Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
p. 391
Surnames: BIGONY, WEIDA, BIGONET, PICHONET, OZIAS, BRANT, YOST,
RINEHART, WORLEY, WEIDA, WEILER, RICHWEIN, WEIDNER, HORNBERGER
Hiram J. Bigony, a prominent and influential citizen of Mohnton,
Pa., engaged in the manufacture of hosiery, was born June 1, 1862,
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 as married
Germantown, Pa., to Catherine Elizabeth, the widow of Henry Ozias.
I 773 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, m. to George Rinehart; and a third daughter, who
was killed while still young on her way home for 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 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 tanning trade
of his brother, Joseph, of Longswamp township. This he followed or
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 removed 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 infancy; 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 consecutive terms. In 1889 he came to Cumru
township, receiving an advanced salary, and taught in that township
for thirteen years, meeting with flattering success. Professor
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 hosiery. 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 superintendent, 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 Rheinholds,
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 as a gray sandstone from and bay windows.
In politics Mr. Bigony is a non-partisan, 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) Weidner, 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 Evangelical 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 was elected a member of the
school board, and is now serving as secretary of that board.
p. 1321
Surnames: BINGAMAN, OSWALT, GRAUL, EGE, MORRIS, SCULL, STROH
William Bingaman, whose death occurred in Reading, Jan. 2, 1901,
was known to the people of the city for many years as a proprietor
of tonsorial parlors. He was born in 1822, at the corner of Eighth
and Walnut streets, Reading, son of Peter and Mary (Oswalt)
Bingaman. Peter Bingaman was a weaver by trade, and followed that
occupation throughout his life. He had these children: Jacob,
Peter, Charles, David, William, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth and
Margaret.
William Bingaman received his education in the
public schools of Reading, and when a young man learned the barber
trade which he followed throughout life. In 1842 he first engaged
in business on Penn street, below Seventh and later on the South
side. For a period of twenty years he conducted a place of business
at No. 718 Penn street, where he became very well known. Failing
health came on and Mr. Bingaman was forced to make a change of
location, he therefore selecting Exeter township as his field. He
purchased a small tract of land there, and after two and one-half
years, his health having returned, he came again to Reading and
opened a shop at No. 122 South Eighth street. Later he removed to
343 North Eighth street, where he continued until his retirement
about twenty years prior to his death, at the age of seventy-nine
years. Mr. Bingaman was buried at the Charles Evans cemetery.
On May 27, 1845, Mr. Bingaman was married to
Rebecca Graul, born Dec. 7, 1823, daughter of George and Elizabeth
(Ege) Graul. George Graul was a bricklayer by trade, and assisted
in building the old freight depot of the P. & R. Co., which is
still standing. Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman became the parents of these
children: Emma, the wife of Harry Morris; Charles C.,
superintendent of the Steam Heat Co., of Allentown; Mary A.,
deceased; Elizabeth, a graduate of the Reading High School, class
of 1871, and now a teacher at the Tenth and Washington streets
public school; Thomas, who is engaged in the barber business on
Count street, near Sixth, m. Martha Scull; Annie A., the wife of M.
Luther Stroh, who is employed at the Scott works; and Katie R., who
died at the age of seventeen years. Mrs. Bingaman still survives
her husband and resides at the Eighth street home.
p.
326
Surnames: BIRD, ROSS, BIDDLE
Mark Bird, distinguished ironmaster and patriot of Berks county,
was a son of William Bird, on 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
January, 1939, 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 Birdsboro. 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.
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 Observation, recommended by
Congress, and Jan. 2, 1775, he was chosen one of the delegates to
the Provincial Conference, and placed on the committee of
Correspondence. He was also prominently identified with the
military movements, 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 Birdsboro. 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
officiated as one of the judges of the County courts. In 1785 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 Sixpenny creek, which he had erected about
1765. And it is said that he owned large property interest in New
Jersey and Maryland. About 1788, he removed to North Carolina,
where he died some years afterward. He married Mary Ross, daughter
of Rev. George Ross. He was the 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.
(122-1405 Birch, Prof. Robert Smith.
p. 1405
Surnames: BIRCH, KISSINGER, FOOS, WHITE
Professor Robert Smith Birch was born in Reading, Pa., July 17,
1877. His father, for a quarter of a century proprietor of the
"American House," the well-known hostelry situated at the corner of
Fourth and Penn streets, is of Scotch descent, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Sarah Kissinger, of German birth.
