p. 1439
Surnames: ABRAHAM, COLLINS, EHRNST, EINSEL, KLABUNDA, ZICK
August Abraham, who has lived retired from active business life since 1904, was for many years employed with large business concerns of Reading. Mr. Abraham was born Sept. 20, 1840, in the Province of Preussen, Belyard, Germany, son of Christoph Abraham.
Christoph Abraham was born in 1803, in Grunawald, Preussen, Germany, and died in 1870, at Warnen. He had two daughters who died young, and five sons, namely: Carl, Herman and Heinrich of Germany; Augustus of Reading; and Ludwig of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
August Abrahm attended the schools of his native locality from six to fourteen years of age, when he commenced working on farms at various points. He left Hamburg May 1, 1872, for America, locating at New York June 5th of that year. He then came to Reading and found employment in the pipe mill, where he worked for thirty-two and one-half years, but since 1904 has lived retired. In political matters Mr. Abraham is a Democrat. He and his family are members of St. John's German Lutheran Church of Reading, and the children were educated in the parochial school. Since 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Abraham have resided in their own home, No. 622 Maple Street, and they also own the residence at No. 569 South Eleventh Street, where their son, Augustus lives.
On Nov. 18, 1865, Mr. Abraham was married to Wilhelmina Zick, born Oct. 28, 1839, daughter of Johan and Louisa (Klabunda) Zick, farming people of Preussen, Germany, and to this union there were born seven children: Amelia m. John Einsel, of Reading; Bertha m. John Lutz, of Reading; Joanna m. Frank Collins, of Reading; Augustus m. Helen Ehrnst; Wilhelm died at the age of fourteen years; Johan died young; Albert died when three years of age.
p. 1414
Surnames: ACHENBACH, FAUST, HERNER, HOMAN, GASS, MILLER, SHAFFER
Henry Achenbach, who was for a half century employed as an engineer by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad., and who died at his home in Reading, March 31, 1909, was born Aug. 1, 1831, in Hesse Cassel, Germany, son of John and Catherine (Herner) Achenbach, farming people of Germany who never came to this county.
Henry Achenbach received his education in the schools of Germany, and in 1851 came to America, locating at once in Reading, where he engaged at the old Eckert furnace remaining three years. On April 1, 1854, he accepted a position with the Philadelphia & Reading Railraod, in whose employ he continued until he was retired on a pension, having been connected with this road for fifty years. In 1856 Mr. Achenbach was married to Catherine Miller, also of Germany, and two children were born to this union: Christina, who married David Faust; and Mary who married Francis Homan. In 1878 Mr. Achenbach was married (second) to Louisa C. Gass, born in the Fatherland, and there were four children born to this union: Harry C., who married Carrie Shaffer; Charles A.; Theresa L., and one child deceased. Since 1888 Mr. Achenbach had lived, where his widow still resides, at No. 634 North Eleventh Street.
In religious belief Mr. Achenbach was a Lutheran, and in political matters a Democrat. He was a member of Germania Lodge, No. 158, I. O. O. F., of the Philadelphia & Reading Relief Association, and of several other societies. He is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery.
p. 723
Surnames: ACHENBACH, REESER, ZIMMERMAN
John Achenbach, a resident of Reading for the past forty years, was born in Oberdorf, Hessen, Germany, Nov. 12, 1850, son of Jacob and Margaret Achenbach, well-to-do people, the former an official and highly educated man. John Achenbach passed his boyhood in his native land, and was early in life made accustomed to farm work, but after coming to America he abandoned agricultural pursuits entirely and spent his time employed solely at molding. He landed in New York City in 1866, but came direct to Reading and made that his permanent home.
Mr. Achenbach's first work was at molding at Seventh and Chestnut Streets, and he worked there for a long time. In June, 1875, he revisited Germany, returning in October of that same year, and instead of resuming his former position he took a place at the Scott Works. There he remained till February, 1905, when he retired from active work.
On July 21, 1891, Mr. Achenbach was married to Emma Elizabeth, daughter of John S. Zimmerman, and his wife, Margaret Reeser, (who both belonged to some of the old established families of Berks County) and granddaughter of Christopher Zimmerman. Three children were born to this union, but only one survives, a daughter named Martha Esther, at the present time a student in the school at Fourth and Elm Streets. The family reside at No. 235 North Sixth Street, and are members of the German Lutheran Church.
p. 1661
Surnames: ADAM, KLINE, WEIDENHEIMER, SITTLER, HENRY, REINHART, MERTZ, SCHAPPEL, HEINLEY, DREIBELBIS, SCHAEFFER, HOCH, SCHLEGEL, DEYSHER
Calvin H. Adam, of Fleetwood, Berks county, is a prosperous young business man of that borough. He is a member of the firm of Schlegel, Adam & Company, dealers in grain, flour, lumber, coal, etc., and is energetic and enterprising. He was born June 29, 1869, in Greenwich township, near Virginville.
Jacob Adam, the great-grandfather of Calvin H., was a farmer, and owned a tract of land in Richmond township, which afterward he sold to his son, Jacob. This farm is located a few miles east of Virginville and is known as the original Adam homestead. He married Susan Kline, daughter of Benjamin Kline, and they became the parents of these children: Sally Anne; William; Betsy; Jacob; John; Susan; Philip and Polly. Of this family John was born in 1812, and died in 1861. He was a prosperous farmer, owning 150 acres of good land in Richmond township, near Moselem Church. In addition to farming he followed the trade of carpenter. At the age of twenty he married Catherine Weidenheimer, of Richmond township, and they had these children: Caroline (m. Daniel Sittler, of Oley, PA); John W., retired, living in Fleetwood; Annie, deceased (m. George F. Henry, station agent); Frank W., a farmer near Kutztown; Sarah, (m. V.S. Reinhart, a grocer of Kutztown); Susanna, who died aged twenty-one years; Hettie (m. Frank Adam, of Germanville, Lehigh county); Malinda (m. James Mertz, supervisor 7 years ago in Ruscombmanor township); Ella, who died aged twenty years; Allen W., who has resided in St. Louis, Mo., since 1876; William W., station agent at Virginville; and Louisa, the wife of S. S. Schappel of Windsor township, a well-known leader of the Democratic ranks in Berks county.
