at one time proprietor of the well- known hotel at Fifth and Washington streets, Read- ing, now owned by Mr. H. Godfrey. He died at the age of seventy-five years. Herman Beard, son of Samuel, was born in Berks county, and for a number of years was engaged in the mercantile business at Shoemakersville, Berks county, also conducting a hotel business at that place. Coming tn Reading, Mr. Beard engaged in the hotel business at Fifth and Washington streets, but later went to Pottsville where he was in business for three years. He later returned to Reading, where he died in 1882, BIOGRAPHICAL 651 aged seventy-six years. He was a Mason of high standing. Mr. Beard married Annetta Yerger, and their children were: Samuel, Sallie and WilHam. Samuel Beard attended the public schools of Read- ing, after leaving which he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed from 1854 to 1861, at which time he enlisted in Company H, 25th Pa. V. I., for three months service. After his discharge he veteran- ized in Company I, 118th Pa. V. I., for three years, and served with his regiment until he was wounded in the battle of Antietam, Sept. 21, 1863, being shot in the muscle of the right arm, from the eiiects of which he has never fully recovered. On receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Reading, and tried to go to work at his trade, but his arm could not stand the strain, and he secured a position as clerk in a hotel at Pottsville, where he remained until 1881. Mr. Beard then went to Nebraska, and for some time was employed in clerking there, but again returned to Reading and engaged with the Reading Iron Company, in the tube works department, where he has been employed to the present time, some- thing over twenty-five years of faithful service. M^ Beard resides at No. 414 Walnut street. Mr. Beard married Helen S. Reed, daughter of Jacob Reed, of Pottsville, Schuylkill county, and to this union were born: George R., a printer of Philadel- phia, m. Emma Skeen; William L., employed at the tube works, is single and resides at home; Nellie, m. Lewis Eastburn, of Reading; and Emma is at home. Mr. Beard is a Republican in politics, and while a resident of Schuylkill county, he assisted in taking the census there. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Fraternally Mr. Beard is a M'ason, and has been a member of Pulaski Lodge, No. 346, Pottsville, since 1873. CHARLES W. BECHTEL, general inspector of the city of Reading, was born in that place, son of John R. Bechtel, and grandson of David Bechtel. The lat- ter was a farmer of Douglassville, Berks county. John R. Bechtel was a real estate dealer and build- er in Reading. He married Sophia Ringle, daughter of Jacob Ringle, a boat builder of that same city, and to this union were born seven children, namely: Sarah, Mts. Stout; Susa^, at home; Minnie, wife of George E. Miller, an employe at the city hall; Rena, at home; George I., a clothier; Ernest V., who rep- resents the Fourteenth ward in the common council; and Charles W. Charles W. Bechtel was born Jan. -25, 1856, and after attending the public schools, completed his edu- cation in Palatinate College, graduating with the class of 1875. For two years he was in the grocery busi- ness for himself, but at the end of that time he went into his father's merchant tailoring establishment, then the largest concern of its kind in Reading. He worked for his father fifteen years, and for the next eight years was employed at building for his father. He finally gave up the building btisiness, as he was in 1900 appointed general inspector of all' city manufact- uring plants, and as he fills the office with great effi- ciency, he has been reappointed each succeeding year. Mr. Bechtel was married July 4, 1880, to Miss Mina Geho, daughter of Nicodemus Geho, shoe dealer at Reading. One daughter has been born to them, Amy, now the wife of Walter G. Taylor, an employe of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart. In politics Mr. Bechtel is a Republican, and is an active worker for his party, which in turn has made him its representative in various official positions. He was a member of the common council from the Four- teenth ward in 1888-89-90, and was also ward assessor for twelve years. He has been chairman of the Sixth ward for some time, is frequently a delegate to Re- publican conventions, and holds a prominent place on the board of public works. Fraternally Mr. Bechtel be- longs to the B. P. O. E., and in religion he is a member of the Memorial Reformed Church. JOHN C. PRINTZ, who for many years was a pattern-maker and member of the firm of Davis & Printz, on Ninth, below Bingaman street, was born in 1839, in Bradford county, Pa., son of Rev. George Printz, a minister of the Presbyterian Church. John C. Prentz was . married in 1867 to Lavinia Espenshade, daughter of Henry F. and Louisa (Lea- man) Espenshade, an old and honorable Pennsylvania Mennonite family. Mr. Espenshade was for many years a tanner on Cherry, below Fifth, street, Reading, and was well and favorably known in that part of the city. He and his wife had these children: Lemuel, a soldier in the Civil war, was wounded in battle and died at a hospital; Daniel F. is deceased; and Lavinia C. m. Mr. Printz. Mrs. Printz survives her husband, and lives in the home built by him. To Mr. and Mrs. Printz were born the following children: Henry G., who is a pattern maker, m. a Miss Gantz; Etta L. m. Edward Yeager; Ella m. Frank G. Dietrich, a teacher; Mabel m. Jeremiah Romig, a conductor in the employ of the United Traction Company's System; Paul is a molder; Martha m. Gustavus Abraham, a hatter; Fred, un- rnarried, is in the United States Navy; and Charles died at the age of nine years. John C. Printz was known to be a man of honor and integrity, and was much esteemed by his ac- quaintances for his manv sterling characteristics. He was patriotic and public-spirited, and was considered a representative citizen of Reading. His fraternal con- nections were with Montgomery Lodge of the Odd Fellows, of Reading; Knights of Pythias; Knights of Malta; and Friendship Fire Company. DAVID CLOySER,'in his lifetime one of Reading's highly esteemed citizens, was born in Oley tow'nship, Berks Co., Pa., March 5, 1827, son of Abraham Clouser. Abraham Clouser was a miller by trade, who followed that occupation in Oley township throughout his life. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was H;ert, were born children as follows: David, John, an agri- culturist of Ashland, Ohio; Sarah, m. to the Rev. Sam- uel Momberger; Maria, m. to Lewis Saxon; and Ma- linda, m. to the late Frank Candle, and residing in Reading. David Clouser secured his early educational train- ing in the pay schools of Oley township, and at an early age began to learn the carpenter's trade. ' In 1854 he came to Reading, working at his trade in the city for a period of thirty-five years. He first was em- ployed in the Philadelphia & Reading shops, and later with different contractors, at house carpentering, and was considered a skilled and faithful workman. He erected his late home at No. 323 North Eighth street, Reading, in 1857, and resided there until his death March 5, 1907. His remains were interred at Alsace church. Mr. Clouser married Sophia Kline, daughter of Hen- ry Kline. She died Oct. 5, 1905, and was buried at the Berks County Alsace Church. Of the seven child- ren born to Mr. and Mrs. Clouser, only two are liv- ing: David K., who is a machinist at the Philadel- phia & Reading shops, Reading, and now living at the home No. 323 North Eighth street; and Irwin, boss of the air brakes at the Philadelphia & Reading shops, Reading. In his political behef Mr. Clouser was a Democrat, but although he took a deep interest in the success of that party, never cared for public office. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief. ALTHOUSE. The first of the Althouse family to come to America was George Althouse, born May 5, 1744, in Wittenstein (Grafschaft) Germany, and died Feb. 7, 1811. He married Maria Barbara Herbein (born 653 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA March 21, 1741, died March 33, 1822), and among their children was a son, Peter. Peter Althouse, born Feb. 3. 1775, died March 5, 1839. He married Catherine Schaeffer, born Oct'. 2, 1775, who died Aug. 26, 1826. Their children were: George, born in 1803, died Jan. 6, 1866; Susan m. Christian Leinbach; and Samuel. Samuel Althouse m. Mary Ann Zacharias, and they had three sons and one daughter: George, born Jan. 15, 1841. died May 39, 1861; John Z., born May 28, 1843', died June 27, 1879; Catherine, born in August, 1844, died Jan. 4. 1865; and Samuel, born Oct. 14, 1847, died Nov. 23, 1848. The father of these children died in January, 1849, and the mother Oct. 4, 1865. John Z. Althouse was born on the property now owned by his widow, near Epier's Church, in Bern township, which was settled by the pioneer of the family in this section. After his marriage Mr. Alt- house located in Reading in the home now occupied by his widow, and here resided until his death. He also owned much property in Riverside, a portion of which was donated by his widow to the Olivet Reformed Church, and was a stockholder and one of the organiz- ers of the Berks & Lehigh Railroad. On March 5, 1868, Mr. Althouse was married to De- borah R. Eppler, daughter of Jared and Deborah (Rothermel) Eppler. and to this union were born six children: Jennie; Mary; Emily, deceased; Samuel, m. to Caroline Shomo, and father of two children — Dor- othy and Josephine; George, who died young; and an infant. HENRY A. COLLINS, a substantial business man of Robeson township, Berks county, who is the pro- prietor of the Seideltown Grist and Flouring Mill, was born March 12, 1864, in Topton, Berks county, son of James and Mary (Albright) Collins. James Collins, father of Henry A., who was a fore- man on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, while engaged in construction work on that road was killed in 1864, and was buried at Reading. He was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He and his estimable wife were the parents of these children: Daniel; Clara; Ida, who married Oliver Grubb and had two children, Charles and George; Andrew J.; Curtin and Henry A., the first three named now deceased. Mrs. Col- lins was married (second) to Amos Weinpelt, whom she bore three children, namely: Howard, Amos and Mary A. Henry A. Collins was educated in the public schools of Robeson township and the city of Reading, an-d after leaving the latter secured employment on the farm of Milton Geiger. of Geigertown, with whom he continued as a laborer for two years. He then en- tered the employ of the Seyferts, at Gibraltar, con- tinuing in the iron works for twenty-three years, the major portion of which time he acted in the important capacity of heater. Being industrious and thrifty, Mr. Collins accumulated enough to go into business on his own account, and in 1904 he purchased the William H. Kirling mill, at Seideltown, a ninety-three acre tract consisting of farm and timberland, where he has since made many improvements. He has al- ways been enterprising and hard-working, and is deserving of the success which has come to him. Honest and upright in all of his dealings, Mr. Collins has gained an enviable reputation for integrity, and has the esteem and respect of all who know him. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and takes a great interest in the success of his party, although he has never sought public preferment. Fraternally he is connected with Washington Canip, No. 298, P. O. S. o£ A. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, while Mrs. Collins is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr._ Collins was married in 1887 to Anna M. Hafer, and eight children have been born to this union, as follows: Penrose, Paul, Harry, Herbert,, Mark L., James, Margaret A. and Mary L. ABRAHAM F. REESER, now living retired from active business life, at No. 217 South Fourth street, Reading, Pa., was born in Bern township. Berks Co., Pa., July 36, 1835, son of Abraham S. and Annie (Feather) Reeser, and grandson of John Reeser. The great-grandfather of Abraham F., also named John, emigrated from Bern, Switzerland, to Bern town- ship, Berks county, at an early date, and there took up a large tract of land from William Penn. Here he settled and made many improvements, engaging in ag- ricultural pursuits for the remainder of his life. Ab- raham S. Reeser, father of Abraham F., was educated in the schools of Bern township, and like his forefath- ers engaged in farming. He was independent in polit- ical matters. Mr. Reeser was a very generous man and gave liberally of his means to any church or charitable institution. He and his wife were the par- ents of these children: Sarah, Catherine, John, Abraham F. and William. The family were members of the Reformed Church. Abraham F. Reeser was educated in the common schools of Bern township, but subsequently attended Irvin Academy and still later Lee's school. He then accepted a position with Rhoads & Son as clerk, in their grocery establishment, which was located in th^ old jail. Fifth street and Washington, the firtn also operating a shoe and liquor store in connection with their grocery, as was the custom in those days. Mr. Reeser remained with Rhoads & Son for several years, when he went to Philadelphia, and there he engaged in the provision business until 1862, when he sold out to William H. Wanamaker, and returned to Reading. After engaging in the lightning rod business for three years, Mr. Reeser engaged in the store business in Reading, opening the Eagle Shoe Store on Penn street, which he conducted five years, and then sold out to engage in the real estate business, which he has continued to the present time. Mr. Reeser built the first house in West Reading, opened the first street there, and inaugurated the water system. He also purchased a plot of land and laid out Woodvale, owning at present there about 500 lots, as well as Woodvale Mansion, a summer hotel and one of the finest health resorts in this section of Pennsylvania. He built the Black Bear road, known as the East Reading Railroad, the first mile of the Gravity Rail- road, and all the drives on Heversink Mountain. He has always been active in any movement for the up- building of his locality, especially in the way of real estate improvements, erecting many buildings in Read- ing proper, West 'Reading and Woodvale (or what is now Mt. Penn). In politics Mr. Reeser is a Republican, and he served as assessor three years. He is a member of the Re- formed Church. Fraternally he belongs to St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M. On the maternal side Mr. Reeser is of Prussian and French Huguenot stock. Peter Feather, his grandfather, was born in Berks county, and he owned and operated the "American House" in Reading. He was very public spirited and progressive. His wife was a Miss Levan. MATHIAS. The Mathias family in Berks county, Pa., is of German origin, the first of the name to come to America being d) Philip Mattes (as he spelled his name in his will). His will was made Nov. 4, 1792, and probated Feb. 26, 1793 (See Will Book B, page 331.) His death occurred in Earl township. The name Mathias is vari- ously spelled. In the tax list of Earl township, in 1782, It IS recorded as Philip Mathew, and in other legal documents it is spelled Matthis, Mattis and Mad- des. Philip Mattes owned considerable property, and at his death gave two of his daughters, Elizabech and Maria Catharine, fifty pounds in money His ^on Philip and trusty friend, John Houck, were the exec- utors. His children mentioned in the will were: Eliz- BIOGRAPHICAL 653 abeth, Philip, Jacob, Stephen, Maria Catharine, Bar- bara and Eva Rosina. (II) Jacob Mathias, son of Philip, lived in Earl township, where he obtained fifty acres of land from a man named li^iager for a bowl of punch. At this time not all the land in the district had been taken up. This tract is now owned by Jacob S. Mathias. Jacob Mathias. married a Miss Heater, and they are buried at Hill Church. He died in 1835, and his will is recorded in Book C, p. 346. In it are mentioned sons Johannes, David, William and Jacob, and daugh- ters Christina (m. Adam Diener), Betzy (m. George Moser), Polly (m. John Emes and second, James Ernes), Catharine (m. Henry Emes), and Sallie (m. John Reider). The son Jacob and Michael Motz were the executors of the will. (II) Philip Mathias (3), son of Philip the ancestor, was born in Amity township, and died in 1801, and is buried at Amityville. He was a member of the German Reformed Church. His will made May 15, 1801, was probated the 37th of the following June. He married Mary Swavely, who survived him many years, and she is buried at Oley churches. Five chil- dren are mentioned in his will, namely: Philip, Jacob, who was for thirty years an invalid; Elizabeth; Dan- iel; and Abraham, a farmer in Colebrookdale town- ship, whose children were William H., Jonathan, Abra- ham, Mrs. Jonathan Houck, Mrs. Philip Snyder and Mrs. Heflner. (III) Daniel Mathias, son of Philip (2), was born in Amity township, but in early life moved to Earl. He was a farmer, and cleared land, selling the timber to the forges. He owned a seventy-acre farm in Ear! township, which later became the property of his son, Daniel, and remained in the Mathias name until 1908, when Daniel Mathias's grandson, Daniel Cleaver, pur- chased it. Daniel Mathias was very successful in his work, and showed himself a man of remarkable ability. He was a Democrat, an8 gave his services to his district as school director being greatly inter- ested in educational matters. He was an official in the Oley Reformed Church. With his wife he is buried in the cemetery at Oley. He married Elizabeth Spohn, daughter of Casper Spohn, a Hessian soMicr who remained in Berks county after the Revolution. Their children were: Anna, deceased, who married George Drumheller, deceased, and lived in Earl town- ship; Philip S.; Enoch, first. a farmer in Earl, then a merchant in (jilbertsville, and finally a resident of Reading where he died; Mary, who married Elam Guldin, a man of adventurous spirit, who served in both the Mexican and the Civil wars; Jacob, who lived at Conshohocken, Pa. ; Hiram, a merchant at Earl- ville; Daniel, who lived on the homestead many years, and later moved to his present home near Pleasant- ville; and Mahlon, who died aged nineteen years. (IV) Philip S. Mathias, son of Daniel, was Viorn in Earl township in 1825, and he died Feb. 26, 1869. He was an early school teacher in Earl township, teaching in all sixteen terms in one district. He owned a 20-acre tract in Earl township, and there his death occurred, and his remains were interred at Oley church, of which he was an official member. In politics he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Odd Fellows at Pleasantville. He married Mary Mathias, born April 17, 1826, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Motz) Mathias. a distant relative. She now lives at Shanesville, with her daughter. Miss Sarah E. Math- ias. To Philip S. and Mary (Mathias) Mathias were born the following children: Miss Sarah E.; Morris M.; Hannah, m. to Edward Clemens, of Ambler, Pa.; and Ada, m. to Edwin H. Weller, of Shanesville. (V) Morris M. Mathias, son of Philip S., re- ceived his early education in the schools of Earl town- ship, and later attended the Kallynean Academy, at Boyertown. In 1873 he was licensed to teach by the late Prof. D. B. Brunner, and he taught three terms in Pine Grove school in his native township. Later he taught four terms in the Pleasantville Independent district in Oley, and then two terms in Shanesville. He was successful both as an instructor and as a disciplinarian, and attained a high place among Berks county educators. In 1877 he began farming on the Aaron Weller farm near Shanesville, and this farm became his by purchase in 1885. It contains seventy acres of rich land, and he carried on farming here until the spring of 1908, when he was succeeded by his son, J. M. W. Mathias. In 1907 he built an addition to the house, and greatly improved the property; the excellent condition of the entire place shows his good management. He also owns several tracts of wood- land, one in Earl township, and one in Pike._ He is an aggressive citizen, intelligent and progressive, and he is keenly interested in the development of his community. In 1883, when but twenty-eight, years of age he was elected justice of the peace, and has been re-elected continuously since, his present term extend- ing to May 6, 1913. He has settled many disputes, and has many times kept friends and neighbors out of court, being in reality the peace maker of the dis- trict. He has served as clerk at many sales, as ad- ministrator of estates, and also as executor, and has been made guardian of a number of children. He is an agent of the Boyertown Fire Insurance Company, and has been since 1893. For six years he was auditor of the township. He and his family are members of Oley Reformed Church, of which he was deacon and later elder, and he is secretary of the Oley Ceme- tery Company. On Sept. 35, 1875, Mr. Mathias was married to Mary Ann D. Weller, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Dot- terer) Weller. Their children were: Sarah, who died in infancy; Olivia W., at home; Warren W., a farmer in Oley township, near Pleasantville, m. to Willi De Turck. daughter of Daniel De Turck, of Oley, and has children M. Daniel, Mary M., Olivia May and Jr-hilip Curtis; Morris W., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1903, and now engaged in teaching in Earl township, m. to Alice Clauser, daughter of Henfy Clauser, and has chil- dren Stanly, Helen and Ralph; J. M. W., a farmer on the homestead, m. to Katie Dry, daughter of Sam- uel IDry, and has. children — Leroy, Mabel and Annie; and Lawrence W., a farmer in Oley, organist of the Oley Union Sunday-school, and formerly a teacher of music, m. to Ella Fisher, daughter of Daniel D. Fisher, and has one son, Russell. HENRY S. GOTTSCHALL, one of the represen- tative farmers of Berks county. Pa., who is engaged in cultivating his fine property in Alsace township, was born June 33, 1839', in Alsace township, son of Daniel and Hannah (Schildt) Gottschall. George Gottschall, grandfather of Henry S,, was a son of John Gottschall and wife (nee Keller), He married Susan Croninger, by whom he had these children: Daniel; Elizabeth, m, to John Neukirk; Sa- rah, m. to John Holdrie, of Indiana; Ella, m, to John Schildt, of Alsace township; Elana, m. to William Delp; Rachel, m. to Samuel Heller; Leonard, m. to Mrs. Magdalena (Fox) Keener; George, m. to Mrs. Elizabeth CDelp) Butterweck; and John, m. to El- mina Schwoyer. Daniel Gottschall, father of Henry S., was a farm- er of Alsace township, where he spent his entire life. He was married to Hannah Schildt, and to them these children were born: Lovina, m. to Amos Hoy- er: Henry S.; Sarah, m:. to Daniel Bingaman; Daniel, who died young; and Jacob, who also died in youth. Henry S. Gottschall received his educational train- ing in the commion schools of his native tow'nship, and he has always been engaged in farming. His pres- ent fine property, situated near Seidel's blacksmith shop in Alsace township, is cultivated by the most modern methods and machinery and presents an ex- cellent appearance. He is a stanch Republican in poll- (;54 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA tics and his first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln (ni. John S. Hartzell of AUentown), Emma (died m in 1864 With his family Mr. Gottschall attends Spies's mfancy), Jacob W. (whose only child, Anna ^., is Church of the Lutheran faith. , ^^"^^^7, °.L ^^f '^^A'^ Reunion Association), Albert On June 23 1860, Mr. Gottschall was married to P., R. Matilda (m. Charles Appel, of AUentown) and Miss L Heist and to this union there have been born Anna M. (m. Lewis Shankweiler, of AUentown) ; ana children as follows: Rose m. Philip Hauck, and has Henrietta K., who marri ed Jes se Klme. three children, Harry, Willie and Earl; Mary m. James j v c Klopp and has two children, Ella and Anna; Mil- .Heinnch Grim, great-grandfather of Moses K., of ton m and has eight children Allen m.' Alice Zieber, Maxatawny township was born m Maxatawny to^yn- and has two children, Edna and Annie; John; Annie ship m 1733, and he died upon his farm near Bowers m John N^°l; Maggie (Lovie) m. Samuel Sitchel. Station in 1804. He owned he old Grim homestead m. juiui iiuii, i SB V. / ^^^ squares from Bowers Station, on which is the old GRIM. In Weisenburg township, Northampton (now mill — one of the land marks of the township.. Hein- Lehigh) county. Pa., in 1738 located Johan Egidius rich Grim was a farmer and miller. He married Ger- Grimm (or Grim), who came to this Commonwealth trude Trexler, and they had children: Absalom; Gid- with that noted pioneer minister of the Lutheran eon (1760-1833); Jonathan; Daniel; Reuben; Solomon; Church, John Casper Stoever. The Grim family home Ann; and Polly. was in Normandy and the lineage is traced back to Solomon Grim, son of Heinrich and Gertrude (Trex- a Baron there in the time of William the. Conquerer. ler), was a successful farmer and miller in Rockland One branch of the family went to Alsace, whence came township, where he died in 1815. He married Leah Johan Egidius (also known as Gitti and Gideon). It Kline, daughter of David Kline, the owner of much appears that he later settled in Maxatawny, Berks valuable propertv in Maxatawny. They had two child- county, where he secured a large tract of land. He ren, Reuben, and a daughter that died in childhood, built a substantial house, where other settlers fre- Reuben Grim, son of Solomon and Leah (Kline), quently sought refuge in times of Indian disturbances, was born on his father's farm in Rockland township. Most of his descendants are members of the Lutheran March 7, 1816. For many years he conducted the Church, and two of his sons served in the war of the mill in connection with farming, continuing this double Revolution. The will of "Gitti, alias Gideon," Grim occupation until 1866. He was very successful, and be- was made Jan. 28, 1760. and was probated Oct. 1, came the owner of three farms. In 1867 he moved 1761, when Jacob and Henry Grim, his sons, were to Maxatawny township to the farm now occupied by appointed as executors. In this will he gave his his son Moses K. He was a man of influence and land to his sons Jacob and Henry; fifty pounds to was a prominent worker in the Lutheran Church at his daughter Cattarina; fifty pounds to his daughter Lyons. He died Dec. 30, 1897. He married Diana Elizabeth (m. Casper Merkel); thirty pounds to Frantz Kutz, daughter of Daniel Kutz. of Maxatawny, and Roth, "son of my daughter Margreth." their children were: William; Solomon; Dewald, who (II) Henry Grim, son of Gitti, married and had died aged two years; Moses K.; Amanda, m. to An- three children: Jacob; Jonathan, ancestor of Daniel thony Dengler, now of Michigan; Louisa, m. to the P. Grim, of Kutztown; Gideon. late Daniel Gaby; and Eliza, who died aged seven (II) Jacob Grim, son of Gitti, married and had a son years. Henry, born March 16, 1756. who died April 3, 1839, MosES K. Grim, son of Reuben and Diana (Kutz), aged seventy-three years, and eighteen days, the father was born in Rockland township, May 8, 1845, and is of five children — Rachel, Jonas, Abraham, Solomon now a prominent and successful farmer, located near and David. Bowers Station, in Maxatawny township. His early (III) Jacob Grim, son of Henry, 'was born June training was along agricultural lines, and when he 17, 1754. On Nov. 2, 1779, he married Catharina Hot- started out for himself in 1873, it was on the same farm tenstein, and he died June 34. 1833, aged seventy-nine on which he now resides. This consists of 110 acres, years, seven days. Both he and his wife are buried and Mr. Grim has been its owner since 1896. He is on the farm in Maxatawny township, now owned by a man of much business capacity, and is possessed of Mrs. Cecilia (Grim) Butz, of AUentown. This ad- more than ordinary intelligence, and is greatly es- joins the old homestead farm. To Jacob and his wife teemed in his locality.- In his political affiliations he were born eleven children, namely: Jesse; David; is a Republican, and from 1900 to 1903 served his Henry, who died in Philadelphia unmarried; Sem; Dan- township (which is nominally Democratic) on the iel, who died in infancy; Nathaniel, who died in in- school Ijoard, being that board's president for one fancy; a son that died in infancy unnamed; Sarah, m. year, and for some time its treasurer. With his fam- to John Bailey; Judith, m. to John Appel; Catharina, ily he belongs to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church who died in infancy; and one whose name is nor at Bowers. For a number of years they worshipped at known. St. Paul's Lutheran Church, at Lyons, where his father, (IV) Jesse Grim, son of Jacob and Catharina (Hot- Reuben, was an official. tenstein), had six children: Jacob, father of Mrs. Cecilia In 1873 Mr. Moses K. Grim was married to Miss Grim Butz, of AUentown; Walter J.; Ephraim; De- Emma C. Weiser. daughter of Elijah and Esther borah; William and Allen. (Bieber) Weiser. Seven children were born of this (IV) Sem Grim, son of Jacob and Catharina (Hot- union, namely: Jacob, born March 8, 1876; Louisa E., tenstein), married Anna Kline, and had five children: June 30, 1878; William G,, April 25, 1881; Walter B., Dr. Henry; Isabella, m. to the Rev. A. J. Herman; Nov. 4, 1883; Ida May, March 7, 1886; Julius H., July Catharine, m. to Prof. Davis Garber; Louise and Os- 2, 1888; and John E., April 2, 1890. car Sem, all of AUentown. (IV) David Grim, son of Jacob and Catharina (Hot- Gideon Grim, son of Heinrich and Gertrude (Trex- tenstein), was born April 12, 1787. He died Oct. 12. ler), was born in Maxatawny township in 1760, and 1838, and was buried in the cemetery on the farm died in 1823, an extensive and prosperous farmer, owned by Mrs. Cecilia G. Butz. His five children His wife,- Elizabeth Kirby, was of English extraction, were: Seth K., who had two daughters, Mary (m. She bore him five sons and two daughters, as follows: William Kline, of Rothrocksville) and Catharina (m. David, Nathan, Gideon, Benjamin, Joshua. Hannah Daniel P. Grim, of Kutztown); Daniel K. ; David K., and Dinah. who had four children, Henry, George, Mary A. (m. Gideon Grim, son of Gideon and Elizabeth (Kirby), William Miller, of Philadelphia), and Anna (m. a was born in Maxatawny township, Aug. 31, 1792, and Mr. Bunker) ; Peter K., who married Elizabeth K. died in Colebrookdale township, April 27, 1848. He Mosser, and had nine children, David, Mary (m. Wil- married Esther Krouse, and they had two sons. Wil- liam J. Frederick, of Reading), Catharine, Amanda Ham K.; and Levi, who died when eighteen years old. BIOGRAPHICAL 655 William K. Grim, son of Gideon and Esther (Krouse), was born in Exeter township, May 28, 1825, and was one of the substantial and representative men of Boy- ertown. In his youth he learned the tanning trade, and this he followed successfully until 1874, In 1872 he moved to Boyertown, and there helped to organize the National Bank, He was also one of the organizers of the Farmers' National Bank of the same town. He was interested in the Colebrookdale Iron Company, of Pcttstown, a large chartered corporation doing busi- ness since 1835_. He was very level headed in business matters, and his judgment was frequfently accepted as final. In 1853 he married Loretta B, Rhoads, daughter of John and Catharine (Boyer) Rhoads, and they have four children: Mahala, at home; Sallie, wife of Frank Sebold; William R., a bank cashier at Texarkana, Tex- as: and Kate, at home. Jonathan Grim, son of Heinrich and Gertrude (Trex- ler), was a tanner in Maxatawny township, where he lived for many years. His later years were passed in Kutztown. He married (first) Catharine H. Bert- olett, and by her had one son, Daniel B., born July 17, 1800. He m. (second) a Miss Snyder, and they had three children: Joshua S., Polly and Jonathan. Daniel B. Grim, son of Jonathan and Catharine H. (Bertolett), born July 17, 1800, owned a farm of 220 acres at Grimville, where he kept a store, hotel and tannery many years, amassing a comfortable fortune. He was active in the State militia, and in public affairs always took an interested and prorninent part. He was known as "Der Hellwedder Grim." In 1819 he mar- ried Elizabeth Krouse, and they became the parents of children as follows: Daniel P., born Aug. 31, 1833, now a wealthy and influential citizen of Kutztown; Jonathan K.; Mary; Charlotte; Catharine; Sarah; Charles A. K. ; Susan (Dietrich); and Amelia. Joshua S. Grim, son of Jonathan by his marriage to Miss Snyder, became a tanner in Maxatawny town- ship, near the Lehigh county line. He owned the farm of 140 acres now the property of Cyranius R. Grim. His first wife, whose maiden name was Bieber, bore him four children: Jonathan; Catharine; Eliza- beth; and Henry P. He m. (second) Mary Zim- merman, daughter of Esau Zimmerman, and the five children of this union were: Charles A., Joshua I., Cyranius R., Mary and Susan. Cyranius R. Grim, son of Joshua S. and Mary (Zim- merman), was born on his father's farm July 22, 1852. In his earlier years he engaged in tanning, but in 1884 began farming, .making a specialty of his poultry, of which he is very proud. For many years he has been one of the active and energetic workers in the Demo- cratic party of Maxatawny township, and in 1889 was elected assessor, an office he has continued to fill to the satisfaction of all ever since. In 1881_ he rnarried Amelia L. Raubenhold, and they have six children:, Mary E., Walter J., Cyranius R., Jr., Martha A., Rose Ann L. and Solon D. DAVID C. KLINE, M. D., for many years a prac- tising physician of Reading, where he is one of the foremost supporters of the Homeopathic _ school, has been remarkably successful in his professional career, and stands deservedly high in the estimation both of his patients and of his fellow citizens. Dr. Kline comes of an old Pennsylvania family, originally settled in Northumberland county. The grandfather, Isaac Kline, was a native of North- umberland county, and followed farming near Sunbury, in the village of Kline's Grove. He married Susan De Witt, and reared a good sized family. Harmon G. Kline was born in Northumberland coun- ty in 1818, and became a lifelong farmer, as was his father before him. He is now living retired at Sun- bury. He is an active member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and has been liberal with both his time and means in endeavoring to advance its inter- ests. His wife was Miss Mary Bassett, who was born in 1822, daughter of Luther Bassett. Her fath- er was a native of New Jersiey, but removed to Dan- ville. Northumberland county, and followed farming there, living to the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs, Kline have enjoyed more than half a century of wedded happiness and are still traveling life's downward slope together. They were the par- ents of nine children, who all grew to maturity, the survivors being men and women of real value to their several communities. (1) Luther B. was educated in the Sunbury public school, and -professionally in the Jefferson Medical College. Since his graduation he has been practising at Catawissa, Columbia county. (2) Elisha B, attended the Williamsport Seminary, read law, and was just ready for admission to the Bar when he died. (3) Lizzie was also sent to Williams- port Seminary, and after finishing her course mar- ried H. C. Wallize, and lives at the old Kline home- stead. (4) George M. was educated at Williamsport, and is now a merchant in Union county, Pa. (5) Mar- garet Ellen is the wife of I. L, Bender, of Martins- burg, W. Va.. where he is clerk to the county courts. (6) Dr. David C. was the next in order of birth. (7) Is- aac C. graduated from Lafayette College, and is now a lawyer at Sunbury. (8) J, Simpson was born in Up- per Augusta township, Northumberland county, and re- ceived his early education in part at New Berlin, Un- ion county. Later he studied at Lafayette College, read law with Charles G. Barkley, and was admitted to the Northumjberland County Bar in February, 1891. He is prominent in his profession, and is splicitor for his county and for the Pennsylvania railroad. At the close of 1891 he entered the office of James C. Packer, with whom he was associated professionally in the settlement of the Packer estate, (9) Rachel Bstelle is the wife of Prof. W. S. Hall, who occu- pies the chair of Mining, Engineering and Higher Math- ematics in Lafayette College. Dr. David C. Kline attended the Bloomsburg Nor- mal School and Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, and then, having decided upon medicine as his pro- fession, entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, the leading homeopathic institution in the United States. His degree was conferred in 1883, and, locating at Reading in July of that year, Dr. Kline has ever since been identified with that place, and has become a prominent figure at most of the local affairs at all connected with his profession. Always an enthusiastic advocate of the principles of the Hahnemann school, he has done much to spread the popularity of the homeopathic system. He was ever active in the establishment of the Homeopathic Hospital in Reading, and has done everything possi- ble since to insure its success, having been one of the hospital staflf from the beginning. Dr. Kline enjoys a large and lucrative practice, but his' specialties are the diseases of women and children, and in that field he has met with remarkable success. In 1895 he took a post graduate course in orificial surgery at Balti- more, He believes that great benefit may be derived from meetings and discussions with other physicians, and so he has connected himself with various profes- sional bodies, including the local Medical Society, the American Institute of Homeopathy and the Homeopa- thic State Society. He has been president of the lat- ter organization, and under his direction the meet- ings _ of the society increased far beyond any point previously attained. Mrs. Kline was Miss Laura Smith, daughter of Sam- uel Smith, M. D., a practising physician of Trevortown, Pa. She was married to Dr. Kline Sept. 21, 1882, and their only child. Rada, a daughter, was born May 15, 1894. Their home is always hospitably open and m^ny, indeed, are the friends who frequent it. The early training of Dr. Kline in religious lines was such as to bring him into sympathy with both the 656 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Presbyterian and Methodist denominations as his fath er belonged to the latter church, and his mother to the former. Untiring in his profession, strong in his friendships and an upright and honorable man, Dr, Kline's life can well bear inspection, and serves as a model for any young men around him. RITTER. The history of the Ritter family has been very hard to trace, but the yearly reunions which have been held of late have brought to light many new or little known accounts of their origin and have awakened inter- est in their early days in this country, where the Ritters are now numerously represented. The name, which signifies "knight," originated during the Middle Ages. When the Crusades were organized over central Europe to redeem the Holy Land, a society having for its object the defense of the faith, the protec- tion of the weak and the honor of womankind, came into existence in central Europe; it was known as die Ritter- schaft, that is, the Knighthood. It flourished for a few centuries, and many people of rank as well as of the mid- dle and lower classes belonged to it, but in time it be- came corrupt and was disbanded. About this time sur- names were coming into general use, and many if not all who belonged to this society assumed that of Rit- ter, so that there were soon a large number of the name in central Europe. Their principal stronghold seems to have been in the Palatinate, as nearly all who came to America emigrated thence. The emigrations began dur- ing the middle of the eighteenth century, and we give some of the port entries, most of these sailing from Rotterdam: Casper Ritter, 1750, ship "Friendship"; Mar- tin Ritter, 1749, ship "Phoenix"; Christopher Ritter, 1731; Heins Ritter, 1731; Mary Ritter, 1731; John and George Ritter, 1736; Aaron Ritter, 1738; Martin Peter Ritter, 1749; Joseph Ritter, 1749; Jacob Ritter, 1750; Hans Rit- ter, 1751; Jacob Ritter, 1751; Nicholas Ritter, 1752; William and Polly Ritter, 1753; John Godfrey Ritter, 1755; Michael Ritter, 1765; William Heinrich Ritter, 1772; Anton Henry Ritter, 1773; Carl Ritter, 1775. These are a few of the names found recorded at different ports, and no doubt nearly all became heads of families in this country, but we give only such history as we have of the two first named, Casper and Martin Ritter, who are supposed to have been brothers. Casper Ritter landed at Philadelphia in 1750, and tra- dition tells us that he and his brother Martin first set- tled in Delaware, but as the soil and climate did not suit them they came into Pennsylvania. Casper pro- ceeded to Easton, then the county-seat of what is now Lehigh and Northampton counties, and was granted a patent for a tract of 510 acres located on Pels creek, a few miles west of its confluence with the Lehigh riv- er. The present town of Laury's is situated where the Pels creek joins the Lehigh river. Casper Ritter's ori- ginal farm included the farms now owned by Reuben Saeger, Prof. David S. Keck and John and Jeremiah Schneck, with perhaps a few smaller tracts. No doubt the tract granted him was forest land and required clearing, the log house had to be built and the soil brought to cultivation from its primitive state. The old log house which sheltered him and his family was razed to the ground only a few years ago. Whether his wife accom- panied him across the ocean, or whether he secured her in this country, is not known, but it is known that six of his children reached maturity: Jacob, Mrs. Johannes Frantz, John, Heinrich, Mrs. Nicholas Saeger and Mrs. Heinrich Frantz. Casper Ritter and his wife were both buried on their farm, on a small elevation a short dis- tance from the house, and their graves are still to be seen. With the exception of a few of the children of Mrs. Heinrich Frantz who moved to Clinton county their descendants settled in the same community, and they are still numerous in that locality. Their annual reunions are notable events. Most of the Ritters living in Le- high and_ Northampton counties north of Allentown, and many living in Allentown, are descended from this Cas- per Ritter. From Martin Ritter descend principally those of the name who live in Allentown and south of that place, between Macungie and Freemansburg. He came to this country, as stated, in 1749, and secured a patent for a tract of land in what is now Salisbury township, a few miles south of Allentown. He was the father of seven children : Martin, Henry, John, Daniel, Michael, Jacob and Gretchen (Mrs. Solomon Kline). Philip Ritter was the ancestor of the Ritter family in Schoenersville, Rittersville and the region over toward Nazareth. , Francis Ritter seems to have been the ancestor of the Berks county Ritters. His father, George Ritter, was a pioneer. Francis, born in 1741 in Exeter township, Berks county, died in 1825. To him and- his wife Barbara were born four sons and three daughters : Daniel, John, Jacob, Samuel, Mrs. Charles Kessler, Mrs. Nicholas Seidel and Mrs. Samuel Christian. It is a matter of interest that the only printing-press ever constructed in Berks county was designed and made in 1796 in Exeter, near the Oley line, by John and Ja- cob Snyder and Francis Ritter. The Snyders were des- cendants of Hans Schneider, who secured a warrant for 300' acres of land in Oley as early as 1717. The Rit- ters and Snyders intermarried. On this hand press Der Readinger Adler was originally printed, the first num- ber .appearing Nov. 25, 1796. The paper was started by Jacob Snyder and George Gerrish, and Francis Rit- ter, who had helped to build the press, bought a half interest in the establishment in 1797, after the publica- tion of two numbers, and placed his son John in the office when the latter was eighteen. John Ritter learn- ed type-setting and the details of the printing business, and was one of the publishers of the Adler from 1802 to 1851. Originally the Ritters lived in Oley and Exeter town- ships, and the pioneers are buried in the cemetery near the Schwartzwald Church. According to tradition, the pioneer settler secured a large tract of land from the Indians, bargaining for as much land as he could walk around between sunrise and sunset. Later, when Wil- liam Penn took possession in Pennsylvania, he claimed that the Indians had no right to sell land that the king of England had given to him, and the pioneer of the Rit- ter family lost his claim. Daniel Ritter, eldest son of Francis (1741-1825), was born in Exeter township, Berks county, in 1776. He engaged in farming on the old homestead quite success- fully all his life, and he died in 1852. He married Su- sanna Snyder, daughter of Benjamin Snyder (and sis- ter of Elizabeth, his brother Jacob's wife), and she died in 1876, aged eighty-four years. Their children were: Benjamin, Esther, Daniel, Loui?a, Ferdinand, Wil- liam Snyder and Franklin. William Snyder Ritter, son of Daniel and Susanna (Snyder), was born in Exeter township Sept. 13, 1828. He remained on the home farm until he was seventeen, receiving such education as was aflforded by the com- mon schools, and then was apprenticed to his uncle, John Ritter, in Der Readinger Adler office, to learn the prin- ter's trade. He finished his apprenticeship, and continued to work in the same place, in time becoming foreman. In 1856 he gave up work at his trade, and spent eight years in the mercantile business in Reading, the major portion of that time having for his partner David Keiser. In 1864, with Jesse G. Hawley, he Durchased the Adler, and under the name of Ritter & Co. — the same under which it had been conducted by its former owners — they carried it on with great 'success for ten years. In 1868 they began the publication of a daily evening paper in English, fJie Reading Daily Eagle, and in the same year purchased the Reading Gazette and Democrat, of J. Lawrence Getz. The partnership was dissolved in 1874, Mr. Ritter becoming sole proprietor of the Adler, and Mr. Hawley taking the two English papers and Der Readinger Kalendar. In 1876 Mr. Ritter erected what was then the largest printing establishment in Reading .=JZ^^''^^^^f^ BIOGRAPHICAL 657 — a four-story brick building. Some time after this he founded the English daily paper, The Reading Daily News, and the English weekly, The Reading Weekly News. He also got out Der Neue Readinger Alder Kal- endar, and all these he published successfully until his re- tirement, in February, 1891. He was a Democrat in pol- itics, and his publications were intelligent exponents of that faith. His pen was vigorous in its warfare for the principles he advocated, and his honesty and fearless- ness" won the respect of all. In 1875 he was a delegate to the State convention that nominated the Hon. Cyrus L. Pershing for governor. In 1861-63, 1864-65, 1874-76 he was a member of the common council, and during his second term was president of that body. From 1877 to 1882 he was prison inspector. He was public-spirited and progressive, and was influential in securing the Read- ing waterworks. Whatever position he held, the duties pertaining to that position he conscientiously and impar- tially fulfilled. He gave great encouragement to the Agri- cultural Society, and was its treasurer for twelve years. His death. May 2, 1891, was a severe loss to the com- munity. In 1853 iMr. Ritter married Julianna Shearer, daugh- ter of Jonathan Shearer, and they had seven children : Milford Newton; Jonathan Shearer; William Clinton; Francis Daniel; Henry Snyder; Laura (m. William T. Shaneman) ; and Annie (m. William H. Luden, of Read- ing). William Clinton Ritter, son of William Snyder and Julianna (Shearer), was born in Reading Jan. 22, 1860. He obtained a good education in the public schools of the city, which he attended until he was sixteen years old. He then learned the printer's trade, serving an appren- ticeship of four years in Der Readinger Adler office, and he has ever since been employed as a journeyman, for a number of years having had charge of the press-room of the Reading Telegram. Since he first joined the force of the Adler that paper has passed through different hands. Mr. Ritter is a man of sterling worth, and is held in high esteem. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. With his family he attends the Universa- list Church, to which the Ritters have belonged through several generations. Mr. William C. Ritter married in 1878 Mary A. Hofmann, and they have two children: (1) Julia, a musician, who while a student in the Boston Con- servatory met and married F. P. McCormick, a musician at Boston ; and (2) Harold H., a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and now an officer in the United States navy. Hofmann. The Hofmann family to which Mrs. Wil- liam C. Ritter belongs is not of long residence in this country, Mrs. Ritter's father, ReV. Andrew Hofmann, having been a native of Germany. He was born in Wies- baden, Germany, attended the German schools, and there prepared for the ministry. After his ordination he came to America, and located at the Swamp in Montgomery county, being pastor of the Swamp charge for twenty- five years. He died in 1860, aged sixty-five years. His wife. Lovina Graber, was born at Pennsburg, daughter of Andrew Graber. a farmer. She died in 1880, aged fifty-eight , years. They had eight children: Emil; Os- car ; Doris, of New York ; Amelia, deceased ; Fannie Cm. Jesse Cressman, of Sumneytown. Pa.) ; Ferdinand Cof Philadelphia) and Ferdinanda (deceased), twins; and Mary A. (m. William C. Ritter, of Reading). Emil Hofmann, son of Rev. Andrew and brother of Mrs. Ritter, is a retired citizen of Reading. He was born at the Falkner Swamp in Montgomery county Dec. 7, 1847, and was educated in the public schools there, working on the farm out of school hours. His father dying, he was at the age of thirteen obliged to earn his own living. In 1873 he came to Reading, and for nine years was successfully engaged in the shoe business at No. 803 Penn street; before that he had spent twelve years in the same line on Penn street, above Ninth. This business he had learned in Sumneytown. In 1898 he retired and visited Europe, traveling through Germany, 42 France and England for three months, accompanied by his wife. They reside at No. 19 South Eleventh street, Reading. Mr. Hofmann is a member of Zion's Reform- ed Church, of which he was deacon and elder for many years. In 1885 he married Louisa Deurer, daughter of Frederick Deurer, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Hofmann have no chil- dren. Hon. John Ritter, son of Francis and Barbara, and brother of Daniel, was born in Exeter township, ftear Schwartzwald Church, Feb. 6, 1779. His early education was limited, and all in German, except for three months when he studied English. When he was eighteen he left his father's farm, and entered the office of Der Reading- er Adler (of which his father was half-owner), and there learned the printer's trade. His spare time was devoted to improving his education. In 1802 his father's interest in the paper was transferred to him, and two years later his brother-in-law, Charles Kessler, purchased the other half-interest, and the firm became John Ritter & Co. Mr. Ritter died Nov. 24, 1851, respected by all. His integ- rity was well known, and even those of opposing political parties regarded him and the news he printed as abso- lutely unimpeachable. Under him the paper was known as the "Berks County Bible." He was a Democrat, and for two terms, 1843-48, represented this district in Con- gress, beirig a member of that body during Polk's ad- ministration. He was offered the nomination a third term, but refused. He was one of the five delegates from Berks county to the Constitutional Convention in 1837. In 1803 he married Catharine Frailey, daughter of Peter Frailey (who was sheriff of Berks county when the Adler was started), and they had three sons: Joel, born Dec. 15,- 1811, long prominent in official position, m. (first) Angeline Bechtel, and (second) Barbara A. Roland, and died July 18, 1868; Louis, born April 3, 1813, is mention- ed in full below ; and Aaron, born April 15, 1816, con- nected all his life with Der Reading Adler, m. Louisa Doebler, and died Nov. 11, 1873. The Hon. John Ritter was a member of the Universalist Church, as have been all the family for generations, and in 1830 he assisted liberally in the erection of the church edifice, giving it his support as long as he lived.' Louis Ritter, son of Hon. John and Catharine (Frai- ley), born in the city of Reading April 3, 1813, died there in the house in which he was born, No. 353 Penn street, Oct. 16, 1889. He received his preliminary training in the select schools of Reading, and at an early age entered the Adler office to learn the printer's trade. Here he continued in various capacities until the Ritter interests were purchased by Charles Kessler. Mr. Kessler was, as- sociate editor and manager of the Adler while the Hon. John Ritter was in Congress, and Louis represented his mother's interests in the paper. He was a very con- scientious, accurate and painstaking news gatherer, ex- tremely exact in all of his details, and he was a financier of rare ability. His friendship was sincere and disinter- ested, and he was courteous and affable, having a kind word for all. He was interested in politics, but although often urged to do so would never accept office. Many years ago he, with Jacob Babb, was in charge of the State printing at Harrisburg, this being the only official business with which he ever had any connection. Mr.' Ritter was also one of the stockholders of the old water board, but this was before the city purchased the water- works. His father was also one of the original members of the board. Fraternally Mr. Ritter belonged to Mont- gomery Lodge. I. O. O. F. Mr. Louis Ritter was twice married, his first wife, Maria B. Haas, dying in 1880. In 1882 he married Miss Mary E. Werner, daughter of Daniel Jackson and Es- ther (Briner) Werner, and she survives her husband and makes her home in Reading. Mrs. Ritter is a member of the Universalist Church of Our Father. She is connected with a number of charitable organizations, among them being the Widows' Home, the- Homeopathic and Reading Hospitals, the Bureau of Employment and 658 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the Humane Society. In former years Mrs. Ritter was prominently identified with musical circles, being or- ganist for Dr. Bausman for four years, and assisting in singing in the choirs of Reading's leading churches. Her father, Daniel Jackson Werner, was born in Cum- ru township, and for many years was foreman for Sey- fert & McManus, in their iron foundry. He passed away after an illness covering eight years, at the age of sixty-four, in the faith of the Universalist Church. His wife, Esther Briner, was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Koch) Briner. In the death of Louis Ritter the poor of Reading lost one of their most generous friends, it being seldom that any subscription for a worthy object did not con- tain his name. The Rev. George W. Kent, in his ser- mon at Mr. Ritter's funeral, said: "Who can think of Death as anything but a messenger of peace vyhen it closes such a life? Yet here is one who never professed religion in the accepted sense. His religion was not a matter of profession; it was just a matter of devout and childlike loyalty to his God, and of steadfast good will and faithfulness to his fellow-creatures. Would that Man had more of such religion." Taking up the line of Jacob R. Ritter, of No. 335 Washington street, Reading, the indications are that he is a descendant in the sixth generation from (I) Ferdinand Ritter in both the paternal and mater- nal lines. Tradition says that this pioneer ancestor was obliged to leave his native land for some offense against the pope, for which he was to be beheaded. All his property was confiscated by the government. There was an Indian camp in Berks county near the Schwartz- wald church, and there he lived with the Indians. It was said he married an Indian woman. At any rate, the story goes that a woman who was with the Indians was exchanged for another woman, and married a Rit- ter. He and his wife were buried in a fence corner on what is now the Charles Breneiser farm in Exeter, formerly owned by the late Benjamin Ritter, who was a son of Daniel Ritter. At the rooms of the Berks County Historical Society may be found the early tax receipts of the county, from 1754, in which year George Ritter paid £18, 4s., 6d., and Ferdinand Ritter, £36, 9s., tax in Exeter; there are no tax receipts for Ritters in that year from Oley. (II) George Ritter, son of Ferdinand, was the next in line of descent to Jacob R. Ritter, whose line on the paternal side seems to come through (III) George, (IV) Isaac and (V) David Ritter, his father. On the mater- nal side his line fromi (II) Georgfe is through (III) Francis, (IV) Jacob and (V) Susan Ritter. It is known that his paternal and maternal grandfathers were first cousins. (Ill) Francis Ritter and his descendants are fully mentioned in the early part of this record. (III) George Ritter, son of (II) George and grand- son of (I) Ferdinand, was the great-grandfather of Mr. Jacob R. Ritter. He was a farmer, lived a little more than a mile below Schwartzwald church, and died in Exeter when over ninety years of age. Among his chil- dren were Christian and Isaac. This George Ritter was a Revolutionary soldier, and his grandson, David Ritter (fa- ther of Jacob R.) had the bayonet he used while in the service. (IV) Christian Ritter. who died in Reading in'l874, in the ninty-sixth year of his age, was born in Oley town- ship, Berks county, in 1779, a son of George Ritter. Christian Ritter passed his early years on his father's farm. One of the events of his boyhood was the visit of Pres- ident Washington to Reading on his way to Carlisle dur- ing the Whiskev Insurrection. In his own words he told the story: "Early in the morning of Oct. 2, 1794, when I was fourteen years old, I left Exeter for Reading with a number of residents of Exeter and Oley, all on horse- back, having heard that President Washington was in town. We dismounted at the corner of Callowhill and Thomas (now Fifth and Washington), where the Pres- ident was stopping at a hotel while on the way to Car- lisle. When he departed we followed on horseback across the Schuylkill, and then we went along the King,'s high- way and made the first stop at the house of Dr. Peter Palm, at Sinking Spring, at 9 :30 in the morning. The Doctor invited the entire party into his house and re- freshed them with red-eye, and he gave a toast to the President, who occupied a settee, which is still in the Palm family. At 10 o'clock the President and his escort pursued their way to Binckley's Inn, a few miles, west. At 10 :30 they galloped on their steeds to what is now known as Womelsdorf, reaching there at noon, and all took dinner at Stouch's Inn. At 2 o'clock the Presi- dent and his party left for Stitestown, now Lebanon, while the Reading, Exeter and Oley people returned to their homes." At the age of twenty-two Christian Ritter left home and learned the miller's trade, subsequently being em- ployed in four different mills. After his marriage he came to Reading, and began distilling oils from the flow- er and vegetable kingdom, ether, wine, sweet spirits of nitre, horse powder, etc. His knowledge of chemistry he had gathered from books alone. He manufactured a blood purifier which he sold in many counties of the State, many doctors buying his medicines. He was but a boy when the first newspaper was started in Read- ing, the Reading Zeitung, by Johnson, Barton & Young- man, Mr. Youngman having been a teacher of Mr. Rit- ter in Exeter township. Mr. Ritter married Elizabeth Getz, and they lived many years at No. 36 South Third street. After her death he made his home with Charles H. Palm, at No. 38 North Third street, and there he died in his ninety-sixth year. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and in religion a Universalist. In 1799, he came into possession of an old powder-horn bearing the date "1734," which had belonged to one of the first Ritters to come to America. (IV) Isaac Ritter, son of George and brother of Chris- tian, was the grandfather of Jacob R. Ritter, of Read- ing. He died on his farm in Exeter in 1852, aged sixty- eight years. The old house in which he lived, and which stood on what is now the Samuel and Adam Kutz estate, in Exeter, was razed by his son John in 1863, and before its destruction his grandson, Jacob R. Ritter, took the dimensions herewith given. It was a two-story struc- ture, 30 by 50 feet, as it then stood. The first part built was of logs, 30 by 30 feet, and the addition, which was of stone, was built eighty or ninety years ago (1909). The fire-place in the log part was 16 by 4 feet in clear. It commenced in the basement, and the walls were 3 feet thick at each end, and the back narrowed to 18 inches in the second story, after which it tapered off up to the roof, projecting 3 feet above the roof, about 3 1-3 feet square. John Ritter said he hauled away over a hun- dred loads of stone. In front of the house was a good spring and a large pond, and, to one side, what is now the Jacob R. Ritter meadow. The spring has long been known as the Trout Spring from the numerous trout found there. At that day there were three times as many trout as at present, thanks to the care Isaac Ritter took to oreservethem. He did not allow fishing unless some- body was sick in the neighborhood, or as far as Reading, when he would fetch trout for the sick without a cent of oay. The fish were not sold. He tended to them him- self. Whole bucketfuls of buttermilk, after the cream was taken off, were thrown into the spring to feed them. He did not care to get as rich as some of his Ritter cousins.. When he was a younger man he had an apple-jack distillery, which was razed about seventy years ago, and the foundations of which are still to be seen near the site of the old house. Some of his apple-jack was haul- ed to Pittsburg. He also made his own wine. He was also a great lover of bees. He went to the woods and caught them in the straw beehives which he made him- self. He had sometimes as many as twenty-five or thirtv. Sometimes he raised them in the fall. When Jacob R. Ritter was a bov Isaac Ritter called all his chil- dren and grandchildren home to kill as many as ten or BIOGRAPHICAL 659 twelve hives of bees, which were destroyed in the fqllow- ing manner : A hole was made in the ground about six inches deep, sulphur was pulverized, made hot and smear- ed on small racks, which were laid in the hole; the sul- phur was set on fire and the beehives set over it. In a half hour the bees were all dead. The house was full of peopld on this occasion, and they called it the bee thrashing or bee slaughter. A big long table was set with plenty on it, and each went home with his share of honey. The old Isaac Ritter barn, with its straw roof, also razed in 1862, is another structure well remembered by Jacob R. Ritter, who drove the horses to thrash wheat there when he was ten years old. Isaac Ritter was an old-line Whig in politics, in which he took much inter- est, being a man particularly well informed on histor- ical matters. He had a number of great histories df the old countries. His wife was a born "EngllsHwoman, by name Deter. Eight of his children lived to a ripe age. His family was as follows : David, John, Joseph, Jesty (rtt John Boyer), Harriet (m. William Boyer, brother of her sister's husband), Elizabeth (m. Daniel Hechler), Hannah (m. Moses Herbine), Apigalia (m. David Masser) and Mary (m. Daniel Nine). (V) David Ritter, eldest child of Isaac, born in 1809, was killed in a runaway accident near the Black Bear May 8, 1847. He was a man of mechanical ability and thorough training, learned the millwright's trade, and built mills and thrashing machines. He got up the first corn-shelling device used in this section, and which help- ed to . do away with the old method — laying a spade on a trestle and sitting on it and peeling the corn off. One of his corn-shelling contrivances is still preserved by Amos Rife, of Exeter, below the "Black Bear Inn," for a relic. Mr. Rife recently retired and sold his farm stock, but he kept the corn-sheller. It could be operated by power or hand, shelling two hundred bushels in a day by power, fifty or sijtty by hand. David Ritter also built horse-powers for thrashing-machines. It was claimed that six horses equaled an eight-horse-power engine, but the power was not so steady. i David Ritter married Susan Ritter, his second cousin, who was a daughter of Jacob Ritter, who was first cousin to David Ritter's father, Isaac. Thus Mrs. David Ritter was a niece of John Ritter. ' "the learned printer," who is fully mentioned above. Nine of Jacob Ritter's children lived to a ripe age: Francis, Israel, Amos, Jacob, Charles, Susan (m. David Ritter) ; Mary (m. Jacob Schmucker) ; Eliza (m. Benneville Klever) ; and Henriette (m. Jacob Phillips.) Mr. and Mrs. David Ritter had seven children : Jacob R., now of Reading, is mentioned below; Annie R. mar- ried William Drumheller, and lives at No. 1509 Lehigh avenue, Philadelphia ; Elizabeth R. married Amos Esterly, and is deceased ; Isaac R., a cabinet-maker, is now living at No. 831 North Twentieth street, Philadelphia; Amelia R. married Philip East, now of No. 223 Monroe street, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mary R. is the widow of Obediah Becker, and is living with her son-in-law, Howard Gregg, at No. 819 West Cambria street, Philadelphia; David R. enlisted for five years in the regular army in 1862, when sixteen years old, and was last heard from in 1865, from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Mrs. Susan Ritter and one of her sisters, Jacob _R. Ritter and one of his sisters, had coal black hair, which fact was accounted for by the tradition of their emigrant ancestor's marriage to an Indian woman, and Jacob R. Ritter was called an Indian during his childhood. How- ever, five of his brothers and sisters, and his other Ritter uncles and aunts, had dark brown hair. (VI) Jacob R. Ritter, one of the best-known cabmet- makers in Berks county, was born at 8 a. m., Jan. 25, 1835, on the Breneiser farm in Exeter township, son of David Ritter. His father dying when he was in his thirteenth year, he lived with his uncle, John Ritter, his father's brother, until he was sixteen and a half years old. One Sunday his uncle, Jacob Schmucker (husband of his mother's sister), came to visit them in Oley, and he sug- gested to John Ritter tliat the boy ought to learn a trade, as his father had been such an excellent mechanic. The time being agreed upon, Mr. Schmucker secured him' a place and bound him out for four years to Fred Hennin- ger, of Reading, a first-class cabinet-maker. Thus it was that he came to Reading when sixteen years old. The first year he received his board and $35, the second his board and $30, the third his board and $35, and the fourth his board and $40. Upon the close of his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman six months, when he and Charles Henninger bought out Charles Hahn, engaging in business at No. 717 Penn street, in a two-story frame structure which had been built by Hahn and formerly rented to the Hantsches for their cigar manufacturing business. The Hantsch brothers bought a property on Penn street, between Sixth and Seventh, and then Mr. Ritfer and Mr. Henninger rented from Hahn, who owned sixty feet in Penn street, above Seventh (the Hawley estate now owns No. 717 Penn street, 20x370). The latter's father, a chairmaker, made chairs there for rnany years, thirty or forty years, selling them on credit — for six months, nine months, twelve months, or eighteen months, as shown by his old books, which Mr. Ritter has seen. The time was always written in the book, because at that time it was the law in the State that anybody that did not pay his debts had to go to jail. When Charles Hahn's parents both died he owned considerable property. From 1856 to 1858 Mr. Ritter and Mr. Henninger continued in partnership in the furniture and undertaking business at No. 717, in 1858 dividing their interests, Mr. Ritter taking all the furniture business and Mr. Henninger all the undertaking. Then Mr. Ritter bought the property from Hahn, 20 feet (No. 717) fronting on Penn street, 370 feet deep to Court street, enlarged the building in the rear and built a brick shop fronting on Court street. In 1861 Mr. Ritter bought from Hahn 20 feet more. No. 719, and erected the present four-story building with two store rooms, renting one for a cigar store, and in the other con- tinuing to carry on his cabinet business. The upper stories were occupied with his furniture. In 1865 he built a cab- inet-maker's planing-mill on the 40 feet in Court street, spending $6,000 to put the machinery in. He ran it with thirty men, whose wages were from $1.75 to $3 a day, piece workers making from $2 to $4 a day. Ten of the men were first-class cabinet-makers. On Penn street Mr. Ritter had a furniture and carpet store, started in 1860, and when he built for J. L. Moyer the four-story house at No. 721 Penn street, he rented the upper floors for his furniture and carpet stock. In 1868 he tore down the frame building at No. 717 and erected a four-story brick building there, and he then occupied all of No. 717 and the upper stories of Nos. 719-721. He also constructed two hydraulic elevators of his own invention and made other improvements to his' property. In 1870 he sold to Regar & Becker, grocers, the property at No. 719 Penn, 20 feet by 150, back to the planing-mill, and later the property at No. 717 to Sohl, Seidel & Co., dealers in furniture. He himself left the furniture bus- iness in 1875. and for some time devoted his time to put- ting into large stores and hotels hydraulic elevators. He was also a builder of houses, built and owned half of the Farmers' Market-house, 40 feet front, and half of the Union House, 60 feet front, thus having a half interest in 100 feet on Penn street, between Eighth and Ninth streets. About 1875 Mr. Ritter retired from the cabinet-making business, since then devoting himself to job work. At the time of the panic of 1873 in real estate and business, when so many banks broke, his investments amounted to $80,000, and he lost considerable. Mr. Ritter has made his own casket, a remarkable piece of work. The material is Canada oak, and it is 6 feet, 6 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 13 inches deep. On the lid is a swinging mirror, enabling a person to see the remains without going near the casket. Mr. Ritter has a bronze medal awarded him at the United States Cen- tennial Exposition in 1876, for a hydraulic hoisting ap- paratus which he had on exhibition. ^60 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Mr. Ritter is the vice-president of the Ritter Family Reunion, in which he is very much interested. He is the present owner of the powder-horn formerly belonging to Christian Ritter (mentioned above), and which is now inclosed in a box frame, and hung in the rooms of the Berks County Historical Society. This came into the possession of Christian Ritter in 1799, and he gave it to Milton S. Palm, who on June 9, 1906, presented it to Jacob R. Ritter. Mr. Ritter was a member of the com- mittee on arrangements for the Ritter Family Reunion. He is an interested member of the Berks County His- torical Society, which is located at No, 519 Court street, Reading. His memorandum books, which he has kept for many years, contain not only many interesting items concerning his own life, but also much of value and interest about other persons, with whom he has come in contact during his long and busy life. He has a yearly pass admitting him to the press-room or building of the Reading Eagle. The historic. Ritter burial-ground, near the Schwartz- wald church, in Exeter, owes its present excellent con- dition principally to Mr. Ritter's efforts. Three years ago, at one of the Ritter reunions, at Allentown, Mr. Ritter made the claim that the first R itter s came to Berks county, and in the course of conversation about family matters and the pleasantries usually exchanged on such occasions, one man present bantered him about the condition of the old graveyard in Exet er, saying the Ritters ought to be ashamed to have sucETa burial-ground in Berks county. This aroused Mr. Ritter's interest to such an extent that he went there in the spring and had a photograph taken; it shows him standing between the gravestones of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Ritter. He appointed George W. Billman treasurer, paid him $10, and then went around among his relatives with the photograph, soliciting subscriptions for the fixing up and future care of the old cemetery, where the pioneers of the Ritter family in Berks county are buried. Soon he had $70 promised, ^nd before long the amount was raised to $192, subscribed by forty-two people, every dol- lar of which was paid to the treasurer. Samuel and Adam Kutz, who now own the estate on which the cem- etery is located, sent a check for $10, when the work was commenced on it. John Kutz, of Reading, is the man- ager of the estate. Mr. Ritter's aunt, Abigail Masser, in 1889 willed a fund of $50, to be invested at 5 per cent interest, for the purpose of caring for and keeping in repair the wall around this burial-ground, and through Mr. Ritter's efforts this was turned over to Mr. Billman. The old graveyard belonged to Mr. Ritter's ancestors gn both sides, and is located a half mile below the Schwartz- wald church, being on the line of the Boyertown Traction Company, and two squares from Ritter's crossing, on that line and Ritter's Crossing road. It is located seventy-five feet back from the car line, and the road to the entrance through the farm is recorded with a deed made to three trustees — ^Daniel Ritter (son of Francis), Joseph Ritter (brother of David), and William Boyer (husband of David Ritter's sister) — or their successors forever (one dollar paid in hand) by Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Ritter (Mr. Ritter's maternal grandfather), and her sister, wife of Daniel Rit- ter (both born Snyders), and John Ritter (son of Isaac) and his wife. Mrs. Elizabeth Ritter was the promoter of the deed. When Isaac Ritter (Mr. Ritter's paternal grand- father) died in 1852, Daniel Ritter (eldest son of Francis Ritter) and Joseph Ritter were not satisfied. There- fore the deed was made as mentioned. It gave 20 perches or 74 by 74 feet, and the road through the farm for the cemetery. The place being nearly all occupied in 1853 they secured more ground, 50 by 50 feet in dimensions, which has been walled in. William Boyer has five children bur- ied there ; all have gravestones. When the Schwartzwald cemetery was started many who had been buried in the old part of the Ritter cemetery were transferred to it. When assured of proper support Mr. Ritter had work on the cemetery commenced. He hired ten masons with help and raised the whole wall, walling it up new, put a cement coping on 20 by 4 inches in dimensions, and had three men at work for three days cleaning up, taking out roots and setting up the gravestones and markers. His brother Isaac made an iron gate weighing over three hundred pounds for his share, and it makes a very suitable ornament for the wall. In short, the place is now a source of pride to all the family. During the war of 1812-15 General Ross, the British general who was shot near Baltimore in 1814, was buried in this old burial- ground. On Nov. 30, 1856, Mr. Jacob R. Ritter married Miss Sophia D. Ruth, daughter of John and Sarah (Dick) Ruth. She was born June 27, 1833, died Nov. 9, 1905, and is buried at Sinking Spring. Two children were born of this union: (1) Sarah Ellen, born Feb. 28, 1858, married Charles Nein, an engineer on the Lebanon Valley railroad since 1889, had a family of ten children, and died in 1903, Mr. Nein dying in 1893; (2) Susan E., born May 23, 1859, died when sixteen days old. In politics Mr. Ritter is a Democrat, and he served in the common council in 1869-70-71 from the Eighth ward. Of late years he has voted independently, and cast his ballot in support of Theodore Roosevelt. He is a mem- ber of the First Reformed Church, and when the church was rebuilt in 1875 he subscribed $500 toward the build- ing fund. For many years he was a member of the Odd Fellows and Masons. At the time of the battle of Antietam Mr. Ritter was serving a ninety days' enlistment in the Pennsylvania militia, sworn in at Harrisburg. When Lee crossed the Potomac he was with his command two and a half miles above Hagerstown, Md. That night they lay behind a stone fence, the line extending back to Virginia. CAPT. EDWARD F. REED, a popular and pro gressive citizen of Lyons, Pa., was born in Manheim, Pa., near the Schuylkill county almshouse, Nov. 11, 1538, son of George W. Reed, and grandson of Dan- iel Reed. The Reed family was early known in Schuylkill county. In 1771, when Pine Grove township, that county, was established, Philip Rith (Reed) was a taxable. He was a native of Berks county, however, a member of the Tulpehocken family. In 1791 Jere- miah Reed, Michael Reed (both married) and Thom- as Reed (single) were taxables for Manheim township, Schuylkill county. In 1802, Theodore Reed, John Reed, John (Morris) Reed, Thomas Reed, Sr., and Isaac Reed, were tax-payers in Norwegian township, and John and Philip Reed in Mahantango township, that county. Christoph, George and Conrad Reed, brothers, were born in Brunswick township, Schuylkill county. Of these, Christoph passed all his life in his native township, and there reared his four sons, Obediah, George, Charles and Emanuel. George was for many years engaged in the hotel business at Orwigsburg. Conrad, born about 1788, died in his native township about 1830. He was a farmer. His wife, Elizabeth Neyer. bore him six children: (1) David, born near Orwigsburg, Jan. 5, 1819. was a skilled blacksmith for many years, retiring about a quarter of a cen- tury ago. For nearly a decade he has lived in Read- ing with his daughter, Mrs. Hunsicker, at No. 430 North Tenth street. He m. Lucy Ann Haflf, and had nine children (seven still living), Emeline, Mary, Harriet, Sarah, Louisa, Elizabeth, Katie, and David Frank (of Summit Hill). (2) Cath- arine m. John Graver, and went to Wisconsin. (3) , Hannah m. a Mr. Adams, and settled in Wiscon- sin. (4) Elizabeth m. Daniel Fegley. (5) Lewis settled in Michigan. (6) Henry makes his homie in New Ring- gold, Pennsylvania. Daniel Reed, grandfather of Capt. Edward P.; resided in Pottsville, where he was an early hotel keeper, his hotel being located at the corner of Main and Ma- hantango streets. He died at a ripe old age, and is BIOGRAPHICAL 661 buried either at Pottsville or Orwigsburg. Among others he had children: Jacob, who Uved at Pottsville; Thomas; George W.; Hannah; and Daniel, who after a long residence in Schuylkill county, moved to Mer- cer county, and whose son, George W., was a member of the General Assembly, 1875-76, and the latter's son, William R, from the same county. 1893-94. George W. Reed, son of Daniel and father of Capt. Edward F., was 'born in Pottsville in 1805, and died at Philadelphia March 4, 1890, aged eighty-five years. He lived in his native county, and there married Cath- arine Kline, of Rockland township, Berks county, daughter of David Kline. They had thirteen children: Thomas; Jacob; Susanna; Mary; Sarah; Edward F.; Kate; Daniel, who was killed in the fight at White House Landing in the Civil war; Lizzie; Malinda; David; Reuben; and Amanda, all now deceased, except Mary, Sarah and Edward F. Capt. Edward F. Reed was brought up familiar with the duties of a farmer, but at the age of seven- teen he learned the cabinet making trade,/ and in 1862 he engaged in business for himself at Stony Point, carrying on cabinet making and undertaking there with great success for twelve years. In 1874-75 he gave up his business to devote himlself to his father- in-law's farm. The next year he moved to Lyons, and there erected his present residence. He resumed his former business of cabinet making and undertaking, and continued it until 1887. He then lived retired for two years, his son Daniel conducting the business, but in 1889 the latter moved to Rockland township, and Capt. Reed resumed the undertaking, carrying it on until 1904. In 1888 he began conducting a steam double press cider mill, and during the season does a good business in that line. In 1908 he attached to his mill a forty-horse-power boiler, for making apple butter. On April 20, 1861, Capt. Reed enlisted as a private in Company D, 7th Pa. V. I. for the three-months service. In 1862 he was drafted, and became captain of Company K, 167th Pa. V. I., a nine months regi- ment, and was mustered out at Reading Aug. 12, 1863. In 1860 Captain Reed was married to Elizabeth Sharadin, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Kieff- er) Sharadin, and they have been blessed with five children, namely: James M.; Charles A.; George E.; Daniel P.; and Emma E. m. to Percival KoUer, of Fleetwood, Pa. In his political affiliations the Cap- tain is an unswerving Republican,' and is always inter- ested in the public affairs of his town. In 1908 he was elected supervisor of his township, by over one hundred majority. He is well known and is very popu- lar with all classes. DAVID H. HAIN, M. D., a well-known physician in Penn township, who has been engaged in the prac- tice of his profession at Obold, Pa., for more than twenty-five years, and. is said to nave the largest prac- tice of any country doctor in Berks county, was born May 12, 1861, in Lower Heidelberg township, son of Frederick and Sarah Hain. Frederick Hain was born Nov. 22, 1822, in Lower Heidelberg township, where his entire life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He died April 23, 1875. He married Sarah Hain, and to them were born these children: John, who died in Lower Heidelberg town- ship; Eva. m. to Henry B. Werner; Henry, living at Wernersville; Emma, m. to Jacob Huyett, of Frank- lin Grove, Lee Co., III.; Mary, m. to William K. Lud- wig, of Wernersville; and Dr. David H. Dr. Hain secured his primary education in the pub- lic schools of Wernersville, and later he attended Palatinate College at Myerstown, and Prof. D. B. Brun- ner's Business College at Reading. Then he became a student at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- phia, and graduated from that institution in 1881. On March 1, 1882, he located at Obold, where he has built up a very large country practice. Dr. Hain married Sallie A. Fisher, daughter of Reiley Fisher, and to this union there have been born three children : Edna, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1902, now teaching at Wer- nersville; Raymond, a graduate of the same institu- tion, now a senior at Bucknell College; and Stella, a member of Class of 1910, at the Normal School at Kutztown. GOTLEIB BOYER (deceased) will be remembered by the people of the city of Reading, as the leading florist of his day, his stand being in Kissinger's Mar- ket. Mr. Boyer was born in 1824, in Stuttgart, Ger- many, came to America when a young man, and passed away at Reading in 1899. On first locating in this country, Mr. Boyer set- tled in Lancaster county, his last residence there being at Ephrata, where he remained for five years. Ht then located in Reading, where he soon established himself as a florist and gardener, at one time operating three greenhouses. He was considered the leading gardener and florist of his day in the city, although at the time of his death he was conducting, but one place of business, the old Kissinger Market stand. Mr. Boyer was a true type of the self-made man. On coming to this country he was a poor, friendless boy, knowing little of the language and less of the business methods in use, yet at the time of his death he left a large and valuable estate to his widow and children. Mr. Boyer was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Democrat in politics. In 1861 Mr. Boyer married Miss Rosina Linsen- meyer, also a native of Germany, and to them were born five children, namely: George, born April 12, 1862, of Reading; Anna, m. to Ellsworth Swoyer, of Hoboken, N. J.; Charles, a farmer, of Muhlenberg township, and two girls, who died young. DR. J. E. KURTZ, one of the most, prominent physicians of Reading, belongs to a family noted for its ^members who have followed the "healing art," his* father, Dr. Samuel L. Kurtz, being one of the best known physicians in Reading, and his brother. Dr. Clarence Morgan Kurtz, being another of the skilled medical men of that city. The maternal ancestors of Dr. J. E. Kurtz came from Wales to America in 1661, and his paternal an- cestors were natives of Darmstadt, Germany, who came to this country at various periods ranging from 1727 to 1745, settUng in Chester county. Pa., where they followed agricultural pursuits. Dr. Samuel L. Kurtz married Sarah Morgan, daugh- ter of John Morgan, of Phoenixville, Chester county, whose _ farm embraced all of the land upon which Phoenixville now stands. Three children were born to this union: Clarence Morgan Kurtz, M. D., of Reading; Georgine, m. to Nicholas Muhlenberg, a chemist; and Dr. J. E. Dr. J. E. Kurtz was born Oct. 15, 1856, at Oakland Mills, Juniata Co., Pa. He was educated in the Read- ing high school, and at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., from which he graduated in 1877 with the de- gree of A. B. (the degree of A. M. being later con- ferred upon him), and at JeflFerson Medical College, from which he was graduated March 13, 1880. Since this time the Doctor has been practising his profession in Reading. For a time he followed a general practice, but for many years he has made a specialty of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and in this he has been eminently successful. Dr. Kurtz was married Oct. 3, 1888, to Mary E. Shoemaker, daughter of Dr. Charles E. Shoemaker, a prominent physician of Reading who died in 1890. Two children were born to this union- Georgine and Francina, both at school. Dr. Kurtz" is a member of the Reading (City) Medical Society of the Berks County Medical Society, the Pennsyl- vania State Medical Society, and the American Medi- 663 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA cal Association, and has time and again been a delegate to the State and National bodies. FRANK S. LIVINGOOD is a descendant of one of the early German settlers of Berks county. Though originally Swiss the Loewenguths .or Leibundguts emi- grated to this country from Alsace where they had lived for over seventy years in the town of Schalken- dorf near Strassburg. Mr. Livingood's ancestor, John Jacob Loewenguth, arrived in New York in 1708, and after residing for a number of years in Schoharie coun- ty, migrated to and settled in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, in 1727. In April, 1758, he and his wife were killed by the Indians and their two daughters taken captive. A son, Jacob, escaped the massaci'e. From him was descended John Bricker Levengood, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was a practicing physician at Womelsdorf, Berks county, from 1812 to 1872. Dr. Levengood had six sons dis- tinguished in the professions: four as physicians and two as lawyers, of the latter being Jacob Seltzer Livin- good, a member of the Berks County Bar from 1845 to 1906, who married Lucy Jane Shalters; daughter of Francis B. Shalters, a prominent citizen of Reading, his home by adoption. Their son, Frank S. Livin- good, was born in Reading Feb. 24, 1855. He attended public and private schools, and for two years the Read- ing high school; entered Phillips Andover Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, in 1869, and upon graduating there in 1872 entered Harvard College, where he gradu- ated with the class of 1876. He then studied law in Reading in the office of his father, Jacob S. Livingood, being admitted to the Berks County Bar in August, 1879, since which time he has been continuously en- gaged in active practice. He is vice-President of the Berks County Bar Association. Actively interested in politics Mr. Livingood was, from 1881 to 1888, chairman of the Republican county committee, and in 1884 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago. Mr. Livingood has been president of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion of Reading since 1888, and a trustee of Charles Evans Cemetery Company since 1892. He is treasurer of the Reading Hospital and trustee of the Reading Public Library. He has official positions in a number of business enterprises, and is a member of the follow- ing: Pennsylvania Historical Society, Berks County Historical Society, the Pennsylvania German Society, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, the Wyomis- sing and Berkshire Clubs of Reading, the University Club of Philadelphia and the Harvard Club of New York. Mr. Livingood is a member of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reading. PHILIP SHAPIRO, one of Reading's hustling busi- ness men, and a member of the Reading Board of Trade, who conducts a flourishing tailoring establish- ment at No. 6 South Sixth street, was born Sept. 1. 1861, in Germany. Mr. Shapiro learned the tailoring trade in his native country, where he also received his literary education. In 1881 he sailed from Hamburg on the Hamburg-Am- erican Line steamer "Estralia," and landed at Castle Garden, N. Y., July 7th of that year. He worked as a journeyman tailor in New York for two years, and then engaged in the manufacture of coats on his own account, commencing with two machines. His skilled workmanship and honest dealings soon won him a widespread reputation, and in 1895 he came to Read- ing, at once opening up his present place of business. Since locating here he has commanded some of Read- ing's best trade, and has a reputation second to none in his line. He has taken an active part in business circles in the city, and in 1904 was unanimously chosen a member of the Reading Board of Trade. Mr. Shapiro is held in the highest esteem by his friends and asso- ciates, and is considered one of the foremost business men of the city. He has been prominently identified with fraternal matters, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F., the Red Men, and the John F. O. Hein Association of New York City. He has also been associated with the I. O. B. A., of Reading, of which he has served as president and treasurer for three terms each, and is now serving as conductor of the O. B. A., of New York City. He is a member of the Union Fire Company, the Northeastern Democratic League, and a charter member of the Hebrew free school board of Reading. Mr. Shapiro was married in 1879 to Anna Etta Cow- en, and to this union there have been born: Sadie, Bella, Abraham J., Morris, Michael, Jacob, Dorothy, Margaret and Beatrice. Mr. Shapiro and his family reside at No. 121 Moss street, Reading, and are held in the high- est esteem in their community. DANIEL E. SCHROEDER. The Schroeders have been established in Pennsylvania since 1720 or 1730, when three brothers, Anthony, Martin and Jacob, came from Germany and settled in Oley and Alsace town- ships. The immediate forefathers of Daniel E. Schroeder were farmers, his grandfather, George, following that calling in Alsace township, and his father, John S., in Exeter township. John S. Schroeder was quite a prom- inent man in his region, his position as sheriff of Berks county, an office which he filled from 1848 to 1850, making him well known. He died in 1891. His wife, Susan E. Boyer, was a daughter of George Boyer, and came of Huguenot stock. She was born in Read- ing, and died many years before her husband, passing away in 1868. Of their ten children six are deceased, all but one of them having reached maturity: George; John, who was killed on a railroad; William, who en- listed in Company H., 2d Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed in battle during the Civil war; Charles; Francis and Louis, who died in childhood. Those who survive their parents are: Martha, m. to Daniel S. Keller of Bellefonte; Lucy, widow of W. G. Bryson, of Philips- burg, Centre county; Joseph, of Reading; and Daniel E. Daniel E. Schroeder was born Jan. 20, 1842, in Read- ing and received his literary education in the pub- lic schools of that city. After finishing school he went into the office of Judge Hagenman, to read law, and in 1863 was admitted to the Bar. Later he was also ad- mitted to practice before the Supreme court of the State and the United States District courts. He has been established continuously in practice in Reading, and has made an enviable reputation for himfeelf. Mr. Schroeder was married in January, 1870, to Clara L. Clark, of Reading, daughter of the late George B. Clark. Three children have been born to this union, namely: Harry F., in the lawn-mower business; George F., at the head of the shipping department of the Prospect Dye Wbrks; and Estelle H., at home. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Schroeder is a good Democrat and active in politics. He was one of the originators of the Americus Club, and served as a school director from the Fourteenth ward. He is eligible to membership in the Sons of the Revolution, as his great-grandfather on the paternal side was • Capt. John Soder, who participated in the Revolution. His maternal great-grandfather, George Boyer, was a veteran of the war of 1812, in which he served with the rank of lieutenant. HENRY R. ESHELMAN, in whose death the city of Readmg, Pa., lost one of its good citizens, was known throughout musical and church circles as an organist of rare talent. Mr. Eshelman was born at Smkmg Spnng, Berks county, April 5. 1845. Martin Eshelman, grandfather of Henry R.. made his home in Cumru township, Berks county, where he died. Isaac Eshelman, son of Martin, was born in Cumru township, Berks county, Jan. 19, 1817, and died Nov, 6. 1852. By trade he was a tailor, following that busi- BIOGRAPHICAL 663 ness at Sinking Spring for several years after which he went to Centre county, Pa., where he engaged in ■ huckstering until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics. He married Eliza Rollman, born Sept. 24, 1817, daughter of John and Maria Rollman. She died aged seventy-six years. Their children were: Wendell, of Illinois; Louisa, who died young; Josiah, m. to Emma Fisher; Henry R., m. to Emeline Gougler; Sarah, m. to George Smith; and Franklin R., born April 2, 1849. 'Franklin R. Eshelman, son of Isaacj is a shoemaker by trade at Shillington. He married Catharine Fisher, and their children are: Annie F., m. to Thomas Fromm, a hatter and shoemaker, at Shillington, Pa.; Agnes F.; William R., m. to Ella Plank; Frank H., m. to Elizabeth Snyder; Emma E., m. to Andrew S. Long; Katie F., m. to Rev. William L. Meckstroth; Jennie F., m. to Joseph RoUand; Isaac, unmarried; Mamie F., m. to James^ M. Bitler; and Martha, who died young. In his native locality Henry R. Eshelman secured his education, and when a lad he learned the trade of cutter, in which' capacity he later served for twenty- two years, four months, eighteen days with the Lein- bach Clothing Company,, of Reading. From early youth he_ showed marked ability as a musician, the organ being his favorite instrument, and for nine years he served as organist in St. John's Reformed Church, later acting in the same capacity at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where he remained for twelve years. Mr. Eshelman was highly respected by all who knew him, and his acquaintance was large. He was married Sept. 6. 1868, to Miss Emeline B. Gougler, daughter of John and Maria (Bamberger) Gougler, and to them there were born two children: Charles m. Emma Kerner, and lives at Franklin, Venango county, Pa., and has one child, Helen R. ; and Paul died at the age of eight years. DOMINIC MAURER, one of the leading business men of Reading, Pa., wiio is engaged in cement con- tracting, with office at No. 234 North Eleventh street, and yard at Moss and Green streets, was born in Alsace- Lorraine, Germany, in 1862, son of Anthony Maurer. Anthony Maurer was a farmer in Germany, and came to America after the death of his wife, in 1882, on the ship "Canada," of a French line of steamers. Bringing a part of his family with him he landed at New York, May 4th, and came at once to Reading, where he worked as a laborer until his death, in May, 190.1. H'e was married in his native country to Anna Schwartzen- teuber, who died at the age of fifty-two years. They had children as follows: Joseph, of Altoona, Pa.; An- thony, a farmer, still residing in Germany, being burgo- master of the town of Albach, where he is very pop- ular; Eugene, a carpenter in Reading; Margaret, m. to Peter Swope, of Reading; Dominic; Jacob, of Reading, employed with his brother, Dominiq. The two eldest of this family served in the German army. DorhTnic Maurer received his education in the public schools of his native country, and when a boy learned the trade of making wooden shoes which he followed until coming to America. Here his first employment was in the Scott works, Reading, where he remained one and one-half years, and then went to learn the cement business with his father-in-law, with whom he continued until July 23, 1902, at which time he em- barked in the business on his own account, and has continued therein to the present time with much suc- cess. He has erected some of the finest homes in and about Reading, including the home of George Deemer of Stony Creek. John Wagner of Reading, and Joseph White' of Reading, and also built the Textile Machine Works, and did work at Weriiersville and at Mineral Spring Park Hotel. , He is a property owner of the Ninth ward, where he has a fine residence. Mr. Maurer employs from thirty to forty men in his business, which includes cement pavements, vitrified brick pave- ments, cement steps, cement copings, concrete buildings, fountains, reservoirs, driveways, stable floors, cellars, all kinds of cement work with the latest process and in the most durable manner. His work is its own rec- ommendation. ' In 1884 Mr. Maurer was married to Helen Wagen- blast, a daughter of Engelburg Wagenblast, of Wur- temberg, Germany. She died March 30, 1909. Their children were: Joseph, a clerk, lives in San Francisco, Cal.; John; Anthony and Dominic, twins, deceased; George; Dominic; Mary; Aloysius; Robert, deceased; Helen; Margaret, deceased; Janet, deceased; Janet (2); and Ottiella. Mr. Maurer is a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and is connected with the Holy Cross Kinights of St. George, and St. Boniface's Society. EMANUEL RICHARDS, one of Reading's substan- tial citizens and old residents, and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, was born in Windsor township, Berks county, April 6, 1843, son of William and Sarah (Smith) Richards, and grandson of John Richards. John Richards was a native of Scotland, and when a young man came to America, settling in New Jersey where he followed the occupation of furnaceman. Later he went to Chester county, Pa., continuing his vocation there and later in Berks county, being engaged at the Windsor furnace. Mr. Richards' last days were spent in retirement, he passing away in 1847, aged eighty years, in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. Po- litically he was a Democrat. He was married in Scot- land to Abbie Heacock, and their children were: John, WilUam, Eli, Abbie and Sarah. William Richards was born in the State of New Jersey, and there received his education. When a young man he learned the furnace business, and locating in Chester County, Pa., was employed for some years at the old Potts furnace. Later he went to Rockland, and was there engaged at what was known as the old Sally Ann furnace, which was then owned by the Yeag- ers, whose name was later changed to Hunter, and the furnace was known as the Hunter furnace. He subse- quently removed to Windsor township, Berks county, working at the old Windsor furnace. After its discon- tinuation he engaged at work in a foundry at Hamburg for nearly forty years, and was here employed at the time of his death, which occurred after an illness of but two days, in 1870, in his sixty-seventh year. His wife, Mary Smith, died in 1894, aged eighty-four years, the mother of fourteen children, nine of whom still survive. With the exception of the parents there has not been a death in this family for over fifty years. The children are: Jacob, of Luzerne county; Sarah, m. to Jared Heckman, deceased, and living in Hamburg; William,of Chester county; Susan, m. to Joseph Schol- lenberger, of Hamburg; Emanuel,^ of Reading; Rebecca, m. to Samuel Bergy, of Reading; Charles, of Schuyl- kill county; Amanda, twin of Charles, m. to James Wes- ner, of Reading; and Matilda, m. to John Xanders. The parents of these children were members of the Reformed Church. The father was a stanch Democrat in politics. Emanuel Richards received his education in the schools of Windsor township, Berks county, attending the first free school established in that township. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 3rd Reserves, being with the Army of the Potomac, and the first three- year men to leave Reading. He remained with the command until the expiration of his term of service, being wounded at the battle of Gaines' Hill by a shot which passed through his right lung, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. At the same time he was captured, and was first taken to Libby Prison, later being removed to Belle Isle, where he was exchanged. In July. 1864, Mr. Richards veter- anized in Company A, 195th Pa. V. I., remaining with this regiment until the close of the war. Upon his return to Reading Mr. Richards apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade with Isaac Bird of this city 664 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and he has followed this trade with success ever since, member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of a num- having been at his present location for thirty-four ber of other organizations. On Feb. 19, 1868, Mr. Richards was married to Mary HEIZMANN. The Heizmanns are of distinguished Wunder, daughter of Henry Wunder, and of their German ancestry, the earliest of whom anything definite family of children, five are living: Reynolds, a sheet- is known being one who was knighted by King Otto iron worker employed by the Philadelphia and Read- for distinguished services in the battle of Lechfeld, in ing Railway; William, in charge of the credit depart- 955^ between Germany and Hungary. The family narne, ment of Dives. Pomeroy & Stewart, of Reading; Alice, indicative of valor, was bestowed upon him and also a saleslady at G. M. Britton's store; Ida, at home; and the castle and lands of Schadeck. From him descend- Hai-ry, a clerk at the Reading Iron Works. Political- ed those gallant knights and brave warriors who, in res- ly Mr. Richards is a Democrat. He is connected with ponse to the appeal of Peter the Hermit, at the close McLean Post No. 16, G. A. R., and is fraternally a of the eleventh century, formed a part of the first cru- member of the P. O. S. of A. He and his wife attend sade of the Christians who, with the cry "Deus vulf ■ St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. (God wills it), marched victoriously to Palestine and res- cued the Holy Sepulchre. In the vicissitudes of for- GEORGE P. GANGER, a prominent builder and tune, the family has at times attained the highest distinc- contractor of Reading, bears a reputation which js tion, while again it has met with adversity, only to rise the fruit of years of earnest, conscientious and con- again to its previous height. One of the family was servative work. ' Hofmarschall to Kaiser Albrecht I, another became Arch- From the form of the name .'t is thought that the bishop of Mayence, and another Stadt Syndicus of Co- Ganger family originated in Germany, or France, but logne. During the Thirty Years' war, in which Germany since settling in Pennsylvania, mainly in Chester coun- was assailed by foreign foes and greatly torn by do- ty, it has been very closely allied to the Scotch and mestic dissensions, one branch of the family sought re- Irish, and practically nothing is known of the earlier fuge in the famous Black Forest. generations. Mr. George P. Ganger and Mr. J. Ben- Charles Lawrence Heizmann, the founder of the fam- ton Ganger are, with one exception, the only persons ily in America, was descended from this branch of Heiz- of this line living who bear the name. The grandfather manns. He was born in Lenzkirch, in the Grand Duchy was a prosperous farmer of Chester county, but little of Baden, Germany, Aug. 6, 1803. He was educated is known of him save that he married a Miss Evans at Neufchatel, Switzerland. At the age of thirty years and had two sons, Levi and David. He, died young, he came to America on the ship "Marcus," sailing from The family were members of the Reiormed Church, Rotterdam March 12, 1832, with the intention of making and it is supposed that the granafather was a Whig a business trip. After touching at the island 'of Fayal, in his political views. The maternal grandparents one of the Azores, on June 13th, the ship arrived in July were German. off Long Island, where it was learned that cholera was David Ganger was born in 1809 and gr^w up in raging in New York City. The passengers were land- Chester county, receiving his education in the public ed at Sag Harbor, L. I., on July 12th, and thence Mr. and pay schools of that region. After leaving school Heizmann proceeded to Philadelphia, where he remain- he learned stone masonry, but as he did riot like the ed for some time. Being favorably impressed with the work he soon turned his attention to tarming instead, country, its people and its form of government, he con- and spent the rest of his life in that occupation. He eluded not to return to Europe, and therefore located married Miss Eliza Nyse and they became the parents in Reading, Pa., where many Germans had previously of a family, three of whom lived to maturity. The settled, and where he established himself in business as daughter,_ Sarah, died, however, in early womanhood, an importer and dealer in musical instruments and mus- The surviving sons were George P. and Levi. ical merchandise. Like most educated Germans he was George P. Ganger was born in Chester county, Sept. an accomplished musician and linguist, speaking, besides 10, 1843. He was brought up to farm work, in the his native tongue, English, French and Italian. He be- meantime attending the public schools also, until he came interested in the industrial development of his adopt- was nineteen, when he entered upon a four years' ap- ed city, and with characteristic German foresight was in- prentjceship to the stone mason's trade. Having mas- strumental in the formation of the Reading German tered thoroughly his business he went at the age of Building and Savings Fund Association, the first build- twenty-three to ReadiAg, and settled there permanent- ing society in Reading, of which he was chosen pres- ly as a mason and builder. He has steadily increased ident. The charter was granted Sept. 18. 1848. He was the scope of his operations, and is now one of the Roman Catholic in religious faith, holding membership in foremost builders in jthe city. He has done a great the church on South Fifth street, of which he served as deal to make Reading one of the desirable residence trustee. Mr. Heizmann died in Reading July 3, 1859. cities in the State. He has on his own account built On April 22, 1834, Mr. Heizmann was united in mar- over 200 houses, ranging in value from $2500 to 3000, riage with Mary Cecilia Eichhorn, daughter of John besides a large number under contract for friends Francis Eichhorn and Eva Siegfried, whose ancestors 'and patrons. His work is always first class and done settled in Berks county in 1755. All of their children in the most conscientious manner. During his first were born in the old family home, on the southeast cor- fifteen years in Reading Mr. Ganger was employed by ner of Sixth and Penn streets, Reading. Mrs. Heiz- the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, and helped to mann was one of a family of five children, namely: construct many of the bridges and depots along that Anna, who married a New England schoolmaster, Jon- well known line. A number of the handsomest struc- athan Dwight; John Francis, who was married to Ma- tures in the city are Mr. Ganger's work, among the tilda Miller (both died at an early age, leaving two most notable being the city hall, St. Peter's Methodist daughters, Alice and Ann) ; Ellen, who married Charles Church, the Evangelical Church, Mr. Eckert's home, Troxell, postmaster of Reading tinder the Harrison- and a great number of other residences. Tyler administration, and a collector of the Port of Mr. Ganger married, in 1871, Miss Christie Low, Philadelphia under the Taylor-Fillmore administration- daughter of James Low, of Lebanon county, and four Mary Cecilia; and Theresa, who married Dr. Adolphus children have been born to them, namely: David, Lippe, a son of the Count of Lippe-Weissen'feldt Ger- who died in infancy; Sarah, m. to Albert Folk; Mary, many, and a member of the Lippe-Detmold family Six m. (first) to Charles Spangler. had one daughter. Ma- sons and two daughters wer? born to Mr. and Mrs Heiz- bel, and (second) to John Newil; and Lulu, m. to H. M. mann and this familv has been influential and active in Eldridge. Mr. Ganger and his family are members of both professional and industrial circles in. Berks coun- the M. E. Church. In politics a Republican, he takes, ty for many years. Cliarles Raymond and Theodore however, no active part in public aflfairs. He is a Ignatius are mentioned below. Francis Joseph born '^^>-^ BIOGRAPHICAL 665 Aug. 14, 1841, died Oct. 22, 1849. Cecilia Eve was born June 2i 1844. Dr. Charles Lawrence and Albert Aloysi- us are mentioned below. Mary Ann, born Nov. 4, 1853, became the wife of James A. O'Reily, Esq., a prominent attorney of Reading. Aloysius Adolphus, born Sept. 27, 1858, died Feb. 17. 1859. Charles Raymond Heizmann was born in Reading Jan. 23, 1885, and received his education in private schools and at St. Mary's College, Wilmington, Del. When only fifteen he entered his father's store to receive a business training. His father allowed the boy to undertake many responsible duties, in the performance of which he not only showed great interest, but also developed self-confi- dence and executive ability. He was often sent to buy goods in Philadelphia, and early displayed the traits which have since brought him into such prominence in the commercial world. When his father died he assum- ed control of the business, which he purchased from the estate in 1865, conducting it alone from that time to 1870, when he received his brother Albert into partnership in the business. The old business was continued success- fully, and in 1877 they made a new departure, establish- ing the Penn Hardware Works. They ran both businesses for two years, at the end of that time finding the new enterprise so promising that they disposed of the store in order to give all their time to the hardware works. The Penn Hardware Works were first located in a small building on Front street, which the firm leased, and employment was given to ten hands. As the busi- ness grew and more space was required, they purchased four acres of land at the foot of Spruce street, between the canal and the Schuylkill river, erecting thereon a convenient building, which met the demands of the busi- ness at that time. But it continued to expand with un- dreamed-of rapidity, so that the new structure proved inadequate, and additions were needed so much sooner than the proprietors had anticipated. These were made from time to time until all the four acres were covered with substantial brick buildings. Then adjacent prop- erty was secured', and in 1906 a new building 60 x 100 feet in dimensions, and four stories in height, was erect- ed, ready for occupancy Jan. 1, 1907. It is very mod- ern in every respect, and completes a block of buildings which make the Penn Hardware Works one of the lar- gest plants in the United States. The first floor of this new building is used as a store room, the other three floors being used exclusively for plating. The coinpany now manufactures its own gas, for fuel and lighting, a two-story building, 30x80 feet, having been erected for the gas plant. There are six engines in the establishment, two gasoline engines of 60 and 33 horse-power, respective- ly, a steam engine of 150, one of 30 and one of 120 horse- power, and a new gas engine of 150 horse-power. A new warehouse, seven stories in height and 60 x 120 feet in dimensions, is now (1908) under course of construc- tion. Seven hundred and fifty hands constitute the pres- ent working force, which is frequently taxed to the utmost and )*rorking overtime. The company is exten- sively engaep^ in manufacturing a general line of build- ers' hardw^fc and the product is sold all over the Unit- ed States, ^iirope and Australia. Ten carloads of frame pulleys were made for the rebuilding of San Francisco. Orders are constantly being received which insure the activity of the plant for months ahead. Mr. C. Raymond Heizmann is not only a man of ex- cellent talent, but he has mechanical tastes which have developed under the necessities of business, and he has designed much of the machinery and many of the ap- pliances in use at the works, and is a patentee of a num- ber of the articles manufactured by the company. The most successful of these articles was a plug tobacco cilt- ter. After sharp competition with the leading manu- facturers of the country Mr. Heizmann secured a con- tract from the Lorillards of New York for twenty thou- sand of these small machines, highly finished in nickel plate and bronze. The Penn Hardware Company was incorporated in April, 1896, with a paid-up capital pi $415,000, and with Mr. C. Raymond Heizmann as its president, which position he has occupied since the com- mencement of the enterprise. An establishment of such magnitude confers untold benefits upon the community in which it is located, and the large showing made by the employes- iffl.;^he industrial parade during the Sesqui-Cen- tennial of Reading, celebrated in June, 1898, gave some indication of the number of people directly benefited by profitable and steady emplpyment at this plant. The number has since been increased about fifty per cent. Mr. Heizmann took great interest in the celebration, and gave his influence and active aid toward making it a success, serving as a member of the executive committee and chair- man of the insignia committee. •On June 9, 1874, Mr. Heizmann was married to Mary M. Miller, daughter of Lewis and Mary A. (Dickson) Miller, and they became the parents of the following chil- dren : Mary A., Mary Cecilia, Raymond L., Lewis J., Flora R., Charles Raymond, Jr., Francis Edward and Theodora. Their home is at No. 318 North Fifth street, Reading. Theodore Ignatius Heizmann was born in Reading Dec. 14, 1838. He attended the private schools of the city and later Mount St. Mary's College, at Emmits- burg, Md., where he remained two years, after which he entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y., in 1856. He graduated in 1859, with the degree of civil engineer, and for several months thereafter was engaged as assistant to the topographer of the prelim- inary survey of the Reading & Columbia railroad, and in a similar capacity on the survey of a line between Easton and Nazareth. In March, 1860, he became a member of the engineer corps of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, and by his industry and ability won such rapid promotion that in March, 1861, he became assis- tant engineer. In March, 1864, he became principal as- sistant enigineer, and in February, 1865, became res- ident engineer of the Middle division, from Harrisburg to Altoona, his office being at the latter place. In Jan- uary, 1868, he became resident engineer of the Phil- adelphia division, between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, with office at Philadelphia. In April, 1870, his office was changed back to Altoona, when he was made en- gineer of maintenance of way of the main line between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. In January, 1872, he was appointed chief engineer of maintenance of way bf all lines of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company between New York City and Pittsburg, and as such had his office at Philadelphia until his retirement in 1874. Mr. Heizmann has not devoted himself particularly to any line of work since, spending much of his time in for- eign travel. He takes keen enjoyment in music and even during his active business career kept up his mus- ical studies for the love of the art. He was vice-chair- man of the music committee during the Sesqui-Cen- tennial celebration in June, 1898, and wrote the music for the hymn sung on that occasion. He has been vice- president and a director of the Penn Hardware Com- pany since its incorporation. In 1892-93 he built the St. Cecilia Memorial Chapel at the northwest corner of Perkiomen avenue and Spruce street, as a memorial to his mother. Dr. Charles Lawrence Heizmann, who spent all of his professional life from the age of twenty-one in the United States army as assistant surgeon, surgeon and as- sistant surgeon general, was born April 15, 1846, in Read- ing, where he obtained his intellectual training in the public schools. After his graduation from the Reading high school he entered the University of Georgetown, which institution conferred on him the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. He was then prepared far the medicaT profession in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom in his twenty- first year, after which he applied for admission to the medical corps of the army, being one of the four chosen of several hundred candidates. In the army service his service has been an active and a brilliant one. He first saw service in the Modoc war on the Western fron- tier, and the reminiscences of thrilling adventures which 666 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA he oftentimes relates are very interesting. He accom- panied the party making the first survey of Yellowstone Park, and during his service has been stationed at the following posts : San Antonio, Texas ; Fort Vancouver ; Fort Douglass; Salt Lake City; Utah; Fort Niagara; West Point; Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor; Fort Ontario at Oswego; Fort Adams, Newport, R. I.; at the Presidio, San Francisco, Cal., arriving there just after the great earthquake and fire of 1906; and at Manila, in the Philippines, in charge of the Medical Department of those Islands. Some years ago. Colonel Heizmann was honored by the War Department with a semi-official mission to Europe to inspect the military hospitals of the principal nations of the Continent. He made a care- ful study of their systems and upon his return published a book upon the subject which is really a work 'of mer- it, and has gained him much praise from the physicians of this country. Besides being a work of literary val- ue it has resulted in much benefit to the hospitals of our country, owing to its completeness and exactness of de- tail. He retired from the army in the year 1908 with the rank of Assistant Surgeon General. Albert Aloysius Heizmann was born in Reading Sept. 11, 1848, and was educated in the private schools of Reading, St. Mary's College, Wilmington, Del., and at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., grad- uating there in the English and commercial course in 1865. In the same year he entered the store of his broth- er, Charles Raymond, at the corner of Sixth and Penn streets, Reading, and in 1870 he became an equal part- ner in the business. They were jewelers and importers of musical instruments and merchandise- In 1877 the two brothers, as equal partners, established the Penn Hardware Works, for the manufacture of builders' hard- ware, and in 1879 disposed of the store and devoted their whole attention to the new enterprise. In April, 1896, it was incorporated as the Penn Hardware Com- pany with a paid-up capital of $415,000. Albert A. Heiz- mann was elected treasurer of the company. That the business has been a success is evidenced by the fact that the annual statement of Jan. 1, 1908, showed a surplus fund greater than the original capital. In addition to his work as a member of the Penn Hard- ware Company, Mr. Heizmann took a great interest in municipal affairs, having been a member of common coun- cil from 1878 to 1880, and of select council from 1882 to 1885. In. February, 1885, he was elected a member of the board of water commissioners, and was chosen president of the board in 1891, which position he held un- til Feb. 16, 1892, when he resigned. Mr. Heizmann was a director of the Keystone National Bank for a number of years. Owing to his continued ill health, which com- pelled him to live in the South the greater part of the year, he resigned as treasurer of the Penn Hardware Company Jan. 1, 1901, but still remained a director. He died June 14, 1909. On Sept. 3, 1874, Mr. Heizmann married Jane, daugh- ter of Isaac and Mary (Sterling) May,, of Shamokin, Pia. They had children as follows: Mary May, born June 37, 1875; Charles Lawrence, born Oct. 18, 1877; Wil- liam Albert, born Sept. 15, 1882; Henry, born Sept. 15, 1882 (died in infancy) ; Edith Cecilia, born Nov. 24, 1887; Theodore, born Nov. 13, 1889. William A. Heizmann. treasurer and sales manager of the Penn Hardware Company, of Reading, is prov- ing his right to a position in the foremost business cir- cles of the city. The name Heizmann stands for all that is substantial, up-to-date and honorable in the lo- yl industrial field. Various representatives of the fam- ily have won their way to unquestioned standing, and to the younger generation falls the no less difficult task of maintaining the high standard of their elders and of infusing new aims and new energy into the business whose development has been the pride and the life work of its founders. The Penn Hardware Company, Manufacturers of Locks & Builders Hardware, owned, officered and managed chiefly by members of the Heiz- mann families, is one of the solid institutions of Reading. Mr. Heizmann was born in Reading Sept. 15, 1882, and received his early training in the private and public schools of the city, graduating from the high school with distinction in the year 1900. He then continued his studies at Harvard University, where he won a Harvard College Honorary Scholarship, completing in three years the work required for the Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1904 he was graduated from Harvard with distinction. He then took charge of the foundry department of the Penn Hardware Company, within a short time was ap- pointed assistant treasurer, and in 1905 was elected treas- urer, which office he has since held. In addition to the duties which fall to him in that capacity he also has been given charge of the sales department, a measure of responsibility which reflects credit upon the prom- ise which he has already shown. On Oct. 3, 1906, Mr. Heizmann married Miss Ada Lotz Leinbach, a daughter of A. Ellsworth and Mary A. (Lotz) Leinbach, members of prominent Berks coun- ty fainilies elsewhere mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Heiz- mann reside at No. 202 Windsor street. They have one child, Anne Leinbach, born Sept. 9, 1907. Mr. Heiz- mann is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, and socially belongs to the Berkshire Country Club and is secretary of the Harvard Club of Reading. JOHN ROEHRICH, engaged in the manufacture of artificial ice as proprietor of a large cold storage plant at Third and Buttonwood streets, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1851. In 1865, he accompanied his parents, Christopher and Catharine (Doeman) Roehrich, to America. The father was a paver by trade, and after settling, at Reading continued to work at it through his active life. He died in 1881, at the age of seventy-two years. His widow survived until 1890, dying at the age of eighty-one years. They had four children, namely: Elizabeth, Mary, Cath- arine and John. In religious belief they were Luth- erans. The father was a naturalized citizen of the United States, and was a zealous worker in the Dem- ocratic party. John Roehrich was educated mainly in his native land and soon after coming to Reading was employed by Frederick Lauer as an errand boy. Later he worked at the Felix brewery, the same plant now owned by the Deppen Brewing Company, where he filled the position of assistant brewer-master for upward of eight years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with John Stocker, under the name of Roehrich & Stocker, for carrying on the brewing business at Tremont, Pa., and they continued there until 1891, when they sold the brewery and came to Reading. Purchasing a tract of land on North Eleventh street, opposite the Fair ground, they established a brewery and car- ried it on successfully until 1897, when Mr. Roehrich -sold his interest to his partner. Subsequentlv he formed a partnership with George J. Raab and they operated the old Keystone Brewery under the name of Roehrich & Raab until 1903, when they sold the plant to the Deppen Brewing Co.. and in 1908 this was reorganized with the following officers: Presi- dent, John Roehrich; vice president, William J. Roeh- rich; secretary, George J. Raab; treasurer, James Tay- lor; and directors, James Mahony and Dr. John M. Bertolet. That year they erected the Brewery at Third and Buttonwood streets, where thirty-nine men are employed. After closing out his former business interests, in . 1902, Mr. Roehrich purchased a lot of ground (75 by 140 feet) on Third near Buttonwood street in 1903, and built a cold storage and ice plant, and equipoed it with modern machinery, with a capacity of fifty tons of ice per day. In 1875 Mr. Roehrich was married to Catharine Baisch. a native of Berks county, and they have three children, viz: William J.. Frank C. and Harry Max. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Roeh- rich is a self-made man. In his business as well as his social relations he is held in the highest esteem. BIOGRAPHICAL 667 J. H. REICHERT, of Willow Glen Farm, in Marion township, Berks county, and second vice-president of the International Correspondence Schools, of Scran- ton, Pa., was born in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks county, Sept. 1, 1865, son of Jeremiah M. Reich- ert (a soldier of the Civil war), and grandson of Charles Reichert (a Revolutionary soldier). The family is of Swiss extraction, and was one of the earliest to locate in Berks county, the name ap- pearing in 1739 on the first tax list made up for Bern township. As a young man Mr. Reichert was a salesman, and about twelve years ago he became connected with the International Correspondence Schools at Scranton, Pa., and is now serving as second vice-president, having charge of the selling force. He has, however, retained his residence in Marion township, on the homestead of his maternal ailcestors, the Maidenfords. Willow Glen Farm consists of 105 acres, and is one, of the landmarks of the county, having been settled by Mr. Reichert's ancestors nearly two centuries ago. The farm house is 177 years old. This place is run on business principles, and after being practically ruined throu^ farming along old methods by genera- tion after generation. When Mr. Reichert took charge he studied the question carefully for weeks and months and at the end of that time had concluded two things were necessary; To discontinue the pasturing of cattle, and to waste less home fertilizer. He worked out a system of green crops, suitable to the climate and soil, and he has a fine herd of fifty-five Jerseys (in milk). His milk is of excellent quality, and brings two cents a quart more in Reading than that sold by other farm- ers. The milk of each cow is weighed at each milking, and the total daily yield is watched, so that any varia- tions can be quickly noted and the cause caught. In one year the farm produced 154,000 quarts of milk. All the rough feed — hay, grain and ensilage — is raised, and none purchased, and nothing is sold except wheat, milk and cattle, yet the farm has an annual income of $7,000. REDCAY. For the last one hundred and fifty and more years the name of Redcay (Redche, Retge) has been a familiar one in Lancaster and Berks counties. Pa., where many of the name have spent upright, hon- orable and useful lives following the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. (I) Elias Rattge (or Redche), the ancestor of the Redcay family in question, came to Pennsylvania, Sept. 26, 1737, from Germany, and was accompanied by Nicholas Rattge, a relative. Both names were written by a clerk, and that of Elias was spelled Ratgen. Tra- dition says he was related to John Jacob Radge, who arrived in Philadelphia, Dec. 3, 1740, on the ship "Robert and Alice," Capt. Goodman, commander. Elias Rattge settled at once in Robeson township, Lancaster county, and Nicholas in Albany township, Berks (then Philadelphia) county, and on Nov. 28. 1750, the latter received a warrant for fifty acres in Philadelphia county. He was a farmer, but little is known of him. He died in 1760 leaving a widow, Maria Ann Ursula, and child- ren Elias (died in Greenwich township, Berks county, in 1773) and Anna Margarete. In 1750 Elias Rattge (or Redche) secured a warrant from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania for sixty-five acres of land in Robeson township, Lancaster county; in 1752 this township was transferred to Berks county. On Oct 28. 1765, he purchased of Henry Winterberger 140 acres at Gibraltar, Robeson township, adjoining the sixty-five acres previously mentioned, and there he farmed contfnuously until 1773. St. John's Church and graveyard are situated on this property. On June 12, 1773, he sold his property at Gibraltar to his only son Elias, Jr., and moved to Cumru (now Brecknock) town- ship, in what was called "the Forest." There he pur- chased one hundred and thirty-four acres, through which ran the Allegheny creek, and on the banks of that stream he erected a sawmill, which he conducted suc- cessfully until the time of his death. He alsQ followed farming on this land. He died in 1786, aged about seventy years, and is buried in the St. John's grave- yard at Gibraltar! Elias Redche was twice married. By his first wife, Elizabeth, he had the following children. (1) Elias Redcay, born in 1745. m. Elizabeth Hunter (born in 1752, died Jan. 11, 1816). of Oley, April 6, 1773, and died Jan. 3, 1829. (2) Barbara m. John Kendall. (3) Mary, born Aug. 5, 1747, m. Gottlieb Christian, May 28, 1770, and died in 1832. (4) Catharine, born April 22, 1756. m. Christian Krauss, Sept. 5, 1773-. and died Feb. 14,' 1809. (5) Elizabeth m. Fredrich Rapp, Sept. 30, 1770, and died before 1786. Elias Redche m. (sec- ond) March 21, 1773, Rosina Zigler, widow of Adam Zigler. They had no children, and at his death in 1788 she married Christian Eschelman, a neighbor. (II) Elias Redcay, Jr., only son of iElias and Eliza- beth, lived in Robeson township, where he carried on farming and conducted a sawmill. He carried on operations on the two tracts which he had purchased from his father in 1773, up to 1804, when he decided to sell out. He was an extensive dealer in land and a large property owner, owning several good farms and a few timber tracts on which he operated sawmills. On April 29, 1791, he and his wife deeded to Valentine Geiger and Herman Umstead in trust for the inhabi- tants of this section a tract of land containing one acre, ten perches, it being part of the land he had purchased from his father. This land contained the private burying ground of the Redcays, who in later years allowed the people of their section to bury their dead there. It was the intention to have a church there, but this was not built until 1809, and it is known as St. John's Lutheran and Reformed Church. It is said that a log, church was on the property before the present church was built. All Christian congre- gations which contributed to its support were allowed to worship in the building, and they were also to maintain and keep the graveyard. Late in life Elias Redcay lost most of his competency through disastrous financial investments. He was a member of the Gen- eral Assembly from Exeter in 1805-1806, and during the Revolutionary war he served as a lieutenant of militia from Pennsylvania in Capt. Adam Beard's Com- pany, 3d Battalion, Lieut. Col. Jonathan Jones. He was a great reader and delighted to tell stories of the war. He passed away Jan. 3, 1829, and is buried in the old Redcay burial ground. On April 6, 1773, Elias Redcay married Elizabeth Hunter, who was born in 1752, and died Jan. 11, 1816, and to them were born the following children: (1) Henry, born Aug. 13, 1775, m. Mary Catharine Ney- kirk, of Exeter, who was born Jan. 25, 1779. He died May 22, 1848, and she Sept. 3, 1843, and both are buried in -the Muddy Creek cemetery in Lancaster county. (2) John is mentioned below. (») Elias, born Dec. 28, 1782, m. (first) Jan. 29, 1809, Sarah Harner. of Exeter. She died and was buried in Muddy Creek cemetery, and he m. (second) July 16, 1826, Elizabeth Strauss, of Bern, who was born Feb. 12, 1790. He passed away Jan. 28, 1867, and, she died Aug. 19, 1875, and both are buried at Adamstown, Lancaster county. (4) Eliza- beth m. Samuel Ludwig, of Cumru. They' moved to Missouri in 1832. (5) Maria m. June 9, 1805. Jacob Ludwig. (III) John Redcay. son of Elias, was born in Robe- son township, Berks county, about 1779. On April 10, 1810, he, with his father, purchased a farm of Johii Barr, in Exeter township, which they farmed until 1833, when they sold out. He then moved to a farm' near Schwartzwald in Exeter, which had a clover mill on it. There he remained until his death, in 1836 and he is buried in St. John's graveyard at Gibraltar. About 1807 he married Esther Rhoads, of Amity township and' they had children as follows: (1) Mary, born 'Oct 14, 1807, m. Thomas Lewis. (3) Betzy, born April lo', 1809, m. Pete Romig, and died Oct. 16, 1851. (3) 668 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John, born April 25, 1810, m. Phoebe Schrack, who was born Oct. 31. 1817, and died Feb. 13, 1854. He passed away in July, 1848. (4) Daniel, born Feb. 1, 1812, m. Abby Kint, (born April 18, 1818. died April 13, 1904), and died June 1, 1890. (5) Jacob, born June 13, 1816, died unmarried Dec. 18, 1898. (6) Catharine m. John Lewis. (IV) Daniel Redcay, son of John and Esther (Rhoads) Redcay, was born Feb. 1, 1812, and died June 1, 1890. He married Abby Kint, daughter of Abraham Kint. and they moved to McEwensville, Pa. They were the parents of: Angeline, born Dec. 24, 1842. who is living on the old homestead; Henry, born Feb. 4, 1845, who is at Watsonstown; Abraham, born Jan. 23, 1847, living at Milton; and Ed., born in 1861, residing in Scranton. (IV) John Redcay, son of John and Esther (Rhoads) Redcay. lived at the old clover mill with his parents until 1835. when on Sept. 11th of which year he mar- ried Phoebe Schrack. He was a farmer in Amity township until 1840, wh'en he sold out and moved to Pottsville, Schuylkill county. He died in July, 1848, and. his wife passed away Feb. 13, 1854, and both are buried at Pbttsville. They had children: Caroline R., born April 6, 1837, m. Adam Kerper; John R., born Jan. 24. 1831, died in the army during the Civil war; Isaac, born Feb. 21, 1841, died Aug. 17, 1886 (his wife's name was Rebecca); Emma Maria was born May 16, 1847. (Ill) Henry Redcay, son of Elias, was born in Robe- son township. Aug. 13, 1775, and died in Lancaster county, May 22, 1848. He is buried in the Muddy Creek cemetery. On Sept. 10, 1804, he bought from his fath- er ninety-one acres of the old homestead in Robeson township, and on this he lived and worked until March 30, 1811. The place is now owned by the Elisha Brown estate. He then purchased 137 acres on Lancaster pike, between the "Five Mile House" and Gouglers- ville, in Cumru township,_ but this being poor and swampy land he sold it a year after, April 1, 1812, and moved to Stone Hill, Brecknock township, Lan- caster county. There he purchased a farm and there he lived until his death in 1848. He married Mary Catharine Neykirk, and they had children as' follows: Esther, born Dec. 18. 1797, was baptized Sept. 3, 1798. Mary, born Nov. 3, 1801, died July 8, 1810; she was drowned in the mill dam and is buried in the cemetery at Gibraltar. Nelly, born April 2, 1803, died Aug. 20. 1853; she m. Abraham Trostle, born in 1809, who died Nov. 23, 1886. Jacob, born Sept. 11, 1804, died Dec. 22, 1812. Heinrich. born Feb. 12, 1809, died unmarried April 14, 1834. Mary Catharine, born Sept. 19, 1810. died aged thirteen days. John, born May 14, 1813, died Oct. 8, 1863; his wife, Mary Ann, was born Feb. 16, 1816. Mary, born May 7, 1817, m. Simon Kindt, who was born May 3, 1822, and died Aug. 15, 1870. Sarah, born May 23, 1819, m. Joseph Stemmen. Susannah, born Dec. 8. 1820, m. William Redcay, a cousin, and is still living. Catharine m. Henry Lingling. Elizabeth m. Mr. Sweigert, and they moved to Cumberland county. Joseph and Rachel are given no record. (Ill) Elias Redcay, son of Elias, was born Dec. 28, 1782, in Robeson township, Berks county, and died at Adamstowil, Jan. 28, 1867. He assisted his father with the farm work until his marriage. On Jan. 29, 1809, he married Sarah Harner, a daughter of Heinrich and Catharine Harner of Exeter. The year after his mar- riage he farmed for himself, and in 1810 he moved to Exeter, where he carried on farming operations until 1821. On March 31st of the last named year he bought the hotel stand of Jacob Swartz in Adamstown, Lan- caster county, on the Lancaster pike, between Reading and Lancaster. The Lancaster pike was a much used highway and of all the old hostelries in the town "Red- cay's" was the most patronized by the travelers be- tween the two points. This hotel was operated by Mr. Redcay until 1846, in which year he sold out and pur- chased a tract of land in the lower end of the town. where he erected a hotel which he owned until the time of his death; Mr. Redcay was twice married. Heni. (first) Sarah Harner, by whom he had the following children: (1) Henry, born Aug. 9, 1809, died June 9, 1890. He m. Lidia Bicher. who was born Feb. 22, 1811, and died Aug. 6. 1898. (2) Charles, born Jan. 1, 1811, died Nov. 29, 1887. He m. Mary Pennebecker, who died Feb. 8. 1888. (3) Lidia, born Dec. 13, 1812, m. John Young. ' (4) Harriet, born Dec. 21, 1814, died March 19, 1875. She m. Isaac Fichthorn. (5) A daugh- ter, born Oct. 21, 1816, died young. (6) Nicholas, born Aug. 21, 1818. died May 26, 1895. He m. Ann Kegerise, born Dec. 19.' 1834, and died March 21, 1891. (7) Benne- ville. born 29, 1820, died Feb. 3, 1873. He m. Polly Bulman. born April 5. 1829, died . (8) William, born Oct. 15, 1822, is still living; he m. his cousin, Susan Redcay, who is also living. On July 16, 1826, Mr. Redcay m. (second) Elizabeth Strauss, and by her he became the father of Elias Redcay, who is mentioned in full below. (IV) Elias Redcay. son of Elias and Elizabeth (Strauss) Redcay, was born at the "Upper Hotel" which was kept by his father, at Adamstown, Lan- caster county, Nov. 18, 1827. He attended the district schools, after leaving which he entered the butcher business with his brothers. Henry, Nicholas and Wil- liam. He attended the Penn Square Market House in Reading, and his stand was located in front of what is now the "United States Hotel." He was a pro- perty owner, owning lots two, three and four in Adams- town. and a large tract of land in Iowa, also fifty acres near Bowmansville. A lover of good horses, he was the owner of several speedy ones, which he delighted to drive. While attending market, in the winter of 1859-60 he contracted a cold, which settled in his throat and eventually caused his death April 28, 1860, when in his thirty-third year. , In 1858, Mr. Redcay married Susan Mohn, daughter of William and sister of Jeremiah G. Mohn, the hat manufacturer. She passed away July 27, 1886, the moth- er of one child, James Elias Redcay. (V) James Elias Redcay, son of Elias and Susan (Mohn) Redcay, was born Nov. 2, 1859, in Adamstown, Lancaster county. His father dying before he was a year old, he was brought up by his mother, who sent him to the district schools until he was sixteen years old, and then he was sent to the West Chester Normal. Returning to Adamstown he learned the hat trade with his uncles Jeremiah G. Mohn & Bro., who were then doing business under the name of Mohn & Prutzman. On Oct. 28, 1877, he left Adamstown for Reading, and in that city he entered the employ of his uncles. In 1880 he was made foreman of their shop, and this po- sition he is still holding. On July 3, 1884, Mr. Redcay married Anna B. Alt- house, daughter of Franklin and Amelia (Hinnershitz) Althouse, and they were the parents of the following children: Harry B., William F., John R. and Susan A. The family reside at No. 1250 Perkiomen avenue, Reading. ZIMMERMAN. The Zimmerman family in Albany township, Berks county, is descended from Heinrich Zimmerman, who came to this township from Maxa- tawny township, about the time of the organization of the county. In 1756 he was a taxable in Albany. He lived at Stony Run Hill, apd his homestead is now owned by a descendant, Noah Zimmerman. Heinrich Zimmerman's son Johannes, born April 19, 1761, diqd on the home farm April 25, 1824, aged sixty-three years and six days. His wife Maria Barbara Dietrich (1769- 1833) was a daughter of Adam Dietrich. Johannes Zimmerman, son of Heinrich, succeeded his father to the homestead and was a farmer. His - farm consisted of 177 acres. In 1822 he built the present large stone house. He and his wife were Lutherans, and are buried at Wessnersville. They had the following children: Maria Magdalena m. Daniel BIOGRAPHICAL 669 Kunkel; Mrs. Samuel Brobst; Mrs. Jacob Georg; Moses; John; Daniel and Michael. Moses Zimmerman, son of Johannes, was born April 23, 1799, and died Dec. 17, 1840. He obtained the homestead, and there died. In 1841, his brother Michael bought it for $2,400. Among other childres Moses Zimmerman had Polly and Jonas. John Zimmerman, son of Johannes, lived in Albany township, in the Stony Run, owning the farm now the property of Matthias Wessner, which farm was given to him by his father. His children were: Anna, Lydia, Eli, Aaron, Daniel, Gideon and Samuel. Daniel Zimmerman, son of Johannes, was a farmer in Bern (now Tilden) township, where he had a large tract near St. Michael's church, and there he is buried. His wife was a Miss Keller, and among their children was a son, Samuel. Michael Zimmerman, son of Johannes, was born Feb. 10, 1802, and died Feb. 1, 1878. He was a lifelong farmer owning the homestead on the Stony Run Hill. He built the present barn in 1848. He also operated a distillery on his farm. His wife, Sarah Stump (1813- 1885), bore him five children, namely: William; Noah, Catharine m. Jacob Snyder, of Weisenburg township, Lehigh county; Mary Ann m. Nathan Weisner; and Sarah died young. Michael Zimmerman was a Demo- crat, and served as school director. He held church of5'~es in Friedens Church at Wessnersville, where the Zimmermans are buried. William Zimmerman, son of Michael, was born Nov. 13, 1833, and died May 12, 1906. He lived across the line from Albany, in Lynn township, Lehigh county. He was a farmer, and carefully husbanded his re- sources, becoming very well-to-do. He married Mary Ann Weisner, and their children were: Sarah Ann (1858- 1861); Nathan m. Mary Dietrich; Amanda m. Reuben Shugor; Caroline m. Phaon Kerchner; Mary Ann m. Reuben Shugor, after the death of her sister Amanda; Daniel m. Kate Adam; Jonathan lives on the home- stead; and Sinora Rothermel. Noah Zimmerman, son of Michael, born in Albany Oct. 17, 1836, has been living retired at Wessnersville since 1895. He owns the homestead which he farmed until he retired in comfortable circumstances. He and family are esteemed members of the Lutheran congrega- tion at Wessnersville. In 1869 he married Mary Ann Fenstermacher, daughter of Daniel and Polly (Diet- rich) Fenstermacher, and they have had four daught- ers, viz.: Emma m. Jeremiah Wessner; Amanda m. Tilghman Groff; Alice m. Richard Groff; and Annie V. died in infancy. ROTHENBERGER. The Rothenberger family has lived in Berks county for 150 and more years, and is worthily represented in the present generation by George W. Rothenberger, born in Reading, April 13, 1871, son of the late Cornelius K. Rothenberger. The ancestor of this family was Peter Rothenberger, who was a Swiss. He came to America on the ship "Brotherhood," which landed at Philadelphia, Nov. 3, 1750. Soon after coming to this country he settled in Alsace township, this county, where he died late in 1772. His executors were Jacob Kiihn and Henry Baum. He had a son Peter (See below) and a daughter Mary. In 1783, petitions were presented to the Or- phans Court praying that guardians be appointed for them — stating that they were under fourteen years of age. (I) Peter Rothenberger. great-great-grandfather of George W, of Reading, was a resident of Alsace town- ship at an early date. He was born March 24, 1769, and died in Alsace Jan. 4, 1825, aged iifty-five years, nine months, ten days. He married Rebecca Shalter, born Sept. 1. 1773, and died Nov. 28, 1847. The federal census report of 1790 records Peter Rodenberger, a resident of Alsace township, Berks county, as having I six sons, and two daughters, the children all under sixteen years of age. Both Peter Rothenberger and" wife are buried at Alsace Church. One of their sons was Peter. . t. i_ (II) Peter Rothenberger, son of Peter and Rebecca, was born in Alsace township. Berks county, Feb. 22, 1795, and died Nov. 14, 1871. His wife, Maria Schneid- er, was born Oct. 11, 1798, and died Dec. 17, 1870. Mr. Rothenberger was a farmer, and in early life lived in Alsace and later in Centre township. He and wife were members of the Reformed Congregation of the Alsace Church, where they are buried. Their children were: Peter; Hannah married John Klohs; Polly married Elias Bickel; Molly married Benjamin Herb; and John S. (III) John S. Rothenberger, son of Peter, was a native of Centre township, born March 5, 1821, died Dec. 29. 1872. He carried on the old homestead farm until 1853, when he removed to Leisz's Bridge, and in company with his father purchased a farm for $14,- 000, on which he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Rothenberger was married (first) in 1840, to Mary Ann Kauffman (born Sept. 10, 1818, died March 23,1864), by whom he had eleven children: Cyrus W.; William K.; John K.; Peter K.; Levi K.; Cornelius K.; Milton K. and Albert K., both deceased; Mary K., m. to Welling- ton Moser; Deborah K., m. to Edward Shearer; and Thomas K., of San Francisco. The second marriage of Mr. Rothenberger was in 1864, to Matilda (Kauffman) Daubert, a widow, and sister to his first wife. To their union there were born seven children: James, of Tem- ple; Harry, who went West; Morris, deceased; Kate (Catherine), m. to Elmer Angstadt; Rosa, m. to Edward Moore, of California; George, of Reading; and Sallie, deceased. In religious belief Mr. Rothenberger was Reformed, while both of his wives were connected with the Lutheran Church. In political matters he was a Democrat. (IV) Cornelius K. Rothenberger, son of John S., was Isorn in Penn township, Berks county, June 25, 1847, and was reared upon his father's farm, working there until he attained his majority. He then engaged in the brick manufacturing business at Birds- boro, and in 1878 became the proprietor of the "River- side Hotel" which he conducted eight years. In 1880 he again engaged in the brick manufacturing business, in North Reading, and he also followed contracting and house building very profitably until 1895. In 1894 Mr. Rothenberger engaged in the grocery business, at Riverside, following this ten years, at the end of that time his son-in-law, Wilson E. Moser, becoming his partner under the firm name of Moser & Rothenberger. This firm lasted two years, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Rothenberger then lived retired until Feb. 1, 1908, when he again engaged in the grocery business. He was a fine business man. He was acci- dentally killed Jan. 18, 1909, by a train at the crossing of Seventh and Penn streets, Reading, and is buried at Charles Evans Cemetery; the three preceding genera- tions are buried at Alsace Cemetery. Mr. Rothenberg- er was a member of the Heptasophs; Washington Camp, No. 691, P. O. S. of A. With his family he be- longed to Olivet Reformed Church, Reading, of which for some years he was a trustee. In politics he was a Democrat. In June, 1870, he married Rosa Drexel, daughter of John Drexel, of West Reading. She was born in April, 1844, and died Dec. 27, 1902. the mother of five children: George W., born April 13, 1871; Bertha, m. to Wilson E. Moser, of Riverside; John, who died aged two years; Mary, m. to, Stephen Sehl, of Reading; and William, a dyer at Reading. Mr. Rothenberger owned a farm of fifty-six acres in Exeter township, and the buildings at Nos. 35 and 37 Exeter street, and three lots at Exeter and Front streets. (V) George W. Rothenberger received his education in the city schools, and in Prof. D. B. Brunner's Academy and Business College at Reading. At the age of eighteen he learned the tailor's trade in that city, and this has ever since been his occupation. When but twenty-two he engaged in business for himself, and 670 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA soon built up a lucrative business. He is practical, and he understands his business thoroughly. He ernploys from six to twelve men. Mr. Rothenberger is the owner of the three-story brick residence, No. 906 Penn street, with a frontage of 19i feet and in depth 120 feet, having purchased this April 2, 1900. In March, 1909, Mr. Rothenberger purchased a private residence at No. 1534 Perkiomen avenue, where he has resided since April 1st. Mr. Rothenberger was married Sept. 14, 1899, to Anna M. Brown, daughter of' the late Albert and Emily (Ludwig) Brown, of Reading, and they have had three children, one of whom, the first, died in infancy. The others are Thomas B. and John F. Mr. Rothenberg:er belongs to the Second Reformed Church and his wife belongs to Trinity Lutheran Church. He is fra- ternally connected with the Mystic Star Commandery, No. 47, Knights of Malta; Progressive Lodge, L O. O. F., and Penn Wheelmen. HENRY E. RHOADS, one of the most useful citi- zens of Douglass township, was born in Pottsgrove township, Montgomery Co., Pa., July 6. 1833, son of Charles and Margaret (Egolf) Roth. The early spell- ing of the name was Roth, but was changed to Rhoads by the teachers of the Charles Roth children. Henry Rath, grandfather of Henry E., lived at Deep Creek, in New Hanover township, in Montgomery county, where he had a small farm. He died before 1830. His wife, a Hoffman, lived to the age of ninety- seven years. They had four children: Hannah, m. to Peter Yerger; Betzy, m. to Daniel Houck; Kate, m. to John Kohl; and Charles. Charles Roth, son of Henry, was born in New Han- over township, Montgomery county, and died in West Pottsgrove township, that county, Dec. 1, 1887. By trade he was a blacksmith, and this he followed in early life, becoming in 1837, however, a farmer in West Pottsgrove township, where he bought a farm which he operated a number of years. He was a man of enterprise and thrift, and left a large estate that he had accumulated himself. Among the different properties he owned was an eighty-acre tract in West Pottsgrove township, which he cut up into building lots in the early eighties. He sold a large number of them, receiv- ing $22,000 for those he sold, and at his death he still had about 465 lots, which were divided among his children, his son Henry E. acquiring about fifty-two. All are valuable, as this tract adjoins the borough of Pottstown, in fact the farm buildings were located within the limits of the borough. Charles Roth is buried at M'ount Zion cemetery. South Pottstown. His first wife was Margaret Egolf, daughter of Adam and Anna (Moser) Egolf, the latter a daughter of Peter Moser (brother of the bachelor Burkhart Moser). Both Mr. and Mrs. Egolf attained eighty-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Roth were born seven children: Henry E. ; William, of Stowe, Pa.; Rachel, widow of Jere Reif- snyder, of Bramcote; Daniel, of Stowe, now deceased; John, who died of hydrophobia; Mary. m. to William Rutter, of Stowe, both deceased; and Adam, of Stowe. Charles Roth m. (second) Mrs. Charlotte (Wamback) Root, widow of Jacob Root. Henry E. Rhoads was 'reared upon his father's farm, and has been a farmer all his life. He worked for his parents until he was of age. In 1857 he began farming for himself in Douglass township, Berks county, on the Jacob Yorgey farm, which he tenanted for twenty- seven years. From 1884 to 1887 he farmed the William Wise farm, also in Douglass township. In the fall of 1887 he bought his present farm consisting of 100 acres of the best land in the township, located about one mile north of Maxatawny Station on the Colebrookdale branch of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. Mr. Rhoads has greatly improved this tract. He also has an interest in different tracts of woodland located in North Coventry township, Chester county, which at one time belonged to his father. Mr. Rhoads is one of the substantial citizens of the township, and takes a keen intelligent interest in public affairs. In politics he is a- Democrat, and since 1883 has held the office of school director, being one of the very oldest directors in point of service in the county. He has also served as assistant assessor of the township, and was delegate to several county con- ventions. With his family he attends Emanuel Luth- eran Church of Pottstown, of which for six years he was a deacon. In 1855 Mr. Rhoads married Sarah Yorgey, daugh- ter of Jacob and Sarah (Reifsnyder) Yorgey. She was born March 24, 1840, and died Jan. 20, 1903, and is buried in the Pottstown cemetery. Eleven children were born of this union, namely: Marguerite m. Jacob Levengood, of Montgomery county; Annie m. Irwin Sassaman, and lives at Reading; Jacob is a farmer in Douglass township; William lives at Philadelphia; War- ren died aged thirty-three years; Emma m. August Maberry (deceased), and lives at Pottstown; Darius is a farmer at Amityville; Isaac is a blacksmith at Amity- ville; John is a baker at Pottstown; George Y. is a teacher in Douglass township, and Morris is a farmer in Douglass township. O. B. S. WILDER, a well-known resident of Perkio- men avenue, Reading, who as a general contractor and builder has erected some of the city's most beauti- ful structures, was born in 1860, in Key West, Fla., son of Barnabas S. and Diana (Waltz) Wilder, the latter a descendant of Michael Waltz, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Barnabas S. Wilder was also a native of Florida, and came to Pennsylvania prior to the Civil war. He was a hotel proprietor for many years, and at the time of his death was conducting the "Mansion House" at Car- lisle. Mr. Wilder was a member of the Masonic Or- der at Harrisburg, Pa., and was a consistent attendant of the Reformed Church, his wife being a Lutheran, in the faith of which church she died in 1889. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilder: O. B. S. ; Bella E., m. to Lieutenant George of the United States Army; and Robert, in the hotel business at Shippens- burg. O. B. S. Wilder was about one year old when his parents came to Pennsylvania, and his literary educa- tion was secured in the schools of Dauphin and Cum- berland counties. As a- youth he learned the carpenter- ing, building and painting trades, and in 1883 he engaged in a general contracting business, in which he has con- tinued to the present time. He has worked in Ken- tucky, West Virginia and Tennessee, beside Pennsyl- vania. He has erected many buildings throughout Reading, including the "Crystal Palace Hotel," and the residence of Ferdinand Winter on Center avenue, and his work has gained him an enviable reputation in his line. Mr. Wilder is very fond of hunting, and during the winter of 1906-07 spent some time at this sport in Georgia. Mr. Wilder was married in 1884 to Emma R. Wahl. He belonged to Montgomery Lodge, I. O. O. F., Read- ing; and Samuel J. Randall Council, Jr. O. U. A. M., Reading. In political matters he is independent. GEORGE IRA KEEN, M. D., one of Reading's successful young practitioners of medicine, was born at Reading, in 1870, son of Samuel H. and Mary D. (Landis) Keen. The Keen family has been known in Reading for several generations and has held the respect of the community. Samuel Keen, the grandfather, died in this city, and here Samuel H. Keen, his son, was born and has resided here all his life. In young manhood he was absent for a short time, operating an engine in Georgia, but for the past forty years he has been with the Reading Railway Company, one of that, corpora- tion's most valued employes. He married Mary D. Landis, a member of a large and honored family of BIOGRAPHICAL 671 Lancaster county. They reside at No. 1213 Chestnut street, which has been the family home for the past- thirty-five years. Their children are: George Ira, of this sketch; James O., a machinist at Reading; Newton Edgar, a printer, who resides in Philadelphia; and Mrs. William M. Kitzmiller, of Germantown, Philadelphia. Dr. Keen was educated at Reading and after passing creditably through the high school, he attended Pal- mer's Business College, at Philadelphia, and then en- tered Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, in 1889, where he was graduated with the class of 1892. He entered upon the practice of his profession in his native city, and has met with excellent success. He has established his office in his handsome, newly-erected home at No. 941 Franklin street. Dr. Keen married Elizabeth May Leh, daughter of Frank Leh, of Reading, and they had twin daughters, Helen and Ethel, the latter of whom is deceased. Miss Helen is a student at Reading. Politically Dr. Keen is a Republican. He is a member of the State Medical Association and of the State Homeopathical Association and is president of the Pathological So- ciety of Reading. MILLER. The Miller family to which Joshua L. Miller, of Albany township, Berks county, belongs, is descended from Christian Miller, born June 3, 1799, in the vicinity of Milton, Pa. It is said that Christian Miller came from along the Susquehanna river. He died in Albany township. Feb. 27, 1869. His farm comprised that now owned by James E. Snyder of 125 acres, and Joshua L. Miller of 75 acres. 'On the Snyder farm he built the stone house in 1844, and the barn in 1855. He was a sub- stantial man, and founded Salem Evangelical Church, bequesting one half acre of land upon which it was built in 1882. He served as class leader and exhorter, and a congregation was organized that built a church thirteen years after his death. The congregation con- sists of some forty members, the principal families be- ing the Millers. Snyders, Berks, Kneppers, and Mau- reys. Christian Miller married Sophia Bailey (1808- 1868). They had two children: Jacob; and Catharine, m. to James E. Snyder. Jacob Miller, son of Christian, was born Feb. 20, 1833, died at Kempton, July 21, 1897. He was a farmer and owned the tract now the property of his son Joshua L. In 1886 he retired and built a house at Kempton, where he died. He was active in church life, and is buried at Snyder's Evangelical Association founded by his father. He married Helena Leiby, daughter of Jacob Leiby, of Virginville. They had children: Joshua L. ; Valeria m. William Bolich, of Drehersville, Pa.; Kate deceased m. Alfred Miller, deceased; Mon- roe (1864-1877). Joshua L. Miller was born in Perry township, Berks county, Sept. 9, 1859., When a child his parents came to Albany, and here he has since made his home. He is a farmer and has a seventy-five acre tract, on which he raises many potatoes. His home is most attractive. He and his family are members of the Salem Evan- gelical Association near their home, and he has been class leader, exhorter, and trustee. In 1873 he married Priscilla Heisler, and they have children: Monroe, Mil- ton, Edwin, Alvena, Cora, Amelia, Minnie, Mahlon. PHILIP H. LOTZ, now living a retired life at his home in Reading, No. 941 Elm street, was for many years identified with various business ventures in this city. Mr. Lotz was born in 1835, in Reading, son of William Lotz, and comes of one of the oldest fam- ilies of this section. Col. Nicholas Lotz, great-grandfather of Philip H., was born in Germany in 1740, and emigrated to Amer- ica, settling in Reading prior to the Revolution. He served as a delegate to the Provincial Conference in June, 1776, and later took an active part in the enlist- ment of men for the army. He Became a Lieutenant Colonel, and was a participant in the campaign of the "Flying Camp" at New York, where he was. engaged in the battle of Long Island and taken prisoner. He was at the head of the militia battalions for many years. In 1780 he was appointed a commissioner of forage and purchased supplies for the army until the close of the war. He represented Berks in the General Assembly from 1784 to 1786. and again from 1790 to 1806. He died Nov. 28, 1807, and his remains were interred in the graveyard of the First Reformed Church and removed from there to Charles Evans cemetery. The old Shanaman mill property, at the mouth of the Wyomissing creek, opposite Reading, was the place where Col. Nicholas Lotz made flour for the Continent- al army during the Revolutionary War. Col. Nicholas Lotz sold the grist mill and twelve acres of land, part of a tract of 200 acres, to Peter Bauman. Philip Lotz, son of Col. Nicholas, was born in Berks county and was a saddler by trade, an oc- cupation which he followed for several years on Penn street, above Third. He and his wife both died in Reading, and were buried in the Charles Evans ceme- tery. William Lotz, father of Philip H., was born in Read- ing, and in this city received his education. For a number of years he was successfully engaged in the butchering business on North Fifth street, where the Masonic Temple now stands. Mr. Lotz died at the age of eighty-seven years. He married Sarah Hess, and their children were: Barbara; Catherine; Caroline, de- ceased; William, deceased; Henry; Philip HI; Casper and Emma. Philip H. Lotz attended the public schools of Read- ing, and then engaged in clerking in a dry goods store. Two years later he engaged in the butchering busi- ness with his father, and' continued therein for a period of twenty years, he and his brother Casper, being in partnership one year. He then engaged with George W. Hues, who was in the liquor business on Eighth and Penn streets, and later removed to No. 805 Penn street. He then became employed with a Mr. Jones in the same line of business, continuing with him for a period of fifteen years, then engaging with Martin Sheafler. In 1900 Mr. Lotz retired from business. He married Caroline Lott, daughter of Nicholas, and she died in 1888, their children being: Sallie J., m. Wil- liam Auraan, has a family of six children ; and George m. a Miss Sullivan, has two children, and resides in Reading. Mr. Lotz is a Republican in his political views, but takes little interest in public matters. He is a member of the Reformed Church. JOSEPH TRICKEL, master mechanic of the Penn Hardware Company, Reading, and a highly esteemed resident of that city, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1851, and there received his education. He came to America when seventeen years old, and came direct from New York City to Reading, where he ha,s- since resided. Mr. Trickel learned the machinist's trade in Read- ing with A. C. Greth, with whom he remained for twelve and one-half years, and after finishing his trade worked as a journeyman for some time. He then engaged with the Penn Hardware Company, and he has continued with that firm to the present time, a matter of thirty years. He started as foreman of the machine shop, and shortly after was made master mechanic. He is one of the oldest employes of the company, and is a very skilled mechanic, having several patented inventions to his credit, and being at the head of thirty-two foremen. Mr. Trickel married Catherine E. Nickolas, daugh- ter of Adam and Elizabeth (Draher) Nickolas, the former a pioneer brush manufacturer of Reading, having his foundry at No. 131 North Tenth street. He died at the age of seventy-two years, while his widow survives him and resides with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Christine Regar, No. 1405 Muhlen- 673 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA berg street, Reading, being aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Trickel have one daughter, Annie, the wife of Herbert S. De Hart (son of William), a plumber, and they reside with Mr. and Mrs. Trickel. The Trickels are members of the Catholic Church. Politically Mr. Trickel is independent. He is a stock- holder in the Penn Hardware Company, and is the owner of considerable property in the city of Read- ing. Mr. Trickel's first home was at No. 1050 Muh- lenberg street, having purchased this in 1876, and since that time he has purchased considerable prop- erty, among it being his present home. No.. 1236 Perk- iomen avenue, which he bought in 1895. Mr. Trickel's mother paid a visit to the United States when seven- ty-two years of age, visiting all of the large cities, and then returned to her native country, where she died. Mr. Joseph Trickel was the eldest of his parents' children, the others being: Leander, a well known butcher of Reading; Reinhardt, a blacksmith by trade, who died in Philadelphia; Alfred, who served in the German army, and died in that country; Catherine, deceased; and Bertha, who is living in Philadelphia. BENJAMIN SAYLOR, senior member of the large grocery firm of B. & J. Saylor, Reading, is a native son of Berks county. He . has been interested in his pres- ent business for a period of over forty years. Mr. Saylor was born in Heidelberg township, son of John and Catherine (Sheaffer) Saylor, the former a coun- try merchant and also a tailor, who died in Reading Jan. 1, 1867. The wife and mother passed awav Tan. 1, 1857. Mr. Saylor began his education in the public schools of his native township, and then spent three years at the Union Academy, at Womelsdorf. On leaving school he engaged in teaching, following that profession two and one half years at Robesonia, this county. He then went to Philadelphia, and entering the grocery store of his brother John remained with him ten years. They were first located at Sixteenth and Market streets, and later at Sixteenth and Cherry streets. In 1862 Benja- min Saylor left his brother and volunteered for three years or_ during the war in the Union army. He entered the service in August of that year as second Heutenant of Company C, 119th Pennsylvania Volunteers, attached to the Sixth Army Corps, and was shortly afterward promoted, becoming first lieutenant of the same com- pany. One year later he was again promoted, becoming captain of Company H, of the same regiment, and con- tinued as an officer in line of battle for two years. His duties led him into participation in some of the most notable campaigns of the war, in the actions up to and in- cluding both the first and second battles of Fredericks- burg. He was at the storming of Marye's Heights and on to Chancellorsville ; then followed the engagement at Mine Run, in which so many were killed and wound- ed, and after that the storming of Rappahannock Heights, in which about a third of the brigade, under Gen. David Russell, were lost. On May 5, 1864, the great campaign under General Grant commenced. Crossing the Rapidan, the troops fought through the Wilderness on to Spott- sylvania and Cold Harbor, where Captain Saylor lost forty men out of his company in the twelve days they were constantly engaged in fighting day and night. There at Cold Harbor he received his commission as commis- sary of subsistence of the volunteer service of the Unit- ed States army, in which capacity he served until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865 — practically the close of the war. In this connection he relates that after the surrender of Lee he received or- ders to turn over to the latter's army his beef cattle, about 120 head, to feed the starving men. All of Mr. Saylor's service was under General Sedgwick in the Sixth Army Corps. He was honorably discharged Sept. 11, 1865. as brevet major. The war ended, Mr. Saylor came to Reading, and in the fall of 1866 began his present grocery business in part- nership with his brother John. They had a small store opposite the site of the present magnificent establishment, 18 feet front on Fourth street, and 28 feet deep, the broth- ers buying out the former proprietor, William Fisher. For eleven years they remained at that location, and then in 1877 moved to the present place of business, No. 401 Penn street. Meantime the original store had not been long confined to the tiny room with 18 feet front, but spread over three other rooms. The present arrange- ment of the store is the result of many alterations, the building being now 30 x 142 feet in dimensions, four stor- ies high, with a cellar 11 feet clear below the first floor. In its construction 250,000 brick and 140 tons of struc- tural steel were used. There are coffee roasters, ma- chinery driven by steam and electric motors, with coffee- mills and pulverizers — in fact everything that goes to equip a thoroughly up-to-date grocery. Goods are delivered free over the city and adjacent territory, seven wagons and one automobile being employed for that purpose. The cake and pastry department is one of the most popular in Reading. The bakery is located on the third floor and is a model of neatness, and every precaution is taken to provide only the best and purest materials. A large part of the candy they sell is of their own manufacture, and they also carry a full line of standard makes. In May, 1888, John Saylor died, and his son, Howard B., succeeded him, the firm name, however, remaining unchanged. In 1871 Benjamin Saylor married, and his only child was a son John, who in 1907 purchased the interest of Howard B. in the grocery business and real estate. Mr. Saylor is a member of Encampment No. 43, Union Veteran Legion, and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He also belongs to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. &: A. M. For over twenty years he has been a trus- tee of the First Presbyterian Church. Howard B. Saylor, until 1907 junior member of the firm of B. & J. Saylor, was born at Philadelphia in 1860. He accompanied his father, John Saylor, to Read- ing, and there received his education in the public and high schools. In 1876 he entered the grocery as clerk, and continued in that, capacitv, carefully mastering bus- iness methods in general and the details of the groc- ery business in particular. At his father's death in 1888, he succeeded him as a member of the firm. In 1904 he was elected vice-president of the Colonial Trust Com- pany of Reading. Mp. Saylor married Lucv TempHn. daughter of the late Levi Templin, of Reading, and four children have been born to them : Mary, Lucv, Edward and Josephine. Mr. Saylor is a member of Chandler Lodge. No. 227, F. & A. M. ; Excelsior Chapter ; and Reading Com- mandery, K. T. His religious aflSliation is with the Luth- eran Church. HIESTER M. NAGLE, M. D., deceased, for thirty- five ■ years a physician in Berks county, was engaged in the practice of his profession in Reading from the close of the Civil war until his death. During: his residence in the city he was not only one of the foremost medical men, but a citizen whose activities in behalf of her progress and welfare were recognized and appreciated by all classes. Dr. Nagle was of German descent — a great-grand- son of Peter Nagle, who founded the family in Amer- ica. Peter Nagle settled in Berks county, where his son, Peter, was born July 11, 1782. The latter mar- ried Susan Filbert, born April 23. 1785, and they had five children, namely: John F., Augustus W., Peter F., Henry and a daughter. The father of this family died May 2. 1846, and the mother May 26, 1854. Peter F. Nagle, father of Dr. Hipster M.. was horn 'n Berks county • in 1808, and died March 25, 1869. He was a physician and practiced first at Williamsoort, Pa., later at Milton, this State, thence moving to Read- ine. He was subsequently located at St. Lon-.s for a time, but returned to Reading to spend his last years. ^:i!^.^^L^^- BIOGRAPHICAL 673 To him and his wife, who was ' Miss Catherine E. Dauphin, of Philadelphia, were born six children, two dying in childhood. The others, Peter, Hiester M., Catherine and Joseph, all reached maturity, but are now deceased. Hiester M. Nagle was born at Williamsport, Pa., Dec. 23, 1834. in his boyhood he went to school in Reading, later continuing his studies at Marshall Col- lege, Mercersburg, and at Kessler's Academy, all Penn- sylvanian schools. He began his medical studies in 1855 with his father, and later read under the direction of Dr. Frank Rieser, of Reading. He entered the Med- ical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, but after one year changed' to Jefferson Medical Col- lege, from which institution he was graduated in 1857. His first two years of practice were passed in Exeter township, Berks county, whence he went to Fleet- wood, in the same county, where he was established at the time the Civil war broke out. On Aug. 14, 1862, Dr. Nagle left home to join the army as assistant surgeon of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until his discharge Aug. 13, 1865. He saw much hard fighting, participated in the siege of Suffolk, and the battles of Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Richmond, Darbytown Road, Seven Pines, Newmarket Heights, Five Forks, Deep Creek, Amelia Court House, and Appomattox Court House. On Dec. 17, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of surgeon of the regiment, which rank he held at the time of his discharge. Returning to Pennsylvania Dr. Nagle settled in Reading, in which city he passed the remainder of his life, building up a large and lucrative practice. His years were filled with faithful and tireless service in the alleviation of suffering. He was well known to his fellow practitioners, was a member of the County Medical Society and the Pathological Society, and was also a loyal supporter of Masonry, belonging to various Masonic bodies in Reading, Lodge No. 62, Chapter No. 152, and Comimandery No. 42. He was likewise active in politics and found time to give much personal service to the municipality. He was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of county treas- urer, holding that office from 1874 to 1876, was for two years a member of the city council, and during his sec- ond year was its president. In July, 1885, he was ap- pointed examining surgeon for pensioners. Thus with his numerous interests, he accomplished an incalculable amount of good, leaving a record of untiring service such as few men are able to show. He died Jan. 30, 1893, and the esteem and affection in which he was held were testified at his funeral, which was the largest ever known in Reading. On June 18, 1872, Dr. Nagle married Miss Lucretia Boyer, daughter of Henry B. Boyer. Their children were: Harry died at the age of eighteen; Katie died in infancy; Frank died at the age of five; Howard, a machinist, m. Elizabeth Buker, and they have two children, Lucretia and Raymond; Paul; Charles, who m. Sarah Haage, is one of the firm of the N. & N. Cigar Company; Hiester C. is also a member of that fiirm, which consists of the two Nagle brothers and John G. Niethammer. Mrs. Nagle comes from a distinguished Berks coun- ty family. Her grandfather, Daniel Boyer, was the founder of Boyertown, one of the progressive boroughs of the county, was the first merchant in the place, and his descendants still carry on that line of busi- ness there. Henry B. Boyer, father of Mrs. Nagle, was so engaged for a time, but moved to Reading, and for some years was a merchant in that city. Later he went into the livery business, which he followed until his retirement. He reached the age of ninety years. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Fritz, died when seventy-two years old. Their children were: Frank, Mary, Harry. John, George, Howard, and Mrs. Nagle. Those living are Mrs. Nagle and her brother, George, the latter a resident of Oak Brook. 43 ALBERT G. BORKERT, well known in Reading, Pa., as a contractor and builder, was born in that city in 1835, son of Daniel Borkert, a native of Oley Valley, and one of the first large contractors of Read- ing. He had formerly been a brick layer, but took up contracting in middle life, and many of the fine residences of the city are evidences of his skill. He also built the city hall, and a new part of the county jail, and several public school houses and factories. Mr. Borkert followed his business until seventy years of age, and then retired from active work, dying at the advanced age of eighty years. He married Catherine Gantz. who died when fifty-eight years of age. Their children were: William G., deceased; Mary, who m. a Mr. Sheeler, of Reading; Daniel, deceased; Augustus, m. to Amanda Brown, and engaged in the contract- ing business with his brother, Richard; Richard, of Reading; Albert G; Susan, who died aged thirty-four years; Amanda, m. to a Mr. Goodman, of Wyomissing, Berks county; and John, a brick layer, m. to a Miss Goodman. Albert G. Borkert attended the schools of the Third ward until fourteen years of age, when he learned the brick laying trade with his father, with whom he was employed until the senior Borkert retired from busi- ness. The six sons then engaged in the contracting business under the name of W. G. Borkert & Bros., and continued under that name until , the death of Daniel and William. Our subject then took his son into partnership with him, and the firm has been since known as Albert G. Borkert & Son, they having a fine office at No. 936 Penn street, and residing_ in the rear. They also carry a fine line of tobacco in con- nection with the contracting business. The firm built the old Boys' high school, the Girls' high school, the Sixth Church, the first stove foundry on North Third street, and others. Mr. Borkert married Melinda Wentzel, daughter of Jesse Wentzel, and the following children were born to this union: Thomas, with his father; Harry, a partner of his father; Sarah; Annie; Bessie; Maggie; Katie; and Lillie. Mr. Borkert is a member of the Lutheran Church. KOMP. Three brothers by the name of Komp (also spelled Kemp) emigrated to America from Ger- many, about the middle of the eighteenth century. One settled about Philadelphia. Deobald, who spelled his name Kemp, located in Maxatawny, east of Kutztown, where he reared a large family, some of his descendants still living in the same locality to this day. The third brother, Martin by name, settled along the Blue moun- tains in Albany, where he owned much land. In 1774 his name on the tax list appeared as Martin "Kamff," and he was assessed eight pounds tax. He was a pioneer settler and operated a distillery, burning much apple-jack. The Indians for some years were friendly with him and made frequent visits to the distillery which stood where Charles W. Dietrich now lives. Komp gave them apple-jack which they liked, and they would then go to the top of the hill on the south side of the road from the present buildings, and find great pleasure in rolling down hill. Later during the French and Indian War (1756) they made frequent onslaughts upon the settlers. They were nevertheless fearful about a man named Knepper, who it was said bore a charmed life, and frequently fought them. The Christian name of Martin Komp's (Kemp's) wife was Catharine. DAVID KOMP (son of Martin and Catharine) lived at Charles W. Dietrich's present home. He owned Vpwards of 400 acres of land, and was a farmer and distiller. His wife was Maria Petri (1775-1855). They had children: (1) Reuben, born Nov. 23. 1807, died March 3, 1890; married Regina Schwenk ' (1817-1893). They were farming people in Albany, and lived wherS their son Daniel now lives. They had children — Daniel William, Henry, Mary, Amanda, Lazarus and Lydia! 674 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Both are now deceased. (2) Martin lived in Albany, and had children — Elizabeth, 1815-1822; and Jesia, 1819- 1823. (3) Samuel, a farmer at Eckville, in Albany, married Hettie Ernst, and they had Jesse, Manasses, Caroline. Elizabeth, Sarah and Hettie. (4) Jacob lived in Schuylkill county, Pa. (5) David, born Dec. 1, 1804, died Sept. 2, 1887, a farmer in Albany, married Catha- rine Schwenk, of the same township, and had — Daniel and Jacob (both died young), Martin, David S., and John B. DR. MILTON D. LICHTENWALNER, a resident physician of Reading, Pa., was born in Lehigh county, in 1846, son of Elias and Fenna (Click) Lichtenwalner the former a prominent farmer of Lehigh county who owned a farm of 160 acres near Fogelsville. He died when seventy-nine years of age, and his wife in her eighty-first year, both in the faith of the Lutheran Church. Their only child was Milton D. Dr. Lichtenwalner attended the common and private schools of the place of his nativity, and when thirteen years of age went to Quakertown and entered a school taught by Professor Home, remaining there four years. He then spent a short time at a business school at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and returned home and spent two years at Philadelphia, 1865-6, at the Homeopathic Med- ical College. He read medicine two years with Doctors Slough and Hulfrich, at Fogelsville, Lehigh county. The Doctor practised in Macungie, Lehigh county, for three years, and then gave up his profession, and went to Chicago where he spent five years as a bookkeeper in the Grain Exchange. He was also engaged in the hat business at AUentown, and came to Reading in 1883, becoming bookkeeper for J. B. Scheaffer, a wholesale hat dealer. He remained there until Mr. Scheaffer closed out his business in 1903, since which time Dr. Lichtenwalner has lived a retired life. The Doctor is the owner of the old homestead farm in Lehigh county, and also owns another farm of 100 acres in the same county, but resides in Reading at No. 51 South Eleventh street. Dr. Lichtenwalner was married, in Reading, to Miss Alice Hawk, daughter of Charles Hawk, of Reading, and one son was born to this union, Milton H., who is attending school. The Doctor is a member of Lehigh Lodge of Masons, No. 326, of Trexlertown. BRIGHT or BRECHT. The ancestor of this old and numerous family of Berks county was Stephen Brecht, a native of Germany, where he was born Feb. 17, 1692. He was one of the emigrants from the Palatinate who landed at New York about 1720. These emigrants first settled at Schoharie, N. Y., but because of the unbearable treatment they received at the hands of Governor Hunter, of the Province of New York, sought refuge elsewhere. Hearing of the justice ac- corded the settlers in Penn's Province, by the pro- prietors, and the fertility of the soil, excellent water and other advantages, many of them came into this district. Among them was (I) Stephen Brecht, who desired a tract of good land for himself and three sons. His land was granted him by John, Thomas and Richard Penn, lawful heirs of William Penn, on Nov. 27, 1745 [Recorded in Patent Book A, Vol. 12. page 340]. On this tract he made his home and died Sept. 24, _ 1747. His remains were interred in the North Heidelberg cemetery among the Moravians. His grave stone lies flat upon the ground, and is the oldest stone that can be found there. The inscription is in good condition. His will was made Jan. 6, 1746, by which his land was divided among his three sons: David, Hans Wendel and George Adam. To George Adam was given the homestead (now owned by Adam Dun- dore, of Obold), and the division of land between David and Hans Wendel was made soon after this date, and is recorded at Reading April 17. 1754, in Book A. Vol. 1, page 68. (II) David Brecht, son of Stephen, was born Sept. 8, 1719. He was a resident of Bern (now Penn) town- ship long before the organization of the county in 1752. He was the owner of valuable land near Bern- ville and exercised no small influence among the peo- ple of his neighborhood. In 1771 he was elected county commissioner, and served as such until 1774. By his will on file in the Register's office, after providing for his wife Sarah, and the slave to whom he had given freedom, he devises to his' only son John his large plan- tation of 500 acres. He also gives to each of his seven daughters the sum of 900 pounds, which was almost a fortune in that early day. This amount was, how- ever, to be paid by his son John, in part, as well as a copper kettle to each sister. Sarah, wife of David Brecht, was born Jan. 8, 1727, and died Jan. 22, 1798. They were the parents ' of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy or childhood. The names of those reaching mature years were: John; Margaret m. Philip Himmelberger; Elizabeth m. Jacob Strauss; Catharine m. Philip Adam Riegel; Barbara m. John Michael Geiss; Susanna m. John Wenrich; Magdalena and Sarah. David Brecht and wife, as also their son John and his wife are buried in the private burial ground on the original Brecht farm, which is now known as the Amendon Bright farm. The inscriptions are difficult to read after the action of the elements upon the sandstones. Hier Ruhet Der Leib von David Brecht erist geboren D 8 Sep 1719 er zeuchte mit Sei ner liben ehrfrau Sain 11 Kinder un nach 8 bei leben 1 Sohn U 7 Tochter u Starb D 22 Sep 1783 Hier ruhet eine die Storbne und Schwester Na Sara Brecht un sie ist geboh D 8 Jan 1727 sie zeigte mit ihren ehr man David Brecht 11 Kinder u 8 bei leben ein Sohn u 7 Dochter u Starb De 2 Jan. 1796 (III) John Brecht, only son of David that grew to manhood, passed his entire life in farming on the home- stead. His resting place was found on the farm. Hier ruhet die gebeine von Johannes Brecht Er wurde geboren den 2 Junius im Yahr 1747 und ist gestorben den 9 Februar in Yahr 1834 brachte sein Alter auf 86 Yahre 8 Monate und 7 Tage Hier ruhet Anna Maria Brecht Ehrgattin fon Joh. Brecht Sie war geboren Den 15 ten Januar 1757 und ist gestorben den 24 sten. Mai 1842 im altern fon 85 Yahren 4 Monate und 9 Tagen John and Anna Maria Brecht were the parents of eleven children— seven girls and four boys. The girls were named after their seven aunts: Susanna m. George Geiss; Catharme m. Philip Filbert; Barbara m Philip Filbert; Magdalena m. Conrad Reber; Mary m. Joseph Althouse; Elizabeth m. Jacob Conrad; Sarah m. Daniel Bucks. John (m. Hannah Klahr) and David (m. Su- sanna Reber) settled near Basil. Fairfield Co.. Ohio, and their children are in possession of the land that' was BIOGRAPHICAL 675 bought about 1800 by the first John Brecht and is con- sidered among the best in the community. Peter mar- ried Maria Magdalena Stamm and lived near Bernville where some of the descendants now live. Jacob is mentioned below. (IV) Jacob Brecht, son of John and Anna Maria, was born March 23, 1791, and died Aug. 36, 1876, at the age of eighty-five years, five months and three days. He was married to Anna Maria Moser. By the will of Tiis father he was to receive the homestead, but was to give certain amounts to each one &f his sisters, and the records show that he yras faithful in the dis- charge of this provision. From this union we find thir- teen children; eleven grew to maturity while twins died in infancy. The children were: Anna Maria m. David Leiss; Henrietta m. Isaac Leiss; Sarah m. (first) John Kalbach and (second) Daniel Faust; Elizabeth m. Isaac Kalbach; Catharine m. Elias Staudt; Rachel m. Adam Dundore; Rebecca m. (first) Jonathan Dundore and (second) Joseph I. Greth; Isabella m. William Klopp; John M. m. (first) Lydia Koenig and (second) Lydia Anna Grime; Aaron M. and Amendon. (V) Amendon Bright, son of Jacob, was born Jan. 15, 1830. His entire active life was devoted to farming. He lived upon and owned the old Bright homestead of 234 acres of the most fertile section of Penn town- ship, and at death owned several other farms in neigh- boring townships as well as in Penn. He was very prominent in public affairs, and took an active interest in the success of the Democratic party. He was school director of his township, for many years committee- man of his district, for three years prison inspector in Berks county. In 1894 he was elected treasurer of the county, conducting the business of the oflace most satis- factorily for three years. He married Clara Hain, born March 3, 183S, daughter of John D. Hain. Their child- ren were: Ellen, m. to Jacob M. Bordner, of Bernville. who is now county commissioner; William, a small farmer near Bernville, m. to Mary Hine; Sallie, m. to Frank Schaefier, of Tulpehocken; Harry, a druggist, who died aged twenty-four years; Annie, m. to Jacob Gruber, of Obold; Albert H.; Rev. Edwin D., pastor of the Reformed Church at Derry, Pa., who is also en- gaged as a genealogist and historian, having in prepara- tion a complete record of the descendants of Stephen Brecht; and three who died young. Amendon Bright passed away May 21, 1897, respected by all who knew him. (VI) Albert H. Bright, son of Amendon Bright, is a prosperous young plumber and gas fitter at West Reading. He was born on the old Bright homestead in Penn township Aug. 25, 1872. He received a good education in the country school and the Bernville high school. Until he was twenty-four years of age he was engaged in work on his father's farm. He then learned the plumbing trade under the careful tuition of Benjamin Yeich, of Reading. Having mas- tered the trade he established himself in business in 1900, at West Reading. He was thus the first quali- fied plumber in West Reading. He has now built up a good trade and satisfies his customers. He also has a Reading license, and does much work in the city. In his political principles Mr. Bright is an active and firm Democrat, and is keenly interested in the success of his party. His social connections are with Unamis Tribe of Red Men, No. 330. of Reading; and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Reformed Church at Bernville. Mr. Bright married Cora S. Riegel, daughter of John Riegel. She was born May 18, 1876, and died Dec. 29, 1902. Two children were born of this union, namely: Roy Amendon, born April 18, 1897, and died Jan. 14, 1902; and Charles Adam, born Aug. 19, 1900. (V) Aaron M. Bright, son of Jacob and Anna Maria, was born in Penn township, Berks county, March 21, 1832, and died at Bernville Aug. 29, 1869, and is buried there. He conducted a general store at Bernville from the time of his marriage until his death. He was active in church life and like all his family belonged to the Reformed denomination. In 1854 he married Mary Kilmer, daughter of John and Catharine (Leiss) Kilmer, of Marion township. Five children were born to this union: Darius K., of Miahanoy City, Pa., m. to Julia Catharine Moyer; Emma K., deceased wife of William Yocum. of Reading; Lehman I.; Al- bert R., of Reading; and Lizzie B., wife of George M. Zellers, of Stouchsburg, Pennsylvania. (VI) Lehman I. Bright, treasurer of Yocum Broth- ers, cigar manufacturers, Reading, is a native of Bern- ville, where he was born May 6, 1859, son of Aaron M. and Mary (Kilmer). He was educated in the town- ship schools, the Bernville high school, and later in the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, graduating from the latter institution in 1881. He taught school when only eighteen years of age in Penn township, and after his graduation he taught five terms, two at Myerstown and three in the grammar school at West Leesport. In 1886 he came to Reading, and accepted the position of bookkeeper with Yocum Brothers, cigar manufacturers, which position he faith- fully filled for seventeen years, when James Yocum a member of the firm died, and the company was incorporated under the name of Yocum Brothers. Mr. Bright became its treasurer, an office he has since filled. He is a director of the corporation, and was also for one year its secretary. He has given his work great attention, and has devoted his energies to mak- ing the corporation a success. They employ on an average 400 people, and their product is known all over the country. Mr. Bright is very prominent in fraternal organizations. He is a member of Pro- gressive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. P., and was its effi- cient secretary for fifteen consecutive years, declining further service on the ground of ill health. He has been an active member of the lodge and served as degree master on the staff for many years. He also belongs to Isaac Hiester Lodge, No. 660. F. & A. M., of Reading; Camp No.' 113, P. O. S. of A., of Bern- villa.; Castle No. 51, K. G. E., of Reading; Mount Penn Encampment, No. 152, I. O. O. F. ; Canton Patriarchs Militant No. 2, L O. O. F. On May 14, 1889, Mr. Bright married Emma Madora Ketner, daughter of Charles and Susan (Rohrbach) Ketner, of Leesport, and they have two children: Harry, born Feb. 5, 1890; and Helen, Sept. 25, 1893. They reside in their own home, No. 122 South Tenth street, Reading. Mr. Bright and his family attend the Reformed Church. (VI) Albert R. Bright, of Reading, was born at Bern- ville Aug. 24, 1861, son of Aaron M. and Mary (Kilmer). He was educated in the public schools of his town, and the Bernville high school, then under the able supervision of Prof. M. A. Gruber. In the spring of 1882 he entered the State Normal School at Kutztown, and attended the spring sessions of 1882. He taught school two terms in Bright's school house in Penn township, during the terms of 1881 and 1882. He was very successful as a teacher. He was early trained to farm work, and at the age of thirteen had gone to live with his uncle, John M. Bright, in Penn town- ship. He worked on the farm about ten years. In April, 1883, he became a clerk in the general store of A. F. Schock, of Bernville, Pa., and worked there for a year, when he went back to the farm for three years. In 1887 he became a clerk in the general store of J. L. Klopp & Son, at North Heidelberg, remaining there with his family until the spring of 1890, when he came to Reading, and since Mav 5, 1890, he has been in the employ of the Stichter Hardware Com- pany, Ltd.. Reading. This is the oldest established hardware business house in Reading. Mr. Bright holds the responsible position of assistant buver in the general hardware department, and besides this he assists in the clerical work of the firm. Until 1874 Mr. Bright lived in Bernville, when he went to live 676 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA with his uncle. Since 1894- he has lived in his own comfortable residence at No. 534 Douglass street, Reading. Fraternally Mr. Bright is an active member of Progressive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. R, Reading, of which he is past grand; Camp No. 113, P O. S. of A., of Bernville; Reading Castle No. 49. K. G. E., of Reading. He and his family worship at Calvary Re- formed Church, Reading. On May 3-1, 1887, Mr. Bright married Celesa Dan- iels, daughter of Elias and Sarah (Kantner) Daniels, originally of Rehrersburg but later of Bernville. Mr. and Mrs. Bright have two children: Raymond A. and Harold E. MILLER. Among the well known members of the Miller family is Samuel M. Miller of Albany township, Berks county. Samuel Miller, grandfather of Samuel M.. was born May 30, 1798, in Windsor township, Berks county. He located in Albany township at an early age, and died there Sept. 3, 1872. He was a farmer and owned nearly 300 acres of land about Round Top. His farms are now the property of Alfred K. Dietrich and David Weisner. He married Maria Fisher (1804-1883), and their children were: Isaac, who gained wealth in Oklahoma; Jacob, of Eagle Point, Pa.; Samuel; Ann, m. (first) to a Leiby, (second) to a Greenawalt; Dan- iel, an auctioneer of Lynnville, Pa.; William F., of Reading, Pa.; Mrs. Monroe Buck, of Reading; Moses, of Lechners, Schuylkill Co., Pa.; and Ephraim, who ' ' was buried at Wessnersville. Samuel Miller, son of Samuel, was a farmer in Al- bany, owning two farms of eighty and seventy acres, respectively. The first is now owned by his son Samuel M. and the other by his daughter Missouri Dresh. He operated a sawmill which stood on the road near the Dresh buildings leading to Samuel M. Miller's home. He built the house now occupied by his son who bears his name, in 1872. He was a Dem- ocrat, and was supervisor of the township where he was well known. By his wife, Sarah Ann Dietrich, daughter of John Dietrich, he had children: Cath- arine m. Daniel Reeser; Jacob died at New Ringgold, Pa.; Louisa m. William Kerchner; Mary m. Samuel Stump; Lydia m. Edwin Kerchner; Polly m. Alvin Evert; Missouri m. Jonas Dresh; Samuel M.; and Sarah Ann and Charles C. both died young. Samuel M. Miller, born in Albany township Sept. 21, 1863, is a farmer on the homestead, and is a suc- cessful grower of potatoes. In the spring of 1887 he began farming on his present place, which tract be- came his in 1892. He is a Democrat, and has been supervisor and constable of the townshin. In 1887 he married Mary Lizzie Bailey, daughter of Michael Bailey. She died in 1908, aged forty-two years. Their daughter, Ida V., m. Frederick D. Feinour. HENRY H. REINERT. The Reinert family, of more^ than a century's residence in Berks county, Pa., is worthily represented in the present day by Henry H. Reinert, of Boyertown. John Reinert was a resident of Amity township, Berks county. His will, made in 1839 and probated in 1847. is on record in Volume '9, page 318. His wife Mary was living at the making of the will, and the following children are named in that document: Isaac; John; Elizabeth; and Catherine (m. Elijah Focht). Peter Reinert, brother of John and great-grandfather of Henry H., lived in District township, Berks county. His will, on record in Volume 10, page 600, was proved Nov. 19, 1859. His wife Maria was well provided for, and their sons, John and Samuel, were executors. Their children were: John, Samuel. Peter, Carl and Elizabeth. Samuel Reinert, son of Peter and grandfather of Henry H., was born in 1790, and is buried in the old graveyard at Boyertown. He was a farmer and had an eighty-four acre farm in Douglass township, Berks coun- ty. He built thereon a house and barn to take the place of those destroyed by fire one Sunday afternoon while his son was shooting, a spark igniting the straw roof. In 1811 he married Hannah Romich, born Jan. 15. 1791, died Feb. 13, 1864. Their children were:' Mary m. Israel Weasner, and had no . children, although they reared Israel Reinert to whom was given their property; Johannes (John), born April 23, 1816. died Feb. 35, 1853, the father of Harry, and Hannah and Israel (twins who were only two weeks old when their father died); David; Samuel died at Moreysville, leaving Jeflferson, Eton, Hannah, Harriet and Frank; Hannah m. Marks Sassaman, a relative of the late Judge Augustus Sassarhan of Berks county, and they had children, Irvin, Eton, Curosy, Clayton, Alice and Annie (deceased). David Reinert, son of Samuel and father of Henry H., was born in Douglass township, and died at En- glesville, April 6. 1907, aged eighty-three years, and was buried in Fairview cemetery, Boyertown. By trade he was a carpenter, and followed it for some years in Douglass township on theReinert homestead, which consisted of eighty-four acres of excellent farm- ing land, now the property of George Miller. David Reinert married Mary Hatfield, a sister of Samuel G. Hatfield, formerly county commissioner, and daughter of George and Mary (Geiger) Hatfield, of Douglass township. They had eight children as follows: Sam- uel died unmarried; Sarah died at the age of seven- teen; Henry H.; Frank died of typhoid fever at the age of nineteen while teaching school; Mary Hannah married Solomon Wendling, of Pottstown; John is of West Reading; David, of Gabelsville, is engaged in farrning; Amanda m. Frank Sands, of Englesville. David Reinert spent his last days with Mr. and Mrs. Sands in their pleasant home at Englesville. He was a man widely known and much respected, and his loss was severely felt not only by his family, but throughout the neighborhood. Henry H. Reinert, of Boyertown, son of David, was born in Douglass township, July 17, 1853. When nineteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed it for sixteen years in Boyertown and vicin- ity. In 1888 he engaged in the produce business, and now conducts a huckster route, buying butter, eggs and poultry, and these he takes to Philadelphia weekly. He has a large retail trade there, and he has made a big success of his business. His home is in his own substantial brick house, and he and his family are in very comfortable circumstances. In politics Mr. Reinert is a Democrat, and for one year served as constable. In 1890 he was elected school director, ana he served in this office for eighteen con- secutive years, and still holds it. For many years he acted as treasurer of the board. Since its organiza- tion he has been one of the directors of the Topton Orphans Home. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he was deacon and trustee, and he was president of the church council for two years. In 1876 Mr. Reinert married Ellen Hartman, daugh- ter of Daniel and Phoebe (Hafer) Hartman. of Doug- lass township, and they have children as follows: Daniel, a veterinary surgeon at Girard, Erie Co., Pa.; D. Edward, who works with his father in the produce business; Annie R., m. to Daniel Leidy, of Boyer- town; George W., of Boyertown; Ida. a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, class of 1906, who taught her first term of school at Gresh- ville, and the following one in New Jersey, but is now stationed in Boyertown. JAMES R. TROUT, a prominent citizen of Cumru township, who is engaged in the stone, lime and sand business at Shillington, Pa., was born Aug. 15, 1S42, in Boyertown, Berks county, son of Joseph Z and Marv Ann (Ruth) Trout. _ William Trout, grandfather of James R., was born in Scotland, and in 1811, because of the oppression of the people in that country, he came to the United BIOGRAPHICAL 677 States and settled in Berks county, Pa. He enlisted in the war of 18ia as a substitute for Uthree Snyder, who was at that time working the Oley furnaces, and after the war accompanied the Snyders to what is now Snyder county, Pa., and assisted in the settlement of that county. While at that place he followed the oc- cupation of butcher, although his regular trade, at which he worked the major portion of his life, was that of tan- ner. His wife was Catherine Schwoyer, of Goshenhop- pen, Montgomery Co., Pa., a Roman Catholic in relig- ious faith. Their children were: (1) Joseph Z. (2) Jo^n lived in Reading, and for many years was a fine mechan- ic and boiler maker for the Philadelphia & Reading Company, (3) Greorge, who lived in Reading, was a tail- or by trade, and in later years removed to Pottstown and conducted, in connection with his business, the "Daubs Hotel." He was a prominent candidate for sheriff of Montgomery county, but suffered defeat on ac- count of being a new man in the community, (4) Mary m. William Yerkey, a lamp-black manufacturer of Sny- der county, (5) Kate m. the Rev. Mr. Wilker, of Gos- henhoppen, Pa., (6) Polly m. John Kase, a well-known blacksmith of Goshenhoppen, Pennsylvania. Joseph Z. Trout was born near Boyertown, Pa., April 21, 1817, and came to Cumru township in 1850, settling near the "Five Mile House." In his youth he learned the trade of tanner with his father, which he followed at Boyertown, and at the "Five Mile House" from 1850 until his death, July 15, 1864. He owned a valuable property at this place, and was an excellent workman. Having acquired a good education in the public schools, and being an excellent penman, he was often employed to write deeds and agreements, and became a conveyancer of note. On Feb. .6, 1840, Mr. Trout married Mary Ann Ruth, daughter of Charles Ruth, and to them were born children as follows: Hen- ry, born Aug. 5, 1841, a soldier in the Civil war in Com- pany E, 165th Pa. V. I. m. Catherine Hornberger; James R.; Catherine, born April 2, 1853; George, born Oct. 12, 1862. Catherine died aged twelve years and Geo rge^ aged two years, both at the same time, of typhoid (spotted) fever. Mrs. Trout, who was born March 25, 1821. died March 10, 1894. James R. Trout was but eight years old when his father removed to the "Five Mile House,'' Cumru town- ship, and there the boy attended school for sixteen months, this being all the schooling that he ever re- ceived, but nevertheless he managed to obtain a good education by studying in his spare moments. When still a mere lad he began to help his father in the tan- ning business, in which he continued until the elder Trout's death. In 1876 James R. Trout engaged in the stone, lime and sand business, in which he has suc- cessfully continued to the present time near Shillington, having nine men in his employ and several teams on the road. He does a large business, burning and selling annually about 60,000 bushels of lime, and he is also engaged extensively in the sale of wall stone and sand. His trade is principally with contractors, but -he also does business in other places in Cumru township. Mr. Trout is a well-read man, and converses intel- ligently on important subjects of the day. He is of commanding appearance, tall, erect and well-built. In the fall of 1850, after the great flood of the Schuyl- kill, he and Thomas Fix were the first from the county to cross the river on the ferry to get into Reading, which city was cut off from the rest of the country west of the river, all of the bridges having been swept away. He was a training officer during the Civil war, was well versed in military tactics, and taught many officers all that they knew, rendering valuable service to his country in its time of need. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and at one time was quite active in public matters. In 1882 he refused the office of internal revenue collector in his district. He is a man of enter- prise and public spirit, and when the movement to in- corporate Shillington into a borough was brought forward, he was one of its stanchest supporters. He owns a large frame residence on Lancaster avenue, which he built in 1888. On Dec. 12, 1868, Mr. Trout was married to Sarah Zellers, daughter of Jonas and Catherine (Sallada) Zellers, and granddaughter of William Zellers. Mr. and Mrs. Trout have only one daughter, Maggie T., m. to John F. Weiss, by whom she has two daughters, Helen and Marguerite. BENNEVILLE M. GAUL, who is now living re- tired in his fine residence on Lancaster avenue, Shil- lington, Pa., was for a number of years a well known agriculturist and contractor of Berks county, and is now prominent in public affairs. Mr. Gaul was born Jan. 7, 1849, on the Gaul homestead in Cumru township, Berks county, son of Adam and Sarah (Matz) Gaul. Johannes Gaul, the great-grandfather of Benneville M., was born in Germany, in the Pfaltz of Hebelbeim, Germany, Dec. 18, 1739, and emigrated to America in 1764 or 1770, being rated a large property owner in Cumru in 1785. He was married Sept. 4, 1767, to Barbara Arbogastin, who was from a town on the Rhine in Germany, and was born Nov. 13, 1742, and died Sept. 22, 1818. Johannes Gaul died on his farm Feb. 21, 1816, and from the inscription on his grave- stone in the Sinking Spring cemetery we learn that he had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, among whom were the following: (1) Peter, born April 7, 1775, m. Elizabeth Kissinger, and they had three sons and five daughters. They were married twenty-five years. He died Sept. 28, 1826, aged fifty- one years, five months and twenty-one days. (2) Abraham. (3) William, born June 17, 1780, died March 30, 1857, m. Rosina Miller, by whom he had eight children, Solomon, David, Joel, Levi, John W. and Enoch (twins), Elenora (m. Ben Krick) and Lydia (m. Daniel Huyett). (4) Christian, born Nov. 17, 1781, who died June 9, 1851, m. Mary Ann Kis- singer, born in 1795, who died in 1877, and they had six children. Abra ham (born in 1815, and died in 1891, m. Mary Texter), Christian (born in 1817, died in 1871), Jacob (born in 1819, died in 1859, m. Mary Ann Huyett), Mary, (m. Elijah Ruth), Reuben and Hannah (m. Adam Hain). (5) Jacob is mentioned below. (6) Johannes. Jr. (7) Georg, born Oct. 15, 1796, died April 22, 1861, m'. March 11. 