Robert S. Birch attended the public schools of
Reading until the age of seventeen years, when he graduated from
the Boys' High School with highest distinction, and at the
commencement exercises of that year delivered the class oration. In
September of the same year he entered Princeton College, where for
four consecutive years he pursued the academic course, and in June,
1898, received the degree of A. B., graduating magna cum laude,
with high honors in classics. He was a member of the Cliosophic
Literary Society and at graduation was elected into the Phi Beta
Kappa fraternity. In June, 1898, he accepted a position in the
Boys' High School of his native city, to teach classics and
history, which position he filled with a great measure of success
until June, 1902, when he was elected principal of this school to
succeed Charles S. Foos, the latter gentleman having been elected
superintendent of schools of the city of Reading. Since that time
Professor Birch has been in charge of the school, which has an
enrollment of nearly 500 pupils, and a teaching force of twelve.
The school has progressed favorably under his administration. Many
of its graduates go to college, being admitted on certificate. In
September, 1906, the school was removed to the new building
recently erected by the Board of Education at a cost of nearly
$400,000. Here, the school should reach a very high standard of
efficiency and compare favorably with other and even larger high
schools of the country.
In August, 1904, Professor Robert Smith Birch
and Miss Edith A. White were united in marriage, and to this union
has been born one child, Robert White Birch. Mr. and Mrs. Birch
make their home at No. 318 Windsor street, Reading.
p . 760
Surnames: BISSINGER, KRICK, ROSENTHAL
Philip Bissinger, president and manager of the Reading Brewing
Company and founder of the Bissinger Caf, was born Jan. 24, 1842,
in Duerkheim, Germany, and received his preliminary education at
that place, where he lived until he was thirteen years of age. He
then accompanied his parents in their emigration to America,
landing at the port of New York. He attended private schools at
Lancaster, Pa., for several years, and then secured a position as
clerk which he filled until he enlisted for service in the Civil
war, on Sept. 19, 1861, for the term of three years. He became
sergeant-major of the 79th Regiment, P. V. I.; was promoted to
first lieutenant of Company F in January, 1863, and to captain in
December, 1863, having command of the company until Sept. 12, 1864,
when he resigned.
Shortly after returning home Captain Bissinger
removed to Reading, and on Jan. 1, 1866, established a saloon and
restaurant at No. 611 Penn street, which he soon developed into the
most popular resort at Reading. His success was extraordinary from
the start, and in 1882 he purchased the property, making extensive
improvements to accommodate the increasing demands of his
patronage; and in 1890 he erected a large four-story brick building
for offices and halls and storage purposes on the rear of the lot
at Court street. By this time the "Bissinger Caf" had a reputation
for superiority and first-class catering which extended throughout
the State and nation. Numerous banquets came to be held there in
celebration of events in the history of societies of all kinds,
more particularly of a fraternal, political and musical nature, and
in honor of popular and prominent individuals; and visiting
strangers and travelers from all parts of the world found
satisfactory entertainment. After having operated the caf for
thirty years, until 1895, he sold the business to a faithful
employe and manger for many years, Wellington B. Krick, and then
retired to enable him and his wife to take a long-anticipated trip
to Europe, and for nearly a year they visited the prominent centers
there.
In 1886 Captain Bissinger encouraged the
establishment of another brewery at Reading, and with the aid of
local capitalists succeeded in organizing the Reading Brewing
Company. He became the first manger of the plant and filled the
position for three years, having in this time secured a large
patronage from the community and made the new enterprise a success.
In 1897, upon his return from Europe, he resumed his active
interest in this company as a director, and in 1898 became its
president and general manager; and he has served the company in
these responsible positions until the present time, having in the
past ten years developed its annual production from 17,000 barrels
to 75,000, remodeled the plant entirely, and made it one of the
finest brewing establishments in the country in point of equipment
and sanitation.
For over forty years Captain Bissinger was
prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity. He was chiefly
instrumental in establishing Rajah Temple at Reading in 1892, and
the plans for its unique and attractive hall, erected in 1904, were
designed by him. He has also been prominently connected with the
Grand Army of the Republic (Keim Post, No. 76), Loyal Legion,
Veteran Legion, and Army of the Cumberland. In 1891 the city
councils selected him as the park commissioner for the northeast
division of the city and he officiated in this position until 1897,
when he removed his residence to the southeast division, where he
had erected a fine home on Mineral Spring road.
But it was in the musical culture of Reading
that Captain Bissinger was especially influential and successful
for a period of twenty years, from 1864-1883. Immediately after
locating at Reading, he became a member of the Reading Maennerchor,
and the society, appreciating his great talent and enthusiasm,
selected him to be its assistant musical director. He filled this
position with remarkable success for some years,and then the
society united with the Harmonic Gesangverein, another and older
musical organization at Reading. In the reorganization of the two
societies, the name Harmononie Maennerchor was adopted and Captain
Bissinger was selected as the musical director of the new society.