John W. Adam, father of Calvin H., followed farming in Richmond township for many years and now lives retired in his brick residence on Main street, Fleetwood. In 1871 he began the milling business in Heinley's Mill near Virginville, PA., where he continued for fifteen years, when he engaged in farming in Richmond township, and there spent the next twenty-one years of his life, retiring in 1902. In 1868 he married Esther D. Heinley, daughter of the late Samuel and Mary (Dreibelbis) Heinley, and their children were as follows: Calvin H., Mary K.,(m. Alfred Schaeffer, of near Fleetwood); Amelia E., (m. Titus H. Schaeffer, a stone cutter of Fleetwood); Ida H., (m. Samuel H. Hoch, a school teacher of Fleetwood) and John S., a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Mr. John W. Adam is a member of the Reformed Church of Fleetwood, and has served as deacon, trustee and elder. In politics he is a Democrat and seldom misses an election.
When fifteen years of age, Calvin H. Adam went with his parents to Richmond township, settling on the road leading from Kutztown to Fleetwood. His educational career began in the public schools of his native township, and in the spring of 1865 he attended the Keystone State Normal School. He later attended the spring sessions of 1886, 1887 and in the fall of 1888 began teaching school at Moselem Church, in Richmond township. He continued teaching in the same township for seven years at Stone Lane school and in the spring of 1895 again entered the Normal school, graduating in 1896. He was one of the intellectually strong members of his class, which numbered 120 pupils, and upon graduation the patrons of the Stone Lane school district made a request of the school board for Professor Adam's reappointment as their teacher.
He again served them acceptably for two terms after which he was elected to teach the grammar school of the borough of Fleetwood, continuing there for five successive terms. After leaving the schoolroom, Mr. Adam began his business career. The firm of Schlegel, Adam & Company was formed, which at once received the patronage of the public. In addition to the selling of grain, lumber, and coal, this firm does contract work, and in 1905 built six houses in the borough of Fleetwood for themselves, besides erecting other buildings for different parties.
Calvin H. Adam served his borough in the following capacities: auditor for four years, and councilman since 1904, serving as secretary of that body; is one of the directors, and was instrumental in getting the automobile works located in Fleetwood; and also took a leading part in having Down Tool Works come to this town. He is an active Democrat and wields influence in his community, being public-spirited and energetic. He is a regular member of the Reformed Church of Fleetwood, and is superintendent of the Sunday school. He belongs to the K. G. E., Castle No. 374, Knights of Pythias No. 167, and others. He is a member of the Board of Trade. Mr. Adam lives with his family on Franklin street, Fleetwood, in his own residence.
On March 6, 1897, Mr. Adam was married to Miss Emily D. Schlegel, daughter of Abraham and Annie (Deysher) Schlegel, and to this union have been born: Helen Marguerite, Pauline Marie (who died aged two years), and Mary.
p. 1168
Surnames: ADAM, MOSER, KEERLING, BISSEL, PAYNE, PENROSE, McKINLEY, GASS
Frederick M. Adam, senior member of the well-known firm of Adam Brothers, at Temple, Berks Co., Pa., where he is also serving in the capacity of postmaster, was born in 1879, in Maiden-creek township, Berks county, son of Michael S. and Mary D. (Moser) Adam.
Michael S. Adam, the father, was born in 1849 at South Evansville, Maidencreek township. In 1883 he moved to Temple, where he purchased the store and stock of Daniel Keerling, conducting the business until his death, Jan. 21, 1905. He and his wife, Mary D. (Moser) Adam, had a family of eight children: Alice K., deceased; Charles M., of Birdsboro; Frederick M.; Howard; Robert; William; Myers, and Cyrus. In religious belief the parents were of the Reformed faith. Mr. Adam was a Democrat in politics, and served in various township offices in Maidencreek, including those of school director and auditor. On July 11, 1893, during the administration of President Cleveland he was appointed postmaster by Wilson S. Bissel, postmaster-general.
Frederick M. Adam received his education in the schools of Muhlenburg township, after leaving which he clerked in his father's store until the latter's death, when he took charge of the business, which he has since conducted with much success. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, and his straightforward methods of doing business have won him a large and steadily increasing patronage. On Dec. 3, 1902, he was appointed postmaster by Henry C. Payne, postmaster general, having being recommended by Senator Penrose during President McKinley's administration.
Mr. Adam was married to Cora Gass, daughter of William Gass, and to this union twins were born; Brooke, who died when one year and two months old; and Helen, who died when fifteen days old. Mr. and Mrs. Adam are members of the Reformed Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally is connected with Washington Camp, No. 107, P.O.S. of A.; Lamoriti Tribe, No. 319, I.O.R.M.; and K.G.E., Castle No. 372.
p. 1170
Surnames: ADAM, BERG, BIEHL, GROMMIS, SCHLEGEL, ALTENDERFER, SCHUCHER, FORNEY, TROXELL, SCHMEHL, HOCH, HIGH, WILLIAMS, WANSHOP
Harry B. Adam, who is engaged in the manufacture of wagons at Leesport, Ontelaunee township, Berks County, Pa., is one of the section's enterprising young business men, and belongs to an old and honored Berks County family. He was born April 4, 1883, in Richmond township, Berks County, Pa., son of George G. and Emma (Berg) Adam.
George G. Adam, the father, was reared on his father, Peter Adam's farm in Richmond township, and there learned the trade of stone mason, which he has followed to a large extent throughout his life. He married Emma Berg, and to this union there were born thirteen children as follows: Sallie m. Howard Biehl; Charles B. m. Nora Grommis; Kate R. m. Cyrenius Schlegel; Oscar B. m. Hannah Altenderfer; William B. m. (first) Ella V. Schucher, and (second) Clara Forney; Mary m. Lee Troxell; Nora m. William Schmehl; Peter G. m. Annie Hoch; Edwin B. m. Emma High; Robert B; Ella May, single; Elizabeth died at the age of five years; and Harry B.
Harry B. Adam was reared and educated in his native township and his early life was spent on the farm, but later he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he has followed to the present time. On Nov 2, 1903, he embarked in the wagon manufacturing business at Leesport, this county, and has grown to such proportions that in spite of employing a number of hands, Mr. Adam is unable to satisfy the demand for his product. He is a skilled mechanic and good business man, and his honest methods have made friends of all those who have had business transactions with him.
On April 9, 1903, Mr. Adam married Kate R. Williams, daughter of David and Emeline (Wanshop) Williams of Exeter Township.
p. 1614
Surnames: ADAM, HOUSEKNECHT, SNYDER, MERKEL, SHAPPELL, GARDNER, SMITH, MENGEL, SCHAEFFER, ROTHERMEL, SCHAPPELL, BAER, GEORGE
Herman Adam, who is extensively engaged in cultivating the soil about one mile west of Virginville, Perry township, was born Sept. 3, 1852, in Windsor township, son of Benjamin Adam, and grandson of Jacob Adam.