1826, Catherine Potteiger (born in 1805 and died in 1860), by whom he had issue three sons and two daughters. Jacob Gaul, grandfather of Benneville M., was born in Cumru township, July 25, 1783, and there he died Dec. 25, 1832, well advanced in years. Originally he owned 137 acres of the family homestead, but some of this he sold, and at the time of his death he held but eighty-six acres, his estate being valued at $16,- 000. Jacob Gaul m. Catherine Gehret, who was born March 4, 1784, and died May 27, 1852. She bore him a number of children, all of whom died young but Adam, the father of Benneville M., and Eva, m. to Garson Huyett (born March 5, 1823). Adam Gaul was born April 5, 1819. in Cumru town- ship, and died Jan. 30, 1858. He followed agricul- tural pursuits in his native township, owning the tract now in the possession of William P. High, was pros- perous, and at the time of his death left a large estate. Adam Gaul m. Sarah Matz, daughter of John Matz (whose wife was a Shoup), and to them were born children as follows: Eliza, m. to Isaac Miller; Ben- neville M.; John, a bachelor of Montello, Pa.; and Sarah, who died in infancy. Benneville M. Gaul attended the township schools until seventeen years of age, obtaining a good, prac- tical education. From youth he lived upon the farm until 1898, when he purchased the old Hemmig stand at Hemmisr's Corner. Here he continued to reside for several years, and then, in 1892, bought the old Matz farm of sixty-six acres, near Mohnton. After six years upon this farm, Mr. Gaul sold out to Irvin Phillips in 1898, and in 1901 built his present resi- dence on Lancaster avenue, Shillington, a large, sub- 678 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA stantial, two-story frame structure. Mr. Gaul also owns seven other good houses in Shillington, and a number of building lots, and since his retirement from agricultural pursuits he has erected fourteen houses in the borough, also assisting in other ways to build up and improve the community. In political matters Mr. Gaul is a stanch Democrat, and has been very active in the work of his party in this part of the county. He has been elected assessor, registry assessor and school director of his town- ship, being placed in the latter office by the largest majority ever given any candidate for any office in the township. He being a member of the minority party in the district, his election and subsequent re- elections testify to his popularity as a man and effi- ciency as an official. Mr. Gaul is now a leading can- didate for the office of county commissioner, and it is very probable that he will be elected to this important position by a handsome majority, his past spotless record being considered. Mr. Gaul and his family are regular members of Emanuel Reformed Church of Shillington, he having been a deacon_ thereof for mariy years, and a member of the buildinc committee in 1873, when the church was erected. On March 3, 1877, Mr. Gaul married Sarah Kegerise, daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Binkley) Kegerise, and granddaughter of William and Sarah (Yorkey) Kegerise. To this union there were born fourteen children, as follows: Lillie A. m. Andrew Burkhart; Frank P. m. Ida Ruth; John A.; George H. m. Mary KoUer; Sarah E. died in infancy; Ida L.; William B. died in infancy; Laura A.; Mamie M.; Charles H.; Katie A.; Bessie M.;, Jacob A., and Eliza R. ANDREW S. BOYER, a retired box manufacturer of Reading, Pa., and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, was born in Upper Bern township, Berks county, April 3, 1833, son of Andrew Boyer. Andrew Boyer, the father, was a farmer in Upper Bern township, owning two farms, of two hundred and thirty acres, respectively, situated about one mile above Bern station. He was also a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation in conjunction with his agricultural pursuits. He died at the age of seventy- five years, and his wife, who had been Catherine Schlappich, at the age of seventy-eight. Mr. Boyer was a Lutheran in his religious belief, and a Democrat in political matters. His children were: Rebecca, m. to George A. Wagner; Susan, m. to Josiah Linde- muth; Lovinia, m. to Reuben Reiss; and Andrew S. Andrew S. Boyer attended the district schools of Bern township and an academy at Morgantown, Pa., and in 1851 began business as a clerk at Centreport, Berks county, remaining there for a period of three years. He then held a like position at Shartlesville, and after a period of seven years here enlisted in Company I, 179th Pa. V. I., his term of enlistment ex- piring Aug. 1, 1863. Returning to Centreport he was engaged for two and one-half years as a clerk, and he then went to Bernville, where he engaged in business with Frank Rick, under the firm name of Boyer & Rick for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Boyer purchased his partner's interest and continued the business eight years. In 1876 Mr. Boyer came to Read- ing, and began making cigar boxes by hand, in this way building up a good local trade. For about two years he had his place of business at his home, and he then purchased a three horse-power engine. He took into partnership Mr. George W. Heilig, and in 1886 they built a factory at Cedar and Walnut streets, at first employing only eight men. The business grew rapidly and at the time of his retirement in April, 1906, the firm was employing from twenty-five to thirty hands. The factory was 70x30 feet, three stories and cellar. In his line of work Mr. Boyer was very well known throughout the city. Since his retirement he has resided. at his home No. 819 Elm street. Mr. Boyer married Matilda Ludwig, daughter of John and Sarah (Blatt) Ludwig, and to this union were born ten children, of whom these survive: Frank J:, in the publishing business in Reading, m. Priscilla Heilig, and had children — Ella, Howard, James, Irwin, Lawrence, Harry, William, Edward and Charles (who died in infancy); Sallie A. m. Howard J. Ritler, a draughtsman at the Philadelphia & Reading shops, and had three children — Tillie E., Lillian (deceased) and Helen B.; Katie A. m. Henry Rauenzahn, a foreman painter at the Philadelphia & Reading shops, and has two children — Ella A. and Jennie E.; and Thomas W,, junior member of the firm of Speer & Boyer, dealers in general merchandise at Bangor, Northampton coun- ty, m. Jennie Speer. M'r. Boyer is a Republican in politics, and while in Bernville served on the school board and as inspector. He belongs to St. Paul's United Evangelical Church, serving on the building committee, as a member of the board of trustees since the erection of the church, as class leader for four years, and as assistant class leader for two years. Among Mr. Boyer's most highly- prized possessions is a cane, made and decorated by himself while in camp during the war. The carving on this cane, which is very elaborate, was done by Mr. Boyer principally with a pen-knife and a piece of glass. SNYDER. The Snyder family in Albany township, Berks county, is descended from Philip Snyder, who moved to that district from Bloomsburg, Pa. He was a wood worker and farmer. His wife's maiden name was Stabler. They had four children — Daniel, m. to Rebecca Zehner; Mrs. John Haring; Rachel; and Bevvy, who never married. Daniel Snyder, only son of Philip was a wheel- wright by trade, and cultivated a farm in Albany now owned by Mrs. Lewis Bailey. He was a Luth- eran member of New Bethel (Corner) Church where he and his family are all buried. His wife Rebecca was a daughter of Philip Zehner. They had the fol- lowing children — ■William; Jesse died young; Daniel; Mary died unmarried; and Moses. Moses Snyder, son of Daniel, was born in 1836, and lives at the Blue Mountains where he owns a small well-watered farm, on which he built a house in 1909. He m. (first) Harriet Wen, by whom he had a son, William, and daughters, Jane, Mary, Annie and Kate. By his second wife Emma Lutz, widow of Joseph Fry, he has a son Robert, William Snyder, son of Daniel, was born in 1823, and died in 1906, aged eighty-three years, and is buried at Snyder's Evangelical Association. He was a wheelwright and carpenter by trade, and was an excellent wood-worker and mechanic. He made his home in Albany. His wife Phoebe Evans, was a daughter of Thomas Evans, of Chester county. Pa. They had children: James E.; Daniel; William; Thomas; Margaret m. Jesse Kamb, of Eckville. in Albany; Lydia m. James Nester, of Albany; and Jane m. William Greenawalt. James E. Snyder is a well known farmer in Albany township where he was born July 7, 1845, son of William. When twenty years old he was licensed to teach in the public schools by Prof,, John S. Er- mentrout, and taught three terms in Albany, In 1874- he began larming on his father-in-law's farm, where he has since lived. This farm of 130 acres he pur- chased. He is a Democrat, has served as school director thirteen years, and was secretary of the board ten years. He is a leading member of Snyder's Evan- gelical Church, and was class-leader and exhorter, and superintendent of the Sunday-school which has a membership of fifty people. He married Catharine Miller, daughter of Christian Miller, and they have had five children, namely: Jefferson, of Albany, hag children— Ida, Viola, Lottie, Carl, and Roy; Jacob lives near Drehersville, Pa.; Monroe, of Albany town- ship, has children— Minnie, William, Bertha, Verna BIOGRAPHICAL 679 Pearl, Paul and Roy; William died small; and Ida m. Harvey J.- Kunkel, a farmer near Virginville, Pa., and they have Velma and Freelie. STUMP. The Stump family, now represented in Maxatawny township, Berks county, by Calvin S. Stump, a successful teacher in the public schools, and Jacob H. Stump, his brother, a leading undertaker, is one of the oldest in this part of the State. (I) Henry George Stump emigrated from his home in Germany when he was twenty-eight years of age, crossing the Atlantic on the ship "Edinburgh" and landing at Philadelphia, Oct. 2, 1753. A land warrant dated Sept. 4, 1754, shows that George Stump pur- chased from Philip Maurer a tract of 200 acres (by es- timation) of land, located in Albany township, Berks county, for 575 pounds "of lawful money to him in hand given." This warrant which appears in Deed Book 7, Page 12, was not recorded until Nov. 6, 1778. In 1759 when the first tax of Albany township was lev- ied, William Stump paid five pounds; and Daniel Stump is given on the same list as being under twenty-one years old. These two, William and Daniel, may have been sons of the emigrant, Henry George; but of two of his sons, John and Henry, there is definite record. (II) John Stump, son of Henry George, had four sous, Jonas, Samuel, Daniel and Amos, and these all settled down to pioneer life in Albany township. (III) Jonas Stump, son of John, became the father of three sons, Benjamin, Samuel and Henry. - (IV) Henry Stump, son of Jonas, was born in Al- bany township, Jan. 6, 1825, and died in Lynn town- ship, Lehigh county, Oct. 23, 1890. where for some time he had been engaged in farming. He married Rachel Klingeman, daughter of Michael KHngeman, and they had children as follows: Emanuel; John K. ; Elias P. m. Alice Ebert; Emma m. Moses Handwork, and died at Kutztown, Oct. S', 1907; James died aged twenty-eight years; Daniel m. Jane Heintzleman; and Mary died aged thirty years. (V) John K. Stump, son of Henry, was born in Albany township, Berks county, Nov. 25, 1853. He is one of the best known residents of Maxatawny town- ship, where he resides in a pleasant home built by himself on Park avenue, Kutztown, adjoining the home of his ' son, Calvin S. In building this home Mr. Stump made use of the lumber of the historic old "Watch Haus" which was erected prior to 1760 on his grandfather's property in Albany township as a protection for the pioneer settlers against the Indians. By trade John K. Stump is a carpenter, and at this he has worked all his life with the exception of about fifteen years which he devoted to farming. At the present time he is interested in the manufacture of cement building blocks. In 1875 he married Catherine Leibensperger, daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Fether- olf) Liebensperger, granddaughter of Jonathan Liebens- perger, and great-granddaughter of Mathias Liebens- perger. To John K. Stump and wife were born children as follows: Calvin S.; Ellen Jane, who is running a successful millinery business at the Park avenue home; Jacob H.; Curtin D., a graduate of the Ruourard Train- ing School for Embalmers, New York City, and the holder of a New York State License as embalmer, and now engaged as an undertaker and embalmer at Fleet- wood (he m. Alice Kiefer); Alfred M., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, class of 1903, and ,of Muhlenberg College, class of 1908, and now a student at Mt. Airy Theological Seminary, Phila- delphia; (ilara, who is engaged in dressmaking at home; and James W., now (1909) a junior at the Keystone State Normal School. (VI) Calvin S. Stump attended the public schools of Albany township, and later the Keystone State Normal School, from which he graduated in June, 1901. In the fall of 1897 he began teaching school in Albany township, and after his graduation, he taught the Lyons grammar school for four terms, the Eagle Point school one term, and the home school at Swoyer's the past three years, and he has the reputation of being a thorough instructor. On Dec. 25, 1903, Mr. Stump married Mamie Hen- gey, daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth (Brentzinger) Hengey, and granddaughter of Reuben Hengey. She was the eldest of her father's children, the others be- ing Minnie and Stella. Mr. and Mrs. Stump have a daughter. Norma Grace, born Oct. 26, 1906. Mr. Stump is a member of Lodge No. 634, I. O. O. F., of Lyons; the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 1004; and the K. O. T. M., of Kutztown. He and his wife _ are consistent members of the Maxatawny Lutheran (Zion) Church, where he was confirmed. In politics he is a Democrat, and like his grandfather, father and broth- ers, seldom fails to cast his ballot on election day to aid in that party's success. * (VI) Jacob H. Stump, the leading undertaker of Kutztown, was born Jan. 17, 1881, in the old Watch House mentioned above. When he was a year old his parents moved into Maxatawny township, locating near Shofer's postoffice. He was reared on the home farm, and commenced his education in the local schools, completing it at the Keystone State Normal School. After leaving school he learned cabinet making with Tilghmah De Long, at -Topton, Pa., in whose employ he remained for two and one-half years. Then he went to New York City, and attended the U. S. School of Embalming, from which he graduated with high standing, April 19, 1902, and in the same year he came to Kutztown. He embarked in the undertaking busi- ness and by close and careful attention to every part of his business, he has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and is firmly established as a business man. He is a member of the State Undertak- ers Association, and has held a license since 1906. On April 3, 1903, Mr. Stump married Mattie T. Heffner, daughter of Levi and Hettie (Stump) Heff- . ner (See Hefifner family history elsewhere). To this union has been born one daughter, Edna Mae. Mr. Stump is a Lutheran member of Maxatawny Zion Church, and Mrs. Stump belongs to St. John's Church, Kutztown (Reformed). Mr, Stump is fraternally con- nected with I. O. O. F., No. 634, Lyons; K. G. E., No. 70, Kutztown; and Jr. O. U. A M., No. 1004. Kutztown. JOSEPH S. BECKER, of Reading, is a scion of a family whose long residence in the State of Pennsyl- vania is indicated by the fact that the name has been perpetuated in the town of Beckersville, in Berks county. Jacob Becker, grandfather of Joseph S.. established the post office in the community and the place was named for him. He was for many years engaged in ho- tel keeping, and both the old hotel and the "Sorrel Horse Hotel" were built and managed by him. Each place had farming land attached to it, and Mr. Becker oper- ated the farms as well as the hotels. He died at the age of eighty, leaving a large family, viz.: Eli; Mrs. Samuel Frey; Mrs. Daniel Brown; Mrs. Lizzie Gabel- Mrs. G. N. Frey, deceased; Jacob, deceased; Frank, of Doe Run, Chester county; Samuel, deceased; and Mrs. John Lutro. Eli Becker, father of Joseph S., was born in Berks county, and received a common school education. He learned the trade of a butcher and followed that for a few years in Chester county. From' there he removed to Maiden-creek township, Berks county, and went into the business so long followed by his father, hotel- keeping, continuing there eight years. Both there and m Chester county he also acted as auctioneer, and was well known m that capacity for a long time. After leav- ing the hotel Mr. Becker came to Reading and estab- hshed himself here in the nursery business, which en- grossed his attention up to the time of his death. He 680 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mr. Becker married B. A.Landis, born March 21, 1824, daughter of E. W. Landis, and a family of eight children was born to them: Catherine m. Henry M. De Turck, of Temple, Berks county; Jacob H. is a blacksmith; William H. is in the West; Joseph S.; Samuel H. is a resident and ex-mayor of Cheyenne, Wye; E. H. is editor of the Billings Gazette in Billings, Mont.; Franklin is a painter in Reading; and Clara died aged twenty-eight years. The mother died at the age of sixty-five years. Joseph S. Becker was born in Chester county, Pa., June 11, 1852. He was sent to the public schools there and in Berks county, and until he was nineteen was employed at farming. He then learned the trade of a carriage blacksmith, and for eight years followed it in and near Kutztown. He removed next to Reading and there took up horseshoeing instead of his carriage work, learning it under ex-mayor Rowe with whom • he remained eleven years. At the end of that time, in 1878, he established a shop of his own at No. 418 Court street, and remained there till May 19, 1904, when he changed to his present location, Nos. 116-118 Mad- ison avenue. There he has built a shop that will com- pare favorably with any in the State. It is 30x70 feet and has a three-horse power motor to run his drill, etc. There is also a gas pipe running along the side of the shop which with the aid of a reflector enables him to do shoeing by night as well as by day. He uses only special hand made shoes and has a reputation for good work that has brought him the largest trade in the city. He is also district agent for the well known Harrold's Hoof Ointment, and has introduced that very widely. Mr. Becker married Miss Caroline Wagner, daugh- ter of Henry B. Wagner, of Schuylkill county. She and her husband both belong to the First Reformed Church. Mr. Becker is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Chandler lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter No. 337, R. A. M.; Reading Com- . mandery. No. 43, K. T.; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of Vigilance Lodge, I. O. O. F. GILE J. WILLSON (deceased) was for many years a prominent figure in Reading, where he was connected with several important commercial enterprises, and where his extensive building operations materially promoted the growth of the city. He was justly held in the high- est consideration by his fellow-citizens, and his death, on Jan. 34, 1888, at the age of sixty-four years, was widely felt as a real loss to the community with which he had so long been identified. The first of these Willsons in America was the grand- father of Gile J., also named Gile, who, when only sev- enteen years of age, left his horne in England, gave up his inheritance there and came to the Colonies to en- ter the Patriot army as a private, rising in the course of the war to the rank of major. The Willson coat of arms, used by right of descent from the Ward family, was originally won in the Crusades, and bears the Ward tnotto. Sub Cruce Salus (salvation by way of the cross), the Willson motto being, in English, "God save or we perish." Henry Ward Beecher, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Julia Ward Howe all belong to this branch. Gile J. Willson was born in New York State in 1824, of' New England stock. After his marriage he lived for a time in Winchester, Va., and from there came to Reading, where he settled permanently. He established a jewelry business which steadily increased in volume until it was the foremost concern of its kind in the city, located at No. 524 Penn street, where it .is still continued by one of his sons, Charles G. Willson, his watchmaking and jew- elry manufacturing establishment occupying the second and third floors at that location. About 1871 Mr. Will- son also founded the great spectacle factory at Reaumg, with which he was connected seventeen years. It is now owned by his son, Thomas A. Willson, of Reading (whose summer home is Clare Point Stock Farm, Ephrata, Lan- caster county), and managed by the latter's son. Dr. Frederick Willson, one of Reading's prominent men. Mr. Gile J. Willson also went quite extensively into building. The residence in which his widow still lives, at No. 108 North Fourth street, was erected fifty years ago. At that time the city was composed almost entirely of the ordinary plain brick houses, and Mr. Willson was the first to intro- duce the innovation of bay windows, putting up on Washington street, above Fourth, a row of handsome houses, all with this new feature. The ground on which they were built was originally deeded to the Quakers' for a meeting-house by the Penns in 1703; the original grant, written on parchment, is still in the possession of the family. Mr. Willson's enterprises were all very successful. He not only gained a reputation as a jewelry manufacturer and merchant, but made several inventions of note which perpetuate his name to the trade. The first dust-proof watch cap, now in universal use among watch manufac- turers, was invented and patented by him, and he took out patents on other devices in general use at the present time. Mr. Willson was the organizer of the Reading Mutual Fire Insurance Company, whose first banquet was held at his home. Many prosperous men of Reading today owe their success to his practical advice and encouragement, for he was never known to withhold aid or sympathy from the deserving. He was very active in church work as a prominent member of the First Presbyterian Cliurch, and served as president of the board of trustees of that con- gregation for. many years. He was one of the foremost in the erection of the beautiful chapel connected with that church, serving as president of the building committee. But most precious to his family is the memory of his beautiful home life. He was a most devoted husband and father. He lived for his family, and was never more happy than in his home circle, and when entertaining his farnily and friends in his home, where all enjoyed his entire confidence and good fellowship. He entered most heartily into all that interested each one of his family. He had a smile and a cheerful word for them at all times. His approval was the highest reward his children asked for any achievement. Words cannot express their love and devo.tion to him and their more than precious memory of a dear devoted father. On Jan. 7, 1845, Mr. Willson married Miss Sarah J. Templin, daughter of James Templin, who was a cousin of Betsey Ross, and a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Berks county. Mrs. Willson's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. She bore her husband three children, namely: Thomas A., of Ephrata; M. Elizabeth; and Charles Gile, who suc- ceeded to his father's jewelry business, and who is the ninth in succession bearing the name of Gile Willson — being an abbreviation of the family name of Peckersgile, of Lancashire, England. The two older children were jjorn in Winchester, Va., and the family had many relatives in that section, all extensive slave owners. Mr. Willson left the South because his sentiments on the slavery ques- tion were in such pronounced opposition to the general opinion there. Slaves had been bequeathed to his child- ren, but he would not allow the children to have them. The house in which the Willsons lived while in Win- chester was partly demolished during the battle at that point during the Civil war. M. Elizabeth Willson is very prominent in all the philanthropic work of Reading, and is connected with its various charitable organizations, including the Civic League and the Humane Society, while she is also a member of the Woman's Club and the Daughters of the Revolution, Berks county chapter. She furnished a room in the Homeopathic Hospital of Reading, in memory of her father, which she keeps in repair and will endow Miss Willson is greatly interested in all that pertains to the early days in this country, is justly proud of her patriotic ancestors and carefully cherishes certain family heirlooms, including a teapot which the Wards brought -; i 1 \ I I^W Rk. 3I '^^fl^^^^^^^K^ \ , ' ■ ^"t^<^C^2xAi/, (^ jALc/^^^ BIOGRAPHICAL 681 from England in 1735, and a cup from which Washington drank at Valley Forge, where Mrs. Gile J. Willson's father, James Templin, was living at the time Washington wintered there; a monocle holder and hand-made Odd Fellows charm dating from the first lodge in England and descending from Sir Gilbert Ward, of Crusade times. She is living in the old home. No. 108 North, Fourth street, with her mother. VAN REED. The Van Reed family in Berks coun- ty has been resident here for over one hundred and fifty years. It originated in Holland, whence, in 1750, came Henry Van Reed to find fortune and liberty in the New World. On May 30, 1750, he purchased fromi one John Patrick a farm of one hundred and fifty acres at $6.75 per acre. He had previously lived a short time in Philadelphia county, but on the purchase of this land moved onto same, which was located in what is now Amity township, Berks county, but which was then still in Philadelphia county, the township being erected March 4, 1745. Berks county was erected out of Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster counties March 11, 1753. In 1778 Mr. Van Reed tore down the old log cabin, and in its place erected a large two- story stone building, the western end of the present structure. He died in 1790, the father of nine child- ren, all born on the Amity township homestead. These children were: John, Jacob, Agnes, Susan, Mary, Anna, Catharine, Margaret and Hannah. The Van Reed homestead is a part of the land granted by the Crown to William Penn. On Sept. 11, 1704, William Penn granted by letters patent one thousand acres of land to Justa Justason, a Sw.ede. This land extended from the river Schuylkill north to Earl Mountain, or what is now known as "Fancy Hill," the line being about 120 perches' south from the Swamp road, leading to Boyertown, and was located between two lines running in a northeasterly direction 210 perches apart by measurement. These lines were two of the Swede's lines, and are now nearly eradicated by the division of the farming land in the neighbor- hood to suit the convenience of the owners. In 1716 Mr. Justason conveyed eight hundred acres of his 'land to one Samuel Savage, retaining two hundred acres himself. This latter part adjoining the Schuyl- kill river included within its boundaries the village, then called Molaton, now Douglassville. In 1717 Samuel Savage conveyed 150 acres, part of the 800, to George Savage. This smaller tract was almost all arable land, while the larger (650 acres) was mostly heavy timber land. Samuel Savage was the proprietor of what was then called the'Manatawny Iron Works, and he no doub-t retained the timber land for the purpose of charing coal and manufacturing charcoal iron. George Savage, it is believed, first settled upon this small tract and erected the first building upon it — a small one-story log cabin, and a log stable — and he was the first person to carry on farming operations there. He and his family continued in possession until about 1737, when he died, and in that year his heirs conveyed the farm to one Oliver Dunklin. In 1740 Mr. Dunklin improved the place by the erection of a large two-story log building at the eastern end of the log cabin, constructing in its center a large stone fireplace, then a necessary part of every house. Mr. Dunklin died about 1748, and the same year his heirs conveyed the property to a brother, John Dunklin, who after holding it only a month conveyed it to his brother- in-law, John Patrick, and in 1750 John Patrick sold it, as above stated, to Henry Van Reed. When Henry Van Reed died he bequeathed the home- stead to his son Jacob, who was then farming in Cumru township (now Spring). In 1819 Jacob Van Reed tore .down the two-story log building, and erected in its stead a two-story brick, the eastern part of the present building. Down to 1810 the log stable was the only place used for storing grain, etc., with a frame addi- tion rendered necessary by the increasing crops. In that year Jacob Van Reed built the southern part of 63 feet of the present large frame barn, with ^ heavy stone base and gable ends, and with a bank in the rear. When Jacob Van Reed came into possession of this land it was valued at $29.62 per acre, and this sum he was required to pay to his brothers and sisters in due proportion. He married Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Hiester, and he died in 1858. Jacob Van Reed was succeeded by his son, the present, owner and occupant, Jeremiah Van Reed, who by his father's will was to pay a fixed annuity to his mother, and to his brothers and sisters such sum as would value the land at fifty dollars per acre. From the time of the first settlement until 1819 the water for household purposes was obtained at a spring near by at the rear of the north end of the building, then a well in front of the house was dug. The live stock was always watered at the creek running diagon- ally through the farm close by the house until 1858, when a well was dug in the barnyard. In 1875 water power was communicated to the pump from the creek 700 feet distant by means of a stout wire worked to and fro by a water wheel. Two orchards are on the farm, one north and the other south of the dwelling. The first was planted south of the house in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and some of the apple trees are still standing and bearing good fruit; the north orchard was planted at the beginning of the nineteenth century._ All the improvements other than those here- in mentioned have been made by the present owner. John Van Reed, son of the emigrant Henry, married Catherine Huy, and he became the father of the fol- lowing children: Joshua, Mary, Lewis, James, John, Henry and Jacob. John Van Reed was a paper manu- facturer and owned and operated a mill on Cacoosing Creek. Jacob Van Reed, son of John, was born in Lower Heidelberg township, Dec. 24, 1819. He was a large land owner and he lived retired for many years previous to his death, Aug. 10, 1900. He married Mary C. Jones, daughter of Major Samuel Jones (a major in one of the Pennsylvania regiments in the war of 1812), and their children were: Samuel John m. Minerva Yea- ger, and had children, Lewis and James; and Margaret, m. John H. Evans, and had children, Charles V. R. and Jacob V. R. In politics Mr. Van Reed was a stanch adherent to Republican principles. He was a member of the State militia at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, and was ^called out with his company. In every relation of life he was found on the side of honor and truth, and he had the well merited esteem of all men. CHARLES E. LEIPPE, proprietor of the Reading Knitting Mills, was born at Greenland, Lancaster Co., Pa.. Sept. 10, 1859. He attended the public schools of Lancaster city and the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and, after graduating from the latter institution found employment in the match factory of Joseph Loehr, in New York City. He continued in this factory at a small salary for a year, when he entered his father's bend- ing works at Reading, having declined a position under Mr. Loehr at a large salary; and he continued in his father's employ as bookkeeper until the father's decease, in 1888. He and his brother, J. Harry Leippe, then pur- chased the plant, and they have carried on the business in a successful manner under the name of "Anchor Bending Works" until the present time, shipping their product to all parts of the world. . In 1898 Mr. Leippe became interested in the manufacture of hosiery, one of the thriving industries of Reading, and, purchasing a half interest in the Reading Knitting Mills, the oldest hosiery works at Reading, he has since then been prominently identified with this great industry. In 1907 he purchased the remaining half interest and from 683 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA that time he has carried on the establishment for himself in a most successful manner. His plant has the distinc- tion of being the second largest producer of eighty-four- needle half-hose in the United States. He employs one hundred and fifty hands and ships the hosiery to all the States of the Union. Mr. Leippe has been identified for a number of years with the management of the Schuylkill Valley Bank, the Berks County Trust Company, the American Casualty Company, and the Reading Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany, as a director, serving the last-named as president since 1902. He has also taken great interest in the Board of Trade since 1888, having served this body so important to the business interests of Reading as president during the years 1907 and 1908. He assisted in establishing the Homeopathic Hospital at Reading in 1891 and has officiated as treasurer since 1896. He has served as a trustee of the Young Women's Christian Association since its or- ganization, in 1898, and during 1909 he started a movement for establishing a gymnasium on the premises, so as to supply a proper place in Reading for the physical culture of women. He is prominent in Masonic circles as a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, Excelsior Chapter, and Reading Commandery; also as a member of Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of the Lodge of Perfection. 'In politics he has taken an active part in the welfare ot the Republican party at Reading since es- tablishing his residence here, in 1880. In 1900 and 1901 he represented the First district on the board of public works; and in 1905 he was nominated by the Republicans as their candidate for mayor; though not elected the vote for him showed his great popularity. Mr. • Leippe married Alice Josephine Brose, daughter of Daniel Brose (a well-known miller of Schock's Mill, in Lancaster county) and Mary Reich, his wife, who was the daughter of Dr. George Reich (near Maytown, Lan- caster county). They have a daughter, Anna Brose, who was educated at Reading, having graduated from the high school in 1903, and at Washington, D. C, in the Wash- ington College. Mr. Leippe has traveled extensively in Europe and in the United States. He spent three months abroad in 1895, accompanied by his wife and mother, and three months in California in 1904, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Mrs. Leippe has taken great interest in religious and charitable matters at Reading for many years. She is one of the lady managers of the Homeopath- ic Hospital. Mr. Leippe's father was Jacob Algeir Leippe, who es- tablished the "Anchor Bending Works" at Reading in 1880 and carried it on successfully until his death, in 1888. He was born at Steinfurth, in Baden, Germany, Nov. 30, 1834, and, after attending the national schools there, learned the trade of wagon-maker. He emigrated to Amer- ica in 1854 and settled at Lancaster, Pa., where he worked at his trade for two years, and then' located at Greenland, four miles east of Lancaster, for the purpose of engag- ing in the business for himself. He carried on wagon works there until 1865 and then returned to Lancaster to embark in the manufacture of shafts, rims, spokes, and other supplies for all kinds of vehicles. He named his establishment the "Anchor Bending Works," and con- ducted operations there until 1880; then, seeing an oppor- tunity at Reading to carry on the business more extensive- ly, he removed to this prosperous manufacturing center and operated his plant here under the same name until his decease. The father, Jacob A. Leippe, married Juliana Voll- weiler (daughter of George Vollweiler, of Eppingen, in Baden, Germany, manufacturer of linen), and by her he had twelve children: J. Harry m. Elizabeth Heupel; Charles E. ; Mary Elizabeth m. A. C. Hagelgans, of Phil- adelphia; Emma Louisa m. Rev. Israel F. Heisler, of Williamsport ; Katie Algeir m. Robert A. Riegel of Phil- adelphia; Julia Vollweiler m. J. Lewis Lengel, of Read- ing; Anna Jane, graduated nurse, is assistant superinten- dent of the Reading Hospital; Jacob A.; Clara Minnie m. Herbert H. Ranck, of Joanna Station, Berks county; Lillie Rose m. George Benninger, of Reading; William Theo- dore m. Lillie Spears, of Reading; Albert Augustus m. Gertrude Prutzman, of Adamstown. The last two sons are identified with the bending works as partners. JOHN G. SCHEALER, contractor and builder of Boyertown, Berks county, was born Oct. 15, 1836, in Exeter township. He has followed his present line of business in Boyertown since the early seventies, and many substantial structures testify to the quality of his work. Being a son of John and Catherine (Gard- ner) Schealer, he is a great-grandson of the founder of the family in this country, who, coming to America from his native land, Germany, settled in Exeter township, Berks Co., Pa., where he was among the pioneers. He spelled the name Schueler, and there are Various other spellings, the most common forms being Sheeler, Schealer, Shuler and Schuyler. When this ancestor was born, when he died and where he was buried are facts unknown by his descendants, who are numerous. He had a large family. William Schealer, the grandfather of John G. Scheal- er, was engaged all his life as a farmer and stone- mason in Exeter township, operating the farm now owned by Jacob Spohn.- He was a member of the Reformed Church. He and his wife Barbara had a family of eight children, namely: Jacob and William, who died in Reading; Samuel, who lived in Robesonia; John, who lived in Exeter; Benneville, who lived at Robesonia; Ann, who died unmarried; Lydia, who married Jacob Wentz; and Harry, who lived at various places. John Schealer, the fourth child of John and Bar- bara Schealer, was born in Exeter township, Oct. 23, 1793, and died there Dec. 16, 1872, aged seventy-nine years, one month, twenty-three days. He was a farm- er and stone-mason by occupation^ and during the win- ter months engaged in butchering. On Dec. 20, 1818, he was married to Catherine Gardner, born Nov. 20, 1800, who died Sept. 29, 1878, in her seventy-eighth year. Eleven children were born to this union, of whom one died unnamed at the age of three days. The others were: William, born Sept. 10, 1819, a car- penter and cabinet-maker of Colebrookdale township, died in May, 1894; Harriet, born Sept. 19, 1821, mar- ried Jeremiah Shadier of Seneca county, Ohio, who died before she did, her death occurring while she was out West, in 1904; Elizabeth, born Dec. 13, 1823, mar- ried Abraham Dehart (now deceased), of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Valeria, born Feb. 14, 1835, married James Esh- bach, late of Pike township, this county, whom she sur- vived, her death occurring Dec. 25, 1895; Susanna; born Oct. 14, 1827, is the widow of Henry Wunder. of Read- ing, and makes her home at No. 1028 Chestnut street, that city; Lovinia, born Sept. 10, 1881, married John Saltzer, of Colebrookdale township, and died Oct. 2, 1893; Catherine, born July 18. 1834, died in infancy; John G., born Oct. 15, 1836, lives at Boyertown; Au- gustus, born March 15, 1839, married Mary Liven- good, and died March 8, 1872; Samuel G., born in Ex- eter township Oct. 5, 1842, lives in his own residence at No. 1145 Chestnut street, Reading. The latter is a stationary engineer by occupation, and a highly esteemed citizen of his community. He was married Dec. 26, 1868, to Adeline Wessner, born in 1848, who died in 1905. They had six children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being William O., Lucretia I. and S. Raymond, the latter of whom is a student at Lehigh University. John G. Schealer attended the pay school near his home when it was taught by an old man named Daniel BIOGRAPHICAL 683 Reider, and later he wfent to public jchool. He himself received a license to teach from Prof. William Good, and taught one term in Exeter township, but he early commenced work as a cabinet-inaker, having learned the trade in his young manhood. He continued at that work and at carpentry, and in time became estab- lished in business at Boyertown as a contractor in the same line, which he has continued to follow at his present location for the past forty-one years. The class of work which has been intrusted to him is the best evidence of his reliability. Many of the best and largest business buildings and residences in the town are his work, among them the Rhoads Opera House block, the Boyer block, the big D. C. Brumbach build- ing, the Lefeaver building, the greater portion of the Boyertown Casket Company's building, and the build- ing of the Union Manufacturing Company. He has erected a number of churches, viz.: The St. John's Lutheran, Good Shepherd (Reformed), English M. E. and German Evangelical churches of Boyertown, the Lutheran and Reformed Churches at Amityville and the new Lutheran church at Pleasantville, all in Berks county; and he rebuilt St. Joseph's, of Hill Church, Berks county. In December, 1898, he com- pleted the new high school building in Boyertown; and he also erected the Friedensburg (Berks county) Acad- emy, and is now building the Boyertown high school building, which is to be finished by Dec. 26, 1909. Though Mr. Schealer's building operations have been extensive they have not engrossed his attention entirely, for he has other business interests. He is president of the Union Manufacturing Company, which was or- ganized in 1893 for the manufacture of all kinds of light and heavy castings, one of the specialties of this concern being the Union Detachable-Handle Sad Iron, which has the reputation of being superior to any other article of the kind on the market. Mr. Schealer is also president of the Boyertown Gas Company, being one of the large stockholders in that organization, which has a paid-up capital of $30,000. He is interested in the Franklin Improvement Company, which owns considerable real estate, and which erected a three- story and basement brick building in Boyertown, 175x45 feet in dimensions, to which an "L" has since been added. Among Mr. Schealer's real estate holdings is a tract of seventeen acres, on which he raises apples, pears, peaches, plums and other fruits, and he also owns a large cider press, and a cold storage plant with a capacity of 3,000 barrels. Though a Republican in a town which is Democratic three to one Mr. Schealer has served as burgess and chief burgess of Boyertown, having been elected bur- gess in 1894 and 1897 and chief burgess in 1900, hold- ing the latter office until 1903. On Jan. 23, 1863, Mr. Schealer enlisted in Company E, 75th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, his captain being Roswell G. Feltus, and with his company took part in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac until after Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, when the regi- ment was transferred to the Army of the Southwest. Mr. Schealer was discharged at the close of his term, Oct. 26, 1863. He is a charter member of General Crooks Post, G. A. R., of Boyertown, and has been post adjutant ever since the organization. His other social connections are with Stichter Lodge, No. 254, F. & A. M., of Pottstown; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; Nativity Commandery, No. 71, K. T., of Potts- town; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Oasis of Reading; Consistory at Bloomsburg; Oley Lodge, No. 218, I. O. O. F., of Reading; and Camp No. 104, P. O. S. of A., of Boyertown. On April 3, 1858. Mr. Schealer married Elizabeth Himmelreich, daughter of John Himmelreich, of Pike township, and they have had two children: Sarah, now wife of William Babb, a farmer of Pike township, Berks county; and Milton, who engaged in teaching for twelve years while a young man, but is now connected with the National Bank of Boyertown, as teller. ALF-RED W. GLASE, a prominent business man of Reading, was born in Friedensburg, Oley township, Berks county. Pa., May 27, 1841, son of Peter Glase. Jacob Glase, grandfather of Alfred W., was a shoe- maker by trade, and followed that occupation in Read- ing, Kutztown and Oley township, all his life. He died while residing in the last named section. Their children were: Peter; Jacob; John; Betsey, m. to a Mr. Fisher; and Polly, m. to Jacob Faucht. In re- ligious belief the family were Lutherans. Peter Glase at first followed his father's calling, that of a shoemaker, but later in life was engaged in other lines, being at one period in the hotel business. For several years he did freighting between Fredericksburg and Philadelphia, and afterward owned ond operated a farm. Twice married, his first wife was a Miss Adams, and they had eight children: William, Matilda, Benewell, Amelia, Mary, Rebecca, James and Levi. He m. (second) Miss Catherine Weisner, like him- self a native of Berks county. She died aged sev- enty-three years, and to this union five children were born, Caroline, Jacob W., Peter, Alfred W. and An- na. In religious belief the family were Lutherans, and in politics Peter Glase was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1868, when he was aged seventy- four years. Alfred W. Glase was sent to 'the common schools of Oley township, but was still too young to have left school when he was compelled to go to work. He was first employed on a farm, and remained in that line of work until he was eighteen. He then learned the tinsmith's trade from his brother, and ■followed that for fourteen years. Meantime he had become favorably known among his fellow citizens and was constable in the Fourth ward, serving in that capacity very efficiently for fifteen years. Since 1887 he -has conducted a livery stable and has been very successful, for his establishment is not only large but of a high class. His location is at Nos. 515-517 Cherry street, Reading. Mr. Glase is a veteran of the Civil war, having en- listed in the 3d Regiment of Pennsylvania Artillery, afterward attached to Battery A, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, in which he served until the end of the war. In 1880 Alfred W. Glase married Miss Mary Har- rison, daughter of John Harrison. Two children have been born to them, Maud E. and Floyd H. In re- ligious faith they are Lutherans. Mr. Glase is a Re- publican in his political affiliations, and has been ac- tive in local affairs. He is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Post No. 16. LEVI WORLEY (deceased), for many years one of Reading's prominent business men, and a pioneer in the coal tar pavement b« iness, was born in Saeg- ersville, a small town near Allentown, Lehigh Co., Pa., only child of Jacob Worley, a well known farmer of Lehigh county, where he died. Levi Worley learned the trade of shoemaking at Allentown, but when a young man was employed on Dunkle's farm in Berks county. He then went to Pottsville, Columbia and Lancaster, following shoe making, and later tO' Lewistown, where he married Elizabeth Heinsling, by whom two sons were born, of whom the survivor is Oilman, messenger at the First National Bank, Reading. Mrs. Elizabeth (Heinsling) Worley died at Lewistown. Mr. Worley then came to Reading and worked at his trade for a number of years, finally engaging in the coal tar pavement busi- ness with David Witman as partner. They were among the pioneers in this business, and operated extensively throughout the city. For about twenty- five years prior to his death, Mir. Worley lived re- tired, dying in May, 1902, aged eighty-six years, in the 684 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA faith of the Lutheran church of which he had been a member of the Vestry. In politics a Republican, Mr. Worley served as school director from the Eighth ward for a number of years. Mr. Worley married (second) Mary M. Rush, born Jan. 6. 1822, a few doors from where she now resides, No. 739 Washington street, Reading, daughter of Phil- ip and Barbara (Spohn) Rush, and these children were born to the union: Barbara; John P. R.; Annie; Elea- nor; Mary V., and one child which died in infancy. Mrs. Worley's first husband was Conrad Feger, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Mellon) Feger, and three children were born to them: William; Barbara; and Sarah Jane (Jennie), widow of George S. Yeager, who was connected with the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, located at Ninth and Green streets, Phila- delphia. During 1876 Mr. 'Yeager was assistant master mechanic, and was later transferred to Newton, Bucks county, where he died in 1887, being buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mrs. Yeager resides with her mother, in Reading. Mrs. Worley is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was christened by Dr. J. Miller. ELMER E. WANNER, senior member of the firm of Wanner & Stief, hatters, at Reading, was born in 1861 in Kutztown, Berks county, son of Peter C. and Sarah (Moyer) Wanner. Peter C. Wanner was born in Kutztown, and as a boy worked on a farm. Later he owned a farm and tannery one-half mile from Kutztown, which he ope- rated until his retirement some years before his death, in 1899, in his seventy-sixth year. His wife died in 1894, aged sixty-one year's. Their four children were: John; Elmer E.; Ellen, m. to J. C. Ziegler; and Ida, m. to P. A. Metzgar. In religious belief the farriily were connected with the Reformed Church. Mr. Wanner was a Democrat in political faith. Elmer E. Wanner was educated in the schools of Maxatawny township and the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, after leaving which he clerked in W. W. Sheridan's boot and shoe store for two years. He then went to Goshen, Ind., to accept a position in his brother John's leather establishment, where he re- mained four years. He then returned to his native county, and in 1883 secured a position in J. B. Schaef- fer's wholesale hat house as traveling representative, covering the entire State of Pennsylvania, and continued with that firm for seventeen years. On Dec. 1, 1900, Mr. Wanner formed a partnership with A. J. Stief, and since that time they have carried on a prosperous hat business at No. 605 Penn street. The firm's first class line of goods finds a ready sale in the retail houses of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Wanner is considered one of the good, substantial citizens of Reading. He is fraternally connected with Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M.; the B. P. O. E., No. 115, Reading; and the Americus Club. In 1897 Mr. Wanner was married to Mary Frey. They attend the Reformed Church. In political matters he is a Democrat. SAMUEL HOLL, who died in Reading, Pa., in 1886, in his sixty-ninth year, was for many years a well- known business man and honored resident of the city. He was born in 1817, in Cumru township, Berks county, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Setley) HoU, residents of that section. Samuel Holl received a common school education, and for a number of years was engaged in the wheel- wright business pn Walnut street, Reading, where the Junior Fire Engine House now stands. He was later employed by Seyfert, McManus & Co., manufacturers of Reading, remaining with that firm for several years, but finally resumed his business in the rear of his residence, No. 343 North Sixth street. Mr. Holl mar- ried Miss Louisa Orie, who died in 1883, daughter of John Orie, a native of France, who was a member of the army of Napoleon, being one of that great general's body-guards. Mr. Orie came to America about 1831, locating at New Holland, Lancaster county, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Holl are both buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. In politics, a Democrat, Mr. Holl served on the election board of Reading. He was a member of the First Reformed Church, being an elder and trustee thereof. The children of Samuel and Louisa (Orie) Holl were: Julia, the widow of Reuben Sha- dell, living at No. 531 Buttonwood street, Reading; Jacob, who was educated in the public schools of Reading and a private school, and who began business life clerking in some of the leading houses in Reading, for several years being head clerk for the Reading Hardware Company, resigning this position to become the first cashier of the Keystone National Bank, Jan. 8, 1884, a position which he held until his death in May, 1890; Anna M.; William O., a molder of Reading; Elizabeth, a teacher in the Reading high school; and Louisa, who was also engaged in teaching for some time. Anna M., Louisa, and Elizabeth reside at the old home of their father. No. 343 North Sixth street, Reading. JAMES H. RAMER, senior member of the contract- ing and building firm of Ramer & George, at Reading, Pa., was born Dec. 9, 1864, at Richmond township, Berks Co., Pa., son of John and Sallie S. Ramer, and grandson of Jacob Ramer, a farmer of Richmond town- ship. John Ramer was born in Richmond township, where his education was secured in the public schools, after leaving which he engaged in bricklaying and later in stone mason work. He died in Reading at the age of sixty-nine years, his wife having passed away in her thirty-eighth year, and their children were: Catherine, James H., Samuel, Jacob, Ellen, John, Annie, William (who died young), Lydia and Sallie. James H. Ramer attended the schools of Richmond township, obtaining a good education, and in 1893 came to Reading, where he worked at bricklaying until 1903, in this year entering into a partnership with Samuel George. They have been very successful in their building business, and to the present time have erected forty-three houses in the northeastern section . of Reading. In political matters Mr. Ramer is inde- pendent, and he is fraternally connected with Vigil- ance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; Camp No. 278, P. O. S. of A., Virginville, of which he is a charter member; and the Maccabees. He is as popular in fraternal cir- cles as he is well-known in the business field, and is considered a representative citizen. Mr. Ramer married Fannie Schucker, daughter of Adam Schucker, and to this union there were born two children: Harry Warren, who died at the age of seven months, eight days; and Eva Elizabeth, who died when nine years, three months old. JOHN JACOB SHILLING (deceased) founded a family in Berks county now well known there. He was born in Chester county, Pa., and came to Berks county when a young man, settling at what is now Shillington. He owned considerable land there, built numerous dwellings, and for many years owned and conducted the "Three Mile House," where he lived with his family. He was a man of prominence in his day, and was of striking appearance, being erect, tall, and weighing over two hundred pounds. He was a member of the Reformed Church. He married Hannah Straub, whose father was Christian (?) Straub, and to them were born children as follows: Levi died unmarried when about seventy years of age; Hettie also died unmarried; Samuel, who laid out Shillington, and gave it its name, married Catharine Whiteman, and they had children— Franklin P. (de- ceased), Oscar J. (deceased), Mary M. W. and Gebrge Washmgton (twins). Howard M.. Frederick E. E.. BIOGRAPHICAL 685 Emma L., Ida C. E. and Ella; Ephraim is mentioned below; Jacob, who was killed in the Civil war, married Mary Bechtel and had one child, who died young; Eliza married Isaac Miller, of Illinios, in which State both died; Isabella died unmarried; Louisa married a Forbs, of Minnesota. Ephraim Shilling, son of John Jacob, was born Nov. 16, 1823, in Shillington, and lived to his seventy-seventh year, dying Jan. 18, 1899. There he spent his entire life. He not only followed farming, but also his trade of pattern-making, and turned out many violins of sweet tone; in later years he also engaged in wheel- wrighting in connection wtih farming, cultivating a tract of forty-two acres. In politics he was a Repub- lican. In 1848 Ephraim Shilling married Catharine Marks, daughter of George Marks, and a family of eight child- ren was born to them, namely: Clara m. Frank Welde; Catharine m. Julius Wagner; Elizabeth m. John Gauss; John Jacob m. Sarah Steffey, and (second) Sallie E. Berstler; Alexander E., unmarried, lives at Shillington; Hannah m. Jerome Tompkins; Jane m. Horace R. Carl; Andrew m. Lizzie Kane. The family were Lutherans in religion. Julius Wagner, who married Catharine, second daughter of Ephraim Shillington, was born in Germany in 1849, and came to America when eighteen years of age, landing in New York in 1867. After staying for a while in that city iie moved to York, Pa., and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time, but being dissatisfied with his progress he located at Lancaster and made himself proficient as a baker. When ready to begin for himself in that line he went to Reading, opened a bakery at No. 276 South Ninth street, and was so successful that by the end of thir- teen years he had amassed sufficient capital to retire from that business and enter into building and contract- ing. While thus engaged he put up sixty-two houses in Reading, some of them on property owned by his wife. Mrs. Wagner is quite an extensive property holder, owning ten lots on Thirteenth street, seven on Fairview, five on Kenney, and three residences in the Tenth ward. Mr. Wagner at present gives his entire attention to managing his wife's interests. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were married March 18, 1871, and they have five children: Julius, Jr., m. Helen Krum; Lucca K. ; Elsie T. m. Harry Adams; Mabel m. George Klopp; and Richard m. Anna Snyder. In re- ligious faith the family are Lutherans. Mr. Wagner is a Democrat in politics. GEIGER. The Geiger family is an old one in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, being located here be- fore the erection of Berks county, in 1752. Philip Geiger, the great-grandfather of Wellin-gton D. and Ezra D. Geiger, of Amity township, was born Nov. 20, 1765, and died Aug. 13, 1831. His wife, Anna Maria Stichter, was born Jan. 18, 1769, and died Nov. 1, 1791. They are both buried in the east side of the old cemetery at Amityville church. With them is buried Maria Geiger (1793-1823), probably a daughter, and wife of Philip Mathias. Another daughter mar- ried a Moyer. The number of the children of this old pioneer couple cannot be definitely stated. There was a son, Jacob, mentioned below; and tradition tells of another son. Philip Geiger lived in Amity town- ship before 1806, as in that year his name appears on the tax list. Jacob Geiger, son of Philip, was born August 20, 1795, and died in Amity, Sept. 6, 1868. He was a farmer and owned a tract of 160 acres about three- quarters of a mile south of Amityville. He married Elizabeth Harner, born Aug. 21, 1798, died Sept. 17, 1870, and their children were: Jacob H.; Mary Ann; John; Mahlon; Elizabeth m. Alfred Fritz; and Leah Ann. Jacob H. Geiger. son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was born Nov. 16, 1825, and died on the farm now the property of his son, Ezra D., Sept. 15, 1864. He was a farmer. Although in his youth he learned the tailor s trade he never followed it. He married Mary Ann De Turk, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Goodhart) De Turk, who lived in Exeter township. She was born April 19, 1828, and died April 25, 1908. Their children were: Ezra D.; Wellington D.; Jacob, of Philadelphia, who has children— Lawrence, Mary, Mar- tha, Amvy, and Jacob; Lizzie, deceased, m. to WiUiam H. Thorpe, of Clayton, N. Y.; and Miss Hettie. Wellington D. Geiger, now a farmer in Amity township, was born one mile east of Yellow House, October 4, 1856. He attended the township schools and was reared as a farmer's boy, working -for his parents until he attained his majority. In 1866_he began farming as a tenant in Amity and has ever since been a tenant farmer in that township, with the exception of three years— 1889, 1890. and 1891— when he hved in Douglass township. He has been quite successful and his farm is kept in good condition, and his stock and farm machinery are of the best. On Feb. 13, 1885. Mr. Geiger married Amelia Sassa- man, daughter of' George M. and Mary (Weyant) Sassaman, now of Pottstown. Their only child, a son, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger are Reformed members of Amityville Church, in which he has served as deacon. Fraternally he is a member of Wohlink Tribe, No. 179, I. O. R. M., at Yellow House. Ezra D. Geiger^ a farmer at Weaverstown, in Amity township, was born Aug. 6, 1853, in Exeter township, coming to Amity in the second year of his earthly career with his parents. He worked for his mother. until he was of age. He began farming at the age of twenty on his present place. This was the Augustus K. Lorah farm before it became the prop- erty of Jacob H. Geiger. It was originally owned by the Ludwigs. then by Jacob Schaffer, then by the Lo- rahs. Jacob H. Geiger bought it in 1864, and in 1878 it was transferred to the present owner. The farm consists of ninety-five acres, also forty-eight adres of pasture land. The present large stone house was built in 1834. There is a smaller house on the premises, located -about thirty feet from the large one, that must be a relic of the days long before the Revolution. In 1876 Mr. Geiger married Delilah Rhoades, daugh- ter of Jonas and Rachel Rhoads, and their children are: (1) Chester, graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in the cla^s of 1902, and is now en- gaged in teaching in Amity township. He m. Dora ■ Body, and they have two children: Evelyn and Esther. (2) Wayne, graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1904, and from Lehigh University in 1908, is an electrician, holding a responsible position at Hackensack, N. J., with the Telephone Company. He m. Elsie Brown, and has a daughter, Alice. (3) Vic- tor is still at home. In politics Mr. Geiger is a Dem- ocrat, and is at present serving as supervisor of Amity, townsbip; for three years he was auditor. He is a member of Wohlink Tribe, I. O. R. M., at Yellow House. Mr. Geiger and his family are members of the Reformed Church at Amityville, in which he has been very active, and has served as deacon. The early Geigers were Lutherans. LEWIS NAPOLEON LOWE, assistant city treas- urer of the city of Reading, Pa., was born in Phila- delphia, Dec. 9, 1863, one of the eight children born to Louis and Sarah (Berret) Lowe, the others being: Anna E., widow of Charles Snyder, of Philadelphia, (brother of Brigadier-General Snyder, of Reading, and a grandson of Governor Snyder of Pennsylvania); Margaret J., of Philadelphia; Frank S., of Philadelphia; Sallie B., of Atlantic City; and three, Walter, Charles and Edward, who all died in early childhood. 686 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Lewis N. Lowe graduated from the Reading high school in the class of 1878, and he started his business life as a machinist with the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, then becoming chief time keeper for that company, spending twelve or thirteen years in the railroad service. He was appointed clerk to the city treasurer in 1902, a position which he efficiently filled unfil 1908, when he was appointed assistant city treasurer. Fraternally Mr. Lowe is a member of the P. O. S. of A. He is a member of the Universalist Church. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. Mr. Lowe is descended from English ancestry on his father's side, and on his mother's from French, this accounting for his name. His father's people were na- tives of North Carolina, our subject's grandfather owning a large plantation and many slaves. The Civil war reversed the family fortune, and four of the sons came North, all of whom are now deceased. AUGUSTUS BORKERT, who died Dec. 12, 1908, aged seventy years, was one of Reading's leading business men, having been engaged in contracting and building for a number of years. He was a native of this city, born Feb. 20, 1838, son of Daniel Borkert. Augustus Borkert's school days were spent at the Franklin street school, in Third ward, and there he at- tended until about fourteen years of age, when he started his business career as an errand boy in a de- partment store. He remained there for about one and one-half years, at the end of which time he went to the hat factory to learn the hat business. His father desired him to learn the binding business, and when nineteen years of age he engaged with his father in business and continued with him until the latter's re- tirement from active life. At this time the six Borkert brothers engaged in business together, and remained connected for some time, but later Augustus Borkert, under the firm name of Augustus Borkert & Bro., en- gaged in contracting and building, with his brother, and they erected a number of large business houses and residences, among the former being the Scott foundry and the Deibert building and part of Mohn's Hat fac- tory. ,They also built the Polish school house, and others too numerous to mention. They employed from fifteen to eighteen hands. Mr. Borkert resided at No. 938 A, Penn street, where his death occurred. Mr. Borkert married Mary Amanda Brown," daugh- ter of John Brown, a Berks county blacksmith, and the following children were born to this union: Katy m. James Bady, and lives at Mt. Penn; George, employed with his father, m. Mary A. Long; Daniel, also em- ployed with his father, m. Ida M. Zell; Clara m. Harry Rapp, of Reading; Howard J., a clerk for the firm of Gatley & Brenner, m. Katie Hill; Ida m. Marshall Huey, who engaged in the coal business on South Tenth street, and they reside on West Oley street; Walter m. Rosa Houck, and they have two sons, Carol and Lester; Walter is employed with his father; Edward was clerking at the tube works, and met his death one day while going home from work at noon time, falling and breaking his neck while running; and Elizabeth is deceased. Mr. Borkert was a Democrat and served on the com- mon council, representing the Third ward. The family attended Grace Lutheran Church. In April, 1861, at the call for troops, Mr. Borkert enlisted in Company G, 7th Pa. V. I., for three months' service, was mus- tered in at Harrisburg, and went with his regiment to Chambersburg, Greensburg, Williamsport, Millersburg and Charleston, and was there discharged, returning to Harrisburg, where he was mustered out of service and returned to Reading. Mr. Borkert was laid to rest in Aulenbach cemetery. His widow resides at the Penn street home. A. L. FRAME, who for some years has been promi- nently identified with the iron interests of Berks county. Pa., is now proprietor of the Grey Iron Foundry, for- merly the Old Ege Foundry, in Reading. Mr. Frame was born in 1864, in Reading, son of Conrad and Catha- rine (Marx) Frame. [For detailed history of the earlier generations of the family, see sketch of Charles N. Frame]. After completing his education in the public schools of his native city, Mr. Frame entered the employ of Glaser, Frame & Co., formerly the Seneca Cigar Com- pany, as a clerk in the shipping department of the Rochester branch, and later took charge of the sales- men, practically having control of the firm's interests at Rochester during his eighteen months stay. He then returned to Reading and took charge of his father's coal yard, which he conducted from 1888 until 1896, in the latter year removing to Fifth and Willow streets, where he took charge of another yard. In 1903 Mr. Frame located at the Old Ege Foundry, which busi- ness was in such a condition that it needed a firm, strong hand to guide it to success, and this was fur- nished by Mr. Frame, who was able to establish one of the finest businesses of its kind in the county. The firm, which manufactures light hardware specialties, employs eighty-five people in its several departments — foundry, galvanizing, plating, japanning and polishing — and enjoys a large, steady trade throughout the country. In 1904 Mr. Frame also established the Globe Lawn Mower & Manufacturing Company, being made president thereof, and in his new, up-to-date factory, which is equipped with the finest machinery to be ob- tained, he manufactures a high-grade, ball-bearing lawn mower. This utensil is superior in many ways to others, and Mr. Frame has a number of patents on the improved parts. Mr. Frame is enterprising and energetic, and he is favorably known in business and social circles. In 1888 Mr. Frame was married to Lillie Edwards, daughter of John Edwards, and to this union there have been born two children: Edith and Clarence L. Mr. Frame is a member of Chandler Lodge No. 227; Ex- celsior Chapter; Lodge of Perfection; Reading Com- mandery, K. T.; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In politics he is a Republican. W. E. MILLS, a leading citizen of Reading, Pa., serv- ing as a member of the common council from the Sixth ward of the city, was born in Reading, Sept. 26, 1853, son of Allen and Mary Ann (Swartz) Mills, the former of Wilmington, Del., and the latter of Cumru town- ship, Berks county. Pennsylvania. The grandfather of W. E. Mills was born in Eng- land, and came to America in early life, locating at Wilmington, Del., where he engaged in the manu- facture of paper. He and his wife were the parents of children as follows: Thomas, deceased, was a manufac- turer of Philadelphia; John; May J. m. Thomas Ander- son; Elizabeth m. Samuel Lengel; and Allen. In re- ligious belief the family were connected with the Episcopal Church. It is believed that Mr. Mills was a Whig in politics. Allen Mills, father of W. E., was educated in the schools of Delaware, whence he came to Reading, and here for twenty-two years was engaged as an employe of the Mellert Foundry and Machine shop. His next employment was with the Scott works, and he also engaged in pattern-making. Mr. Mills died in 1888, and his wife, Mary Ann Swartz, died in 1900. aged about seventy-three years. Allen Mills was a member of Continental Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Pilgrim's Circle. He was well known in Reading, and highly esteemed by all who had business dealings with h'm. W. E. Mills was educated in the schools of Reading, and as a youth learned the machinist's trade at Mellerts and McKurseys foundries. On completing his appren- ticeship he went to Kansas and settled upon a claim of 160 acres in Solomon Valley, but returned in 1875 after two years in the country. Upon his return he found BIOGRAPHICAL 687 employment with the Rolland & Francis machine shop on Cherry and Carpenter streets, continuing there until the following winter, when he engaged at the Mellert foundry, continuing there for a short time. Mr. Mills then entered the employ of the J. H. Sternbergh Com- pany, continuing there for twenty-two years, eight years of that time being foreman machinist, and the last three years master mechanic. He then went to Lebanon, where he served in the same capacity for the American Steel & Iron Company, but in September, 1900 went to work at the Johnson foundry, where he was employed a short time as foreman, and he is now with the American Iron & Steel Company,. Reading. On April 26, 1882, Mr. Mills was married to Miss Esther B. Sobinson, born in Reading of Scotch parents, and to this union there were born three children: Willie R., who died aged seven weeks; Jennie M., and Esther A. Miss Jennie M. Mills is a graduate of the Girls' high school, where she took the alumni medal for her essay on Literature. Mrs. Mills is a Baptist. Mr. Mills is connected with the Improved Order of Americans, and was formerly connected with the I. O. O. F. In his political belief he is a stanch Republican, and on that party's ticket he was elected, in April, 1906, a member of the common council from the Sixth ward. He has always taken a great interest in ward politics, and is therefore thoroughly acquainted with the needs of his community. He is thoroughly capable and de- serving of a seat in the executive body, where he at- tempts to serve his city and his constituents in a faithful manner. John Robinson, father of Mrs. Mills, was born in Scotland, and came to America when a young man, first settling in New York City. Before the Civil war, how- ever, he had come to Reading, and here he enlisted in Company B, 50th Pa. V. I., and was killed while in active service in the battle of Spottsylvania, and was buried in North Carolina. He married Miss Esther Douglas, also a native of Scotland. She died in Read- ing. Pa., in November, 1894, and is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson had children as follows: James, who served as a corporal in the Civil war, arid died in New York City; Mary died unmarried; Matilda m. Henry Eyrich; William lives in Reading; Annie m. James Werts, of Reading; and Esther B., the youngest, now Mrs. W. E. Mills, never saw her father. MAGNUS MELLERT, for many years a well-known foundryman in Reading, was a native of Germany, born in Schwartzwald, Baden, and his death occurred in this city in 1890. John Mellert. father of Magnus, left Germany in 1832, and coming to America established himself in Reading, where his wife and family joined him seven years later. He was a locksmith by trade, an expert workman, and is said upon good authority to have made all the locks for the old Berks county courthouse. As time went on he accumulated sufficient means to go into the sheet iron and stove business, as one of the firm of Mellert & Sheeler, and the enterprise proved so successful that they launched out in other lines. They established a foundry and machine shop which they conducted with most satisfactory results until 1873, when the panic of that year compelled them to cease operations. John Mellert married Miss Mary Henderslcarich, also of German birth and ancestry, and they had children as follows: Arnold; Charles; Magnus; Constantina, who became the wife of John Sheeler, now deceased, and who resides in Baltimore, Md.; and Otto. The family were devout Catholics. Magnus Mellert was only a boy when his mother brought him to America, and as his father was in those earlier years in limited circumstances, the son received only a meager education. While still very young for such work he was placed in his father's shop,' and there toiled early and late, as did his brothers also. But this hard toil brought its just reward, and as the fath- er's business interests enlarged the son prospered with him. Magnus remained in association with his father until the latter shut down his factory in 1873, and then' opened up a machine shop of his own. His business grew steadily, and he was one of Reading's substan- tial men of affairs at the time of his death, in 1890. In 1854 Magnus Mellert married Ludema, daughter of John and Catherine (Close) Philipi, and granddaugh- ter of Jacob Close. To this union were born three children, namely: John, deceased; Emma, deceased; and Addie, m. to Thomas Moore, a prosperous cigar and tobacco merchant of Reading. There are three grandchildren, namely: Lillie, the wife of Robert Heil- man, a shoe merchant on Penn street; Robert; and Ludema. While Mrs. Mellert was a devout member of St. James Lutheran Church, her husband adhered to the faith of his fathers, and remained in the Catho- lic Chutch, where he served for many years as chori- ster. ABRAHAM S. RAUDENBUSH, M. D., of Reading, Pa., was born July 24, 1841, in Montgomery county, son of Abraham and Mary (Scholl) Raudenbush, and a grandson of George and Mary (Gearhart) Raudenbush. George Raudenbush, great-grandfather of Dr. A. S., came to America from Germany, and settled in Bucks county, near Sellersville. He was a farmer and shoe- maker by occupation, and there spent the remainder of his life. He had two sons, Peter and George. George Raudenbush, son of the emigrant George, was educated in the schools of Bucks county and early took to agricultural piirsuits. following these successfully throughout his life. After his death his wife resided with a daughter, Mrs. Harriet Althouse. He was the father of ten children, as follows: Jacob, George, Abra- ham, Samuel, Jesse, Enos, Sallie (m. Jacob Cressman, of Bucks county), Harriet (m. Thomas Althouse), Matilda (m. John Clymer), and Elizabeth (m. a Mr. Leida). In religious belief the family were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Raudenbush was a Democrat. He died in 1848, aged about eighty years, and his wife in 1852, when seventy-seven years old. Abraham Raudenbush received but a meagre educa- tion in the schools of Bucks county. He was reared to farming pursuits, and carried on farming near Sel- lersville, later removing to the edge of Montgomery county, and there remained for several years. He later went to Sellersville, and there purchased the old Abra- ham SchuU farm, on which he continued to live until 1863, when he sold the farm, retired and in 1882 moved to Reading .to reside with his son. He died in 1892, aged eighty-eight years. His wife died in 1882, aged seventy-six years, the mother of six children: One daughter died in infancy; James is deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Enos Rosenberger, of Kutz- town; Mary married Jacob Trucksess, and lives in Montgomery county; Abraham S.; and Louisa died in infancy. Mr. Raudenbush was a member of the Reformed Church, in which he was deacon and elder. In politics he was a Democrat. Dr. Abraham S. Raudenbush was educated primari- ly in the schools of Montgomery county and took ad- vanced studies at Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College. Early in life he evidenced a desire for the medical profession, and read medicine under Keeler & Groff of Montgomery county and remaining with them two years, when he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating with the class of 1863, with the degree of M. D. His first field of practice was Adamstown, Lancaster county, where he remained eighteen years, and he then located in Reading, open- ing an office at No. 233 South Fourth street. After four years spent at this .office, the Doctor removed to his present location and here he has been actively engaged in practice. The Doctor was for some years 688 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA a member of the medical staff of the Reading Hos- pital, being one of the iirst to hold that position after the hospital opened its doors to the public, and he continued in that capacity until 1903, when he retired. He still retains his position, however, on the staff of examiners of students for resident physicians. He is connected with the Reading and Berks countj' medical societies and the Pennsylvania Medical As- sociation, as well as the American Medical Associa- tion. He was formerly a member of the Lehigh Val- ley Medical Association, which meets but once a year for the benefit of the public, and was a Tri-Coun:y Sensorial District for Schuylkill, Berks and Montgom- ery counties. The Doctor is fraternally connected with the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Democrat, but is broad and liberal in his views. In 1865 Dr. Raudenbush married Miss Sarah Stauf- fer, daughter of Henry Stauffer, of Lancaster county, and one child was born to this union: Charles H., who is a druggist of Reading, keeping one of the finest pharmacies in the city. DR. LOT BENSON. The late Dr. Benson was known in the latter part of his life as one of Reading's success- ful business men, but as a young mian he had studied and practised medicine. His life covered the greater part of the nineteenth century, and its long record was that of a useful and venerable citizen, who had merited and won the respect and esteem of all who knew him. Dr. Benson was born in Reading Oct. 1, 1802, and after attending the Reading Academy he began his preparation for the medical profession. He took the course offered in the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and after receiving his degree practised for some years in Reading, meeting with considerable success. He found, however, that his tastes inclined him more to the commercial world than to the professional, and a few years later relinquished the practice of medicine and turned hiS attention to mercantile pursuits. For a number of years he was so engaged at Womelsdorf. In 1845 he came to Reading, and was in the iron business with Eckert & Bro., continuing with them for the remainder of his active life, but his last few years he spent retired from active responsibilities and cares. He died in 1883. In 1829 Dr. Benson married Miss Eliza Eckert, daughter of Peter Eckert, of Womelsdorf, a member of one of the early families of that district. Four children were born of this union, namely: (1) David E., a well-known ironmaster connected with the Donegal Furnace, at Marietta, Lan- caster county. Pa., died June 17, 1901. He was a man of high standing, and was much interested in all philanthropic work. He gave the ground for the Hope Rescue Mis- sion, and proved his interest in many ways. (2) Susan E. (3) Mary C. died in 1873. (4) Rebecca H. died in 1848. The wife and mother passed away in 1869, at the age of sixty-two years. Both she and the Doctor were members , of the Presbyterian Church, in which for forty years he served efficiently as elder. A staunch Republican in prin- ciple, he nevertheless concerned himself with public affairs only as a good citizen, never as a politician. The family was one highly respected in Reading, and active in var- ious fields. ABRAHAM HEFFNER, a retired resident of Rich- mond township, Berks county, who was for many years engaged in farming in that section, was born on the old Heffner homestead near Virginville, July 20, 1836. Heinrich Haeffner, great-grandfather of Abraham, and his wife Maria Eva Kelchner, to whom he was married Nov. 28, 1752, were the progenitors of this family in Berks county, Pa. He was probably the Henry Haffner who came in the ship "Patience" from the Palatinate and the Grand Duchy of Wurtemberg with 270 other -passengers, sailing from Rotterdam, via Cowes, Sept. 19, 1749. His family of six children were: Johann Heinrich, Hans Georg, Eva Catharine, Elizabeth, Eva Magdalena and Catharine. Heinrich Haffner was a son of Andreas, of Eberstadt, a town four miles south of Darmstadt, Germany. In 1753, the year of his marriage, he established himself, about three- quarters of a mile south of Virginville, on the land now owned by Richard G. Trexler. He brought with him from Germany a box containing many old papers, and was probably a weaver by trade, as he reserved "den Webstuhl und das Geschirr dazu" in an agreement with his son, Heinrich, made April 13, 1784. Johann Heinrich Heffner, grandfather of Abraham, was born Nov. 23, 1754, aiid died June 27, 1825. He was the first born of his parents, and was a farmer in Richmond township, living on his father's land, which was acquired by patent from the Commanwealth in 1784. He married Anna Katherinfe Kohler, daughter of John and Anna Maria Kohler, of Greenwich town- ship. They had ten children, namely: Daniel; John; Henry; Abraham; Samuel; Solomon; Polly, who was lame and died single aged sixty-six years; Kate, m. to Lansing Knapp, of West Penn township, Schuylkill county; Hannah, m. to Daniel UnderkofHer, of Mohrs- ville; and Jacob. While Heinrich Heffner was a pris- oner during the Revolutionary war, he was confined in a church in New Jersey, and there a great-uncle of Samuel Heffner, of Moselem Springs, was frozen to death. The following is a copy of a valuable paper now in possession of one of the descendants in Berks county: "Whereas, Heinrich Heffner of Jacob Baldy's company in Col. Philip Gehr's Battalion has made complaint to us, the Subscribers, Commissioners of said county that he could not attend at the Muster and Field days in 1777 and 1778, he being a Prisoner of War and not exchanged, and we find his complaint just, do therefore agreeable to an act of Assembly acquit and exhonerate the said Heinrich Heffner from fine which might have incurred from not attending said Muster and Field days. Given under our Hands, the fourth day of October, in the year of Our Lord, One thous- and, seven hundred and ninety. (Signed) John Keim, Henry Speyker, Jacob Beyer." Abraham Heffner, father of Abraham, who was a farmer and lifelong resident of Richmond township, was born in 1798, and died in 1854. He was the owner of the original Heffner homestead about three-quar- ters of a mile south of Virginville. He married Polly Kerchner, born in 1801, daughter of Godleib Kerchner, of Greenwich township. She died in the seventy-sixth year of her age. To them were born these children: Isaac, who died single, was a farmer of Richmond ' township; Elizabeth m. Charles Zettelmoyer, also a farmer of Greenwich township; Polly died single, aged seventy-three years; Sarah died in infancy; Anna m. Samuel Boyer, a "stone mason of Richmond township, later of Denver, Columbia Co., Pa., where they died; Susanna died single, aged fifty-one years; Daniel was a carpenter and farmer of Richmond township; Abra- ham; Carolina never married; and Samuel died when twenty-four years old. Abraham Heffner, son of Abraham and Polly, was reared on his father's farm, and he followed this vocation until 1900, when he retired from active life. He received a limited education in the free school of his time, but he has since, through observation and study, become a well educated man. At the age of forty-two years Abraham Heffner m. Miss Racy Ann Stoudt, daughter of Benneville and Hettie (Berndt) Stoudt, of Maiden-creek township. The following children were born to this union: Mary, m. to John A. C. Wiesner, a prosperous farmer of Kempton, Pa., and Samuel, Sallie and Susanna, at home. In the spring of 1855, one year after the death of his father, Mr. Heffner began farming for himself on the Heffner home- stead, purchasing the farm at appraisement and con- tmumg thereon until 1880, when he sold this property and purchased the Reeser farm of eighty-six acres in Maiden-creek township, continuing thereon for nineteen '>« N < /f^l__ rTCUlr-l, cC_, (b . /\X£^^-t-^^-JD-l^ BIOGRAPHICAL 689 years. On this tract he then discovered an inexhaust- ible amount of a fine quality of cement stone, for the handling, of which, a number of leading Reading capi- talists formed the Reading Cement Company, to which company Mr. Heffner sold his farm in 1900 for a large figure. At this time he purchased the large brick resi- dence in which he and his family are comfortably situated. Mr. Heflfner is considered one of the sub- stantial citizens of Richmond township, and is well known and highly esteemed. WILLIAM W. SNYDER, who for many years was engaged extensively in mercantile pursuits in Reading and throughout Berks county, was born in Ruscomb- manor township, Berks county, in 1836, son of Jacob and Barbara (Williams) Snyder, prosperous farming people of that section. The corner stone in their house bore the date A. D. 1768. ^yilliam W. Snyder attended the public schools of his native township and an academy at Boyertown, in the meantime assisting his father in the duties of the farm. After leaving school he remained at home for a short time, and then went to Evansville, where for a short time he was engaged in clerking, then going to Bower's Station. At the latter place he engaged in a general store business, and continued there for two years, at the end of which time he bought the well- known and well-established foundry at Kutztown of Haack & Kline, operating it for a period of one and one-half years. Mr. Snyder then went to Spangsville, where he purchased the general store business of a Mr. Spang, which he conducted for three years, then coming to Reading. He engaged in the grocery and dry goods business at Eighth and Penn streets in the Breneiser building for a period of two years, after which he engaged in the same business at No. 235 North Eighth street, the present site of the Schaeffer baking establishment. After continuing there for a period of five years, he spent two years in his native township, and then again came to Reading, locating at No. 204 Eighth street, where Mrs. Snyder lived for twenty- eight years. Her home is now at No. 547 the same street, and she owns the valuable property on the cor- ner of Tenth and Elm streets, now occupied by Mr. Bland as a shoe store. After locating at Reading, Mr. Snyder engaged in business on the corner above mentioned, in partner- ship with John Hoflfman, the firm being known as Snyder & Hoffman, and he continued there for fourteen years. After selling out to Kline & Wann, Mr. Snyder removed his business to Third and Washington streets and five years later to Bingaman street. He died on a quiet Sunday evening, March 5, 1904, and his burial was at Kutztown. He was a man highly respected by all who knew him and was beloved and looked up to by his family. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Louisa R. Kemp, daughter of the late George G. and Mary (Yoder) Kemp. She was educated at South Bethlehem College. The Kemp family is an old and honorable one, and the name is perpetuated by Kempton, Pa. The cornerstone in the Kemp homestead on the Kutz- town and Allentown road is dated A. D. 1765. In this house was a special room furnished for tramps to sleep in. The Kemps donated the land for Kutztown paik, so popular with churches and Sunday-schools, some times as may as six excursions in a week being run to this park. George Kemp, grandfather of Mrs. Snyder, married Catherine Griesmer. Her father, George G. Kemp, was a life-long farmer of Maxatawny township and owned valuable property in the vicinity of Kutz- town. He died at the age of fifty-three years, and his widow survived to the age of sixty-three. They had these children: Mrs. Jonathan Grim; David, deceased; George, who died at Springfield, Ohio; Martin, a resi- dent of Lyon Station, Berks county; and Louisa R., widow of Mr. Snyder. 44 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were: Howard K., a resident of Reading; Solon K., a machinist; Ir- win K., a tailor; Laura E., m. to Walter B, Koch, of Reading; Estella V., m. to Clyde W. Gray; and Susan L., m. to Harvey I. Reinby. FREDERICK A. HINNERSHITZ, for many years a well-known resident of Reading, Pa., died Aug. 24, 1896, at his home in Riverside. Mr. Hinnershitz was born Dec. 4, 1841, in Alsace township, Berks county, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Harbold) Hinnershitz. Isaac Hinnershitz, who resided in Alsace township, was an agriculturist all of his life, and was a good citizen and much respected by his fellow townsmen. He married Rebecca Harbold, of that township, and to them were born a family of eleven children: Hen- ry, Ann Eliza, Lydia, Mary, Frederick, Jaines, John, Isaac, William, Amos and Rebecca. In rehgious belief the family were connected with the Reformed denom- ination. In politics Mr. Hinnershitz was a Demo- crat, Frederick A. Hinnershitz resided on a farm in Bern township, which was vented of Jacob Bushong by his father, until twenty-one years of age, and in 1861 or 1862 removed to Riverside, where he continued to live up to the time of his death, working at the Reading Hardware Company's works until he entered the employ of the Carpenter Steel Works. He died Aug. 4, 1896, in the faith of the Reformed Church, and was buried at Alsace Church. Mr. Hinnershitz was a man of many sterling qualities of character, and on account of them was respected and esteemed by those who knew him. In his political belief he was a Democrat. On Sept. 14, 1861, Mr. Hinnershitz was married to Cathei-ine Fox, daughter of George and Maria (Schmeck) Fox, and to this union there was born one son: James, born March 15, 1862, in Muhlenberg township, who married Emma Bahn, and has three children, Mary, Fred and Edith. LEWIS G. FRITZ, now living at his pleasant res- idence at Mountain View, was for a number of years well known to the people of Cumru township, Berks county, as a leading hotel proprietor. Miartin Fritz, grandfather of Lewis G. Fritz, owned the land around the "Center House" (Grill post-office), in Cumru township, was a blacksmith by trade, and an early resident of the Yocum's Church district, where he was buried. He married Catherine Retchja, and to them were born children as follows: Harry, John and George, of Lancaster county; Jacob, a blacksmith of Brecknock township; Martin and Elias, twins, the latter a blacksmith at Center; Mary, married to Henry Foreman; Catherine; and Harriet (died in March, 1909), married to Cyrus Strohl, of Lancaster county. All of the sons in this family learned the blacksmith's trade, and all are deceased. Martin Fritz, the father of Lewis G., was born Aug. 11, 1806, in Cumiru township, and died at Shillington. just four days before his eighty-fourth birthday. For many years he was a farmer in Cumru township, where he owned considerable land, but several years were spent at Wernersville and Sinking Spring. He was an official member of Yocum's Church. Mr. Fritz married Susan Gring, daughter of Henry Gring, and to them were born these children: Lewis G.; John, living at No. 216 West Douglass Street, Reading; Susan, m. to Jeremiah Gehret; Amos; Samuel, who died at the age of twenty years; Henry G., m. to Susanna Hinnershitz; Joseph, who died when twenty years old; and Sarah m. to John M. Grill. Lewis G. Fritz was reared on the home farm in Cumru township, and obtained most of his education in the public schools of his native locality, later spending six months in a school at Churchtown, Lancaster coun- ty. In 1871^ he became the proprietor of the "Green Tree Hotel," in Cumru township, which he conducted 690 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA for fourteen successive years, then . removing upon the Boyer farm, at the Lancaster bridge, where he farmed for seven years. In 1893 he removed to his private residence near the "Green Tree Hotel," and during the summer, and winter of 1896 built the "Moun- tain View Hotel." which he occupied from April 29, 1897, until April i, 1907, when his son, Henry F., suc- ceeded him in the management. Mr. Fritz then erect- ed two nice frame dwellings at Mountain View, in one of which he is now living retired. He rebuilt two brick houses below his residence in 1907, and these he has rented. He was at one time part owner of the ■ famous Fritz Island, located one and one-half miles south of Reading, in the Schuylkill river, his interests in which he sold to the city of Reading in 1906. He recalls very well the historic flood of 185S', and the following incident concerning it is ever fresh in his memory: The Bushong distillery was located at the foot of Penn street, Reading, on the banks of the Schuylkill, and when the river rose the rushing tor- rents tore the large pig sty from its foundations and dumped over a hundred hogs into the river. They swam one -and one-half miles down the river and thir- ty-three were washed ashore on Fritz Island and saved. This island is quite large, at its highest point being twenty-one and one-half feet above low water mark, and of the island six acres have never been under water to the knowledge of the oldest residents here. In politics Mr. Fritz is a Republican, and for four years he was supervisor of the township. He and his family are Lutheran members of Christ's (Yocum's) Church. On Oct. 16, 1859, Mr. Fritz was married to Sarah Ann Focht, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hem- mig) Focht, of Robeson township,- and to them were born these children: Emma Louisa, born July 24, 1860, m. (first) Jacob Adam, deceased, and (second) Frank Boyer; Henry F., born Nov. 18, 1861; Catharine, born June 4, 1865, died June 8, 1876; Sylvester, born Jan. 13, 1868; Margaret, born Oct. 4. 1869, died May 31, 1876; Sarah Ann, born Sept. 23, 1870, died May 27, 1876; Lewis, born Oct. 28, 1872, died May 31, 1876, the same day as his sister Margaret, and both were buried in one grave; George, born May 5, 1875, a carpenter foreman for L. H. Focht, the well-known contractor, ni. Agnes M. Hain; Alice, born May 30, 1879, m. Wil- liam Robinson, and has two children, Catharine May and Ray Sarah; and two boys were still born. George F. Fritz, youngest son of Lewis G. Fritz, was born in Cumru township, Berks county. May 5, 1875. He attended the common schools of his native district, and later was a pupil at the Reading Academy, then taught by the late Prof. D. B. Brunner. He was reared upon the farm, living there until 1892, at which time he left home to learn his trade, serving his ap- prenticeship under L. H. Focht, with whom he has continued up to the present time. He is now foreman of a gang of carpenters, and the high reputation en- joyed by his employer is sufficient testimony as to his ability, for the position is a very responsible one. He is a man of good habits and is well liked. Mr. Fritz was married, July 11, 1896, to Miss Agnes M. Hain, daughter of Abraham U. Hain, and five child- ren have been born to them, namely: Mabel H.. Paul H., Walter H., James H. and Mary A. H. Since 1898 this family have occupied their own home at West Reading. This place was erected by Mr. Fritz's broth- er-in-law, the late James M. Hain. The Fritz family belong to Bethany Lutheran Church of West Read- ing. In politics Mr. Fritz is a Republican, and in social connection he is a member of Fraternity Castle, No. 302, K. G. E., of Reading. HENRY F. FRITZ. One of the best known pleasure resorts of the vicinity of the city of Reading, Pa., is the "Mountain View Hotel," situated on the old Mor- gantown road, one and one-half miles from the city. which is conducted by Mr. Henry F. Fritz, a hotel keeper of many years experience. Mr. Fritz was born Nov. 18, 1861, in Cumru township, son of Lewis G. and Sarah Ann (Focht) Fritz. Henry F. Fritz received his education in the schools of his native township, and was reared on his father's farm, which he continued to operate for ten years after his marriage.