His recognized ability as a leader, together with his popularity
and sociability, soon won increasing support and encouragement, and
the society's concerts at Reading and other cities were highly
appreciated and largely patronized. He continued to serve as the
director until 1879, when he declined a re-election. During this
time he was also interested in the Germania Orchestra and aided
materially in its successful reorganization. In 1876, by special
invitation, the Harmonie Maennerchor and the Germania Orchestra
attended the United States Centennial at Philadelphia and rendered
a program of classical selections in a superb manner, for which
they were given high praise by leading musicians of this country
and also foreign countries. In October, 1878, the society held a
bazaar for a week in its commodious hall and evidenced the superior
ability of its members and the efficiency and popularity of its
members and the efficiency and popularity of its director. The
numerous musical numbers were specially prepared by Captain
Bissinger for the occasion, which involved extraordinary labors,
patience and perseverance. In 1879, he organized the Philharmonic
Society and directed its admirable concerts until 1883, when he was
obliged to devote his entire attention to his own business affairs.
In 1880, Captain Bissinger married Ida Sebald
Rosenthal (daughter of William Rosenthal, proprietor an publisher
of German newspapers at Reading for forty years), who was graduated
from the Reading Girls High School in 1865, and in 1871 taught the
French and German languages there.
George Bissinger, his father, was a native of
Germany, and after his emigration located at Baltimore, Md., about
1855, and there followed the teaching of music until his decease,
in 1866.
p. 1642
Surnames: BITLER, BIXLER, WAMSHER, WOLF, KACHEL, KENNEDY, GEIGER,
YOCOM, DICKINSON, FREESE, SEIDLE, HAWS, McGOWEN, KURTZ
Henry Bitler, whose death occurred on his farm in Robeson township,
Dec. 2, 1902, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits
in that locality, where he was well known and highly esteemed. He
was born on the farm now occupied by his son, John Bitler, near
Beckersville, Oct. 22, 1833, son of Daniel and Eva Bitler.
Daniel Bitler, Sr., grandfather of Henry, was
born in Robeson township, where in after years he became the owner
of the now well known Robeson Dairy Farm of 214 acres. He was a
Methodist in religion and a Whig in politics. Of his children are
John (m. Susan Bixler, and had two children, Mary and Elizabeth);
Jacob (m. Margaret Wamsher, and had two children, now deceased);
Daniel; Elisha (m. Ellen Wolf, and had eight children, Samuel,
Sarah A., Eliza, David, Elias, Ellen, William H. and one that died
young); David never married: Michael (m. Elizabeth Kachel, and had
one child, Elizabeth); Henry (m. Mary A. Kennedy, and had two
children, George W. and Mary); Charles (m. Christian Geiger, and
had one child, Elizabeth); Polly (m. Silas Yocom); and Abigail (m.
Eli Dickinson).
Daniel Bitler, son of. Daniel, Sr., married Eva
Freese, and became the father of eleven children, as follows: Levi;
John; Samuel; Henry; Michael; Mary; Hannah; Eva A.; Elizabeth;
Christiana and Daniel.
Henry Bitler, son of Daniel, secured his
education in the common schools of Robeson township, and was reared
to farm pursuits. On reaching maturity he engaged in farming on his
own account, purchasing a farm of fifty acres, a part of the old
Jonathan Seidle estate, which he cultivated until his death. During
the Civil war he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
served his term and received his honorable discharge. Mr. Bitler
was known as a man of sterling integrity, and was elected by his
fellow townsmen to the office of school director. In politics he
was a Republican, and his religious faith was that of the Lutheran
Church.
Mr. Bitler married Rebecca M. Haws, daughter of
Samuel Haws, and to this union were born two children: John H., who
lives on the original homestead, m. Lillian McGowan, and has one
son, Henry; and Mamie E., living on her father's farm, m. John
Kurtz, and has one child, Christian M.
p. 907
Surnames: BITLER, WOLF, BIXLER, WAMSHER, FREESE, KACHEL, KENNEDY,
CLOUSER, GIEGER, YOCUM, DICKINSON, O'NEIL, HAGY, WELLS, KEIM,
STAUFFER, KLINE, ESHELMAN, HOHL, MOYER, O'NEAL, PEIFFER, STARKE,
HADLEY, LEBO
W. H. Bitler, an auctioneer, merchant and justice of the peace of
Gibraltar, Pa., where he is known as a representative and
substantial citizen, was born March 14, 1844, in Robeson township,
Berks county, son of Elisha and Ellen (Wolf) Bitler.