Anthony Adam, the great-great-grandfather of Herman of Perry township, was probably the progenitor of the family in America, but Isaac Adam (1906), nearly eighty-six years old, a grandson of Anthony, thinks that there was one before him. Anthony Adam had three sons, of whom Isaac Adam, whose body and mind are remarkably well preserved, has a vivid recollection. They were: Abraham and Anthony, who settled in Schuylkill county; and Peter, who owned and settled on the Adams homestead, now owned by Herman of Perry township.
Peter Adam, the great-grandfather, was a resident of Windsor township, but died in Perry township, his remains being buried at the Zion Church of that place. He married Catherine Houseknecht, and they had children as follows: Jacob; Anthony; Peter; Abraham; John; William; Gero; Betty, m. to Abraham Snyder; Hannah m. to Benjamin Merkel; and Polly, m. to Daniel Shappell.
Jacob Adam, son of Peter, was born in 1779 and died in 1866. He was a carpenter by trade as well as a farmer, and owned 450 acres of land, including that now occupied by Herman Adam. He married Maria Gardner, and they had issue, namely: Hannah, William, Heinrich, Jacob, Peter, Benjamin, Isaac, Betz, Polly, Lazarus, Simon, Catherine, and Lydia. The only member of this family living is Isaac, a farmer of Windsor township, who was born Nov. 12, 1820.
Benjamin Adam, father of Herman, was born 1819 in Windsor township, where he owned a farm of ninety-two acres of land. In 1870 he purchased the farm now owned by his son, our subject, and that year moved upon it, continuing there engaged in agricultural pursuits until within a few years of his death. For six years he was a school director in Windsor township, and was also trustee and elder of Zion's Church in Perry township, of which he and his family were members. He died in 1890 in his seventy-second year. He married Jan. 29, 1848, Hettie Smith, daughter of Michael Smith, and in the eight years of their union they had two children, Susannah and Herman. Mr. Adam's second marriage was to Katie Mengel, daughter of Jesse Mengel, and to this union were born fourteen children, four sons and ten daughters.
Herman Adam attended the schools of his native township till seventeen years old, and was reared to the work of the farm. He has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits and has won well merited success. His farm of 223 acres is a fertile, well-cultivated one, and he employs seven horses in his operations, there being also thirty head of cattle. He and his wife attend Zion's Church of Perry township, which the Adam family have been members for over 100 years. March 25, 1876, Mr. Adam married Sarah L Schaeffer, and to this union have been born six children: Nevada A. m. Alfred Adam and died in 1902; Solon D. m. Sallie Schappell; Cora A. m. Eugene Baer; Neda H. M. Elmer B. George of Klinesville, Pa.; Katie M. died in infancy; and Maude F. is at home.
p. 1446
Surnames: ADAM, SMITH, GERHART, NEYFONG, HOWELL, HAUSEKNECHT, SCHAPPELL, SNYDER, MERKEL, GORDNER, BAUSHER, KRAMER, FOCHT, SMTH, LENGEL, HOTTENSTEIN, GERHART, STRASSER, KERSHNER, BOYER, ROTHERMEL, KOHLER, DREIBELBIS, MENGEL
Jacob S. Adam, of Perry township, was born in Windsor (now Perry) township, July 25, 1844, son of Jacob and Lovina (Smith) Adam. Anthony Adam was the ancestor of the Adam family of upper Berks county. He was a French Huguenot and came to American on the ship "Snow Molly," which landed at Philadelphia Oct. 26, 1741, Mr. Adam being at this time twenty-five years of age. On this same ship came to the New World progenitors of other old families of Albany and Greenwich townships, whose descendants, in many instances still reside on the land cleared from the wild bush by their forefathers. It is not known to whom Anthony Adam was married, but we have record of these sons; Abraham, Anthony, and Bernhard, who settled in Schuylkill county; and Peter, who settled on a farm in Windsor township, now owned by Herman Adam, one of his descendants. In 1752, when the county was established, Anthony Adam was a taxable resident of Albany township. Without a doubt he suffered during the French and Indian wars, and it is supposed that he witnessed such terrible depredations as the awful massacre of Jacob Gerhart's family, the killing of the wife of Balsar Neyfong and the shooting of David Howell. These must have been trying times. Surely this pioneer settler was often in communion with his God, praying for protection for himself and family from the cruel scalping knife and tomahawk.
Peter Adam, the great-grandfather of Jacob S., was born Oct. 1, 1765, and died July 1, 1849, aged eighty-three years, nine months. He was married March 11, 1788, to Catherine Hauseknecht, and to them were born ten children: Jacob; Anthony m. Miss Schappell; Peter; Abraham; John; William; George; Betsy m. Abraham Snyder; Hannah m. Benjamin Merkel; and Polly m. Daniel Schappell.
Jacob Adam, son of Peter, was born in Windsor township, Oct. 18, 1789, and died Dec. 22, 1866, aged seventy-seven years. His wife, Anna Maria Gordner, was born July 16, 1793, and died Aug. 7, 1874, aged eighty-one years. To them were born the following children: Hannah m. Daniel Bausher; William m. Betz Kramer; Heinrich m. Harriet Focht; Jacob, father of Jacob S.; Peter died single, aged twenty-one years; Benjamin m. (first) Esther Smith, and (second) Catherine Lengel; Isaac, born Nov. 12, 1820 (who in spite of his years is still hale and hearty and able to dance a lively hoe-down, which he does occasionally, to the great delight of his friends) m. (first) Louisa Hottenstein, and (second) Esther Adam, who also survives; Betsy m. John Gerhart; Polly m. Reuben Strasser; Lazarus died at the age of fifty-nine years; Simon died in 1867, when thirty-two years old; Catherine m. Samuel Schappell; and Lydia m. Jacob Kershner.
Jacob Adam, father of Jacob S., was born in Windsor township, Jan. 21, 1816, and died Aug. 10, 1894, in his seventy-ninth year. He obtained a good education in the pay schools of his day, and when a young man learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed the greater part of his life. In 1852 he removed to Perry township, locating upon his farm of 137 acres, which he conducted with his children while still working at his trade. He was a school director, official of Zion's Union Church, of Perry township, and was a highly esteemed citizen. He married Lovina Smith, daughter of Michael Smith. She was born Sept. 29, 1822, and died Dec. 27, 1905. Their children were: Alfred S., a successful farmer of Perryville, whose land adjoins that of our subject; Jacob S.; Samuel, who died aged twenty-seven years; Michael, who died Jan. 24, 1905, aged fifty-five years, four months, nine days; and Mary S., deceased, m. to John Boyer.