- He then engaged in the hotel business at Jacksonwald, Berks county,- where he continued for seven years, his next venture being in the ice business in Reading, which he conducted very successfully for five years. On April 1, 1907, Mr. Fritz succeeded his father in the management of the "Mountain View Hotel," which has twenty-four finely furnished rooms with all modern conveniences. Mr. Fritz makes a cour- teous and genial host, and his hostelry is becoming very popular as a pleasure and health resort. On Nov. 29, 1885, Mr. Fritz was married to Miss Clara Berg, daughter of Isaac and Maria (Noll) Berg, and to them two children have been born: Augusta M. and Carrie C. Mr. Fritz is a Republican in politics, and while a resident of Jacksonwald, served as post- master for a period of seven years. In 1908 he was. elected treasurer of his township, and re-elected in 1909. He has been prominent in fraternal circles, and is a popular member of Wyomissing Council, Royal Arca- num, and Camp No. 230, P. O. S. of A., 'of St. Lawrence, Berks county. CYRUS LORD, late of Reading, Pa., was born in Union township, Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 18, 1834, son of Absalom and Margaret (Rice) Lord, natives of Berks county, and grandson of Joseph and Mary Lord. Joseph Lord was a native of America of Scotch parentage, and was a farmer and collier by trade. To him and his wife Mary were born: Absalom; Eman- uel; Maria, m. to a Mr. Green, and Mary, m. to_ a Mr. Fair, of Lancaster county. In religious belief Joseph Lord and his wife were Episcopalians. Absalom Lord followed boating on the old Schuyl- kill canal, and was a prominent figure in the early history of canaling. He retired about twenty years prior to his death, which occurred in 1869, and his wife, Margaret Rice, passed away in her seventy-sec- ond year. They had these children: Joseph, Daniel, Charles, one that died in infancy, Cyrus, Emanuel, Harriet, John, Mary, William, Absalom, Henry and Peter. Mr. Lord was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was first a Whig, and later became a Republican. Cyrus Lord received his education in the schools of Berks county. In 1855 he married Joanna Becker, who died in 1900, aged sixty-four years. She was the mother of three children: Anna, Jacob and Amelia, the last named being the wife of John N. Tomney, of Reading, Pa. Mr. Lord was a member of the Mason- ic Order, holding membership in St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter; Reading Com- mandery; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Mr. Lord was one of the trustees in St. John's Lodge for many years, and the standard bearer in Reading Com- mandery for a long time, up to the time of his death. THOMAS P. ANSPACH, a leading business man of Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Pa., who is extensively engaged in the manufacture of cigars, was born in that town, March 19, 1858, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Walters) Anspach. The Anspach family of Berks county descends from one of the German emigrants that left their native country in the early part of the eighteenth century and came to New York, settling in the Schoharie Valley, where they lived for several years, steadily bringing that part of the country up to a prosperous condition. It was not long, however, before Gov- ernor Hunter inflicted upon them intolerable laws and BIOGRAPHICAL C91 terribly mistreated these sturdy, industrious settlers, and in the fall of 1723, 150 families fled from the governor's jurisdiction and made their way across the forests into Pennsylvania, many of them settling in Bethel, Heidelberg, and Tulpehocken townships, in Berks county. Among these early Penn- sylvania settlers was George Ansfiach. Five years later, in 1728, came another large influx of these fam- ilies, and among the latter was Leonard Anspach, who in 1759 was a taxable in Tulpehocken township, paying nine pounds. Also in this year the tax list registered the names of John and Peter Anspach, the former paying eighteen and the latter twenty pounds. One of these was the ancestor of Adam Anspach, grandfather of Thomas P. Adam Anspach and Philip Anspach were sergeants in Capt. Michael Ferrer's Company of the Berks County Militia, in the Revolu- tionary War, serving from June, 1780, until July 15, 1781. , John Anspach, of Heidelberg township, was second lieutenant in 'Capt. John Lesher's Fifth Com- pany of the Battalion of Berks county. May 17, 1777. Adam Anspach, grandfather of Thomas P., was born on the Anspach homestead in Marion township, and is buried at Host Church. He was a lifelong farmer, owning the old homestead; He and his wife, Mag- dalena (Kintzer) Anspach, had a family of sixteen children, as follows: David, who had Eliza, Dietta, Sarah and Lucy; Jacob, who had three wives, and was the father of nineteen children; John, who had Eliza and Samuel; Samuel, who had Henry, Sue, Samuel. John and Emma; Adam, who had Cyrus, Catherine, Lillie; Jonathan, who was a bachelor; Joseph, who had four children; Isaac, the father of Thomas P.; Mary, who died unmarried; Sallie, m. to Samuel Rieg- el; Elizabeth, m. to Peter SchoU; Molly, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-one years; and four others who died young. Of this family Jonathan and Mary lived together at Womelsdorf, both now being deceased. Isaac Anspach, son of Adam, was born June 16, 1819. He owned a cozy little farm of thirty acres lying in the borough of Womelsdorf, where he died May 27, 1881. He was a Lutheran in religious belief, and an official member of Zion's Union Church. He married Elizabeth Walters, born Jan. 8, 1824, died Dec. 30, 1899. They had four children, namely: Frank, born in 1846, died in 1852; Jonathan, born in 1850, died in 1852; Lizzie m. George Himmelberger, of Womels- dorf; and Thomas P. Thomas P. Anspach obtained his education in the borough schools, and was reared upon the home farm, assisting his father. On reaching his fourteenth year he learned the cigar making business, and until 1886 he engaged in that business as a traveling salesman. In the year mentioned Mr. Anspach began to manu- facture cigars, in which business he has continued to the present time with much success. He owns a two-story factory on First street, where he employs half a dozen skilled mechanics, and disposes of his product through jobbers. He erected a fine brick residence at the corner of First and Franklin streets, Womelsdorf, in 1906, and here he and his family make their home. Until Sept. 23, 1905, he had his business on North Third street, when he was burned out, suffering a heavy loss. The two houses on the place had been standing there for upwards of 100 years. Mr. Anspach is a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 159, I. O. O. F., and Washington Camp No. 67, P. O. S. of A., both of Womelsdorf, having been connecte'd with the former since 1877, and the latter since 1873. He and his family are attendants of Zion's Lutheran Church. On Aug. 14, 1880, Mr. Anspach was married to Ida Behney, daughter of Milton and Rebecca (Batdorf) Behney, and »to this union there were born three sons: Irwin M., a drug clerk of Womelsdorf, m. Annie Kauffman, of Millerston, Perry Co., Pa.; Frank B. m. Olive Lambertson, of Mapleton, Huntmgdon Co., Pa., and has had two children, Ida G. (deceased) and Thomas; and John I., unmarried, is a cigar maker by occupation. FRANKLIN D. HEFFNER, an influential and well- to-do agriculturist" of Berks county, Pa., who is now residing on the original Merkel homestead in the eastern end of Richmond township, was born on the old original Heffner homestead, near Virginville, in Richmond township, Feb. 20, 1859, son of Daniel and Lucy (Wink) Heffner. Heinrich Haeffner, the great-great-grandfather "of Franklin D. Heffner, emigrated from the Palatinate, Wurtemberg, Germany. He was twice married, his second wife being Maria Eva Kelchner, daughter of Matthaus Kelchner, an early settler of Richmond town- ship. She bore him two sturdy sons and four daugh- ters, namely: Johann Heinrich; Hans Georg, born in 1757, married Maria Hummel, and died in 1818; Eva Catharine; Elizabeth; Eva Magdalena, and Catharine. Heinrich Haeffner (Haffner) was a , son of Andreas Haeffner o{ Eberstadt, Darmstadt, Germany. The latter married in 1752, and established himself about one mile south of Virginville, on the land now owned by Richard G. Trexler. He was probably a weaver, as he mentioned "den Webstuhl und das Geschirr dazu" in an agreement with his son Heinrich, made April 13, 1784. During the Revolutionary War Heinrich Heffner (as the name appears in the record) was a soldier in Capt. Joseph Baldy's company. In the winter of 1777-8 he with others were confined as prisoners in a church in New Jersey. One Christian Merkel, also of Rich- mond township, froze to death in Heinrich Haeflner's atms. The following legal document is on record in the Court House of Berks county: "Berks County, ss: Whereas Heinrich Heffner, of Jacob Baldy's Co., in Col. Philip Gehr's Battalion, has made complaint to us, the Subscribers, Commissioners of said county that he could not attend at, Muster and Field days in 1777- 1778 as he was a prisoner of War and not exchanged, and we find his complaint just, do therefore, agree- able to an Act of General Assembly, passed the 27th day of Marcli, 1789, acquit and exhonerate the said Henry Heffner from the fine which he might have incurred from not attending said Muster and Field days. Given under our hands, the fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, sev- en hundred and ninety. (Signed) John Keim. Henry Speyker. Jacob Beyer." Johann Heinrich Haeffner, son of Heinrich, was born Nov. 23, 1754, and died aged seventy years, seven months and four days. He married Anna Catherine Kohler, born in 1759, and their children were: Daniel m. Betsey Graeff; John died young; Henry m. Betsey Rahn; Abraham (grandfather of Franklin D.) ; Sam- uel, born in 1791, m. Kate Folk, and died in 1872; Solomon m. Rachel Graeff; Jacob, born in 1804, m. Rebecca Rahn, and died in 1877; Polly was a lifelong invalid; Hannah m. Daniel UnderkofHer; and Kate m, Lansing Knapp. Abraham Heffner, son of Johann Heinrich, was born in 1789, and died in 1854. He lived for a number of years at Moselem. To him and his wife, Polly Kerch- ner (1801-1876), were born children as follows: Isaac died young; Elizabeth m. Charles Zettelmoyer, a resi- dent of the old Heffner stand; Polly; Sarah died in childhood; Anna m. Samuel Moyer; Susanna died young; Daniel became the father of Franklin D • Abraham m. Racy Ann Stoudt; Caroline; and Samuel died young. Daniel Heffner, son of Abraham, was born on the old Heffner homestead in 1834, and died in 1881 He received his education in the schools of his day and when a young man learned the trade of carpenter be- coming a first-class mechanic. He built many build- «92 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ings in and about the village of Virginville, and taught many men the trade. He also owned a small farm near Virginville, which is now in the possession of his son, Franklin D. In political matters Mr. Heflfner was a Democrat, and he was a leader in the ranks of his party in this section of the state, serving as school director of Richmond township for 'many years. He and his family were strict Lutherans, attendmg Mose- lem Church, of which he was trustee for a long period. Daniel Heffner married Lucy Wink, daughter of David and Ann (Hill) Wink, farming people of Maxatawny township. She died in 1902, aged sixty-eight years, and both she and her husband are buried at Moselem Church. To them were born four children, as follows: Franklin D.; Mary Ann, who died aged ten years; Amos L, who died in his seventeenth year; and Joel, who passed away when four years old. ■Franklin D. Heffner attended the district schools of his locality, and was reared upon the farm on which he was born. For some years he lived on a small farm near Virginville, which lies adjacent to the old Hefifner homestead, but in 1891 he bought the fine farm on which he now resides. This property is valuable. It is one of the best farms in the town- ship. It consists of 110 acres of excellent land; the buildings upon which are large, substantial and in ex- cellent condition. The water facilities are of the best. Mr. Hefifner is an up-to-date, practical agri- culturist, using the most modern machinery and im- plements, and his good crops are in a measure due to the manner in which he prepares the soil prior to planting. He has a good herd of live stock, and his horses are known throughout the township as of the best breed. He is one of the substantial citizens of Richmond township, and a heavy tax payer. Person- ally he is quiet and unassuming, and he is known to his neighbors and acquaintances as an honorable and upright citizen. Mr. Hefiner is a strong and uncompromising Demo- crat, but, although he takes an active interest in pol- itics, believing that it is his duty as a citizen to do so, he has never allowed his name to be used as a candidate for public position. He and his family are loyal supporters of the Lutheran faith and consistent members of Moselem Church, of which Mr. Hefifner has been deacon for four years and treasurer for over seventeen years. He was a member of the building committee when the new church was built in 1894, and contributed largely in time, money and material towards its erection. In 1881 Mr. Heffner married Mary Ann Dietrich, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine (Keim) Dietrich, of Greenwich township, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Joel W., Mary C, Daniel E., Katie C, Jonas F.. Hannah A.. A. Howard, Alice J., Ada L., Franklin J. and Florence E. Adam Dietrich, great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Hefif- ner, was born in 1740 and died in 1817. He married Maria Barbara Steinbruch (1741-1821), who, like him- self, had come from the Palatinate, Germany, on the good ship "Brittania," which landed at Philadelphia Oct. 26, 1767. They were the parents of the following children: Johann Adam, 1765-1823; Johann Georg. 1767- 1837; Maria Barbara, 1769-1846; Catherine, 1771 ; Johann Jacob, 1773-1857; Johann Michael, 1775-1862; Johann Heinrich, 1777-about 1857; Johannes, 1779-1830; a daughter born in 1781; Johann Christian, 1783-1874; Maria Magdalena, 1785; and Anna Margareta, 1787- 1838. Johann Christian Dietrich, son of Adam, was born in 1783, and died in 1874. He married Elizabeth Georg (1786-1846). and to them were born children as fol- lows: Benjamin, 1806-1877; Solomon, 1807-1874; Beckie m. Jacob Heinly; Jonathan was the grandfather of Mrs. Hefifner; George, 1811-1887; Samuel, 1817-1893; Anna m. Daniel Spohn; Hettie m. John Moyer; Dan- iel, 1824-1898; Nathan,* 1827-1880; and Henry, 1832- 1905. Jonathan Dietrich, son of Christian, was born Dec. 2, 1802, and died Jan. 29, 1862. He married Elizabeth Schearer, born Sept. 25, 1810, who died June 7, 1897. and both were buried at Moselem Church. They had the following children: Ephraim, born in 1835, died in 1905; Jonathan, father of Mrs. Hefifner; Joel; Wil- liam; Daniel; Henry; Samuel; Edwin and Sarah Ann. Jonathan Dietrich, son of Jonathan, was born Nov. 38, 1835, and died Aug. 6, 1871. He owned and cul- tivated a tract of fifty acres of land in Greenwich township, where his whole life was spent. Mr. Dietrich married Catherine Keim, and to them were born children as follows: Terinta m. Isaac Hess, a farmer of Maiden-creek township; Mary Ann m. Mr. Hefifner; George M. m. Katie Fegley, and is a farmer near Evansville, Pa.; and Katie m. Oscar Luckinbill, of Leesport, Pennsylvania. GEORGE W. SNYDER, who is well known to the people of Reading, Pa., as a professional musician, has been identified with musical organizations since his twelfth year, and is the present director of the Glen Echo Orchestra. Mr. Snyder was born in 1868, in Bethel township, Berks county, soil of Franklin and Elizabeth (Lerch) Snyder. Thomas Snyder, the grandfather of George W., was a prosperous farmer of Bethel township, and owned land deeded to the family by the Penns in 1730. He married a Miss Wagner, and to them were born the following children: Washington, Davilla, Isaac, Frank- lin. Henrietta and Clementina. Of this family Frank- lin Snyder was one of the early farmers of Bethel township, and followed agricultural pursuits all of his life, dying at the age of fifty-four years. His widow still survives. They' were the parents of these children: Rebecca; Enjma; Sarah, deceased; William F. ; George W. ; David T. and Ella J., deceased; and Dora M. The family were members of the Lutheran Church. George W- Snyder received his literary education in the public schools, after leaving which he taught school for five years, then engaging as a brakeman on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, with which road he continued for three years. He then became a United States railway postal clerk, his run being between Allentown and Harrisburg, but after twelve years he resigned, and took up the profession of piano tuning. At the age of twelve years he received his first instruction in music from Prof. L. A. Drum- heller, of Harrisburg, and later he graduated from the G. H. Munroe School of Piano Tuning, Boston, hav- ing done practical work in the Cornish Piano factory. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.. the P. O. S. of A. and the National Association of Railway Postal Clerks. In political matters he is a Democrat. Professor Snyder married A. 'Blanche Deck, and to them have been born four children; Percy A.; Robert E. and Maysie A., deceased; and George D. The family attend the Reformed Church. CYRUS ,Q. GULDIN, one of the leading business men of Reading, Pa., who is president of the Read- ing Cold Storage & Ice Company, was born in Cole- brookdale township, Berks county. May 25. 1860, son of Horace N. and Elizabeth M. (Eshbach) Guldin. and grandson of John and Maria (Grim) Guldifi. John Guldin, also a native of Berks county, was a farmer and ran a saw mill in his native locality. He was a member of no church, although he favored the Reformed denomination, and was a good Christian and excellent neighbor. He and his wife had these children: Edward, Henry, James, Cyrus, Mary and Horace N. Horace N. Guldin was educated in the schools of Boyertown, and in early life engaged in scliool teaching. BIOGRAPHICAL 69S later, however, becoming an agriculturist. He is now living retired at New Berlinville, where he has many friends. His wife, Elizabeth M. Eshbach, who died in 1898, aged sixty-two years, bore him these child- ren: James; Cyrus Q.; Delilah (m. Reuben Brown); and Laura (m. Levi Miller). Cyrus Q. Gulden was educated in the schools of his native township and also in Montgomery county. In 1891, with A. J. Brumbach, J. G. Leinbach, George O. Runyeon, J. A. Strohecker and John H. Printz, deceased, he formed the Realing Cold Storage Com- pany, and was elected president thereof, a position which he has held contihously to the present time. The plant was consolidated in 1900, it being at Read and Elm streets. It has a capacity of sixty tons, and the storage house has 300,000 cubic feet of space. The plant at South >Iinth street has a capacity of 130 tons daily, with 250,000 cubic feet of space. Mr. Guldin 'is also superintendent of the Glenside Land Company, and the Glenside Water Company; director of the Bramcote Land Company; president of the Exchange Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Philadelphia, and superintendent of the Angelica Water & Ice Com- pany. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Stichtler Lodge, No. 254, F. & A. M., of which he is past master, and a member of the chap- ter; Nativity Commandery of Pottstown, Pa., and the Rajah Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. Since 1900 he has made his home in Reading. In 1882 Mr. Guldin married Lillie Butz, daughter of George W. Butz, of Pottstown, and to them there has been born one child: Elizabeth, who is now en- gaged in the study of music and art. JOHN DAVID SCHEETZ, who resides on his well- improved farm in Heidelberg township, is one of the leading farmers of Berks county. Pa., and has been largely identified through his position as a prominent citizen with the general progress of this section since attaining the years of manhood. Mr. Scheetz was born July 15, 1843, in North Heidelberg township, son of William and Harriet' (Deppen) Scheetz. Conrad Scheetz (or Schuetz or Schiitz), the great- great-grandfather of John D., was one of the pioneers who came from the Schoharie, N. Y., in 1723, with thirty-three other Palatinate families, having emigrat- ed from Germany to England, where they were pro- vided with passage to the New World by Queen Anne. On Christmas Day, 1709, 4000 of these emigrants em- barked for New York, and on reaching that port June 14. 1710, 1700 of these travelers died. The sur- vivors camped in tents on Governor's Island until late in autumn, when about 1400 removed to Liv- ingston Manor, 100 miles up the Hudson river. Here they improved land, built log cabins, and were in a fair way towards success, when Governor Hunter's treatment became unendurable and many of these sturdy settlers fled through the forests on rudely con- structed sleds, which they tugged themselves through the deep snow. Among these early arrivals at the Tulpehocken were: Johannes Pisas, Sebastian Pisas. George and Peter Rieth, Gottfried Titler, Conrad Schuetz, Antonius Scharf, Johannes Rieth, Joseph Laab, Christian _Lauer, Andrew Walborn, Lorentz Zerbe, Sebastian Fischer. Johan Peter Pacht, Johann Adam Lesch and George Anspach. John Adam Schiitz, son of Conrad Schuetz, was one of the most prominent men of his day and locality, served a term in the Legislature and held numerous township offices, and owned considerable land, which is now divided into four fine farms, having originally consisted of upwards of 400 acres. He spelled his name Schutz until after he had served in the Legisla- ture. He was buried at Tulpehocken Church. Mr. Schutz married a daughter of Jost Fishbach, of Heid- elberg township, and four children were born to this union: Elizabeth m. John Breidenbach; Jacob; John; and Samuel. John Scheetz, son of John Adam, was born in what is now Marion township, in 1793, and died Feb. 20, 1869, aged seventy-six years, and was buried at Union cemetery. In 1832 he purchased the well known Conrad Weiser farm, east of Womelsdorf, and here he en- gaged in agricultiiral pursuits until 1855, when he re- tired. He was prominent in politics in his day. and in 1836-37 served in the Assembly at Harrisburg, also holding a number of township offices. He also was the owner of the farm at the St. Daniel's (Corner) Church. Mr. Scheetz married ffirst) Barbara Schiitz, daughter of John Jacob Schutz, and to them were born two children: William, the father of John David; and John Adam, who married and had four children, name- ly, Alice, Kate (m. John F. P. Marshell, part owner of the C. Weiser farm). Dr. Laurence J. (of New Ox- ford, Adams county), and Franklin (of Albuquerque. New Mexico). Mr. Scheetz m. (second') Catherine Selt- zer, by whom he had one son: Isaac K., who m. Mary A. Seltzer and had four children, namely, Hor- ace (died young), J. Albert (of Chicago), Mary Catha- rine (m. John David Scheetz) and Amanda (died young). William Scheetz, son of John and father of John David, was born Nov. 8, 1818, in Heidelberg town- ship, and died March 6, 1885, being buried at the Corner Church. He was a farmer and property own- er, being the possessor of three fine farms. Until the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Scheetz was a Demo- crat but after that time he became a Republican, and for twenty-five years served as a school director in Heidelberg township. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and lived much in advance of his day. He married Harriet Deppen, who died in 1880, at the age of fifty-seven years, daughter of Dav- id and Elizabeth C. (Schall) Deppen. Of their six children, two died in infancy. Those who survived were: John David; William Henry, born June 21, 1846, who for some years was a lumber merchant in North Heidelberg township, was accidentally killed in a trolley accident, July 25, 1907; Alinda m. Nathaniel Lengel, a farmer of North Heidelberg township; and Mary Agnes m. William F. McLean, who resides on one of the Scheetz farms. John David Scheetz was reared to agricultural pur- suits, and with the exception of some school teaching in his younger days, this he has followed all his life, working for his parents until his thirtieth year, since which time he has resided on the Conrad Weiser farm, which he purchased in 1892. Until 1904 he carried on practical farming, disposing of his product to the home trade, but in that year retired from active work. Mr. Scheetz is a well-read man and a great student. He has made many friends in his community and he and his wife are highly esteemed in the locality in which they have resided for so long. During the Civil war he was appointed by Gen. Thomas D. James as a clerk in the hospital quartermaster's department, serving in 1864 and 1865. In 1874 Mr. Scheetz married Catherine Sheetz, daugh- ter of Isaac K. and Mary A. (Seltzer) Sheetz. They have no children. WILLIAM HAGY, a venerable resident of the city of Reading, who is now spending the autumn of life in the enjoyment of the fruits' of his earlier years of toil, was born in West Cocalico township. Lancaster county. Pa., Dec. 12, 1825, and represents a family long identified with that part of the country. Henry Hagy, his paternal grandfather, is supposed to have been a native of Lancaster county, and certain- ly all his active life was passed there, operating a farm which he owned near Schoeneck. He was also an expert weaver, and according to the custom of those Revolutionary days, spent much time during the 694 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA winter months in weaving into cloth the flax that had been raised on his own farm and then spun. He married Miss Catherine Stover, and both lived to ad- vanced age, his death occurring in 1844, and hers in 1837. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Their nine children were: Henry, John, George, Samuel, David, Catherine, Elizabeth. Jacob and Eve. Jacob Hagy, father of William, was. born m 1795, and lived only to the age of thiirty-five. He owned a small farm, which he had operated, and his family were left in straightened circumstances. His wife was Miss Catherine Trich, and they had three children, namely: William; Lydia m. George Sindel; and Eliza- beth, who lives at Reamstown, is the widow of the late Joseph Bechtel. Mrs. Hagy survived her hus- band until Nov. 4, 1867, when she died aged sixty- nine years, one month and eighteen days. In her latter years she was a member of the Mennonite church. William Hagy was sent to the schools of Lancaster county, but his father's untimely death compelled him to shift for himself at. an early agej and he was hardly more than a boy when he became an appren- tice to a tailor to learn the trade. After four years" service he was released in 1844, and the following year came to Reading, where he has ever since re- sided. He found employment at first with James Jameson, and worked with him till 1853, when he started in business with William Donahower, the part- nership lasting eighteen months. He then went to Eighth and Penn streets, but at the- end of three months moved to North Fifth street, remaining one year. In the spring of 1867, he located a.t No. 701 Penn street, where he remained till his retirement in 1892. Mr. Hagy still owns the property and retains an office on the premises, spending some time there each day looking after his affairs. He was always industrious, upright in his dealings and wide awake to every opportunity, so that his success was justly due. On May 10, 1849, Mr. Hagy married Miss Sarah Ann Bitler, daughter of Elisha Bitler, of Robeson town- ship, Berks county. A family of nine children were born to them, of whom seven lived to mature years, viz.: William D.; Harry B. is treasurer of the Penn- sylvania Trust Company, of Reading; Irwin A. resides at Philadelphia; Mary E. m. (first) Henry A. Het- rick, son of John Hetrick, of Reading, and (second) Matthan Harbster, of Reading; Emma C. m. Thomas Shaneman, of Lebanon; Anna E. m. Park John, of Reading; and Sarah J. m. A. J. Geiger, a shoe mer- chant of Reading. The wife and mother died Jan. 16, 1907, aged eighty years and eleven months. Mr. Hagy has been for years a Methodist in his religious faith, having united with that denomination when a young man, and he now holds membership in St. Peter's M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM H. JONES, a well-known citizen of Douglassville, Amity township, belongs to the oldest family in Berks county. Before William Penn was born Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, sent out colonists to the New World, and in 1643 under Capt. John Printz, three ships came over and established a settlement on Tinicum Island. The Rev. John Cam- panius Holm was pastor for the Colony, and the first church was built by the government of the mother country. This was a block house, and it stood on the present site of Old Swedes Church (erected in 1700) at Swanson and Christian streets, Philadelphia. Originally the ministers of this church were Lutheran in faith, but as time passed on and the Swedish lan- guage died out, the congregation elected a minister of the Church of England, and of that denomination the church has continued. On the flats west of the Schuylkill, at Philadelphia, is still standing a house built by Jonas Nielson (tradition says in 1650). Though consisting of but two tiny rooms and a garret, many traditions are extant concerning the importance of this place in early days, and in front of the fireplace George Washington once sat as a guest. Court was also held there. Jonas Nielson is buried at Old Swedes Church. By the custom of the Swedes to change their name to the baptismal name of the father, the progeny of Jonas Nielson became known as Jonasson, which in the next generation was anglicized to Jones. An old deed of partition on record at the City Hall, Phila- delphia, mentions William Jones as "a grandson of Jonas Nealson, yeoman, late of Kingsessing, the said William Jones, having agreeable to Swedish custom, changed his surname from Nealson to Jones." Maunce Jones, a Swede, came from the Wissahickon to Douglassville, in Berks county, with a colony of Swedes in 1701. He located on the east bank of the Schuylkill river where he built a stone house in 1716, where the Douglassville county "covered" bridge spans the river. This house has a very thick wall, and is very substantially built, having in its earlier days been a place of refuge for the pioneer settlers during In- dian outbreaks. It is now owned by the Leaf es- tate. Maunce Jones was a farmer and owned consid- erable land. He was married to Ongabo, daughter of J. Jonas Yocom and was executor of his father- in-law's will in 1760. Among the Joneses who are buried in the Episcopal cemetery at Douglassville are the following: Peter Jones, who died Aug. 20, 1758, aged fourteen years; Sarah Jones, who died June 20, 1762, aged thirty years; Jonas Jones, Sr., who died Jan. 27, 1777, aged seventy- seven; Mary, wife of Jonas Jones, who died Sept. 11, 1772, aged sixty-eight years; Jonas Jones, Jr., who died April 23, 1799, aged sixty-five years; Mary, daugh- ter of Jonas Jones, who died Sept. 30, 1805, aged seventy-eight years; Nicholas Jones, who died Oct. 15, 1826, aged ninety years; Rachel, wife of Nicholas Jones, who died March 5, 1792, aged forty-one years; Nicholas Jones, who died March 28, 1820 (or 1829), aged forty-one years; Mary, wife of Nicholas Jones, who died July 20, 1862, aged sixty-nine years; Samuel Jones, son of Nicholas, who died April 28, 1786, aged five years; David Jones, born March 1, .1786, and died Nov. 4, 182S; George Jones, born Sept. 28, 1814, and died Dec. 27, 1882; Hannah Jones, born Nov. 5, 1818, and died April 3, 1884; and Richard Jones, born Jan. 14, 1816, and died Sept. 25, 1875. Peter Jones, great-grandfather of William H., was born at Douglassville, Oct. 10, 1749, and died there on his farm Nov. 24, 1809. He owned all the land including the Huysingue Meschert est. to and including the James Gorrell farm (eighty-eight acres of which was Jones land). Peter Jones had in all three hundred acres, and he engaged in farming all his life. He and his wife were Episcopalians and are buried at Douglassville. He married Catharine Kirlin, born Nov. 9, 1756, died Feb. 25, 1844. They were the parents of fifteen children, namely: John, born July 9. 1773; Ruth and Elizabeth (twins), July 20, 1775; Peter, Aug. 9, 1777; Hannah, Sept. 9, 1779 (died Dec. 29, 1860, married Jonathan Jones (son of Nicholas and Rachel) born March 2, 1778. died April 23, 1840, and their son Samuel died July 2, 1833, aged thirty years, one month and eight days); Samuel, 'Jan. 3, 1782; William, Jan. 25, 3784; Jacob, Feb. 19, 1786; Nathan, May 32, 1788; Thomas, May 7, 1790; Ezekiel, April 2. 1792; Mary (Polly), Sept. 15, 1793; Caleb, July 8. 1796; Catharine, March 28, 1799; and Rebecca, April 5, 1802. Samuel Jones, son of Peter, was born at Douglass- ville, Jan. 3, 1782, and died on his farm above Doug- lassville in 1864. He was a blacksmith by trade, and also conducted a thirty-five acre farm. He was very well known, and was greatly interested in educational matters. In appearance he was tall and stout, of dark complexion. Both he and his wife Elizabeth Hoover (Huber) are buried at the Episcopal Church in Doug- lassville. He was a member of the vestry of this BIOGRAPHICAL 695 church, and was always active in its work. To Samuel partnership. He has been connected with it con- Jones and wife were born children as follows: Peter; tinuously from that time, and since the death of his Richard, who kept a store along the canal at Union- uncles has been the senior member of the firm. ville, now conducted by his grandson, Howard W. On Feb. 36, 1885, Mr. Leinbach married Miss Ella Jones; Jacob, who lived at Reading the greater part j. Bitzer. daughter of R. R. Bitzer, a prominent coal of his life, but whose children now live in Philadel- and lumber merchant of Ephrata, Lancaster county, phia; Julian, who married Thomas May, and lived at Xo this union, there have been born three sons, Ray- Dougla'ssville; Ezekiel, an alderman of the Third ward „,o„d_ pa^i ^nd Clarence, and two daughters. Mary Readmg, who had Dick and Harry. ,^, and Magdalene. The family residence is a pleasant Peter Jones, son of Samue was born at Douglass- ^ f ^o. 10 North Eleventh street, ville April 19, 1819, and wa^ ^!l".l"!'^!^ *° '"^"^ood, Leinbach belongs to a family always deeply early becoming acquainted with the duties on a farm. . ^ ^ f ."°'-",.". ^ , j u \. A^„^i^A ^,f^v, He owned the farm that is now managed by his es- >?terested in religious work, and has devoted much tate. He died March 15, 1896, and is buried in the >me himself to such labors. He was one of the T7r,;c„^„.,i „«™ot„,,, -u. I. „., „ u „r i.1,. founders of St. Andrews Reformed bunday-scnool, Episcopa cemetery. He, too, was a member of the ^ ^ ^ ^ superintendent for a period of twenty- Episcopal church, and served on the vestry. On Feb ^-^^^ P ^j t^^^,^^^^ ^P^ „g;^„3 ^^/^^ 25 1847 he married Mary Ann Kirlin,_ daughter of j,;^ ^^j^^^ ^^^ numbers nearly one hundred. This John and Sarah (Brower) Kirlin, of Union township, Sunday-school was the nucleus from which grew St. the former of whom died at Hamburg in 1839 Mrs Andrew's Reformed Church, and Mr. Leinbach was .Mary Ann (Kirlm) Jones was born Dec. 6, 1830, and ^^^ ^f the charter members at its organization in 'sno-^ (190.9) residing on the old farm above Douglass- igg,, He was chosen a member of its first consistory ville. She is remarkably well preserved, and she takes and is still a member and officer. He is doing a a keen interest in the life around her. She is the great deal of Christian work outside of his own mother of nine children: Wmfield Scott, born May 33, church and school. He is president of the Berks 1848; Samuel H., May 14, 1849; Sarah Ann, Dec. 13, County Sabbath School Association, a member of 1850; Newton, Sept. 27, 1852; Elizabeth C, April 30, the Reformed Church Publication Board, and also 1854; Fannie, April 23, 1856; Hannah M., Sept. 18, 1858; of the Board of Ministerial Relief. In politics he is William H., Sept. 17. 1860; and Maggie Y.. Nov. 21, a Republican 1862. William H. Jones was born at Douglassville, Sept. GEORGE GRAUL, deceased, a contractor and 17, 1860, and was educated in the public schools of builder in Reading, was born in Berks county. Pa., that district. He was trained to farming, and since in 1799. His father was Jacob Graul, who lived many 1888 he has been farming the old homestead for him- years in Reading and finally passed away there, self. This farm consists of thirty-five acres of ex- George Graul learned the trade of a brick-layer cellent land, and Mr. Jones devotes a great deal of at- in his youth, but later worked into the contracting tention to dairying, having shipped his milk to Phila- and building line, following that successfully for a delphia many years. In the winter of 1908-09 he estab- number of years. During his last years in business lished the first milk route in Douglassville, and this he gave up the building line and instead was engaged he now serves. In politics Mr. Jones is a Repub- in trucking. lican, and he and his family are members of the Epis- Mr. Graul married Miss Elizabeth Ege, and their copal Church at Douglassville, in which he is a member wedded life continued till the death of Mrs. Graul of the vestry. in 1863, at the age of sixty-one.- Her husband sur- On Dec. 6, 1888. Mr. Jones married Margaret Gailey, vived her till June 2, 1877, when he, too, passed daughter of William and Sarah Jane (Arble) Gailey, away at the advanced age of seventy-eight. They and they have two children: Mary Ethel, a member 1^" a number of children, as follows: Rebecca, widow of the Pottstown high school class of 1909; and Her- of William Bingaman, residing m Reading; Sevilla, bert G. deceased wife of Michael Sands; Katie, deceased; Rev. Amos, deceased, a minister of the United Brethren CHARLES H. LEINBACH, a well known and Church, located at the time of his death at Pine Grove, prosperous merchant of Reading, comes of German Schuylkill county (he m. Sevilla Kern) ; Mary, born July stock, and his ancestors settled in Pennsylvania in 29, 1825, residing at No. 315 Moss street, Reading, 1723, in the township of Oley, Berks county. in which neighborhood she has lived for sixty years; Elias A. Leinbach, father of Charles H., was a Elizabeth, Mrs. Daniel Graefif, of Reading (she has son of Christian, who resided in Bern township. Elias four children: Emily, Bessie, Mary and George); A. Leinbach became the postmaster at Leinbach's and Abeline, who died in infancy. The family has postoffice, and discharged the duties of that office for always been one held in much respect in the com- a period of nearly fifty years. He married Caro- munity. line, daughter of Solomon Hoch, retired, and- they became the parents of a large family. Those still THOMAS W. SWENEY (deceased), a prominent living are: Rev. Thomas H., pastor of St. John's jeweler of Reading, whose skill in his line won him Reformed Church at Reading; Rev. Elmer H., pastor a reputation all over the State, was born in West of St. John's Church in, Kutztown,; Sallie H.; Laura, Chester, Chester county, April 24, 1834, son of James m. to John Z. Ri?ser; Carrie S., m. to Rev. C. E. Sweney. He died Oct. 14, 1905, and is buried in Schaeflfer, of St. Mark's Reformed Church, Reading; the Charles Evans cemetery, and Charles H. Thomas Sweney, grandfather of Thomas W., was Charles H. Leinbach was born in Bern township in born in Bucks county, Pa., March 4, 1777. For many 1859, and was first sent to the public school of that years he lived, in West Chester, Chester county, where section. Later he went both to the Millersville State he died. He married Elizabeth Hineman, who was Normal School and to the State Normal School at Kutz- born in Montgomery county. Pa., May 7, 1785, daugh- town. Naturally a good student, with these advantages ter of John and Barbara Hineman, and to them came he was well prepared for teaching and followed that James and John. profession awhile in his native township, before en- ^ James Sweney, born March 39, 1810, married Lov- tering upon his business career. At the age of twenty- ina Wells. He died Oct. 1, 1883, aged seventy-three one he went to Reading as an apprentice under his years, six months and two days, and she died May uncles, who, under the firm name of Leinbach & 8, 1893, aged eighty-three years, four months and Brother, conducted a clothing establishment at No. seventeen days. Both were natives of Pennsylvania 851 Penn street. The young man showed a decided the father of Irish descent and the mother of Welsh' aptitude for the work, and in 1890 he was taken into James Sweney was a shoemaker by trade and 'fol- 690 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA lowed that occupation for some years, but in time went into a general mercantile business. During the war he became the government collector of internal revenue and retained the position for a long period, winning 'universal respect by his ability and character. He and his wife became the parents of five chil- dren, Thomas, Elizabeth, Carrie, Isaac and Cath- arine, the last named living only a few years. The family were Methodists in religious belief although the Wells family, to which the mother belonged were Quakers. James Sweney was a strong Republican. Thomas W. Sweney was educated in the public schools of West Chester, where his parents resided. In 1853 he moved to Reading, and began to learn the jeweler's trade with Solomon Weida. remaining with him until he had mastered the business in all its details. He early displayed his marked aptitude for the work and had no difficulty in finding employ- ment when he left Mr. Weida. Some years later he went to Philadelphia, and followed his =trade there until 1858, when he was offered a very promis- ing opportunity for advancing in the world by going into the coal business with his uncle. He' tried this for some time, but did not find it a congenial occu- pation and so he returned to Reading and took up the jewelry business again. Mr. Sweney established a store of his own at No. 424 Penn street, but after several years there he moved to another location on Penn street, the pres- ent site of the C. K. Whitner concern. He remained there quite a while, but moving again, went to North Fifth street, in the vicinity of the Gas Company. This did not prove to be a satisfactory location and before long Mr. Sweney went back to his first lo- cation, where he carried 'on his business for many years. During his later years, however, he gave up his retail trade and moving to the rear of his prop- erty confined himself to a manufacturing establish- ment. He was thus engaged up to one week prior to his death, when he was suddenly stricken about four o'clock one morning with a stroke of apoplexy, from which he never recovered. Thomas W. Sweney married, April 9, 1859, Miss Pamelia Catherine Coller, daughter of John and Har- riet (Wanner) Coller, both natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch stock. Four children were born to this union, but only two lived to maturity: William P., a machinist, m. Miss Annie Boyer, and they have one child, Ruth. Katie B. m. Charles D. Tuke, of Rochester, N. Y.. and has two children, Charles H. and Catherine E. Mr. Sweney was a member of the Methodist Church and for some time sang in the Fifth Street Methodist Episcopal Church choir. In his younger days Mr. Sweney was much inter- ested in secret orders, and was one of the founders of the Knights of the Mystic Chain. The honor of organizing the order was accorded to John O. Mat- thews, but it was Mr. Sweney who formulated the degrees. Of a very genial kindly nature, he had many warm friends, and his death has been very deeply felt and regretted. JOHN D. MISHLER, manager of the Reading Acad- emy of Music, Sixth street, between Washington and Walnut streets, from 1886 to May 12, 1907, with the ex- ception of two years, 1889-1890, is one of the best known amusement managers in the State of Pennsylvania and throughout the country, and surely few managers among them are as popular as he. In presenting his career to the readers of the Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County we take pleasure in quoting briefly froi,n various newspapers of Reading, showing the esteem in which he is held in the community, as voiced by these newspapers. "John D. Mishler was born in Newmanstown, Lebanon county, April 28, 1847, and he moved with his parents, Joseph and Rebecca (Zimmerman) Mishler, to Reading in 1848. After receiving an ordinary education in the pay schools of the city, at seventeen years of age, in 1864, he entered the service of the then leading dry-goods house (now the Common Sense Shoe Store), Johti ,S. Pearson & Co., as a package delivery boy, at the salary of $75 a year. He kept the store clean and carried or delivered on a wheelbarrow to residences and hotels goods sold by the firm and between times sold' over $15,000 worth of' dry goods in the first year, for which the firm made him a present of $25. "May 2, 1867, he went to Europe and the Paris Exposi- tion, making a four months' tour. He was on the sea twenty-one days, owing to fogs and damage to the ma- chinery of the steamer. His 'death on the sea' was announced in the Berks County Democrat, A then prom- inent weekly newspaper, as no news could be had of the steamer. He was accorded the privilege of perusing his own obituary. On his return he visited relatives in Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties, giving an account of his travels, people gathering from great distances to hear him, as going across the ocean was then considered re- markable. He was met at the depot on his return by a brass band and many citizens, escorted to the Keystone House (now Hotel Penn) and given a supper. He was the fifth person from Reading who had gone to Europe. His letters to the Berks and Schuylkill Journal were read with much interest and copied by Pennsylvania newspapers. "May 4, 1868, at Reading, he commenced the retail dry-goods business at No. 533 Penn street (the Globe Store, later purchased by Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart), which he continued until the latter part of 1874, intro- ducing many new ideas in the store and in newspaper advertisements to attract customers. He was always an original, liberal advertiser, and was the first business man in Reading to insert a column advertisement, in 1868 — later one of four columns, and he at one time had an entire page of the Times, with an extra edition of two thousand copies of the paper. An an early age he was a contributor to newspapers, with a weekly article in the Times, called The Man About Town' ; he has always been a warm and much respected friend of the press and was the first associate member of the Reading Press Club (organized Feb. 18, 1888). "It was the custom of the only morning newspaper, the Times, published in the then old State House, northeast corner Penn and Fifth streets, to ,go to press at 9 P. M., the telegraphic -news being clipped at 6 p. m. from the Philadelphia Telegraph and The Bulletin; local events following after that were noticed in the second day issue. He secured the consent of the owners of the Times once to go to press specially in the morning, and 'bribed' the printers (with a sextel of beer, four dozen pretzels and some cigars) to work all night. By doing this had published Dec. 4, 1868, an account written by himself, of over two columns, of a Maennerchor masquerade ball, at Odd Fellows Hall, now the Library building, the first time that such a thing had been done in the city, and that an occurrence after 9 p. m. appeared in the paper the next morning, and it created much surprised comment. He conducted for some years the 'Globe Condenser' in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, making it a feature of the paper while also advertising his Globe Dry Goods Store. "He was one of the active men and one of the first directors of the first Penn Stre?t Passenger Railway Company m 1874, running from the foot of Penn street to Nmeteenth street. He was a member of the board of health m 1873. In April, 1875, he had a drawing made for a park of the then Fair Grounds, now Penn Common illustrated m the Nezv York Graphic, the first illustrated daily newspaper in America, and advocated their abandon- ment for a public park, by a liberal distribution of the ??''^''?n"ii^\"*^ ^"'^/•° l'^^'"^ P^°P'e in the county. M^^io p^^' 'i«/'-«=ted in front of his place of business, No. 533 Penn street, a marble public drinking fountain, for which he paid to the city $10 a year for the use of the water. The fountain is now at. Penn Common, Elev- enth street above Washington. Prof. Washing Donald- son, the well-known aeronaut, made the only store packing paper balloon ascension ever attempted in this country BIOGRAPHICAL 697 from Penn Square, May 17, 1873, in the 'John D. Mish- ler,' Mr. Mishler having furnished everything for the experiment." "In politics Mr. Mishler is a Republican, but is liberal and broad-minded in his politics as he is in all things. He was confirmed a member of Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. Jacob Fry, but is not an active church member or bigoted in his faith, being a very liberal friend to Catholics and Hebrews. He is a member of Philadelphia Sovereign Consistory, thirty-second 'degree Masons, a Knight Templar of Reading Commandery, No. 43, and all the lodges of ..the various orders to that elevation, being a member of the new Isaac Hiester Lodge, No. 660, having withdrawn from lodge No. 367. He is a member of Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. "For over twenty-five years he has been liberal and foremost in charities of all kinds, from the time when the people contributed hundreds of dollars up to now, when they annually give thousands of dollars. His efforts in behalf of the Home for Widows and Single Women were of much assistance to the Board of Managers, and he has given toward and solicited from citizens for that in- stitution money many times. "On July 11, 1873, he took at his own expense and en- tertained for the day 1,300 poor children, to Heilman's Dale, above Lebanon; Christmas, 1872, he gave a dinner to 260 poor children at the City Hotel. Dec. 25, 1892, he gave a special free Christmas morning dramatic per- formance, 'Lost in New York,' to the delight of over three thousand poor children, and the Reading newsboys have often in a body attended entertainments at the Academy without' charge. In 1887 he inaugurated the idea of an annual Christmas offering to all the Reading charitable institutions by placing contribution boxes in hotels, saloons, stores and factories. Over $500 was rea- lized. He was general secretary for seven years of the Associated Charities, organized in 1902. "He organized the Berks County Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals, April 2, 1891, and was the president for five years, giving much time and effec- tive advice in the prevention of cruelty. He was one of the Citizens' Committee in the introduction in Reading of the 'Pingree Potato plan,' to aid the poor to help themselves. He had a drawing made by William H. De- chant Feb. 2, 1893, for a public drive along the slope of Mt. Penn from the Common to McKnight's Gap and re- turn. He organized in Reading Dec. 18, 1894, the Penn- sylvania Bill Posters' Association and was the president to June 6, 1909. In 1875 he managed the Active Base Ball Club, and placed it at the head of all amateur organ- izations in the State. In 1896 and 1897 he was chairman of the executive committee for Reading's Floral and Chrysanthemum Show, both exhibitions being very suc- cessful, and the profits of which were divided among the Hospitals. In May, 1895, he was chairman of the Finance committee for the Forty-Second Annual Conclave, Knights Templars, held at Reading, May 27-29 ; all bills were paid a week after the Conclave and a pro rata of the surplus was returned to the subscribers to the fund. He was again chairman of the Finance committee for the Con- clave May 27-29, 1901, with the same financial business result. He was the treasurer of the Finance Committee for the thirty-ninth Annual Encampment, Pennsylvania Grand Army of the Republic, held at Reading, June 6-7-8, 1905. After all bills were paid the balance in the treasury, virith additional subscriptions by individuals, was given to the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, to keep in good condition for all time 'the Soldiers' Monument, the graves and the ground surrounding.' "His father had erected the first modern theatre in the State, outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, which was opened Oct. 1, 1873, at 533-535 Penn street, Reading, and this he managed until 1886, when he had it removed and the -present Academy of Music was erected by a stock company and himself. The Academy has very often been given without charge for charitable and religious purposes. Gus Williams, June 19, 1883, named his most successful play 'John Mishler.' In 1877-78 Mr. Mishler toured the country as manager of the Swedish Ladies Vocal Qtiartette. From 1883 to 1886 he managed and was with Bartholomew's famous Equine Paradox, and again from 1889 to 1891 (the Academy was then leased by H. R. Jacobs). In 1873 he established the Mishler Theatrical Circuit of Eastern Pennsylvania, comprising nine of the principal cities, which he controlled for years. As an amusement manager he is in many respects a re- markable exception, in that he will not exaggerate and always tells the truth only, in newspaper advertisements, and if an entertainment deteriorates from the time he booked it, until the date of its appearance, he so an- nounces in the newspapers that day, and his patrons are always sure of what they will see. "Mr. Mishler has always taken a lively, progressive, useful, liberal and unselfish, much appreciated interest in the development of the city and the welfare of the people. His greatest achievement was the Sesqui-Centen- nial. He selected the week of the celebration, June 5-13, 1898, and, as he prophesied it would be, the weather from Sunday morning to Saturday night, was perfect, clear, cool and delightful. He arranged most of the program for the seven days' fe^ivities, and did very much in every way to make the celebration the complete success ■ it was. As chairman of the Finance committee, he so- licited subscriptions for $10,416.66. Within two weeks after the celebration all bills had been paid and there was remaining $1,418.84, which the Executive committee decided to give toward the payment of the electrical display, $1,903.50, ithat had been ordered by the City Council com- mittee. The $483.66 was paid by the city in 1902. "Mr. Mishler is an enthusiast in everything that enlists his attention. No matter what the result may be, he works untiringly to the best of his judgment and ability for success. Always doing, but one who still feels that he has not enough to do. It not for money's sake or popularity — simply that he feels best satisfied when em- ployed — if not for himself, then for others." Mr. Mishler was on the committee of the Board of Trade, to solicit subscriptions for the erection of an armory for the several companies of the National Guard of the City of Reading, October, 1907; he was active in securing a loan of $500,000 for Reading to have a plant for -the filtration of water, October, 1907;' he has repeatedly made liberal efforts to build a modern hotel, .3. much needed want in the city; he has done much effect- ive work in the Board of Trade to enlarge its public use- fulness; he was a member of the committee who collected $5,000 for the relief of the sufferers of the Boyertown theatre fire, January, 1908; he revised the constitution and by-laws of the Board of Trade and published an illustrated sixty-page manual; as chairman of the com- mittee on "Streets, Sidewalks, Light" of the Board of Trade he has very much improved these city conditions. On Jan. 9, 1908, he responded to the toast "Our City's Special Needs," at a Board of Trade dinner. In May, 1908, he was given a dinner at the Mineral Spring Hotel b^- the Board of Trade as "A Reading Booster" ; he delivered an address at the Eighteenth Annual Commencement -ex- ercises of the Reading Hospital, May 37, 1908, full of plain truths, forcibly given, and advocated State legislation for the protection of graduated nurses; he was on the Reception committee when Governor Stuart addressed the Christian Endeavor State Convention in Penn Common at Reading, July 9, 1908; in 1908 he visited Ireland with Mrs. Mishler, and wrote to the Eagle many very interesting letters of the condition of that country, its changes and possibilities, given in his candid and original style; on his return Mr. and Mrs. Mishler were given a "home coming dinner" at the Mineral Spring Hotel, Sept. 10, 1908, by more than one hundred men and women ; Sept. 24th of the same year the Reading Press Club gave him "a welcome home reception"; he presided at a Christian Science public assemblage Oct. 13, 1908; he presided at the Re- publican mass meeting in the A<:ademy of Music Oct. 30 1908, in the Taft campaign; he was foremost in making 698 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA country roads better and in advocating a State road from Philadelphia to Pittsburg passing through Reading; he was chairman of the "General Relief Committee," for the relief of the needy families afflicted with typhoid fever during the local epidemic in 1908; he is a trustee of the Young Women's Christian Association and assisted in soliciting more than five thousand dollars to build a gym- nasium and to modernize their home, which he assisted in providing five years ago. Evidently Mr. Mishler is one of those very busy men who can find time and who take delight in helping to advance public affairs in the different sides of life. He was the toastmaster at a banquet of Reading's best citizens given by Henry W. Shoemaker and G. Scott Smith, owners of The Reading Times, Feb. 10, 1909, when an oil painting of Kuechler (deceased) was placed in a building made famous by, Kuechler, who had a national reputation. "Mr. Mishler said : 'All the world loves a generous person. It is not the material result of the generosity, but the kindly spirit that prompts it that attracts and en- dears. It is not necessary to have much in order to be generous — but the disposition to share liberally what one has. Even at the cost of a little self-sacrifice, the reward is always worth the price paid. There are things of which we may all be more generous. The comfort of sympathy, the stimulus of praise and encouragement, are often more welcome, more appreciated, than that which mere money can buy.' Mr. Mishler's philosophy of life is affecting in its simplicity. 'Just to be kindly and good- natured,' he says ; 'just to do the little good one can, to sympathize with one's friends and to give them a lift when they're down — to leave the world a little bit better than one found it, that's all I think a man need aim at, if^you ask me.' He also said : 'If only half the nice things said after people are dead were only told while they are alive, how much more happiness there would be in the world.' " Such has been the life of Mr. Mishler as portrayed by his home newspapers; and the writer (Walter Kieffer, of Lancaster), who knew him for over thirty years, de- sired to bear testimony to the truthfulness of all that has been said of one of Reading's foremost citizens — John D. Mishler. Beginning a good deal more than a quarter of a century ago, Mr. Mishler gave to Lancaster and other leading neighboring cities the best amusements they had, and he is just as popular in other Pennsylvania cities as he is in Reading. Mr. Mishler married Sept. 7, 1871, Louisa C. Halbach, daughter of the late August Halbach, of Philadelphia, and their home at No. 417 Green Terrace is known at all times as one of the most hospitable in Reading. Three children were born to this union : Rebecca Marie m. H. Hurd Hillegass, paper bag manufacturer at Read- ing; Maud Viola m. Henry E. Bell, proprietor of the Reading Bill Posting Company; J. Boyd assists his father in the clerical work of his business. No family is more respected, nor none is more beloved in Reading, for their unselfishness and sociability. Mr. Mishler retired from the theatrical business at Reading May 11, 1907. He then agreeably surprised some friends — -"each one of whom he remembers for their participation in a spe- cific incident in his life," by presenting them a copy of "Mishler's Memoirs," a neatly printed and handsomely il- lustrated volume of some two hundred pages, octavo size, telling the story of John D. Mishler's life from 1847 to 1907. The edition was limited to one hundred copies. The table of contents embraces much that is of interest in the career of the enterprising townsman who has rounded out a period of more than sixty years of a varied and busy life. In this volume may be found much con- cerning him as a man of business ; as a liberal newspaper advertiser; his connection with the drama in Reading; his public benefactions; his connection with and fostering care of various charitable institutions; his active partici- pation in the Sesqui-Centennial celebration of Reading, etc. Indeed, the history of nearly all public enterprises in Reading for well nigh half a century contains pages upon pages of the work done by Mr. Mishler. He has always been intensely loyal to Reading and its municipal advancement. "In his retirement from his long and honorable connec- tion with the dramatic life of Reading, it is sincerely hoped by many citizens that he may continue to reside here. He is a useful citizen, a wide-awake business man, public-spirited, never weary of well-doing, clean- handed and active in the discharge of whatever he is called upon to do that may inure to the welfare of his city, his friends and his neighbors." JONATHAN H. MILLER, a retired citizen of Mohnton, Berks Co., Pa., was born in Cumru township, on the present site of Edison, Jan. 24, 1839, son of Jonathan and Catharine (Hornberger) Miller. Mr. Miller attended the pay schools of Cumru township until he had attained the age of eighteen years, working on a farm during the summer sea- sons. He lived at home until his m.arriage, in 1859. to Mary Gaul, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Fox) Gaul, when he came to Mohnton, and for about twenty years was engaged in operating a grist-mill along the Wyomissing. He then learned the hatting business, engaging at that trade in Mohnton, being later in partnership with J. G. Mohn & Bros. He then entered a partnership with his son, Albert, under the firm name of J. H. Miller, Son & Co., and they con- tinued together for fifteen years. Mr. Miller then worked at his trade with the well known firm of Whorley Bros., of Mohnton. until 1904, since which year he has lived retired. His first wife died July 2, 1876, and was buried in the Mohnton cemetery. She was the mother of one son. Albert G. Miller, who married Mary Dietrich, and resides at Mohnton, the father of two Children, Elmer and Arthur. Mr. Mil- ler m. (second) Mary Fleisher, daughter of Peter Fleisher, and to this union there were born: Edwin is unmarried and at home; Robert m. Lillie Rich- wine, and lives at home where he is engaged in the hat business; and Matthew also lives at home, and is unmarried. Mrs. Miller is a daughter of Peter Fleisher, who was born near the Swamp Church, in Lancaster county, Nov. 14, 1819. and died Dec. 26, 1888. He m. Catharine Brensing, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Reedy) Brensing, and they had these children: Samuel m. Mary ijtettler; Mary m. Mr. Miller; and James m. Mary Howe. Mr. Miller and his family reside on the corner of Wyomissing avenue and Wood street, in the home which was built by him in the summer of 1866. It is three stories high and of sandstone, and is con- sidered one of the finest in the town. Mr. Jililler is one of the oldest residents in the town of Mohn- ton, which at the time he arrived contained but five dwellings. In politics he is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of Zion's United Evangelical Church of Mohnton. which he joined in 1870, when it was known as the Evangelical Church. He has served on the building committees of two churches, has been class leader of Class No. 2, trustee and steward for many years, and a teacher in the Sunday school for many years, now teaching class No. 23. Mr. Miller is one of the honorable and upright men of his townshio, and as an acquaintance and friend he is honored and esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact. HENRY PRICE, a well-known contractor and build- er of Reading. Pa., residing at No. SIO Franklin street, has been engaged in these lines in thi^ city since 1888. Mr. Price was born Oct. 13, 18-lfi, in Myerstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., son of William Price, also a native of that county. William Price was a carpenter by trade, an occu- pation which he followed throughout a useful life In 1863 he went to Shelby county. HI., taking his family with hnn, and there he continued to ply his trade up to the time of his death, when forty-eight years of age. While there he built one of the finest flour mills m the State for a Mr. Schoefield He was BIOGRAPHICAL 699 acquainted with President Abraham Lincohi when the latter was still a law student, and was a witness to the President's assassination. Mr. Price married (first) Lydia Wetzel, who died in her twenty-sixth year. The children of this marriage were: Jonathan, who died when twenty-one years of age; Emrria, m. to John Rupp, of Indiana; Henry, our subject; Reuben A., who is engaged in contracting at' Reading, and m. to Fannie Kieffer; William, who died when twenty years of age; and one child which died in infancy. William Price m. (second) Leah Anthony, who is still living and makes her home at Myerstown, Leb- anon county. She is the mother of three children, namely: Seal, m. to Edward Hecht; of Chicago, 111.; George, of Myerstown, m. to Annie Holtzman; and Mary, m: to' Morris Kreider, of Annville, Lebanon county. Henry Price attended the schools of Myerstown until fifteen years of age,- and then was taught the carpenter's trade by his father. In the early days the work of a carpenter was anything but easy, and Mr. Price and his father often had to travel long distances to reach their work. On one occasion they walked five miles to work and five miles home at night every day, and at this time were working fifteen hours per day. At the time they built the hotel at Tremont, Pa., they had a distance of twenty-one miles to walk twice a week, carrying their tools on their back. Mr. Price secured work at Pottsville, a dis- tance of thirty-eight miles, and this they also walked. Henry Price went with his father to Illinois in 1863, and there remained three years, or until after his father's death, when his step-mother asked him to accompany her to Myerstown. This Mr. Price did, and from Myerstown came direct to Reading, only expecting, however, to remain a short time. After being employed here for a time, Mr. Price decided to make Reading his home, and here he has continued ever since, engaging in business on his own account in 1888, his first' job being four fine residences at Tenth and Franklin streets. Among the many build- ings erected by Mr. Price may be mentioned the fol- lowing: the residences of C. D. Moser and S. H. Fulmer; the Schuylkill 'Valley Bank; Kissinger's Farm- ers' Market House; Hotel Brighter; the warehouse for the Penn Hardware Company; A. F. Kramer's residence; the James Otto store on Penn street, and the cigar store of Charles Breneiser, at the corner of Seventh and Penn streets, one of the finest in Reading. In 1871 Mr. Price married Miss- Amanda Seidel, daughter of Francis and Catherine (Fisher) Seidel, they have one daughter, Mary, who married Aaron Miller, an employe of the Alexander firm, in the hat business, and has a daughter, Helert, attending school. Mr. Price is a Republican in politics. He is a Mason of high standing, being a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, Excelsior Chapter, No. 337, Reading Cortimandery No. 42, and the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias No. 65, the Elks No. 115, and the Royal Arcanum, and is exceedingly popular in all of these societies. Mr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, which they attend consistently and support liberally. He is well known in Reading as a man of many sterling qualities, and bears an enviable rep- utation for honesty, and integrity. JAMES P. KERSHNER, now living retired at No. 121 North Front street, was for many years a well- known public official of Reading. He was born Jan. 35, 1845, in Penn township, Berks county, son of Peter and Catherine (Boaey) Kershner, and grand- son of Philip Kershner. The Kershner family was founded in this country by Martin Kershner, who settUd on a farm in Berks county in 1732, this farm being later the property of his son, Peter, who in turn willed it to his son. Philip. Philip Kershner married a Miss Himmels- berger, and to them was born one son, Peter, who became the father of James P. Kershner. Peter Kershner, who was a prominent man of his day, engaged in agricultural pursuits all of his life on the farm above mentioned, and died in Penn town- ship, Jan. 28, 1868, aged sixty-four years. His wife, Catherine Bodey, died in 1876, when seventy-five years old. They had a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity: Priscilla m. Cyrus Davis; Mary m. Franklin G. Hain; Eliza died in infancy, as did also Alfred; Catherine m. Abraham R. Koenig; Sarah m. Richard Reber; Peter; Rosabella married Harrison K. Hiester; Sidney m. John R. Koenig; Susan m. Richard K. Bohn; Henry J.; Louis P.; George W.; and James P. 'In religious belief the family were Reformed, and were attendants of Bern Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Kershner was a Democrat, and was director of the poor for some years, being appointed to that position first by thp court to com- plete an unexpired term, and later was elected to the office by the people. James P. Kershner received his education in the schools of Penn township, and worked on the farm until twenty-four years of age. At this time he learned the butcher's trade, which he followed for twelve years, being then appointed county detective 'by I. H. Rothermel. He served three years in this office, and was then appointed mercantile appraiser, in which capacity he continued one year. For two years he served as law detective, to which office he had been appointed by the courts of- Berks county, and a like period was spent in the office of deputy sheriff. He was for one term of three years keeper of the Berks county prison, and was again appointed county detective, under A. H. Rothermel, serving three years, and at the end of this time retired. He was always an honest, capable officer, and none has retired with a cleaner record than he. Mr. Kershner married, in 1868, Melinda Spangler, who died in 1869, leaving one child, Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Kershner's second marriage was in 1870, to Priscilla H. Wenrich, daughter of Daniel H. Wenrich, three children being born to this union: Thomas, who died aged ten years; Sallie, who died when three years old; and Ellen, m. to Edward W. O'Regan, by whom she has had two children, Stella (deceased) and Marion. Mr. Kershner is a member of Oley Lodge No. 218, I. O. O. F. He has from his early youth been identified with the Democratic party, and has ever been active in the ranks of that organ- ization in this section. Mr. Kershner is a good, useful citizen, and is highly esteemed throughout the com- munity. WILLIAM G. BORKERT (deceased) was born Dec. 29, 1825, on Penn street, Reading. He received a com- mon school education and then learned the hatter's trade, which he followed in the winter, while he worked at the trade of a brick-layer in the summer months. He spent his time in that manner for a number of years, and then gave up the hatting business, devoting his en- tire time and attention to brick laying and contracting, in which he engaged with five other brothers, the firm being known as the Borkert Brothers, and he remained therein until his death, July 29, 1901, when he was seventy-five years and seven months old. He had been in the business about thirty-one years, and few business men were better known. Mr. Borkert married Catherine M. Miller, born Feb. 8, 1828, daughter of John and Catherine (Kutz) Miller, the former of Lancaster county and the latter of Read- ing. Mrs. Borkert had two brothers, John W. and Jacob, and one sister, Susan. Mrs. Borkert died Jan. 27, 1906. She and her husband were consistent mem- bers of Grace Lutheran Church, of Reading, and were much esteemed as good, kindly. Christian people. They had these children: John J., a brick-layer of Reading, who married Rosa A. Seiders; Misses Emma A. and 700 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Kate A., who reside at home; William D. A., a brick- layer at Reading, who married Ellen Stout; Mary E., who married (first) Charles Fisher, and (second) John Pennypacker, of Reading; and Susan and Cora, both deceased. The Misses Emma A. and Katie A. Borkert reside at No. 1024 Penn street, Reading, in the old home in which their parents lived and died. They are very estimable ladies, refined and cultured, and are well known for their hospitality. ALBERT F. KRAMER, a member of the Bard Hard- ware Company, of Reading, which is among the largest jobbers of hardware in Pennsylvania, was born in Berks county, Sept. 37, 1843. He is a son of Daniel R. Kramer, who was a prominent contractor in masonry in that county, and whose other children were: Daniel, John, George, Henry, Edward, Louisa (m. Daniel Linder- muth) and Catherine (m. Adam Snyder). Every advance which Mr. Alfred F. Kramer has made in life, however slight, has been accomplished solely through individual exertion, and like others who have reached a high and substantial foundation, he may justly count as his inexhaustible fortune, his constant stock of patience, perseverance, honesty and industry. He passed his school days in his native county of Berks, gathering what learning he could, and securing an in- valuable training in systematic work and economy as a laborer in the neighboring farms. From the age of seventeen to twenty he was especially engaged among agricultural labors. As it proved, this preliminary train- ing was the requisite preparation for a successful busi- ness career, and in 1866 Mr. Kramer became a resident of Reading and a clerk for Bard & Reber, dealers in hardware. After remaining five years in that capacity, in 1881, he was admitted as a member of the firm, under the style of Bard, Reber & Co. The business was established in 1856. The house now known as the Bard Hardware Company, a full history of which ap- pears elsewhere, deals chiefly in building hardware, ma- chinists' supplies, tin plates and coach goods. Since Mr. Kramer has been a member of the firm he has paid special attention to the coach department, being the sole buyer in that line. Albert F. Kramer married Anna DeTurk, who died April 4, 1904. leaving the following children: Harvey DeTurk, Edith M. and Esther C. Mr. Kramer is a member of the First Reformed Church, and is not only highly esteemed as a straightforward, successful busi- ness man, but for his admirable qualities as evinced in all the private relations of life. W. G. HOLLIS. deceased. The W. G. HolUs Choc- olate Manufactory, Nos. 621-62.'; Franklin street. Read- ing, Pa., was established by the late W. G. Hollis in 1884, and was first located at No. 58 South Seventh street. W. G. Hollis was born at Psara, a small island in Greece, and secured a good education in his native country. Seeing better possibilities in America, he sailed in 1878 from that country, and landed at Charles- town, S. C, where he embarked in the candy business. There he remained but a short time, however, removing to Alabama, and still later to Canada, whence on ac- count of the climate he came back to the United States, locating in Baltimore. The same year he removed to Lancaster, and in 1884 settled in Reading, Pa. His ability as a candy manufacturer was soon recognized, and from a humble beginning he arose to be one of the largest manufacturers of the section. In 189,3 he removed to the company's present quarters, on Frank- lin street, the building being three stories and base- ment, 63i X 60, and equipped with all the modern choc- olate candy-making machinery, much of which was made and shipped from Paris. The plant is one of the most complete of its size in the state of Pennsylvania, and the reputation of the product is recognized in every State of the Union. Mr. Hollis established a set price on his goods, and both price and goods continued uniform thereafter. He was the first in this section of the State to manufacture chocolates from the bean, he importing the bean himself, and roasting and pre- paring it for the finished product. A force of 110 em- ployes are given work by the plant in the various departments, and the firm's policy towards its em- ployes has always been one of consideration and kind- ness. Many who have been in the employ of the com- pany were started up in business on their own account by Mr. Hollis! Mr. Hollis died Oct. 12, 1905, but the firm will con- tinue to do business under the same name, W. G. Hollis, it being carried on by his mother. Mr. HoHis' brother, Milton G., having been appointed Attorney in fact. On Jan. 18, 1909, the plant was totally destroyed by fire and a fine modern building of four stories and basement, equipped with the newest machinery was erected at the old site where the business will b t con- tinued as heretofore. MARCUS LONG. At the age of twenty-seven, Jacob Long, great-grandfather of Marcus Long, with Johan Nicholas Long, arrived in America, Aug. 30, 1737, in the ship "Samuel," of London, Hugh Percy, captain, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes. They were from the Rhine country, Germany. (I) Jacob Long settled on a portion of land now owned by Marcus, his great- grandson. He was one of the founders of the Reformed church of Longswamp in 1748, and one of the leading citizens of the community. As late as 1786, Jacob Long was appointed collector of his district by the Berks courts and held the office for a number of years. Jacob Long married a Miss Burger, and they had a number of children, among them being Daniel Long, the grandfather of Marcus Long; Frederick; Abraham; Elizabeth, m. to Jacob Groh; Julia, m. to Jacob Geist, and buried in that portion of the old homestead now owned by William Long. (II) Daniel Long was born in 1780,* on the old home- stead, where he carried on farming. He married Ra- chael Snyder, and they had eleven children: Aaron; Jacob; Fayette m. Sarah Warmkissel; Sarah m. Levi Fritch; Samuel m. Sallie Zwoyer; Elizabeth m. Thomas Acker; David m. Florenda Figley; Catherine m. Reuben Haas; Dr. M. S. m. Mary Schwartz; Dr. Aug. Long was of St. Joseph, Mo.; and Daniel died young. Daniel Long died in 1840, a man who was universally respected, and who had always been prominent as a farmer. (III) Aaron Long, father of Marcus Long, was born on the old homestead. Aug. 10, 1815, and by trade was a tinsmith, but also followed farming, his farm being a portion of the original Long estate. He died there Oct. 30, 1883, aged sixty-eight years. He married Esther Fritch, born Jan. 30. 1816, daughter of George and Nancy (Schwartz) Fritch. They had three children: Marcus; Jonas F., born Sept. 38, 1837, m. Eliza Wagonhorst, and he resides in Napa county Cal.; Daniel George is a physician at Reading. Jotias F. Long enlisted and was made captain of the 7th Pa. V. C. at the beginning of the Civil war. and served all through that struggle, and was wounded in the left arm. Mrs. Esther (Fritch) Long died Jan. 30, 1884. (IV) Marcus Long was born on the old homestead May 11, 18S6, and was educated in the local schools. At the age of seventeen he was employed as clerk m the general store of Col. William Trexler. and later by Benjamm Helferich, who also conducted a general store. Havmg accumulated a little money, Mr Long attended the select school at Reading conducted by Prof. Lee, and from there he went to Friedensburg (Oley) and attended the Oley Academy under Prof Hankey. In addition to assistins his father with the farm work, he taught school for eight consecutive terms in the public schools of his native township He sub- sequently moved to Mertztown, where for five years BIOGRAPHICAL - 701 he was in the flour, feed, coal and lumber business under the style of M. & S. Long, and at the same time he served as postmaster and ticket agent for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. Later he took charge of part of the old homestead, which he has since purchased'. Upon this property there is a grist-mill and he now operates it in addition to farming. In 1863 Mr. Long married Miss Eliza Trexler, a daughter of Benjamin and Susanna (Leinmerger) Trexler, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Long had six children: Jennie m. Dr. L J. Weida of Emaus, Lehigh county; Emma H. m. Charles Long, a farmer near the old home; Lilly E., unmarried, resides at home, and was educated at the Keystone State Normal School, and taught' school one term; Carrie S., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, who taught eight consecutive terms, m. Dr. William L. Long; Sarah E. m. Charles B. Folk, a farmer of Longswamp; Morris A. B., a- student at Jeflferson Medical College was there stricken with typhoid fever and died March 5, 1899. Mrs. Long died April 25, 1899, a member of the Luth- eran church, although the rest of the family are mem- bers of the Reformed faith. Mr. Long has always been active in church work, having held nearly all of the offices, and he is one of the founders of the Longswamp Sunday-school, which was started in 1856. He has re- tained in it his membership, has been its superintendent and for thirty-five years has been the teacher of the Bible class, during which period he has gone through the entire Bible with his pupils more than five times. Naturally he has always taken a deep interest in educa- tional matters, and seryed as school director for eigh- teen years during which time fifteen new schools were built. Mr. Long is very proud of this record. In poli- tics he is a Republican and devoted to .his party al- though not an office seeker. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Masonic Lodge at Trexlertown; of the K. of P. No. 358 at Mertztown and Longswamp Grange No. 1069. Al) of his forbears mentioned in this article as deceased are buried in Longswamp cemetery. HENLV CROUSE, who was a prominent business man in Reading for many years, was born April 25, 1823. at York, York Co., Pa., and died Sept. 18, 1902. At a tender age Mr. Crouse was thrown entirely upon his own resources, and his success proved his fine char- acter and many sterling qualities. The greater part of his schooling was obtained at night schools, his days being employed with farmers. At the age of nine- teen years, he learned the combmaking trade of an uncle, at Sehnsgrove, and worked at this trade as long as it was profitable, selling his combs to the stores in dozen lots. Gradually he added other articles and thus began to handle a few notions. He accepted a position as traveling salesman with William Sagee, a brush- maker, with the understanding that he should also sell combs on his trips. He later traveled independently, selling notions through Berks and adjoining counties. He packed his goods in a one-horse wagon and went all through the" anthracite coal regions. In 1848 he purchased his first large bill of goods, receiving credit at Philadelphia. His wife and mother did not feel that this move was a prudent one, but he had better fore- sight than they, and by 1853 this and other bills had all been settled and he was ready to go into business on Penn street above Seventh, in Reading. Afterward Mr. Crouse secured quarters on Penn street, then the Key- stone House, at the corner of Sixth and Penn, for his notion store and he continued in the business until 1869, when with an ample fortune he retired. In 1870, during the German war, with his son Harry W., who had just graduated from, Dickinson College at Carlisle, he made a trip around the world, consuming one year and two weeks, and during this time they visited all the principal cities and' great show places of the world. After his return Mr. Crouse felt like getting into business harness again, and soon was interested in a real estate and building business. Later he embarked in a lumbering business at Garland, Warren Co., Pa., which he continued until 1884, when he definitely re- tired. He was a lifelong member of the M. E. Church and was always active in this body, cheerfully filling many official positions. In 1869 he built the chapel at Ninth and Elm streets, and when the Covenant Mem- orial M. E. Church was erected, the property and church buildings costing $50,000, he paid all- except a debt of $10,000. Before making his trip around the world, and about 1863, Mr. Crouse had engaged in business at No. 436 Penn street, where the Bon Ton Store- is now located. He rented from John S. Pearson and remained there ten years, when he built the tour-story iron structure at No. 508 Penn street, the second building of its kind in the city. This property is now owned by Mr. Heim. Mr. Crouse afterward sold out his business to Haas, Loriamy & Dunkle, which firm took possession of his new building, renting it from him. In 1848 Mr. Crouse married Mary E. Sanders, daugh- ter of William and Mary (Rhoads) Sanders, and they had two children, Clara E. and Henry W. The former married Samuel W. Loveland, an employe of the Penn- sylvania Railroad, of forty years' standing, and now chief accountant at Broad street, Philadelphia, and they have two children, Marie and Emily. Henry W. was a graduate of Dickinson College, and at the time of his death, Jan. 7, 1900, was an CKtensive importer of notions, at No. 345 Broadway, New York City; he married (first) Jennie Thornton, had four children — Elizabeth (an authoress), Clara M. (died aged fourteen months), Lillian J. and Herbert T. — and m. (second) Anna B. Mc- Guire, and had one child, Donald.' The late Henry Crouse was a Republican in politics, and was a member of the council of Reading although he never sought political honors. He belonged to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M. and to Salome- Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was a man who loved his own fireside and took pleasure in providing for the welfare of his family. He is buried in the Charles Evans cem- etery, where he had erected a fine monument ten years before his death. JOHN H. BICKLEY, JR., chief draughtsman at the Scott foundry (Reading Iron Company), and one of the city's substantial citizens, was born in October, 1864, at Pottsville, Pa., son of , John H. and Maria (Stine) Bickley. John H. Bickley was born in Boonton, N. J., and" early in life was a rolling mill engineer. At one time he was superintendent of the Haywood Rolling mill at Palo Alto, a suburb of Pottsville, and he built, and was one of the proprietors of, the Hamburg rolling mill, and also built a rolling mill at Schuylkill Haven and constructed the machinery for the Sternbergh Mill, now a part of the American Steel & Iron Company, at Reading. He retired in 1905, just prior to this having been superintendent of the Ulster Iron Works. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Bickley had three children: Alice m. A. E. Brown; Minnie m. Conrad Mann; and John H. Mr. Bickley was formerly connected with the I. O. O. F. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. John H. Bickley, Jr., was educated in the schools of Milldale, after leaving which his father had intended that he should take a law course. This plan did not suit the young man, however, who had decided on be- coming a mechanic, and seeing that he was set in his intentions, his father gave him a trial in his shops. He proved to be a good mechanic, and his next em- ployment was with the Phoenix Iron Company, as assistant master mechanic, later with Jones & Lauch- lin, proprietors of the American Iron & Steel Com- pany, as assistant to the chief draughtsman with the Pennsylvania Steel Company, at Steelton, Pa., then be- ing made superintendent of the mechanical department 7.oa HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA at the Sparrow Point Mill. In 1901 he accepted a posi- tion with the Reading Iron Company, as draughtsman, and during the same year was made chief of his de- partment, a position in which he has continued to the present time, having seven men in his employ. In 1903 he had charge of the designing of the brown seg- mental wire wound gun, which proved such a success to its inventors, and he has also had charge of the re- construction of the Scott Foundry Department, Read- ing Iron Company. Mr. Bickley is a skilled mechanic, and a man of much ability. His ancestors were con- sidered the most prominent rolling mill engineers in the early nineteenth century, and the first T rail made was made in 1845 by his uncles in Danville, Pa., at what is now the Montour Rolling Mill Department of the Reading Iron Company, but which mill was designed and then managed by one of Mr. Bickley's uncles. Mr. Bickley is a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M. of Dover. N. J.; Harrisburg Consistory, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M.. S. He is inde- pendent in political matters, and he and Mrs. Bickley attend the Presbyterian Church. . Mr. Bickley married Ida M. Miller, and to them has been born one son, John H. AUGUST GRANZ, superintedent of the Reading Glove & Mitten Company, has been a resident of this country since 1888, when he came hither from his native, Germany. Born in Kaufungen, Saxony, Jan. 31, 1856, Mr. Granz was there given the solid education bestowed on all his countrymen and later served his time in the German army, holdiiig the rank of corporal at the time of his release. While still hardly more than a boy he learned ■ the trade of a baker and followed it, except for the time in the army, until 1878. He then gave it up to learn glovemaking, served a thorough apprenticeship and acquired a further knowledge and experience of every detail of the business by continued work in that line in Germany, In 1888 he set his face toward America, landing at Castle Garden, September 1st, and worked first in New York and New Jersey. In the- beginning he found it easier to secure employment at his original trade of baker, but before long he was able to get work at glove making again, and has ever since been engaged in that line. His wide experience of the business and his ability attracted attention, and he was offered the place of Superintendent of the Reading Glove & Mitten Company in 1904. He entered upon his duties Dec. 17th of that year, and has since that time established himself thoroughly in the com- pany's confidence. He (foes all the buying for the firm and in every act has demonstrated his fitness for the responsibilities of his position. While still residing in Germany Mr. Granz was united in marriage in 1877 to Miss Mary Heinig, also of Kaufungen, Saxony. They have had only one child, a daughter Hattie, now the wife of Theodore Webber, of New York City. Some years ago Mr, Granz be- came interested in the work of the I, O. O. F., and joined that organization, in which he has made an as- sured position for himself in the esteem of its mem- bers. For two years he has been a member of Teutonia Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M. of Reading; and he also be- longs to the Workingmen's Sick and Beneficial Asso- ciation. ALFRED S. SEIDEL, Among the well-known re- tired residents of Reading, Pa,, may be mentioned Alfred S. Seidel, of No. 145 Walnut street, who was for a number of years extensively engaged in business in the city. Mr. Seidel was born in Windsor (now Perry) township, and is a descendant of an old and honored Pennsylvania family. His emigrant ancestor was Johann Heinrich Seidel, who came to the United States from Alsace-Lorraine in the early part of the seventeenth century and settled in the vicinity of Shoemakersville, Berks county, where he became very prosperous, owning much land. One of his descendants, Jacob Seidel, was born in Hamburg, receiving his education in the district schools of Berks county. Upon reaching his majority he vis- ited Germany, whence he brought a large amount, of money, and many family heirlooms. Settling in the northern part 'of Berks county, he engage'd in agricul- tural pursuits also carrying on a mercantile business, Jacob Seidel in addition was the proprietor of a hotel on the old Philadelphia Pike, where many noted per- sonages partook of good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch dinners, prepared by Jacob's wife, who was noted for. her excellent cooking, Jacob and Elizabeth (Bossier) Seidel were the parents of these children: Benjamin, Jacob, Solomon,' Henry, David, Daniel, Sarah, Mary, Eliza and Amelia, In religious belief the family were Lutherans, The male members of the family were divided in their political belief, some being Whigs and others Democrats. Benjamin Seidel, son of Jacob and father of Alfred S., was engaged in agricultural pursuits for all of his active business life. Several years prior to his death, Feb. 9, 1884, he retired. He married Catherine Seibert, daughter of Jacob Seibert, of Lebanon county, and she died in 1906, having been the mother of these chil- dren: Alfred S.; Jacob, and Monroe (m. Hannah Reber, and had two children — Ida May and Bertha, the latter deceased). In religious belief Benjamin Seidel was a Lutheran and his wife a member of the Reformed Church. Alfred S. Seidel's early education was secured in the common schools of his native locality, and be later at- tended Franklin & Marshall College and the State Normal School at Millersville, Pa. After teaching school successfully for three terms, he turned his at- tention to mercantile pursuits, engaging in business at Shoemakersville, of which business, however, he later disposed. He was then appointed justice of the peace and surveyor, had also engaged in conveyancing, following this for eleven years, when he accepted the position of traveling salesman for a large Philadelphia firm. In 1891 he located in Reading, continuing to rep- resent the firm until 1901, when he retired. He has en- gaged in various business enterprises, and has been successful in both local and foreign deals. In 1872, Mr. Seidel married Miss Helen Loose, daughter of William Loose, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Mahlon m. Susan Brown, and has two children, William and Stewart; Claudius m, Emma Ulrich, and has one child, Elsie; Miss Lillie; Howard m. Fannie Wamsher; William B,; Robert L,; Titus; Allen; and Ida M, and Lyla, de- ceased. Mr. Seidel is a member of Kutztown Lodge, No. 377, F, & A, M.; Reading Chapter, R. A, M,, No. 152; and Reading Commandery No, 42. K, T, He is independent in politics, RANCK, Early records show the Ranck family to be of French Huguenot origin, many of the family living in Paris in the sixteenth century. The name was then spelled Ranee and Ranc, The revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and the attendant persecution, drove the family to Germany, where they located along the Rhine. Many of them changed the spelling of the name to Ranke or Ranck, according to the German historian, Leopold von Ranke, himself a member of the family. From Germany some of them moved to Holland, where their descendants still live. Three brothers came to America. John Michael Ranck sailed on the good ship "Mortonhouse," John Coultas, master, from Rotterdam, last from Deal, June 15, 1724, and arrived in Philadelphia Aug, 34, 1724, and some of his posterity are n6w living in Lancaster county. Pa, Jacob Ranck arrived on a later voyage of the same vessel landing in Philadelphia, Aug, 19, 1729. Phillip Ranck came over in the ship "Winter Galley" Edw. Paynter, master, landing at Philadelphia, Sept. 5 BIOGRAPHICAL 703 1738, and he was the ancestor of H. Herbert Ranck, of of Bucks county, but later in Oley' township, Berks Joanna, Berks county. county. In 1744, he and two other men erected a forge Naturalization papers were granted to Phillip Ranck which became known as the "Oley Forge," and from in 1760. His wife's name was Barbara. In 1770 he that time on for fifty years he was prominently iden- deeded land to his four sons: Jacob, Ludwig, Phillip tified with the iron industry of the county. He rep- Adam arid John, and he also had a son Valentine. Of resented the county in the Constitutional convention of these Ludwig married and had twenty-four children, 1776. and served in the General Assembly from 1776 some .of whom located in Ohio. Phillip Adam and until 1782. During the Revolution he acted as one of John moved to Union county, Pennsylvania. the' commissioners for purchasing army supplies. He Jacob Ranck, son of Phillip and Barbara, was born addressed an interesting letter to the Supreme Execu- Oct. 1, 1745, and died. Sept. 13, 1827, aged eighty-two tive Council in 1778, relative to the taking of supplies years, and was buried in Ranckfs graveyard on the old from him. [See Berks County in the Revolution, p. 181.] farm. He married Margaretta Worst, who died Jan. John Lesher died in Oley township, April 5, 1794, leav- 28, 1820, aged seventy-four years. They had five inga widow, two sons and five daughters, namely: sons and two daughters, namely: John and Samuel, John (had a son Isaac), Jacob. Barbara (m. Jacob Mor- who were the only ones to marry; Abraham, Jacob, g^n), Hannah (m. George Focht), Maria (m. John ^^.'ii^^^^'l^""^ Margaret. |,„j 3) ^„d Catharine (m. John Tysher). bamuel Ranck. son of Jacob and Margaretta (Worst), t„ iu t ^u _„ jLtu , c 4ii»„ u .,^,1 *v,.. ^^^ had four children: David, who had two sons, Daniel ^^.''°^ ^"^"' g/andfather of Allen R., and the pro- and Edward, and died in Intercourse, Lancaster county; ^f.'^'to'' °^ many Leshers m this country, was born in Samuel, who moved to Carroll county, Illinois; and O'^^ township, Berks county. He came to Richmond two daughters, one of whom married a Kessler, and township before 1790, and died in 1804 in Virginville, the other a Wagner. being buried in a field above Virginville along the John Ranck, son of Jacob and Margaretta (Worst), railroad, which was used for a burial ground, but the was born 'in 1774. and died in 1845. He married Eliz- plow share has turned up the sod and destroyed all abeth Shively, a sister to his brother Samuel's wife, and vestige of the last resting place of a number of old they had eight children: Jacob, Barbara. Margaret pioneers. He m. Elizabeth Stenger. who kept a hotel (born Aug 27 1806, died Oct 23, 1849, married Jos- ;„ Virginville for a livelihood, and they had these adne Ehzabeth, Samuel, John and Cath- .children: Elizabeth m. John Heater; Jacob m. a Miss 'valentine Ranck, son of Phillip the emigrant and his Bartholomew; Samuel; Jonas; William; and Polly m. wife Barbara, died in 1813. the father of two sons. Joseph Shomo, of Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Michael; and Jacob, whose children w^re— John. Adam, Samuel S. Lesher, father of Allen R, was born in Jacob, Samuel, Mrs. Benjamin Herr and Mrs. Peter Virginville at the old hotel stand that was kept by his Eably. - parents. He learned the trade of a stqne mason in Michael Ranck, son of Valentine, was a teamster in early youth, and this he followed for many years. He Washington's army. He had one son, Joseph, and 'married Sallie Reber. daughter of John Reber, five daughters, and of the latter one' married a Yoder, and they had these children: Gabriel died aged seventy- °"? a Good, one a Musser, one a Witmer and one a one years; John died aged twelve years; Polly m. (first) T ,T>i r 1,,- y 1 -J.- .a Mr. Young, and (second) David Fulmer; Jacob died Joseph Ranck son of Michael, married his cousm ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^f^^^ marriage; Allen R.; William lives Margaret Ranck. born Aug. 27. 1806, died Oct. 23, . ■■.ri.-i. !-> tt ■ i- % t • i- • td- i 1849 daughter of John and Elizabeth (Shively) Ranck ^* White Deer, Union Co. Pa.; Louis lives in Pickaway (above mentioned). To this union were born five chil- ^?,V"*y' Y-' . '^^'^ -'^ T °^ °" ^^'=^^"- dren: Jonathan, who lives in western Iowa and had fif- bill; Joel is of Reading; and Sallie is the widow of teen children, some of whom live in Chicago; Samuel, of Daniel Gruber. Naperville, 111., who has several daughters but no son; Allen R. Lesher attended the pay schools of his Elizabeth who married Lewis Emery, and lives in Illin- time, his first teacher being Joe Pike, and later when ois; and Joseph, of Naperville, 111., who has a son who is the public schools were established he attended them a missionary in China and a daughter a missionary in for a time. Mr. Lesher has spent all of his life on the Japan. ,„ , v farm, on which he now resides, a 100-acre tract. Mr. Amos Ranck, son of Joseph and Margaret (Ranck), Lesher retired from active labor in 1898. He is con- married Rebecca White and had four sons and two „„„,.„j „-tu ■d»„i,«,_>„ ct Ta.,*.^ > tt ■ r~u i. ■ daughters, namely: J. Clarence, of Denver, Colo.; Jos- ""^^^^ , ^^^ Beckers St I'eter s Union Church, in eph A., living in Elsmere. Del.; H. Herbert, on the which he is a trustee, and takes an active interest. It old homestead at Joanna; Florence M.. living in Phil- was largely through the influence and activity of Mr. adelphia; and Fannie E.. wife of J. Warren Barkley. Lesher that a new township was not created back of Wilmington, Delaware. '" the eighties, when a strong effort was made to cut H. Herbert Ranck married Clara M. Leippe, ofif a part of Richmond township and Greenwich town- and has three daughters, Esther, Katherine and Mar- ship, and create it into a new district. Mr. Lesher garet. performs the duties of a good citizen, and is highly The Rancks were agricultural people, and lived near esteemed in his community. In politics he is a Dem- New Holland. Pa. The early members of the family ocrat. adopted the Mennonite faith on locating in Lancaster On July 27, 1861, Mr. Lesher married Sallie Ann county, but later many joined, the Evangelical denom- Sassaman, daughter of William and Sallie (Delp) Sass- ination, and many the United Brethren, who have a aman, the former a furniture dealer and undertaker in church known as Ranck's church. ' "his time, residing near Fleetwood. These children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lesher: Louisa S. m. Reuben M. ALLEN R. LESHER, a retired farmer of Richmond Kline, and their daughter, Mrs. Francis Z. Sieber, has township, Berks county, who lives about one mile a son, William Allen; Sallie A. m. Wilson M. Kline, below Virginville, along the Berks & Lehigh railroad, and has children— Virgie (m. Richard Sheradin. and has' was born at the place where he now resides, Dec. 2, a son, Francis Arlington), Franklin, Harry, Elsie, 1835, son of Samuel S. and Sallie (Reber) Lesher. . Webster and Edison; Lizzie m. Eli Gettis; Katie m. the John Lesher, great-grandfather of Allen R., was a Hon. Jacob A. Lesher; Samuel S. died in infancy; Wil- native of Germany, born Jan. 5, 1711_, only son and heir- liam R. of Virginsville engaged in the paper-hanging at-law of Nicholas Lesher. He emigrated to Pennsyl- and painting business, m. Katie Kline, and has two vania in 1734, and first settled in the Upper section children, W. Paul and Jennie P. 704 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JONATHAN MOULD, merchant at Reading since 1871, was born in Orange county, N. Y., near Newburg, Feb. 20, L847, and educated in the pay schools of the vicinity and at the Montgomery Academy. He was reared on his father's farm during the course of his education until he was eighteen years old, when he went to Newburg and entered the large dry-goods store of A. K. Chandler as a salesman, and he continued there seven years. During the later years he assisted Mr. Chandler in establishing and operating a chain of dry-goods stores in New York and Pennsylvania. In this capacity, he was sent to Reading, Pa., in January, 1871, and- after operating the store for over a year it was sold to Schofield & Co. Mr. Mould, during this interval, having come to appre- ciate Reading as a business center, remained with the new firm, and assisted in the management of the store until January, 1875, when he embarked in business for himself. He established a department store at No. 325 Penn. street, and in three years moved into larger quarters at No. 645 Penn street, where he continued with increasing success for twelve years. In 1890, he purchased the two adjoining premises on the east, Nos. 647-49, and upon erecting a large four-story brick store building, 30 feet wide by 370 feet deep, moved into the new quarters, where he has since been conducting a department store with upward of a hundred employes, and a wholesale and retail trade which reaches, into the surrounding districts and adjoining counties. In 1887, his brother-in-law, George H. Bell (after being employed in the store for ten years), was admitted as a partner, and since then the business has been carried on under the name of J. Mould & Co. Mr. Mould has been identified for some years with the Farmers' National Bank of Reading, the Neversink Bank, and a number of indus- trial" enterprises, serving in each of them as one of the directors. In 1871 Mr. Mould married Julia E. Bell, daughter of Dr. William P. Bell, a prominent physician of Fishkill-on- the-Hudson, N. Y. They are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Reading, having been identified with this church since 1871. Mr. Mould's father was John Mould, of Orange county, N. Y., where he cultivated a farm for many years until his decease in 1888, at the age of seventy-five years. He married Emily Douglas (a daughter of Isaac Douglas, of Catskill, N. Y., where he taught school in the local Acad- emy, and died a young man). His grandfather was Jonathan Mould (after whom Mr. Mould was named) ; also a farmer of the same place for many years until his decease in 1855 at the age of seventy- three years. He was a lineal descendant of Christoffel Mould, who emigrated from Holland about 1712 and settled at Kingston, N. Y. Several of Mr. Mould's direct an- cestors were actively engaged in the Revolution, and they have been honorably mentioned in Ruttenber's History of Orange county, N. Y. His mother was a lineal descend- ant of William Douglas, who -emigrated from Scotland in 1640 and settled at Boston, Massachusetts. GEORGE H. BELL (son of Dr. William P. Bell), partner of Jonathan Mould since 1887, was born in 1862 at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, N. Y., and was educated in the local schools. He entered the department store of Mr. Mould, his brother-in-law, at Reading in 1877, as a sales- man, and in several years showed so much proficiency that he was placed in charge of one of the departments. In 1887 he became a partner, and since then the business has been conducted under the name of J. Mould & Co. In 1894 Mr. Bell married Alice Bryson (daughter of Allen Bryson, of Orange county, N. Y., and Emma F. Mould, his wife, a sister of Mr. Mould). They have three children : Jonathan Mould, Helen, and George Allan. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church ; and Mrs. Bell is a member of the D. A. R. at Reading, Conrad Weiser Chapter. HENRY F. TROSTLE. The Trostle family was founded in America by two brothers, Peter and Hans Bernhardt Tros'tell, natives of Switzerland, who sailed for the New World from Rotterdam on the ship "Sam- uel," Hugh Percy, master. They landed at Phila- delphia Aug. 17, 1733. In the records the name of Peter Trostell is variously spelled. The clerk who kept a list of the passengers aboard the ship spelled it Troksell, while elsewhere it appears Trossell. In 1733 his age was given as forty-two, and that of his wife Anna Maria, as thirty-two. In the same year (1733) Hans Bernhardt Trostell was thirty-eight, and his wife, Catharine, thirty. Peter Trostell. aged nine years, and Daniel Trostell, aged seven years, possibly children of the former Peter, were also registered as passengers aboard the same ship, Brecknock township, Berks county, was largely set- tled by the Swiss and Welsh. On the same ship on which came the Trostells were many others whose names are still common (1908) in Brecknock. Appar- ently a whole colony left their native home and came to America, settling in one locality. Parts of Breck- nock township were settled soon after 1733, and these emigrants evidently worked their way through the for- ests from Philadelphia. Whether the two brothers, Peter and Hans Bernhardt, settled in the same district is conjectural, but it is evident that the Trestles were a numerous family in Brecknock township in earlier years, the cemetery at the old Allegheny Church (Un- ion) containing, many tombs bearing the name. This church was the place of worship for the settlers for many miles around. Among the tomb-stones in the cemetery there that are yet readable are those of Heinrich and George Trostell. The former was born June 4, 1724, and died Oct. 9, 1759, aged thirty-five years, four months, and five days. The latter, George, was born Feb. 17, 1730, and died Sept. 11, 1804, aged seven- ty-four yearsj two months and twenty-four days. It , is undetermined who were the parents of Heinrich and George, but- there is little doubt that they were the chil- dren of one or the other of the emigrant ancestors. The Trostle homestead in Brecknock township is in the western part near "Knauer's Hotel.'