Daniel Bitler, grandfather of W. H., was a
native of Robeson township, where he owned a farm of 214 acres of
land, now known as the Robeson Dairy Farm. There his death
occurred. He and his wife were Methodists in their religious
belief. Their children were: John married Susan Bixler, and had two
children, Mary and Elizabeth; Jacob m. Margaret Wamsher, and had
two children, both of whom are now deceased; Daniel m. Eva Freese,
and had eleven children, Levi, John, Samuel, Henry, Michael, Mary,
Hannah, Eva A., Elizabeth, Christiana and Daniel; Elisha; David was
never married; Michael m. Elizabeth Kachel, and had one child,
Susanna; Henry m. Mary A. Kennedy, and had two children, George W.,
and Mary (m. Simon Clouser); Charles m. Christian Geiger, and had
one child, Elizabeth; Polly m. Silas Yocum; and Abigail m. Eli
Dickinson. In politics Daniel Bitler, the father, was a stanch
Whig.
Elisha Bitler, father of W. H., was educated in
the schools of Robeson township, and remained on the home farm
until eighteen years of age, when he learned the wheelwright's
trade, an occupation which he followed in connection with farming
practically all of his life. He died in 1889, at the age of
eighty-nine years, and his wife, Ellen Wolf, in 1874. He was a
Republican in politics, and for some years served as township
auditor. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bitler, seven of
whom grew to maturity; Samuel, deceased, m. Jane O'Neil and had
children, Elias (now deceased), Benjamin, Heber, William, Jacob,
Mary E. and Annie; Sarah A. m. William Hagy and had children, Mary
E., Emma C., Anna E., William K, Sarah J., Harry B. and Irvin;
Eliza m. John Wells and had three children, Scott, Lydia and Sally;
David m. Mary Keim, and had children, Clara, Annie, Florence,
George, Elizabeth, Sally, David and Nellie; Elias m. Mary Stauffer,
and had children, Charles, William, Edward, Elmer, David and Heber;
Ellen m. Daniel Z. Kline, and had three children, Emma, Harvey and
George, M. D.; and William H. In religious belief the family were
Methodists.
William H. Bitler was educated in the schools of
Robeson township, where he taught for a period of fourteen years.
He left home at the age of eighteen years to attend Chester
Academy, and he later took a course at the Keystone State Normal
School. Engaging with the Seyfert McManus Iron Company, he worked
as puddler, but after several years he returned to farming, which
he made his chief occupation until 1901. He accumulated a fine
property of seventy-two acres, in Robeson township, and in this
year purchased the grocery stock of J. J. Eshelman, at whose old
stand he has since carried on a successful general mercantile
business. Since 1877 he has served as an auctioneer. A stanch
Republican in politics Mr. Bitler was commissioned a justice of the
peace in 1884. He and his family are Methodists. He is fraternally
connected with Union Lodge, F. & A. M., of Birdsboro, Pa., and
Washington Camp No. 592, P. O. S. of A.
On Jan 16, 1868, Mr. Bitler married Lucinda
Kennedy, daughter of Thomas Kennedy, and eight children have been
born to this union: Laura m. B. F. Hohl, and has five children,
Alice, Annie, Mabel, Willie and Laura; Charles m. Annie Moyer, and
has two children, Beulah and Oralea; Britton m. Minnie O'Neal, and
has one child, Hazel B.; Annie m. Harry Peiffer, and has three
children, Harry, Emily and Bessie; Elizabeth m. George O. Starke,
and has children, Warren, Lester, Ruth, David, Naomi and Mathew;
Mary m. Lewis Hadley, and has three sons, George W., Lester and
Noble; William K. m. Sallie Lebo, and has one son, Matthew W.; and
Harry B. m. Gussie Moyer, and has one son, Russell M.
p. 970
Surnames: BITTING, ROTHERMEL, MOYER, SAEGER, KRUM, FISHER,
REBHOLTZ, HEBENER, ZIMMERMAN, HARNER, IRWIN, KURTZ, WORLEY,
HASSLER, BERG, ADAMS, HARTMAN, BRENSINGER, POTTEIGER, MILLER,
YODER, SCHNABEL, HUYETT, CURLEY, SHANNAMAN, MINNICH
John Bitting, a well-to-do retired citizen of Shillington, Berks
county, who was for over forty years a resident of the old Bitting
homestead in Cumru township, was born July 25, 1828, four miles
south of Sunbury, Northumberland Co.. Pa., son of Jacob and Sarah
(Rothermel) Bitting.