Jacob S. Adam has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits with the exception of five years when he was engaged at his trade of carpentering. He now owns a fine farm of 108 acres in the southern end of the township, near the Ontelaunee line, which is in the very best possible condition and one of the most valuable in Perry township. Excellent buildings adorn the property, a large well-kept lawn surrounds the house, good, fresh water is easily obtained from the troughs at the house and barn, and modern improvements are noticed throughout. Adjacent to this Mr. Adam owns a valuable little tract of fifteen acres, of very fertile land and with good buildings upon it, and this he has tenanted. He is also the owner of a store building at Molltown and has large industrial interests in the county. Mr. Adam is a prominent man. He is a stanch Democrat and a leader in the ranks of his party in this section, having been a delegate to many county conventions. He was auditor of his district and has likewise served for nine years as school director. He is a prominent member of the St. Peter's Reformed Church of Richmond township, in which he has held every office, is president of the building committee, and has recently been again elected elder, a position he has held for many years. He gives to the church with a liberal hand, helping members of the congregation in many ways as well, and when any movement whether for charitable, religious or educational purposes, is started, he is invariably chosen to be the one to lead the project. He is known as a man of honor and integrity in the community in which he has lived for so many years, and many positions of honor and trust have been given him by his fellow-citizens who recognize and appreciate his sterling worth of character.
On Oct. 31, 1868, Mr. Jacob S. Adam was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth K. Rothermel, daughter of Daniel and Hettie (Kohler) Rothermel, and to this union there were born the following children: Lillie, who died in infancy; Mamie, m. to William Dreibelbis, Maurice R., the well known dentist at No. 639 Penn street, Reading, who is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, class of 1898, taught school, clerked in a prothonotary's office, court house, graduated from the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1903, and now has a large and lucrative practice; Laura, m. to Wilson Mengel; Edith, who died in her second year; Robert R., who is a student at the Keystone State Normal School; and Jacob D., who died aged thirteen days.
p. 1393
Surnames: ADAM, RITTER, HOUSEKNECHT, GARDNER, SNYDER, MERKEL, SCHAPPELL, GERHART, NEYFONG, HOWELL, BAUSHER, KRAMER, FOCHT, SMITH, LENDEL, HATTENSTEIN, GERHART, STRASSER, ADAM, KRAMER, KERSHNER, MILLER, FISHER, BALTHASER, DEYSHER, KETNER, BILLMAN
Samuel Adam, one of the thrifty young agriculturists of Berks county, Pa., who is engaged in cultivating the fine property in Windsor township, until 1904 the homestead of his father, was born April 27, 1876, on this farm, son of Charles Adam and Lydia (Ritter) Adam.
Anthony Adam, the progenitor of this numerous family in America, who is said to have been a French Huguenot, came to America on the ship "Snow Polly," and landed at Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 26, 1741. As he was then twenty-five years of age he must have been born in 1716. On the same ship on which he crossed the Atlantic were a number of the ancestors of old Albany and Greenwich township families, whose descendants live in the same district, and in a few cases the original lands and homesteads are still in possession of their progeny. Who the wife of this pioneer Adam settler was, is not known. It is probable that he settled in Albany township immediately after his arrival in the New World, as he was a settler there as early as 1752, and he witnessed and participated in the trying times of the French and Indian wars, when such events as the horrible massacre of Jacob Gerhart's family, the killing of the wife of Balser Neyfong and the shooting of David Howell occurred. It is known that Anthony Adam had these sons: Abraham, Anthony and Bernhard, who located in Schuylkill county; and Peter.
Peter Adam, the great-great-grandfather of Samuel, was born Oct. 1, 1765, and died July 1, 1849, aged eighty-three years, nine months. On March 11, 1788 he was married to Catherine Houseknecht, who bore him ten children, as follows: Jacob, who married Anna Maria Gardner; Anthony, who married a Miss Schappell; Peter; Abraham; John; William; George; Betz; who married Abraham Snyder; Hannah, who married Benjamin Merkel; and Polly, who married Daniel Schappell.
Jacob Adam, son of Peter, was born Oct. 18, 1789, and died Dec., 1866, in his seventy-eighth year. His wife was Anna Maria Gardner, born July 16, 1793, and died Aug. 7, 1874, in the eighty-second year of her age. They had these children: Hannah, who married Daniel Bausher; William, who married Betz Kramer; Heinrich, who married Harriet Focht; Jacob (1816-1894) who married Lovine Smith (1822-1905); Peter, who died single, aged twenty-one years; Benjamin, who married (first) Esther Smith, and (second) Catherine Lengel; Isaac, born Nov. 12, 1820, who is still hale and hearty, married (first) Lovina Hattenstein, and (second) Esther Adam; Betzy, who married John Gerhart; Polly, who married Reuben Strasser; Lazarus, who died aged fifty-nine years; Simon, who died in 1867, in the thirty-third year of his age; Catherine, who married Samuel Schappell; and Lydia, who married Jacob Kershner.
William Adam, grandfather of Samuel, was born in Windsor township, where he spent his whole life, and is buried at the Moselem Church. He was an excellent carpenter and cabinet-maker and was also engaged in the undertaking business. He was married to Betz Kramer, and to them were born a number of children, one of whom was Charles, the father of Samuel.
Charles Adam was born in Windsor township, July 26, 1836, and died May 3, 1902, from the effects of Bright's disease. He was reared in Greenwich township, where he learned the trade of carpenter when a young man, and this he followed for six years, the next six years of his life being spent in threshing among the farmers of his section. He then purchased a property above Hamburg, at the tunnel, and lived for several years, at the end of which time he sold out and purchased the premises now owned by Samuel Adam. Here he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Adam was a Democrat, as had been all of the members of his family before him, and served his district as school director for six years. He and his family worshiped at Zion's Union Church, of which they were Reformed members.