-' Tradition says that, it has been in the family name for more than one hundred and fifty years. There is a house upon this property, built by a Trostle long before the Amer- ican Revolution. It is of stone, the masonry of su- perior workmanship and good appearance, and the walls twenty-two inches thick. This property has never been out of the Trostle name. George Trostle was the ancestor of Henry F. Tros- tle of Spring township. He was born in Brecknock township. Feb. 17, 1730. as above stated. There is still in existence an old deed for the Trostle homestead bearing the date 1749. He married Rosina Seidaben- ner, and they became the parents of the following children: Heinrich',' John, George, Jacob, William, Ab- raham, Margaret (wife of Jacob Merkle) and Eliz- abeth (wife of David Miller). The signatures of the children are to be found on an old deed, dated June 29, 1805, when all signed over the homestead to Hein- rich. George Trostle (Trostell) died Sept. 11, 1804. Heinrich Trostle, son of George, was a blacksmith by trade, and did a great deal of work for the Indians, with whom he was on the friendliest terms, many stories of his association with the red men being fa- miliar to the older members of the family. He had two teams on the road hauling goods from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. His will was probated in 1824. He married Elizabeth Sweikhart. and they had children: Hein- rich (2) ; John, who was survived by his wife Catharine (who was the executrix of his will made Jan. 18, 1857 and probated Feb. 23, 1857) and children, Levina, Sar- ah, Caroline and Wallace; Barbara, born Jan 6, 1786, m. to Benjamin Remp, and died March 15. 1857; Peggy, m. to George Fritz; and Elizabeth, m. to Isaac Griffith. Heinrich Trostle (2), born Jan. 15, 1794, died Aug. 15, 1875, and is buried in the Allegheny Church cera- S^t^^::^^ BIOGRAPHICAL 705 etery, of which he was a stanch member. He married Elizabeth Griffith, and their children were: Benjamin, Isaac, Henry (3), John, Eliza, Katie. Cassia and Susan (m. Lewis Echenroth, and had four sons and five daugh- ters), of whom Benjamin, Isaac, Eliza and Katie died unmarried. In about 1800, when Heinrich Trostle was six _ years of age, he witnessed the parting of the Indians and his father, the Indians informing the lat- ter that they were going on the war path, and prov- ing their words by beginning to murder when only a short distance away. At the age of thirteen young Heinrich (2) made his first trip to Pittsburg with his father's team. It had not been intended that the lad should make the entire trip, but to drive only until he could find some one to do it. This was not to the young man's liking, however, and he made the long drive without looking for any one to do the work. This was the beginning of this work for him, and he drove his father's teams until he was twenty-one years of age. He then started out for himself and made many long and ofttimes dangerous trips. Later he was engaged in hauling charcoal to Mt. Penn Furnace for a number of years. When not engaged with his teams he devoted himself to farming — doing the work the other boys did while he was absent. His wife Elizabeth died in 1842, and from that time until 1848 his household was looked after by his daughter Cas- sia. In the latter year she wedded Reuben Kachel, who rented the farm until 1852, when he died. Then again Cassia became her father's housekeeper, continuing un- til 1875, when he died. Cassia, by her fnarriage to Mr. Kachel, had two sons, Henry T. and, Reubpn Samuel. John Trostle, youngest son of Heinrich (2), was a stone mason by trade, but in 1859 he rented his father's farm, and carried it on as a tenant until his father's death in 1875, when he purchased it, continuing to at- tend to its cultivation until his death. It is now owned by his widow. John Trostle married Julia Hofifert, and they became the parents of two children: Henry m. Mary Huber, and had two children, John (m. to May Neinzehhelzer) and Sally (died in infancy); and Aman- da m. Samuel Kissinger, and had sixteen children, six sons and ten daughters, of whom two .daughters are deceased. Henry Trostle (3), son of Heinrich (2), was born in 1824, on the old homestead in Brecknock township. From 1852 to 1859 he was a tenant on the home farm. He married Sophia Geigly, daughter of Samuel Geigly, of Lancaster county. Pa. Their children were: John died in boyhood; Susanna m. John M. Kessler, and has no children; and Henry F. Henry F. Trostle, son of Henry (3), and now a sub- stantial citizen of West Reading, was born in Breck- nock township, Sept. 4, 1859, and was but five weeks old when his father died. He obtained his education in the township schools near his birthplace, and in the Good school in Lancaster county. He was brought up to farming and for a number of years lived with Chris- tian and Benjamin Good in Lancaster county. After his marriage in 1887 he engaged in the merchandise business in Bowmansville. At first he was in partner- ship with C. M. Beam, under the firm name of Trostle & Beam, and this continued for six years, when he went into business with J. M. Kessler under the name of Trostle & Kessler. This firm existed two years, and was then dissolved by mutual consent. Moving to Ephrata, Pa., Mr. Trostle lived there a year, and for some time was employed as a salesman, also doing various other kinds of work. In 1896 he came to West Reading, and worked for a wholesale produce com- pany, doing huckstering in Reading. That same year he bought b«ilding lots in West Reading, and erected two residences, Nos. 701 and 703 Penn avenue, which he sold. He' then erected ten more in the same bor- ough. He lives in a fine three-story brick house at No. 700 Penn avenue. 45 ■ In February, 1887, Mr. Trostle married Emma Eber- ly, who was born in 1864, daughter of Israel Eberly and wife (whose maiden name was Oberlin), the former a farmer in Clay township, Lancaster county, and a de- scendant of Jacob Eberly, a Swiss Mennonite who set- tled in Lancaster before 1750. Mrs. Trostle's great-grand- father, Samuel Eberly (born Feb. 8, 1793, died Jan. 26. 1876) lived in Elizabeth (now Clay) township, and there in 1832 built a house; he was the first county treasurer under the constitution of 1837. To Mr. and Mrs. Trostle were born children as follows: Harry died in infancy; Ida Susan; Edwin E.; Mary Edith; and Alvin E. They are all members of St. Joseph's Re- formed Church of West Reading, and since 1901 Mr. Trostle has been a member of the Consistory. He is a Democrat in politics, and for eight years under Pres- ident Cleveland's two administrations, 1885-89 and 1893-97, was in the postoffice at Bowmansville, being assistant postmaster during the first term, and post- master the second term. He is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. , William Trostle married Magdalena Steffy (born Feb. 12, 1795, died May 22, 1883) and they had four sons and one daughter: (1) Richard m. Sallie Hartz, and had two sons and five or six dausfhters. the sons being Isaac, who is married and living in Mohnton; and Levi, m. to Elizabeth Brendle, and had a son Martin (m. Kate Eshelman, and has a son Paul), and three daughters, Catharine (m. Franklin SchweitzerJ, Ellen (m. Nathan Remp) and Cora (m.. Jeremiah Schweitzer). (2) Jacob m. Ann Steffy. He was a stone mason by trade, but devoted the latter years of his life to farming. Of his children, three sons and five daughters are living: Jacob m. Lydia Eshel- man, and has two children; Howard m. Mamie Glass, and has two children; Harry m. Lizzie Garman, and has two children ; and the five daughters are all married, but are not living in this vicinity. (3) Levi was a carpenter. He was born April 20. 1833, and died July 10, 1897. He m. Ann Furlow, born Dec. 19, 1828, died Nov. 7, 1896, and they had children: William (born June 28, 1861, died Sept. 22. 1895), Levi (born Dec. 6, 1869, died June 26, 1894), John, Elmer and Sarah. They lived in Lancaster county. (4) Benjamin moved to Lebanon county, Pa. (5) Sallie m. David Lebo, and lived in Lancaster county. JOHN ARCHIBALD McLENEGAN was born at Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 2, 1841, at the homestead on East King street. When six years of age, he was adopted by an uncle, George B. Withers, Esq., of the Lancaster Bar, and his earliest education was received at private schools in that city. He afterward attended the Stras- burg Academy, to which place his uncle had removed on account of failing health. He then assumed the care of his uncle's farms near Strasburg until the latter's decease in 1859, when he accompanied his aunt, Mrs. Withers, to Reading where he secured a position with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, as private messenger, traveling between New York and Washington. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted as a volunteer in the Ringgold Light Artillery for three months, and then for three years with the Anderson Troop. He is enrolled as a' First Defender. Upon being mustered out of service, he joined a col- ony of friends and relatives from Lancaster, and in- vested in farm lands in Wisconsin, where he remained for five years. He then returned to Reading and re- sunjed einployment with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, continuing with the company until 1883, and afterward for upward of twenty years filled the ■ positioii of traveling salesman for the Reading Woolen Mills, visitmg the business centers in the South and West and developing a large business for this important enterprise at Reading. In 1905, his health failing, he located with his family on his farm at White 706 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Bear, along the Wilmington & Northern Railroad, at this place he died June 10, 1906. Mr. McLenegan was married to Mary Ann McKnight, daughter of David McKnight, and granddaughter of John McKnight, the first banker at Reading, and they had seven children: Elizabeth Hiester, Selina (m. Fred- erick E. Yorke, and has a d'aughter, Dorothy), William and Henry (twins, the latter deceased),- John (de- ceased), Robert Wallace, and Frederick Augustus. The mother died Oct. 19, 1908. His father was Zephaniah McLenegan, born at Lan- caster, in 1801, where he was educated and admitted to the Lancaster Bar in 1822, and afterward came to occupy considerable prominence in the official life of the county, serving as county treasurer in 1833 and 1834, and as prothonotary from 1836 to 1839. He was a man of scholarly tastes, and possessed one of the best private libraries in Lancaster. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1842. He m. Henrietta Augusta Musser, daughter of John Musser (for a time Collector of the Port of Phila- delphia), and great-granddaughter of Rev. Henry Mel- chior Muhlenberg. They had four children: Edward (m. to Mary Dunn), Henry Hall (m. to Sarah Rei- gart), Charles (died in Rio de Janiero in 1859, aged twenty-two years) and John Archibald. Mr. McLenegan's grandfather, Archibald McLene- gan. was born in 1759, in Ireland, of Scotch parents, and emigrated from Monaghan, County Ulster, lo- cating at Lancaster, Pa. In 1791, he m. Mary Wallace, daughter of William Wallace, and granddaughter of James Wallace who had emigrated to Pennsylvania prior to 1721 and settled in Swartara township. They had ten children: Samuel, Elizabeth (m. an Hum- phreys), Elijah (m. Mary Fordney), Sarah (m. 'a Randall), Zephaniah, Isaiah, Mary (m. William Wal- lace), Athalia (m. a Shepley), Martha (m. Robert Wallace), and Ann (m. the Rev. Mr. :?auli). Archi- bald McLenegan was possessed in a marked degree of those sterling virtues which characterize the Scotch- Irish. He was largely interested in farming operations in Leacock township, and was a well-known citizen of Lancaster in its early days, being the proprietor of the old "White Horse Inn," which was situated at the east end of King street, and which later became the private residence of his son Zephaniah. He died in 1831. JOSEPH AUBREY WHITE. The material ad- vancement of the city of Reading has been conserved in no small degree by Joseph A. White, who was for a score of years one of the leading contractors and builders of this county, as a member of the firm of White & Wagoner. He now resides or a beauti- ful little farmstead contiguous to the city and devotes his attention principally to floriculture and the rais- ing of fine poultry. He was born in Lancaster, Lan- caster Co., Pa., June 17, 1853, son of William R. and Rebecca E. (Cross) White. William R. White was born in the City of New York, in 1819, and was reared and educated in his native city, where he learned the trade of cotton manufact- uring, eventually becoming superintendent of a cotton mill in New York. He remained there until about 1840, when he took up his residence in Lancaster, Pa., where he entered the employ of Arnold & Company, leading cotton manufacturers, with which concern he continued until 1895, when he permanently retired from active business. The last six years of his life were passed in the home of his son, Joseph A., where he died in 1906, and where his widow still resides, a revered member of the family circle. Mr. White married in Lancaster, Rebecca E. Cross, a native of ' London, England, born in 1835, who accompanied her parents to America, and located at Lancaster, Pa. Mrs. White belongs to the Lutheran church, of which her husband likewise was a member, and in politics he was uncompromising in his allegiance to the Re- publican party. Of the eight children of William R. and Rebecca E. (Cross) White, Joseph Aubrey was the oldest; Charles F. was born Aug. 3, 1858; Emily Alice, Oct. 22, 1865; Ada R., Aug. 7; 1868 (is deceased); Jessie May, March 27, 1870 (died in childhood); Laura v., March 1, 1872; Mary W., Dec. 29. 1876; and Emma R., March 2, 1879. John Aubrey White was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Lancaster, his native city, and there he served a thorough apprenticeship at the plasterer's trade, becoming a skilled artisan in the line. For several years he followed the work of his trade in New York City, and in 1885 he took up his residence in Reading, where he engaged in contract- ing and building, in partnership with John M. Wagoner. The firm of White & Wagoner built up an extensive business and attained a high reputation for reliabil- ity and progressive methods. This firm erected about one thousand buildings in the various sections of Read- ing, and their enterprise and excellent work contributed much to the substantial upbuilding and attractiveness of the city. Mr. White is recognized as a representative citizen of Berks county, and has so ordered his course as to retain at all times the confidence and good will of his fellow men. He has shown a commendable inter- est in all that pertains to the welfare of his home city and county, and while he has never been a seeker ot public office he has been signally observant of the duties of citizenship, and has lent his co-opera- tion in the furtherance of enterprises and projects tending to advance the general welfare of the communi- ty. In 1904 he retired from the contracting and build- ing business, and purchased a small farm in the north- east section of the city. On this place he has made fine improvements of a permanent nature, including the erec- tion of a handsome and commodious residence of modern architectural design and equipment and he is living the idyllic, life of a country gentleman, the while enjoying also the advantages of the city. His farm is largely given over to the cultivation of fine varieties of flow- ers, for which he finds a ready market, and to the breeding of high grades of poultry, in which line he is producing some exceptionally attractive new strains. He has secured premiums at various poultry shows and takes much pride and interest' in his poultry busi- ness. He is a Republican in his political proclivities and both he and his wife are zealous members o-f the Lutheran church. In 1890 Mr. White married Miss Kate Sponsler, daughter of Jacob and Lucy Sponsler, of Adams coun- ty. Pa. They have no children. Mr. White has at- tamed to success through his own efforts, and is one ot the substantial and honored citizens of Berks coun- ty, where he has a wide circle of acquaintances in both business and social lines. WILLIAM McH. BOYER, a substantial citizen of Reading, Pa., who is acting in the capacity of chemist for the Reading Iron Company, of that city, was born in Reading, in 1869, son of Jerome L. Boyer. Mr. Boyer secured his education in the schools of his native city, and attended the high school at Birds- boro, after graduating from which he returned to Reading, later attending a school at Columbus, Pa. He then entered a preparatory school in order to fit himself to enter Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., from which he graduated in chemistry in 1891, and in Aug- ust of that year he accepted the position of chemist with the Reading Iron Company. Mr. Boyer's labor- atory is situated at the Keystone Furnace, where he employs on an average of four men. Fraternally Mr Boyer is connected with the Masons, being a member of Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M. He' is a Lutheran in religious belief, and attends Trinity Church of that denomination. BIOGRAPHICAL 707 In 1898 Mr. Boyer married Emily Eavenson, daugh- ter of Alban Eavenson, who is well known in rfianu- facturing circles of Philadelphia as a soap manufact- urer, and to this union there have been born two sons, Jerome Ludwig Boyer, 2d, and Howard Eavenson Boyer. JOEL M. SCHAEFFER, a retired business man of Fleetwood, residing in a handsome home on Rich- mond street, was born March 8, 1846, in Richmond township, and has all his life been identified with that section of Berks county. When the good ship "Edinburgh" arrived at Phila- delphia, on Aug. 13, 1750, it had among its passengers one Georg Schaeflfer, who came from the Rhine val- ley, in Germany, and was the first of his family to settle in America. Proceeding to Berks county, he established himself on a farm in Richmond township, and there spent the rest of his life. His children were: Elizabeth, Margaret, Maria, Peter and Philip. Philip Schaefifer, son of Georg, was born in 1770, on the old homestead in Richmond township. He was a very successful farmer and remained on the old home- stead. He made the first threshing machine in Berks county. This proved a great labor saver, arid he con- tinued in the manufacture of threshing machines dur- ing the remaining years of his life. He married Eliza- beth Fetherolf, who bore him eight sons and four daughters, namely: George; Peter; Isaac; Jonathan; Daniel; Philip; William; David; Sarah (m. Jacob De Long); Elizabeth (m. Solomon Yoder); Anna Maria (m. Isaac Merkel) ; and Esther (m. Francis De Long). As each child became of age he or she was presented with a farm. The children were all of unusually fine physique, tall and strong, and finely proportioned. Philip Schaefifer, Jr., son of Philip and father of Joel M.. was a life-long farmer in Richmond town- ship, and one whose efforts were richly rewarded. A man of unassuming demeanor and upright character, his most vital interest was his family, to whom he was devoted. He was a member of the Reformed Church of Fleetwood, and in politics was, like all. of his name, a Democrat. He married Esther, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sheradin; Merkel. The Merkels are a family of German origin founded in Pennsylvania by Georg, whose son Caspar was the father of Jacob. Philip and Esther Schaefler became the parents of seven children, viz.: Levina, Mrs. Sam- uel Kelchner, of Fleetwood: Hettie, Mrs. Isaac De- burk, of Kutztown; Elizabeth, who' died aged seven; James, who married Susa.n Heibine, of Moselem Springs, Pa.; Joel M.; Maria, Mrs. Martin Kelchner, of Fleet- wood; and Martin, who married Susanna Rahn of Fleetwood. Joel M. Schaeffer spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm attending the local schools. This was supplemented by a course in a school at Col- legeville, Montgomery county. At 'the age of twenty- four he married and his father gave him a farm near his own and for five years the young man followed agricultural pursuits. But in the spring of 1876 he sold out his farm stock and entered upon a partnership with Lewis Wanner that lasted until 1903. This firm, Schaeffer. Wanner & Co., dealt in grain, coal and lum- ber, and built up an extensive business. In 1885 they reorganized with one new member in the firm, and built a rolling mill with a capacity of seventy- five barrels a day. They manufactured the White Rose and Silver Cloud flour, which are more gener- ally used in eastern Pennsylvania than the product of any other mill in that section, while there is also an active demand in the western part of New Jersey. In 1903 Mr. Schaefifer sold out his interest in the firm to his son-in-law John N. Kauffman. In 1909 Mr. Schaefifer bought the old Dumn mill property at the west end of the borough of Fleetwood, and formed a partnership with his son-in-law, John N. Kauffman and his son, Walter P. Schaeffer, the firm being known as Kauffman & Schaeffer. In political views, Mr. Schaeiler has, somewhat de- parted from family tradition and maintains an inde- pendent stand, but he has always been decidedly ac- tive in local affairs, while for six years he served in the town council. He is also prominent in the Em- manuel United Evangelical Church, in which both he and his wife do much work. When the present build- ing was erected in 1884 he was a member of the build- ing committee and his plans and suggestions were heartily approved by the others of the committee. For nine years he has been treasurer of the Sunday-school and is now class leader and teacher of the German class. His wife is equally prominent in the women's departments, belonging to the Ladies' Aid and Mis- sionary societies, and to the W. C. T. U. Both are highly esteemed for their upright and Christian lives. Mrs. Schaeffer was Miss Caroline Catherine Kelch- ner, and was married to Mr. Schaeffer Nov. 17, 1870. She was a daughter of Jacob and Ann (Sheirer) Kelchner, and granddaughter of Jacob Kelchner, Sr. To her husband she has borne one daughter and one son, namely: Anna Vanilla, who was educated at Schuylkill Seminary, Frederick, Md., m. in 1894, John N. Kauffman, and has two children, Joel Schaeffer and Kathryn Willi; and Walter Philip, who was edu- cated in the local schools and in Albright College, Myerstown, Pa., where he took the English-Scien- tific course, and who has also done much in voice culture and is a vocalist and musician of note. He is now a member of the firm of Kauffman & Schaeffer, millers and coal dealers, at Fleetwood. J. NEWTON RHOADS, a very well-known and highly esteemed .resident of Reading. Pa., is an ofificial court stenographer, to which oflfice he was appointed Oct. 2, 1891. He is a son of John P. and Eliza ■ (Flick- inger) Rhoads, natives of Carlisle, the former of whom died in 1884, aged sixty-four years, and the latter in 1891, being seventy-four years old at the time of her death. They had three children: Martha E., Alfred Milton and J. Newton. J. Newton Rhoads was .born Nov. 2, 1856, and was educated in the Carlisle public schools and at Dickin- son College, graduating from the latter institution in 1879. He then engaged in the newspaper business for a time, after which he took up the study of stenog- raphy, and engaged in work on the Legislative Record for two years. The next spring he went to Harris- burg, being employed there in the office of Col. W. C. Deming for three or four years. He was ofificial sten- ographer of the Cumberland County Court for two years, and came to Reading as an assistant court sten- ographer in 1886. Mr. Rhoads married, May 30, 1892, Miss Susan E. Rheem, daughter of Jacob Rheem, who was a descend- ant of the founders of Reamstown, Lancaster county. Two children were born to this union, Edith and Mar- ian, both at school. Mr. Rhoads is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Reading. He is an en- ergetic, conscientious worker, well fitted for the dut- ies of his position. EDWARD ZARTMAN SCHOLL, architect at Read- mg, with oflfices at No. 35 North Sixth street, is descended from two of the pioneer families, and of which he bears both names. The first ancestor of the Scholl family was one George Scholl, who set- tled in the vicinity of Stouchsburg some few years prior to 1727, and who was an intimate associate of Conrad Weiser, the renowned pioneer. He is on rec- ord of making the motion at the first Lutheran vestry held in the county to build a church, the result of which was the erection, in the year 1727, of a log building, which became known as Reed's Church so named after the donor of the ground. All of Mr 708 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Scholl's forefathers lived in the vicinity of this church, husband was Peter Rothermel of Richmond township, near Stouchsburg. by whom she had one child, a daughter, Sarah Peter Scholl. grandfather of Edward Z., was a Amanda, who married John Maurer, of Fleetwood, farmer of Stouchsburg, and his son John Adam Scholl and died in January, 1907. Mr. Rothermel died at married Amelia Zartman, the latter the eldest child of Fleetwood. She was next tnarried to Joseph E. Peter, Levi Zartman, of Myerstown. The pioneer of the of Richmond township, and seven children were born Zartman family was Alexander Zartman, who landed of this union: Mary, who died in childhood; Samuel; in this country, at Philadelphia, Aug. 31, 1731. The Charles; Susanna, m. to Dr. A. K. Seaman of Read- direct lineage in this family is Alexander the pioneer, ing; Emily, m. to Daniel Kelchner of Fleetwood; who had a 'son Alexander (3), whose son Alexander and Solomon and Lillie, who both died in infancy. (3), had a son Jacob, who was the father of Levi. John Adam Scholl, the father, was a miller by YOST. The Yost family is one of the oldest in occupation, and now lives retired. To him and his this section of the State, and two of its members, wife Amelia were' born four children: Peter L., a Rufus _R. and James Franklin R. Yost, are represent- contractor at Reading; Edward Z.; Sarah E., wife of ative citizens of Spring township, Berks county. Walter Jones, electrician in the employ of the Phil- Philip Yost, or Jost as it was then spelled, was adelphia & Reading Railroad; and Emma R., a pro- the ancestor of this family in America. He was horn fessional nurse. in 1718 at Nassau, in western Germany, and when Edward Z Scholl was born in Womelsdorf, Berks twenty-two years old came to America, locating in county, Aug. 1, 1877. At an early age the' family moved Montgomery county, Pa., where he married Veronica to Leaman Place, Lancaster county, where he re- Dotterer, a native of Limerick township, that county, ceived his earliest education. After the removal of The'y had three sons: John, Harmon and Philip, the family to Reading, in 1890, he attended the city one of the two first named being the great-great-grand- schools, and then finished his education at the Key- father of Rufus R. and James Franklin R. Yost. The stone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., and in last namea of these sons, Philip, Jr., was born in Ursinus College, at Collegeville, Pa. ' He entered the Montgomery county Aug. 24, 1757, and in 1768 moved office of Frederic A. Barrows, architect, for a term with his father to Pottsgrove township, where they of two years, after which he served a nine months' purchased a tract of land which remained in the apprenticeship in the Shunk Planing Mill and the family name for more than one hundred years. 'When same length of time in the office of L. H. Focht, nineteen years of age Philip Yost, Jr., served in Gen- contractor. He was next employed for five years eral Washington's army. In 1783 he married Rosina in various architects' offices, and then opened an office Benninger, and they had these children: Mary Mag- for himself in Reading, Pa. Mr. Sch'oU has shown dalena. Tobial, Jacob, Benjamin, Salome, Rosina, Her- his ability as an architect in the numerous structures man, Jonas, Sarah and Philip. Mr. Yost died Aug. that he is erecting, and has built up a practice not 28, 1832. only in his own locality, but his reputation and busi- Abraham Yost, great-grandfather of Rufus R. arid ness extends to many locations throughout the State. James F. R., came to Poplar Neck during the latter Mr. Scholl is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church part of the eighteenth century, and here obtained a of this city, and is regarded among the social circles farm, which later became the property of Gen. Wil- as a gentleman of refinement and exceptional quali- Ham High, next to Ezra High, and subsequently of fications. William P. High, the present owner. Nicholas Yost, the grandfather of Rufus R. and COSMOS MERKEL SCHWOYER, one of the very James F. R., born April 15, 1787, died June 9, 1867. prominent citizens of Fleetwood borough, Berks coun- He was an extensive farmer, owning over five hundred ty, who lived retired after the year 1876, was born Sept. acres of land in Cumru township, along the Morgan- 27, 1825, in Richmond township, on his father's farm town road. He was a great marksman and frequently situated along Moselem creek, ana died in August, indulged in shooting matches, seldom failing to bear 1906. ' away a prize. Mr. Yost was a short but well-built Mr. Schwoyer was brought up on the farm and at- man, with dark hair and a ruddy complexion, and tended the public school near the Moselem Church, was well known and very popular in his day. He fre-' When he reached the age of seventeen years, besides quently related to his grandchildren how he heard assisting in the farming operations, he engaged in the few remaining Indians on Mount Penn and the dealing in cattle and sheep, which he collected in Neversink Mountains signal to each other. On Nov. Richmond and adjoining townships and disposed of 23, 1817, Nicholas Yost married Susanna Seidel (born them at Pottsville, in Schuylkill county, driving them Sept. 29, 1798, died June 12, 1851), daughter of Philip there on foot several times a year. He carried on and Elizabeth Seidel, of Robeson township, and to this business successfully for upwards of twenty years, this union were born ten children, as follows: Mary He then engaged in farming for himself in 1852, and married Samuel Hemmig; Elizabeth, twin of Mary, continued operations as a farmer until 1876, when married Washington Kissinger; Rebecca married Amos he retired, settling at Fleetwood, the most promi- Hartman; Lydia married Moses Yocom; Susan mar- nent town in the township, and this was his home ried Jesse Matz; Amos lied at Cacoosing Creek; Ben- until his death. neville S. is mentioned below; Francis lived at Read- From his early manhood Mr. Schwoyer took great ing; Sarah Ann married Adam Spohn, of Spring town- interest in politics and identified himself with the ship; Louisa married Joseph D. Hornberger. Democratic party, although never desiring to fill any Benneville S. Yost was born on Mifflin Island, at offices. However, after living at Fleetwood for awhile, the Little Reading Dam, Nov. 15, 1823. and died Sept. and becoming much interested in local affairs, he 19, 1899. He was in the hotel business at the "Green was elected chief burgess in 1881, serving the office Tree" for ten years, kept the hotel at Riverside for one year, and the next year was elected as one of two years, and one at Hamburg for a similar period, the jury commissioners of the county, serving for For upward of thirty years he was engaged in the three years, 1883-4-5. coal business, and the freshet of Oct. 4. 1869, caused Mr. Schwoyer was married three times. In 1862 the loss of nearly one thousand tons of his coal he m. Christina Neff, born Jan. 15, 1826, daughter which he had stacked along the banks of the Schuyl- of John Neff of Kutztown. He m. fsecond) Susanna kill river. During the latter years of his life Mr. Schneider, daughter of Jacob Schneider, of Centre Yost was a farmer, but retired in 1879, at which time township. In 1876 Mr. Schwoyer m. (third) Maria his son, Rufus R., took charge of the farm of 146 (Hoch) Peter, of Maiden-creek township, acres at Flying Hill. He was a lifelong member of Mrs. Schwoyer was the daughter of Samuel and Yocom's Reformed Church, where he ' is buried. Mr. Sally (Herbein) Hoch, of Oley township. Her first Yost was also an old school-master, and taught pay BIOGRAPHICAL 709 school at Weitzeltown (Fritztown), in Cumru town- ship, and also a few terms in Bern township. The first wife of Benneville S. Yost was Christina Rapp, to, whom he was married Jan. 22, 1848, at Read- ing, and they had these children: William H. R. died in infancy; Nicholas R. also died in infancy; Susan died unmarried; Rufus R. is mentioned be- low; Cyrus R, is deceased; Nicholas R. is a resident of Myerstown, Pa.; James Franklin R. is mentioned below. Benneville S. Yost married (second) Clem- entine Henke, of Reading, who was of German descent. There were no children born to this marriage. Rufus R. Yost was born on his grandfather Nicho- las Yost's farm at the "Green Tree" in Cumru town* ship Jan. 5, 1855, attended the district schools, and later studied at Palatinate College for two years, leaving school when twenty years old, with a good education. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked for his parents until twenty-five years old. but in 1880 began working on his own account, spending four years on his father's farm in Cumru township, located at the Flying Hill. He then lived at Myerstown, Lebanon county,- for two years, after which he spent four more years at the Flying Hill, in 1890 purchasing the Richard Jr'ennypacker farm, in Spring township, a tract of 125 acres of some of the most fertile and productive land in lower Berks county. This valuable farm is well and conveniently situated, and on it is found an inexhaustible supply of some of the best limestone in the State, which is burned by Mr. Yost. He has disposed of as much as ten thousand bushels of lime annually in connection with his farm work. Since the spring of 1907 he has rented his farm, and with his brother, James Franklin R. Yost, has engaged in building houses at Reading, Shillington, Wyomissing and Springmont. At the time he rented his farm M!r. Yost sold his live stock at public vendue, and he realized a large amount therefor, one pair of mules bringing $536, a cow $70, and his thirty head of cattle averaging $50 each. In 1879 Mr. Yost married Catherine Kurtz, daugh- ter of Samuel and Catherine (Haines"* Kurtz, and to this union have been born three daughters and one son: Christina married Webster Hartz, of Shilling- ton, Pa.; Harry, Laura and Bessie are unmarried and reside at home. Mr. Yost and his family are members of Yocom's (Christ) Reformed Church, of Cumru township. James Franklin R. Yost was born at. the Yost homestead at the Flying Hill, Cumru township, Berks county, Sept. 9, 1864, and was educated in the public schools and at D. B. Brunner's Academy in Reading, which he left when sixteen years of age. In 1889 he commenced farming for himself on a fine tract of 152 acres in Wyomissing borough, Spring township, which he had purchased in 1887 and which he had rented for two years. From 1885 to 1889 Mr. Yost was also engaged in the milling business at Myerstown, Lebanon county, but since the latter year has en- gaged in farming and building. He purchased the Reeser farm of 164 acres in Sinking Spring, but this he later sold to Daniel Wenrich. Mr. Yost conducts a fine dairy, keeping about thirty Holstein and Jer- sey cows, and has a select trade in Reading, to which city he conducts a daily route. In addition he has good horses and mules, and his farm is operated by the latest improved machinery. In politics Mr. Yost is a Republican, and fraternally he is connected with West Reading Castle. K. G. E. With his family he attends Yocom's Reformed Church in Cumru town- ship. On Dec. 19, 1885, Mr. Yost married (first) Annie Catherine Kachel, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Wagner) Kachel, and to this union were born three children: Stella A., Walter H. and Emma K.. Mrs. Yost died Sept. 1, 1896, aged thirty-one years, four months, three days. Qn Nov. 30, 1899, Mr. Yost married (second) Clara May Dietrich, daughter of William H. Dietrich, of Reading, and to this union there have been born two children, George Washing- ton and Lloyd Allen. IRVIN K. KELLER, of Reading, proprietor of "Kel- ler's Cafe" (a designation descending from a prev- ious owner, was born Aug. 3, 1866, in Rockland town- ship, Berks county, son of Jeremiah C. and Mary (Klein) Keller. The Keller family (antecedents of Irv- in K.) became established in Berks county prior to the days of the Revolution. The educational advantages granted our subject were meager enough, for his people were in modest circum- stances, and Irvin, being the eldest of ten children, was early put to work upon the farm, as such a family meant no little burden and responsibility to his parents. In 1887 he left his Pennsylvania home for Ohio, accept- ing a situation with his uncle, J. C. Keller, then fore- man of the P. P. Mast Foundry Company, situated at Springfield, Ohio. He was employed as core maker and molder, and after four years of diligent application discovered that the exactions were too arduous for a "light weight." He then turned his face eastward, re- turning to Berks county, and soon thereafter engaged with Amos Barto. who was conducting a hotel at Ly- on Station, remaining there until the spring of 1893, when he entered the employ of the Reading Hardware Company at Reading, terminating his engagement in the fall of that year. His next venture was with his uncle, Col. D. C. Keller, that proprietor of Keller's Cafe, situated at No. 537 Penn Square, Reading. This was was in 1893, and their association covered a period of more than nine years, being dissolved by the Col- onel's death, May 22, 1902. After an interim of two years (in the meantime having formed a partnership with Charles Buck) he became his uncle's permanent successor, and whatever credit might have once been due the "Colonel" for the conduct of his business is as well deserved by and as reasonably attaches to the present owner. On Feb. 25, 1893, Irvin K. Keller was married to Liz- zie C. Keller, daughter of William and Barbara (Con- rath) Keller. The following children were born to William Keller and his wife: Daniel C, a tailor' of Bechtelsville, married Lizzie Herb; Mary C. first mar- ried Harry Bauer, and her second marriage was to William ShoUenberger (she and her husband were both victims of the Boyertown fire) ; Charles C, a tailor of Reading, married Annie Eckert; Hannah C. is the.' widow of George E. Schmick; Lizzie C. married Irvin K. Keller ; William C, a tailor of Allentown, married Millie Bauer. William Keller, the father of the fam- ily, was killed by the train at Lyon Station, Berks county, Aug. 19, 1890. To Irvin K. Keller and wife, two children were born: Clarence, July 17, 1897 (died March 1, 1903); Esther May, born March 18, 1907. Whatever fortune may have come to this hovisehold due credit should be giv- en to Mrs. Keller. Mr. Keller owns valuable property within the city. He has been successful, for he has been obliging, cour- teous, reciprocal and fair. CHARLES S. PHILLIPS, M. D., physician and pharmacist, located at No. 1342 North Eleventh street, Reading, was born July 2, 1849, at Womelsdorf, Pa., son of Charles S. and Eliza (Stephen) Phillips. Solomon Phillips, the ancestor of the Phillips fam- ily, came to America in the ship "Phoenix." which arrived at Philadelphia, Aug. 28, 1750. He lived to a ripe old age and reared a large family, two of his sons being" Michael and Heinrich (the latter the direct ancestor of Dr. Phillips). Heinrich Phillips resided near Belleman's Church, where he and wife Esther .(Mogel) Phillips, lie buried. They reared children as follows: Peter. Jacob, John, Samuel, John Adam and several daughters. 710 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Peter Phillips, grandfather of Dr. Phillips, was a farmer near Belleman's Church in what is now Centre township. Berks county, where he was born, and both he and wife are buried in the old graveyard near that church. He was accidentally drowned at Len- hart's Dam. He married Maria Catherina Schwalm, and their children were: Magdalena. born Dec. 33, 1809; Anna Maria, Dec. 19, 1812; Charles S., Sept. 19, 1813; Peter, Aug. 20, 1815; Esther, Aug. 27, 1817 (m. John Richard); Catherine. Jan. 31. 1820 (m. (first) Wilham Schwenk, (second) George Eyrick and (third) Daniel Rhein); John, June 34, 1822; Caroline, Oct. 2, 1824; Rebecca, April 9, 1827; Reuben, Oct. 18, 1831, and Franklin, Dec. 5', 1835. Of these Catherine and Frank- lin still survive. Charles S. Phillips, father of Dr. Phillips, was born Sept. 19, 1813, in what is now Centre township, and died near Reading on his farm, in 1896. He is buried at the Ontelaunee Church. -He dealt extensively in horses and the business was very lucrative before the days of railroads. He was also a veterinary sur- geon for many years. He married Eliza Stephen, who was residing with her son, Dr. Phillips, at the time of her death, and she rests in the Womelsdorf cemetery. They had the following children: Walker and Charles S., both professional men at Reading; Francis, residing at Philadelphia; George, a physician practising at Womelsdorf ; and John, a prospector and miner, now residing in Central America, but formerly for many years of California. Until he was twelve years of age, Dr. Charles S. Phillips lived at Womelsdorf, but in 1861 he accompan- ied his parents to Lebanon, where he attended school. In 1864 he went to Washington City and was in the employ of the Government as a hospital steward, re- maining there until Christmas morning, 1864, when he returned to Lebanon. In 1876, Dr. Phillips was married to Kate Fehafer, a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Geiger) Fehafer, and to this union has been born sixteen children, ten of whom are buried in the family lot at Womelsdorf, namely: Anna, m. to J. W. Gramm; Stella, who died young; Charles, residing at Port Kennedy. Pa.; Maud and Walker, twins, the latter of whom died in infancy; Agnes, who died in infancy; Francis, residing at Read- ing; John and Louisa, who both died young; Emma; George and David, twins, who both died young; Cris- sie, who died young; Edith, residing , at home; and Grant and Ernest, both of whom died young. Dr. Phillips and family belong to the Reformed Church. In politics he is identified with the policies of the Republican party, but he has never consented to hold political office. He is a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 394, F. & A. M., and Griscom Chapter, No. 319, Royal Arch Masons. BUTZ. Among relics owned by this old and hon- ored family of Berks county, is a Bible, in excellent condition, now in the possession of Mrs. Fianna (Butz) Bertolet, who has willed it to her son, Dr. M. L. Bert- olet of MIt. Penn, Pa. This Bible was brought to Amer- ica by (I) John Butz, who in 1737, landed at Philadelphia with his two children, Peter and Catharine. John Butz came to this country from Hertzogberg near Krom- anenberg in the lower part of Bavaria. John Butz died Feb. 23. 1750, in Philadelphia. (II) This same eld Bible shows that Peter Butz (son of John) was married Oct. 22, 1743, to Anna Bar- bara Carl, who was born in Hessen-Nassau, Germany, and they had these children: Mary, born in 1744; Car- oline, in 1746; John, in 1747; Samuel, in 1750; Peter, in 1754; Elizabeth, in 1758, and Anna, in 1761, Peter Butz died in 1780, aged sixty-one years, eight months and twenty-five days. His wife died March 6, 1795, aged seventy-six and four months, (III) Samuel Butz, son of Peter, was born in Long- swamp township, Berks county, Aug. 10, 1750, On Dec. 13, 1774, he married Anna Mary Romig, born May 31, 1754, died Feb. 31, 1813, and they had children: Peter, born Oct. 39, 1775; Catharine, March 25, 1777;. John, April 37, 1779; Susanna, March 6, 1781; Esther. Dec. 29, 1783; Elizabeth, Nov, 28. 1788 (died Oct. 31, 1791); Mary, April 5, 1793. Samuel Butz died Aug. 17, 1831, aged seventy-one years, seven days. (IV) John Butz, son of Samuel, was born April 27,. 1779, and died Aug. 19, 1874, aged ninety-five years, three months and twenty-two days. The place of his birth was the same as that of his father, the homestead in Longswamp township. In 1806 he married Anna 'Yaeger, of Oley township, who died Aug. 24, 1828, aged forty years, eight months and fourteen days, and they had eight children, but only three grew to any age; Nathan, Jacob and Anna Maria. In 1838 the Butz. family Bible came into the hands of John Butz, who highly cherished it. This very valuable volume was printed in 1704, and is in an excellent state of pres- ervation. It contains the family records, and is of great value. (V) Jacob Butz, son of John, was married May 35, 1828, to Elizabeth Christman, born May 28, 1809, died Nov. 19, 1895, aged eighty-six years, five months and twenty-one days, daughter of Peter and Margaret Christman. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Butz were: Daniel C, born in 1831; John Peter, in 1833 (de- ceased); Franklin, in 1835; Fianna, in 1837; Henry A., in 1839 (deceased); Susanna, in 1841 (deceased); Cath- arine, in 1848, and Jacob, in 1851 (deceased). (IV) Daniel C. Butz, an aged resident of Oley township was born in Longswamp township, Berks county, Aug. 36, 1831, a son of Jacob Butz. He was reared to farm work, and has always been a farmer. He began working for himself upon the homestead! farm of 134 acres he now occupies in 1860, and farmed this property until 1897 when he retired, and during his- active life he was very successful. On the property is a spring of excellent water. The present barn was built by John Bertolet, as well as the stone residence, the- latter being over one hundred years old. The barn is a very large one, being 103x43, and the spring water runs through the structure thus simplifying the wat- ering of the stock. Mr. Butz lives in a house on the- farm built by his father in 1860. At present Mr. Butz: rents the farm, but lives upon it and enjoys his de- clining years, surrounded by the plenty he has himself accumulated. Mr. Butz is a member of Oley Reformed church, and was a deacon for five years. Mrs. Butz belongs to the Lutheran church. On Oct. 18, 1859, Mr. Butz was married to Susan D. Hoch, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (De Turck) Hoch of Oley township. Mr. and Mrs. Butz; have a daughter, Mary m, William Marquette, who is now deceased, Mrs, Marauette resides at Friedens- burg, and has these children, — Ida, Nora, Sallie, Sam- uel, George and Mabel. Mr. Butz and his wife dispense a charming hospital- ity that makes their home a favorite gathering place for all their relatives and friends. In addition to other interests Mr. Butz is a stockholder in the creamery at Yellow House. (IV) Peter Butz, grandfather of Lewis B. Butz.. was born in Longswamp township, Oct. 39, 1775, son of Samuel and Anna Mary (Romig), but when still young, removed to Whitehall township, Lehigh county. He was a very efficient blacksmith, and made gun barrels and all kinds of cutlery, as well as farming a large farm he owned. He is buried at Unionville church. He and wife, Susanna Bieber, had child- ren: Samuel lived in North Whitehall township, and had children, William (deceased) Peter, Louisa and Katie; Egedius; Enoch, a farmer, also lived in North Whitehall township, and had a daughter, Sarah, (V) Egedius Butz, father of Lewis B, Butz, was born in North Whitehall township, Sept,. 30, 1805, and died m Maxatawny township May 38, 1890, aged eighty- BIOGRAPHICAL ni four years, seven months and twenty-eight days. The following inscription is found on the tombstone erected to the memory of Egedius Butz and wife: "Egedius Butz Sept. 30, 1805 May 28, 1890 84-7-28. Elizabeth born Bieber July 10, 1810 Oct. 16. 1877 67-3-6." Egedius Butz came to Maxatawny township when a young man, soon after his marriage, he marrying a young lady from Maxatawny township which perhaps had something to do with his selection of this town- ship as his place of residence. His wife was -Elizabeth Bieber, and they had these children: Abraham died young; Mary m. David Kemp; Susanna died young; Fianna died young; Lovina m. Caston Hoover; Lewis B.; Sarah m. Henry Kohler; Peter died at the age of twenty-one years; Louisa m. Jerry Levan; Elizabeth m. William De Turck; Carolina m. Daniel Sheradin; Clara is unmarried, and Elmira m. Henry Roth. (VI) Lewis B. Butz, son of Egedius and Eliz- abeth, was born in Maxatawny township, Jan. 27, 1837. He was reared a farmer, and made that his life work until his retirement in 1900, having commenced farm- ing for himself when twenty-one. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres, which was once the property of Egedius Butz and earlier belonged to Abraham Bieber. Mr. Butz made a success of his farming op- erations, but now rents his property and lives in re- tirement near the Normal School on the Eastern Road which has been his home since 1892. Mr. Butz has taken a deep interest in educational . matters, serving as school director for many years. At present he is trustee of the Keystone State Normal School, and has held that office since the organization of the school. He represents the stockholders, and has the honor of being the oldest living member of the board. He also was much interested in the erection of the pres- ent church of St. Paul's Reformed congregation, in 1876, serving on the building committee and contrib- uting generously toward the necessary fund. He and his family are members of this church, of which he has been both deacon and elder, and he is regarded as one of the pillars of the church and among its most liberal contributors. In jjolitics Mr. Butz is a Dem- ocrat, and he has held many of the elective offices of the township. On Nov. 17, 1857, Mr. Butz married Catherine Kieflfer daughter of Jonathan and Fannie (Shirey) Kieffer, and granddaughter of Abraham and Lizzie (Sebert-) Kief- fer. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Butz were: Amos A., of Kutztown who has a son, Herbert; John E., born July 7, 1862, and died April 1, 1902, leaving a daughter, Elsie; Ella C, m. to Seldon Gernert, of AUentown; Alfred, of Philadelphia, m. to Lillian Garrett, and has a son, John Alfred; Ida, m. to William R. Smith, of Philadelphia. Such families as this are a credit to Berks county. Its. representatives are men of substance, who have borne their part in the development and advancement of their several communities. CHARLES VAN REED EVANS (deceased), who during the course of a long and useful life was a well- known and most highly esteemed resident of Berks county, conducting a farm in Heidelberg township, was born on the original Evans homestead in Cumru township, March 4, 1810. The Evans family, one of the early established families of Berks county, has contributed its share of prominent citizens in^ this section in peace, and in war. Church-loving, law'abid- ing and God-fearing, the family has always been noted for the honesty and integrity of its memfeers, some of whom have filled positions of eminence in their day. Three brothers named Evans emigrated from Wales about the year 1720, and landed at Philadelphia, whence all went prospecting through Pennsylvania, with the result that Daniel settled in Chester county, Phihp (the ancestor of the family herein described) in Berks county, and the third in Montgomery county. Joshua Evans, grandfather of Charles Van Reed Evans, was born in 1733, and his death occurred in March, 1778, when he was aged forty-five years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Thomas, was born July 1, 1746, and died in 1813, at the age of sixty-seven, after a widowhood of almost thirty- six years. They were the parents of the following children: Thomas, Peninnah, Philip, Thomas, Mor- decai, Sarah and Joshua. Mrs. Evans' parents, Phil- ip Thomas and his wife, Esther, lived in East Vin- cent township, Chester Co., Pa., but they owned out- lying land near Reading, upon which their daughter Mary and her husband, Joshua Evans, settled. By the will proved in Philadelphia Oct. 4, 1774, Philip Thomas wills this farm to Joshua Evans' s,on, Philip Thomas Evans. As previously stated, Joshua Evans and his wife continued to live on the farm, improved it. and built the stone farm house. Philip Thomas Evans, father of Charles Van Reed Evans, was born on the old Evans homestead just mentioned, July 13, 1770, and he passed all his life on that place, dying there Sept, 26, 1835. On Feb. 1, 1801, he married Anna Elizabeth Van Reed, who was born Sept. 29, 1778, daughter of John and Eve (Yost) Van Reed; she died July 18, 1853, aged seventy-four years. They became the parents of children as follows: (1) Thomas Evans, born Jan. 7, 1803, died July 30, 1844, aged forty-one years, six months and twenty-three days. He m. Susan Bechtel, and lived eleven miles up Maiden Creek. (2) John V. R., born Jan. 29, 1804, died July 5, 1864, aged sixty years, five months, six days. He inherited the homestead. He m. Anne Mil- ler, (3) Joshua, born Dec. 25, 1805, died Dec. 12, 1826, aged twenty years, eleven months, seventeen days. (4) Mary T., born Sept. 11, 1807, m. Peter Bright, and moved to Danville, Montour Co., Pa. (5) Charles V. R. is mentioned farther on. (6) Abner, born Dec. 25, 1811, died May 21, 1816, aged four years, four months, twenty-six days. (7) Hannah was born Feb. 10, 1814. (8) Henry V. R., born Jan. 8, 1818, died Oct. 29, 1838, aged twenty years, nine months, twenty-one days. He inherited the mill property. (9) Anna Elizabeth, born May 10, 1821, m. Thomas H. Jones, who died in 1850. Mrs. Jones resides in Reading. Charles Van Reed Evans was born March 4, 1810. He received his education in the common schools, the teacher being paid by the patrons of the school. He gave his time to his father on the farm, and with his patrimony purchased his farm in Lower Heidelberg, where he continued throughout his active days, fol- lowing farming. He spent the last twenty years of his life in retirement, and died April 13, 1891, at the age of eighty-one years, one month, three days, and was buried at Sinking Spring. He was a Republican in politics, and held a number of township offices, was frequently appointed administrator, executor and guardian, and was of well known integrity. In 1836 he married Maria Spohn, daughter of William and Catharine (Miller) Spohn, and to them were born a family of thirteen children, namely: Josiah S., a sol- dier in the Civil war, who served in the 90th Ohio regiment under Captain Carpenter, and died in a Southern hospital. Feb. 26, 1863; Margaret E.; Jane who resides at No. 115 North Third street, Reading; Amanda, deceased; John H., m. to Margaret J. Van Reed; Maria C, Catharine, James, Sarah and Katie E., all deceased; P. Thomas, of Iowa, m. to Sally H. Shepp; Annie S., who died Sept. 24, 1901; and Mor- decai, who died young. 713 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA John HE>fRY Evans^ a retired farmer^ and promi- nent citizen of Lower Heidelberg township, was born March 6. 1844, north of Womelsdorf, in Marion town- ship, son of Charles V. R. Evans. He was educated in the district schools and was licensed to teach when seventeen years old by Prof. John S. Ermentrout, superintendent of schools of Berks county. He taught his first two terms at Buck's schoolhouse in Lower Heidelberg township, and then worked for his par- ents until he was married, when he commenced tenant farming, and carried it on for fourteen years. At the end of this time he went to Reading, remaining until after his father's death, and then located on the home farm, a fine tract of 165 acres in the Cacoosing dis- trict. His home is one mile due west from Cacoosing, along the Bernville road, and two mi'es due north of Sinking Spring, on one of the old Van Reed farms, which was fqrmerly the property of the Samuel Jones estate. Samuel Jones had erected a house for his ten- ants on the corner of his farm in 1791, and a stone from the barn built in 1796 is to be found in the Evans barn wall. The present residence, however, is a two and one-half story brick dwelling, and is built in Colonial style. Mrs. Evans also owned a farm of 116 acres in Lower Heidelberg township, her farm and that of her husband being divided by that of Annie V. R. Addams. Mr.' Evans married Margaret Jones Van Reed, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Jones) Van Reed, and to this union there have been born two sons: Charles V. R., a farmer residing at home; and Jacob V. R., a chemist for the Elk Tanning Company, at Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa. They are both unmarried. Mr. Evans is a Republican in politics, and has efficiently served his township as school director for three years, has been delegate to numerous county conventions, and assistant assessor for twelve years. During the Civil war he served in Company 1, 11th Pennsylvania Vol- unteers. He is a member of St. John's Church, at Sinking Spring, which his wife also attends, there being no. church of her faith, the Episcopal, in this district. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans are intelligent, refined people, and are not only well known in this district but have a large acquaintance in Reading. The Evans family has intermarried with other prom- inent and old established families of this section, where they have remained for nearly 17^ years, and its mem- bers are thus related to the Yosts, Gernands, Van Reeds, Joneses and Biedlers — all well known and of good standing. Mrs. Eve (Yost) Van Reed, mother of Anna Eliza- beth Van Reed, who married Philip' Thomas Evans, had three sisters and one brother, namely: Mrs. Ris- ser, Mrs. Abraham Gernard, Mrs. Hersh and Abra- ham Yost. Abraham Yost married a Hursh (or Hirsh), who died young, leaving six children: Two daughters mar- ried Mosers, two married Biedlers, one had her home with her sister Magdalena (Yost) Biedler, and one son married a Sidel. Mrs. Magdalena (Yost) Biedler lived to be nearly ninety years of age; her daughter Mary Ann married a Brobst. Thus it will be seen that Eve (Yost) Van Reed, grandmother of Charles Van Reed Evans, was a sis-: ter of Abraham Yost and of Mrs. Abraham Gernard, whose grandson, Abraham Gernard. married Emma Evans, daughter of John V. R. Evans and grand- daughter of Philip Thomas Evans. (3USTAVUS AUGUSTUS BEHNE, a distinguished artist, whose widow has made her home in her native city of Reading since his death, was himself well known there, both because of his own attainments and as a son of the beloved Dr. John Henry Behne. Dr. John Henry Behne was born in Nordhausen, Prus- sia, in the year 1800, and attended different German universities, graduating in medicine at Wiirzburg, Bavaria. Coming to America in 1840, he located in Reading the same year, and continued to practise his profes.sion there from that time until his death, Aug. 1, 1876. Dr. Behne began his medical career as an allopath in Nordhausen, Prussia. In studying the works of Hahnemann, the pio- neer of homeopathy, he changed to the new school. He met with opposition and this opposition was the cause of his coming to America. He settled in Reading and was one of the first practitioners of that school in the city. Dr. Behne was not only a skilled physician, but a cultured gentleman, and his fine personal appearance and courteous manners clothed gracefully a character fine and strong, which won him numerous friends aside from the profes- sional popularity he attained. He was particularly well liked among those of his own nationality, but the circle of his friendship and patronage was not by any means confined to the German residents of Reading, and he en- joyed an extensive practice, numbering among his regular patients many of the most influential and well-to-do fam- ilies of the city. People often came to him from diiTerent parts of the State for medical treatment. The Doctor be- came an enthusiastic American citizen, taking a deep and intelligent interest in the progress of his adopted country. He was an Odd Fellow, for many years an active member and secretary of Germania Lodge, No. 53. He was twice married, the first time in Germany, to the daughter of a Prussian officer, a lady of much ability. She died in Reading soon after they settled here, the mother of one child, Gustavus Augustus. Rather late in life the Doctor married for his second wife a Miss Zabel, of New York, and by that marriage ' there are two sons to continue the name, Albert and Paul Behne, who reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gustavus Augustus Behne was born in 1828 in Nord- hausen, Prussia. Like his father he was a man of fine personal appearance, and he was remarkably gifted in many ways, his natural endowments being supplemented by training in the best universities in Europe. His mind was highly cultivated, and he was a fine linguist and talented musician. But his artistic nature showed itself most strongly in his painting, and he was thor- oughly prepared for his artistic career in the Dusseldorf school, and later in the Munich galleries. He took a special course in portrait painting .under Sully at Phila- delphia. In 1856 Mr. Behne married Julia Mayer Kfeim, who was born in Reading, daughter of Gen. George May, and Julia C. (Mayer) Keim. She was thoroughly educated in the Reading Academy, which was located on the present site of the Girls' high school, and was also taught by a private tutor at Philadelphia, while her -father was officiating there as United States marshal for the Eastern district of Pennsylvania. In 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Behne went to Texas, Mr. Behne having received a commission to paint the portrait of General Sam Hous- ton, for which the State paid him $1,200 in gold. They spent some time there, Mr. Behne painting afterward the portraits of Governor Burnett and other distinguished men. On account of the Rebellion they went to Havana, remaining there until 1867, when they went to Munich. While there Mr. Behne produced a number of superior paintings, for which he received high praise from German critics, and Mrs. Behne took up the study of foreign languages and music, becoming proficient in Continental literature, and learning to speak fluently the German, French, Spanish and Italian tongues. She gave special at- tention to music, both vocal and instrumental, m which line her accomplishments are particularly noteworthy, a source of the deepest pleasure to herself and her friends through many years. Mr. and Mrs. Bel^ne remained abroad until 1874, wh^n they returned to Reading because of Mr. Behne's illness, staying there until his death in 1876. In that same year, while at Bar Harbor, Maine, where they went to procure marine views (for which he had orders), Mr. Behne fell from the rocks and injured his back so se- verely that he never recovered from the effects of the accident. He was obliged to abandon all idea of carry- ing on his work there, and he and his wife returned to io £ i" m/A^-^s S Src //]'" BIOGRAPHICAL 713 'Germany, and made their home in the village of Fursten- feld Bruck, near Munich, where Mr. Behtie was finally released from suffering in 1895. He was the last of his family for a long time, until his father's second marriage. Mrs. Behne took up her residence at Reading after her husband's death, and has been residing there ever since. From her girlhood she has been a member of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church. Having always appreciated history and literature, she quite naturally became inter- ested in the welfare of the Reading Free Library and the Berks County Historical Society, and besides giving them financial assistance, presented to each of these worthy institutions a number of her husband's valuable paintings, which are highly prized for their artistic merit. Many of his productions have an honored place in Read- ing homes. EDWIN ADDAMS QUIER has pas'sed practically all his life in Reading, where he was born Aug. 14, 1869, son of Levi and Emma (Addams) Quier. Levi Quier has been a prominent business man in .Reading for many years. Born at Rittersville, in Lehigh county, Pa., March 11, 1835, he was there educated in the public schools, and upon the opening of his active years learned the business of construct- ing blast furnaces for the manufacture of iron, under his uncles, Isaac and Samuel McHose, who were well known furnace builders of Lehigh county. After that experience he served for five years as bookkeeper and paymaster for the Allentown Iron Company, and then from 1859 to 1861 was engaged in the construc- tion of blast furnaces, one of them being at Rich- mond, Va. Meantime his patriotism had become aroused by the stirring events of the Civil war period, and in the latter part of 1863 he assisted in organ- izing a company at Allentown for the Union service — Company K, 54th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was commissioned first lieutenant, and served with that rank until January, 1864, when he was appointed quartermaster of the regiment, continuing in that position until he received his honorable discharge from the service, in September, 1864. By. special de- tachment he served as recruiting officer at different places, and later as quartermaster on the staff of Gen. j. M. Campbell, participating especially in the campaigns in the Shenandoah valley. At the conclusion of his military service Mr. Quier locate'd at Reading, where he became interested in the manufacture of fire brick, securing an interest in the firm of McHose & Thompson, of which his uncle, Isaac McHose, was the senior partner. This was in the year 1865, and throughout the forty and more years intervening since that time he has continued his connection with the v^orks, which during all this time have been under his direct management, and of which he is now practically the sole owner. In 1868 Mr. Quier married Emma Addams, daughter of Reuben E. Addams, of Reading, formerly of On- telaunee township, Berks county, and to them has been born one son, Edwin Addams. Mr. and Mrs. Quier were members of tlje First Reformed Church of Read- ing until the organization of St. Paul's Memorial Re- formed Church, in 1872, when they withdrew from their original connection to assist in the establish- ment of the new congregation, of which they have since been active members. He was one of the build- ing committee of the church, serving as secretary of that body, and he and his uncle, Isaac McHose,^ are now the only surviving members of that committee. For over twelve years following the organization of the congregation, Mr. Quier officiated- as deacon and trustee. Though he is best known in business circles as a manufacturer of fire brick, Mr. Quier has been iden- tified with the management of the National Union Bank for twenty years, during which time he has served as a member of the board of directors; he co-operated with other enterprising capitalists of Reading in estab- lishing the electric light and power plant, and the steam heat plant, for supplying the community with light, power and heat— all of which projects have been very successful, demonstrating their utility so that they have been highly appreciated in the community. Mr. Quier has always been a public-spirited man, and he represented the First ward as one of the Republi- can school controllers in the board of controllers from 1878 to 1882. Edwin Addams Quier received his early education in the Reading public schools, graduating from the high school in 1885. He then entered Lehigh Uni- versity, graduating from that institution in 1891, after a course in analytical chemistry. Upon his return to Reading, after graduation, he secured an interest in the Reading Fire Brick Works, with which his father has so long been connecte'd, and he has since been identified with that important industrial concern. He has served as secretary and later as treasurer, and has proved himself a success in business as well as in professional work. In 1895, Mr. Quier was married to Helen Hawley, daughter of Jesse G. and Kate (Ritter) Hawley, and they have had three children: Hawley, Catherine and Edith. Mr. Quier is a member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church, and his wife is connected with Christ P. E. Church. Upon the death of Mr. Jesse G. Hawley, who was the owner of the Reading Eagle, the leading newspaper publication of Reading, the Reading Eagle Company was incorporated, and Mr. Quier was chosen vice- president, in which capacity he has since assisted in the management of the publication. TOBIAS K. SHENK, a prosperous business man of Rea'ding, Pa!, who is proprietor of Shenk's Carriage and Wagon Works, Nos. 1137-1149 Moss street, was born in Dauphin county. Pa., son of Peter and Sarah (Kreider) Shenk. Peter Shenk, who was for many years engaged in farming and carpentering, during which time he gained an honestly earned reputation as a skilled mechanic and practical farmer, is now living retired in Le- banon county. Pa., where for some years he served as school 'director, a position to which he was elected on the Republican ticket. He and his wife are mem- bers of the United Christian Church. They have had six children, three of whom survive, namely: Mary, m. to Harry Hocker, of Hockersville, Dauphin county; Sarah, m. to Isaac Imiboden, oi Cleona, Lebanon coun- ty; and Tobias K. Tobias K. Shenk was four years of age when his parents removed to Lebanon county, where he re- mained on the home farm until twenty-two years of age. He was then married to Miss Emma Longeneck- er, daughter of Benjamin and Anna Longenecker, of Dauphin county. He engaged in farming until the age of thirty years, when he came to Reading, and carried on contracting until 1903. In that year he began the manufacture and general repair of wagons, and the steady increase of his business has demanded more floor space and machinery until he now has one of the best equipped plants in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Shenk are the parents of five children: Clayton, Viola, Raymond, Harry and Mary. In re- ligious belief the family are connected with the Evan- gelical Church. Mr. Shenk is a Republican in politics. ROBERT P. R. HUYETT, M. D.. one of the lead- ing medical practitioners of Reading, Pa., whose of- fices are situated on North Tenth street, has been engaged in practice in this city since 1893. Dr. Huyett was born in 1854, in Cumru township, Berks county son of Joseph G. and Mary A. (Pennypacker) Huyett' Isaac Huyett, grandfather of Dr. Robert P. R., was a farmer and cattle dealer in Cumru township, carrying on extensive operations for many years, and becom- ing known as a substantial business man and in- fluential citizen. He married a Miss Gaul, by whom 714 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA he had these children: Isaac; Joseph G. • Mary Ann, m. (first) to Christian Gaul, and (second) to Henry Het- tinger; Kate, m. to James' Pennypacker; Elizabeth, m. to Samuel Reifsnyder; and Sarah, m. to Henry Close. In religious belief the family were Lutherans, in the faith of which church Mr. Huyett died aboi.it 1867, at the age of sixty-one years. His wife died in 1864. Joseph G. Huyett in his young manhood assiste'd his father in the cattle business, and later engaged therein on his own account, also operating a farm and mill, to the latter of which he gave his entire attention in later life. About twelve years prior to his death, in 1900, he removed to Chester county. His wife, Mary A. Pennypacker, who survives him, resides in Wilming- ton, Del., with her daughter. Four children were born to Joseph G. Huyett and wife, as follows: Dr. Robert P. R. ; Isaac W., deceased ; Joseph and Cora A., m.. to A. Ladd, of Wilmington, Del. The family are Luth- erans in religious belief. Robert P. R. Huyett received his preliminary educa- tion in the schools of Berks county, the Reading Academy, and Prof. Farr's Commercial Business Col- lege, and read medicine under Dr. Christian Hoflfman of Sinking Spring, and with Drs. Schomaker and Pan- coast, then entering Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1879. After taking a post- graduate course in Philadelphia, Dr. Huyett located at Temple, where he remained in practice for eighteen years, an'd in 1893 came to Reading, where he has since continued in his profession. Dr. Huyett married (first) Mary A. Brown, a native of Robeson township, who died in 1892. He m. (sec- ond) Ida (Grush) Michael. Dr. Huyett is a member of the P. O. S. of A., of the Commandery of that order, and of the Knights of the Maccabees. WILLIAM SHOEMAKER MOHR, a highly es- teemed resident of Reading, Pa., and former cashier of the Citizens' Bank thereof, was born at Mohrsville, Berks Co., Pa., June 28, 1844, son of Charles H. Molir. The town of Mohrsville was founded by the great- grandfather of William S. Mohr, who cartie from Ger- many and settled in Berks county. His son, Jacob, was born at Mohrsville, and was widely known as the tavern-keeper there. Charles H. Mohr, father of William S., was also born at Mohrsville, and when a young man learned the tanning trade, later engaging in that business at his native place. However, he finally disposed of his tanyard and engaged in the lumber business, in which he continued until his death, in 1867, aged fifty- three years. He married Sophia Kerchner Shoemaker, born in 1820, who is stiU living and spends her sum^ mers at her country home at Mohrsville, and her winters with her 'daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Addams, at Reading. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Mohr were : Mrs. Addams, whose son, Charles P., is in the office of the attorney general at Harrisburg; William Shoemaker; and Charles Shoemaker, now de- ceased. William Shoemaker Mohr attended the public schools of Mohrsville, and came to Reading in 1863, engaging with the Phila'delphia & Reading Railroad Company as an apprentice to the machinist's trade. After serving his time he was employed in the paymaster's office until 1887 as assistant paymaster, and in April of the year following he was one of the original organizers of the Citizens' Bank, which was opened May 10, 1888, with these officers: George D. Stitzel, president; Jerome L. Boyer, vice-president; and William S. Mohr, cashier. This organization, which was capitalized at 125,000, merged with the Second National Bank of Reading Feb. 8, 1903. Since that time Mr. Mohr has retired from active business, living at his home at No, 203 North Sixth street. Mr. Mohr was married Jan. 23, 1873, to Miss Cather- ine Stitzel, daughter of the late George D. Stitzel, who died in 1905. Mrs. Mohr passed away Dec. 34, 1877. The only son of this union died when three weeks old. In politics Mr. Mohr is a Republican. He has served as secretary of the Tax Payers' League since its organization in August, 1905. He is a mem- ber of Trinity Church, and is treasurer thereof. DR. ALLEN J. FINK, formerly a druggist at Ham- burg, Pa., and a very highly esteemed citizen of that borough, was born in Hamburg, Berks county, Nov. 13, 1860, son of Davi'd H. and Jane E. (Gift) Fink, and grandson of Peter Finck. Peter Finck was born in Greenwich township in 1783, and carried on farming near Virginville until his decease in 1853. He married Magdalena Heflner, born 1790, died 1852, daughter of George and Mary Heflner. They had nine children: Kate, Mary. Ann, Betsey, Abraham, Malara, Joel, Harriet and David H. David H. Fink was born in Perry township in 1833, and there carried on farming for a number of years, later removing to Hamburg, where he was engaged in the hotel business in the "American House" for thirty- five years. After living retired for several years he died in 1893, at the age of sixty years. He was mar- ried to Jane E. Gift, daughter of William Gift, and their only child was Dr. Allen J. Dr. Allen J. Fink fitted himself to become a compe- tent pharmacist by studying and practising in the. drug store of Dr. J. H. Stein, at Reading, for two years, and taking a course of lectures in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1888. He located in Hamburg in 1887, for the purpose of carrying on the drug business and manu- facturing specialties, and he conducted his store in a very successful manner. In 1895 Dr. Fink associated with Thomas Raubenhol'd and Solomon K. Hoffman, Esq., for the manufacture of underv/ear at Hamburg. For this enterprise they erected a two-story br'ck building, and they have carried on the business ever since, trading under the name of the Hamburg Knit- ting Mills. In 1906, Dr. Fink gave up the drug busi- ness and has since devoted himself wholly to his in- terests in the mills. In 1903, Dr. Fink was selected by the citizens of the place as one of the building committee of the new Public Library, this being erected and opened to the public in 1904. At the expiration of the Doctor's term he was re-elected. When St. John's Lutheran Church was rebuilt, in 1898, after its complete destruction by fire. Dr. Fink presented in the name of himself and wife a solid brass lectern, and also one of the three large windows in the west end of the building, both of which present a magnificent appearance, and are highly appreciated. Dr. Fink married Amy Withers, daughter of George and Joanna (Kalbach) Withers, and they have one child, a son, Langhorn. MOYER. Few families of Heidelberg township can trace more clearly an old and honorable ancestry than that of Moyer, reaching away back to the days of re- ligious persecution in 1708. The Moyer (Meyer or Mayer) family was one of the many German Palatinate families of immigrants who in 1708 and 1709 went to England, whence 4,000 persons were given transporta- tion, by Queen Anne, to New York, where they landed Dec. 25, 1709,. and June 14, 1710. On the passage and immediately after landing 1.700 of these immigrants died. The survivors camped iri tents which they had brought with them, on Governor's Island, and here they remained until autumn, when about 1,400 removed to Livingston Manor, 100 miles up the Hiidson river. Being unjustly oppressed by Governor Hunter, and seeing famine and starvation staring them in the face, 150 settlers went to the Schoharie valley, some sixty miles northwest of Livingston Manor, whither they traveled through three feet of snow, in the unbroken woods, hauling their baggage on rudely made sleds. At Schoharie they improved the lands which had been BIOGRAPHICAL 715 granted them by Queen Anne, but about ten years later, owing to a defect in their titles, they were de- prived of the property which they had labored so hard to acquire. Having heard of the just and liberal treatment given to settlers in the Province of Pennsylvania, thirty- three families removed thereto in the spring of 1723, and settled iii the "Tulpahaca," which was at that time the furthest inhabited part of the province, northwest from Philadelphia. In subsequent years more than 100 other families followed them and settled in the north- western part of Berks county, and among these were the Moyers, or Meyers. In 1759, when the first federal tax was levied in Berks county, the following Meyers were taxables of Tulpehocken township, and paid their tax- as follows: Rudolph Meyer, twelve pounds; John Meyer, eight pounds, and Philip Meyer, three pounds. In Heidelberg township was_ one John Moyer, who paid ten pounds tax that year.' It is a family tradition that the ancestor of this particular branch of the fam- ily was John or Johannes Meyer, and that he had seven children. In the courthouse is his will, which was probated Dec. 38, 1765. the year of his death, he being then a resident of Tulpehocken township. The executors of his estate were his two sons, George and Henry, and in it were the following provisions: George was to receive the homestead of 120 acres, and the "still," and was to pay his brothers and sisters 200 pounds; Henry was given the mill and house and 128 acres of land. The other children were: Anna Bar- bara, m. to George Wolff; Eva Catherine, m. to a Stet- tler; Gideon; Catherine, m. to a Deissinger; and Valen- tine. By the testator, his "beloved son-in-law, George Wolff," was made guardian over the children of Cath- erine Deissinger and Valentine Moyer. George Moyer, the great-grandfather of John E., and Mahlon A., of Heidelberg township, was born in Tulpehocken township, Berks county, and was buried at Host Church. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned the property now in the possession of Peter Moyer, Sr., a grandson. His children were: John; Michael, Peter, Heinrich, Jacob, Daniel, Mrs. John Holtzman and Mrs. John Bomberger. Daniel Moyer, son of George, was born Dec. 2, 1782, and died March 18, 1850. He was a farmer of Heidelberg township, where he had a ninety-five acre property and he and his wife are buried at the Corner Church, of which they were members. Mr. Moyer m. Susan Belleman, born Oct. 5, 1781, who died Dec. 7, 1853, and to them were born eight children, as follows: John; Mrs. Daniel Miller; Mrs. George Moy- er; Daniel; Elizabeth and Catherine, who died unmar- ried; Isaac; and Susan, m. to George Fornwald. Daniel Moyer, son of Daniel, was born Nov. 3, 1814, in Heidelberg township, and died Jan. 7, 1881. He was a lifelong farmer, owning and operating a tract of eighty-two acres. He was a prominent Democrat, holding the offices of school director, supervisor and delegate to many county conventions. ' He and his wife are buried at Corner Church, of which they were members. Mr. Moyer married Catherine Ernst, born Aug. 19, 1815, who died in April, 1891. To. this union were born thirteen children, namely: Adam, born March 28; 1838; Emanuel. Jan. 17, 1^40; Sarah, July 21, 1841; Amelia. March 18. 1843; John E.; Jeremiah, Nov. 3. 1846; Amanda S., Nov. 17, 1848; Daniel J., June 22, 1850; Isabella C, Dec. 15, 1851; Aaron W., Feb. 18, 1853; Mahlon A.; Albert H., April 16. 1857, and Julius J., Sept. 26, 1860. John E. Moyer was born April 19, 1845, in Heid- elberg township, where he received limited educational advantages, attending school about two or three months a year, I the length of the school term at that time. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and until seven- teen years of age worked on the home farm. On Sept. 6, 1862, Mr. Moyer enlisted in Company H, 55th Pa. V. I., to serve three years; was promoted June 3, 1864, to corporal for gallant conduct at Cold Har- bor, and to sergeant Aug. 6, 1864, for rolling a shell out of a trenc"h where his company was lying, thus sav- ing the lives of many of his comrades. He served m some of the fiercest engagements of the war, and was honorably discharged- June 11, 1865, with a gallant rec- ord. On his return from his country's service, Mr. Moyer resumed his labors upon the farm for one year, and then was employed with a railroad repair crew for a like period. For another year he worked on a farm in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, to which he returned for a short time after a tour of the Western States. In 1869, Mr. Moyer r turned to the parental roof, where he continued to work until his marriage, when he began housekeeping at the Robesonia furnace, where he remained five years, his time being spent in earnest, hard labor. For the next nine years he operated his father's homestead, after which he removed to a 200- acre farm in Marion township, Berks county, but after three years removed to the Dr. L. A. Livingood farm of 165 acres, which he conducted for five years. For eight years Mr. Moyer successfully farmed the Jacob Lauck 145-acre farm in Heidelberg township, and in 1901 he purchased the Savage farm in Lower Heidel- berg township, a tract of 204 acres, which he culti- vated for two years and subsequently- retired, at which time he erected a fine frame residence on Main Street, Robesonia. He was also the owner of a farm of ninety- nine acres in North Heidelberg township, which he traded for the property at No. 236 South 'fhird street, Reading, on which is located a three-story brick house of fourteen rooms. In politics Mr. Moyer is a strong Democrat. He has been a delegate to numerous congressional and judicial conventions, and has never known defeat. He has been school director in Marion township for three years and a like period in Heidelberg township, where he has also been supervisor. In the spring of 1907 he was appointed State health officer. No. 226, of Heidel- berg, North Heidelberg and Marion townships. Mr. Moyer is a popular comrade of G. A. R. Post No. 471, Myerstown. He and his family attend St. Daniel's (Corner) Church, of the Lutheran denomination, of which he was a deacon, elder and trustee for five years. In 1871 Mr. Moyer was married. to Amanda Ruth, daughter of Francis Ruth, and to them twelve children have been born: Wilson, Maggie, Minnie, John, Allen, Ezra, Irwin, Harry, Samuel (who lives in Valparaiso, Ind.), Susan, Mae and Sarah. Mahlon A. Moyer, junior member of the mer- cantile firrn of Gerhard & Moyer, of Robesonia. was born Oct. 3, 1856, in Robesonia, was educated in the common schools of Heidelberg township, later attend- ed Womelsdorf Academy with such schoolmates as M. A. Gruber,H. P. Keiser, Dr. H. F. Livingood, John Filbert and Morgan B. Klopp, and subsequently at- tended the Millersville State Normal School for four terms. For the five succeeding terms, Mr. Moyer taught school in Heidelberg township, and for two terms in Lancaster county. He was a transcribing clerk for three years in the office of the recorder of deeds, under Isaac M. Bechtel, and in 1886, during President Cleveland's first administration, he was ap- pointed a storekeeper and gauger for Berks county, an office which he held for four years. Mr. Moyer then removed to Mount Aetna, where he and Mr. Nathaniel Kalbach purchased, the Hunsinger farm, on which was an old established distillery, and they conducted both enterprises for two years together, when Mr. Moyer sold his interests to his partner and purchased the stand of H. W. Filbert, of Robesonia, which place he conducted eight years. Because of deaths in the fam- ily, Mr. Moyer sold out, and in 1904 purchased the interest of Henry R. Miller in the firm of Miller & Gerhard, and has since been associated with this com- pany, which has become Gerhard & Moyer. In politics Mr. Moyer is a Democrat, and has been active in the success of his party in this section. He is a charter member of Mt. Penn Castle, No. 51, K. G. E., of Reading, which was organized in 1884. He is a 716 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA meiTiber of St. Daniel's (Corner) Evangelical Lutheran Church, of near Robesonia, as was also his wife. In 1888. Mr. Meyer married Ella H. Noecker, born May 6, 1868, who died June 30, 1899, daughter of Israel Noecker. a merchant of Millersburg, Pa. The only child of this union, Edgar M., died m mfancy. CAPT. JOHN A. HIESTER, of Reading, enjoys the distinction of being the only boat-builder on the Schuylkill canal. He has been running excursion boats since 1869. at present owning the two pleasure steam- ers "Rosie" and "Carrie." and he has been reguglarly in the employ of the Schuylkill Navigation Company since 1869. He had previously been engaged on work for that company from 1864, working with his father until the latter's death. The business interests of father and son have been closely associated with the history of the canal and navigation company. Captain Hiester was born in Berks county in 1844, and he has lived in Reading since he was six months old, his parents, William and Elizabeth (Adams) Hiester, having moved hither at this time. His moth- er was. a daughter of Isaac Adams, who owned an oil mill on the Tulpehocken creek. William Hiester was engaged as a boat-builder in the early days of the Schuylkill canal and did work for the Schuylkill Navi- gation Company for many years, carrying on an in- dependent business. He built craft for boatmen as far north as Troy, N. Y., and was considered one of the most reliable boatbuilders in this part of the coun- try. One of his masterpieces was the famous "Regu- lator," which he. built for the Philadelphia & Reading Company, and he constructed a number of pleasure boats which gave him a reputation along the Schuyl- kill. He was the first owner of a steamboat on that river, the "J. L. Stichter," which plied between Read- ing and High's Woods. Mr. Hiester was killed in 1878, and was survived by his wife and two children. Three children were born to them: John A.; Julia, who died aged thirteen years;' and Sarah, unmarried, who makes her home with her brother. The father was a member of the Reformed Church, a Republican in politics, and a Mason and Odd Fellow in fraternal connection. John A. Hiester was educated in the common schools of Reading, and early began to learn boatbuilding under his father, who trained him thoroughly in his life work. In 1864 he began work for the Schuylkill Navigation Company, and regularly entered the em- ploy of that Company in 1869, and he has built and repaired many canal boats during his long career in this line, often handling as many as five hundred boats in one season. The first boat owned by the Captain was the "J. L. Stichter," formerly owned by his father, which he rebuilt and renamed the "Escort;" her length was 55 feet, beam 14 feet, 4 inches; his next boat, the "Gazelle," -also built by his father, was 65 feet long, 14 feet, 4 inches across the beam; later he owned the "Pearl," 62 feet long, beam 14 feet, 4 inches; all these boats drew 34 feet of water. Captain Hiester built the "Valley Forge" (for a Mr. Shaw of Valley Forge), length 65 feet, beam 13 feet, draw Si feet; the "Atlantic," length 65 feet, beam 14 feet. 4 inches, draw 3J feet; the "Martha- Washington" (for Caleb, Ruth and Robert Hanna, of Conshohocken), length 65 feet, beam 14 feet, 4 inches, draw 3i feet; the "GoMen Eagle," length 73 feet, beam 16 feet, 10 inches, draw H feet; the "Mayflower," length 26 feet, beam 7 feet, draw 24 feet; and the "Iowa," length 47 feet, beam 10 feet, draw 4 feet. Since 1903 the Caotain has limited his operations to the repairing of canal boats for the Schuylkill Navigation Company. Captain Hiester has a reputation on the river and canal which for many years has insured him steady and remunera- tive patronage. Having followed his work from boy- hood he is familiar with all its phases, ready for any emergency, and always the capable and reliable work- man, able to do any of the varied tasks which are in the course of his work. He is well known in Reading, where he affiliates with the Masons and Odd Fellows, belonging to Chandler Lodge, No. 227; Excelsior Chap- ter. R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T.; and Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F. He is a Republican in political opinion. In 1863 Captain Hiester married Elizabeth Wagner, daughter of Valentine and Rebecca (McKinney) Wag- ner, and to them have been born ten children, seven sons and three daughters: William Henry Wagner, who is a boatbuilder and framer, working with his father; Charles Franklin, a boatbuilder in the employ of the Schuylkill Navigation Company; George Washington and Jonathan G. G., both of whom are boatbuilders; Julia M., who' married Philip Tumney (both are- de- ceased); John Harrison, a boatbuilder; Carrie, wife of Irvin Peacock; James A. Garfield; Albert Arthur; and Rosa, married to Harry Markley. All of this family are members of the Reformed Church. MAHLON KLINE, of Reading, residing in the Roll- ing Mill mansion on the Kutztown road, has for many years been prominently identified with the business and public interests of this city. Mr. Kline was born June 10, 1836, in Reading, son of John R. and Caroline (Homan) Kline. John R. Kline, father of Mahlon, was born Jan. 17, 1809, in Exeter township, Berks county, and died Dec. 14, 1870. For a number of years he was a boat builder in Reading, and the foreman of a large num- ber of men, but in his later years carried on a success- ful grocery business at Seventh and Bingaman streets. He also engaged in the manufacture of bricks on North Ninth street and also where Rick's foundry is now lo- cated, and furnished the brick for the building of the Reading Cotton Mills. Mr. Kline was a member of the First Reformed Church, and is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. He was twice married, his first wife being Caroline Homan, by whom he had two children: Mahlon and Amos, the latter of whom died when four months old. His second marriage was to Hester Lutz, and by this union had one son, William, a cabinet maker of Reading, who has two sons, William and Harry, both of whom are successful business men of Reading. Mahlon Kline attended the public schools of his native city, Captain Bacheler's military school and the city night sqhool, afterward learning draughting under Lewis' Kirk. He served his apprenticeship under James Noble & Sons, now of Alabama. During the 'fifties, James Noble & Sons removed to Rome, Ga., where they built the first locomotive for the State Road, south of the Mason and Dixon line. This en- gine was on exhibition at the Atlanta, Ga., Fair, where J. Glancy Jones delivered the address for the occasion. Mr. Kline learned the general machine business from James Noble & Sons, and was in that firm's employ for six years, three of which he spent in the South. During the Civil war_ Mr. Kline was employed at the Scott works in Reading, working on army and navy guns, shot and shell, this work all being done for the Government. He was in the service of the Reading Iron Company liSrig before the establishment of the present company, which was sold by the sheriflf many times. Since the Centennial this company has been under the direction of F. C. Smink, the present presi- dent, who has kept the enterprise on a paying basis. Mr. Kline's principal work all of his life has been that of a machinist, and for fifteen years he was in charge of the old forge, a part of the Reading Iron Company. He has lived retired since 1901, and lives in the Rolling Mill mansion of the Reading fron Com- pany, on the Kutztown road, still in the city limits. Mr. Kline has been a life-long Democrat, and on October 11, 1870, he was elected a select councilman from the Ninth ward, an office in which he served for six years. He has been very influential in public mat- BIOGRAPHICAL 717 ters, and has held various ward offices. He is a mem- ber of the First Reforined Church of Reading, and" has a certificate stating that he was a member of the First German Reformed Sunday-School of the borough of Reading, signed by his Sunday-school teacher, J. Ermentraut and the Sunday-school superintendent, C. Steiner. This was presented to him when he was but eight years old, and he prizes it very highly. Mr. Kline was a deacon of the church. In 1858, Mahlon Kline married Emma Kunsman, born Aug. 23, 1841, daughter of Jacob and Rosa (Homan) Kunsman, and to this union were born nine children, of whom seven survive, as follows: Carrie, m. to Frank Mayer, of Temple, Pa.; John, a skilled machin- ist of Philadelphia; Martha, who is single and lives at home, making life pleasant for her parents; Annie, m. to Samuel J. Geissler, of Reading; Emma, m. to Ralph Kat- erman, a resident of Birdsboro, Pa.; Daniel, who lives in Reading; and Howard, a machinist, who resides at Alliance, Ohio. ZERBE— ZERBY (also Zerve, Zerwe and Zerben). The Zerbe family of Berks was very early settled in America. The original home of the family was in France, but owing to their steadfast loyalty to their religious' faith they were obliged to find homes else- where, that they might worship as they thought right. On their first coming to the New World they settled in New York State, in the Schoharie Valley and a little farther south at Livingston Manor, from which places they -followed the migratory tide into the fer- tile valley of the Tulpehocken. Rupp in his "30,000 Names of Immigrants," shows a Lorenz Zerbe who came from Schoharie to Tulpehocken in 1723, and in addition to Lorenz mentions a John Philip Zerbe and a Martin Zerbe among those above twenty-one years of age, who passed the winter of 1710 and summer of 1711 in Livingston Manor, N. Y., and who may have come to Tulpehocken at a later period. The name of John or Johan has been a favorite one in the family, as appears from the tax lists and vital statistics. John Zerbe, born in North Heidelberg township June 30, 1799, died in Reading in 1874, and is buried at Little Tulpehocken church. He was a tailor by trade, working at that occupation in different parts of the county, and for some years he also engaged in farming. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of St. Daniel's Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Keller, died in Penn township in 1871, aged sixty-three years. She was a daughter of John Keller. Their children were: Elias, born Aug. 4, 1832, died March 25, 1906; Rebecca m. John Wagner, and both are deceased; Catharine m. Jeremiah Oaks, and both are deceased; Urias is mentioned below; William K., born Nov. 13, 1837,, in North Heidelberg, enlisted Sept. 2, 1863, in Company G, 151st Pa. V. I., served ten months, and now resides in Reading, unmarried;^ Sarah m. Jonathan Frymoyer, deceased, and she resides in Reading; Jonathan m. Clara Moll, and died in Reading leaving no children; and six children died young. Elias Zerbe, son of John, born Aug 4, 1833, was a resident of North Heidelberg for a number of years, and in 1870 came to Reading where he followed the carpenter's trade until within a few years of his death, March 25, 1906. Both he and his w Reading, and was well known there, a cabinet maker by trade. His father bought property at No. 627-629 Penn street, where most of the family reside, from the Penns, and the old house is one of the landmarks of the city. Daniel Spang died when only forty-eight years of age, but his wife lived to be seventy-eight. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, widow of H. D. Van Horn, a wholesale shoe dealer in Philadelphia, who now makes her home in the old family place on Penn street; Mary, deceased; H. W., engaged in the electrical business in New York City; Robert W.; Emma, Mrs. Holtman; Daniel, Jr., who died March 18, 1907; Sallie, also at the old home; and Isaac, formerly cashier of the Reading National Bank, who married Miss Emma Hendel. Daniel Spang was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a Republi- can in politics, and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him. Robert W. Spang was sent to the public schools, but he was of an active, adventurous temperament, and when only fourteen years of age ran away from home and enlisted in Company B, 93d Pa. V. I., being mus- tered in at Camp Coleman, Lebanon county. When the war broke out in 1861, he was one of the first to enlist, and saw much active service as a private in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the battles of Yorktown, the Wilderness, Antietam and Spottsylvania. In time he was given 'a furlough and returned to his home once more. His mother refused to let him rejoin the army, as he was still so young, and he never re- ceived a formal discharge until during Grover Cleve- land's administration. On settling down again in Reading' Mr. Spang went into the Philadelphia and Reading shops, and learned the trade of a machinist, remaining in the employ of that road for eighteen years. The next eighteen were spent in the electrical business, in company with his brother, and during seven of those years he was in New York City. The last seven years he has been employed by the Carpenter Steel Company, at Reading. Mr. Spang married Miss Cordelia Filbert, whose great-uncle was the first mayor of Reading. They have one son, Charles R., a plumber by occupation. Mr. Spang is a Lutheran in his religious faith, but his wife and son are of the Reformed faith. He is a man well known in Reading and has many friends. One of his greatest pleasures is to recall from his present pleas- ant vantage ground, stories of the many hardships which he endured in the days of the war. EDWARD SCHULZE, present proprietor of the Elias Schulze & Son, the firm name under which the immense business of the Liberty Dye Works is carried on, at the corner of Mifflin and Chestnut streets, Read- ing, is the junior member of the firm. The business was established by his late father, at Philadelphia, in 1891, where it was conducted until 1897 when the plant was removed to Reading and located at No. 133 Pearl street. Two years later the firm purchased the old Henry Keeper tanning property, on which they built an up-to-date plant. The senior member of the firm died in October, 1903, since when Edward has con- ducted the business, retaining the old style. Elias Schulze was born in Saxony, Germany, and came to America iii 1881. His business had been learned and pursued in his native land, and he was an expert in his line. Edward Schulze, the present proprietor, was fifteen years of age when he came to America and has been familiar with the dye business since boyhood. For four years he was employed in a silk dye house in Philadelphia, and has had many years of valuable ex- perience. He does work for the leading firms of Read- ing and vicinity and also for several large Philadelphia firms. He employs from thirty-five to forty hands during the season, and his daily output is from six to" seven thousand pounds of dyed goods. The plant is 152 X }00 feet in dimensions, and is equipped with the most modern machinery known in the business. It is run by steam, and the dye works proper is a one-story building 40 x 152 feet, while the printing' department is a two-story and basement, 33 x 153. Mr. Schulze is very prominent in Masonry, a mem- ber of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M.; DeM'olay Commandery, K. T.; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. CORNELIUS T. ANDERSON, who was for many years a prominent manufacturer of jewelry in Reading, Pa., was born in 1851, in that city, and died June 38, 1901, in Redlands, Cal., son of David B. and Susan T. (Long) Anderson. David B. Anderson was born in Chester county, and came to Berks county when a boy, receiving his educa- tion in the schools of the latter county. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for some time, later engaging in the retail shoe business. This he carried on until his death, at the age of forty-four years. His wife, Susan T. Long, was a native of Lancaster county. Pa., and was the mother of two children: Cornelius T.; and Sylvanus, who was in the employ of the L. D. Anderson Jewelry Company. Cornelius T. Anderson was educated in the schools of Reading, Pa., and after completing his literary train- ing was employed as a clerk in a shoe store for a few years. He was then employed by his uncle, Fred Anderson, in the retail and wholesale shoe business as a traveling salesman, but later engaged in the manu- facture of jewelry in Reading, becoming quite pros- perous. Mr. Anderson then disposed of his business interests in Reading and removed to Redlands, Cal., where he had been living about five years at the time of his death. He was a man who made friends where- ever he traveled, and had a wide acquaintance in the business world, where he was highly esteemed for his honesty and integrity. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Royal Arcanum, and for seventeen years was recordine secretary of the Y. M. C. A. In politics he was independent. He was connected with St. Mat- thew's Lutheran Church, and was active in the work of that denomination. Mr. Anderson married, in 1876, Miss Margaret B. Wunder, daughter of Louis and Susan (Setley) Wunder, and three children were born to this union: Louis, engaged in the manufacture of jewelry in Reading; Ella; and Robert, at school. HENRY D. CHRIST, farmer, of Penn township, was born there Dec. 31, 1845, son of John and Elizabeth (Dundore) Christ, also natives of Penn township. . John Christ was born on the old Christ homestead, where he himself later engaged in farming, and where he died in 1887, aged seventy-eight years; his wife died in 1884, when seventy-three years old. They had nine children, namely: Jonathan, Harrison, Aaron, Henry D., James D., Levi, Louisa, Catherine and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Christ were members of the German Reform- ed Church. In politics he was a Democrat. Henry D. Christ attended pay school in his youth, and from the time he was able to do any work has been familiar with farming, which occupation he has always followed. He remained at home with his father until eighteen years old, when he went out West, living at Naperville, 111., thirty miles west of Chicago, where he was employed at farm work for two years. Returning home, he was with his father for another year, and afterhis marriage he engaged in farming on the Peter Phillips place in Centre township, Berks county, where he resided for two years. He has since lived on the 736 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA old homestead in Penn township, which he farmed for eight years before his father's death, buying the place in 1888. It contains 106 acres of good land, which he has been improving steadily ever since he took the management. The dwelling on this property is one of the landmarks of the vicinity, and is a fine stone house built over a hundred years ago. The farm has been in the possession of the family ever since it was owned by Johannes Christ, the great-grandfather of Henry D. Christ. It, is located one mile east of the borough of Bernville, and the land is fertile and valuable, with an unusually good water supply. lii 1871, Mr. Christ marri,ed Mary A. Phillips, daugh- ter of Henry Phillips, of Mohrsville, Pa., and they have two children, Helen and Rosa Jane, both of whom are with their parents. Mr. Christ has long been active in the educational affairs of the township, having served as school direc- tor for fifteen years and for ten years as treasurer of the school board. He is a Democrat in politics, and has done local work for the party, having been a mem- ber of the township election board. He is a member of St. Thomas' Reformed Church and has served as deacon and elder; when younger he was a regular at- tendant of the Sunday-school. CHARLES BRENEISER, Sr., manufacturer of cigars and tobacco at Reading for sixty years, was born at Reading March 34, 1828. He attended one of the first pub- lic schools opened at Reading in 1834, but he was not per- mitted to obtain more than a limited common education, because he was obliged to turn his attention, while still a boy, toward assisting in the support of the family. He first engaged as a helper in laying bricks and then grad- ually learned the trade, but after some years in this laborious employment he changed to cigar-making, and after serving a regular apprenticeship followed the trade until he was twenty years of age, when he engaged^ in- the business of cigar-making for himself. This was in 1847, and he continued at the business with increasing success in the vicinity of Seventh and Penn streets until his death, a period covering more than sixty years. At first he was in partnership with William Harman for several years. He engaged in the manufacture of cigars exclusively until 1861, and then became a manufacturer and dealer in smoking and chewing tobacco, both whole- sale and retail; and he ever afterward carried on the two together. As his sons grew to manhood they were led to learn and follow the same business, each being ad- mitted to partnership with him. In this way he had four sons associated in the firm (Thomas, Charles, Jr., Edgar and Milton), and trading under the name of Charles Breneiser & Sons. The two sons last named retired from the firm in 1898 to engage in the cigar and tobacco busi- ness, wholesale and retail, for themselves, and since then they have traded under the name of Breneiser Brothers, locating on the northeast corner of Eighth and Penn streets in April, 1907. The father's firm manufactures many superior and popular brands of cigars which have a large sale throughout the country. This firm has fitted up the most costly and attractive cigar stand in Reading. Mr. Breneiser, in connection with his increasing busi- ness and property interests, assisted in organizing the Union Bank in 1857, and the Reading Trust Company in 1886, and he served as a director of these two prom- inent institutions until his death. He represented the Southeast ward of Reading in the common branch of the city councils in 1863 and 1863 ; and the Eighth ward in the select branch from 1869 to 1873. He also assisted in organizing the Oley Turnpike Company in 1863, and the Maxatawny Mutual Fire & Storm Insurance Com- pany in 1893, serving as a director and also officiating as the president of each for many years. As a humanitarian Mr. Breneiser was prominently before the community for many years. Soon after the local board of public charities was established in 1874 he was selected by the State authorities as one of the three commissioners, and he filled the appointment until he died. His duties required him to visit the public in- stitutions of the county and to make report of their man- agement and condition to the State. He was one of tl^e first subscribers of the stock in the establishment of the Reading Library Company in 1868, and he always con- tinued to sh-ow a practical interest in the library. In 1897 he was one of a party of liberal citizens who raised a fund to extinguish the debt on the library building and make the institution free to the public. He was actively identified with the Reading Benevolent So- ciety from 1870, and with the Reading Relief Society and the Reading Hospital from their inception. He was one of the few public-spirited individuals of the Third and Eighth wards who took the first steps toward converting the open commons at the head of Penn street, arid along Perkiomen avenue to Hill road, from an of- fensive depository for all kinds of objectionable materials to an attractive park, by contributing annually toward the expenses for a number of years before 1887, when it came to be recognized as a park and a part of the park sys- tem of Reading. He was selected one of the board of trustees of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company in 1893, and served in that capacity until his death. In 1848 Mr. Breneiser married Mary Ann Neihart, daugh- ter of Jacob and Catherine (Goodman) Neihart, of Read- ing, and by her had twelve children : Emma m. George W. Dauth; Adaline m. Chester Grim; Thomas m. Mary F. Grotevant; Charles m. Fannie K. Spang; Edgar m. Sarah Lenhart; Robert Milton m. Eva Umble; Harry died in 1904, aged thirty-seven years ; five others died in infancy. The mother died in 1897. Mr. Breneiser died June 30, 1909. Emanuel Breneiser, the father of Charles Breneiser, Sr., was born in 1784, in Lancaster, Pa., and there learned the trade of saddler. Locating at Reading about the time he became of age, he carried on this business for about fifty years, and then lived in retirement until his death, in 1865r on. the- -day_-iee._surrfitidexed_to. Grant in the Civil war. He m. Christina Swartz, daughter of George Swartz, of Oley, who removed to Reading when a young man, and became the proprietor of a hotel on the northwest corner of Seventh and Penn streets, which he conducted for forty years. Emanuel Breneiser was the father of eleven chil- dren : Benneville m. Lovina Drenkel ; Charles is mentioned above; George was drowned while a youth driving a boat team on the Schuylkill canal; Sarah m. Samuel Derr; An- geline m. John Call; Catharine m. Peter B. Madeira; Emma m. Peter Eiler; Caroline m. Otto Mellert; three daughters died young. The mother died in 1849, aged fifty-six years. ' Valentine Breneiser, the grandfather, emigrated from Germany about 1730. He conducted an inn at Lancaster for a number of years and died there in 1786. In his last will he devises his property to his wife Salome, and nine sons. Christian, Valentine, Jacob, Simon, Benjamin, Joseph, John, George and Emanuel. Thomas Breneiser, eldest son of Charles Breneiser, Sr., was born at Reading Dec. 23, 1856. He received his pre- liininary education in the common schools, and after tak- ing a special course in a business college at Philadelphia entered his father's store as a clerk at the age of sixteen years. He showed great devotion to the business, and upon the day when he reached his majority his father formed a partnership with him as the junior partner, trad- ing under the name of Charles Breneiser & Son. When the second son became of age he too was included in the firm, the name being changed to Charles Breneiser & Sons; and so the firm name has continued until the present time. For the past ten years Thomas has had the practical man- agement of the business on account of the increasing age of the senior partner. The responsibilities of his position requiring all his time he could not take an active interest in political or social affairs; but Sunday-school work in Trinity Lutheran Church and afterward in Grace Lutheran Church received his active encouragement for many years. In 1878 Thomas Breneiser married Mary Fredericka Gro- tevant, daughter of Frederick J. and Rosa (Greiner) c^^^ '-z^ BIOGRAPHICAL 737 Grotevant, of Reading, and by her he has four children, Elizabeth Grotevant, Caroline Valeria, Amos Pfleger and Stanley Grotevant. His wife's father followed the busi- ness of practical jeweler at Sixth and Penn streets for a number of years, and then filled the position of locksmith for the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company, until his decease, in 1873. Her maternal grandfather. Christian Greiner, was a master stone-mason at Reading for many years, having had charge of the stone work in the con- struction of the court-house, which was finished in 1839. HENRY K. FURLOW, one of the most popular hotel men of Berks county, who is proprietor of the well known "Furlow (Eight Mile House) Hotel" in Brecknock township, the only public house in the town- ship, was born Nov. 30, 1857, in East Cocalico town- ship, Lancaster Co., Pa., son of Henry and Eliza (Kegerise) Furlow. Peter Furlow, grandfather of Henry K., lived in East Cocalico township, where he followed farming all of his life. He married a Waldschmidt, of German extraction, and they had these children: Polly, m. to John Mohn; Anna m. to Levi Trostle; Sallie, who died ' young; Susanna, who still lives in Lancaster county; Betzy, who died single; Henry and Samuel, who died young; John, who died aged eighty years; and Isaac, who died aged eighty-tour years. Henry Furlow, father of Henry K., was born Dec. 26, 1831, in East Cocalico township, and died June 1, 1869, being buried at the Swamp Church in Lancaster county. He had a tract of about twenty-five acres of land, from which he cut the timber, which he burned into charcoal and sold to the old furnaces of Berks county. In 1854 Mr. Furlow was married to Eliza Kegerise, born April 30, 1834, daughter of William Kegerise, and she is still surviving and has lived with her son Henry K. since 1880. To Henry Furlow and his wife were born these children: William, born in February, 1855, died in his second year; Henry K.; Sarah and Kate were twins, born in December, 1859, the former of whom married Samuel Fry, of Vera CrU'Z, Pa., and the latter Henry Whitmoyer of Ross- ville. Pa.; John, born Sept. 30, 1865, a farmer residing near Wernersville, Pa., married Lillie Dundore; and Frank, born Nov. 16, 1868, is foreman in a planing mill at Pottsville, having form'erly been in business with his brother. Henry K., at Denver, Pa. (m. Ida Kohl). Henry K. Furlow was reared upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age, when he engaged in the produce business in his native ^and surrounding townships, residing during this time in East Cocalico township. He had a large huckster route, over which he went once a week, handling upwards of 2,000 dozen of eggs and about 800 pounds of butter weekly. This produce he sold at the market and at private places in Reading, and during the time he continued in this business, from 1878 to 1890 he was very successful and made many friends. In 1885 Mr. Furlow and Jacob R. Kessler bought the well-known "Eight Mile Hotel" from William Ziemer, and this partnership continued for one year, when Mr. Furlow bought Mr. Kessler's interest, and has since been conducting the hostelry alone. He rebuilt the premises in 1904, making one of the finest stands in Berks county, outside of the city of Reading. The hotel is situated at the west end of Brecknock township, where four leading roads meet, and on an elevation which affords a beautiful view. The water is of the best and purest in the State, the table fare is excellent and the roonas are well furnished, comfortable and clean, there being six on the first floor, eleven including a bath on the second, and three on the third. Connected with the hotel is a tract of thirty- four acres of land, which Mr. Furlow cultivates, and he also has a fine orchard of fruit trees and a vineyard. He has a pear orchard of 350 trees which bear as many as 600 bushels yearly, the varieties being Kiefers, 47 Beauty Angelo, Berry Clargo. Clapps Favorite and the Sheldon. He has fifty cherry trees, among them the Richmond, Mount Moranga and Black Datanan, and 300 grape stalks, all Clinton, which promise well. The orchard covers about three acres. . . On May 3, 1889, Mr. Furlow married Lavmia Kramer, born Sept. 8, 1870, daughter of Samuel and Julian (Ziemer) Kramer, farming people of Breck- nock township, and to this union there have been born four children: Bessie, Elizabeth, John and Sam- uel. In politics Mr. Furlow is a Democrat, and for a period of twenty-one years, from 1885 until 1906, he was postmaster at Knauers. He aijd his wife are Re- formed members of Allegheny Union Church. Henry Kramer, Mrs. Furlow's grandfather, lived in Brecknock township, Berks county, and died aged about forty-eight. He married Elizabeth Fritz, and their children were: Susan Johnson, of Honeybrook; Kate Schaellkopf, of Reading; Eliza Ziemer, of Breck- nock; Lovesia Kachel, of Brecknock; Samuel Kramer; Isaac; Elias, of near Bowmansville, in Lancaster coun- ty, and Sarah Sparr, of Morgantown. Isaac Kramer, son of Henry, and uncle of Mrs. Fur- low, lives on iis father's farm, and also owns three or four other farms in that neighborhood. He married Elizabeth Hoshauer, and their children are: Amanda Stover, of Bowmansville; Mary Kern, of Brecknock; Emma Kieffer, of Morgantown; Sallie Snader, of Terre- hill; Cassie Kachel, of Allegheny ville; and Isaac, Jr., of Alleghenyville. Samuel Kramer, son of Henry and father of Mrs. Furlow, was born March 15, 1827, and died May 18, 1906. His wife Julian Ziemer was born July 29, 1833, and died April 1, 1901. Their children were: John, Albert, Harvey, Samuel, Peter, Sarah Schweitzer, Eliza- beth Kachel, Lavinia Furlow, Katie Hoyer and Henry. Henry, the last named, died unmarried at the age of forty-one. With his brother, Harvey, he was in the leaf tobacco business, and Harvey still continues in that line, also carrying on his father's farm (which he now owns) and raising fine crops of tobacco. HENRY A. BEADENCUP, who for ten years prior to his death, May 9, 1900, was engaged in farming at Birdsboro, Pa., was born in the city of Reading, Nov. 11, 1835, son of Henry A. and Sarah (Printz) Beaden- cup. Henry Beadencup was a puddler by trade, but in later life located on a farm in Robeson township, where he died in the faith of the Reformed Church. Henry A. Beadencup was reared in his native city. As a boy he had followed canal boat driving, later be- coming master of the boat. He then learned the pud- dling trade at Birdsboro, which he followed for a period of thirty-five years. In 1890 he relinquished his trade to give his attention to his farm in Birdsboro, where his death took place ten years later. He was a Repul)- lican in politics, and served efficiently as a member of the borough council, and was fraternally connected*with the I. O. O. F., Neversink Lodge; and Chandler Lodge of Masons, No. 327, of Reading. On May 9, 1857, Mr. Beadencup married Margaret Elizabeth Grant, daughter of George and Mary (Hess) Grant, who lived in Birdsboro from the time she was thirteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Beadencup had but one child, Sarah, who died when six years of age. Mrs. Beadencup was a faithful member of the Birds- boro Methodist Episcopal Church and was well known in church and charitable work. She died Nov. 21, 1908., at the age of sixty-eight years. Lewis Grant, Mrs. Beadencup's nephew, who con- ducted the farm after Mr. Beadencup's death, was born in May, 1865, in Birdsboro, son of John and Susan (Hartz) Grant, and was educated in Birdsboro. He was married in 1886, to Miss Ida Rimby, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Snyder) Rimiby, by whom he has had seven children: Nora, m. to Harry Seidel; Anna smgle; Margarett, m. to William Buchanan; Iva, single- Harry, Lewis and Catherine. ' 738 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA WALTER S. LOY, a prosperous farmer and justice of the peace of Perry township, was born Nov. 8, 1850, in Windsor township, near Windsor Castle, Berks county, son pf Joseph and Cathrine (Smith) Loy. The popular tradition that two brothers came from the Rhine Valley in Germany, is confirmed in this case by record, and tradition also has it that they were still single. On the same ship on which Matthias Loy emigrated in 1733 to the land of his adoption, was Anna Maria Ley (Loy), who is supposed to have been his sister, ond who was then twenty-four years old. The other brother's name was Hans Jurick (George) Ley, who was then, in 1733. recorded as twenty-eight years old. He settled in Windsor township, and owned the farm of 220 acres now in possession of Joseph L. Smith. His wife was Barbara Bossart, of Windsor township, and they had children: Susanna, m. to John George Focht, who purchased Mr. Loy's farm; Molly, who died single; Jacob, m. to a Miss Billig, and father of Leah, Charles and Nathan; Charles, m. to Deborah Leiby, and father of Catherine, Henry W. and Alfred W. (m. Esther' Anna Folk, and had two sons. Alfred B. and William D. F.). Matthias Loy, great-grandfather of Walter S., was the first of that name to settle in Albany township, locating in that district prior to the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer and owned the original homestead, which is now in the possession of Levi Sechler. As far as is known Mafchias Loy had two sons: Adam; and Michael, who had two sons, William and Phalon, who resides in Albany township. Michael owned and cultivated a farm of 1.54 acres, also in Albany township. Adam Loy was a weaver and farmer in Albany town- ship, owning the Loy homestead, on which he was born and reared, and on which he lived and died. Adam Loy an'd wife had twelve children, viz.: Samuel, Michael, George, Jacob, Jessee, Jeremiah, William, Mary, Susan, Adam, Elizabeth and Joseph. Joseph Loy, son of Adam, was born Oct. 25. 1828, in Albany township, Berks county, and came to Wind- sor township when sixteen years of age; here he ac- quired land and engaged in farming. He was also a wheelwright by trade and did much of this work for the farmers of his vicinity. Mr. Loy, who is well pre- served for a man of his years, resides with his son. He married Cathrine Smith, who died Dec. 29, 1905, in her eighty-first year, and to this union there was born but one child, Walter S. Walter S. Loy obtained his education in the public schools and at the Keystone State Normal School, teaching school in his native townshio from 1871 to 1874, but the following year engaged in wheelwright- ing, a trade which he learned from his father. He had a shop near Dreibelbis Station, which he conducted successfully for five years, then purchasing the 115- acre farm on which he now resides. This property he greatly improved, remodelling the barn and beautifying the entire premises, and after the destruction of his house by fire, he erected a handsome brick residence. He now has one of the finest places in the township, his farm being in good condition, fertile, well-managed and productive. Mr. Loy is a Democrat in politics. He is an active worker in the interests of his party, having served as delegate to a number of county con- ventions, as school director in Perry township, and in other minor offices. Li the spring of 1904, he was elected justice of the peace, in which capacity he has rendered valuable service to the community. Mr. Loy occupies a prominent position in his locality. He is a man of influence and means, is public-spirited, enter- prising, and a good citizen, and has won the friend- ship and esteem of a large number of acquaintances. On- Oct. 30, 1877, Mr. Loy married Hettie M. Kline, daughter of Charles A. and Caroline (Merkel) Kline, and to this union there have been born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: (l) Alice died in infancy; (3) Sylvester K., was educated in the local schools and the Keystone State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1898. He then taught school for two terms, after which he entered Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa., graduating in 1905, and he is now attending Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. (3) Carrie m. in June, 1906, Monroe B. Adam, an enterprising citizen and prominent business man of Virginville. Pa. They have one child, Esther Senora, born Dec. 16, 1907. (4) Joseph was educated in the public schools and is now attending the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pennsylvania. DAVID K. KAUFMAN. One of the old and hon- ored families of Berks county. Pa., is that of Kaufman, which has a worthy representative in Reading in David K. Kaufman, now living retired after a busy and suc- cessful career. The Katifman family" was founded in America by two brothers, Jacob and Samuel Kaufman, who emigrated from Switzerland to America in 1770, the former sett'ing in the Oley Valley and the latter, the great-grandfather of David K., in Maiden Creek, where he became a very prosperous farmer and stock dealer and a man well and favorably known in his vicinity. The name of his wife is not known, but it is known that their son, Samuel, married Catherine Berndt and had a large family, among whom were: John G., Samuel, Daniel, David and two daughters, one of whom married a Mr. Sell, and the other David Haas. In religious belief the family were members of the Reformed denomination. The Kaufmans were Whigs up to the time of the formation of the Republican par- ty, when they joined the latter organization. David Kaufman, father of David K., was educated in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse of his day, where, although the floor was rough arid the benches poorly constructed and minus the comfortably fashioned racks of the schools of today, he received a substantial edu- cation. After spending a few years at farm labor, Mr. Kaufman engaged in iron manufacturing, purchasing, in company with Samuel Kaufman, the well-known Mt. Laurel Furnaces property, and built up a mammoth business for those days — in fact, the largest in the county. They were the pioneers of the industry in this section, and their business formed the nucleus of the present Temple Iron Works. It may be truth- fully said that Temple owes its present prosperity to the Messrs. Kaufman. They continued in that busi- ness until they sold out to William H. Clymer & Co., arid Mr. Kaufman removed to Milton, Lycoming county, where he built an iron furnace. These broth-, ers also owned the Moselem Iron Ore Banks, which were then and still are the most extensive in the coun- ty, although they are not being operated at the pres- ent time. Another brother owned and operated the furnace at Leesport. Mr. David Kaufman operated his Milton furnace until his death in 1870, in his fifty- sixth year. David Kaufman m. (first) Eliza Keller, and to this union one child was born, David K. He m. (second) Miss Madary, and to this second union there were born a large family, members of whom reside today in Lycoming county. David K. Kaufman was born at Mt. Laurel Furnaces June 19, 1845, and educated in the schools of Maiden- creek. When a lad of twelve years he went to live with his unc'e, Samuel G. Kaufman, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. He started his business life as a clerk for William S. Baer & Co., with which firm he continued several years, then going to Findlay, Ohio, to accept a position as clerk in Senator H. P. G;:tes' mercantile establishment. Here he remained one year and then resigned to take a like position with Sonders & Co., of Tiffin, Ohio, returning to his native county one year later. He secured employment as baggage master and extra conductor with the East Penn Railway, operating between Harrisburg and New York, this road being later absorbed by the Phila- delphia & Reading Company. Mr. Kaufman then entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading BIOGRAPHICAL 739 rolling mill, as a common laborer, and after a short time was promoted to roller, continuing with the com- pany for twelve years and four months. At the end of this time he leased the Reading Oil Refinery, which he conducted for one year, and then purchased a farm in the northern part of the city. On this fertile, well- cultivated tract of eleven acres, on Centre avenue, be- tween Amity and Union streets, Mr. Kaufman engaged profitably in truck farming, until he sold in 1907 for $36,000. The property was very valuable for building purposes, containing 150 building lots and before selling it, Mr. Kaufman received many flattering offers. He is now living retired. In 1869 Mr. Kaufman married Magdalena R. Klohs. and to this union were born two children: Wil- liam H.; and Sally A., m. to John G. Willets. Mr. Kaufman m. (second) Rosa Leightheiser, a native of Reading, but there have been no children to this union. Mr. Kaufman is fraternally connected with Mt. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, which his wife also attends. For fifteen years he was a director of the Reading Relief Society. In political affairs Mr. Kaufman is a Re- publican, but he has never had a desire to hold public office, but for six years was a member of the Reading school board. He is one of the city's substantial citi- zens, and is well and favorably known throughout his vicinity. GEORGE W. STOUDT, a retired farmer living at Shartlesville, in Upper Bern township, Berks county, owns a fine farm of 115 acres in that township, where he followed agricultural pursuits for twenty-four years before his retirement. Mr. Stoudt was born at Rehrers- burg, Berks county, June 9, 1850, son of Isaac K. Stoudt, and grandson of George Stoudt. Both his father .and grandfather were natives of Berks county., George Stoudt was born above Strausstown. He farmed in Maiden-creek township for a time, later re- turning to Rehrersburg, where he died. He married a Misfe Kutz, of Kutztown, and to them were born the following named children: William K., George K., Isaac K., John K., Mary, Sarah and Eliza. Isaac K. Stoudt was born in Maiden-creek township, and died at Rehrersburg. He, too, was a farmer, and he owned two farms, one of sixty-five acres and one of 100 acres, as well as a smaller tract of twelve acres. He was a well-known man in his day and a much respected citizen. His wife, Mary Moyer, was a daugh- ter of Peter Moyer. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt were born children as follows : Adam" W. is living at Rehrers- burg: Mary m. (first) Daniel Hartman and (second) Philip Peifer; George W. ; Amelia m. Adam Dieffen- bach; Emma; Kate is deceased; and Franklin P. lives near Millersburg, this State. George W. Stoudt received his education in the public schools, and was reared to farming, remaining with his father until he reached the age of twenty- six years. Pie then married, after which he began farming in Bethel township, this county, where he re- mained for six years, moving thence to Upper Bern township, where he bought the William G. Rentschler farm of. eighty-two acr es. Th ere he made his home and carried on general farming for twenty-four years, meantime adding thirty-three acres to the original tract. Though he has retired from active farm work himself, Mr. Stoudt still retains the owners'hip of this land, which is a valuable piece of property, well watered and well located. In 1908, Mr. Stoudt built himself a fine home on the main street, in Shartlesville, and he also owns another good place, which he rents. He takes an interest in the life of his community, being an active member of St. Michael's Reformed Church, which he has served as deacon, and he has been a! member of the board of school directors of Upper Bern township. He is a Democrat in political sentiment. Mr. Stoudt's first wife was Annie Maria Rentschler, daughter of William G. Rentschler. She died in 1896, and is buried at St. Michael's Church Four children were born to this union: Lucretia m. Harry Groff, and lives near Millersbyrg; Robert m. Mary Rentschler, and lives in Upper Bern township, this county; Carrie, unmarried, is living in Reading, Pa.; and Masie died at the age of ten years. For his second wife Mr. Stoudt married Clara L. Rishel, daughter of William and Maria (Wenrich) Rishel, and to them has been born one daughter, Sallie V., who is attending school. MILTON Z. GILBERT, a worthy citizen living re- tired above Bechtelsville, in Washington towrnship, Berks county, was born on his father's farm in the same township Dec. 28, 1841, son of John and Sarah (Zoller) Gilbert. The Gilberts have been a difficult family to trace. There were two Bernhard Gilberts, and the relation- ship existing'between them is not known. Conrad and Bernhard Gilbert both took the oath of allegiance Sept. 33, 1760. Bernhard Gilbert, Sr., married Mary Elizabeth Meyer, and their son Bernhard, born 1766, married Susanna Hornetter. Bernhard and Susanna became the parents of four children: Henry, born 1791; Magdalena, born 1798; John, born 1801, (sponsors: John Adam and Magdalena Gilbert) ; and George, born 1803 (sponsors: John and Elizabeth Gilbert). Conrad Gilbert, on Jan. 27, 1761, bought from Lud^ wig Harring, of Douglass township, Montgomery coun- ty, a tract of twenty-three acres, situated partly in McCall's Manor. He was represented as a "taylor." Conrad Gilbert and his wife Anna Elizabeth had eight children, namely: Mary Magdalene, born 1758. m. George Orwig, son of Gottfried Orwig, a Revolutionary soldier; Catharine, born 1760; Anna Elizabeth, 1762; Andrew, 1764; John Peter, 1766; Anna Maria, 1770; Salome, 1772; Christina, 1775. Bernhard Gilbert, grandfather of Milton Z.. lived in Greenwich, township, Berks county, to' which place he had removed in his early manhood. Among his children were: John (Johannes); and Catharine, Mrs. Ginder, who lived in Rockland township. John (Johannes) Gilbert was born in Greenwich township, about 1801. and died in January, 1874. He came from New Hanover, Montgomery county, to Washington township, Berks county, where he became the owner of a farm now the property of his son, Milton Z. He built an addition to his house, and fol- lowed stocking weaving for many years. A great many sheep were raised in the neighborhood, and he wove the stockings from the wool. He was a Demo- crat, and for six years was assessor and tax collector, and was one of the well known men of his locality. He was active in the Lutheran church, and was a member of the building committee when the Hill church was buflt. He served as deacon and elder. The Hill church property had considerable woodland, and the wood was ordered cut, Mr. Gilbert being given charge of this work. He married Sarah Zpller, of New Hanover township, who survived him some time. Their children were: Aaron, born 1825; Jesse, 1837; Hettie, 1839; Lydia, 1831; Levi Z., 1833; Lovina, 18S5; Henry. 1837; William, 1839; Milton Z., 1841; Elizabeth, 1844; Catharine, 1849; and Mary Ann, 1850. Milton Z. Gilbert was reared to farm work, and gave his services to his parents until he was twenty years o'd. After he left home he worked one year on the farm in Washington township, and one season on a farm in Chester county. In 1869 he went to' Vermil- lion county. 111., where he lived one season. He re- turned to Berks county the same year. In 1869 Mr. Gilbert married Mary Cleaver, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Gross) Cleaver, of Cole- brookdale. She died April 30, 1874, in her twenty- sixth year. The three children of this union were: Ephraim. unmarried; Emeline, m. ' to John Smith, of Shanesville; and Horace, m. to Alice Fraunheiser, 'and 740 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA farming the homestead. Mr. Gilbert m. (second) Oct. at No. 1013 Chestnut street, beginning on a small scale, 28 1876 Sarah B. Wolfgang, daughter of Michael and In 1896 he built a three-story factory structure, 134 x Rebecca (Bare) Wolfgang, of Colebrookdale. Mr. Gilbert has an old German Bible printed in 1743, which he obtained from his father, John (Johannes) Gilbert, and this he prizes very highly. DR. J. H. WAHL, a successful medical practitioner, who has been in general practice in the city of Read- ing, Pa., since 1904, was born Aug. 19, 1859, in Lower Heidelberg township. Berks county, son of James and Rebecca (Krick) Wahl. Michael Wahl, great-grandfather of the Doctor, set- tled in Alsace township, where he ownied a farm and where the rest of his life was spent. He and his wife had the following children: John, Samuel, Jacob, Magdalena, Pauline and Kate. John Wahl, son of Michael, married Susannah Drei- ble, and to them were born children as follows: Sam- uel, Nicholas. John, Daniel, William, Abraham, Amos, James (the father of Dr. J. H.), Susannah and Henry. In religious belief the family were connected wtih the Reformed Church. Amos Wahl, son of John, mar- ried Marv Ann Albert, a native of Berks county, daugh- ter of Henry Albert, and to them were born ten child- ren: Ellen (m. Amos Schilt), John (m. Mary Saylor), Francis (m. Magdalena Faust), Mary (m. Reuben Hin- nershitz), Emma (m. James Rothenberger), and five that died in infancy. James Wahl, son of John, was born in Berks county, and there followed his trade of blacksmith, also operat- ing a small farm in Lower Heidelberg township. He died at West Reading, Feb. 4, 1905, aged seventy- three years. His wife, Rebecca Krick, who is still living, resides at West Reading, and is sixty-nine years old. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wahl, of whom two grew to maturity: Katie A. m. Morris Geiss, and has two children — Florence and Raymond; and Dr. J. H.' The family were members of the Re- formed Church. Dr. J. H. Wahl received his early education in the common schools of his native place and Brunner's Scientific Academy, and on June 25, 1885, graduated from the Keystone State Normal School. He com- menced teaching in Berks county, and later taught in Lancaster county, in all nine years, two years of which were spent in the Boyertown high school. He read 45 feet, and three years later an addition 37 x 45 feet. Owing to an increase in business, Mr. Fries was com- pelled to build, in November, 1905, another addition, 35x35 feet. Mr. Fries has installed the latest candy making machinery, and during the winter his output is on an average of a ton of candy daily. He manu- factures chocolates and Easter novelties, and all hard candies. Mr. Fries makes a specialty of ice cream. Fries Celebrated, as it is known, having this name registered. Peach Brand Confectionery is another of Mr. Fries' products, and it is widely known for its ex- cellence. He has a very large trade among private families, having two wagons continually on the streets, and employs about tweijty-five hands. His factory is in the rear of his store, and his residence is at No. 1007 Franklin street. He erected a fine dwelling house at Nos. 1017-19 Chestnut street. The store room at his residence is 27i x 80 feet, and is the finest in the city. His factory is operated by one fifteen, two four and two two-horse-power motors, and a twenty-three horse- power boiler and engine. It is widely known for clean- liness, and Mr. Fries takes pleasure in manufacturing the best of goods. He has installed an ice machine, capacity ten tons, for the manufacture of his own ice. Mr. Fries married Emma Deifenbach, daughter of William Diefenbach, of Reading, and four children were born to this union: Clayton M., who has charge of his father's factory, m. Mamie Moyer; Edna m. William Criswell, manager of the Lester Shoe Store at Reading; and two died young. The family are Methodists. Mr. Fries is a very prominent member of the K. O. T. M., P. O. S. of A., Jr. O. U. A. M., K. G. E., R. A., and the Princes of Bagdad. JOHN H. WESLEY, a well-known citizen of Read- ing, and a soldier of the Civil war, was born -June 9, 1846, in Robeson township, Berks county, Pa., son of Mark and Susan (Shafer) Wesley. Mark Wesley was a collier and laborer — an hon- est, hard-working man. When his son, John H., was an infant, he settled at Reading. To him and his wife Susan (Shafer) were born the following children: Phebe Ann, m. to Isaac D. Whitman; Samuel L., who served in the Civil war as a member of Company B, 88th Pa. V. I.; John H.; Kate, m. to Thomas Rogers; Charles, an engineer with the Philadelphia & Reading medicine with Dr. Samuel M. Todd, and entered the ^.^'j-^^y Company; Harry, of Louisiana; and one hat University of Michigan, and later the Medical Col- ^'^^ " '"^TX ^",,^ YV^rl ^"^ ^ t^ were consistent lege of Indiana, at Indianapolis. His first field of members of the Methodist Church. In politics he was practice was the town of Adamstown, Lancaster ^ ^^ completing his education in the schools of county where he spent four years, the next thir een Reading, John H Wesley entered the cotton mill, years being at Grantyille, Dauphin county In 1904 ^^^^ ^'^ '^^^ subsequently made a foreman, and was he located on West Oley street, Reading, where he has working as such when, in March, 1862, he entered the since been located in a general practice. Dr. Wahl g^jpi^y ^f j^^^^ ghafer, with whom he remained until IS a member of the Medical Staff of St. Joseph Hospital, August 6th, when he enlisted in Company B, 128 Pa. Keading. ■ , a • t. •««■ , , , V. I., and accompanied his regiment to the front three }"J.^?}' ^l;^^^^ married Annie R. Mohn daughter days later. He had for officers, Capt. William McNall of William Mohn, and to this union there have been and Col. Samuel Croasdale. The regiment was ihus- born two children, one dying in infancy, and Ethel tered in at Camp Curtin and was then sent on the join Pauline, who is attending school. Dr. Wahl is a Demo- McClellan's army. The first battle of importance in crat in politics, and while living in Dauphin county which Mr. Wesley took part was Antietam and the was for eight years county physician. He is connected second was Chancellorsville. When his first enlist- with the Reformed Church, while Mrs. Wahl is a ment of nine months had expired he enlisted in Corn- member of the United Evangelical Church. pany H, 42nd P. V. M., Captain John Obold, and was discharged after the battle of Gettysburg. He again J. M. FRIES, a manufacturing confectioner at No. enlisted in July, 1864, in Company I. 196th Pa. V. 1013 Chestnut street, Reading, was born in 1863, at I., Capt. George S. Rowbotham, and was elected Leesport, Pa., son of John W. Fries, who is engaged in second lieutenant of the company. The command the restaurantbusiness in Reading. _ was sent to Baltimore. Md., and was then shipped John M. Fries received his education in the public to Camp Douglas, Chicago, 111., to do guard duty, schools of Lancaster and Berks counties, and located as there were 1.500 Rebel prisoners at that point, in Reading in 1876, being employed as an aporentice After returning East, Lieut. Wesley was stationed with C. M. Groff, with whom he remained eight years, at Fort Delaware, where the regiment relieved a He was with a Mr. Kraft for four years, and with Mr. detachment to allow them to vote, Pennsylvania Brown, who bought out Mr. Kraft, two years. Mr. soldiers having voted in the field. Soon afterward, in Fries engaged in business on his own account in 1887, 1864, Mr. Wesley was discharged and returned to BIOGRAPHICAL 741 Reading, entering the employ of the Reading Hardware Company, as an apprentice to the molder's trade. Com- pleting his apprenticeship, he went to Warren county, Pa., and remained about two and one-half years in the oil fields, then going to Renovo for a short time, where he engaged at his trade. He then accepted a position as clerk in the "Renovo Hotel," but, in the fall of 1873 returned to the ertiploy of the Reading Hardware Company, remaining with them until 1877, when he ac- cepted a position with the Keystone Hardware Com- pany, at Tenth and Spruce streets as foreman. After one year he returned- to the employ of the Reading Hardware Company, and on Feb. 14, 1879, accepted a position with the Penn Hardware Company, with ■which company he has continued to the present time in the capacity of foreman. He has charge on an average of 125 men in the molding department. In December, 1873, Mr. Wesley married Emma Swe- gar, daughter of David and Margaret (Bosserman) Swegar, and to this union there were bprn four chil- dren: Esther M., deceased; Marion J., Carrie S., and J. Frank. The latter, one of Reading's most popular young men, was drowned July 4, 1906. John H. Wesley is a member of Renovo Lodge, No. 495, F. & A. M., and of Liberty Fire Company, which he joined in 1865. He is a stanch Republican in his political belief, but takes only a good citizen's part therein. ADAMS. Anthony Adam, a potter by trade, was born in the Fatherland in the year 1716, and emigrated to America in the year 1741. He sailed from Rotter- dam on the Snow "Molly," commanded by Captain John Cranch. This vessel arrived at Philadelphia, and the passengers, having taken the oath of allegiance to the English Sovereign, were qualified to land, Oct. 26, 1741. Anthony Adam's age is entered on the pas- senger list as twenty-five years. On Feb. 7, 1748, he received from the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, a warrant for a tract of 136 A. 146 P. of land in Albany township, then a part of Philadel- phia county. This land was surveyed for him by the Surveyor-General of the Province, June 6, 1752. The farm is now in the possession of Nathan Weisner of Round Top, Albany township, Berks county. Anthony Adam, or Andoni Adam, as he wrote his name, received a warran,t for a tract of 135 A. and 47 P. "above Maxatawny," Feb. 7, 1748. In 1761 he sold 140 acres of his land in Albany township to John Reinhard. He was administrator of the estate of Albrecht Stimmel, of Albany township, in 1766, being the chief creditor. His administration account was audited and approved in December of 1768. The date of death of Anthony Adam, of Albany township, is not known. Anthony Adam (2), son of Anthony of Albany town- ship, was born about the year 1736, and was a resident of the adjoining township of Windsor in 1758, de- scribed on the tax list of that year, as a single man. He married Rosina Dunkel, widow of Vincent Lesher, of Richmond township. Anthony Adam served during the Revolutionary War as a private in Captain Jacob Ladich's Company, Colonel Samuel Ely's Battalion of Berks County Militia, as appears from a muster roll showing that this company was in the service of the United States from Oct. 1, to Oct. 17, 1781 (Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Series, Vol. V, pp. 37'9-281). In 1799 Anthony Adam (2) received from the State of Pennsylvania, a patent for 307 acres of land called "Manheim" on Briar Creek, in Northumberland (now Columbia) county, Pennsylvania, a.nd in 1806, received a patent for another tract of 436 acres called "Quincy" on the samg creek. These lands he conveyed to his four sons. Anthony Adam died sometime after April 37, 1809. He had at least four children, as follows. Peter, of Windsor township, Berks county, born Oct. 1, 1765, died July 1, 1849, m. Catharina Hausknecht; Anthony (3) was of Briar Creek township, Columbia county; Jacob Adam, of Richmond township, Berks county, m. Susan Kline; Abraham, of Briar Creek, born Oct. 7, 1799, died in Briar Creek, July 6, 1855, m. Sarah Miller. Anthony Adam (3) established the Adams home- stead in Briar Creek township, Columbia county. Pa. He was the son of Anthony Adam and Rosina Dunkel, of Windsor township, Berks county, and was born Dec. 25, 1767. He served as a private in Captain Christian Madery's Company of Berks County Mihtia, which was "Ordered t Wyoming by the Supreme Ex- ecutive Council of the State of Pennsylvania." This company arrived at Fort Allen Nov. 31, 1787, at Wyom- ing, November 36th, and was discharged January 6, 1788. (Pennsylvania Archives, 6th Series Vol. Ill, pp. 94, 95, 96.) Anthony Adam (3) settled in Briar Creek as early as 1792, for on Oct. 18th of that year a warrant was granted to him for 278 acres of land for which he received patent in 1811. On March 30, 1795, he purchased seventy-five acres of land in Fishing Creek township (later a part of Briar Creek). The tract of land called "Manheim;" containing 307 acres, was deed- ed to him by his father, Sept. 3, 1806. On Oct. 15, 1811, he received a deed from his three brothers for his fourth _ interest (106 acres) in the tract' of land called "Quincy." He married Catherine Glass, born Dec. 30, 1766, died Aug. 12, 1845. He died April 39, 1832. Both are buried in the Briar Creek Reformed Church-yard, five miles west of Berwick, Pennyslvania. The children of Anthony Adam and Catherine Glass: (1) Hannah, born May 10, 1790, died Sept. 3, 1870. m. Daniel Zaner, of Briar Creek. (2) William, of Briar Cr^ek, born Dec. 15, 1791, died April 26, 1860, m. Su- sanna Hess. He served during the War of 1813-1814, as a private in Captain George Hidler's Company in the 112th Regiment of Columbia County MiHtia, under Colonel Andrew Keller. (3) Samuel, .of Briar Creek, born in 1793, died Nov. 39, 1846, m. Esther Hill. (4) Anthony (4) m. Elsie Engle, and removed to Rock Island, 111. (51 Rachel, born Nov. 39, 1797. died April 8, 1853, m. in June, 1817, William Trugh, of Berwick. (6) Abraham m. a Goble, and removed to Rock Island, III. He served in the same company with his brother in the War of 1813-1814. (7) EHzabeth m. John Hut- ton, and removed to Illinois. (8) Catherine, born May 13, 1803, died Sept. 26. 1840, unmarried. (9) Mary Magdalene, born in 1806, died June 17, 1879, m. Aug. 22, 1824. Enos Leidy, of Berwick and later of Mana- yunk, Philadelphia. (10) Sarah Adam, bom May 39, 1808, died March 17, 1873, m. Jacob Moyer, of Ber- wick. _ Samuel Adams, son of Anthony Adam and Cathe- rine Glass of Briar Creek township, Columbia county. Pa., was born there in 1793', and remained in the same township. He married June 37, 1819, Esther Hill, who was born March 21, 1802 and died March 9, ' 1836. daughter of Captain Frederick Hill, proprietor 'of the' old "Fort Jenkins Inn," and his wife, Catherine Con- ner. Captain Frederick Hill was born March 8 1773 and died Aug. 31, 1833. He was commissioned Captain of the Sixth Company of the 112th Regiment of the Mihtia of Pennsylvania, by Governor Thomas Mc- Kean, Aug. 3, 1807, as appears by the original com- mission in the possession of Charles F. Hill, Esq of Hazleton. Captain Frederick Hill was the son of Fred- ' erick Hill of Berks county, by his wife Maria, daughter r I ,^^ J^'^°^ Levan, Colonial Judge of the Courts of Berks County. Frederick Hill, Berks County, father of Captain Frederick Hill, served during the Revolu- tionary war m the Continental Line. He enlisted May 1, 1776, as a private in Captain Lewis Farmer's Company in the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, com- manded by Colonel Samuel Miles. After the capture of Colonel Miles and the greater portion of the com- mand at the Battle of Long Island, Frederick Hill with other survivors of the Rifle Regiment, enlisted in 743 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The State Regiment of Foot. He served in this regi- Andrew Nelson Bodey was born Nov. 30, 1866, and ment in 1777 as a private in Captain John Nice's Com- was educated in the public schools of Reading. His pany, participating in the Battles of Brandywine and first business was as a cabinet finisher, and he con- >• \. /o 1 „„;, 4,.-v,;„<.= KfV, QorJoo v^l tmued at this for about ten months, after which he en- German own. (Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Series, Vol- ^^^^^ ^.^^ ^ ^ ^uden, the manufacturing confec- ume II.) , T- . TT-11 c -D ■ r- I tioner. He learned the business, and, step by step, Samuel Adams and Esther Hill of Briar /-reek .j^g^ked himself up, until he now holds the responsible township. Columbia County, Pennsylvania, had the fol- position of manager, being at the head of 450 people, lowing children: Anthony, born Feb. S6, 1821, died in Mr. Bodey was married. Jan. 11, 1890, to Sallie infancy; Mary Ann, born Jan. 31, 1832, died March 1, Trumbore, daughter of Andrew and Diana Trumbore, 1877, m. (first) Louis Traugh, of Berwick (died Nov. of Reading. Four children have been born to this 5, 1850) and (second) Warren Vanderhoven; Enos union: Harry, who died when one and one-half years- L. is mentioned next. old; and Norman, Walter and Carl, all at school. Mr. Enos L. Adams, of Briar Creek townhsip, Columbia Bodey belongs to the Sons of Veterans, the P. O. S. of county. Pa., son of Samuel Adams and Esther Hill, A., and the Knights of Friendship. He is a member of the same place, was born July 28, 1824. He married of Zion's German Reformed Church. _ Mr. Bodey is March 13, 1847. Margaret Kisner, who was born April independent in politics. He makes his home at No. 31. 1827, and died May 19, 1872, daughter of John 136 Windsor street. Kisner and Lydia Kinney. Lydia Kinney was born Nov. 10. 1805, and died Sept. 5, 1851, daughter of John GEORGE WERT, late a prosperous farmer in the Kinney and granddaughter of Major John Kinney, a employ of E. &' G. Brooke, and a man of many firm Revolutionary officer of New Jersey. friends, was a native son of Pennsylvania, born near Mr. Enos L. Adams owned the old Adams home- Churchtown, in Lancaster county, Jan. 7, 1837, son of stead in Briar Creek township, several properties in Samuel and Catharine (Ridge) Wert, the neighboring town of Berwick, and some lands in Mr. Wert received his education m the common the State of Kansas. From 1873 to 1880, he was the schools of his native county, and in his young man- senior member of the firm of Adams & Son, merchants, hood came to Berks county, where he entered the em- of Berwick. He died Aug. 17. 1887. The children of P'oy of Levi Smith, and later of Col. Heber Smith at Enos L. Adams and Margaret Kisner were: (1) Alice Joanna Furnace. There he continued for the next Lydia, born Feb. 11, 1848, married Jan. 7. 1869, James fourteen years proving himself a faithful and con- Knox Polk Freas. of Berwick, who died Oct. 16, 1898. scientious workman. On Nov. 1, 1864, he came to (3) John Kisner, born April 8, 1850. died March 15, Birdsboro, and from that time until his death he was 1880. unmarried. (3) Samuel Warren, born Feb. 3, employed by E. &G. Brooke m the operation of their 1853, was of Berwick. (4) Enos Kinney, born July 8. farm and dairy. He thoroughly understood his work, 1855. died 'Nov. 30, 1889. m. Clara Miles. (5) Anna f^^ ^?°^ ^r^^* ^"^^ "^ 'J-T^ '* TI-' ^'""J"^ thereby Mary, born Nov. 4, 1857, m. Joseph H. Turnbach, a ^^^ ^jgh esteem and confidence of his employers. He hardware merchant of Philipsburg. Pa. She died Dec. ^^^ 1^°"."* ^"/ "P"^^* in all his dealings, and attended 30, 1903. (6) William L., born May 37, 1860. is men- Y^'^ f '"i^t'^ ^° ^'^. °^" business It has been said of tioned below. (7) Charles Elliott, born Jan. -26. 1863, ^"'. l'l\^'' 7o°\L7ZnZIT^ %^T t^ ^u^^' I -D • r \/r -c A iu i. /o\ ivV J. Tj He died Aug. 39, 1895, mourned by all who knew him. of Berwick, m. Mary E. Albertson. (8) Margaret Ida, q^ j^„^ ^^ ^^' j^; ^^^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^U Hoffman, born Oct 11, 1866, married Oct. 9 1891, Leoni H. daughter of Peter and Margaret (Mock) Hoffman, and ?F^.li'. °^ B"wick. (9) Francis Laura, born Oct. ^f the nine children that blessed their union, seven are 14, 1869, m June 2, 1904, James L. Evans, attorney- gtiu ii^i„ These were: Margaret m. William Seig- at-law, of Berwick. (10) Edwm Orison, born March f^ied, and has three children, George E.. Hannah A. 13 1872, died Aug. 6, 1872. and Lula I.; Kate m. Harry Roberts, and has six .William L. Adams, son of Enos , L. and Margaret children, Emma. Millie. Morris, William. Carrie and (Kisner), was born at the Adams homestead in Briar Albert; Samuelm. Emma Buchter, and has six chil- Creek township, Columbia Co., Pa., May 27, 1860. He dren, Anna, Elmer, Maggie, Millie. Katie and Harvey; was educated at Mt. Union College, Alliance, Ohio, Elizabeth m. Morris Jones (no issue); Peter, of East graduating with the Class of 1881. On Aug. 15, 1888, Chatham, N. Y., has two children. Carroll and Amelia; he was married at Fort Worth, Texas, to Lizzie A. George m. Edith HofTman, and has two sons, G. How- Davis, only daughter of Willis G. Davis and Adelia ard and Warren; Nettie m. A. Watson Keagy. and has Anderson, of Colon, Mich., and a graduate of the five children. Edith, Alma. Harold. Alice and Marie; Michigan Seminary, Kalamazoo, Mich. Since March and Emma and Amelia died in infancy, of 1890, Mr. and Mrs. William L. Adams have re- Mr. Wert was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal sided at Hoquiam, Washington. They have four child- Church. In his political faith he was a Democrat, ren living, viz: Gaylord, born Aug. 8, 1890; Gwenivere and cast his ballot in support of the men and measures Sept. 12, 1893; Elizabeth, Jan. 30, 1898, and William L., of that party. He was an active member of the Junior Jr., May 27, 1907. William L. Adams is president of O. U. A. M., to which, at the time of his death, he had The First National Bank of Hoquiam, and president belonged for more than thirty years. Mrs. Wert still of the Keystone Timber Company of Hoquiam. makes her home in Birdsboro, where she is highly re- spected by all who know her. ANDREW N. BODEY, the efficient and capable manager of Luden's Candy Factory, Reading, Pa., is MARTIN R. MENGEL, proprietor of the "Kemp- one of that city's prominent and enterprising business ton House," Kempton, Pa., is a native of Perry town- men. He is a son of Nelson P. Bodey, a dealer in ship, Berks county, born Nov. 23, 1853, son of Martin fruits and provisions, who died in February, 1905, aged and Susan (Reber) Mangel. fifty-nine years. He was a soldier in the war of the Nicholas Mengel, the first of the family to come to Rebellion, in Company E, 151st Pa. V. I., serving nine America, was born in Germany, and in the middle months, and was wounded during the second days' of the eighteenth century in company viath three other fighting at Gettysburg, being shot in both legs. He young men of his country came to Arnerica. He was suffered greatly from these wounds all the rest of his a redemptioner, and was bound out until the cost of life. Andrew N. Bodey's mother, Isabella (Mengel) his passage was paid by a Mr. Gernand, a farmer in Bodey, died when he was three years old, he having Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa. After his been the only child born to this union. Nelson P. freedom was obtained, he remained with his employer Bodey's second wife, Clara, bore him five children, two for three or more years. By frugality, industry and of whom are now living: Norman, and Addie, the wife economy he earned sufficient means to purchase a of Harry McGrath. tract of 300 acres of land in Maiden-creek township. BIOGRAPHICAL 743 and from that" time until his death he engaged in its cultivation. He had a number of children, among whom were: Frederick, Peter and Jacob. Jacob Mengel, grandfather of Martin R., born in 1777, lived in Perry township on the farm now owned by his grandson, David G. He was a farmer and owned a large tract of land. He died in his eighty-eighth year and is buried at Zion's Churrch, in Perry township, of which he was a Lutheran member. He married Elizabeth Reichert, and their children were:. Solomon, Jacob, Jeremiah, Elizabeth (m. Benjamin Gruber), Mar- tin, Ann (m. Solomon Schappell), Susanna (m. John de Turck), Thomas, Jonas and John. Martin Mengel, son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was born in Perry township about 1813, and died in 1884, and is buried at Zion's Church. By trade he was a stone mason, and he built many houses and barns through Maiden-creek township. He also owned a farm in Perry township, adjoining Zion's Church. This consisted of 160 acres of good land. He was very prosperous and left a goodly estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and held the ofhce of school director. In religious belief he was a Lutheran and held a num- ber of offices in the church. He married Susan Reber, daughter of Jacob Reber and wife, whose maiden name was Baer. To this union were born children as fol- lows: Benjamin, Simon, Martin R., Franklin, Esther (ra. Jeremiah Kerschner), Elizabeth (died young), Margaret (died young), Diana (m. Charles Moyer), Susan (m. (first) James Williams and (second) Frank Miller), Lovina (m. Heber Dries), Emma (died unmar- ried) and Mary (m. Adam Starr). Martin Mengel m. (second) Mary Frey, widow of. a Mr. Smith of Al- bany.* They lived at Hamburg, where Mrs. Mengel still resides, now past eighty years of age. Martin R. Mengel, son of Martin, attended the common schools in his youth, and lived on the home farm until he was twenty-one. He then learned the blacksmith's trade from Daniel Smith, of Windsor Castle, and this he followed for three years in Iowa and South Dakota, living in the West from 1876 to 1896. He engaged in threshing out West, first with horse power and later with steam, carrying on that business for sixteen years. He has threshed as much as 3,000 bushels of wheat in one day. He was very successful in his work, and carried on farming in ad- dition to his threshing. In 1896, after his return to Berks county, he engaged in the hotel business at Windsor Castle, for two years, and then for two years conducted the "Half-Way House." In 1902 he pur- chased the "Kempton House," of which he took pos- session in November of that year, and he now has one of the best and most popular stands in the county. The hotel has twenty-two large rooms, with spacious halls, and is well patronized. On Feb. «8, 1888, Mr. Mengel married Andora S* Stetzler, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Schappell) Stetzler, of Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Mengel are members of Zion's Union Church, in Perry township, belonging to the Lutheran corigreeation. They are highly respected in the community. MRS. WILLIAM L. CAMPBELL, residing in Read- ing, was born in Douglassville, Pa., and on her mother's side is descended from Scotch ancestry. Her parents were George L. Leaf and Amelia Douglass, the former a merchant of Pottstown. The first Douglass to leave Scotland and settle in Pennsylvania was George, great-grandfather to Mrs. Campbell, who founded the town of Douglassville. His son George was a farmer and merchant in the same place and it was his daughter Amelia who became Mrs. Leaf. She died aged eighty-three. The original Doug- lass homestead at Douglassville has never passed out of the family, interests being still held by Mrs. Camp- bell. Through a marriage of Miss Mary May, a niece of George Douglass (2), to George De B. Keim, Mrs. Campbell is also connected with another old Pennsyl- vania family. She is a member of Christ Church and has always been active in the various departments of church work. She is also prominent in the ladies auxiliary of the Reading Hospital, where she has served on the house- keeping committee. The demands upon her time and strength are, however, becoming a little too heavy, and she is gradually retiring from many of her activities, a necessity which is greatly to be regretted. R. T. Leaf, brother of Mrs. W. L. Campbell, is the only' other member of the family living. HENRY HUBER, a resident of Reading since his first coming to this country in 1869, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1841. Frederick Huber, father of Henry, lived and died in Germany. He was a stone cutter by trade, and brought up several of his sons tp the same occupation. He and his wife had a large family of children, fifteen of them reaching maturity, namely: Lizzie; Frederick, of New Jersey; Augustus, of Paris, France; Henry; Mary, de- ceased; Gustave, at the old home in Germany; Her- mann, of Germany; Gottlieb, William and Charles, of St. Louis, Mo., the latter now deceased; Fredericka, at the old home; Minnie, of Leipsic, Saxony; John, of Paris; Ernst, in the stone business at the old home; and Theodore, an engineer in Germany. Three other children died in infancy. Henry Huber learned stone-cutting from his father, and worked under him until he was twenty-eight years old. He then decided to make a new start in a new country,, and in 1869 he landed at New York. He proceeded immediately to Philadelphia and secured work there at his trade, but after only two weeks left that city for Reading and has ever since made his home there. He found employment readily and re- mained for thirty-four years with his original em- ployer. Christian Eben, and with the sons who suc- ceeded him. Finally, iri 1903, after his long period of faithful and efficient labor, Mr. Huber gave up his place and left home to revisit the scenes of his youth. He spent nearly four months abroad, and then, on re- turning to America, went into business on his own account, getting out stone for building purposes, mainly sand stone. Mr. Huber is in partnership with Andrew Honeker, and the firm is located on Locust street, be- tween Elm and Buttonwood, where they do a large business, and bid fair to become one of the leading industrial concerns of the city. Mr. Huber married Miss Pauline Grouper, and three children have been born to them, as follows: Emma who married Edward C. Haggerty, a sergeant of the Reading pohce, appointed by Mayor Gerber; Harry and Wilham. Politically Mr. Huber is a Democrat,' and in religious matters a Lutheran, a member of the Reading Church. During his long period of service under another Mr. Huber fully demonstrated the many sterhng quahties-of his character, and he well deserves the success that is so abundantly rewarding his efforts now that he is in business for himself. DANIEL M. GRILL, a citizen of Reading, Pa who is retired, resides in his home at No. 113 South Third street in this city. Mr. Grill was born in Cumru town- ship, Berks_ county. Pa July 14, 1842, a son of Adam and Catherine M. Grill. Of the Grill faniily, at least three generations having been born in Berks county. Philip Grill, grandfather of Daniel, married a Miss Lesher, ana they were early settlers in Cumru township, where he became pos- sessed of an excellent farm. Their children were- John, deceased, formerly an extensive farmer in Ohio- Samuel, deceased, also owned farming land in Ohio- Adam, father of Daniel Grill; Joseph, who died aged eighty-two years at Sinking Spring; Philip, deceased, ^ u"'/"^*?7"''"?.= Catherine, who m. Jacob Hart and had children, Samuel, John, Jacob, Levi Louisa Wnh'T' K^'^' P?"y' Sally and' Bessie; Leah', who m.' Jacob Brossman; Mrs. Cubbison; and Bessie, who m 744 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA George Matz. In religious belief the family were mem- bers of the Reformed Church. Politically Mr. Grill was a Democrat. Adam Grill, father of Daniel, followed agricultural pursuits all of his life, dying in 1857, aged sixty-four years, while his widow survived him until March 31, 1888, being eighty-eight years old at the tim^ of her death. They were the parents of these children: Ben- n'ewell died young, as did also David; Samuel, de- ceased, m. Betsy Venida; Betsy m. Henry Venida; Cath- erine m. Christian Cress; Polly m. Richard Hornber- ger; Levi, who lives on the old homestead, m. Mary Eshelman; Sarah m. Nicholas Moser; Adam m. Sarah Dew.ees; Lydia m. James Leininger; Daniel; and Henry, of Oakbrook, m. Mary Heister. Mr. and Mrs. Grill and their family were also members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Grill was a Democrat in politics, and served faithfully for a number of years as supervisor of his township. Daniel Grill, although receiving a good German edu- cation, was but poorly versed in English. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he pur- chased a farm in Cumru township, and this he oper- ated for thirty-two years, operating a dairy in con- junction ' therewith. Mr. Grill s-old his interests in 1897 and retired to Mohnsville, but in 1903 located in Reading, where he has since resided, his home being located at No. 112 South Third street. In 1864, Mr. Grill married Mary Matz, daughter of William and Sarah (Straub) Matz, natives of Berks county, and to this union were born four children: Charles W., m. to Kate Lewis; Frank H., m. to Eliza- beth Shonour, and they had two children, Helen (de- ceased) and Marie; G. Harvey, m. to Alice Holdry and they have two children, Daniel and Mabel; Clara, m. to Edgar Glasser. Both Mr. Grill and his wife are members of the Re- formed Church, to which he has always given a very liberal support. Politically he has been a life-long Democrat, and since coming to Reading has served in the office of tax collector, while during his residence in Cumru township he was treasurer of that township for a number of years. He is a man who is justly held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. DICK FAMILY. The city of Reading counts among its most valued citizens descendants of German settlers who came to Pennsylvania direct from the Fatherland, bring- ing with them the solid virtues and thrifty habits which characterize their nationality. The Dick family belongs in this category and it can be traced to one Jacob Dick, who came to America from Germany and is known to have taken part in the Revolutionary war. This Jacob Dick was the grandfather of the late Amos L. Dick, at the time of his death a venerable retired resident of Reading. After the close of the Revolutionary struggle Jacob Dick settled in what was then the strag- gling village of Reading, where he established himself in business, doing chair-making, spinning wheel manufactur- ing, and also working as a carpenter. The site of the business was where the photograph gallery of Mr. Fritz now stands. Jacob Dick died in 1834 ; his wife passed away ten years before. They had two children : Susan, who married a Mr. Boas, and died in Reading, and Jacob, father of Amos L. Jacob Dick (2) was born in the old Penn street home at Reading in 1783, and when he reached maturity married Susan Lutz. Their children were : Sarah Ruth, born in 1806, died Sept. 5, 1889, at Fritztown, aged eighty-three years, six months, twenty-seven days; a son, born Oct. 12, 1808, died eleven days later : Susan, born Oct. 12, 1808, died in 1828, aged nineteen years, seven months, twenty- six days ; Margaret, born Aug. 18, 1810, died July 21, 1885, aged seventy-four years, eleven months, three days, in Oley township; Catherine Leinbach, born Feb. 15, 1812, died Dec. 16, 1890, aged seventy-eight years, ten months, one day, near Boyertown; Elizabeth Johnson, born Nov. 9, 1813, died July 5, 1876, aged sixty-two years, seven months, twenty-six days, at Colebrookdale ; Nicholas, born Nov. 28, 1815, died in October, 1873, aged fifty-seven years, ten months, six days, in Cumru township; Jacob.j born Nov. 24, 1817, died aged eight years, two months, twenty-seven days; Amos L. was born Aug. 10, 1819; Maria DeTurk, born Sept. 10, 1821, died March 7, 1884, aged sixty-two years, five months, twenty-seven days, in Exeter township; Sophia, born in 1823, married James Smeck, and died May 6, 1870, aged' forty-six years, seven months, twenty-eight days, at Reading; Jacob L., born Nov. 14, 1824, died Feb. 6, 1904, aged seventy-nine years, two months, twenty-two days, in Indiana; Solomon, bo"rn April 1, 1830, died Oct. 9, 1872, aged forty-two years, six months, eight days, in Indiana. After their marriage the parents of Amos L. Dick settled in Cumru township, along the Schuylkill river, and the father followed farming from 1806 continuously until 1858, when he retired, dying Dec. 11, 1859. He owned a farm of 135 acres. His wife died March 13, 1870, aged eighty-three years, two months, twenty-one days. They both were interred in the Charles Evans cemetery. Amos L. Dick attended the subscription schools in the neighborhood of his home, which were the only available schools during his boyhood, and by the time he was seventeen years of age was a well-informed youth. His practical education had been in no way neglected, either, farm work claiming a large part of his time and atten- tion. In assisting his father he learned how to manage for himself, and in 1848 he married and settled on a farm of 100 acres, which he purchased, in Robeson town- ship. Mr. Dick remained on this farm for twenty years, in 1868 removing 'to Reading. After coming to the city Mr. Dick followed contracting and building for some years, and was very successful. At length increasing years impelled him to retire entirely from business activity. He could recall the time when Reading's population did not exceed 4,000, long before it became the home of so many immense industries and the dwelling place of some of the most intelligent and cultured people of the great State of Pennsylvania. He occupied a very comfortable home at No. 29 North Ninth street, and was probably one of the most venerable, as he was one of the most esteemed, residents of his city. He died May 12, 1907. In 1848 Mr. Dick married Amelia Dunkle, born Dec. 18, 1828, daughter of Solomon ■ and Elizabeth (Althouse) Dunkle. The Dunkle family is a very old one in Berks county, having been established here by Jacob Dunkle, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Dick. Her grandparents were George and Charlotte (Engle) Dunkle. Mr. and Mrs. Dick had one daughter, Emma, who married John DeLong, wholesale leather merchant of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. DeLong have had three children, viz. : Flora, Howard and Oscar, the latter deceased. Mrs. Dick was one of a large family, her brothers and sisters being: Mary Ann, Caroline, Morgan, Sarah A., Elizabeth C, Albert, Killian G., David G., and James. iMr. Dick was a life-long Democrat. He was the old- est member of the First Reformed Church at Reading, which he joined in 1839, his wife joining in 1846. Nicholas Dick, son of Jacob (2), was born Nov. 28, 1815, and died Oct. 4, 1873. He married Esther DeTurk, who still survives, being now one of the oldest residents of Reading. Her home is at No. 140 South Ninth street. Mr. Dick was a life-long Democrat, and a worthy mem- ber of the Reformed Church. His father built the res- idence which still stands on the old Dick homestead, in Cumru township, in 1811. The barn he built in 1809 and the smoke-house in 1810. They were so substantially constructed that they have defied the attacks of time up to the present. Nicholas Dick's children were: Marcus D. (of Seyfert Station, Berks county). William, Eli D., Albert, Henry, Susan (wife of A. F. Wenzel, of Baums- town), Annie and Lizzie D. Henry Dick, son of Nicholas, was born in Cumru township, Berks county, April 24, 1845. He was educated ^,o(^^Ot-/C BIOGRAPHICAL 745 in the district schools and at Brunner's Business College, and then engaged in farming, continuing thus until 1885, when he retired. In 1874 he became interested in the Farmers' Market-House Company, having a half interest, which he retained until the time of his death. May 21, 1901. Mr. Dick was a man of sterling integrity and was at -various times elected by his townsmen to hold office, serving as a member of the common council, from the Third ward, in 1888-89, and declining a renomination. Mr.- Dick married Mary A. Kissinger, daughter of Washington S. and Elizabeth (Yost) Kissinger, and she lives at No. 106 South Ninth street, Reading. They had children as follows : Charles, Franklin and Henry (who is attending Princeton University, as a member of the class of 1909). ' Chaeles K. Dick, senior member of the firm of Dick Brothers, brass founders and pattern-makers, of Read- ing, was born March 31, . 1875. He attended the district schools and the Reading high school, and subsequently took a course at Stoner's Business College, Reading, after which he served an apprenticeship to the trade of pattern- maker, at the National Brass & Iron Works. After a few years of work as a journeyman for the same firm he engaged in business on his own account, in 1897 organ- ing the well-known Excelsior Brass Works, of which firm he served as secretary and treasurer until 1901. On March 1, 1903, Mr. Dick engaged in business with his brother Franklin K., at No,. 130 Penn street, the firm being known as Dick Brothers. Twenty skilled mechanics are employed in the works, the local trade is large and steady, and extends through many States, and the firm is enjoying increasing prosperity. Mr. Dick married Eva M. Baldwin, daughter of Frank- lin D. and Amanda D. (Rudolph) Baldwin, of Lancaster county, and one child, Martha Elizabeth, has been born to this union. Mr. Dick is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being connected with Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., Excelsior R. A. Chapter, No. 237, Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., Reading Lodge of Perfec- tion; Caldwell Consistory, thirty-second degree, of Bloomsburg, Pa., and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Since 1901 Mr. Dick has been superintendent of the well- known Farmers' Market-House, Inc., being also treasurer and a director of said corporation. Franklin K. Dick, junior member of the firm of Dick Brothers, was born in Cum'ru to^wnship, Berks county, June 26, 1878. He spent his early school days in his native township, later attending the public schools of Reading, after leaving which he served fifteen months at the trade of. locksmith. He later learned the pattern- making trade, as well as engraving and chasing, and remained with the Reading Hardware Company, his first employers, for about six and one-half years. (3n March 1, 1903, with his brother, Charles K., Mr. Dick engaged in business at No. 120 Penn street, under the firm name of Dick Brothers. On the organization of the firm it was the intention of the brothers to manufacture nothing except brass cast- ings, but since that time .they have added to the list of their products, which now include plumbers' supplies and a fine line of plumbers' specialties. The works were first furnished power by a five-horse-power engine, but they now have a seventy-five horse-power engine and 120 horse-power boiler. The works are equipped with the latest and best machinery, and employ nothing but skilled mechanics. Mr. Dick married Miss Margaret Schick, daughter of Christian and Mary Schick, of Reading, and two children, Miriam and Carroll S., have been born to this union. Mr. Dick is a member of the First Reformed Church, and is assistant librarian of the Sunday-school. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, pf Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., and of the_ P._ O. S. of A., and is very popular in all of these organizations. His residence is at No. 33 North Ninth street. Eli D. Dick, a well-known business citizen of Reading, who is associated with the Bard Hardware Company, of that city, was born in Cumru township, Berks county, July 13, 1853, a son of Nicholas Dick and a grandson of Jacob Dick (2), and a nephew of the late Amos L. Dick of Reading. Mr. Dick attended the public schools of his native township, and one term at Myerstown, Lebanon county, and assisted his father at farming until 1882, in the fall of which year he came to Reading, and accepted a position with the firm with which he is still connected. Mr. Dick ' married Miss Catharine DeHart, and they reside at No. 1120 Franklin street. , They are the parents of three children: George W., who is attending school; Esther L., deceased ; and Mary A. He and his wife are rnembers of the Reformed denomination. OLIVER MOHR LANDIS, an enterprising business man of No. 427-431 North Sixth street, Reading, Pa., engaged in doing mantel, fire-place, grate, tile and mosaic work, is a native of Berks county, born in i868, in Washington township, son of George O. and Mary (Mohr) Landis. Mr. Landis attended the district schools and West Chester Normal school, and then returned to Berks county, teaching one term in Hereford township. Mr. Landis then went to Pottstown and learned the car- penter's trade, which he followed there for three years, and one year in Philadelphia, with some success. He next went to Seattle, Wash., being there one year after the great fire in 'that city. He also engaged in the box manufacturing business at Portland, _Qlp., and in 1889 returned to Pennsylvania. In 1892 ~Hr. Landis located in Reading and engaged in business linder the firm name of O. M. Landis & Co., at No. 932 Penn street, one year later locating at No. 933 Penn street, and the following year at No. 15 North Sixth street. He then entered into partnership with H. C. Geisler, Sr., and for six years they carried on business under the name of the American Tile & Mantel Company, at No. 727 Penn street, and later at No. 230 Penn street. • In the spring of 1906 Mr. Landis opened his' present business at Nos. 427-435 North Sixth street, at the well known old Esterly Marble stand, and here he has continued successfully up to the present time. Mr. Landis married Clara Stoudt, and they reside at No. 332 Windsor street, Reading. They have six children: Russel H., Mary D., Ruth, Grace C, Oliver and Harrison. In political matters Mr. Landis is a i Republican. He and his wife attend the First Re- \ formed Church. AARON S. WAGNER, one of the prosperous busi- ness men of Shoemakersville, Berks Co., Pa., -was born April 26, 1868, in Penn township, son of Harrison L. and Mary (Speicher) Wagner^ John Wagner, great-grandfather of Aaron S., was born Nov. 20, 1764, and settled on a large farm in Jefferson township, which is now owned by Isaac Wen- rich. He was married three times, the names, of his wives being Miller, Leymaster and Conrad. He died July 11, 1841. We have no record of the children by his first wife, but those of the second marriage were Philip, Jacob, Isaac, John and Daniel, and by the third marriage one child was born, Mary, who became the wife of John Henne. Mrs. Henne survived her hus- band a number of years; she died, in 1908, at her late, residence, Bernville, Pennsylvania. Daniel Wagner, grandfather of Aaron S., was born in Tulpehocken (now a- part of Jefferson) township, and died in 1880, being buried at the Bernville Church. He was a well-known and influential citizen, was a prominent Democrat, and was active in the affairs of the church. Mr. Wagner married Eva Lengel. who was ■ born in 1813, and died in 1906, daughter of Israel Len- gel, and to them there were born eleven children: Levi Elizabeth, Harrison, Amelia, Calvin. Mary, Emma, John, Jane, James and Frank, who died at the age of twelve years. Harrison L. Wagner was born in Jefferson township, July 1, 1836, and died on his farm in Penn .township,' 746 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Nov. 13, 1894. He was a leading Democrat, and served ters and other good books were burned at Gottfried his township in various offices. He and his family were Fidler's house near Womelsdorf, in the presence of members of the Reformed Church at Bernville. Mr. a number of the followers, among them being the Wagner married Mary Speicher, and they had two great and good leader, Conrad Weiser. Gottfried children, Aaron S. and Alvin S. Fidler had a large family, and among his sons were: Aaron S. Wagner received his education in the dis- Henry, Stephen, Andrew, Adam and John, trict schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. Henry Fidler, born Feb. 14, 1723, died May 2, 1777. When a young man he learned the milling trade, which He and his wife Mary Magdalene had four sons and he followed for five years, and he then became a five daughters. stationary engineer, following this profession until 1897, Henry Fidler (2), born March 21, 1752, died June when he formed a partnership with Soloman S. Miller, 6, 1831. He married Eve Lehnig, and their nlarried and under the firm name of Wagner & Miller 'manu- life covered a period of twenty-nine years. They factured hosiery at Reading until 1900, at which time were the parents of three sons and eight daughters, Mr. Wagner formed a partnershio with ' Jeremiah W as recorded at St. Daniel's Church: Maria Catharine, Heckman, of Shoemakersville. There they engaged born April 23, 1776 (sponsors, Conrad Spatz and Ma- in business until 1907, when Mr. Heckman purchased ria Catharine Fiedler); John, born Oct. 31, 1778 (spon- Mr. Wagner's interest. Mr. Wagner is a Democrat in sors, John Fiedler and Elizabeth Fischer); Henry (3), politics, and socially he is connected with the Odd born Dec. 16, 1779; Eva Barbara, born April 16, 1782; Fellows, the Shepherds of Bethlehem No. 60, of Cen- Elizabeth, born Dec. 34, 1784 (sponsors, John Adam treport, and the Modern Woodmen. He and his family Fidler and wife); Magdalena, born May 31, 1787; Ma- attend the Reformed Church of Shoemakersville. ria Christina, born Dec. 16, 1789; Eva Catharine, On June 9, 1889, Mr. Wagner was married to Kate born March 24, 1792; Maria Margaret, born Feb. 3, Marburger, daughter of William H. and Esther (Reed) 1794; Abraham, born July 5, 1796; and Sarah, born Marburger, and four children have been born to this Aug. 15, 1800. union: Annie R., Mary J., William H. and Marguerite I. Henry Fidler (3), born Dec. 16,_ 1779, died Sept. 24, 1860. He married Catharine Leininger, with wh(3m BENJAMIN F. SHEEDER, a prominent business he lived forty-four years. They had three sons and man of Reading, Pa., who is conducting the Sheeder four daughters: Elizabeth, born March 19, 1802; Dan- Planing Mill, located at the corner of Spruce and Miff- iel. born May 31, 1804, died Jan. 19, 1857, m. in 1831, lin streets, was born in Montgomery county. Pa., in Elizabeth Miller, by whom he had four daughters; 1851, son of Philip Sheeder (born April 15, 1808), a Polly; Sarah; Eliza; Henry (4), born in 1812; and Elias, blacksmith by trade, who was engaged as an iron born July 1, 1814, died April 15, 1879. Of these child- worker, ren, Elias, born 1814, was for thirty years a general Mr. Sheeder secured his education in the common merchant at Womelsdorf, and then until his death schools of Reading, and while still a boy apprenticed was engaged in the grain business. He was very himself to the carpenter's trade, working for John active in the New Lutheran Church, and held a num- Fink & Co., where the Goetz tannery is now located, ber of offices therein. He married Eliza Schulze, born He continued in the employ of this company for Oct. 5, 1818, died May 1. 1901, and they had children: twenty-five years, and then engaged in outside con- Mary; Julia C, wife of George C. Valentine, of Wom- tracting until 1901, when he organized the Sheeder elsdorf; Henry S.; Frederick (1854-1899), who had Planing Mill Company, with the following well-known children, Arthur Penn, Julia, Herbert S. and Alfred, business men: Dr. Walter A. Rigg,'and Samuel B. Henry Fidler (4), father of William, was born near Rigg. This company does all kinds of contract mill Charming Forge, in 1812, and died in the borough work, stair work, etc. The factory and grounds cover of Womelsdorf in 1873. He was a hosiery manufac- an area of 110 x 480 feet, the building being equipped turer until about forty years of age, at which time he with the latest machinery, doing an extensive amount moved to the farm on which his son William now lives, of work in Reading and the surroundinp- country, as and ther? he lived until 1865. He then spent two well as in the States of Delaware and New Jersey, years in Womelsdorf, after which he located on a They furnished all of the building material for the Co- farm in that. borough, there passing the remainder of lonial Trust Building, the Boy's new high school, the his life. He and his family were members of Reed's Masonic Temple, and many others of Reading's sub- Church, where he was buried. Mr. Fidler married stantial buildings. The company employ from twenty- Hannah Scholl, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Reed) five to thirty hands, and are kept busy the year around. Scholl, who had children: Peter, George, Isaac, Sal- Mr. Sheeder is a member ot the Liberty Fire Company, lie (m. Jacob Zerbe), Catharine (died unmarried). In political matters he is independent. Mattie (m. a Gerhart) and Hannah (m. Mr, Fidler). Mr. Sheeder was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Ag- Mrs. Fidler's grandfather was Simon Scholl, of Mill- nes Seiders, and to this union there were born two bach, Lebanon county, and his father was the ances- children: Howard F. and Peter N., both of whom tor of the American line of Scholls. After her hus- are engaged in work at the planing mill. band's death Mrs. Fidler continued on the farm until 1884, when she moved to Womelsdorf, and there lived WILLIAM FIDLER, who is carrying on agricul- until 1893, when she moved to the present farm of tural operations in Marion township, Berks Co., Pa., her son William, where she died in 1900. To Henry along the Berks and Dauphin turnpike, was born in Fidler and his wife were born the following children: that township, Feb, 18, 1856, son of Henry and Han- Richard, Kate, Harry, Eliza, Frank, Louisa, William, nah (Scholl) Fidler. Amelia, George and Wayne. None of the daughters There was a Gottfried Fidler, over twenty-one years were ever married, of age, among the emigrants that came to New York William Fidler was reared to agricultural pursuits State in 1710, passing the winter of 1710 and Summer and he became the owner of his present farm in 1900, of 1711 in Livingston Manor, N. Y., then settling in after his mother's death. He had conducted the farm Schoharie, N. Y., in 1713, and in 1723 coming to Tul- for her from 1893 to 19O0. This tract, which is located pehocken, Berks (then Lancaster) county. on the pike one mile northwest of Womelsdorf, con- Gottfried Fidler (or Fiedler) was an early settler sists of thirty-two acres, and is in the best of con- in Tulpehocken ,and is buried at St. Daniel's Church, tion, and is supplied with good water. He at present He was a co-worker with Conrad Weiser, Peter Klopn devotes all his time to its cultivation. With his Hans Miller and others in the Tulpehocken Valley, family he attends Reed's Lutheran Church. He is and was one of the Palatinates from the Schoharie a stanch Republican in politics, and has held several who joined the Seventh-day Adventists in Lancaster local offices. before 1750. It is a matter of history that during Mr. Fidler was married to Lizzie F. Cherington, the early period of their conversion, the old Psal- daughter of Thomas D. and Kate (Scholl) Cherington, BIOGRAPHICAL . 747 of Millbach, Lebanon county, and thev have children as twenty-two days. Mr. Werner had never had a day s follows: Harry W., Elsie M. and Thomas C. sickness until the one which proved fatal, although he had served through the Civil war, in which he LOUIS POHLIG, a well-known resident of Reading, gained an honorable record as a brave and faithful who is engaged in the Deppen Brewing Company of soldier He was a prominent member of the Masonic this city, as brewmaster, is a native of Germany, born fraternity After the war Mr. Werner went to Schuyl- m Saxony. July 4, 1865, both of his parents dymg m j^ji, county, and after building many of the coal break- 1} '^°"S ui'- • J t,- J ;-• • <.t. 1 ers around Pottsville, Tamaqua. Tremont, Ma- Mr. Pohlig received his education m the place , ° ^.i^ujiu i ui.i.= v; '^. » i . < of his nativity, and came to America in 1885, settling hanoy City, Shamokm and Pine Grove, etc., located in Reading. He attended a school of instruction on •" Reading in 1855, following house building up to brewing in ISlew York City, then going to Reading, 1879, when he retired. He was a stanch Democrat, where he was second brewmaster for three years, 'but was never an office seeker. Mr. Werner was a Returning to Reading Nov. 1, 1901, he engaged as trustee of the Lutheran Church, and a valued member brewmaster with the Deppen Brewing Company, and thereof, giving liberally to its support. His widow, has continued to act in that position to the present who survives him, resides in Reading, at the age of time, brewing porter, lager beer, etc. In religious eighty-two years, the mother of these children: Amelia, belief Mr. Pohlig is a German Lutheran. He is a m. to Levi M Zerbe, superintendent at the Philadel- member of the Turnverein, president of the German ^ia & Reading Car Shops; Ellen, m. to Francis Beneficial Association No. aST, a member of the Get- Ganter, a farmer of near Carsonia Park; Ida, m. to man Central American Society, and of the Ameritan and Philadelphia Brewmasters Association. In his po- litical faith Mr. Pohlig is a Democrat. Mr. Pohlig was married to Marie Bohlman, a na- tive of Germany, and to them there have been born two children, — Elsie and Marguerite. ISAAC SMITH, who died at Albany, Pa., was a native of Albany township, Berks county, born in 1806. He learned the "stone-mason's trade early in life, and that was his occupation throughout his ac- tive life; also owning and operating a small piece of land. Mr. Smith married Rachel Correll. a native of Albany township, Berks county, and to this union there were born eleven children, as follows: Chris- tian and Charles, both deceased; Mary, m. to Eman- uel Sassaman; James; Jonathan; Abraham; Isaac; Julia, who resides at Drehersville, m. to Reuben Pauley, the latter now deceased; William, who also resides at John S. Peifer, highway commis'sioner of Reading; May, who died in 1862, aged twelve years; and Wil- liam W. William W. Werner was educated in the Reading com- mon schools and the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, after leaving which he learned the car- penter's trade with his father. Upon completing the prescribed time as journeyman he established himself in the ■ contracting and building business, employing at one time as many as thirty-five to forty skilled me- chanics. Mr. Werner always aimed to give his pa- trons the best of satisfaction, payinsr the best of wages and hiring the most skilled workmen long before the Union was established in this part of the State. He has always been a friend of the workingman, and has given much of his time to advancing their inter- ests. He takes a great pride in demonstrating to those less skilled in his craft that nothing stands so much Drehersville, Schuylkill county; Emma E.; and a daugh- '" the way of their ultimate success as the want of ter Susin, who died in inffilcy. In rdigious belief education, and he is con.s antly advocatmg the use the family were Lutherans. Mr. Smith was a Democrat °{ standard books which will^mcrease their^ abihty and in his political belief, but never cared for public office. widen their opportunities. In order to further this Emma E. Smith, daughter of Isaac, was" married To laudable work, he has provided a complete set Sylvester Kemp (now deceased) and to them was born one son, W. Wilson, who was educated in the schools of Reading, and is now employed at the J. H. Stern- bergh mills, where he has a responsible position. Sil- vester Kemp was a son of William Kemp, a native of Kutztown, who located at what is now Kempton, after the building of the Schuylkill & Lehigh Rail- road. John Schmidt, grandfather of Mrs, Emma E. Kemp, was born in Albany, where he was engaged as a farm- er. He was the father of Isaac; Samuel; Sally (m. Christian Lutz); and Susanna (m. a Greenawalt). WILLIAM W. WERNER, business agent for Car- penter's Union, No. 492. of Reading, Pa., was born in Garfield. Tilden township. Berks county. April 16, 1851, son of Frederick H. and Lovina (Moser) Wer- ner Jacob S. Werner, grandfather of William W., was one of Berks county's old carpenters, and he followed that occupation until his death, at the remarkable age '- - '-■-- sub- of many standard works on general subjects which are open to the use of the members in the Union rooms. This indicates the manner of man that Mr. Werner is, and explains, partly, the fact that since he has become business manager of No. 492 the working conditions of it have been greatly improved. On every side can be heard words of commendation which are deserved. Mr. Werner was greatly instrumental in organizing the Union in Reading and has been a most zealous worker, serving as president for one term and in his present capacity since 1902. He is connected with Chandler Lodge, No. 227; Excelsior Chapter, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, K. T.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Neversink Castle, K. G. E.; has organized three camps of the P. O. S. of A. in Reading, belong- ing to No. 678 of that Order; is a charter member of the Knights of Friendship, and a member of the Sons of Veterans, No. 16.' When but twelve years and nine months old, Mr.. Werner enlisted in the 93rd. Pa. V. I., and served for fifteen months. He has been active in the ranks of the Democratic party, and served of ninety-seven years, two days, erecting many ___ r ^. ,.--•. , . ,- stantial buildings in this section, some of which are as City assessor for three years, his majority, which still standing among them being a number of churches was 1599, being the largest in the history of Reading, in the rural districts of the county. Mr. Werner also He also served as tax collector for twenty-three years, worked upon the Farmers' National Bank, Fifth and Mr. Werner was married in 1868. to Miss Angelina Penn streets Reading He married Mary Seabold, Etter, born in Lancaster county, daughter of Alexan- of Montgomery county. Pa., and to them were born der Etter. No children have been born to this union. f^tir rViilflrpn- Frederick. Jacob. Henry and Charlotte. irreligious belief the family were Lutherans. Politi- WILLIAM S. ANDERSON, who conducts a thriving cally Mr Werner was a Democrat. business at No. 823 Penn street. Reading, dealing in Frederick H Werner was born in Heidelberg to-*n- hats, shoes and men's furnishing goods, is a native ship Berks county, and with his father learned the of Pennsylvania, born Sept. 22, 1860, in Lebanon, Leb- carpenter's trade, which he followed all his life, dying anon county, son of William S. Anderson, Sr., a na- Oct 7 1905, aged eighty-two years, nine months and tive of Connecticut. 748 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA William S. Anderson, Sr., went to Philadelphia, Pa., in early life, and thence to Lebanon, Pa., where he en- gaged in the manufacture of cigars during the time of the Civil war. He was very successful in this line, but later engaged in the tanning business with a Mr. Greenwalt, under the firm name of Greenwalt & An- derson, they being the pioneers of the special process of tanning hides, in this State, the process being later adopted by all leading tanners. Mr. Anderson con- tinued in this business until his death, five years' later, at the age of forty-five years. He married Margaret Eaches, who survives him and makes her home with her son, William S. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had two' children: Nellie G., the wife of Albert D. Deem, of the firm of Close & Deem, Reading, Pa.; and William S. William S. Anderson, Jr., came to Reading in 1870, and was here educated. His first employment was with Philip Albright, a pioneer local express man located at Fourth and Penn streets, with whom he remained three years. The next two years were spent with the Reading Hardware Company, in the lock department, after which he went to learn the hatters' business with William H. Rennoll & Co., at the corner of Tenth and Spruce streets. After learning his trade, Mr. An- derson engaged with R. H. Savage & Co., at Thirteenth and Muhlenberg streets, for thirteen years, at the end of which time he was employed by Bell & Cadwell of New York, for whom he traveled two years. Returning to Read- ing Mr. Anderson embarked in business with John F. Doremus, at No. 823 Penn street, engaging in the sale of men's furnishing goods, shoes and hats, under the firm name of Doremus & Anderson from Sept. 35, 1895, until Jan. 1, 1904, when Mr. Anderson purchased the interest of his partner, and since this time has continued in business on his own account, carrying a full line of hats, shoes and men's furnishing goods of all kinds. His straightforward way of doing business and the fine quality of the goods which he offers for sale have won him the confidence and patronage of the people of Reading to a large degree, and he is en- joying an ever-increasing trade. Mr. Anderson married, in 1895, Mrs. Annie Barrett Glasser, and they reside at No. 914 Franklin street, Reading. Mrs. Anderson was the mother of two child- ren by her former marriage, Ella F., the wife of Rev. H. Rupp; and Jean M. In religion he is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and he has served as deacon and elder. REV. WILLIAM WILBERFORCE DEATRICK, A. M., Sc. D. In the quiet country graveyard attached to the "Bender's Church" in Butler township, Adams Co., Pa., is a gray slate tombstone bearing the following inscription, in German text: Hier ruht Der Leib Von : lohan : nictlas : dietrich Wahr : geboren : in : deudschlant ten Den : 15 : May : Im : lahr Unserres : Herren : 1727 ten Und : ist : Gestorben : Den : 23 October : Im : lahr : Unserres Herren 1813 Und hatsein Altergebracht Auf 86 iahr 5 monat Und 8 TaG= A little space from the footstone of this grave is another headstone, also of gray slate, on which is this inscription in italic and gothic lettering : Hier RUht ANNA MARGYRETHA DIEDRICH NICHOLAVS DIDRICHS :EHEFrAV GebOhreN : DeN : XV : NOVeM= ber ; 1724 : VerheurAthetteN : I : October : 1753 LebteiMeHe stANT IV lAhr Sle StArbTeN XIX TAG lULy :1797 : ALT LXXH IAHR : IV MONATh It will be noted that the arithmetic of the stone-cutter is at fault — married in 1753 and dying in 1797, she could have been married fifty-five years, but born Nov. 15, 1734, and dying July 19, 1797, her age could not have been seventy-two years, four months. Of interest in this con- nection are two entries contained in the old records of a ' church in Earl township, Lancaster Co., Pa. (discovered and transcribed by Luther R. Kelker, State Custodian of Public Records, of Harrisburg). They were made by Rev. John Waldschmidt, a pioneer Reformed minister, who served widely separated congregations in eastern Penn- sylvania. These records are as follows : "Baptisms: Dietrich. Johann Balser, son of Johann Nich- olaus, and Anna Margaretha his wife, born Dec. 33, 1754, baptized Jan. 26, 1755, Balser Bosshaar and wife Anna Maria sponsors." "Marriages: Nicholaus Dietrich, son of deceased Johann Jacob Dietrich, married 31st October, 1753, Anna Marga- retha, daughter of Johann Gerhart Shafer." Unless the Waldschmidt records refer to other Dietrichs, which seems improbable, it is likely that his "Oct. 31" is more accurate than the "Oct. 1" on the inconsistent tomb- stone. Whether the Johann Jacob Dietrich in the Wald- schmidt record emigrated from Germany to this country or died in the Fatherland' is uncertain. A certain Jacob Diete- rich, aged forty, is recorded in the Pennsylvania Archives as having landed at Philadelphia from the ship "Charming Nancy," Nov. 9, 1738. A Hannus Diedrich came on the ship "Thistle," Sept. 19, 1738, and Johannes Diterichs and (■probably his wife) Ann Dederick arrived on the ship "Samuel," Aug. 17, 1731. Whether either of these was the father of John Nicholas is uncertain. There is no record of a John, Jacob Dietrich as an immigrant after 1731. As to the date of arrival of John Nicholas Dietrich we have, at present writing, no certain information. The Archives show, however, that on Oct. 7, 1749, one Nicholas Dietrich landed from the ship "Leslie," Captain J. Ballen- dine, from Rotterdam. On this ship came 131 immigrants, among them Frederick Bender, Johan Rudolph Miiller, Johan Wilhelm Arendt, Georg Miiller and Peter Miller. These being names of early settlers in Adams county (then York), it may be reasonably inferred that the Nich- olas Dietrich arriving at that time was the "Johan Nictlas dietrich" of Bender's churchyard, whose stone declares that he_"wahr geboren in deudschlant." The "Pennsylvania Ar- chives" also give a "Niclas Deederich" as arriving on the ship "Mary Galley," qualifying on Sept. 7, 1748. His name IS first on the list and was spelled on the original list "Derrick." To John Nicholas Dietrich and his wife Anna Marger- etha were_ born (in addition to the Johann Balser of Waldschmidt's record, of whom we have no further knowledge), according. to tombstones in the same church- yard: Nicholas Dietrich, whose wife Mary Ann "Dea- trick" lies buried by his side; Margret Tietrich; William Dietnck; Michael Dietrich; and Martin Dietrich. Nicholas Dietrich and his wife Mary Ann died childless, but tradition has it that they acted as father and mother to the children of others, bringing up in their home, as some say, no less than seventeen children of other families, Margaret and William never married. On the tombstone of William is this line: "A Patriot of the Revolution." As he was only twenty-one years of age at the close of that war he must have been a youthful soldier. He fell asleep on his country's birthday, July 4, 1848, at the ripe age of eighty-six years. Michael Dietrich married Sophia, daughter of Rudolph Spangler (or Spengler), who resided near Heidlersburg and later near Abbottstown, Adams county. To this couple were born nine children: Nicholas, Jacob, Rudolph, Mich- ael, Christiana (m. Jesse Smith), Mary (m, George Key- ser), Sarah (m. Daniel Fidler) and Margaret and Cathe- rine, the last two of whom died unmarried Nicholas Dietrich, eldest son of Michael, married March 31, 1822, Margaret, daughter of Nicholas and Re- becca (Bushey) Miller, Nicholas was a hard-working industrious farmer, owning an estate in Tyrone township' known as "Cranberry," from the wild cranberries growing BIOGRAPHICAL 749 in a marsh near the farm house. Their seven children were: William Miller, Michael, John Bushey, Anna Eliza- beth (m. Adam Bream), Jacob Spangler, Abraham, and Howard Nicholas. Of these John B., who died unmarried, was a soldier in the Civil war. The eldest son, William Miller Deatrick, was born Jan. 23, 1833. At an early age he was impressed with a desire' to become a minister of the Gospel. The way to this calling did not seem open, and so for some time he worked at the trade of milling. At last he gathered funds to go to college, and in 1848 he graduated from Marshall College at Mercersburg, Pa. He continued his studies in the Theological Seminary of the (German) Reformed Church, at the same place, graduating from that institution in 1851, and was licensed to be a minister of the Reformed Church. He was ordained in 1852, and his first charge was at Huntingdon, Pa. During his time of preparation for the ministry, he taught school at Norristown, MifHin- burg, and Milton, Pa., also at Manchester, Md. In 1856 he removed to Pattonsville (now Loysburg), Pa., where he served the "Yellow Creek Charge," a laborious field. In 1862 he removed to Friends Cove, Pa. This charge was also a laborious one, the minister being obliged to ride on horse-back across a high mountain, over a bridle-path (there was no driving road) to serve several of the more distant congregations of his extended parish. He was, indeed, a pioneer abundant in labors. In 1875 he gave up the active work of the ministry to become the Finan- cial Secretary of Mercersburg College, an institution in which he was deeply interested. To attend to the duties of his new office he removed with his family to Mercers- burg, Pa. Later he became President of the Board of Regents of Mercersburg College, and to the service of that institution he gave unstintedly of his time and money, the latter hard earned and saved with incredible economy. During the dark days of that institution which now, as Mercersburg Academy, enjoys a high degree of prosperity and ranks, under Dr. William Mann Irvine, as one of the foremost schools for boys in America, Dr. W. M. Deatrick bore for some years the brunt of the financial burden, really saving the school from bankruptcy and extinction, and preserving it for the church he loved so well. For forty-four years he was Stated Clerk for Mercersburg- Classis, and for thirty years its treasurer. He was also Stated Clerk of the Potomac Synod for twenty-eight years, and treasurer of the Board of Education of the Synod for twenty-five years until his ■ death, which oc- curred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles V. Smith, at Bedford, Pa., May 6, 1901. He was also Presi- dent of the Society for the Relief of Ministers and their Widows until he was called from the labors of earth. The Rev. W. M. Deatrick received from his alma mater the degree of A. M. in course, and in 1887 had conferred upon him, in recognition of his signal services in behalf of his church, by Franklin and Marshall- College, at Lancaster, Pa., the degree of Doctor "of Divinity. Dr. Deatrick married Nov. 9, 1853, Miss Harriet Peyton Sohn, born March 3, 1818, in Martinsburg, W. Va., daugh- ter of Conrad and Ann Ranson Sohn, of Mercersburg. Her mother's maiden name was Christian and she came of a prominent Virginian family, intermarried with the Ransons, Peytons, and Washingtons of that State. She died Aug. 3, 1884, and is buried by the side of her hus- band and parents in the beautiful "Fairview Cemetery," on the southern outskirts of Mercersburg, the home of her youth and last years. This union was blessed with three children: (1) William Wilberforce Deatrick, A. M., Sc. D. (3) Rev. Edward Ranson Deatrick, B. D., born in 1856, graduated from Mercersburg College in 1879, and from the Reformed Theological Seminary at Lancaster in 1884. In the same year he was sent as home missionary to Baltimore, where he succeeded in founding a number of churches, becoming settled pastor of one in Woodberry, one of the suburbs of that city, and remaining in charge until May of 1906, when he assumed the pastorate at Mt. Pleasant, Pa. He married in 1890, Miss Mary A. K. Everhart, and one child, Anna Marguerite, has blessed this union. (3) Ann Margaret, born in 1864, graduated from the female department of Mercersburg College in 1884, and in 1896, she married Charles V. Smith, A. _M., then professor in Mercersburg Academy, lately principal of Kittanning Academy, Kittanning, Pa.; they have two children, Arthur Deatrick and Harriet Peyton. William Wilberforce Deatrick was born in Huntingdon, Pa., Aug. 1, 1853. He and his brother, Edward R., attended . public school in an old stone school-house near their father's church in Friends Cove. ' For several terms in summer he attended an academy known as Allegheny Seminary at Rainsburg, about four miles from his home, the daily journey being made, for the most part, on foot. When only sixteen years of age he began teaching, being employed to teach a short unexpired term of the home public school. From 1870 to 1872 he taught regularly in the public schools of the township, having won in examina- tion under the county superintendent a certificate averaging only a slight fraction over one. Latin and Greek were studied under his father and, in the autumn of 1872, he entered Mercersburg College as a freshman. Here he came under the influence of the eminent educator and theologian, Dr, Elnathan E. . Higbee, to whose inspiration he attributes, in large measure, the success he has himself attained as a thinker and teacher. In 1876 he graduated from the college with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Continuing his studies, he received from the same insti- tution, three years later, the degree of Master of Arts. In the autumn of 1876 he took up the study of theology in the Theological Department of Mercersburg College. To secure, in part, the funds necessary to the prosecution of his studies he engaged, during his vacations, in the sale of books and during the winters served as tutor in the preparatory school attached to his alma mater. During the summer of 1878 he was a member of the faculty of Juniata Collegiate Institute, a secondary school or acad- emy, located at Martinsburg, Pa. In the autumn of 1878 he entered the senior class of the Theological Seminary at Lancaster, from which institution he graduated in ,May, 1879. He was licensed to preach a few days later by the Mercersburg Classis of the Reformed Church, then in session at Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. No call coming to him at that time to a pastoral charge, he returned to Martinsburg, where he taught again during the summer. Late in the same year he was elected prin- cipal of the public schools of Milton, Pa., closing his work there at the end of the school year, declining a re-election, on the night preceding the day of the dreadful fire of 1880 which laid the beautiful town in ashes. By this time he had received three calls to churches, one being in Washington, D. C. Of these he accepted the call to the New Centerville charge in Somerset county. Pa., where he began his labors as pastor on June 1, 1880, receiving ordination on the 18th of the same month. In this field of ministerial activity he labored for three and one- half years. In December, 1883, he removed to Rimersburg, Clarion Co., Pa., and in January, 1884, re-opened the Clarion Collegiate Institute in that town. This institution of the Reformed Church had been closed for some time. Under his management as principal the building was put in excellent repair, a considerable debt paid, and a vigor- ous school built up. For seven and one-half years he labored here with indefatigable zeal and was instrumental in preparing a number of young men for college, of whom a goodly proportion found their way into the ministry of the denomination under the auspices of which the insti- tution was conducted. In 1891 he was elected to the chair of Psychology and Pedagogy in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town. Pa., then under the principalship of Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer, Ph. D., the present Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Pennsylvania. Later, owing to enlargement of the faculty and consequent re-arrangement of the work, his duties were slightly changed, and he is now, as for some years he has been, Professor of Psy- chology and Higher English, the Higher English compris- ing rhetoric, English literature, and the English classics. Since his connection with the Normal school he has been active as an institute instructor, and a worker and lecturer 750 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA at Chautauquas and elsewhere. His engagements at county institutes have taken him not only to many counties in his native State, but to the States of New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. For a number of seasons he was on the teaching force of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua at Mount Gretna, giving, in addition to class- room work, each year an illustrated lecture. Although not serving as a pastor in charge since 1883, he has been active as a clergyman. During the eighties he "supplied" churches of his denomination at DuBois, St. Petersburg, Emienton, and Kittanning. In 1903 he filled the pulpit of the First Reformed Church in Reading, during the illness of the pastor, Rev. Dr. H. Mosser, for a period of eight months, preaching regularly each alternate Sunday. A part of his duties at the Normal school during the past eighteen years has been to take turns with other ministerial members of the faculty, in preaching to the students in the chapel, about once every three weeks. Fre- quent summons from churches in Reading and elsewhere have kept him fairly well occupied in sermonizing. In addition to these labors, he has been, for eighteen years, chorister of St. Paul's Reformed Church, Kutztown, in the Sunday-school of which church he was superintendent for ten years. Notwithstanding the multiplicity of his duties in school and church he has yet found time for some literary work. He has been a contributor to religious and educational periodicals. For half a year before he left Rimersburg he edited and published The Rimersburg Courier, a weekly local newspaper. For about thirteen years past he has been on the staff of The Kutztown Patriot, writing weekly editorials, many of which have attracted the attention of, and been reprinted by, colleagues of the press. From June, 1902, to September, 1905, he was editor, and manager for most of the time, of The Pennsylvania C hautauquan, the quarterly and, during the sessions of the Assembly, the daily organ of the Mount Gretna Chautauqua. He was one of the joint authors of a voluminous "History of Clarion County," published in 1887. He is author of a text-book on physiological psychology, entitled "The Human Mind and Its Physical Basis," now undergoing revision for a second edition. He has under way, in addition to this revised and enlarged edition of the psychology, two smaller manuals, one on the study of poetry and the other on letter writing. In recognition of his ability as an educator, of the thoroughness of his scientific studies and his scholar- ship, as well as of the excellence of his book, Franklin and Marshall College, at its Golden Jubilee in 1903, be- stowed on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Educational Associa- tion, having organized the Child-Study Section of that body and been for several years president of the Child- Study Section. He has been for eighteen years an "active member" of the National Educational Association, and for ten years has maintained membership in the Pennsyl- vania-German Society. He is also a member of the Berks County Historical Society. In November, 1907, he was appointed- a member of the Advisory Council of the Simplified Spelling Board, this council being composed of about a hundred of the leading educators of America. On June 15, 1881, Dr. Deatrick married Miss Emma Jane, daughter of Levi and Matilda (Hackenberg) Balliet, of Milton, Pa. Mr. Balliet was a son of John and Elizabeth (Schreiber) Balliet. This John Balliet was a son of John Balliet and his wife, Catherine M. Mickley (a daughter of John Jacob Mickley, who hauled the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia to AUentown during the American Revolu- tion), both of Whitehall, Lehigh county. The elder John Balliet (1761-1837) was the fourth son of Paulus Balliet who, with his wife Maria Magdalena (Wotring) Balliet, lies buried in the southeast section of the old walled burial ground of the Union Church in Whitehall. This Paulus Balliet was the first of the race of Balliets in Whitehall. He was a French Huguenot, born in the Province of Alsace on the Rhine, in 1717. "At the age of about twenty- one years he was compelled, with many other French Protestants, to seek refuge in a foreign country, on ac- count of the terrible persecutions of the Huguenots after the revocatitjn of the famous Edict of Nantes at the close of the seventeenth century, by the then reigning King Louis XIV. He embarked for America on board ship 'Robert Oliver,' of the Palatines, Walter Goodman, com- mander, Sept. 10, 1738." He located at what is known as the "Old Balliet Stand," in Whitehall township, Lehigh county, in 1749', on a tract, of land containing a little over ninety-seven acres, secured by a deed from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn. From time to time Paulus added to his lands, until his estate embraced over 700 acres. According to tradition, he was known as "Bowl" Balliet, a name given to him by the Indians to whom he was accustomed, as landlord at Ballietsville, to furnish refreshments from a wooden bowl. He became a naturalized American citizen in the year 1759. His wife, Maria Magdalena Wotring, according to tradition, "was born A. D. 1727, in the pro- vince of Lothringen (now Lorraine) in France. She died in 1802, aged seventy-five years. It is presumed that they married in this country. Paulus died March 19, 1777, aged sixty years." Mrs. Matilda (Hackenberg) Balliet, born Aug. 1, 1825, at Freeburg, Union (now Snyder) county. Pa., died Sept. 26, 1903, at Kutztown, was a daughter — the fourth child in a family of eleven children — of Johann Peter Hachen- berg and his wife Anna Mary (born Haines). She was fifth in direct descent from Peter Hachenberg, prince of a township and "dorfe" of about 2,000 inhabitants in Ger- many, which bears the name of "Hachenberg" to this day, known from his love of the chase as "the Hunting Prince of Hachenberg." He was the father of Caspar Frederick Hachenberg, who, going to England, held a Greek pro- fessorship in one of the universities, where he wrote one of the most perfect of Greek grammars, the basis of the one by Goodrich used generally in American colleges some years ago. He was also author of a law book, "Hachenberg's Media," still quoted in American courts. His youngest son, Johann Peter Hachenberg, came to America in 1764 and settled at Freeburg, where, being a skilled linguist, he taught Latin, Greek, French and German. He also had local fame as a mathematician. As ensign of "the Flying Camp" of Col. Baxter's regiment he served through the Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington (one account says "at Trenton"), and was sent by the British to Long Island. He died March 4, 1820. His son, Peter Hachenberg (1773-1847), was a sur- veyor, justice of the peace, register and recorder of Union county (1821) and county commissioner (1830). He spent the latter half of his life in New Berlin but, with his wife, lies buried at Freeburg, the home of his youth. His fourth son, the father of Mrs. Balliet, Johann Peter Hachenberg (1800-1870), was in youth a carpenter and joiner by trade, following also the occupation of surveyor and conveyancer. In 1823 he, too, was appointed justice of the peace, holding office till 1836, when he removed from Freeburg to McEwensvifle, Montour county, where later he conducted a general store. In 1834 he was Anti- masonic delegate to the New Berlin Convention. In 1836 he was appointed supervisor of the West Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal. Two years later he gave up this office to devote his time to building and contracting. While thus engaged, in partnership with John P. Schuyler, he erected the bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna at Northumberland. In 1854, having sold his store to Levi Balliet, he moved to White Pigeon, Mich., where he en- gaged in merchandizing to the day of his death. Levi Balliet and Matilda Balliet, parents of Mrs. Deatrick, are buried in the "lower" cemetery at Milton, Pennsylvania. To William Wilberforce and Emma (Balliet) Deatrick have been born five children. Of these the two eldest, boys, died in early childhood. There are living at the present writing: Ethel Matilda, born 1886, who graduated, June, 1909, from the classical department of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. ; Eugene Peyton, born 1889, a member of the class of 1911, in the classical department of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa.; and Anna Louise, born 1896, who is a student in the Keystone State Normal School. The family lives on "Normal Hill," in a substan- BIOGRAPHICAL 751 tial and comfortable home, a brick building; owned by Dr. Deatrick and built by him in 1898. EMIL HOFFMANN (deceased), of Reading, where for many years he was employed in a woolen mill, was of German birth and ancestry, but has spent most of his adult life in this country. Born in Breslau, Prussia, March 4, 182-8, he remained in his native land until he reached manhood. In 1858 Mr. Hoffmann came to America, landing in New York. He at once went to Reading, and secured work at Brumbach's Mill, as boss weaver. Later he was engaged in woolen manufacturing on Fifth street, and still later went into the carpet business for him- self, employing from five to eight people. His work became so favorably known that Mr, Hoflfmann was called upon to help install the looms in the Berks County Prison, and to teach, the prisoners to weave carpets. His business enterprise proved a successful one, and he continued to conduct it until his death, which occured from heart disease Nov. 1, 1886, when he was aged fifty-eight. He was a member for a num- ber of years of the I. O. O. F. In his political princi- ples Mr. Hoffmann was a Democrat and had the wel- fare of the community at heart. The best man for the place always received his vote, whether he was a Demo- crat or a Republican. Mr. Hoffmann was a man of many good traits of character. On Aug. 29, 1865, Mr. Hoffmann married Miss Augus- ta Beck, and a family of ten children was born to them, four of whom are deceased. The others, all of Read- ing, are as follows: George K. ; William S.; Charles D., a baker; Annie M., wife of William C. Dersch; Emil, m. to Emma Smith, and they live in Reading; and Augusta, m. to Frederick Niethamer, Reading. John A., who was a printer, died Sept. 13, 1908, aged forty years. Mrs. Augusta Hoffmann was the daughter of John Beck, a machinist and file cutter from Germany. He came to this country May 1, 1840, and at first settled in York, Pa,, where he was employed as a machinist in the shops of Small & Sillinger. He had learned his trade in his native land, and was an expert in file cut- ting. In 1850 he removed to Reading, and secured employment with the. Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, continuing with them until ill health com- pelled him to give up his oosition. In his later years he worked as a locksmith and the lock for St. John's Lutheran Church was made by him. He married An- na Maria Siegner, and both were members of the Lu- theran Church. The children born to them were: Augusta, wife of Mr. Hoffmann; and Anna Maria, widow of Isadore Messenson, and residing in Read- ing. Mrs. Hoffmann resides at No. 238 South Third street, Reading. HARVEY K. WEASNER, one of the thrifty young farmers of Douglass township, Berks county, was born there Aug. 1, 1869. The name of this family has been variously spelled, and the first to bring his family into Douglass town- ship, Berks county, from the earlier Pennsylvania home in Chester county was John Weisner, who was born there Sept. 14, 1774, and died in Douglass town- ship, on a farm (now the property of Charles Brintzen- "hoff) which he had purchased but four months before, Aug. 1, 1825. Be is buried in the old cemetery near the Reformed Church. He was twice married. His first wife died in Chester county. To that union there were six children: Polly m. Samuel Acker, of Cedar Hollow; Catharine (Walter); Betzy (Beidler); John lived in Chester county, asdid also Lewis; and Jacob. John Weisner married (second) a woman from Lower Berks county, Catharine Kuetz, daughter of Conrad Kuetz. and to this union were born five children: Israel; Conrad; William, 1825-1848; Susan (Shanely); and Mrs. Weaver. At the side of John Weisner is buried one "Ludwig Weisner, born Feb. -29, 1808, died Oct. 25, 1829, in the 22d year of age" — probably another son. Jacob Weasner, son of John, lived in Douglass town- ship, and there owned the farm of seventy-five acres now owned by a member of the Schmeck family. He was born in Chester county in June, 1801, and accom- panied his father to Berks county. By trade he was a blacksmith and had a smithy above Worman in Earl township, where he worked for seven years. Some time before 1839 he located on his farm, and there he died in April, 1866, and was buried at Boyertown. He married Mary Romich, daughter of John Romich. She. was born in 1801, and died in 1868, and is buried at Boyertown. They had six children: Sarah, m. to John Davidheiser; Harriet, m. to John Eagle; Jacob, unmarried; John R.; Mary, m. to Isaac Eagle; and Eli, m, to Susan Albright, and a resident of Boyer- town. John R. Weasner, son of Jacob and Mary, was born in Douglass township, Sept. 14, 1839, on the old Weas- ner homestead. He was a farmer from 1867 until his retirement, when he was succeeded by his son. He built the present frame dwelling on his farm in 1880. Since 1904 he has lived in a nice home at Gilberts- ville, and besides his farm and residence, he owns property in Boyertown. He has always been indus- trious and frugal, and owes his present comfortable circumstances to his good management. He and his family are Lutheran memb^ers of the Boyertown Church. In 1866 he married Lovina Kepner, born in 1839, daughter of William Kepner, of Montgomery county. They have one son, Harvey K-. Harvey K. Weasner received the educational advan- tages of the common schools and from his boyhood assisted on the home farm. In the spring of 1896 he began on his father's farm, where he has since continued. He has an excellent outfit of farm imple- ments and up-to-date machinery — all that he could pos- sibly use in the cultivation of his ninety-five acre tract. His farm is located in the center part of the township, in the Mauger school district. Everything about the place indicates the care and thrift of the owner. Mr. Weasner has taken a keen interest in public affairs ' as a Democrat, and for three years was supervisor of Douglass township. He has been greatlv interested in the development and progress of the public schools. He and his family are members of the Lutheran con- gregation of the Boyertown church. In 1895 Mr. Weasner married Mary Weller, daughter of William and Hettie (Fraunheiser) Weller, and they have one son, Lawrence W. JOHN W. RAPP. who is engaged in the building and contracting business, resides at No., 170 West Oley street, Reading, Pa. He was born April 5, 1870, at West Leesport, Pa., son of Alonzo and Susan (Drayer) Rapp, and srrandson of John Rapp. John Rapp, grandfather of John W., was an early settler and shoemaker, living in the vicinit" of Lees- port. He had four children: Washington, Thomas, Elmira (m. the late Dr. Snyder, of Leesport, and is deceased) and Alonzo. Alonzo Rapp, son of John, .was a railroader, and lived in Reading. He was born about 1849. and died in March, 1877, and is buried at Hinnershitz Church. He married Susan Drayer, and they had two sons and two daughters: Harry G., of Reading; John W,; and Minnie and Mary, who both died in infancy. John W. Rapp secured his education in the schools of Reading, whither his parents had moved when he was a boy. At the age of fifteen years he learned the paper hanging and painting trade, and after following that occupation for some time engaged in the grocery and meat business at No, 704 North Sixth street, which business he followed there and at other places in Reading for six years. In 1905 Mr, Rapp engaged in the building business, and in this he has continued 753 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA to the present time, erecting three modern stone residences on Weiser street. Mr. Rapp was married to Miss Jennie Shadle, daugh- ter of John and Mary Ann (Houpt) Snadle. Mr. and Mrs. Rapp have two children: Lloyd E. S., at school; and Marguerite S. Mrs. ' Rapo is a member of the Windsor Street M. E. Church. Mr. Rapp is connected with the P. O. S. of A., and the Sons of Veterans, his father having been a soldier in the Civil war. JUDGE GEORGE W. BRUCKMAN (deceased), one of the last two associate judges of Berks county, which office was abolished during his term of service, in 1873, was one of the most prominent citizens of Reading in his day. He was born there, son of Carl A. Bruckraan, who emigrated from Amsterdam, Holland, and located in the city in early life, here learning the printer's trade. For ten years (1816-1826) he published a German news- paper known as the Readinger Postbote. In 1800 he be- came a partner of Gottlob Youngman in the' publication of the Weekly Advertiser. George W. Bruckman resided in ' Reading throughout his life. After receiving his education in the public schools he served an apprenticeship to the plasterer's trade, and followed that business for ten years, ' until he became clerk to the county commissioner. He served in that position for the following ten years, acted as deputy pro- thonotary for three years (1851-1854) under Dr. Charles H. Hunter, and served as city treasurer during the years 3857-1858. Later he acted as teller in the Bushong Bank for a time, in 1867 re-entering official life as jury com- missioner of Berks county, and continuing as such until 1870. He was one of the first to serve in that office in the county. In 1871 he was elected associate judge of Berks county for the full term of five years, but during 1873 this office was done away with. From 1880 until 1883 the Judge was a member of the select council from the Eighth ward, and this office he filled with the highest credit. At the time of the failure of the well-known Bushong Bank he was appointed assignee and that all who knew him had equal confidence in his high sense of honor and executive ability is demonstrated by the fact that he was chosen to settle many estates. In the dis- charge of such duties he became well known all over Berks county, of which he was one of the most respected citizens. His friends were numerous, and he was a prominent figure on the streets of Reading for many years. His death, which was widely mourned, occurred May 19, 1897, at his residence. No. 925 Penn street, and was caused by paralysis, from which he had been a suf- ferer for several years. He came from old Lutheran stock. Judge Bruckman married May 22, 1896, Miss Caroline H. Heilman, daughter of John B. Heilman, and she sur- vives him, residing at the Penn street home. John B. Heilman, father of Mrs. Bruckman, died in Reading, May 10, 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a native of Germany, where he followed the calling of a shepherd. He remained in that country for a long time after his marriage, coming to America in 1852. As he was unacquainted here and had no plans for settling, he went from New York to Reading with a Mr. Haak, whom he had met on the boat. Soon after his arrival he found employment in the Philadelphia & Reading shops. He remained with the company for the unusually long period of forty years, a fact which speaks well for the record he made. Before his death he made a visit to his native land. Mr. Heilman married C. Frederika Sturgzboch, who died Feb. 16, 1888, and they are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. They had children as follows: William F., a retired cigar manufacturer, who resides with his sister, Mrs. Bruckman; Charles F., a resident of Reading; Mark G., who is engaged in the cigar business in Potts- town; John B., Jr., late of Hot Springs, Ark., who died Aug. 3, 1908, leaving two sons, William J. and Harvey M. ; George ; and Caroline H., who married Judge Bruckman. GEORGE M. ZELLER, the popular proprietor of the well-known "American House," at Stouchsburg, Marion township, is a representative of one of Berks county's oldest and most honored families. Mr. Zeller. was born Sept. 30, 1863, in Marion township, son of Reily W. and Rebecca (Troutman) Zeller. Between 1733 and 1751 there landed (qualified) at Philadelphia three emigrants of the name of Zoller, and between 1740 and 1767 a number of Zellers and Zollers are there recorded. But the Tulpehocken Zellers have for fheir ancestor John Henry Zeller (sometimes Zoell^r), who came from Schoharie, N. Y., as the fol- lowing account from the Rev. Mr. Stapleton's "Memo- rials |Of the Huguenots in America" shows: "Among the Huguenot exiles were several -branches of thp ancient Sellaire or Cellier family of France. The name; is met with among the refugees to England and America prior to the Revocation (1685), and even, in far- away Cape Colony, where a descendant. General Cellier, became famous as a Boer leader in the Transvaal war. One branch retired to the Palatinate about the period of the Revocation. Of this family was Jean Henri Sel- laire, who, with his family, followed the great exodus of Palatinates to London in 1708. In 1709 he came to New York with the Palatinates, where his name and that of his son John as 'Zeller' appears among the settlers of Livingston Manor in 1710. About 1727 he came overland through the trackless wilderness to Tul- pehocken, locating near the present town of Sheridan, wher,e he established a considerable estate and where he died at a very advanced age in 1756. His house, a massive stone edifice, erected with a view to protect the family and neighbors in case of an attack from the Indians, is still standing." This house, now an his- torical relic of the section, and known as "Zeller's Indian Fort," was erected in 1745, on the banks of the mill I creek, and, as stated, was used for a fort. But the author of the paragraph quoted was not quite ac- curate when he called it a "massive stone edifice." The walls are massive enough, but the building could hardly be called an edifice. He also erected the first meeting- place of these early Schoharie settlers for worship, de- fense and mutual conference. He died in January, i756, and his will, made Aug. 3, 1754, was probated Jan. 20, 1756. This will shows a wife, Anna Maria, and children: John George (who obtained the homestead), John Henry, John David, Hartman (The Rev. Mr. Siapleton give^ this name as Martin), John, Anna Maria Sa'tz- geber, Barbara (or Barbaralis) Lerew, Catharine Pon- tius and Anna Elizabeth Battorf. The executors are shown as his son John and son-in-law Leonard An- spach, — accordingly there must have been another daughter. It appears that some of the descendants of John Henry Zeller removed to Heidelberg in Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, where the proprietary and State tax lists I of Lancaster county for 1779 show David Zeller (110 acres), Henry Zeller (100 acres), Peter Zeller (100 acres) and Michael Zeller (40 acres). The first three of these are also shown for 1771. In case of the old townships it must not be forgotten that where men- tioned by the Rev. Mr. Stoever and other early preach- ers they did not always have definite boundaries. Heid- elberg, for instance, extended rather indefinitely west- ward and perhaps through what is now Lebanon county. - Tulfiehocken and Heidelberg seem also to have over- lapped in some places. The following memoranda undoubtedly refer to some of the children of John Henry Zeller, the emigrant: John G. Zoeller and Hartman Zoeller are shown by Rupp as members between 1735 and 1755, of the Tulpe- hocl>"« .^e was^born in 1791. in this year came to Reading, establishing hisLresent if '^^H *°J",f'"^;, .^1 ^'^^ '" k^^®^" ^^'^u^? business. He carries a full line of meats and fijicy and Mertz, m. Eva Hoch, and to them were born seven child- staple groceries, and from the start his business Mas been '"^"' ^^ follows: John m. (first) Anna Warener and (see- steadily growing. He is an honest and upright/business °*"^) Sarah Taylor; Susan m. John Merkel; Daniel m. man, and deserves the patronage of his comrnunity. Polly Kohler; Amos m. Sallie Yoder; Isaac m. Florenda Mr. Henninger married, in 1882, Susan llown, of Yoder; Mary m. Jacob Van Buskirk; and Abraham m. Brownsville, Pa., and to this union were born six child- Susannah Hoch, a daughter of Gen. William Hoch. ren, four of whom are deceased, two sons and two daugh- ters. Those surviving are Paul and Robert, the latter DANIEL S. RITTER, who for many years was en- of whom married Annie Miller, of Fleetwood, Pa. In gaged in various business enterprises in Reading, Pa., his_ religious belief Mr. Henninger is a Lutheran. In passed away at his home in that city, Feb. 7, 1897, after political matters he is a supporter of the principles of the a long and eventful life. He was born in Exeter town- Democratic party. ship, Berks county, in 1817, son of the late David S. Ritter, Sr. ISAAC MAURER, now living retired, was for a num- David S. Ritter, Sr., was born in Alsace township, ber of years extensively engaged in contracting. Mr. Berks county, Feb. 9, 1776, and died June 15, '1853, hav- Maurer was born in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks ing spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He Co., Pa., May 31, 1835, son of Daniel and Hannah (Eisen- married Miss Susannah Snyder, born July 28, 1790, who man) Maurer. died Sept. 3, 1875, and they became the parents of these John Maurer, grandfather of Isaac, was one*of the early children: Benjamin S., born in 1811, died in April, 1890; residents of Lower Heidelberg township, and a representa- Esther, born April 13, 1814, died Dec. 9, 1898; an infant, tive farmer of that section of the county. He and his born June 6, 1816, died June 21, 1816; Daniel S.; Reuben, wife were the parents of these children: Daniel, Isaac, born Dec. 25, 1819, died in 1826; Louisa, born Feb. 5, John, Samuel, and three daughters. The family were 1823, died Oct. 3, 1904; Ferdinand S., born Feb. 18, 1826, members of the Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Maur- died Jan. 30, 1898; William, born Sept. 13, 1828, died er was a Democrat. May 12, 1862; and Frank, born Aug. 24, 1833, lived at Daniel Maurer was born in Spring township, and early Stonersville, Exeter township, Berks county, and died in life engaged in farming, also carrying on freighting Feb. 16, 1907. between Reading and Philadelphia,, and in driving the Daniel S. Ritter received his education in the public old stage, this being the only means of transportation schools, and when still a young man came to Reading, between these two_ points at that time. His last days where he worked at his trade of wheelwright for some were spent in farrning, and his death occurred in Heidel- time. He then purchased the coal, flour and feed busi- berg township. His children were : Isaac, Amanda (m. to ness of his brother Ferdinand S., in 1860, continuing that Adam Becker), Hannah (m. to John Texler, deceased); business for one year at Eighth and Cherry streets. Mr. and Maria (m. to Michael Kech). Ritter then located on the old homestead in Exeter town- Isaac Maurer was educated in the common schools of ship, but after six months returned to Reading, locating his native township, and he was reared to farm labor, on Penn street, above Seventh, where he spent a period after three years of which he apprenticed himself to the of fifteen years, during this ' time being employed at the carpenter's trade and this he followed for several years. Philadelphia & Reading shops in building freight and He next engaged in millwrighting, and he followed this passenger cars. He was also employed on the North trade for a time, being employed in the old Deisher plan- Eighth street steam forges then owned by Henry Seifert, ing mill. Later he engaged in contracting and building being there a period of twenty years, and for a time- to a considerable extent, and many evidences of his skill worked at the Scott foundry as boss repairer. He en- as a builder may be found in this vicinity, including his gaged in the manufacture of brick for a few years. Mr. own handsome, modern residence, which is a model of Ritter's last employment was with the Philadelphia & perfection and will stand as a rhonument to his memory. Reading Company, and he resigned from their employ Mr. Maurer married Anna Texter, and to this union about six years before his death. In politics he was a these children were born : Hannah, Abbe, Daniel (de- lifelong Democrat, and in 1870-72 served his ward, , the ceased), Valeria, Emma, Ella (deceased), Mamie, Gertrude, Ninth, asa member of the council. He was a member of Alice, Annie (deceased) and Harry. In politics Mr. St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Mr. Ritter was connected Maurer is independent, voting rather for the man than fraternally with Germania Lodge No. 105, I. O. O. F. the party. Honorable in all of his dealings Mr. Maurer In his death Reading lost one of its good business men is considered an ideal citizen, and a worthy representative and representative citizens. He was broad and' liberal- of the community in which h/s resides. minded in his views, and his kindly, genial manner won him many friends. ISAAC MERTZ, who at the time of his death, Sept 18, On Sept. 20, 1846, Mr. Ritter married Rebecca Glase, 1902, was living retired in Fleetwood borough, Berks daughter of Peter and Mary (Weisner) Glase. She was county, was for a number of years engaged in farming born in Alsace township in 1835 and died Jan. 5, 1907. in Ruscombmanor township, where he was born Feb. 12, The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ritter were : Rose, born 1826. Mr. Mertz was educated in his native township, Jan. 3, 1850, died Jan! 22, 1855; Lucy A., born April 1, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's 1852, died June 30, 1853 ; James E., born July 12, 1859, farm, continuing at this occupation until his retirement, died Nov. 11, 1861; Mary J., born Sept. 14, 1862, is the when he removed to Fleetwood borough. He was con- only survivor of the family ; and George H , born Sept nected with the Reformed Church. 24, 1864, died April 13, 1872. Isaac Mertz was marri'ed Dec. 6, 1853, to Florenda Yoder, daughter of Reuben Yoder, and granddaughter of JOEL W. D. WHITMAN, one of the old and honored Jacob Yoder, both farmers of Pike township, who also residents of Reading, Pa., who has been engaged in paint- engaged in tanning. Mrs. Mertz was born in Pike town- ing in the city for over forty years, was born Dec. 17, ship, Oct. 20, 1827, but since her husband's decease has 1832; in Montgomery county, son of George and Cath- resided at Fleetwood. To Mr. and Mrs. Mertz were born erine (Deliger) Whitman. 764 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA George Whitman was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation in Montgomery county, where he died at the age of forty-seven years. His first wife died at the age of thirty-five years, and he married (second) a Miss Culp, by whom he had these children : Jesse ; Lydia Ann, and Lucy A. (m. to John Schol). To George Whitman and his first wife were born these children : Sarah, Maria, Kittie, Hetty, Fayette, David, Ephraim, Joel W. D., all being deceased except Ephraim, who resides at Potts- town, Pa., and Joel W. D. Joel W. D. Whitman attended the schools of Mont- gomery county, and when a young man learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which, however, he followed but a short time. He next took up painting as an occupa- tion, and April 3, 1866, came to Reading, where he has made his home to the present time. He still resides at his first location. No. 332 North Ninth street, and is one of the oldest men of the district. In 1860 Mr. Whitman married Lucy Ann Sassaman, born July 2, 1841, daughter of Christina C. and Maria B. Sassamai;, and to this union there were born children as follows : Hemmer died when nine months old; Luther C. S., who died Jan. 5, 1894, m. Mary M. Smith, and had one child, Helen M. S., who lives with her grandfather; Katie m. Edward Moyer of Reading; Ella S. died Oct. 28, 1873, aged six years, seven months; Annie E. died in December, 1870, aged six months; and Lucy M. died in 1873, aged one year, ten days. Mrs. Whitman has been a teacher in the Sunday-school since her sixteenth year, and since 1878 has had charge of the primary class of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Mr. Whitman has also been active in church work, and has for many years been a teacher in the Sunday-school. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias No. 65, while in political matters he is a Republican. JOHN S. HARTMAN, a leading business man of Reading, Pa., well and favorably known in the building and contracting line, was born May 11, 1861, in Muhlen- berg township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Absalom and Caro- line (Felix) Hartman, grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wrightmeyer) Hartman, and great-grandson of Valen- tine Hartman. Valentine Hartman was born in Alsace township, near Spies's Church, and he subsequently owned a farm in that vicinity, where both he and his wife died. They were worthy members of the Reformed Church. In political views he was first a Whig but afterward was inclined to the Republican party. The children of Valentine Hart- man and wife were : Samuel, William, Abraham, and Kate (m. Valentine Ritter). Samuel Hartman learned the wheelwright's and mill- wright's trades, and followed same ,for many years. He also operated a small farm. His death took place at the age of eighty-two years, and that of his wife, Elizabeth Wrightmeyer, when she was aged eighty-one years. They had ten children, all of whom grew to tnaturity. and mar- ried, their names appearing as follows : Lewis, Gideon. Absalom (born April 28, 1827), Augustus, Samuel, Israel, Christy (of Reading), Elizabeth (m. John Gechter), Emma (m. Jacob Snyder), and Valentine. In politics he was first a Whig, but later became identified with the Republican party. Absalom Hartman attended school in Alsace township and then learned the wheelwright's trade with John Feiss, which he followed for several years, and then engaged for several more years in a hotel business at Reading. Prior to his retirement from business cares he conducted a store at the corner of Centre avenue and Exeter streets. During the Civil war he was employed by the U. S. Government as a wheelwright, and was first stationed at Martinsburg and later at Harper's Ferry, Va. In 1887 Mr. Hartman entered the Philadelphia & Reading railroad shops where he continued until 1899. He died May 3, 1907. In 1855, Mr. Hartman was married to Caroline Felix, daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Fisher) Felix, and they have had children, as follows : Emma E., born July 13, 1856, died aged five years; Catherine R., born Oct. 22, 1857, is deceased; Amelia, born July 4, 1859, m. F. F. Seidel; John S.; Lillie E., deceased, born Jan. 26, 1864, m. John Forney; Howard L., born in 1866, died in in- fancy; Annie, born March 21, 1867, m. John Barto; Caro- line E., born in 1870, died aged three months; Caroline (2), born Sept. 9, 1871, m. Dr. Abraham Warner; Wil- liam k., born July 3, 1875, a steel worker, m. Sallie Schwenck; Solomon F., born July 26, 1878, m. Carrie Steiflf; \Edwin M., a cigar manufacturer, born May 30, 1881, m". Gertrude M. Young. The father of Mrs. Hartman, Solomon Felix, served in the Mexican war. He was born at Reading and was engaged, in various lines of business in this city at dif- ferent times. He was a stone mason, a quarryman, a shoemaker and a butcher. He acquired a good estate and was a wdl-known citizen. His children were the follow- ing: Lucetta m. Adam Shadier; Catherine m. William Moyer; Emma m. Lewis Reigel; and Caroline m. Mr. Hartman. Mr. Hartman is a Republican in politics. Both he and his wife belong to the Reformed Church. Formerly he was connected with the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. John S. Hartman attended school both in his native township and in the Reading schools. He then learned the molding trade with the Reading Hardware Company, and he worked as a molder for some years and then learned the wheelwright's trade under his father, which he followed for two years. He was next employed by the Philadelphia & Reading company, as a carpenter, and remained with this organization for five years, working in different departments. Mr. Hartman then engaged in carpenter work and bridge building, following the same for three years, after which he engaged with the Phila- delphia & Reading Railway Company, as a carpenter, in a very short time being appointed foreman of his di- vision. After a faithful service with this company which extended over fourteen and one-half years, Mr. Hartman remained one year with the Reading Stove Works-. In 1900 he engaged in a general contracting and building business and has met with well deserved success, his experience being long and thorough. Mr. Hartman was married to Nellie Hollenbach, daugh- ter of William and Susan (Haines) HoUenbich, and they have two children, Harrison J. and L. Elizabeth. The former was a graduate in 1906 in the Reading high school and is now taking a collegiate course. The latter, born Sept. 10, 1891, is a high school pupil. The family home of Mr. Hartman is situated at No. 204 Douglass street. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to Camp No. 61, P. O. S. of A. WILLIAM R. BUCKS, of Reading, now living retired in his comfortable home at No. 1135 North Eleventh street, was born .on the old Bucks homestead near Bern- ville, in Bern, now Penn, township, Berks county, Jan. 10, 1834. John Bucks emigrated to America from Berne, Switzer- land. He had been engaged in the dairy business in his native land, where the mountains and meadows in the valleys supplied the people with good pasture and water. On coming to America Mr. Bucks began prospecting for just such an ideal location, finding it at what is now Scull's Hill, where the hills were adorned with a rich growth of trees and shrubbery, the valleys fertile, and where many of his countrymen had already located. He selected a tract of four hundred acres, the hills covered with wood and shrubbery, and two meadows with fine streams of water running the entire length. Between the meadows, on a slight elevation, he erected the build- ings and commenced clearing the land for cultivation. There is an old record that shows that in the year 1759, when the first tax was levied in Bern township, John Bucks paid a tax of nine pounds, a considerable amount in those days. ^ John Bucks, grandfather of William B., was born on the homestead ,in 1779, and later on became the owner of it. He was a farmer and with the exception of the last years, passed all his life in his native locality. He married Elizabeth Riegel, born in 1780, and they had four BIOGRAPHICAL 765 children: John; Catharine m. Daniel Dundore; Elizabeth m. Isaac Dundore; and Mary m. Jacob Rieser. They both died in Marion township, and were buried in the Tulpehocken cemetery, he in 1845, aged sixty-six years, and she in 1851, aged seventy years. Johri Bucks, son of John and father of William R., came into possession of the old homestead, and was en- gaged in its cultivation until 1840, when he sold.it and purchased the Jacob Reed farm of 125 acres in Marion township, one-half mile northeast of Stouchsburg, and removed there, carrying on farming very successfully for many years. In 1853 he tore down the old stone man- sion built a century before with strong, thick walls. It was provided with a dark room on the second floor, at the head of the stairs, where shelter could be found against the Indians then numerous in that section. On the site of this old house he erected a large brick dwell- ing. In 1864 Mr. Bucks' son Aaron took charge of the farming, and Mr. Bucks lived with him in retirement until his death in" 1889, in his eighty-second year. He married Catharine Rieser, born April 10, 1810, died 1884. They were bliried in the cemetery adjoining Tulpehocken church, of which they were devoted members. Their children were: William R.; Mary R. m. Dr. George Crum, de- ceased; Aaron R., who first engaged in farming, and then moved to Reading and engaged in the coal business, died in 1894; Emma R. m. Jacob Miller, deceased; John R. resides in Myerstown; Sarah E. m. Henry Krum, deceased; Frank S. resides in Stouchsburg; and All^n died in Reading in 1900. William_ R. Bucks attended Stouchsburg Academy dur- ing the winter months, and assisted his father on the farm the remainder of the year. In 1853 he taught one term of school in Tulpehocken township — ^the year before the county had a superintendent of public instruction. He then attended a boarding school at the Trappe, in Mont- gomery county, for a term, and taught the following year in Marion township. He next taught five terms in Jefferson township. In 1861 he was employed in Bern township where he taught eight terms, one at Epier and seven at White Oak Hill (so named because of the many stately trees of that species adorning a hillside nearby). In 1867 Mr. Bucks turned- his attention to a feed, grain and grocery business along the Schuylkill canal, below Lees- port, where he was located for thirty-nine years. He also cultivated a small farm, which he owned, and his place was one of the busiest to be found along the canal. In 1906 he retired and went to Reading, purchasing his present property. On Oct. 5, 1865, Mr. Bucks married Amelia Z. Herbinc, daughter of William and Catharine (Zacharias) Her- bine, of Bern township. She was a consistent member of Epler's Church, and later of Trinity Reformed Church, at Leesport. She died Dec. 18, 1904, and is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading. Two children were born of this union: John W., who is engaged in the grocery business, m. Emma Irene Fritz, and resides at the corner of Twelfth and Green streets, Reading; and Deborah A., who resides with her father, taught school for a number of terms, and later on gave private lessons in elocution. Mr. Bucks was a member of Trinity Re- formed Church at Leesport, where he served as deacon and elder. After locating in Reading, he transferred his membership to St. Thomas Reformed Church, this city. In politics he is a Democrat, as were both his father and grandfather. He served eighteen years as school direc- tor, ten of which he was secretary of the board, and at different times president. He also served on the election board. Mr. Bucks, together with James Rieser and Jere- miah Parvin, owns a large tract of woodland in Bern township. It is on the highest point in 'the township, and bears the name of Seidels' Hill. The Buckses as a family have always been people of substance and res- pectability. JARIUS WEISER ZIEGLER, who died May 13, 1909, was one of Reading's well-to-do and well-known citi- zens, who with his son was engaged in the wall-paper business at No. 154 Nortn Ninth street, under the firm name of J. & B. W. Ziegler. He was a native of Potts- ville. Pa., where he was born July 8, 1856, son of Capt. Elijah Ziegler. Capt. Elijah Ziegler was born near Fleetwood, Berks Co., Pa., and when a young man went to Schuylkill coun- ty, locating at Tamaqua, where he learned the carpenter's trade. He was here married to Priscilla Turner, daugh- ter of Abraham Turner, and after their union purchased a farm in Schuylkill county, living thereon for a few years. He was elected county commissioner/ and soon thereafter removed to Pottsville, where he was later en- gaged in the hotel business, carrying on farming opera- tions as a side line for seven years. Removing to Pine Grove, he became engaged in the lumber business for seven years and then purchased a farm at Friedensburg, Schuyl- kill county, but six years later returned to Pottsville and served the county as prison warden for three years when he again removed to his farm. For some years prior to his death he was engaged in bridge contracting and in the cattle business.' He died in 1902, at the age of sixty-two years. During his entire life he was a stanch Democrat, and he was one of his community's most ac- tive and influential men. His children were as follows : Emma, Elmira, Loretta, Florenda, Clara, Jarius W. and Erasmus. Jarius Weiser Ziegler was educated in the public schools of Schuylkill county, and continued in his father's em- ploy until coming to Reading in 1885, when he became q clerk. Later he engaged in business for himself, follow- ing painting and paper-hanging for some time, and in 1900 opened his -wall paper store. He and his son, in partnership, had about ten men in their employ and. their business grew to large proportions. They were job- bers in water colors, art novelties, etc., and one of their specialties was the 16 x 20 frame. In 1883 Mr. Ziegler was married to Miss Henrietta Gerber, daughter of Amos Gerber, of Reading, and one son, Bruno Weiser, was born to this union March 12, 1882. He married Elsie M. Lessig, daughter of George D. Lessig, of Reading, and they have one son, Howard. In politics Mr. Ziegler was a Democrat, and he and his family were members of the Reformed Church. Fra- ternally he was connected with Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M. ; Reading Lodge of Perfection; Philadelphia Con- sistory; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. FREDERICK W. CRANSTON, Deputy Internal Rev- enue Collector of the First District of Pennsylvania, and a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Reading, was born Sept. 29, 1859, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of William and Fannie (Curtis) Cranston. William Cranston was born June 9, 1822, in Glasgow, Scotland, and in that country and England learned the trade of machinist. He came to America in 1845, locat- ing at New York City, whence he removed to Reading some time later. On reaching the latter city he secured employment in the shops of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad, under Superintendent Missimer, but lat- er he connected himself with the Scott Works, where he manufactured sugar-making machinery. He was later sent to the island of Cuba to erect machinery, and while there became superintendent of a sugar plantation. On his return to the United States, he went to Philadelphia, where he worked in the Baldwin Locomotive Works until his retirement. Mr. Cranston married Miss Fannie Cur- tis, a native of Dorsetshire, England, who died at the age of iifty-four years, and to them there were born the following children: Mary m. George Roemmele, a chem- ist with Powers & Weightman; Frances m. George W. Phillippi; Edwin, a machinist, died at the age of twenty- two years; Alfred W., is a contracting machinist of Philadelphia; and William Mac, a machinist. In religious belief Wilham Cranston adhered to the faith of the Presbyterian Church, while his wife was a Methodist. He is one of the oldest Odd Fellows in Pennsylvania, having joined the order sixty-five years ago, and is also connect- ed with the Knights of Pythias. 766 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Frederick W. Cranston was graduated from the public schools of Philadelphia when nineteen years of age, and immediately thereafter came to Reading and entered the shops of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, where he remained several years. He was also in the employ of Abraham T. Phillippi, in the plumbing, steam fitting and metal working business, and then became associated with the Carpenter Steel Works, where he had charge of the steam fitting department. On Dec. 1, 1898, he was ap- pointed Deputy United States Revenue Collector for the First Dis.trict of Pennsylvania, in President McKinley's administration, and since that time the business in the cigar trade has been increased from 74,000,000 to 144,- 000,000, Mr. Cranston having the largest division to cover of any deputy in the State. He has proved himself to be an efficient, faithful official, filling the duties of his po- sition to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1879 Mr. Cranston was married to Miss Emma C. Fox, daughter of John Fox, a veteran of the Civil war, and to this union there have been born eleven children, seven of whom survive : Robert D., who is employed at the League Island Navy Yard, m. Anna Clingaman, and has children, Robert D., Jr., and Dolly; Mary R. m. Peter R. Weldmann, and has one child, Carrie; Frederick W., Jr., a street car • conductor, m. Hannah Barlett, and has one son, Frederick W. (3); Edwin B., is a cigar maker; William Mac is ' at Little Falls, N. Y. ; John F. ; and Charles H. is at school. Mrs. Cranston died in April, 1907. Mr. Cranston m. (second) Sarah Kern, born in Lehigh county. Pa., the daughter of farming people near Topton, Berks Co., Pennsylvania. Mr. Cranston is a member of Camp No. 329 and Nath- an Hale Commandery, P. O. S. of A., and served as Sen- ior Vice Commander of United States for one year (1897) i SIMPLECIUS REBER, residing at No. 19 South Sec- ond street, Reading, is descended from a family identi- fied with Berks county since 1783, when the paternal grandfather, Johannes, settled there. Johannes Reber came to America from his native Ger- many when a boy of only twelve years, and part of his education was acquired in this country. From his very arrival he lived in Bern township, and became one of the influential farmers of that region. He owned very, valuable land there and also operated a mill for many years. He married Magdalina Roadmacher, and their children were Joseph, Sally, Polly, Rebecca and Bessie, the last named of whom married a Mr. Ahrens. So far as known, the family were members of the Reformed Churcii. Mrs. Reber died in Reading, and her husband died in 1847, aged seventy-six. He was a Democrat in his political principles. Joseph Reber, father of Simplecius, was born in 1802, at the old Reber homestead, and remained there nearly all his life. He carried on the farm and operated the old Reber Mill, situated on the Tulpehocken, but about 1874 he moved on to a small farm which he had bought some time previously, and there passed the last six years of his life, dying in 188d. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Minnich, passed away five years before him, at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of ten children : Elias, to whom the father gave over the • op- eration of the farm and mill; Maria, m. to Joshua Ey- rich; Fietta, m. to Henry Rose; Elizabeth, m. to Charles Gring; Harrison; Sarah, m. to James Adams; Priscilla, m. to William Reeser; Henry; Rebecca, m. to Jacob Rich- enbach; and Simplecius. Most of the family belonged to the Reformed Church. Joseph Reber was a Democrat like his father. Simplecius Reber was born on. the homestead in .Bern township, March 2, 1838, and received his ■ earlier educa- tion in the public schools of that section. Later he at- tended school in Reading. He remained at home help- ing in the work on the farm until he was thirty-three years old, when he came to Reading and took a position with the Stichter Hardware Company. After learning the details of the business with this company, he engaged with the Bright Hardware Company and remained with them fourteen years. In 1901 he left that firm and ac- cepted a position with James A. Schofler, as engineer in his bakery and he still fills that capacity. On Sept. 26, 1857, Mr. Reber married Sarah A., da,ughT ter of Isaac Herbein. Their four children are: Ellen, m. to Charles' Tobias; Emma, m. to Storm Miller; James; and Sarah A. The family belong to the Second Re- formed Church, while in politics Mr. Reber is a Demo- crat. Their home is at No. 19 South Second street, Read- ing. JOHN COLLER HEPLER, late a highly esteemed citi- zen of Reading, Pa., was superintendent of the Charles Evans cemetery from 1880 until his death, during which time he made this burial ground one of the most beauti- ful spots in Berks county. Mr. Hepler was born April 17, 1829, in Reading, son of John and Elizabeth (CoUe'r) Hepler, and died Sept. 26, 1907. The ancestors of this family, who came from Wales, were among the early settlers of Philadelphia. William Hepler, grandfather of John C, located there in 1793, where the remainder of his life was spent, and where, during the yellow fever epidemic, he was engaged in haul- ing the bodies of the victirris to the place of interment. In religious matters he adhered to the faith of the Re- formed congregation, and iii politics he upheld the prin- ciples of the Whig party. His children were: John; Hen- ry and George, who died single; Gideon, a cigar maker; and Elizabeth, m. to Dr. William Palm. John Hepler, son of William, was born Dec. 26, 1800, in Philadelphia, and when fifteen years of age came to Reading and apprenticed himself to the house carpenter's trade for four years and six months. This occupation he followed all of his life and at the time of his death in Reading Dec. 22, 1862, he was a very prosperous man. He was a Republican in political matters, and until 1843 was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in this year becoming one of the organizers of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. Mr. Hepler m. Elizabeth CoUer, daughter ot John and Catharine (Bickley) CoUer. To Mr. and Mrs. Hepler were born : William P., a soldier in the Mexican war, going out as a t)rivate in the Ringgold Battery, United States Regulars, and serving under Zachary Taylor until his death of a fever at Saltillo in 1847 ; John C. : and Henry A., and Catharine A., twins, the former of whom died in Reading in 1880, while the latter became the wife of Capt. Joseph G. Holmes, and is now also deceased. John C. Hepler's education was limited to a few months at a pay school during the winter term, and at the age of fourteen and one-half years he became an apprentice to the trade of a tailor under his uncle the late William I. Clous, serving in that capacity for five years. He then went to Philadelphia, where he worked for six months and learned cutting. Returning to Reading he entered the clothing and tailoring business for himself, and car- ried it on successfully until 1860, when failing health com- pelled him to give up this work. For some time he was employed on the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, and then he removed to a small farm in the Hockley Out- lots, where he continued until 1880, when he was ap- pointed superintendent of the Charles Evans Cemetery at Reading, taking up the duties of that office on April 1st of that year. This cemetery, which was incorporated in 1846, includes a tract of 118^ acres, and under Mr. Hepler's careful management many _ improvements were made. He performed the duties of his position in a most efficient manner, and inaugurated a system of records for burials of persons who were not lot owners, which is one of the most complete in the United States, it record- ing as follows : The name, number of permit, date of bur- ial, age of deceased, name of lot owner upon which de- ceased is buried, and number and section of cemetery in which such lot is located. In this Mr. Hepler was ably assisted by his son, John A., who has a thorough know- ledge of all the records. During his administration nearly 16,000 bodies were interred in this cemetery. Mr. Hepler also conducted a greenhouse on the corner of Schuylkill avenue and Greenwich street, which is in BIOGRAPHICAL 767 a prosperous condition. He was a director of the Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company, and held an official position in the "Home for Friendless Children." On Sept. 18, 1854, Mr. Hepler was married to Herme- Imda Abbott, daughter of William Abbott, a native of England whd came to Reading in 1843, and who was a forty-niner of the gold fields of California. Mr. Ab- bott was a taxidermist, and was employed by the Smith- sonian Institution to secure specimens. Mr. and Mrs. Hepler were the parents of these children, all of whom, together with the widowed mother, survive: Mary Meta, at home ; George H., a mail carrier, who married Margaret S. Lease, of New Oxford, Pa. ; and John A., who mar- ried Katharme E. Bean, of Spring City, Pa., and has two children, J. Merrill and Erme K. In politics Mr. Hepler was a Republican, and represent- ed the Seventh ward, no,w the Fourteenth, in the common councU from 1882 to 1888. He was a life-long member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, taking an active part in the building of the old church at the corner of Frank- lin and Pearl streets in 18'42, and acting as chairman of the building committee for the new church at Fifth and Elm streets in 1889. It was greatly through his efforts that the mortgage on the new church was cancelled, he having the honor and pleasure of burning the mortgage in the presence of the congregation. If Mr. Hepler ac- knowledged a fad it was the collecting of buttons, and he had, perhaps, the largest collection of this kind in the country, his specimens numbering about 78,000. Among these are buttons of every description, some of them in- teresting relics of the battlefields in various parts of the world. He also had a collection of 500 varieties of wood, gathered from all parts of the world, and in additiqn thereto collected many curios of various descriptions. WILLIAM F. KERPER, a lifelong resident of Read- ing, now living retired, was born in that city May 24, 1842, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Boyer) Kerper. He is a member of the fifth generation of his family in this country, and of the fourth generation settled in Berks county. Abraham Kerper, the great-great-grandfather of Wil- liam F. Kerper, came from Germany to America in 1735, locating in Germantown, Pa., where he spent the balance of his life. His son, Valentine Kerper, removed from Germantown to Reading in 1750, while yet a young man, being one of the earliest settlers of the city, and at the time of his death was a large property holder there. He was an active member of the Reformed Church. Daniel Kerper, his son, and grandfather of William F., was one of the early hotel-keepers of Berks county, conducting a hostelry nearly all_ of his life. During his younger days he iook an active part in politics, and served as sheriff of the county for two terms. He was united in marriage with Rosina Stultz; whose father conducted a blacksmith shop at Eighth and Chestnut streets, Phila- delphia, during the Revolutionary war, and to them were born the following children: Abraham, father of William F. ; Margaret, m. to William Silvis; Catherine, m. to Joshua Keeley; Charles; Daniel; John; William, and Caroline. Abraham Kerper was born in the borough of Reading Aug. 12, 1796, at the old Kerper homestead at the corner of 5th and Walnut streets, and at an early age became an apprentice to the tanner's trade, which he followed successfully the remainder of his life, becoming very pros- perous. He was considered wealthy at the time of his death, in 1872. In political matters he was a Democrat, and he served two terms as director of the poor. He was an adherent of the principles of the German Re- formed Church. Abraham Kerper married Elizabeth Boyer, who was born in 1804 and died in 1879, and twelve children were born to this union : Rosa, who died in infancy; Daniel, deceased; Mary, m. to James H. Parker, now deceased; Henry, a retired tanner of Reading; Ro- sanna, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who died in early childhood; Ellen B., m. to Sadosa S. Stevens, deceased, of Readinft. and mother of William Kerper Stevens, a prominent attorney-at-law of Reading ; James R. ; George B., of Cincinnati, Ohio; William F. ; Kate, m. to Charles Ringle, both being deceased; and Abraham Charles,- who died at the age of twenty-one years. William F. Kerper was educated in the common schools of Reading, and when but a boy entered the employ of his father to learn the tanner's trade, which he followed' for the long period of forty-five years. In 1899 he was appointed police sergeant under Mayor Adam Leader's administration, and he subsequently accepted a position at the Reading Pipe Mill, where he continued until 1904, in which year he was appointed to the position of janitor at the county court house, his term expiring in 1906. Mr. Kerper is now living retired, his home being at No. 409 South Fourth street. In 1880 Mr. Kerper married Jeanetta Foreman, daugh- ter of John Foreman, of Sinking Spring, and four chil- dren were born to this union : Charles R., who is a hatter ; John, ' deceased ; Carrie M., and Walter W. Mr. Kerper is a stanch Republican. Both he and his wife attend the Reformed Church. For a period of forty-five years Mr. Kerper was a member of the Junior Fire Company, and he is now identified with the Reading Veteran Fire Asso- ciation. JOHN E. BUB P. In the death of Mr. Bubp not alone his family but the whole community suffered a distinct loss, for he was an integral part of the city's life in sev- eral different fields, while his private benefactions had endeared him to numbers of his less fortunate fellow- townsmen. He was born in 1837 in Lower Amity town- ship, Berks county, son of Jacob Bubp. Jacob Bubp was a well-known butcher, and farmer of Brumfieldsville, Lower Amity township. He married Miss Lydia Engle, and they became the parents of two sons; William H., a successful horsedealer, who died in Reading in 1903; and John E. The father and mother both died at their home in Lower Amity. John E. Bubp spent his boyhood days upon the farm, but his natural bent towards business was early apparent, and he left home when a mere boy to clerk in a country store. As this did not furnish sufficient scope for his energies, he soon left and when only about seventeen years old came to Reading. Although a mere stripling, his business sagacity was early recognized and he soon really entered upon his career by forming the firm of Levan & Bubp, conducting a general merchandise busi- ness at No. 747 Penn street, where the business is now located. They were very successful but in 1867 the new firm of Levan, Bubp & Metzer was formed to do a whole- sale crockery business at No. 441 Penn street. After one year however, Mr. Bubp withdrew and formed a similar connection with W. R. Hinnershitz. This new firm, Hinnershitz & Bubp, conducted a thriving business at No. 747 Penn street, until 1891, when the senior partner retired leaving Mr. Bubp alone in its management. His foresight and sagacity never failed him, and at the time of his death, Feb. 23, 1899, he left a large estate,- accu- mulated by his own efforts. The business has since been continued by his sons, and the firm is now known as John E. Bubp's Sons. Probably no man in the community stood higher in the honesty and integrity of his dealings than Mr. Bubp and his sudden demise was universally regretted. Progressive in his methods he was the first to introduce delivery wag- ons in the grocery business into Reading. He was vice- president of the Retail Grocers' Association, and a mem- ber of the Board of Trade, as well as an honorary mem- ber of the Friendship Fire Company. During the Re- bellion he enlisted in Company C. 4th Pa. V. I., under Capt. D. G. Rhoads and served the term of his enlist- ment with distinction. In politics he was a Republican, but never held office. At the time of his death he was a trustee of the Second Reformed Church and was a member of the consistory for some thirty years. His loss was deeply felt in the church as it was also in the Y. M. C. A., in which he was a member and a generous contributor. 768 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA In 1868 John E. Bubp married Miss Clara Getz, who was a member of one of the very early families in Berks county, and daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hushower) Getz. Aaron Getz was a blacksmith by trade, and lived in Muhlenberg township. For a number of years he lived retired, passing from this world at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died aged seventy-three. There were five children besides Mrs. Bubp, namely: Sarah, Mrs. Kuterman; Amanda, Mrs. Alvin Boyer; Emma; Aaron, Jr. ; and Harry, a United States Express agent at Allen- town, where he died Nov. 35, 1905. Mrs. Bubp sur- vives her husband and still lives in the family residence on North Ninth street. To her and Mr. Bubp were born four children, as follows : Harry G., who for a number of years was on the reportorial staflf of the Reading Telegram, but who is now carrying on a drug business ; Bert G. who is now carrying on his father's business ; Charles E. ; and Nora May, the wife of Howard C. Phillips, teller in the Schuylkill Valley Bank at Reading. The last illness of John E. Bubp which ended in his death Feb. 23, 1899, was the result of a fall.- Eight days previously he fell while going into the cellar and struck with great force. While his injuries compelled him to keep in the house there were no indications of serious trouble till the morning of February 21st, when he was taken violently ill and finally passed to his reward. Thus at the age of sixty-two years passed from the scene of his earthly activities a man whose deeds reflected only credit on his memory, and whose life may well serve as an example to those following him. WILLIAM H. LUDEN, prosperous manufacturing con- fectioner since 1879, with a national reputation in his branch of business, was born at Reading March 5, 1859, and received his education in the local schools. In 1879, before he was of age he began manufacturing candy in limited quantities and disposed of it successfully, which encouraged him to continue. This modest start in business life was made at No. 37 North Fifth street, where he was brought up and where his father had carried on the jewelry business. He continued there ten years, gradually increasing his production of various confections, and then moved into larger quarters which he had secured at the northeast corner of Sixth and Washington streets, and equipped with improvements to meet the demands of his trade. He occupied the entire building (four stories}, employed nearly one hundred and fifty hands, and worked up a car-load of sugar weekly, and by this time his trade had come to reach out into the Eastern, Middle and Southern States. By the year 1900 his trade was developed to still greater proportions, so that he was again obliged to secure larger quarters, and he accordingly purchased a property on North Eighth street, beyond Walnut, with a siding extended froml the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road, where he erected a substantial and commodious four-story brick structure (165 feet front and 110 feet deep) and supplied it with all the necessary improvements and appurtenances for his business and employes. The building was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in June of that year, and the enterprising proprietor was given many earnest congratulations. And here, too, his business kept on increasing year after year until 1909, when he enlarged the building by erecting a four-stor,y addition at the south end, 60 feet front and 110 feet deep, making his establishmient altogether 225 feet front and 110 feet deep and one of the prominent industrial en- terprises of Reading. He now employs between four hundred and five hundred hands constantly and pro- duces all kinds of confections, in large quantities, which are shipped to all parts of the United States. During the last several years, his establishment has made a specialty of "Luden's Menthol Cough Drops," which have become very popular throughout the country, the annual sales amounting to five million five-cent packages. From twenty to twenty-five tons of sugar are required daily in the manufacture of his, various confections; and the siding from the Phila- delphia & Reading railroad to his plant affords the neces- sary facilities for his enormous shipments, which shows its importance as a factor in the dispatch of his large and growing business. Mr. Luden is recognized as one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of candy in the United States. During his career, from the beginning, he always treated his employes with great consideration and as a natural consequence they have come to be as much devoted to his prosperity as he is to their comfort and welfare. For a number of years past he has given them an annual "outing," at different places, along some railroad, paying all the expenses himself, which evidences his generous spirit. The high degree of mutual respect and confidence which has been developed between him and his employes is truly admirable and worthy of imitation by other large manufacturers. Mr. Luden has been a devoted and generous member of the "Church of Our Father" (Universalist) from his early manhood, and his straight-forward spirit has con- tributed a great deal toward the welfare of the congrega,- tion. He served as a trustee of the church for a number of years. In 1890, Mr. Luden assisted in. organizing and establishing the Schuylkill Valley Bank of Reading and since then has ■ served as one of its directors ; and upon the decease of John Kissinger, the president, in 1906,. he was selected to officiate in his stead, which important po- sition he has filled until the present time. In 1904 he established the "Reading Nlatatorium," on North Fifth street, which was immediately appreciated, and since then it has been patronized extensively. The basket-ball ex- hibitions there during the winter and spring seasons have been highly appreciated by large and enthusiastic audiences. Mr. Luden is prominently identified with the National Confectioners Association, the Wyomissing Club, the Berk- shire Club, and the Reading Board of Trade. In 1889 Mr. Luden married Annie Ritter, a daughter of William Snyder Ritter and Julianna Shearer, his wife, and they have eight children (four sons and four daugh- ters) : Harry Ritter, Albert Musser, Dorothy, Marjorie, Frederick Shearer, Milford Dirk, Jeanette and Wilma. His wife and children have also taken great interest in the welfare of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Luden is a meiniber of Berks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being a lineal descendant of John Christopher Shearer, who emigrated from Germany in 1769 and then settled at Reading, in Berks county, where he camie to enlist in the Revolution, and subsequently filled the office of justice of the peace for nearly twenty years, dying in 1830, aged seventy-seven. She is also a lineal descendant of Francis Ritter, the progenitor of the Ritter family in Exeter township, who died in 1825 and left four sons — Daniel, John, Jacob and Samuel'^and four daugh- ters, Daniel having been her grandfather. Jacob Luden, the father of Mr. Luden, was born at Am- sterdam, Holland, where he learned the trade of watch- maker ' and jeweler and followed that business until about 1850, when he emigrated to Pennsylvania and settled .at Reading. In 1855 he established a store on North Fifth street (now Nos. 35-37) and carried on business as a 1 jeweler successfully until his decease in 1864, aged forty- twQ years. He was married to Sarah A. Musser, of Rearristown, Lancaster county, a descendant of one of the early femilies of that vicinity, and they had six children : Caroline (m. William L. C. Bailey) ; Edward Musser (m. Lizzie Etzel) ; William H. ; Sallie A. (m. James B. Marsh) ; Jacob C. (mi Annie Benson) ; and one that died in infancy. RICHARD G. BORKERT, of Reading, Pa., one of the well known contracting Borkert Brothers, and a leading c "^ BIOGRAPHICAL 769 business man, was born in that city, Sept. 1, 1840, son of Daniel Bor'kert, a complete sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. Richard G. Borkert attended the Franklin street school, of the Third ward, until he was eighteen years old, and then learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for about five years, after which he engaged with his father in the brick laying business. When his father died, Mr. Borkert engaged in the contracting business with his brothers, and under the firm name of Augustus Borkert & Bro., was in business with his brother, Augustus, until the latter's death in December, 1908. Mr. Borkert resides at JSTo. 926 Penn street. He married (first) Sarah Birk, who died in 1898. They had two children, both de- ceased. Mr. Borkert's second marriage was to Elnora, widow of John Leininger, and one child has been born to this union : Richard, now attending high school. Mr. Borkert is a Democrat in politics, but has never taken an active part in party work. He is a Lutheran in relig- ious belief. Mr. Borkert served one hundred days in the Civil war, being a private of Company A. 48th Pa. V. I., and was assigned to guard duty. He was mustered into service at Reading, and received his honorable dis- charge in the same city. William Young, the father of Mrs. Borkert, was boiin in Reading, and received a common school education. He learned the cigar making business, but did not follow that occupation for any length of time, engaging in the confectionery business at Seventh and Penn streets, where he became well known in that line, and also as a fruit dealer. Mr. Young had a large vineyard at what is now Twelfth and Walnut streets, and was very prosperous. He died at the age of seventy-four years. He married Sarah Bishop, who died at the age of sixty-three years, and both are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Their children were : Fredericka E. ; Elnora, the wife of our subject; Wilhelmina, widow of Emil Bishoff; William, of Lock Haven ; John ; Theophilus ; Annie C, wife of William M. Bond; Sarah, wife of Ed. H. Scheaflfer, of Reading; Isaac B., (twin to Sarah), m. to Katie Lease, of Reading; and Ida Rebecca, of California. JOSEPH G. KLINE, who died July 28, 1905, at his home, No. 230 North Ninth street, Reading, was for twenty years one of the city's prominent business men, and a veteran of the great Civil war. Mr. Kline was born May 8, 1844, at Baumstown, Berks county, son of David and Esther (Gressmer) Kline. David Kline was for many years engaged in the coal business on Sixth street, Reading, and later engaged in the butcher business at Eighth and Walnut streets, con~ tinuing in the latter business for twenty years. He died in Reading, the father of these children: Amason; Joseph G;; Jeremiah, of Oklahoma, Kans.; Isaac, of Reading; Mrs. Charles Wann; and Mrs. John Vogel. Joseph G. Kline attended the public schools of his native city. Until seventeen years of age he worked with his father, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted, Aug. 23, 1861, in Company A, 88th Pa. V. I. He was promoted sergeant and given the rank of lieutenant June 14, 1865, serving faithfully for four years, and being dis- charged July 10, 1865. He served in a number of the fiercest engagements of the war, and was slightly wounded in the left ear. After his return to Reading Mr. Kline engaged with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, con- tinuing therewith for a period of twenty-one years, first as brakeman and later as fireman. In 1885 he engaged in the grocery business at Tenth and Elm streets, and continued therein very sucessfully until five months pre- vious to his death, when he retired. Mr. Kline was buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. On Dec. 25, 1886, Mr. Kline was married to Catherine E. Koch, daughter of John and Catherine (Hoff) Koch. They have had children: David, born Sept. 22, 1868, died May, 1869 ; Ellen E. m. Frederick Knipe, who is en- gaged in the manufacture of Saratoga chips, having a large 49 and growing business; Joseph A. is attending business college. Mr. Kline was a member and trustee of the Otter- bein United Brethren Church. ' He belonged to the G. A. R., Brotherhood of the Union, Union Veteran Legion No. 43, Freedom Circle and Mt. Penn Council No. 495, Royal Arcanum. He was a well-known and highly res- pected man, and made many warm friends. His widow, who survives him, resides at the Ninth street home. CHARLES LITSCHI, who is now living retired In Reading, is one of our substantial citizens. Born in a foreign land, he has proved himself loyal to the country in which he has earned his competence, by being an up- right, public-spirited and progressive citizen, interested in the development and the moral and material welfare of his adopted land. He is a native of Switzerland, born at Wollerau, on the banks of Lake Zurich, Nov. 29, 1850. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and after leaving school learned the business of print- ing on cloth. This he followed at different places before crossing the Atlantic to the New World. On Nov. 21, 1871, he went to Lorrach, and after a time to Koburg, where he worked from March 9, 1873, until July 8th of the same year. He then went home by way of Stuttgart, and after a two weeks visit with his friends and relatives sailed for America, Aug. 20, 1873, from Havre, France, then in the grip of a cholera epidemic. The eighteen-day voyage was by way of Southampton to New York, and was without incident of note. On September 16th they landed at Castle Garden, and two days later the Jay Cook bank failed and threw the whole country into a panic. Times were very hard, and Mr. Litschi, going at once to Philadelphia, found himself at the end of fourteen dajs still without work. Idleness was something of which he knew nothing, and not finding the kind of work he sought, he did the next best thing, he took the first work that presented itself. This was as an apprentice at the baker's trade, and for his services he received his board and fifteen dollars a month. At this trade he worked from Oct. 18, 1873, until Feb. 24, 1879, when he was married to Katharina Kobel, of Klein ' Zimern, Hessen Darmstadt. The next day he went to Boyertown, Berks county, and there purchased the bakery owned by a Mr. Reifsnyder. On March 24, 1879, he opened up for business, and he met with success from the start. He had thoroughly learned the art of baking, and as his wares were first class, and his business methods above reproach, he soon won a good patronage and many friends. He continued at this business at Boyertown until Sept. 10, 1899, when he sold out, but he worked for his successor until April 1, 1900. When he had sold the bakery the previous Septem- ber, his family had moved to Reading, and they have since lived at No. 805 North Tenth street. Since coming here Mr. Litschi has been enjoying his well-earned rest. Mr. and Mrs. Litschi have become the parents of the following children : Joseph, of Reading ; Henry, Charles, and Frank, all deceased and buried at Pottstown; Lewis, a professional base ball player; and Andrew. All of the children were born at Boyertown. The family all be- long to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In 1898 Mr. Lit- schi visited Europe, his trip, which included the principal cities of the Old World, covering more than 8,000 kilometers. ALBERT LEINBACH, now living retired from active work in Reading, is a native of Cumru township, born June 27, 1835, son of Frederick and Maria (Guldin) Leinbach. Frederick Leinbach, the father, was also a native of Berks county. While he learned thoroughly the black- smith's trade and followed it more or less all his life, he also engaged in farming _ near Leesport, giving the major part of his time to this work. Later in life his farming interest were all in Exeter township. He died at Reading at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Maria Guldin, lived to the age of sixty. Only five of their family still survive, namely: 770 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Daniel, Albert, Mahlon, Jonathan G. and Mary, the latter being now the widow of James Levan, and a resident of Reading. Albert Leinbach was reared upon his father's farm, and worked there until he was nineteen years of age. He then went to work in Brumbach's wool factory, at St. Lawrence, where he remained upwards of fifteen years. He continued at this work until his retirement, being spinning boss the last forty years. Like many of his family Mr. Leinbach is thoroughly versed in the wool business. Since June, 1904, he has not been actively en- gaged at anything. In politics he is a Republican. Dur- ing the Civil war he served in the Pennsylvania militia, and was in a terrible railroad wreck where so many of the soldiers lost their lives. On Jan. 9, 1859, Mr. Leinbach married Miss Sarah Nagel, who was born Jan. 1, 1840, daughter of William and Henrietta (Ermold) Nagel, of Reading, and grand- daughter of Peter Nagel. The Nagels are prominently identified with the early civil and military history of Berks county. William Nagel died May 1, 1848. Four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters, have been born to this union : William H., a resident of Atlantic City, N. J.; Benjamin F., of North Fourth street, Reading; Sal- lie E., widow of John F. Morriston; and Hattie, who married Warren J. Thomas, and they reside with her parents. The family residence is at No. 415 N. Fifth street. Mr. Leinbach and his farhily are all members of the Reformed Church, and are active in its work. They rank among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Reading. ALLEN H. DUNKLE, who for many years was one of the best known hotel men and distillers in Berks coun- ty, and now is residing retired in his beautiful home at Temple, Pa., was born Feb. 34, 1837, in Berkley, Berks Co., Pa.^ son of James and Eliza (Herbine) Dunkle. William Dunkle, his grandfather, was the owner of the hotel at Berkley later owned by his grandson, and was operating it as early as 1812, also conducting a farm of sixty acres adjoining. He married Anna Grim, a native of Maxatawny township, and they had but one child, James. In religious belief they were Lutherans, and in political matters Mr. Dunkle was a Democrat. James Dunkle was born in Ontelaunee township, Berks county, where he acquired his education, and after leav- ing school he engaged in working on his father's farm until he took charge of the hotel, which he conducted until his death, in 1860, when he was aged sixty years. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and became the parents of four children : Alfred, who died at the age of six months; Rufus, deceased, who married Kate Rahn and had three children, Webster, Lil- lian and Francis; Annie C, who married E. Andrews and had one son, William, a physician; and Allen H. James Dunkle was one of the prominent Democrats of his locality, and during his long and useful life filled a number of im- portant township offices. Allen H. Dunkle was educated in the common schools of his native township, and as a boy worked on the home farm, later learning the miller's trade, which he followed as a journeyman for four years. At the end of this time he learned telegraphy, and for about three years was employed on the Berks & Schuylkill branch of the Phila- delphia & Reading railroad, then resigning to engage in the hotel business. He also built a distillery, which he operated until its destruction by fire, in 1899, after which he devoted his entire attention to the hotel busi- ness, conducting the hotel until 1905, in which year he purchased the Samuel High property in Temple, where he has since lived retired. During his residence here Mr. Dunkle has made many friends, and he and his estimable wife have the respect and esteem of all who know them. Mr. Dunkle is a member of the Lutheran Church, while his wife is of the Reformed faith. In political matters he upholds the principles of the Demo- cratic party. In 1877 Mr. Dunkle was married to Mary Rahn, daugh- ter of '\yilliam and Susan (Merkel) Rahn, natives of Ontelaunee township, and three children have been born to this union:) Robin, a telegraph operator on the Penn- sylvania Railroad, who married Sadie Shearer; Lloyd, an electrical engineer, of Chipago, 111., who married Millie Snyder; and Wayne. Wayne Du^tkle received his early education in the common schools and the Keystone State Normal Schoo.l,' at Kutztown, , after leaving which he attended State College. The next twelve months he spent in travel through Kansas, Colorado, Nevada and California, most of this time being spent in San Francisco, where he was engaged in the restaurant business. In 1904 he returned East and engaged in the bakery business, in which he has been very successful. At the start the capacity of his bakery was 500 loaves of bread weekly, but he now readily disposes of from 3,500 to 4,000 loaves weekly, requiring the services o^ two teams and three assistants. His oven was especially designed "anejl built by Reading's expert oven maker, Jeremiah Seider. Mr. Dunkle operates a «tall at the Tenth and Win4sor street market house, and occupies stall No. 108 in the market at Ninth and Button- wood streets. He is enterprising and progressive, and his honest dealings in business matters have given him an enviable reputation for integrity. Mr. Dunkle is un- married, and makes his home^ with his parents. WESI^EY HORNING, who died Oct. 26, 1901, was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., Feb. 12, 1837, son of John and Maty Horning. Possessed of a good mind and a keen desire for edu- cation, Mr. Horning was not satisfied with the work he could do in ti\e common schools in his day, and in 1860 he began wh^t proved to be a four years' course in Freeland Seminary. He then came to Reading and entered • upon his apprenticeship as a carpenter, but before he had cornpleted his !term he enlisted in the army . for a period of nine months. He served as a private in Company B, 128th Pa. V. I., under Capt. McNoU, was m the battles pf South Mouptain, Antietam and Chancel- lorsville, and .was honorably discharged May 29, 1863. On his return to Reading Mr. Homing completed his apprenticeship, , and then worked at carpentry for twenty- three years. He next became connected with the Read- ing Car-wheel |Works, and was there employed at the time of Jiis death. On May 25, 1870, Mr. Horning married Miss Clara Whitman, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Wight) Whitman. Nq children were born to them, but they took into their home and hearts a niece of Mrs. Horning, Anna Whitmap, and also another child, Stella Garman. The last named became Mrs. James Miller, while Anna Whitman married Philip Ganter. In religious belief the family were Evangelical, and Mr. Horning was an ac- tive worker in the church to which he belonged, at differ- ent times having held almost all the offices in it. He was universally held in high esteem for his well known honesty, and ,his genial disposition and kindly nature made him many warm friends. His wife was a worthy helpmate, and their thirty years of happy wedded life were filled with acts of charity and helpfulness to the needy or unhappy. Their motto was always the old Bibli- cal command "Let not thy , right hand know what thy left hand doeth," and in its spirit they lived and worked. In Masonic circles Mr. Horning was prominent. He joined Lodge No. 62, F. & A|. M., Dec. 19, 1865, and serv- ed as Worshipful Master in 1866. He joined Excelsior Chapter, R. A. M., Oct. 12, 1883, and was High Priest in 1888. On April 27, 1887, he was knighted in Reading Commandery, K. T., and was a member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. ]\jl. S. His interest was largely absorbed by his lodge work, and he never took an active part in poli- tics, although he was always a good Republican. JOSEPH S. De LONG, in his life time a highly es- teemed and successful farmer near Topton, in Maxatawny township, Berks county, was born there Feb. 11, 1837, and died Feb. 25, 1896, aged fifty-nine years, fourteen days. BIOGRAPHICAL 771 Joseph De Long, his grandfather, was a farmer. Ac- cording to the tombstone in De Long's Bowers church- yard, his wife, Susanna De Long, nee Butz, was "born March 30, 1782, died Jan. 24, 1874, aged ninety-one years, ten months, four days." Jacob De Long, son of Joseph, was born on his father's farm near Bowers, March 37, 1803, and died Oct. 23, 1851, his remains being interred at De Long's Church. He was a life-long farmer, and his home is now the prop- erty of the De Long estate. In his time the East Penn railroad had not been built, and in order to build his horse power shed, he was obliged to haul his lumber from Allentown. While on one of these trips, oh going down Griesemer's Hill, he accidentally fell from the wagon, which passed over him, killing him instantly. His death caused great sorrow in the community, where he was universally esteemed. On May 1, 1836, he mar- ried Sallie Schaeffer, who was born Oct. 4, 1803, daugh- ter of Jonas Schaeifer, of Fleetwood. She died June 22, 1906, aged ninety-two years, eight months, and eighteen days. Their children were: Joseph S.; Philip, living re- tired at Hamburg, who has children— Annie, Dr. Percy and Elsie; Alfred, a farmer at Monterey, who had ten children^ six now deceased, the survivors being-^Sallie, James, Luther and Ruth ; and Elizabeth, who married Dan- iel Merkel, of Fleetwood, and has children — Ella, Lewis, Sallie and Daniel. Joseph S. De Long passed his entire life as a farmer. In 1868 he came into possession of his father's farm, a fine tract consisting of 125 acres of land. He was also the owner of a valuable farm of 160 acres located near Zion's Church, in Maxatawny township, property that is now tenanted. In all his undertakings Mr. De Long prospered, and his investments were marked by sound judgment.- In politics he was a Republican, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church, and he is buried at De Long's Church. On Dec. 25, 1869, Mr. De Long married Mary H. Yoder, a daughter of Martin and Catharine (High) Yoder, and granddaughter of Martin and Susanna (Peter) Yoder, of Oley township. Seven children blessed this union: (1) Katie, born in 1871, died in 1878. (2) Sallie born in 1872, died in 1877. (3) Harvey J., born in 1874, died in 1878. (4) Rev. Calvin Martin, born July 7, 1876, was educated in the public schools, the Keystone State Normal school (from which he graduated in 1894), Frank- lin and Marshall College, Lancaster (from which he grad- uated with first honors in 1900) Chicago University, and the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church of America, Lancaster (graduating in 1903). He was sta- tioned at the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church at East Greenville, Pa., where he is still the honored pastor. He is a brilliant and interesting speaker, and an earnest worker. On May 5, 1906, he m. Bessie Mae Bauscher, and has one child, Emma Mary. (5) Lizzie m. Rev. John Stoudt. (6) Frederick H., born Sept. 23, 1879, attended the local schools, the Keystone State Normal School, and is now the farmer on the home farm. (7) S. Molly m. Marion Hertzog, a clerk at the Kutztown foundry, Kutz- town, and they have a daughter, Erma De Long. J. GEORGE SCHAEFER, who was for many years engaged in tailoring in the city of Reading, Pa., was born in the Province of Hesse, Germany, Feb. 19, 1826, son of J. George and Elizabeth (Herbst) Schaefer. Mr. Schaefer was the youngest of his father's family, and he received his education in his native country, there learning the tailor trade from his father. He came to America in May, 1847, , and finished his trade with his Ijrother, Peter C, at Reading. Mr. Schaefer came direct to Reading, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in tailoring, thirty years being spent with Wil- liam Hackey, who had a place of business at Seventh and Penn streets. A short period before his death Mr. Schaefer lived retired, and he died Dec. 3, 1889, and Is buried at St. Paul's Catholic cemetery, which is located at the foot of Neversink Mountain. Mr. Schaefer was married to Fredericka Vogel, born July 17, 1834, six miles from Mr. Schaefer's birthplace in Germany, daughter of Frederick and Ottillia (Neiland) Vogel, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Mary A. resides with her mother; Clara is known in the church as Sister Marcus, and a teacher in a parochial school; Father Joseph A., born in Reading, attended the St. Paul's parochial school of Reading until his thirteenth year, Vincent College (Latrobe), Beatty P. O., Westmoreland county, and St. Charles Seminary at Overbrook, Montgomery county, was located at Potts- ville, and for five years has been at Manayunk; Theresa, born Oct. 10, 1860, died June 23, 1867 ; John F., born Feb. 1, 1865, died Feb. 28, 1870; Mary E., born July 30, 1868, died Jan. 18, 1869 ; and George A., born Aug. 12, 1870, met his death while at the Philadelphia & Reading shops in the cyclone of Jan. 9,- 1889. Mr. J. George Schaefer was a faithful member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. He was a Democrat in his po- litical views, but never took an active part in public mat- ters. His widow, v\rho survives him, still lives at the old home, No. 224 North Ninth street. CHARLES H. MACHMER, who, as assistant super- intendent of the Reading branch of the Prudential Life Insurance Company, is well and favorably known to a large body of his fellow-citizens, was born Oct. 21, 1878, at Bernville, Berks Co., Pa., son of Henry S., a veteran school teacher of Berks county. The Machmer family is one of the old-established ones of Berks county that has a history that is interesting to preserve. The founder was Philip Machmer, who was born in Switzerland and came to America in 1753, set- tling in the rich agricultural domains of Berks county, Pa. He prospered, as in 1759, he paid a Federal tax of £4, in Bern township. He lived at least twenty years after settling here, as his last will and testament, dated Nov. 7, 1773, was registered Dec. 14, 1773. He and his wife Elizabeth had five children, and they were mentioned in the will as follows : Nicholas, who was under twenty-one years of age when the father died, obtained the home- stead, and he was to pay £500 to his brothers and sisters; Mary^m. Bastian Bartlet; Philip and George were ordered by the will to learn a trade when they should become sixteen years of age; and Mairgaret. Nicholas Machmer, yeoman of Bern township, died in 1823. He and his wife, Eva, had a daughter, Elizabeth, and two sons, John and Peter. George Machmer, son of Philip Machmer, died in 1840. He bequeathed John Machmer, son of Nicholas, $500, and John Machmer, son of Philip, $200, and also made bequests to David and Daniel Machmer, whose relation- ship he does not specify. He had no issue. Peter Machmer, probably a son of Nicholas, was a farmer in Upper Bern township. He made his will Jan. 12, 1852, which was probated May 33, 1854. He and wife Magdalena had sons, John and Benneville. Michael Machmer made his will Nov. 5, 1851, and it was probated in 1873, the year of his death. His wife, Sophia, was named executrix. The names of his daugh- ters are not mentioned in the will, and, when it was made, his sons, Michael, Franklin and Meckley, were all under age. William Machmer, born in Maryland in 1777, died in Upper Bern (now Tilden) township, Berks county, in. 1865. Among his children were John F., Jonathan and Abraham. John F. Machmer, son of William, died in 1882, in Upper Bern (or Tilden) township, and both he and his father are buried at St. Michael's Church. Henry S. Machmer, son of John F., was born in Tilden township in 1847, and was educated in the common schools ■of his native township and in Hamburg, and later at- tended the Millersville State Normal School. At the age of seventeen he began teaching, and taught in Upper Bern, Centre, Penn and Bernville. For seven terms he was principal of the Penn grammar school, and taught twenty-four terms in Lower Heidelberg. He is one of 772 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA the veteran teachers of Berks county, and is a well known figure at teachers' institutes. He served as justice of the peace in Bernville five years, and is now serving his fourth term in that position in Lower Heidelberg. He married Susanna Himmelberger, daughter of John Him- melberger, of Centre township. They had nine children, four of whom are deceased. The survivors are : Anson, of Wernersville; Annie, m. to William McGreth, of Al- liance, Ohio; Edward H., a painter at Reading; Charles H. ; and Willis J., of East Liverpool, Ohio. Charles H. Machmer was reared at State Hill, in Lower Heidelberg township, and there attended the public schools, later entering the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, and still later took a commercial course, in 1899 graduating from the Lebanon Valley Business Col- lege. He also attended the Interstate Commercial Col- lege at Reading, where he was a student of merit. Prior to identifying himself with life insurance, he taught school in Lower Heidelberg township and one term at Robe- sonia. In May, 1901, he connected himself with the Prudential Insurance Company, at the Reading agency, and Dec. 23, 1903, he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent. He is a most successful insur- ance man and ably performs the many responsible duties of his position. Since 1902 he has occupied a home of his own, at No. 364 Schuylkill avenue. In 1897, Mr. Machmer was married to Themson E. Speicher, a daughter of Jacob K. and Themson (Roeder) Speicher, of Robesonia, and they have had three children, namely: Elliott D., born May 22, 1898, died Jan. 4, 1899; Stanley E., born May 27, 1900, died Nov. 8, 1900; and Russell S., born June 19, 1906. FRANCIS H.. MEE, of Reading, Pa., who has been living retired since Sept. 30, 1904, was for many years a trusted employe in the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road shops. Mr. Mee was born in Maiden Creek (now Berkley), Sept. 20, 1834, son of George and Julianna (Hafer) Mee, and a member of an old English Quaker family which came to Pennsylvania at an early date 'in the country's history, locating in Chester county. Jonathan Mee came to Berks county from Chester coun- ty, and located in the Quaker settlement in Maiden- creek township, where he engaged in farming, owning a part of the farm now the property of Charles Dunkel. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed that voca- tion in addition to farming. He had been reared a Quak- er, but on reaching manhood, married a woman of the Re- formed faith. Both he and his wife are buried at Ger- nand's Church in Ontelaunee township. He had three sons and four daughters, namely: George, John, Charles, Hettie, Sallie, Annie and Mary (Polly). George Mee, son of Jonathan and father of Francis H., was born in Maiden-creek township, where he fol- lowed the trade of a miller all of his life. He died in 1871, in his sixtieth year. He married Julianna Hafer, who died in 1858, aged forty-five years, and she, like her husband, was a member of the Reformed Church. In political matters Mr. Mee was an old-line Whig. To him arid his wife were born childern as follows : Francis H., Charles, Mary (m. Alvin Luckenbill, deceased), Hettie (m. Henry Loy, of Hamburg, Pa.), and five children who died young. Francis H. Mee received his education in the schools of Spring township, where his parents lived for a num- ber of years, and for some time after leaving school worked at farm labor He then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and in 1865 entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, with which com- pany he continued until his retirement, a period of thirty- nine and one-half years, since which time he has lived a quiet life at his home, No. 1710 Centre avenue, Reading. In 1858 Mr. Mee married Susan Kissinger, daughter of Abraham and Abby (Hill) Kissinger, and to them have been born seven children, all of whom are now living, namely: Sallie, George, Daniel, Annie, William, Alice and Ida. In religious belief Mr. Mee is a Lutheran, and his political sentiments are those of the Democratic party. While employed at the car shops he was connected with the Philadelphia & Reading Relief Society. FRANKLIN R. HIMMELBERGER, the well known carriage and wagon builder of the borough of West Reading, was born near Garfield, in Centre township, Berks county, Feb. 5, 1861, son of Daniel P. and Rebecca (Richard) Himmelberger. The home of the Himmelberger family is in Upper Berks county. This is an old family and at one time quite a. numerous one. The Pennsylvania archives record that (I) Valentine Himmelberger emigrated to this country on the "Bilander Townshead," which landed at Philadelphia Oct. 5, 1737. George Himmelberger, a brother of Valentine, came over in the ship "Patience," which qualified at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1749. They both located in Bern township, Berks county. Valentine died on his farm in 1788. He made his will Feb. 28, 1787, and this was recorded Aug. 2, 1788. His wife had died some time before. Their eight children were : Philip, Jacob, Elizabeth, Catharine, Clara, George, Susanna and Eve. In the Federal Census of 1790 George Himmelberger is recorded as the head of a Bern township family of ten persons, as follows : the father and mother, two sons under sixteen years of age, and six daughters. George Himmelberger died in the fall of 1831. His will made April 19, 1821, was probated Oct. 15th of the same year, and is recorded in Will Book C, page 248. The testator at the time of his death lived in Bern township. The executors of his will were John Backenstose and others. Elizabeth, his wife, survived him. The will mentions the following eleven children : George, Jonathan, Valentine, Philip, Magdalena, Catharine, Elizabeth (Fisher), Sarah, Sybilla, Susanna and David (deceased, who had a son, Georg) . (II) In the Federal Census of 1790, Philip Himmel- berger (son of Valentine the emigrant) is recorded as a resident of Tulpehocken township and the head of a family consisting .of ten members, father and mother, five sons and three daughters. Two sons were then above sixteen years of age. The will of Philip Himmelberger is on record in Will Book A, page 360. He died in 1797. The executors of his will were his sons Valentine and John, and Adam Riegel. He left a large estate, and his many carpenter tools were given his sons. At this time of the making of his -will he had two unmarried daugh- • ters. One of the daughters was named Sabila. (II) The same Federal Census (1790) shows Jacob Himmelberger (son of Valentine) a resident of Bern township. His family consisted of ten members — father, mother, five daughters and three sons then under sixteen years of age. He died in 1824, and his will is on record in Will Book C, page 315. Among the children were Johannes, Elizabeth and Susanna. (III) Valentine Himmelberger, son of Philip and grand- son of Valentine, died in Upper Tulpehocken township in 1853. In his will on record in Will Book 10, p. 129, are mentioned sons Daniel and Johannes. The former was the executor of his father's will. (IV) Daniel Himmelberger, son of Valentine, was a farmer in what is- now Centre township. He had a forty- acre farm at Centreville (now Garfield) on which he lived and died. He is buried at Belleman'sj Church as is also his wife. They were members of the Reformed congre- gation. The maiden name of his wife was Philips. Their three sons were : Isaac, Moses and Daniel P. (V) Daniel P. Himmelberger, son of Daniel, was born 1834-35, near Garfield, in Centre township, and there still makes his home. He is an excellent mechanic, being a carpenter, blacksmith and shoemaker. He followed carp- entering many years, and built many dwellings in his and surrounding townships. His shop was a boon to farmers for many miles around, who went there to have shoes repaired, carpenter work done or blacksmithing. He married Rebecca Richard, and they had nine children : Adam, Daniel, Franklin R., Levi, John, Morris, Joel, George and' Sarah (m. Milton Speicher). BIOGRAPHICAL 773 (VI) Franklin R. Himmelebrger was reared on his father's farm, where he worked until he was nine years old, after -which he was hired out and worked for dif- ferent fanners until he was nineteen years old, when he learned carriage blacksmithing from Daniel Rapp, the well-known carriage builder at Reading. He remained in Mr. Rapp's employ for six years, and in 1885 he opened a small blacksmith shop at the west end of the Penri street bridge, where he followed his trade two years. In 1887 he associated himself with George H. Smith under the firm name of Himmelberger & Smith, and this firm existed for a period of thirteen years, engaged in car- riage building and general wheelwrighting, being very successful from the start. When the Belt Line was built through West Reading, it passed through this firm's property, and the firm was mutually dissolved. Mr. Him- melberger built a large plant at the corner of Second' and Cherry streets. West Reading, to which he has been adding ever since. The first buildings were erected in April, 1901, but the constantly increasing business has demanded much larger quarters. The main building is 40x100 feet in dimensions, four stories high, with cement basement. There is also a four-story repository 48x60 feet, and several other annexes making the total amount of floor space about 36,000 square feet. He employs from twenty-five to thirty-five skilled mechanics, and he makes a specialty of market and delivery wagons, heavy wagons and light pleasure rigs. His .establishment is equipped with all the latest improved machinery, drying oven, ware houses, shedding, etc. Besides handling all kinds of ve- hicles Mr. Himmelberger carries a complete line of har- nesses, blankets, whips, etc. He does work for a number of prominent business men, such as Kline, Eppihimer & Co., Leinbach & Bro., Sternbergh & .Son, Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, W. H. Ludens, Whitners, Mould's, undertakers Seidel & Henninger, George F. Baer, A. L. Rhoads and many others. He is a thorough business man, and is the largest individual carriage builder in the county. In March, 1882, Mr. Himmelberger married Alwilda Gabriel, of Earlville, later of Reading, daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Becker) Gabriel. Four children have blessed this union: Libbie V., Beulah R., Ruth A. and Martha M. Socially Mr. Himmelberger is a member of Fidelity Chamber No. 5, Knights of Friendship; and Camp No. -213, P. O. S. of A., both of Reading. In politics he is a. Democrat. When West Reading was incorpor- ated into a borough, and the people were looking for a conservative man for their first chief burgess, they unanimously selected Mr. Himmelberger for that respon- sible position, May, 1907. The work of his administration has been marked by progress and by a business-like con- duct of affairs, giving great satisfaction to the people. With his family Mr. Himmelberger belongs to the First Reformed Church of Reading, in w-hich he is a member of the consistory, holding office since 1889. He was con- firmed in Belleman's Union Church in Centre township in 1876. He is a consistent Christian gentleman, and is regular in his attendance at divine worship. WILLIAM H. COLEMAN, a tinsmith of Reading, em- ployed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, was born in Reading Jan. 1, 1860, son of Henry A. and Hannah S. (Hunter) Coleman. Henry A. Coleman was born in Berks county, and married Hannah S. Hunter, daughter of Nicholas Hunter, of Oley township, Berks county. Their children were : Hunter, m. to Lavina Strohra, and residing at Fleetwood; William H. ; Mary, m. to James Shunk, of Reading. William H. Coleman was reared in Pleasantville, Oley township, by Isaac Yoder, and he received his education in the public schools. When fifteen years of age he com- menced learning the trade of tinsmithing at Pleasantville with Maybury Yoder, and after two and one-half years with him, he clerked for two years for F. R. Cleaver, merchant, at Pleasantville. He then went to Gabelsville,- and for three years more was a clerk, but then he removed to Grim's Mill in Colebrookdale township where he farmed until 1899. At that time he found an opening at Read- ing with the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, and has since contmued with this corporation. On Aug. 7, 1880, Mr. Coleman married Elmira R Feo-- ley, daughter of John F. and Elizabeth (Royer) Fegley „rM,'? "■ Coleman have one daughter, Elizabeth, m. to Wilham F. Dentzer, Jr., of Reading. Mr. and Mrs. Dentzer have two children, Clayton C. and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have in their family a little girl of twelve, Esther Hartline, whose mother died when she was an infant^ and her kind foster parents have taken care of her since she was fourteen months of age. The pleasant Coleman home is at No. 531 North Tenth street, Reading. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are members of St. Paul s United Evangelical Church of Reading. GEORGE KNAPP, who died May 20, 1904, was for many years' a highly esteemed resident of Reading, Pa., and for a long period an employe of the Philadelphia & Reading car shops in that city. He was born in Reading m 1847, son of George Knapp, Sr., a resident of' Reading, and a native of Germany. George Knapp, Sr., was a stone cutter by trade and a skilled mechanic. He died at his home. No. 913 Button- wood street; leaving these children : Margaret, m. to John Sauer, who is engaged in the shoe business on North Ninth street, Reading; Barbara, m. to William Klump; John ; Rosa, m. to- Frederick Merkel, a brfss in the polish- ing department of the shops of the Philadelphia & Read- ing railroad; Katie, m. to Henry Spooer; and George. George Knapp received his educational training in the schools of Reading, and when a young man learned the shoemaking trade with John Herman, at Ninth and Penn streets. After following that trade for a period of four- teen years he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading shops, and was working in the bolt drilling department when he became paralyzed in his right leg, dur- ing, the cyclone which destroyed the shops in 1889. From that time until his death Mr. Knapp lived retired. Mr. Knapp married Miss Mary Reisinger, daughter of Wolfgang- and Mary Reisinger, natives of Germany. Mr. Reisinger, who for a number of years was employed as a watchman at the Scott works, Reading, died at the age of seventy-seven years, three months. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp had the following children : Miss Maggie is at home; Rosa m. Peter Barkert, and has children — Mary, Charles, Loretta, Margaret, Jane and Naomi; Martha m. John Miller, a farmer near Blandon, and has five child- ren^Ethel, Joseph, George, Helen and Bernert; Albert, a foreman in the machine department of the shops, m. Minnie. Smith, and has one daughter, Dorothy ; and Eliza- beth m. William F. Burkhart, who is engaged in the ice business at No. 939 Moss street, and has one daughter, Irene. Mr. Knapp was. a stanch Democrat in political matters and served on the election board of the Ninth ward. He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and a member of the two lodges connected there- with. He was also identified with the Philadelphia & Reading Relief Association and with the Rainbow Fire Company. He was well-known in his community, where he had hosts of friends. Mrs. Knapp, who survives her husband, resides at No. 353 Moss street. JOHN E. GOODMAN, of Reading, comes from a family resident in Berks county since the close of the Revolutionary war. So far as can be ascertained the first of the name came to this country in 1780, landing at Philadelphia and eventually settling in Oley township, Berks county. Jacob Goodman, great-grandfather of John E., the first of the family born in America, passed his early years in Oley township, his birthplace, but on reaching manhood settled in Reading, on property now owned by Joseph Shearer, at the corner of Eighth and Franklin streets. Throughout his active life he followed his calling of a wheelwright, and he died in Reading aged sixty-two years. John Goodman, son of Jacob, was born in Reading, and as he grew up he adopted his father's trade. For a year he was located at the corner of Liberty (then 774 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Court) and Eighth streets, and then removed to Franklin and Lemon streets, where he remained until 1854, and in that year retired from business. He was interested in politics as a stanch Democrat, and served as council- man from the eastern district. John Goodman married Miss Catherine Allison, of Reading, and they became the parents of nine children, namely: Mary, who died when a year and a half old; Henry; Catherine; Jacob; Maria; Eliza; Sarah, widow of James Koch; Daniel and Amanda. Mr. Goodman died March 13, 1875, aged seventy-three years, five months and fifteen days; his wife survived him and died March 14, 1881. Jacob Goodman was born in Reading in 1830, and received a common school education. At first he carried on the family traditions by learning the trade of a wheel- wright, but later he engaged in the butchering business, and was occupied in that line most of his life. His first butsher shop was on North Ninth street, near Penn, and he moved from there to Thirteenth street. Then followed an interval of four years which Mr. Goodman spent in Dover, Del., engaged in the lumber and cattle business, but in 1874 he returned to Reading, resumed the butcher's trade, and for seventeen years carried it on at Franklin and Peach streets. In 1891 he took up an entirely new occupation, going into the hotel business, and during seven years he ran the "Union House" on Penn street, meet- ing with the same success in this enterprise which had attended his earlier efforts. In 1898 he retired, and from that time until his death July 7, 1903, he was burdened by no heavy responsibilities, but was free to enjoy quietly his last years. Jacob Goodman was married Dec. 14, 1851, to Elizabeth Breidegam who survives her husband, and lives with her son, John E. Three children were born to them, but the two younger ones, Clara and Samuel, twins, both died. Mr. Goodman was a Mason, a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 337. Like his father he took a keen interest in political questions, was a strong Democrat, and was chosen to help direct municipal affairs, being the repre- sefttative of the Third ward in both the common and select councils. He was well known in the city, and had many friends and left the record of a successful and well spent life. John E. Goodman _ was born July 30, 1856, while the family were sojourning at Temple, Berks county. He grew up in Reading, attended the public schools, and then learned the butcher's business under his father. But he did not make this his permanent occupation, and ' in- stead took a position with the National Brass & Iron Works, where he was employed as a shipping clerk for thirteen years. At the present time Mr. Goodman is em- ployed in the Mohn Hat Factory. In 1883, Mr. Goodman married Miss Annie R. Harbster, of Reading, daughter of the late William and Ellen (Ma- thias) Harbster. Their only child is a daughter, Clara, now the wife of George N. Fehr. Mr. Fehr is' a mem- ber of the firm of John N. Fehr & Son, dealers in leaf tobacco, Reading. Since 1877 Mr. Goodman has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Chandler Lodge, No. 237. His residence is at No. 824 Franklin street. JAMES E. -DAUTRICH is among the well known business men of Reading, Pa., engaged in contracting and building. He was born in this city June 7, 1861, son of James Dautrich. James Dautrich was born in 1833, in Alsace township, Berks county, and when a young man learned the car- penter's trade, coming to Reading when twenty years of age. Here from 1853 he followed his trade until 1865, in which year he engaged in contracting, an occupation which he continued to pursue until his death May 16, 1899. Mr. _ Dautrich contracted specially in stone and brick, furnishing the materials for some of the largest and most substantial buildings of the city, especially in the North- eastern section. Mr. Dautrich married Annie Borkert, daughter of the late Captain John Borkert, who for many years operated the flour and grist mill at Antietam Lake, Alsace township. She died in June, 1900, and both she and her husband are buried in Aulenbach's cemetery. Their children were : Jacob E., James E, Philip A. and Kate (deceased). James E. Dautrich attended the public schools of Read- ing, and finished his education at the age of seventeen years iti the grammer school. He then went to learn the hatter's trade, which he followed for a few years in Reading, after which he went to Bridgeport, Conn. Mr. Dautrich remained in the New England States altogether eleven years, and at the end of this time returned to- Reading, and here resumed his trade until the death of his father, when he took charge of his father's business, and has continued to conduct it to the present time, with great success. He employs an average of from twenty to twenty-five men, and also furnishes the brick and stone for the principal buildings in Reading. Among the buildings built by Mr. Dautrich in Reading may be mentioned the Curtis & Jones shoe factory, the Nolde & Horst stocking factory, terra cotta for the large Dives,. Pomeroy & Stewart department store. Mr. Dautrich lives at No. 119 South Eleventh street. Mr. James E. Dautrich was married Dec. 13, 1894, to Miss Amanda C. Gettis, daughter of James and Lydia (Garrett) Gettis, of Berks county. Politically Mr. Daut- rich is a Republican, and under Mayor Adam H. Leader was appointed scavenger of the city, a position which he filled very satisfactorily for three years. He has also- held a number of minor positions, being register assessor for a number of years. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He is fraternally connected with Camp No. 560, P. O. S. of A., and the Friendship Fire Company. AURY E. KALBACH, a member of one of the old established families of Berks county, resides at No. 316- North Second street, Reading. He was born at Womels- dorf. Pa., Oct. 28, 1861, son of Josiah L. and, Catherine (Bennethum) Kalbach, and grandson of Daniel and Kate (Lash) Kalbach. George Kalbach, great-grandfather of Aury E., was the German emigrant of the family, who came to Berks county at an early day and settled in Heidelberg township. He married Maria Spang, a member of one of the aristo- cratic and wealthy old German families, the Spang estate when settled being estimated at $7,000,000. Daniel Kalbach, the grandfather, bought the old Bittner homestead in Spring township and lived there for many years, becoming a man of importance and establishing a reputation for strict integrity. By his first wife, Kate Yeagley, his children were: Israel, of Ohio; and Eliza, m. to Daniel Shenfelder, of Newmanstown. He m. (sec- ond) Mrs. Kate (Lash) Seibert, widow of John Seibert. She had one child of her first marriage, Mary Ann (m. Uriah Reifsflyder). By her second marriage, with Mr. Kalbach, she had the following children: Ellen, m. to- Henry Behne; Josiah L. and William. Josiah L. Kalbach learned the coach painting trade in young manhood, and followed this business for some years, and then went into the candy-making business, es- tablishing himself at Third and Ptenn streets, where he carried on a successful business for twenty-two years, re- tiring in 1903. He now lives retired at No. 419 Wash- ington street. Josiah Kalbach and wife, Catherine Ben- nethum, had three children, namely: Delia, m. to Harry Deysher, shipping clerk at j. H. Sternbergh's steel plant; Catherine, m. to Ellis Kirk, a cartoonist _ and sketch artist; and Aury E. The family is one which has been united for generations in religion and politics, belonging to the Reformed Church and the Democratic party. Aury E. Kalbach was educated in the schools at Wom- elsdorf, and after completing his education, became a news agent for a time and then entered the Reading Iron Company's pipe mill, but left there to learn the hatter's trade. This he followed for three years and then became interested in local express work, which he carried on some four years. He then entered his father's employ and re- mained with him as candy maker for twenty years. Since BIOGRAPHICAL 775 his father's retirement, he has devoted his attention to transportation, teaming for large manufacturing concerns. Mr. Kalbach was married, in 1882, to Sallie Miller, and their only child died in infancy. He m. (second) Sarah Wessner, daughter of Mark and Sarah (Bower) Wessnerof Maiden-creek. Three children have been born to this •union: Mark Leroy, born Nov. 23, 1892, at home; Cath- erine Bertha, born Aug. 34, 1897; and Josiah Bennethum, bQrn Nov. 29, 1899, at home. KRIEBEL FAMILY. _ The first of this name in America, (I) George Kriebel, came to Pennsylvania in 1734, a member of the little band of Schwenk- felders who emigrated hither from Silesia, Germany. On Nov. 25, 1740, he married Susanna, daug-hter of Balthaser and Regina Yeakel, and they had two sons: George, born July 11, 1744; and Andrew, born Sept. 17, 1748. George Kriebel died Sept. 2, 1778, and his wife, Susanna, died Sept. 14, 1775. (II) Andrew Kriebel, son of George, the emigrant, married May 16, 1771, Susanna, daughter of Abraham Yeakel. She died April 22, 1808, aged fifty-seven years, five months, fourteen days. He passed away April 17, 1830. They had. nine children, as follows: Rosanna, born in 1773. m. in 1818 Daniel Diehl, and died in 1836; Abraham, born Sept. 27, 1774, m. Chris- tina Kriebel; Samuel, born June 13, 1776, m. Chris- tina Schultz; George, born Oct. 2, 1778, died May 20, 1779; Regina, born June 25, 1780; David, born July 19, 1783, m. Rosina Schultz; Sophia, born Nov. 1, 1785; Salome, born Dec. 9, 1787; and Israel, born Sept. 14, 1790. (III) Israel Kriebel, born Sept. 14, 1790, was a miller and lived near Chapel, in Hereford township, . Berks county. He died June 14, 1860. On May 6, 1819, he married Sarah, daughter of Rev. John Schultz, and she died in March, 1859. They had thirteen children: Christina, born Oct. 12, 1820 (died Oct. 10, 1864); John, Feb. 4, 1822; Samuel, Nov. 11, 1823 (died June 16, 1825); Susanna, Jan. 8, 1825; Elizabeth. Aug. 10, 1826; Henry, March 25, 1828; Elias, Oct. 13, 1829; Regina, Oct. 7, 1831; Joseph, June 28, 1833 (died Dec. 29, 1859); Andrew, Aug. 8, 1835; Anna, 1838 (died 1845) ; Sarah, 1841 ' (died 1845) ; and Mary, July 14, 1846. (IV) Andrew Kriebel, born in Hereford township Aug. 8, 1835, died Oct. 10, 1876, on the farm in that township now owned by his son Allen S. Kriebel. He is buried at Washington meeting-house. He was engaged as miller in his father's mill in early life, and later gave all his time to the cultivation of his farm. He married Christina Schultz, born March 8, 1840, daughter of Charles and Polly (Reichenbach) Schultz, died March 6, 1906. To them were born three children, as follows: Allen S., Oscar S., and Mary (m. to Milton Schultz, a farmer of Upper Han- over township, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania). (V) Allen S. Kriebel, a farmer in Hereford town- ship, was born June 28, 1861, at the place he now lives, and was there reared. He attended school in his native township, and spent his youth and early manhood working on the farm for his parents. After reaching his majority he rented from his mother and continued farming thus for some years. In the fall of 1898 he purchased his father's homestead, where he has been doing well ever since. This property, which consists of sixty acres of farm land and twenty acres of wood land, is located near Treichlersville. The present stone dwelling was built in 1862, by An- drew Kriebel, and the barn was put up the follow- ing year, 1863. The stone house replaced a dwelling — part wood, part log — which had stood for over a hundred years. Mr. Kriebel has made a number of improvements on the place since it came into his possession, and it presents a most attractive appear- ance. In front of the house are two large pine trees and a 'spruce_ tree in which he takes especial pride. Good water is one of the valuable features of this farm, and as Mr. Kriebel has valuable live stock he appreciates this fact particularly. He is a modern farmer in every respect, having a full line of up-to-date implements, including a first-class threshing outfit, a* he does considerable threshing in the neighbor- hood and surrounding townships — his patrons being found in Berks, Bucks, Montgomery and Lehigh coun- ties. He has two gasoline engines, one of six and one of twelve horse-power. In addition to such work, he saws wood, bales hay, shreds cornstalks, etc., for the farmers of his section. He has a telephone at his house, and every convenience for the facilitation of his various enterprises. In 1888 Mr. Kriebel married Keturah Schultz, daugh- ter of Manoah and Annette (Trump) Schultz, of Here- ford, and to them have been born eight children: Ada, Chester, Homer, Owen, Irene, Norman, Raymond and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Kriebel are much interested in the education of their family. Their daughter Ada is at present a student in the commercial department of the Perkiomen Seminary. All the members of the Kriebel family have maintained high standing for respectability and good citizenship, and well deserve the respect in which they are held. Allen S. Kriebel and his family belong to the Schwenkfelder Church, and they are also connected with the Sunday-school, he being a member of the board of managers, which consists of three members, corresponding to the board of trustees of a church. He is a Republican in polit- ical opinion. One of the treasured possessions of this family is an old grandfather's clock, which formerly belonged to Rev. William Schultz. It not only shows the time, but the day of the month and the movements of the moon, and is a valuable relic. Manoah Schultz, father of Mrs. Allen S. Kriebel, was born Nov. 23, 1847, in Hereford, and was reared to farming, which vocation he followed throughout his active years. From 1868 he was engaged on his own account, in 1873 obtaining the homestead farm in Hereford, where he lived until the spring of 1906. He then moved to Treichlersville, where he farmed a forty-acre tract for one year, at the end of that time moving to the Abraham Krauss tract, in Hereford township, which he bought, and where he is now living retired. He is a Schwenkfelder in religious faith and has been active in that denomination, having- served as a manager of the Sunday-school for many years. Mr. Schultz married Annette Trump, born July 23,. 1848, daughter of John and Sallie (Conrad) Trump, of District township, died Nov. 6, 1875. By this unioii there were four children: Katie m. Allen S. Kriebel; Ambrose met an accidental death at the age of twenty- six; Sallie m. David F. Clemmer; Annie Amanda died in infancy. Mr. Schultz's second marriage was to Mary Wiand, in 1878. They have had no children. (V) Rev. Oscar S. Kriebel, A. M., D. D., minister of the Schwenkfelder Church and principal of Perkio- men Seminary, is a resident of Pennsburg, Montgom- ery Co., Pa. He was born Sept. 10, 1863, in Hereford township, Berks county, and there spent his boyhood days upon the farm, receiving his early education meanwhile in the local schools. For three or four years during this period he was a very active member of the celebrated Hereford Township Literary Society. His spare hours were devoted to preparing himself to teach school, with such good results that in the summer of 1880, when only in his seventeenth year, he passed a county examination under Prof. S. A. Baer, Ph. D., then superintendent of Berks county, and was licensed to teach in the public schools. He taught his first term in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county, under Superintendent J. O. Knauss in 1880- 1881. The two terms following he taught the Schultz school in his native township, under the superintend- ency of Prof. D. S. Keck. In April, 1883, Mr. Kriebel entered upon a preparatory course at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, where he prepared for his college course, meantime teaching two terms of school in Ohio and 776 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA one nine months term in Stronach, Mich., though Seminary, which was founded in 1887 by Rev. C. S. he kept at his studies all the while. He graduated Wieand, of Pottstown, Pa., 'who was born and reared with honors from Oberlin College in 1889, and from in the Schwenkenfelder Church. In 1892, the school the O'berlin Theological Seminary in 1903. Duririg opened its doors under the present management, with the first two years of his theological course in Oberlin four teachers and nineteen scholars. The growth of he also taught in the pre;paratory department of the the school has been remarkable. In fifteen years the college. He spent the third year of his theological teaching force was increased to thirty and the total ■course in Germany, studying at the University of enrollment to three hundred and sixty-one. During Berlin. the last seventeen years the school has enrolled 2,200 Mr. Kriebel was married in 1891, and he and his wife different students from practically all the counties of Peiln- spent the following year in travel and study in Europe, sylvania, from fifteen different States of the Union, and Mr. Kriebel putting in most of his time at the Uni- from five foreign countries. Out of a total of 491 versify of Berlin, Germany. Their jourrieyings took graduates, since its reorganization in 1893, two hun- them through England, Scotland,. Holland and Germany; dred and eighty-one have continued their studies in and in the latter country Mr. Kriebel gave very special sixty-one higher institutions of learning, including Har- attention to studying the school system of the country, vard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, University Dt. Kriebel has devoted much of his time to the of Pennsylvania, Oberlin, Ann Arbor and practically cause of the Schwenkfelder Church, of which he is a all the best institutions in the East and middle West, minister, being the pastor of the followers of Caspar The institutio"n is equipped with new m,odern build- Schwenkfeld in the "Upper District" of the church, in ings, chemical and physical laboratories, gymnasium, Pennsylvania. He is very active in the denomination, athletic field, etc. A Carnegie library is proposed, but having been a member of the Home and Foreign Mis- not yet built. It is located in the upper part of the sion Board of the church since its organization, and rich and beautiful Perkiomen valley. Pure fresh air a member of the Publication board, which has charge and an abundance of excell^ent spring water supply the of all the church publications, including the works school which is heated by steam and lighted by elec- and life of Caspar Schwenkenfeld von Ossig, known tricity. as the "Corpus Schwenkenfeldinorium," which when The Perkiomen Railroad, a branch of the Philadel- completed will consist of seventeen volumes. The phia and Reading system runs through Pennsburg, Pa. first volume appeared in 1908. Dr. Kriebel is sec- Since 1893 Rev. Dr. Oscar S. Kriebel has been princi- retary of the Publication board. pal of the school. The institution is conducted under As principal of Perkiomen Seminary since 1893 Dr. the auspices of the Schwenkfelder church. It is man- Kriebel has attained front rank among the educators aged by a board of trustees consisting of thirteen mem- of the State, and he is a lecturer and public speaker of bars, elected by the Church. In 1908 the trustees were : note. He is deeply interested in all educational and M. K. Gilbert, president; Rev., N. B. Grubb; Jacob D. intellectual movements which tend to advance the Heebner; Hon. John G. Hersh, M. D., vice-president; civil or moral welfare of the country and exerts a con- Adam Krauss, secretary; Hiram K. Kriebel; Jesse S. siderable influence in such circles. His practical work Kriebel; Rev. E. E. S. Johnson; Rev. O. S. Kriebel; along his chosen lines has been varied and efficient. Rev. G. K. Meschter, M. D.; B. S. Schultz; E. K. He is a member of the Civil Service Reform Associa- Schultz, treasurer; and_ Rev. A. S. Shelly, tion of Pennsylvania, and has taken an active and prom- iment part in the good roads movement wherever it MAHLON NUNNEMACHER KLINE, president and lias been propagated in Pennsylvania. In his home general manager of the Smith, Kline & French Company, . town he is held in profound respect, and those who who conduct the largest wholesale drug establishment in know him best speak of him as a scholarly, broad-mind- Philadelphia, and one of the largest in the United States, ed, public-spirited and exemplary citizen, a Christian was born Feb. 6, 1846, near Hamburg, in Windsor town- gentleman of the highest type. ship, Berks Co., Pa., son of John and Mary (Nunne- In June, 1907, Rev. Oscar S. Kriebel had the hon- macher) Kline, orary degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon Hans (Johannes) Klein, the great-great-grandfather of him by Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster, Mahlon N., a farmer of near Centreport, died in 1795. Pa. Prof. Kriebel has also completed most of the re- He was twice married, and by his first union had four quired work for a Ph. D. degree in the graduate de- sons, John, Werner, Nicholas and Jacob; by his second partment of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a wife, Catherine, he had eight children: Philip; Conrad; member of the Montgomery County Historical So- Peter; Catherine, who married Henry Lutz; Barbara, ciety, of the Pennsylvania German Society, of the who married John Koch; Elizabeth, who married John National Geographical Society, and has been for years Tobias; Mary, who married Christian Haak or Haag, president of the Private Secondary School Association brother of Philip's wife; and Margaret Elizabeth, who of Pennsylvania. married John Losz. These eight children are named in On June 30, 1891, Dr. Kriebel married Miss Corinne the last will of the second wife, which was probated in Mailer, of Castalia, Erie Co., Ohio, daughter of Capt. 1801. All twelve children are named in Hans Klein's will, W. W. and Mary (Caswell) Miller. They have had probated in 1795. three children, Frieda, Mary and Louisa, the eldest, Of the foregoing family, Philip Klein, who was also Frieda, born in Berlin, Germany, during the parents' a farmer of the vicinity of Centreport, was the great- long sojourn abroad. grandfather of Mahlon N. He died in 1837, aged sixty- Mrs. Kriebel's father, Capt. W. W. Miller, served as five years. By his marriage with Magdalena Haag he had a captain throughout the Civil war, being popularly five children': John ; Joseph, who married a Stetzler ; Jacob, called the "Boy Captain'' because of his youth. He who married a Roth; Charles; and Rebecca, who married was wounded at Gettysburg. For ten years he was Matthias Hettinger. The mother of these children died State Secretary of Agriculture of Ohio. On the ma- in 1856, at the age of eighty-two years, ternal side Mrs. Kriebel comes from a line of patriotic The grandfather of Mahlon N. Kline, who like his father ancestors who were ever ready to risk their lives in the and grandfather was engaged in farming near Centre- service of their country, her grandfather Caswell and port, died in 1835, aged thirty-eight years. He was married his brothers having served with distinction in the to Catherine Faust, and by her had six children: John; Civil war; her great-grandfather in the war of 1813-15; William, who removed to Milton, Pa.; Benjamin, who and her great-great-grandfather in the Revolutionary removed to near Pottsville, Pa.; Mary, who married Jacob war. Renninger; Esther, who married John G. HoUenbach; and Perkiomen Seminary. At Pennsburg, Montgomery Catherine, who married Simon Hoffman. County, Pa., two and one-fourth miles from the John Kline, father of Mahlon N. Kline, was a farmer Berks County line, is located the famous Perkiomen of Upper Bern '(now Tilden) township, where he carried BIOGRAPHICAL 777 on agricultural pursuits until his decease, in 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. He took an active interest in the United Brethren Church situated several miles west of his residence. John Kline married Mary Nunnemacher, daughter of John Nunnemacher, of the same township, and she died in 1897, aged seventy-three years, the mother of one son, Mahlon N. Mahlon Nunnemacher Kline removed with his parents, while still an infant, to Upper Bern (now Tilden) town- ship, near Berne Station, on the Philadelphia & Reading railroad. He received his education in the public schools of that vicinity and for two years attended a private school at Reading. When fourteen years old he was sent to Philadelphia to attend public school there for a course of higher education, but he continued his studies there for only six months, when he returned home, and though but fifteen years of age he made application for a position as teacher. He passed an examination successfully, and was given a school several miles north of Reading, now Hyde Park, where he taught for one term. With this prepara- tion he directed his attention to store-keeping, and, finding a place in a country store at Hamburg, a few miles from , home, he applied himself assiduously to. that work for two years. He then went to the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, and after graduating from this institution secured a position as bookkeeper with the wholesale drug firm of Smith & Shoemaker, at No. 243 North Third street, Philadelphia. This was in February, 1865, and in three years, so highly were his integrity and devotion to busi- ness appreciated, he was admitted a member of the firm. Mr. Shoemaker retired from the firm in 1869, and the name was changed to Smith, Kline & Co. The business stand was at the same place until 1887, when larger and more convenient quarters became necessary, and it was removed to Nos. 429-431 Arch street. A year afterward the firm was incorporated. In 1891, the wholesale business of French, Richards & Co. being closed out, Harry B. French joined the corporation, the name of which was changed to the Smith, Kline & French Company, and as such it has continued to the present time. The plant has been much enlarged and the volume of business developed until it ranks third in its line of trade in the United States. They now occupy the premises at Nos. 429-435 Arch street, with laboratory and mill at Canal and Poplar streets. Mr. Kline has been the general manager of the corporation since its formation and its president since 1903, which evidences his prominence in the successful management of the enterprise. . Mr. Kline has been publicly identified with the business, political, social and religious affairs of Philadelphia for many years. He took an active part in the establishment of the Bourse and was elected a director in 1900. The Drug Exchange was organized in 1861, and he became a director in 1882, vice-president in 1883, and president in 1884. The National Wholesale Druggists' Association was organized in 1882, and Mr. Kline cooperated with other wholesale drug merchants in establishing it as a body to take the place of the Western Wholesale Druggists' As- sociation; and since that time he has been attending all of its annual meetings, excepting in 1895, when he was trav- eling in Europe. Notwithstanding his busy life he took time to unite with other prominent citizens of Philadelphia in their efforts to reform local politics and improve the municipal government, and his activities in' this behalf naturally led to his selection as a member of the executive committee of the Lincoln party, and as treasurer of the State committee in 1905. In the stirring campaign of 1906 he made numerous speeches in different sections of the State, advocating the election of the candidates on the Lincoln party ticket, and thereby demonstrating in a public manner his earnest devotion to the cause of political re- form. Mr. Kline has been a member of the Union League since 1896 ; he is also a member of the Manheim Cricket Club and of the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Fol- lowing the religious inclinations of his parents, he has been a devoted member of the Church of the Saviour (Protestant Episcopal, at Thirty-eighth and Chestnut streets), and has served the Sunday-school as its super- intendent since 1896. He has also officiated as a director of the Franklin Reformatory Home at No. 915 Locust street for upward of ten years. For three months in 1895 he traveled extensively on the continent of Europe, and in- 1897 he visited all the important places of England, Scotland and Ireland. In 1874, Mr. Kline was married to Isadore E. Unger, of Allentown, daughter of Leopold Paul and Hettie (Hart) Unger, and by this union he has three children : Isadore C, who married Harry S. Valentine, treasurer of the drug corporation named; Leah Elizabeth, who married T. Car- rick Jordan; and Clarence Mahlon, who is one of the directors of the Smith, Kline & French Company. GEORGE ALBRECHT, junior member of the well known firm of Northeimer & Albrecht, practical plaster- ers of Reading, Pa., was born in that city, Oct. 10, 1864, son of the late Isadore and Mary (Reichert) Albrecht. Isadore Albrecht was a native of Baden, Germany, and came to America in 1848, landing at New York City, thence going to Philadelphia. He had learned the trade of tailor in his native country, and that occupation he fol- lowed in Philadelphia for about one year, at the end of which time he located in Reading, in which city he con- tinued to follow his trade for a period of twenty-four years. He was also engaged in the hotel business at Eleventh and Walnut streets, and was well known and very successful. He died in April, 1904, aged seventy- nine years. His widow, who survives him, resides at No. 1041 Walnut street. They had these children : Louisa, of Reading; William, a cigar maker of Reading; John, a contractor and builder of the city; George; Charles, proprietor of the "Friendship House," No. 108 Robeson street, Reading; and Matilda, m. to John Popp, of Reading. George Albrecht attended the schools of Reading, his first employment being at Jackson's Rope Walk, whence- he went to the Reading Hardware Company. He then became employed at the pipe mill, and for a time served on the police force of the city under Mayor Jacob Wei- del. He learned the plastering trade, which he followed for one year in Philadelphia, then returning to Reading, where he engaged in business with J. E. Northeimer, the firm having since been known as Northeimer & Albrecht. Mr. Albrecht married (first) Miss Annie Boyer, who died, leaving one child, Annie, who died when thirteen months old. Mr. Albrecht's second marriage was to Jennie Williams, born in London, England, who came to this country when eight years old.. Nine children, eight of whom are living, were born to this union : Annie, de- ceased; Catherine; Jennie; Gerald; Maria; Josephine; Gertrude; George, and John. Mr. Albrecht is a Demo- crat in politics. He is a member of St. Paul's Church. He is connected fraternally with the Eagles Aerie No. 66, and the Rainbow Fire Company. Mr. Albrecht makes his home at No. 215 North Tenth street, Reading, and is very well known and highly esteemed in his community. BEN. H. ZERR, a traveling salesman whose home is in Reading, was born in Lebanon, Pa., Oct. 22, 1860, and in paternal lines is of Holland ancestry. ' (I) George Zerr, the pioneer ancestor of this family, was a native of Holland, and emigrated to America in 1750. The exact date of his settling in Hereford town- ship, Berks county, is unknown, but in 1790 he was a taxable there, as was also his eldest son Jacob. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned a tract of 160 acres of good land. He died "old in years" in 1801, and was survived by his wife, Sophia. In his will, recorded in Book 4, page 37, he is called a yeoman. The executors of his will -were his son Jacob and one Peter Fink. The children mentioned in the vrill were : Jacob ; George — "my youngest son shall have the adjoining tract of 150 acres"; Catharine m. Conrad Fink; Magdalena m. John Bickel; Mary m. Jacob Keifer. (II) Jacob Zerr, eldest son of George, was born in Hereford township in 1760. He settled on a large farm in Amity township at an early date, and died there March 1, 1826, aged sixty-six. His wife Susanna, born in 1766, died Sept. 19, 1842, and both are buried in the graveyard 778 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA at the Amityville church. His will, dated April 19, 1825, is on record in Will Book 5, page 487. He and his wife had the following children: Jacob; Elizabeth (Kerst) ; George; Peggy (Bickel) ; Henry; Lidda; Samuel and Sarah. , (lU) Jacob Zerr, eldest son of Jacob, , was born in Amity, but in middle life he settled in Spring township on a farm located near the Lancaster bridge. His last will, made on March 35th, and probated Dec. 6, 1865, soon after his death, is on record in Will' Book 11, page 436. He was survived by his wife Mary, and the fol- lowing children : William and Elizabeth. He left a large estate, and his son William was bequeathed the tavern stand and tract of land in Amity township consisting of forty-three acres, bounded by the Perkiomen turnpike, and the house in Spring township in which his father died, besides other land in Spring township. (in) George Zerr, third child of Jacob, was a farmer at Geigertown, in Union township, where he died in 1872. In his will he valued his 130-acre farm at $6,000, and this he bequeathed to his son, Jacob G. By occupation George Zerr was a linen weaver. His will, made July 14, 1869, is recorded in Will Book 12, page 455. His child- ren were: Jacob G. ; Christina m. Elijah Geiger; Hannah m. Jacob Kachel; Mary m. Joseph Geiger. (III) Henry Zerr, son of Jacob, was a farmer in Union township. He died in 1866, and is buried at Geiger- town. He provided that his wife Elizabeth should re- main on the farm as long as she lived. This farm was cultivated by his son Lafayette. To Henry and Elizabeth Zerr were born : Harriet ; Elizabeth ; Mary Ann ; George ; Lafayette (who had sons, Henry H. and George M.) ; Hannah; and Elizabeth. , (IV) Jacob G. Zerr, only son of George, was a pros- perous farmer at Geigertown. His children were : How- ard; Henry; Jacob L. ; Elijah M., a prosperous farmer, prominently identified with the Berks County Agricul- tural Society and Farmers' Union, whose three daugh- ters, Sophie E., Eva A., and Sallie E., are all graduates of the Keystone State Normal School; Eliza; Mary Ann; Adaline and H. Susanna. (III) Samuel Zerr, son of Jacob, is buried at Geiger- town. He married Catharine Neida, born Sept 10, 1805, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Neida, and she died Aug. 31, 1856, and is buried at Amityville. They had a son Samuel. (IV) iSamuel Zerr, son of Samuel and Catharine, was born in Amityville, where he lived until after attaining his majority, when for a short time he lived in Lebanon, Pa. He then came to Reading, and was in the sand business for a ilumber of years along the Schuylkill river, supplying the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company with sand. The sand bank eventually came into the hands of Augustus Hoff, of Reading. Mr. Zerr spent his later years at farming in Caernarvon to*nship, and ' there died in the early part of 1860, and is buried afi Geigertown. He was twice married. To his first mar- riage were born : Samuel ; Augustus ; Jacob ; Caroline m. Augustus Mentz; and Catharine m. Jacob Armpries- ter. His second wife was Catharine Krum, and to this union was born but one son, Ben. H, Mrs. Catharine (Krum) Zerr died at the age of seventy-two years. (V) Ben H. Zerr was less than a year old when his parents came to Reading, where the family has since lived. For a time the family home was where the Elks Home is now located at Fifth and Franklin streets. Mr. Zerr received his education in the public schools, and in 1879, when the Philomathean Society was organized he became one of the active members, and so continued as long as the society was in existence. This organization was a great factor in the city, and many of its members became noted in various walks of life. When but twelve years of age Mr. Zerr became a newsboy for the Read- ing Eagle, selling the papers both in the city and on the different railroads through this section of the country. When he was twenty-one years of age be became a. .traveling salesman, and in 1882 he was one of the first to go out from Reading to sell hosiery and pants. His first experience, however, was in selling safes, afterward entering the employ of the J. G. Leinbach & Co., Woolen Mills, North Fourth street. In 1892 he conducted a cigar store in the "Hotel Penn" known as the "Art," and noted in particular for its appointments in the selection of the fine draperies, curtains, pedestals, and engravings. In 1907, with others, he engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, and in this he has continued to the present time. Mr. Zerr is a thorough business man, and has a pleasing address. For several years he was active in the base ball world of Reading, and it was his idea to secure Lauer's Park and transform it into the present ideal ball park. In spite of his other interests Mr. Zerr returned to the road in 1895, and has since continued at that work, as a merchandise broker. On Feb. 32, 1883, Mr. Zerr married Elenora Muthart, daughter of John and Leah (Hoyer) Muthart, of Read- ing, and their children were : Walter B., an electrician in New York City; Florence, who died in childhood; Ben. H., Jr., who died. Oct. 27, 1908, aged seventeen years and seven months ; and Stewart R. The family have resided at No! 148 North Eleventh street, Reading, since 1888. Fraternally Mr. Zerr is a member of Chand- ! ler Lodge; No. 237, F. & A. M.; Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. Elks, and several commercial societies. In his travels Mr. Zerr has seen many of the points of interest of the country. (V) Samuel Zekr, son of Samuel and half-brother of Ben H., lived in Reading, where he was an upholsterer employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Com- pany. He died in 1893, aged fifty-two years. By his wife, Susan Kissinger, he had two children : (1) Sallie died small. (3) Samuel, born June 27, 1869, was edu- cated in the schools of Reading, graduated from the Pharmaceutical College, Philadelphia, in 1891, and -has been for a number of years manager of the machine shop of Jacob S. Peipher, his half-brother; he married (first) Katie Hoffman, who died leaving two children, Samuel E. and Nora E., and he m. (second) in 1901, Mary Helfrich, daughter of John Helfrich, a native of Germany^ and they have three children, Georgine, Mary and Harold. JOHN M. GRILL, for a number of years a well known agriculturist of Cumru township, Berks county, now living retired at Shillington, Pa., was born Sept. 13, 1837, near Wernersville, Berks county, son of Joseph and Hannah (Matz) Grill. Joseph Grill was born Aug. 7, 1806, in Cumru, now Spring, township, and was a lifelong farmer. For seven years he lived on a sixteen-acre tract in Lower Heidel- berg township, and later he removed to Spring township, where he owned a good farm on which he died in July, 1891. He also owned the old Grill homestead in Spring township, and was in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Grill married Hannah Matz, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Shoup) Matz, and to this union there were born children as follows: Joshua, m. to Mary Gring; Mary, living at Sinking Spring ; John M. ; Joseph, who died in childhood ; Henry, m. to Sarah Huyett; Catherine, living in Sinking Spring; and Samuel, who died in childhood. John M. Grill attended the pay schools and later the free schools ol his day, and his entire life was spent in farming. He remained on the farm until 1890, in which year he removed to Shillington, and he has there resided retired to the present time. In 1866 he commenced farm- ing for himself near the Green Tree in Cumru township, on his father-in-law's farm, which he acquired after the latter's death July 32, 1891, at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months, eleven days. In 1890 Mr. Grill built a large, two-story brick residence at the corner of Phila- delphia and Lancaster avenues in Shillington, which the family has occupied since 1893. Mr. Grill and his brother Henry own the old Grill homestead of 120 acres of land, which lies adjacent to the old Wheat Field mines in Spring township, and here blue iron ore is found in great quantity. At one time Mr. Grill was a prominent figure in local politics, and for a time was a Democratic auditor BIOGRAPHICAL 779 of Cumru township. He and his wife are members of Christ's Union Church, Cumru, of which he is a Re- formed and she a Lutheran member. He has been a deacon and elder of the church for many years. In 1893 Mr. and Mrs. Grill attended the World's Fair at Chicago, and in 1901 the Exposition at Buffalo, and they have also traveled extensively in other parts of the country. They are well known in their vicinity, and have a large social circle. On Nov. 21, 1867, Mr. Grill married Sarah Fritz, daugh- ter of Martin, and Margaretta (Gring) Fritz, and grand- daughter of Martin and Catherine (Rathje) Fritz. Mr. and Mrs. Grill's adopted daughter, whom they reared from her third year, Sallie A. Kohl, married Washington Lein- bach, son of James and Catharine (Ahrens), Reading, and they have one son, Leroy K. Mr. and Mrs. Lein- bach reside with Mr. and Mrs. Grill. HENRY HALLER was a tailor at Reading in 1765, and in 1775 was engaged as an innkeeper, by which time he had become a man of considerable social and political influence. In the formation of a regiment in Berks coun- ty, as its quota of the 4,500 men for the Flying Camp, he was chosen Colonel, but he did not accompany the regiment in its march to Long Island, and did not parti- cipate in that battle. Shortly afterward, however, he commanded another battalion which went into service in New Jersey. In the public actions for encouraging the Revolution, he took a prominent part, and next to Ed- ward Biddle, George Nagel, Jacob Morgan, and Bodo Otto, was as prominent as any man in Reading. He was a delegate to the Provincial Conference in 1776, and also a member of the Committee of Safety, the Committee on Attainder, and the Committee to Collect Arms, etc. lie served as a member of the Assembly from 1776 to 1781. During the years 1778, 1779 and 1780, he was wagon-mas- ter of Berks County, and during 1779 and 1780, wagon- master-general of the Continental Army. The first public office he held was that of coroner of the county in 1767. After the Revolution, he moved up the Schuylkill Val- ley beyond the Blue Mountains, in Brunswick township, then still part of Berks county, and there he died in Sep- tember, 1793, possessed of a very large estate. He had eight sons; Frederick, . Jacob, Henry, John, William, Isaac, Benjamin and Lewis; and two daughters, Elizabeth (m. to William Mears), and Sarah (m. to Samuel Webb). FRANK L. KREPS is a plumber at Reading, Pa., whose establishment is situated at No. 40 ' North Sixth street. He was born April 30, 1865, at Salem, Ohio, son of Henry and Mary (O'Brien) Kreps. Henry Kreps, father of Frank L., was also a native of Salem, Ohio, and there spent his entire life, and died _ in 1876, aged about thirty-eight years. His trade was that ' of machinist, and he was for many years known as a skilled mechanic and successful business man. Henry Kreps was married to Mary O'Brien, who died at Norris- town. Pa., in August, 1896, aged fifty-two years, and to them there were born these children : William, engaged in the manufacture of silk at Paterson, N. J. ; Frank L. ; Charles, in the plumbing business at Fort Washington, Pa. ; Elwood, a carpenter of Chester, Pa.; Ida, wife of Wil- liam Schoffner, of Norristown, Pa. ; , and Katie, m. to Frank Bechtel, of near Coatesville, Chester Co., Penn- sylvania. Mrs. Mary (O'Brien) Kreps was a daughter of George O'Brien, a native of a suburb of New York City. He was a machinist and stationary engineer. His chil- dren were: Sallie, Elizabeth,- Mary and John (who lo- cated at Chester, Pa., and died in the early seventies). Frank L. Kreps attended the public schools of his native town, and when twelve years old went to Dela- ware, later to Chester county. Pa., and finally to Philadel- phia, where he learned the plumbing trade, following that occupation for about six years. At the expiration of this time he removed to Norristown, Pa., where for one year he was in the employ of the State' Government, as a plumber, and the next year was spent at Phoenixville, where he was connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. Kreps then spent six months at Pottstown, Pa., coming to Reading in 1892, where for thirteen years he was employed by the plumbing firm of Ed. Schull & Co. In 1907 Mr. Kreps engaged in business on his own account, opening an establishment at No. 108 North Eighth street, and later his present place, conveniently situated in the down-town district, No. 40 North Sixth street. He is a practical plumber, gas, hot water and steam-fitter. Mr. Kreps was married to Maggie Garrison, of Read- ing, and their residence is situated at No. 108 North Eighth street. Fraternally Mr. Kreps is connected with Aerie No. 66, F. O. E., of Reading, and he is also a member of the Master Plumbers' Association. WILLIAM W. SEITZINGER. In the early death of William W. Seitzinger, which occurred at his home Sept. 21, 1900, there was lost to the city of Reading one of its most enterprising young business men. Mr. Seitzinger was born in 1860, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of Jacob J. and Hannah (Collins) Seitzinger. After leaving the common schools of his native city Mr. Seitzinger entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated, and in April, 1896, he took up civil engineering. Later he became associated with Mr. James K. Getz, as secretary and treasurer of the Read- ing Shale Brick Company, a prominent business concern, and in this capacity he was serving at the time of his death. He was an able business man, arid was popular in business and fraternal circles. Mr. Seitzinger was a thirty- second degree Mason, a member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and was also connected with the Wyomissing and Berkshire Clubs. In religious belief he was a Luth- eran, and attended Trinity Church of that faith, of which his widow is a member. In 1895 Mr. Seitzinger married Miss Anna L. Barbey, the eldest daughter of John Barbey, a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere. CYRUS G. DERR, lawyer of Reading, was born July 18, 1848, at Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Pa., son of William M. Derr, a leading member until his death of the Lebanon Bar, at which he practised for forty years. George Derr, his grandfather, was born in Berks county in 1800, moved to Reading when a young man, and there married. When his son William was three months -old he removed with his family to Lebanon, Pa., where he became a prominent citizen. He became identified with the construction of the Union canal, being superintendent of the middle division, extending from Myerstown to the Swatara. He served as chief burgess, was a trustee of Lebanon Seminary, and was active in church work, being one of the founders of Zion Lutheran Church, which he also served in an official capacity. He died in 1880. The Derr family is of Irish extraction, and the immigrant ancestor spelled the name Derry, but the "y" was dropped in course of time. He settled near Monocacy, Berks Co., Pa., engaged in farming, and acquired considerable property. William M. Derr was born in Reading, Pa., in 1827, and as above stated was three months old when the family moved to Lebanon. He received his early education in' the public schools and in Lebanon Academy, and, choosing his life work, began the study of law. But in deference to his parents' wishes he took up medicine, at the Penn- sylvania Medical College, Philadelphia, and before settling dow;i to his first choice also studied theology and archi- tecture. In the end he returned to law, and meantime he spent a couple of years in the Western States, being in fact first admitted to the Bar in Illinois. His experiences broadened him and quickened his perceptions. In 1858 he was admitted to the Lebanon county Bar, and there he practised for almost forty years, until his death, May 31, 1897. He was foremost in many respects among the mem- bers of his profession, was long a member and for some time president of the Lebanon Bar Association, and at the time of his death was the oldest member of the Lebanon Bar. But his intellectual strength had never waned, and he was known to the last as a profound scholar 780 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA and learned legal adviser, a man of keen wit and eloquent speech, and he used his gifts for the benefit of his fellow- men as much as his own interests. He was solicited to be- come judge, but declined. To an unusual degree he held the confidence of his clients 'and of the public, for he was known as a man who gave the best that was in him to his work and his patrons, and he was ever ready to espouse a cause for the right, his poorer clients receiving the same consideration that he gave to those of means. He was a member of St. John's Reformed Church and a liberal con- tributor to the Widows' Home and to other charitable institutions. In political sentiment he was a Republican, and he wielded a strong influence in his party, though he had no political aspirations himself. During the Civil war he entered the Union service, organizing and becoming the first Captain of Company A, 93d Regt. P. V. I., and served in the Virginia campaign. . , _ ,. „■,, On April 3, 1846, Mr. Derr married Caroline HUde- brand, born March 23, 1826, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Brubaker) Hildebrand, of Lancaster county, and two children were born of this union: Francis, who died young, and Cyrus G. , • • ^i. Cyrus G. Derr received his literary education in the public schools of Lebanon, and his legal preparation in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania. Though only a boy during the Civil war he enlisted, in 1863, in Company E, 26th Regiment, Emergency Troops, and was taken prisoner in a skirmish with Jenkins Confed- erate Cavalry, near Gettysburg, a few days before the famous battle. He was later paroled. The next year, during the invasion in which Chambersburg was burned, he enlisted for one hundred days, serving in Company G, of an independent organization, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Charles Stewart; this company was largely made up of students from the Pennsylvania Agricultural College m Centre county. As a precaution in case he was again cap- tured, Mr. Derr's second enlistment was made under the ' name "Calvin" Derr, as he was uncertain whether a Con- federate court-martial would construe the parole of the preceding year as he did, limited to the period of his first term of service. Mr. Derr was admitted to the Bar in August, 1869, and after practising a year with his father located in Reading. Though he met with success at once his father induced him to return to Lebanon after a year, but he was so well impressed with the possibilities Reading offered him that he settled there permanently in 1872, since which time he has been in continuous practice. During his earlier years he gave much time to literary work, but of late his legal responsibilities have been so heavy as to preclude almost all other work, his large clientele including a num- ber of important corporations, among them the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company and the Pennsylvania Trust Com- pany. Like his father, he is a Republican in politics, but without official' ambitions. Mr. Derr was one of the founders and proprietors of the old Reading Review, an independent publication, which during the few years of its existence became noted for its fearlessness and aggressive policy. He was a regular contributor to its columns. He was a member and pro- moter of the Reading Lyceum and Reading Literary Society, and delivered lectures in Reading and other places upon Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice," Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel" and the "Oratory of St. Paul." His literary attainments are noteworthy. On Nov. 30, 1870, Mr. Derr married Mary Virginia Weidman, daughter of Gen. John Weidman and sister of the late Maj. Grant Weidman, of Lebanon. Mr. and Mrs. Derr have one child, Caroline Roberts, now the wife of John M. Archer, of Reading. HIESTER H. MUHLENBERG, M. D., was born at Reading, Jan. 15, 1812, son of the distinguished Rev. Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, pastor of the Trinity Lu- theran Church of Reading, afterward member of Con- gress and Ambassador to Austria, and at the time of his death the candidate of the Democratic party for Governor of Pennsylvania. His mother was Rebecca Hiester, daughter of Gov. Joseph Hiester. Mr. Muhlenberg gained his preliminary education under the instruction of Rev. John F. Grier, in the Reading Academy. In 1826 he entered the sophomore class of Dickinson College, Carlisle, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1829. Having chosen medi- cine as his profession, he began study in the office oi Dr. Thomas Harris, a physician of excellent reputation in Philadelphia. He attended the medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania during the winter of 1831 and 1832, and was graduated from that institAtion with the class of 1832. Dr. Muhlenberg began practice in his na- tive city and continued it for eight years: During this period and for some years following he took an active interest in politics, and until the breaking out of the Civil war he remained a firm and consistent Democrat. During the Civil war he twice enlisted in the Pennsylvania State f Volunteers — once before the battle at Antietam, and again after the battle of Gettysburg. During the panic of 1837 the affairs of the Farmers Bank of Reading became very much involved, and the complete ruin of the bank seemed close at hand. The integrity, capacity and financial ability of Dr. Muhlen- berg were so well known that he was placed temporarily in charge of the bank in order to restore its affairs to a sound and healthy condition. His management of its affairs was so successful that he was induced to give up his intention of resuming his practice of medicine and urged to accept the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank in March, 1842. From that time until his death he was annually re-elected, serving continuously in that position for a period of forty-four years. The high standing and character of the cashier preserved the bank from embarrassment during the panic of 1857, the financial troubles incident to the Civil war and the finan- cial crisis of 1873. During all these periods of financial depression the Farmers Bank of Reading always main- tained the highest reputation for great financial strength and for the soundest business management. The suc- cess and reputation of the bank in all these years was mainly due to the ability and high character of its cash- ier. Dr. Muhlenberg was for ten years a member of coun- cils of the borough of Reading, and a member of the first councils after the city incorporation in 1850. Prior to the Civil war he took great interest and active part in the volunteer military organizations of his own coun- ty. He entered a noted company, called the Washington Grays, as a private, and afterward became lieutenant. During the Catholic riots of 1844, in Philadelphia, as lieutenant of the Washington Grays he formed part of the force sent to that city to assist in quelling the riot. ' Dr Muhlenberg was one of the original trustees ,of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, and for many years was the president of that corporation. He was a director and president of the Reading Water Company. He was always a public spirited and enterprising citizen, and his generosity was well-known. He favored and assisted the development of his native city by every proper means within his power. Dr. Muhlenberg was twice married, first to Amelia Hanold, and second to Catherine S. Hunter, both of • Reading, Pa. By the second marriage he had seven children. He became a member of the Lutheran Church in 1830, and was a member of the vestry of Trinity Church for many years. He died May 5, 1886, survived by seven children, six of whom are still living. HENRY A. MUHLENBERG 2d was born at Read- ing, July 21, 1823, son of Henry Augustus and Rebecca (Hiester) Muhlenberg, the latter the daughter of Gov. Joseph Hiester. He gained his preliminary education un- der the direction of his father, and at the age of four- teen years entered Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, Pa., where he remained one year, after which he became a member of the sophomore class at Dickinson College, at Carlisle, graduating from that institution in 1841. He BIOGRAPHICAL 781 was a close student, especially of the classics and history. From 1841 to 1844 he was engaged in the study of the law with Hon. J. Pringle Jones. He entered public life almost immediately. During his father's candidacy for Governor, in 1844, he displayed marked ability as his private secretary, and conducted all his father's corre- spondence during the canvass. In 1846, when the Mexi- can war broke out, he raised a company of volunteers in Reading, and personally tendered their services to the Governor,, but the complement of Pennsylvania having already been filled the offer was declined. In the county convention of 1846, he and his brother Hiester, the presi- dent of that body, were mainly instrumental in causing the adoption of a resolution approving of the principles of the tariff of 1842, and demanding that, as it was passed by Democratic votes, it should receive a fair considera- tion from a Democratic Congress. He also delivered a speech in the same body on the Oregon question, in which he strongly favored the claims of the United States to all that district of country lying south of the parallel of 54 .degrees 40 minutes. In 1847 and 1848 he was occu- pied in writing a "Life of General Peter Muhlenberg," of Revolutionary fame, which was published early in 1849, by Gary & Hart, Philadelphia, and was well re- ceived. It was dedicated to Jared Spa'rks, as a slight recognition of his services in elucidating our Revolu- tionary history. In the fall of 1849 Mr. Muhlenberg was elected to the State Senate from Berks county, and served three years, 1850-52. He there acquired a reputation for integrity, eloquence and business ability. Shortly after taking his seat he delivered a .speech on the supplement to the act incorporating the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Com- pany, which greatly influenced the Senate in its decision to pass the measure. During the second 'part of his Sena- torial career he was the Democratic candidate for Speak- er, though the youngest member of that House, his com- petitor on the Whig side being Hon. John H. Walker, of Erie (the president of the Constitutional Convention of 1872-73). The Senate then contained sixteen Whigs, sixteen Democrats and one native American, and a ma- jority of all who voted was required to elect. On the eighth- ballot, and on the third day, when it was evident that no choice could be made, unless the Whig candidate should vote for himself, the Democratic candidate, to- gether with Messrs. Packer and Guernsey, also Demo- crats, out of political courtesy, abstained from voting. Throughout the whole contest the two candidates re- spectively voted for Thomas Carson and William F. Pack- er. As chairman of a select committee to which was re- ferred that portion of Governor Johnston's message for 1851 treating of the care and preservation of the State archives, Mr. Muhlenberg reported a bill, which be- came a law, for the publication, at the expense of the State, of the records of the proprietary government and of all papers relating to the Revolutionary war down to 1783. He was greatly instrumental in securing the pas- sage of an act making an appropriation to continue the geological survey of the State, conducted by Professor Rogers. He' favored also the building of new railroads to develop the resources of the Commonwealth,, though he was opposed to the Slate granting any direct aid to these objects. During the whole of his Senatorial term he was, in the words of Hon. C. R. Buckalew, "The bul- wark of the treasury against the assaults of outside in- terested parties." He was outspoken in defense of a tariff of such amount and so levied as to protect the great manufacturing interests of the country. He also thought that as iron was an indispensable requisite for any nation, to provide _ against the contingency of war, and to render the United States independent of any other country, a high, though not a prohibitory duty, should be imposed on that article. In the Senate and in the county conventions, he, in connection with Judge Strong and other distinguished Democrats, demanded a modification of the tariff of 1846, in favor of the iron interest, in accordance with the views of Hon. Robert J. Walker, the author of that tariff — views expressed at the time of its passage. He was an earnest opponent of slavery, and considered it "a curse to that community on which it was inflicted; no one could dis- like it more than he did, nor did he ever wish to be thought the friend and advocate of the institution." In his devotion, however, to the Union, and in his desire to do away with all causes which might inflame one sec- tion of the country against the other, looking upon the compromise measures of 1850 as a solemn compact be- tween the North and South, he thought those measures and the laws resulting from them should be executed fully, honestly and com,pletely. His devotion to_ the Union was one of the cardinal principles of his political faith. The words used by his father in Congress, at the time of Clay's compromise act of 1833, might be placed in his mouth also, — "The Union is the first and greatest of our national blessings, and to preserve it, nothing can or ought to be too precious. I go for the Union, the whole Union and nothing but the Union. It must be preserved, peaceably, if we can, forcibly if we must." No one who knew him intimately can doubt for a moment that had he lived until the crisis he would have been foremost in the van of those Democrats who, in the hour of great- est danger, rushed to the rescue of their, government and of their Union. At such a time he would not have been behind his brother Hiester, or his uncle. Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, in forming that party which, in their opinion, held the true Democratic doctrine, in that it advocated the greatest good to the greatest masses. In July, 1852, Mr. Muhlenberg was nominated by ac- clamation the Democratic candidate for Congress in Berks county, and was elected the following October by a large majority. He left Reading late in November, 1853, for Washington, and was present at the opening of the XXXIVth Congress, but he appeared in that body only one day. He was stricken down by illness, and though everything was done for him that was possible, and it was believed at one time that he was materially im- proved, a relapse occurred and he died Jan. 9, 1854, of hemorrhage and congestion of the lungs. His remains were laid to rest in the Charles Evans cemetery at Read- ing. He was a warm and true friend ; no act of kindness was ever forgotten by him, and nothing within the limits of possibility was deemed too difficult when done in the cause of a friend. His fearlessness in all departments of life was one of the most marked traits of his charac- ter ; he never shunned bearing the responsibility of any of his actions* he did what he considered his duty, no matter what the consequences might be. Above all, throughout all of his public life he was a man of un- swerving integrity and unblemished honor; he would do nothing, however great the inducements to the contrary, which could lower himself in his own esteem or in that of others. His standard was a very high one, and when he believed himself to be right no power on earth could divert him from the path which honor, good faith, good feeling and his own judgment pointed out. He possessed an ample fortune, from which he was ever ready to con- tribute to all objects, whether charitable, religious, politi- cal or literary, which deserved his support. As a citizen of Reading, Mr. Muhlenberg was fore- most in advancing, by pen, tongue and purse, all projects which could benefit or increase the prosperity of his na- tive place. Had he lived, be would have written his name on the historical records of his country, and would have impressed his character on her legislation; cut off untimely in the flower of his youth, and in the very ma- turity of his powers, his loss was a great calamity to the Commonwealth. Mr. Muhlenberg married, in November, 1847, his cous- in, Annie H., daughter of the late Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, Pa. He had one child, Henry A. Muhlen- berg 3d, who died in 1906. FREDERICK W. NICOLLS, son of Gustavus A. Nic- oUs, was born in Reading, Feb. 7, 1870. He was educated by Edward Carroll, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, 782 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA who for many years conducted a successful preparatory school in Reading. He entered Harvard University in 1888, where he devoted himself principally to history and literature, and was also an editor of the "Harvard Ad- vocate," one of the oldest college publications in the coun- try. He was also greatly interested in the game of chess and held the championship of the college for the four years of his residence there. He graduated in 1892 with a magna cum laude degree. After graduation he returned to Reading, and began to study law in the office of his half-brother, Henry A. Muhlenberg, being admitted to the Bar of Berks county in November, 1895. While pur- suing his legal studies he wrote a series of six lectures on the "Puritan Revolution in England," which lectures were delivered in Reading under the auspices of the "Universi- ty Extension Society," and were received with favor by the public and by the press. After his admission to the Bar, and while building up his practice, he continued to study the theory of the law with some assiduity, and though never attending a law school, he covered the greater part of the work taught in the three years course at Harvard, and also familiarized himself with other text- books and authorities. In 1900 he was elected Solicitor of the Reading School District, held the office for a year, and was subsequently elected for a term of two years. For a number of years he was the principal lawyer of the Taxpayers' League, an organization formed for the pro- tection of the public against municipal corruption and con- ducted a number of important public cases in this capacity. In March, 1908, he formed a law partnership with William Rick, then mayor-elect of the city, and has since then been engaged in conducting the law practice of this firm, which is rapidly increasing in size and importance. Owing to the official duties of his partner, Mr. NicoUs handles almost all the court work of the firm, and is acquiring an experience which in addition to his thorough- ness and studious habits, makes him regarded as one of the most promising of the younger members of the Bar. In 1898 he was married to Minnie R. Taylor, by whom he has had four children, Gustavus A., Sarah T., Freder- ick W. and Anne H. Anne H. Nicolls is a woman who deserves men- tion, even in a work whose principal object is an account of the lives of men. She was the daughter of Dr. Fred- erick A. Muhlenberg, a well known physician of Lancaster, a granddaughter of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, founder of the Lutheran Church in America, and thus a member of that distinguished Muhlenberg family, prominently con- nected with the early history of the nation,^ the state, and the country. She was married in early life to her cousin Henry A. Muhlenberg 3d, who died while a member of the 34th Congress. Mrs. Muhlenberg was studious and cul- tivated, and as her second husband, G. A. Nicolls, was a man of thought, of information and of intellectual tastes, her associations, in connection with her natural quickness of perception and adaptability, made her a woman of understanding and liberal attainments. Mrs. Nicolls was a woman of wide acquaintance and of strong character. In her youth she was remarkably beautiful, and even in later years retained a charm of rnanner and appearance which endeared her to a large circle of friends, and with her capacity and strength of character made her influence strongly felt in the com- munity. _ She was a natural leader, not only on account of her birth and associations, but also by her abilities, her pleasing address, and her high character, and until the day of her death she kept up her social relations and de- lighted in the companionship of younger people. , She was cotmected with the management of a number of charitable organizations during her life time and for some years was Regent of the Berks County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an orga- nization which she aided not only on account of its sup- posed aristocratic tendencies, but because of the good it might accomplish m creating historical interest fos- tering national patriotism. She was the President of the Reading branch of the Needlework Guild of America, a charitable organization designed to assist the deserving poor with clothing, a directress of the "Home for Widows and Single Women," and connected as a contributor with many other local charities. For almost thirty years she lived in a large brown-stone house at the northwest corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, and though for many years her health did not permit her to take active exercise, her face and figure were a familiar sight at the corner where she resided. She died January 14th, 1906, survived by two sons, Henry A. Muhlenherg 3d, and Frederick W. Nicolls. GARRETT B. STEVENS, lawyer of Reading, is the head of a family of lawyers, as all his sons are practising attorneys. He was senior member of the former law firm of Stevens & Stevens, though not connected by the ties of consanguinity with his partner, W. Kerper Stevens, with whom he was associated from 1894, but who is now serving as Judge by appointment. Benjamin Stevens, father of Garrett B. Stevens, was a farmer, and his father, Abraham Stevens, was a mer-. chant. The first of the family in America came from Holland and held title to lands in Bucks county previous to the advent of the Penns in Pennsylvania. Benjamin Stevens married Elizabeth Barcalow, daughter of Garrett Barcalow, of Bucks county, and seven children were born of this union : Hogeland Stevens, at one time deputy sher- iff of Bucks county, who died in 1898; Abraham, a farm- er and store-keeper in Indiana; James Vansant, a mer- chant of St. Paul, Minn.; Maria, wife of Isaac Bennet, a farmer and contractor of Ivyland, Bucks county; Dr. Elwood, of Fox Chase, Philadelphia; B. Frank, formerly of Hill & Stevens, contracting carpenters of Oak Lane, Philadelphia; and Garrett B. The father of this family died in 1895, aged eighty-seven years, and the mother in 1898, in her eighty-eighth year. Garrett B. Stevens is eminent among the members of his profession in Reading, both for his attainments and his success. He married, Nov. 9, 1876, Kate M. Zeller, daugh- ter of John Zeller, deceased, of Reading, and five children were born to this union : Garrett, now of Cleveland, Ohio; Wallace, a graduate of Harvard and of the New York Law School, who after spending a year in the law office of Peckham, Warner & Strong was admitted in June, 1904, to practise law in the courts of N?w York; John B., a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, admitted to the Berks county Bar in 1902 and now associated with his father forming the firm of G. B. & J. B. Stevens; Elizabeth and Katharine. Garrett Stevens was born in Reading, Dec. 19, 1877. He was graduated from the Reading high school in 1895, from Andover in 1896, from Yale in 1897, and from Dick- inson Law_school in 1898. He then registered as a law student in the office of Stevens & Stevens, and was ad- mitted to practice Dec. 20, 1899. On Sept. 4, 1901, Mr. Stevens m. Sarah S. Stayraan, daughter of Joseph B. and Mary Stayman, of Carlisle, and the one son born to this union is Garrett Barcalow, named after his grand- father. Fraternally Mr. Stevens is a Mason. He is con- nected 'with the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Democrat. In 1902 he was a candidate for the Democrat- ic nomination for the Legislature from Reading, and -re- ceived a very handsome support. John B. Stevens, son of Garrett B., was born Dec. 9, 1880, in the city of Reading, and there received his early training in the public schools of the city, graduating from the high school in 1897. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1901 received his diploma from that famous old school, immediately afterwards taking up the study of law in his father's office. On Nov. 10, 1902, he was admitted to the Berks county Bar, and in February, 1905, was admitted to practice before the Su- preme court. Mr. Stevens is a member of the Kappa Sig- ma fraternity of the University. He is a Presbyterian in religion. He has taken considerable interest in poli- tics as a member of the Democratic party, and has en- gaged in campaign work to some extent. 3 D o < 2 W X Q < w < o s Q W CL' BIOGRAPHICAL 783 HENRY A. MUHLENBERG 3d was born in Read- ing, Oct. 27, 1848. He was educated privately, and sub- sequently spent a year at Pennsylvania College, Gettys- burg, which he left to enter Harvard University in 1868. At Harvard he was both popular and successful, and graduated with honors in history in the class of 1873. After a short European trip he began to study law, in the office of George F. Baer, Esq., being admitted to the bar oif Berks County in 1875. He then devoted him- self to the practice of his profession, though he engaged more in office affairs and in the business side of law than in the active duties of court work. He was a di- rector in the Farmers' National Bank, the Reading Trust Company, the Mount Penn Gravity Railroad, and the Reading City Passenger Railway Company, being for many years secretary and treasurer of the latter organiza- tion and one of its original members. His connection with these concerns brought him in touch with the important business interests of the community and natur- ally influenced him to allow law to yield to business. He was also a trustee of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, a vestryman of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a member ~ of the Valley Forge Park Commission, to which position he was appointed by two Governors of the State. He was always a strong Republican, and spoke for and contributed to the party whenever such ser- vices were necessary. In 1892 he was nominated for Congress on the Republican ticket, but, as the party was in a hopeless minority in the county, he failed of election. He was an omnivorous and indefatigable reader, being interested in everything from the lightest fiction to the longest history, and possessed a fine library which he used to its full extent. He was extremely generous, charita- ble both in action and in judgment, the soul of honor, and a Christian gentleman in the true sense of the word. He never married, but almost all his life lived with his mother, Annie H. NicoUs, to whom he was devoted- ly attached and whose death he survived only for four months. On May 14, 1906, he was found dead in his library, sitting in his chair with an opfn book in his lap. JOHN HEISTRY ZERR, former president of the Letter Carriers' Association, and one of the well known mail carriers of the city of Reading, was born in this city" May 11, 1870, son of Charles and Eliza (Bollman) Zerr. Qiarles Zerr was born in lower Berks county March 6, 1833, and died at Reading Feb. 4, 1907. He was reared by his grandfather Shirey. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for upwards of forty years worked for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. For many years his place of residence had been at No. 1111 Spruce street. He married Eliza Bollman, daughter of John and Mary (Auman) Bollman, of Spring township, and she is now seventy-three years of age. Their children were : Charles, of Reading; Catharine, m. to John B. Gnau, of Reading; Ida V.; Anna R., m. to W. W. Wetherhold; "William R. ; Howard G. ; John H. ; Margaret, m. to Grant Schultz; and Lillie M., m. to Jacob Schmehl. John H. Zerr received his education in the public schools of Reading, and when eighteen years of age learned the upholsterer's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1893 he took a competitive examination for letter car- rier, making a very high average, and in August of that same year was appointed to a position by Postmaster Capt. P. R. Stetson, a position he has since filled. He IS a member of the Letter Carrier's Association, of which he was president in 1904. In point of service he ranks as one of the old men on the force and has a most creditable record, and is very popular among the gov- ernment employes at the Reading postoffice. Mr. Zerr is active in the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M. ; Reading Lodge of Perfection; Harrisburg Consistory; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member . of Reading Chamber, No. 36, Knights of Friendship. On Oct. 6, 1901, Mr. Zerr rharried Clara E. Fair, daiigh- ter of George E. and Hannah E. (Bowman) Fair, of Reading, where Mr. Fair is identified with the Readmg Railway, and has been for more than a quarter of a century. Her grandparents were Reuben D. and Mary (Schaffer) Fair, of Berks county. Mr. and Mrs. Zerr have no children. FRANKLIN PIERCE LAUER, brewer at Reading since 1883, was born in Reading Nov. 3, 1853, the day on which Pierce was elected President of the United States, tie received his preliminary education in the common schools, which he attended until 1866, when he and his brother were sent to Germany for their advanced education, and they remainecl three years, spending two years in the institu- tions at tudwigsburg and Stuttgart, Germany, and one year at Lausanne, Switzerland. He directed his studies more especially toward the scientific manufacturt of beer, porter and ale for the purpose of qualifying himself to take charge of his father's breweries upon his return honie. While at Lausanne he showed great proficiency in music, and though still a boy the vestry of the French Lutheran Church elected him as the organist, which position he filled in a very satisfactory manner during his sojourn at that place. Upon returning home his father placed him in charge of the two breweries as brewmaster and he displayed great skill in the production of malt liquors of a superior char- acter. He discharged the duties of this responsible posi- tion -with increasing success for twelve years, until 1882, when his father retired, and he organized the Lauer Brew- ing Company, of which he became the manager and princi- pal owner. Since then, covering a period of twenty-six years, he has directed the affairs of the company in a most successful manner, bringing its productions to a high state of perfection and purity (as evidenced by the analysis of the State authorities), and giving them a pop- ularity equal to that of any others in Pennsylvania. Its trade has been developed to extend into all the surround- ing counties, and to numerous distant places, the large shipments being made on the railroad in improved re- frigerator cars. Mr. Lauer's responsibilities at the head of his company have kept him so closely confined that he could not devote any time to political or social affairs. He, however, has been a liberal contributor to various public causes; and he has assisted in organizing several financial institutions at Reading, and participated in their management as a director: the Schuylkill Valley Bank since 1890; the Co- lonial Trust Company since 1900,' and the American Cas- ualty Company, since 1903. His only relaxation for some years has been an annual vacation of several weeks with his family to Pike county, where he enjoys the privileges of membership in the Porter's Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, which owns several thousand acres of timber land on the top of the Allegheny Mountains, elevated 2,000 feet above the level of the sea. In August, 1891, he made an extended tour of three months through the principal countries of Europe. In 1874 Mr. Lauer married Amelia Dora Heberle (daughter of William Heberle), by whom he had six children: Florence, who married William Y. Landis, of Reading ; Carl Franklin ; and four who died in youth. He owns and occupies a costly home on the site of the homestead on South Third street, near Chestnut, where he was born, and where his parents and grandparents^ had lived since 1826. In politics he is a Democrat; in religion a Lutheran, being a member of St. John's German Lutheran Church, of which his father was one of the organizers in 1860. FREDERICK LAUER, father of Franklin Pierce Lauer, was the principal brewer at Reading for nearly fifty years from 1835 to 1882. He was born in the town of Gleis- weiler, Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 14,_ 1810, and whilst a boy accompanied his father to America in 1823. He was educated in pay schools at Womelsdorf and Reading, and while growing to manhood learned the business of brewing under the tutelage of his father, who was an expert brewer; and he assisted his father until 784 HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1835, when he and his brother George became the owners of the plant. The brothers continued as partners for several years, when his brother George retired and removed to Pottsville, where he carried on the same business. The younger brother, as the sole owner, enlarged the brewery and .extended the business gradually until he came to send his beer, porter and ale throughout the county and into the adjoining counties. The brewerv was situated on Chestnut street below Third. He established a second plant on North Third street, beyond Walnut, in 1866 ; also constructing a large vault in a solid bed of limestone, and sinking an artesian well to the depth of 2,200 feet, which for many years were considered great curiosities at Reading, and the well was then one of the few deep wells in the United States. He was engaged in the business until shortly before his decease. He died in 1883, at the age of seventy-three years. He was married to Mary Reiff Guldin, daughter of Peter Guldin, in 1838j and they had two sons, George Frederick and Franklin Pierce. The mother died in October, 1891. Frederick Lauer was a public-spirited man and labored assiduously for the development and prosperity of Read- ing. He co-operated heartily in the advancement of the place from a borough into a city in 1847; and under the amended charter of 1864 he represented the Fifth ward in the select council from 1865 to 1871, serving as presi- dent, of that body in 1867. He was a devoted adherent of the Democratic party, and active in behalf of its success for many years. He represented the Berks district as a delegate to the National Convention which met at Charles- ton, S. C, in 1860, and notwithstanding the platform 'and the defeat of the party nominee for President, when the Civil war broke out, in 1861, he espoused the cause of the Union in a most earnest and patriotic manner. He assisted materially in organizing the Berks County Agri- cultural Society in 1852, and officiated as president for a number of years ; also in projecting the construction of the railroad from Reading to Lancaster and Columbia, serving as a director for twenty years until his decease; and by special appointment of the governor he served for several terms as trustee of the Keystone State Normal School. He gave liberal support to local charities by aiding the Dis- pensary and the Relief Society. Lauer Monument.— Mr. Lauer's great experience and success in the brewing business brought him into national prominence before the brewers of the United States, and he quite naturally became the first president of the national association upon its organization in 1870, which evidences his great popularity and influence at that time; and in May, 1885, the association erected a fine bronze statue to his memory on Penn Common, near Perkiomen avenue, on a small plot of ground set apart and dedicated by the city councils, the first public honor of the kind in the com- munity. The inscriptions on the four sides of the base are as follows : {North Side) ■ "The city of Reading commemorates the public and pri- vate virtues of an honored citizen by the grant of this location. Erected 1885, the year of the Twenty-fifth con- vention of the United States Brewers' Association." {South Side) "To Frederick Lauer of Reading. The United States Brewers' Association of which he was the first president has erected this monument in grateful remembrance of his unselfish labor for the welfare of the brewing trade in this country." (East Side) "His zeal sprang from his firm conviction that in striving to advance the brewing trade he was working for the cause of national temperance." {West Side) "Let his example tell the brewers of this country to maintain good fellowship, to preserve their association, and to defend their rights." George Lauer. The grandfather of Franklin P. Lauer was George Lauer, of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, whose home (including large vineyards) was situated at Gleis- weiler, three miles from Landau. His property was sacrificed during the Napoleonic invasions of the country anterior to 1814. He carried on ^he manufacture of wine and beer until 1823, when he emigrated to America. Upon landing at Baltimore, Md., he was poor, having just had enough money to pay the passage across the ocean for him- self and family. The journey was made in a sailing vessel and required three months. He immediately proceeded to Reading, Berks county, where a i married daughter, Mrs. Sprenger, resided; and shortly afterward he settled at Womelsdorf and started the business of manufacturing beer in limited quantities. He carried on the business for three years and then located at Reading, where he established a small brewery on Chpstnut street near Third, on a rented lot (which he afterward purchased from Marks John Biddle, the attorney for the Penns, in 1833), similar to the brewery at Womelsdorf, which had a ca- pacity of five barrels, and was soon increased to ten barrels on account of the increasing demand for his product. There were other breweries at Reading at this time, but the product was of a different character. In 1831 he added the manufacture of porter and ale; and he carried on the enlarged plant until 1835, when his two sons, George and Frederick, became his successors. He married Maria Catharine Fox, of Boechingen, in Rhenish Bavaria, and ty her he had nine children : Catharine, who married a Mr. Baker and remained in Germany; Elizabeth, who married John Abraham Sprenger, and had emigrated to Pennyslvania before her parents, settling at Reading; Christina, who married John Borrell; Susanna and Bar- bara, who remained unmarried, and who joined the "Sep- aratists," living with this religioi^s society in New York for some years and then in Iowa, where they died; Margaret, who married John Yost, of Womelsdorf ; George, who married Anna Wilhelmina Ehlers; Frederick, who is mentioned above; and Eva, who married Michael Rudi- sill. The father of these children died in May, 1845, aged seventy-six years, and the mother in July following, aged seventy-three years. Guldin Genealogy. The grandfather of Franklin P. Lauer on his mother's side was Peter Guldin, a farmer of Oley township, near Figedensburg. He was born in 1782 and died in 1827. Peter Guldin was a son of Daniel, also a farmer of Oley; Daniel was a son of Samuel, a blacksmith, born in Switzerland, who emigrated with his father while yet a boy, and settled in Oley in 1718 ; and Samuel was a son of Samuel K. Guldin, a highly educated and distinguished minister, who was born in Switzerland in 1664, emigrated tp Pennsylvania in 1710, where he became the spiritual forerunner in the establish- ment of the Reformed Church, and served as a minister very successfully until his decease in 1745, at the age of eighty-one years. He is mentioned with distinction in Good's "History of the Reformed Church in the United States"; also in Miller's "Early H[istory of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania." William Heberle, father of Mrs. Franklin P. Lauer, was born at Rottenburg-am-Neckar, in Wurtemberg, Germ- any, in 1831, and there learned the trade of tanner and leather finisher. He emigrated iif 1849, landing at Bal- timore and proceeding shortly afterward to Philadelphia, where he remained three years, working at his trade. He then removed to Reading and continued working at his trade, until 1863, when he went to Hamburg, Berks county, and carried on a tannery until 1869. He then returned to Reading and resumed his occupation, working at it until 1895, when he entered the employ of the Lauer Brewing Company, and he has continued with that com- pany to the present time. In 1853 he married Paulina Goelz, daughter of Philip Goelz, of Weilheim, Wurtem- berg, by whom he had nine children, six boys and three girls, those who survived being:, Amelia Dora married Franklin P. Lauer; Anna married Bertolet Yoder Landis; William C. married Julia Dersch and has been foreman of the Lauer Brewery since 1891, MONUMENT IN PENN COMMON OF FREDERICK LAUER