Johannes Bitting, grandfather of John, was born
May 18, 1764, and died Sept. 25, 1829. He was a prosperous farmer
and owned the old stand which consisted of some of the best land in
the township. The Bitting farm was a valuable property, nicely
located, with good water, near the market on the Lancaster pike,
and the place was supplied with good buildings, which greatly
enhanced its appearance. Johannes Bitting's wife, Maria, was born
Dec. 22, 1766, and died Oct. 3, 1849. They had children as follows:
Daniel, born April 2, 1788, died Oct 3, 1849, married Susan Moyer
(born April 25, 1786, died March 25, 1852), daughter of Michael and
Elizabeth Moyer, and they owned and occupied the old homestead;
Susan, born April 15, 1793, died unmarried July 23, 1856; Philip,
born Dec. 1, 1795, died unmarried Feb. 1, 1824; Jacob; and Peter,
born Oct. 13, 1799, died July 2, 1875, married Maria Elizabeth
(born April 20, 1803, died July 25, 1895). Johannes Bitting and his
wife had five children: Daniel, Susan, Philip, Jacob and Peter, and
the sons' wives, and some of Johannes' grandchildren are buried in
a private burying ground, which is situated on the old home farm
and surrounded by a wall four feet high.
Jacob Bitting, father of John, was born on the
Bitting homestead in Cumru township, Dec. 10, 1797, and died Jan.
13, 1879. For some years he lived in Northumberland county, and
later removed to Dauphin county, where he farmed for seven years.
He then located in Perry county, where he kept a hotel for two
years, after which he located on the old Bitting homestead in Cumru
township, where he died in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Bitting
married Sarah Rothermel (born Jan. 2, 1802, died June 8, 1876),
daughter of Peter and Magdalena (Saeger) Rothermel. Their children
were: (1) Jeremiah, an attorney of the Berks County Bar, and from
1859 to 1862 high sheriff of Berks county, was a man of commanding
appearance, tall and well.built; he died in Philadelphia after the
Civil war. (2) Elizabeth m. Daniel Krum. (3) Charles died young.
(4) Harriet m. John Fisher, and died Dec. 18, 1906, aged
eighty-three years, twenty-one days. (5) Mary m. George Rebholtz.
(6) John. (7) Jacob and (8) Reuben died in Reading. (9) Ellen m.
Peter Hebener. (10) Susan m. (first) Peter Zimmerman, and (second)
Robert Harner.
John Bitting attended school in Perry county,
and in 1848 came with his parents to Berks county, where until 1892
he was engaged in farming. In this year he removed to Shillington,
and there has made his home to the present time. In 1890 he sold to
William J. Irwin his farm of 102 acres near the Kurtz House. To
these lands the Bittings had held title for many years. Mr. Bitting
is a hale and hearty, vivacious old gentleman, a pleasing
conversationalist, and a well-known stockman and breeder of horses.
To him and his son, Frank W., must be given much credit for the
present interest displayed in the Shillington race track, for it is
largely due to their efforts that the sport is in such a
flourishing condition. Among the horses bred by Mr. Bitting may be
mentioned: "Prince B.," 2:26 1/2, at Allentown, for which Mr.
Bitting refused $1,200; "Brush Horse," 2:35, at Reading, bred by
"Schaeffer Pony"; "Little Dan," 2:34, at Three Mile House,
Shillington, Pa.; "Ida," 2:32 1/2, at Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa.,
and "Cedar Allen," stallion, 2:48, at Kutztown Fair, bred from the
well known western horse, "The Cedar Allen of the West." All of
these horses were trained by Mr. Bitting, and were driven either by
him or by his son, Frank W. In political matters Mr. Bitting is a
Democrat.
Mr. Bitting married Elizabeth Worley, daughter
of John Worley, and to this union were born: Emma m. Joseph
Hassler; John died in 1904, aged fifty years; Mary m. Charles W.
Berg, a dairyman of Cumru township; Irwin m. Clara Hartman; Amanda
m. David Brensinger; Frank W. m. Bessie Potteiger; Lillie m. James
Miller; William m. Mattie Adams; Alice m. Elmer Yoder; Wellington
m. Katie Schnabel; Ella m. Dr. M. Luther Huyett, a well known young
physician of Shillington; and Charles m. Bertha Curley.