Mr. Adam married Lydia Ritter, daughter of Frederick and Sallie (Strasser) Ritter, the former a German immigrant, and a "Swope." On coming to this country Mr. Ritter was very poor, but like many of his thrifty fellow-countrymen, after landing in America worked industriously, and at the time of his death was in comfortable circumstances. His children were: George, a farmer of Greenwich township; Dr. Jonas, a physician of Norristown Hospital; Dr. Nathan, a physician at Allentown, Pa.; David, a merchant; Rev. John, deceased; Simon, a farmer of Montgomery county; Anna, who married Joel Miller; Sallie who married John Fisher, of Berks county; Polly, who married William Balthaser; and Lydia, who married Mr. Adam. To Charles and Mrs. Adam there were born the following children: Louisa; Fianna; B. Franklin; Alvin; Katie; Victoria; Albert; Samuel; Alice, who met her death by gas suffocation in Reading; Ida Louisa; Thomas; Ella; Jeremiah P.; Amy and three who died in childhood. Samuel Adam secured a good common school education in the schools of his native district, and with the exception of a few years, has spent his entire life on the farm where he now resides. After his marriage in 1900 he located on the Reading Railroad farm in Tilden township, where he tenanted for one year, then became a tenant on John Balthaser's farm in the same township, where he lived another year, afterward, until 1904, locating in Charles Deysher's farm in Maxatawny township. In the year above mentioned he bought the old homestead on which he had been born, settling thereon in the spring of the year. This fine property of ninety-six acres, the work on which has been conducted by Mr. Adam and his estimable wife, is one of the best improved in the community, the buildings having been repaired and remodeled by Mr. Adam. He is considered one of the good, practical farmers of his community, and his many sterling characteristics have won him the esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
On Feb. 25, 1899, Mr. Adam was married to Mary B. Ketner, daughter of Isaac and Emma (Billman) Ketner, and to them have been born these children: Sadie May; Amy A., who died March 10, 1901, of paralysis; Clayton A.; Amandus C.; Hermie A.; and Edith V.
p. 832
Surnames: ADAM, KLINE, ENDY, FICK, GARRETT, KLINE, KOLLER, ROTHENBERGER, SCHMEHL, WENTZEL, SEIDEL, HARTMAN, WANNER, BOONE, MILLER, EGELMAN, LONGENDORFER, SHILDT, WENTZEL, NINE, CRUM, LUTZ, SCHOOR, CUNIUS, ARMOND
William K. Adam, a representative agriculturist and highly esteemed citizen of Lower Alsace township, who owns and operates the old Adam homestead near Antietam Lake, was born on the old home place May 20, 1844, son of William and Catherine (Kline) Adam.
William Adam, grandfather of William K., lived in Alsace township, near Antietam Lake , and was an agriculturist, and the original owner of the Adam property. He married a Miss Garrett, and they had the following children: Catherine m. a Mr. Endy, resided in Heidelberg township, near Blue Marsh; Rebecca m. Samuel Fick, an agriculturist on Heidelburg Gap; John, a stone mason and small farmer of Alsace township, m. a Miss Koller; Jacob, also a stone mason of Lauderbach's Springs, m. Maria Koller; Hannah m. Peter Rothenberger, of Muhlenberg township; William; Hannah m. Jere Koller, a huckster of Hamburg, Pa.; and Samuel, a forgeman of Berger's Forge, m. a Miss Wentzele.
William Adam, father of William K., was born May 7, 1807, at the old homestead at Antietam, and was reared and educated in that locality. He later learned the trade of mason, which he followed in connection with farming the old homestead until his death. He married Catherine Kline, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Schmehl) Kline, and they had the following children: Mary M. married Michael Miller (who died in Reading many years ago), resides in Reading, and has fourteen children -- Amos, John, Daniel, Irwin, Frank, Aaron, Ada, Harry, Thomas, Kate, Mayme, and three deceased; Rebecca m. John Seidle, a blacksmith of Alsace township; and has four children -- Henry, Mary, John, and Annie; Israel of Boyertown, m. Susan Hartman, daughter of Abraham Hartman, and they have six children -- Albert, William, Abner, Charles, Edwin, and Sallie; Lena m. John Wanner, a miller of near Stony Creek Mills, and has six children -- William, Martin, Katie, Hannah, John, and Thomas; Catherine m. Peter Wanner, also a miller and farmer near Stony Creek Mills and has six children -- Ella, Katie, Hannah, Peter, and Nora and Dora (the latter of whom are twins); William K.; James m. Amanda Seidel, and has children -- Charles, James, William, Howard, Frank, Adam, Mayme, Amelia, Sarah, Catherine and Lillian; and Rose m. John Miller, son of William and Mary (Boone) Miller, a driver for Lerch & Co., hardware merchants of Reading, and has children -- Katie, Nora, Mayme, Rose, Stella, Esther, William, and Howard (deceased).
William K. Adam was reared and educated in his native township, and was trained to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father, after whose death he purchased the homestead farm. On May 30, 1868, he married Mary Seidel, daughter of Solomon and Mina (Whilhelmina) (Egelman) Seidel, and to this union there have been born eight children, six of whom survive: Ida m. Jacob Longendorfer, a brewer of Tremont, Schuylkill County, and has children -- Ruth, Esther, and William; Llewellyn, who assists his father on the farm, m. a daughter of Jacob and Emmeretta (Shildt) Wentzel, and has two children -- Jacob and Mary; Edward S., a molder of Reading, m. Ida, daughter of Samuel Nine, and they have had five children, Florence, Dorothy, Ruth, Earl, and Paul (deceased); Emma m. David Crum, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lutz) Crum, an employee of Gravity R.R., and has one child, Arthur; Catherine who resides at home, is the widow of Albert Schoor (who was killed in an automobile wreck in October, 1906), and has had four children -- Helen, Armond (deceased), Antionette and Eugene; and William, of lower Alsace township, m. Ella Cunius, and has two children -- Edna and Edith.
Mr. Adam is a democrat in politics and has taken an active part in township affairs, having served as auditor, school director, delegate to county conventions at various times, and being now a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He and his family attend the Reformed Church.
p. 1489
Surnames: ADAMS, BELL, HART, MOYER, MCCORMICK, EGOLF, ESTLEY, GEIGER, ROBINSON
Aaron Adams, deceased, who for many years was a resident of Reading, where he was engaged as a machinist, was born in 1828, in Amity township, Berks County, son of Henry and Mary (Bell) Adams, the former a native of New York State, who came to Berks County when a young man, working as an iron worker until his death in 1850. He and his wife had these children: Hiram, Aaron, Samuel, Harry, Sarah, Mary, and Martha.
Aaron Adams received his education in the common schools of his native township, and later learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for some years, and then took up the trade of machinist which he followed in Reading until his death. Mr. Adams was married in 1852 to Esther Hart, daughter of John and Kate (Moyer) Hart, and to this union was born children as follows: Ida died in infancy; Mary E., deceased m. Charles McCormick, and had one child, Winfield; Melvin E., a machinist, m. Ida Adams, and they had five children, Arron W. (m. Cora Egolf and has two children, Stanley and Fred), Esther (m. Daniel Estley and has one child Mary), Sally, Melvin, and Harry M., deceased; Kate, deceased m. Charles Geiger and has one child, Carl; Amelia, deceased, m. Hale Robinson, and had two children, Eugene, deceased, and Albert. In religious belief, Mr. Adams was a member of the Reformed Church, and in that faith he died in 1881, his funeral being conducted by the I. O. O. F., of which he had been a member for many years, being connected with the Encampment. In political matters he was a Republican.
p. 901
Surnames: ADAMS, LEINBACH, SNYDER, TOBIAS
Albert Adams, a prominent citizen of the town of St. Lawrence, Pa., who is engaged in general farming and dairying on his excellent fifty-acre farm in Exeter township, was born Sept. 18, 1859 in Alsace township, son of Israel Adams, and a member of the old Adam family, the present spelling of the name being of recent adoption.
Albert H. Adams was educated in the public schools of Alsace and Exeter townships, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After attaining his majority he entered the Brucknow Rolling Mills in Douglas township as a heater, where he continued for four years, when he returned to the farm and for one year conducted an eighty-nine acre property in Douglas township. At this time he removed to the Breneiser farm in Exeter township, a property of 120 acres which he operated for eleven years, and than located on the farm which he now owns, and which he purchased in 1898, thirty five acres of the fifty being under cultivation. He has good, substantial buildings and the latest farm machinery, and has been very successful in truck farming, fruit growing and dairying, the latter of which he has followed for nineteen years, conducting a route to Reading, and keeping from fourteen to sixteen cows. Mr. Adams is a stockholder in the St. Lawrence Water Company, in which he has been a director and vice president since its organization. He is also a stockholder in the Oley Turnpike Company, and a director and member of the board of managers of same. In politics he is a Democrat, and since 1898 has been a member of the Exeter school board, and Treasurer since 1899. He takes a deep interest in public school affairs in his township, and in spite of strong opposition he succeeded in getting a four-room building erected in the village of St.Lawrence.
On April 23, 1881, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Deborah T. Snyder, the daughter of William and Hannah (Tobias) Snyder, the former for many years a justice of the peace in Exeter township. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had a family of fifteen children namely: William is deceased; Katie m. William Leinbach, of St. Lawrence, and has three children, -- Sarah, Elizabeth and John; Warren a teacher in the public schools, is now attending Perkiomen Seminary; Harvey, formerly a schoolteacher, is attending State College, Pa.; Charles is a teacher in the public schools; Daniel; Ralph; Milton is deceased; Israel; Albert; Edward is deceased; Hannah; Esther; John; and a son died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of Spie's Reformed Church, while their children attend Schwartzwald Church of that denomination.
p. 360
Surnames: ADAMS, JONES, KURTZ, FISHER, LOAG, STRONG, BOYER, THOMPSON, BELL, FELIX, HELMS
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 Robesonia, where he died in November, 1895, aged seventy-five years. His widow died in June 1907. They had six children, namely: Richard, of Missouri; Rufus, 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 Philadelphia office of the company as manager. Nine months later he was promoted to be superintendent of the whole service, 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 Mr. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum, and to the Philadelphia & Reading Telegraphic Association.
In 1871 Mr. Adams was married to Loretta Loeg, a daughter of William R. and Eliza (Strong) Loeg. They settled at what is now known as Loag's Corner, Chester county, where they engaged in farming. She is the youngest of their children, the others being: Margaret, deceased, wife of Michael P. Boyer, a prominent attorney at Reading; John, deceased who was proprietor of a hotel at Scranton, Pa.; Emma, widow of James Thompson, of Hillsboro, Md.; James, deceased, a merchant in Philadelphia; Mary and Esther, both deceased; George, deceased, 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 Philadelphia & 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.
p. 741
Surnames: ADAMS, WEISNER, REINHARD, STIMMER, DUNKEL, LESHER, LADICH, ELY, HAUSKNECHT, KLINE, MILLER, MADERY, GLASS, ZANER, HESS, HILL, ENGLE, TRUGH, GOBLE, HUTTON, LEIDY, MOYER, CONNER, LEVAN, TRAUGH, VANDERHOVEN, KISNER, KINNEY, FREAS, WARREN, TURNBACH, MILES, ALBERTSON, CRYDER, EVANS, DAVIS, ANDERSON
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 Rotterdam 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 passenger 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 Philadelphia 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 warrant 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 township, was born about the year 1736, and was a resident of the adjoining township of Windsor in 1758, described 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. 279-281). 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, and in 1806, received a patent for another tract of 426 acres called "Quincy" on the same creek. These lands he conveyed to his four sons. Anthony Adam died sometime after April 27, 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 homestead 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 Militia, which was "Ordered to Wyoming by the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania." This company arrived at Fort Allen Nov. 21, 1787, at Wyoming, November 6th, and was discharged January 6, 1788. (Pennsylvania Archives, 6th Series Vol. III, 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 20, 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 deeded 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 29, 1822. Both are buried in the Briar Creek Reformed Church-yard, five miles west of Berwick, Pennsylvania. 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 Creek, born Dec. 15, 1791, died April 26, 1860, m. Susanna Hess. He served during the War of 1812-1814, as a private in Captain George Hidler's Company in the 112th Regiment of Columbia County Militia, under Colonel Andrew Keller. (3) Samuel, of Briar Creek, born in 1793, died Nov. 29, 1846, m. Esther Hill. (4) Anthony (4) m. Elsie Engle, and removed to Rock Island, Ill. (5) Rachel, born Nov. 29, 1797, died April 8, 1852, m. in June, 1817, William Trugh, of Berwick. (6) Abraham m. a Goble, and removed to Rock Island, Ill. He served in the same company with his brother in the War of 1812-1814. (7) Elizabeth m. John Hutton, and removed to Illinois. (8) Catherine, born May 12, 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 Manayunk, Philadelphia. (10) Sarah Adam, born May 29, 1808, died March 17, 1872, m. Jacob Moyer, of Berwick.
Samuel Adams, son of Anthony Adam and Catherine Glass of Briar Creek township, Columbia county, Pa., was born there in 1793, and remained in the same township. He married June 27, 1819, Esther Hill, who was born March 21, 1802 and died March 9, 1826, daughter of Captain Frederick Hill, proprietor of the old "Fort Jenkins Inn." and his wife, Catherine Conner. Captain Frederick Hill was born March 8, 1772, and died Aug. 21, 1823. He was commissioned Captain of the 6th Company of the 112th Regiment of the Militia of Pennsylvania, by Governor Thomas McKean, Aug. 3, 1807, as appears by the original commission in the possession of Charles F. Hill Esq., of Hazleton. Captain Frederick Hill was the son of Frederick Hill of Berks county, by his wife Maria, daughter of Judge Jacob Levan, Colonial Judge of the Courts of Berks County. Frederick Hill, Berks County, father of Captain Frederick Hill, served during the Revolutionary war in the Continental Line. He enlisted May 1, 1776, as a private in Captain Lewis Farmer's Company in the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, commanded by Colonel Samuel Miles. After the capture of Colonel Miles and the greater portion of the command at the Battle of Long Island, Frederick Hill, with other survivors of the Rifle Regiment, enlisted in The State Regiment of Foot. He served in this regiment in 1777 as a private in Captain John Nice's Company, participating in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. (Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Series, Volume II.)