Frank W. Bitting was born March 23, 1862, and
was educated in the township schools, which he left at the age of
sixteen years. He was then reared on the homestead, and until
twenty-eight years of age he worked for his father. In 1890 he
located in Shillington and engaged in training horses, which he has
followed with great success to the present time, having trained
fully 200 horses, and being known throughout the State as an
excellent judge of horse flesh. Among the fast animals that have
been trained by Mr. Bitting may be mentioned the following: "Grace
C.," 2:11 1/4; "Jenny Gratten," 2:11 1/4; "Rockey P.," 2:10 1/2;
and "Kid Colyer," 2:16 1/4. When he was but fifteen years of age he
drove his father's "Ida" to 2:32 1/2 at Manheim, then considered
very good time, having driven the same mare before in her first
race at Kutztown, which she won.
Mr. Bitting was married Dec. 17, 1895, to Bessie
C. Potteiger, daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Shannaman) Potteiger
(the latter a daughter of John Shannaman), and granddaughter of
Jacob and Christian (Minnich) Potteiger (the latter a daughter of
Adam Minnich). Mr. Bitting is a member of Lodge No. 485, Knights of
Pythias, of Mohnton; Aerie No. 65, F. O. E., of Reading;
Shillington Council, No. 186, O. of I. A. Like his father he is a
Democrat. He is a good citizen of Cumru township, and was very much
interested in the incorporation of Shillington into a borough. Mr.
Bitting is very well known in his community, where he has many warm
friends.
p. 1257
Surnames: BITTNER, FESSLER, WIEST, RUTH, KEENER, KRUM, HAGEY,
SCHOFER, HENRY, ANDRUS
Daniel F. Bittner was among the leading agriculturists and large
landowners of Lower Heidelberg township who also had large
interests in Spring township, and in his death, which occurred Nov.
18, 1905, Berks county lost one of its most prominent and
influential citizens. Mr. Bittner was born Dec. 11, 1842, near
Jonestown, Lebanon county, son of Jacob and Hettie (Fessler)
Bittner.
Jacob Bittner, the grandfather of Daniel F., was
married to a Miss Wiest, and it is family tradition that he was a
native of Germany, from which country he came to America as a young
man and settled in Lebanon county. His son Jacob was a resident of
Jonestown, and carried on agricultural pursuits in Lebanon county,
where he owned a farm. He married Hettie Fessler, and their
children were: Abraham, who settled between Brunnerville and
Lititz, Lancaster county (he is still living); Jacob, who removed
to California, where he became wealthy and died unmarried; Sarah,
who married a Mr. Ruth, of near Brickerville, Lancaster county; and
Daniel F.
Daniel F. Bittner was reared upon his father's farm
in Lebanon county, where he remained until past twenty years of
age, at which time he embarked in the hotel business at Pennville,
Lancaster county, at the intersection of five roads. There he
continued for two years. For about five years he engaged in farming
and horse dealing, and he then became employed at the Lebanon
Reservoir, where he operated two horses and carts, gaining much
valuable experience in the contracting business. In the fall of
1873 Mr. Bittner came to Millersburg, where he became a foreman on
the grading of the South Mountain railroad, a position which he
held for more than three years, when he was promoted to walking
boss of his section. About this time, 1876, the road went into
bankruptcy, and Mr. Bittner removed with his family to Reading,
where he operated a local express until, in 1884, he became a
contractor in topping ground from coal beds in Schuylkill county,
an occupation which he followed with much success for a number of
years, also building a branch railroad for the Baltimore & Ohio
Company at Port Deposit, Md. -- two miles of double track. Another
large contract of Mr. Bittner's was the uncovering of the surface
in the coal districts of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company.
Mr. Bittner owned several large farms in Spring
township, one of which was a tract of 143 acres along the Berks and
Dauphin turnpike, which he purchased in 1889, and on which his
widow and daughter now reside, occupying the fine brick residence
erected by Mr. Bittner in 1891. His other Spring township farm was
a tract of 133 acres on the road leading from Sinking Spring to
Shillington, and this belongs to one of his daughters, Mrs. Clara
Henry. In addition to these he owned several very fine farms near
Denver, Lancaster county, which are still in the family, as well as
the Hull street store building and other valuable property at
Sinking Spring. Mr. Bittner was called "The People's Bank" at
Sinking Spring, where he was most highly esteemed by all who knew
him. His death occurred there, when he was aged sixty-two years,
eleven months, twenty-three days, and he was buried at the Bittner
family plot at Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, where a large
monument is erected in his memory. He was a member of Sinking
Spring Reformed Church, and in political matters was a Democrat.