Samuel Adams and Esther Hill of Briar Creek township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, had the following children: Anthony, born Feb. 26, 1821, died in infancy; Mary Ann, born Jan. 31, 1822, died March 1, 1877, m. (first) Louis Traugh, of Berwick (died Nov. 5, 1850) and (second) Warren Vanderhoven; Enos L. is mentioned next.
Enos L. Adams, of Briar Creek township, Columbia county, Pa., son of Samuel Adams and Esther Hill, of the same place, was born July 28, 1824. He married March 13, 1847, Margaret Kisner, who was born April 21, 1827, and died May 19, 1872, daughter of John Kisner and Lydia Kinney. Lydia Kinney was born Nov. 10, 1805, and died Sept. 5, 1851, daughter of John Kinney and granddaughter of Major John Kinney, a Revolutionary officer of New Jersey.
Mr. Enos L. Adams owned the old Adams homestead in Briar Creek township, several properties in the neighboring town of Berwick, and some lands in the State of Kansas. From 1872 to 1880, he was the senior member of the firm of Adams & Son, merchants, of Berwick. He died Aug. 17, 1887. The children of Enos L. Adams and Margaret Kisner were : (1) Alice Lydia, born Feb. 11, 1848, married Jan. 7, 1869, James Knox Polk Freas, of Berwick, who died Oct. 16, 1898. (2) John Kisner, born April 8, 1850, died March 15, 1880, unmarried. (3) Samuel Warren, born Feb 2, 1853, was of Berwick. (4) Enos Kinney, born July 8, 1855, died Nov. 30, 1889, m. Clara Miles. (5) Anna Mary, born Nov. 4, 1857, m. Joseph H. Turnbach, a hardware merchant of Philipsburg, Pa. She died Dec. 30, 1903. (6) William L., born May 27, 1860, is mentioned below. (7) Charles Elliott, born Jan. 26, 1863, of Berwick, m. Mary E. Albertson. (8) Margaret Ida, born Oct. 11, 1866, married Oct. 9, 1891, Leoni H. Cryder, of Berwick. (9) Francis Laura, born Oct. 14, 1869, m. June 2, 1904, James L. Evans, attorney- at-law, of Berwick. (10) Edwin Orison, born March 12, 1872.
William L. Adams, son of Enos L. and Margaret (Kisner), was born at the Adams homestead in Briar Creek township, Columbia Co., Pa., May 27, 1860. He was educated at Mr. Union College, Alliance, Ohio, graduating with the Class of 1881. On Aug. 15, 1888, he was married at Fort Worth, Texas to Lizzie A. Davis, only daughter of Willis G. Davis and Adelia Anderson of Colon, Mich., and a graduate of the Michigan Seminary, Kalamazoo, Mich. Since March of 1890, Mr. and Mrs. William L. Adams have resided at Hoquiam, Washington. They have four children living, viz: Gaylord, born Aug. 8, 1890; Gwenivere Sept. 12, 1893; Elizabeth, Jan. 30, 1898, and William L., Jr., May 27, 1907. William L. Adams is president of The First National Bank of Hoquiam, and president of the Keystone Timber Company of Hoquiam.
p. 1119
Surnames: ADAMS, TOBIAS, LICHENTHAELER, MUNTZ, HENDRICKS, KNABB, ESTEY
John T. Adams, member of the pretzel baking firm of J. T. Adams & Co., of Reading, is a native of Alsace township, Berks county, born March 29, 1856, son of William Adams, a farmer of that township who died Dec. 24, 1904, and Fernie (Tobias) Adams, whose death occurred in 1870.
John T. Adams spent his early school days in his home township, and the latter part in the schools of Reading. At the age of fourteen years he began to learn the trade of pretzel making, with a Mr. Muntz, with whom he remained eight years, the next thirteen years being spent with the late Benjamin Lichtenthaeler. In May, 1893, Mr. Adams engaged in business with Mr. J. S. Hendricks, and they are located under the firm name of Hendricks & Adams, at Nos, 333-335 Cherry street, the entrance to the factory being at No. 332 Penn street. Mr. Hendricks retired from business in October, 1907, and Mr. Adams continued the business, taking his son Paul as a partner. They manufacture what is known as the "Original Pretzel." When they first started in business they employed but two hands; now they have fourteen. Their first year's business was 1,060,273 pretzels, and the year of 1905, 3,712,644. Their trade is very large, and they ship to all parts of the United Stated, from Boston to San Francisco, as well as abroad. They have two large ovens, and four wagons are continually busy in the city, where the firm's goods are in great demand.
In 1877 Mr. Adams married Miss Mary Knabb, daughter of the late David G. Knabb, of Reading, and these children have been born to the union; Paul, member of the firm of J. T. Adams & Co.; Martha, wife of William Estey. Mr. and Mrs. Adams reside in the house in which she was born, No. 1035 Franklin street. Fraternally a Mason, he is very active in the work of that society, and is also connected with the Odd Fellows. He served on the council of the Lutheran Church, and has been very prominent in educational work in Reading. He is one of the city's representative citizens.
p. 1508
Surnames: ADAMS. GODDNER, LUCKENBILL, SMITH, HOFFMAN, MENGEL, ACKER, MOLLEY, DOUGHERTY
Thomas F. Adams, now residing at No. 961 North Ninth street, Reading, was born in Perry township, Berks county, May 14, 1860, son of Simon and grandson of Jacob Adams.
Jacob Adams, the grandfather, was born in Windsor township (now Perry township), son of Peter and grandson of Anthony Adams. He became a well known farmer. He married a Miss Goddner, and both are buried at Zion's Church cemetery. They had a family of sixteen children, all now deceased.
Simon Adams, son of Jacob and father of Thomas F., was born in Perry township. He became the owner of a farm of 140 acres which he cultivated. His wife, Sarah Luckenbill, was a daughter of Thomas Luckenbill, and their children were: Thomas F.; Cyrus and Simon live in Perry township; and Annie married Albert Smith.