On Oct. 2, 1862, Mr. Bittner was married to
Sarah Keener, daughter of George and Elizabeth Krieg Keener, of
Lebanon county, and granddaughter of George and Elizabeth (Krum)
Keener, and to this union were born ten children, as follows: Emma
married Daniel R. Hagey, of Denver, Pa.; Lizzie, deceased, was the
wife of Charles D. Schofer, of Reading; Sallie died aged six years;
Clara married Amandus E. Henry; Laura, twin sister of Clara, died
in infancy; George died Sept. 21, 1888, aged sixteen years; Edwin
and Benjamin died in infancy; Bertha married Charles H. Andrus, of
Altoona, Pa; May died aged four years.
p.
1156
Surnames: BIXENSTINE, STRICKER, NEY
Christian Bixenstine, who has been employed as a roller at the
Reading Iron Company's Oley street mill since its opening in 1896,
has lived in Reading all of his life. Mr. Bixenstine was born in
this city, Sept. 24, 1845, son of Gottleib and Elizabeth (Stricker)
Bixenstine.
Gottleib Bixenstine, a native of Wurtemberg,
Germany, came to America about 1830, and for a short time
thereafter worked at his trade of potter in Reading. Later he
engaged in hod carrying, and at this occupation and common laboring
he was employed for the remainder of his life, dying in 1885. His
wife died in 1887, the mother of children as follows: Amelia,
Charles, Sophia, Caroline, William, Louisa and Christian. In
religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Bixenstine were Lutherans, while
politically he was a Democrat.
Christian Bixenstine received a common school
education in Reading, and as a young man engaged at the old Seyfert
& McManus rolling mill, where he remained until twenty-six
years of age. At this time he engaged with the Philadelphia &
Reading iron mill, known as the old rail mill, and remained there
until the mill suspended operations, when he returned to his former
employers, and there continued until 1895. At this time the Reading
Iron Company opened its Oley street mill, and he secured employment
there as a roller, a position he has held to the present time.
In 1871 Mr. Bixenstine married Barbara Ney, and
to this union there were born four children, one of whom, Albert,
survives. He is employed at the Acme Motor Car Company. Mr.
Bixenstine is a member of Alsace Reformed Church, while his wife
and son are Lutherans. He is fraternally connected with the
Ironworker's Union and the Workmen's Society.
p. 1020
Surnames: BIXLER, BLANKENBILLER, BREIDENSTEIN, SWEITZER, SEYFRIT,
BEAM, YELK, HERTZ, GRING, ZEAMER, JACOBS, WESTLEY, WERT, MOYER,
GRIFFITH, MESSNER, HOSHOUR, RUFFNER, KOHL, MILLER, KRAMER,
SCHWEITZER, ZIEMER, HOSCHAUR, NEATHOCK, SLOUCH
For a century and a half the name of Bixler has been known among
the agricultural sections of Berks county, and today are found in
Brecknock township Augustus S. and Manasses Bixler, and in Cumru
township Joseph Bixler, all substantial and highly respected
citizens.
(I) Christian Bixler, the first of the family of whom there is
definite record, was a farmer in Robeson township, Berks county.
His will, probated in 1811, the year of his death, mentions the
following children: Henry, Abraham (who had a son, Daniel), Philip,
Jacob and Michael (who had two children, Christian and Mary, who
married Simon Blankenbiller). Daniel, son of Abraham, and
Christian, son of Michael, were both soldiers in 1781, in Capt.
Michael Wolf's company in the war of the Revolution.
(II) Philip Bixler, son of Christian, was an auctioneer in
Brecknock township. He owned considerable property, and as each of
his children married he or she was given a big farm. He is buried
in the cemetery at the Mennonite meeting-house near Allegheny. His
wife was a firm believer in Mennonite doctrines. Their children
were: Christian, born May 25, 1783; Catharine, Aug. 27, 1795;
Elizabeth, Feb. 2, 1787; Daniel, June 24, 1791; Maria, Aug. 15,
1793; Susanna, March 20, 1795; John, Sept. 21, 1798.
(III) Christian Bixler, son of Philip, born May 25, 1783, was a
farmer in Brecknock township, where he owned the old original
Bixler homestead, which consisted of upward of one hundred acres,
he also operated a sawmill. He erected a comfortable home in which
he spent his declining years, and there his death occurred in 1852.
He married Margaret Breidenstein, and they had three children, one
son and two daughters namely: Isaac; Sallie, who married William
Sweitzer; and Hannah, who married Isaac Seyfrit.
(IV) Isaac Bixler, son of Christian and father of Joseph, was born
Jan. 12, 1807, and died May 25, 1886, in the eightieth year of his
age. He was a farmer and sawmill operator in Brecknock, and was a
good man and useful citizen. In time he came into possession of his
father's farm of 120 acres and there he built a house in 1852, and
rebuilt the sawmill in 1857. He and his family belonged to the Plow
Church in Robeson township, and he was an official member of same.