Thomas F. Adams attended the schools of Perry township and the Reading business college one term. When eighteen years old he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, and under the direction of his uncle Thomas Luckenbill, in Perry township, he became an able workman, and he continued with him for twenty-three years. At the end of that time he went to Fleetwood, and for four years engaged there in the hotel business, and then for one year lived retired. In 1900 he came to Reading, and since that time has been working at his trade as foreman.
Mr. Adams married Miss Ellen E. Hoffman, daughter of Joel and Susanna (Reber) Hoffman, and of the eight children born of this union, six are living: Wilson J. married Hettie Mengel; Elwood married Carrie Acker, and lives in Allentown; Sarah married Robert Molley, and they live in Lebanon county; Cora married Clarence Dougherty, and they reside at Upland, Delaware Co., Pa.; Benjamin enlisted in the U. S. Navy Sept. 27, 1907, and has been around the world; Mary is at home; Walter S. died Dec. 3, 1908, age ten years, of typhoid fever; and Irvin C. died in infancy. While living in Perry township, Mr. Adams served as school director two terms, and also while living at Fleetwood held the same office on term. He is very popular in the Democratic party. He has been nominated (1909) on his party's ticket for prothonotary of Berks county, which in this county is equivalent to an election. He is a member of Camp No. 103 P. O. S. of A., of Fleetwood; Aerie No. 66, F. O. E., Reading; Carpenter's Union No. 492; and the Maccabees of Reading. With his family he attends the Reformed Church.
p. 880
Surnames: ADAMS, HARTMAN, KLINE, MILLER, SEIDEL,WANNER, SNYDER, ALBRIGHT, HEYDT, HOUCK, FISHER, WISE
William H. Adams, one of the leading business men of Exeter township, Berks county, senior member of the well-known general merchandise firm of Adams Brothers, at Esterly P. O., village of St. Lawrence, is a native of Berks county, and a son of Israel and Susan (Hartman) Adams.
William Adams, the grandfather of William H., was reared in Lower Alsace township, this county, where he spent his life in stone-mason work and contracting, being a prominent business man of his day. He was an attendant of the Reformed church and consistent in his belief. He married Mary Kline, of Reading, and died when sixty-eight years old; his widow was about seventy-eight at the time of her death. They had the following children: Mary married Michael Miller; Rebecca married John Seidel; Israel married Susan Hartman; Lena married John Wanner; Catherine marred Peter Wanner; William married Mary Seidel; Rosa married John Miller; James married Amanda Seidel.
Israel Adams was born in Lower Alsace township. He was a stone-mason by trade, although he gave most of his attention to farming, which he followed quite extensively in Exeter and Alsace townships, and finally in Amity township until his retirement about 1897. They had a family of ten children, of whom six grew to maturity: Albert, a farmer of St. Lawrence married Deborah Snider; Sallie, married Anthony Albright, of Boyertown; William H. is mentioned below; Abner, a farmer of Exeter township, married Catherine Heydt; Charles, of the firm of Adams Brothers, married Elsie Houck; Edward, bookkeeper at the Reading Glove and Mitten Works, Reading, married Carrie Fisher.
William H. Adams was educated in the public schools, and until 1899 followed farming. In that year the firm of Adam Brothers was started by William H. and Charles Adams, in a very small way, with a modest stock. Business grew rapidly, however, and since the establishment of the firm the floor space has been doubled, and the patronage is drawn from a large territory, extending even into the city of Reading. Both brothers are able business men, and are affable and courteous to patrons. Their establishment presents as fine an appearance as any in this section of Berks county. Mr. Adams was a trustee and one of the organizers of the St. Lawrence Water Company, and is a stockholder in the Montello Brick Company, and other enterprises. Fraternally he is connected with Washington Camp No. 230, P. O. S. of A., being a trustee therein. He and his son are members of the Reformed church, he being a trustee of Union Sunday-school Chapel, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Adams is a Democrat, and has served as delegate to county conventions on numerous occasions.
In 1888 Mr. Adams was married to Miss Annie Wise, daughter of Rebecca and William Wise, of Douglas township, and two children have been born to this union: Harry W. and Ella M. The former is a graduate of the public schools of Exeter township and of the Inter-State Commercial College.
p. 1338
Surnames: ADAMS, MOCK, KENDALL, BRANHOUSE, GENANT, BARBER, BROWN, YEAGER, MILLER, HOMAN
William H. Adams of Reading, Pa., engaged in the drug business, who resides at No. 159 West Oley street, was born in this city in 1859, son of Elwood and Catherine (Mock) Adams, and a grandson of William H. and Maria (Kendall) Adams.
William H. Adams, grandfather of William H., was born about 1812, near Absecon, N. J., and died in 1872; his wife, aged ninety years, is still surviving, residing at Reading. They had six children: Rachael, deceased, m. Thomas Branhouse; Elwood, deceased; two children died in infancy; Winfield S., of Reading, m. Kate Genant, deceased; and Josephine, m. Morris Barbar, a retired grocer. Mr. Adams was engaged in the hotel business in New Jersey.
He came to Reading and engaged with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Co., at core-makng, a trade he learned after coming to this city. He continued with this company until his death, being regarded as a skilled and faithful workman by his employers, and his fellow citizens rated him as an honest and honorable man.
Elwood Adams was born in Reading, and after receiving a common school education learned the trade of core-making and molding, entering the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, with which he was connected until his death. He and his wife had these children: William H., Charles, Winfield S, James, Marian M. married Millard Brown; Estella married George Yeager: Rachel married Walter Miller; and Harry. Mr. Adams was a Baptist in his religious belief. Fraternally, he was connected with the P. O. S. of A.
William H. Adams was educated in the schools of Reading, Pa., and then learned the trade of spectacle maker at Willson's spectacle factory, where he remained for three years. He then resigned this position to learn the molder's trade at the Philadelphia & Reading shops, with which company he was connected ten years, when he engaged with the Mellert Iron Foundry Co., working there until it closed out business. He then accepted a position with the Prizer Painter Stove works at Millmont, where he continued about nine years, resigning this to engage in the drug business at No. 1326 North Tenth street, where he has continued to the present time with much success.
Mr. Adams was married to Sally Homan, daughter of Frank Homan, and to this union there have been born three children: John, a druggist is a graduate of the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, Pa.; Ollie, a student at that institution; and Walter, is employed as a clerk in the store. Mr. Adams is a member of the P. O. S. of A., and an independent in politics. He and Mrs. Adams attend the Universalist Church of Our Father.