He married Barbara Beam, who bore him nine children, as follows:
Manasses, who lives on the old homestead; Anna, married to Daniel
Yelk; Isaac, married to Linda Hertz; Joseph; Barbara, married to
Allison Gring; Christian, married to Ellen Zeamer; Elizabeth,
married to Samuel Jacobs; Margaret, married to John Westley; and
Catharine, married to James Westley.
(V) Manasses Bixler, son of Isaac, and a well-known citizen of
Brecknock township, was born April 24, 1836. He remained upon the
home farm until he was twenty-three years of age, when he learned
the trade of carpenter under William Seyfrit, a cousin, for whom he
worked for seven years, after which he followed it as a journeyman
many years. In 1868 he began farming on his father-in-law's farm,
where he lived twenty years. He then bought the old Bixler
homestead of 110 acres, and there he has since made his home. Since
1887 he has conducted a sawmill, which occupies him the greater
part of his time. Besides all this he finds time to repair
furniture, engage in the undertaking business, and also to keep his
farm in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Bixler is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party, and has held township offices
many years. He was assessor for nine consecutive years, auditor
several years, township clerk two years. He was deacon, and is now
elder, in the Plow Church, of which he has been a Reformed member
for many years. He is known as an honest and upright man, and has
many warm friends. In 1861 he married Sarah Wert, born March 26,
1842, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Beam) Wert. They have
become the parents of seven children: Augustus, a farmer in Robeson
township, married Ellen Moyer; Amanda married Jacob E. Griffith of
Brecknock township; Philip is at home; William, a trucker in
Brecknock township, married Margaret Hoschaur; Alvin is at home;
Charles is at home; Isaac died in infancy.
(V) Joseph Bixler, son of Isaac, now a retired merchant and farmer
of Cumru township, was born on the Bixler homestead in Brecknock
township, April 2, 1844. He was brought up on the farm and attended
the district schools, after the manner of farmers' boys of his day.
In 1870 he began farming for himself, conducting his father's farm
for three years; in 1874 he went to Caernarvon township, this
county, where he rented for six years, and then went to Robeson
township, where he farmed four years, at the end of that time
returning to his father's farm for a like period. Once again he
went to Robeson township and remained four years, after which he
bought the old Messner farm in Cumru township (1891), consisting of
144 acres, fifty-six of which are woodland. Here he has since
farmed successfully with the exception of 1905 , when he conducted
a general store, mill and his farm at Angelica. He is an up-to-date
farmer, and his buildings all of which he has erected himself, are
neat and modern. His house was built in 1894, and the barn, which
was destroyed by fire, was rebuilt in 1900. In politics Mr. Bixler
is a Democrat. His family attend the Allegheny Church.
On Nov. 6, 1870, Joseph Bixler married Hannah
Sweitzer, daughter of Daniel and Leah (Bixler) Sweitzer. Nine
children have come of this union: Aquilla died aged four years;
Howard died aged ten years; Mary married Henry Hoshour; Lillie
married Monroe Ruffner; Lewis married Emma Kohl; Edwin married Nora
Miller, of Lehigh county; Joseph died aged four years, the same day
as his brother Howard, and both were buried in one coffin, at the
Allegheny Church; Irwin and Minnie are both at home.
(III) Daniel Bixler, son of Philip and grandson of Christian, the
founder of the family in this section, was born June 24, 1791, and
became a miller and farmer in Brecknock township. He married a Miss
Wert, and they had four children, namely: Daniel, Philip, Peter and
Leah (married Daniel Schweitzer).
(IV) Peter Bixler, son of Daniel and father of Augustus S., was
born in Brecknock township, Dec. 3, 1820, and died Aug. 25, 1879.
He was a stone-mason by trade, and followed that occupation all his
life in connection with farming. He owned the farm which is now the
property of John Kramer. In politics he was a Republican. His wife
was Elizabeth Schweitzer (daughter of John), born April 3, 1820,
died Jan. 9, 1892, in the seventy-second year of her age. They were
the parents of the following children: Augustus S.; Nelson, who
conducts a portable sawmill in Berks county; Benneville, who died
aged fourteen years; Sarah, married to Peter Griffith; Mary, who
lives in Reading; John, a farmer of Robeson township; and Peter,
who lives in Reading.
(V) Augustus S. Bixler, son of Peter, was born July 16, 1846, on
his father's farm, and in the neighboring schools obtained a good
substantial education, furthering his early training in the Spring
Grove Forge Academy, in Lancaster county, where he studied during
one term. He has devoted his entire life to farming, engaging for
himself in 1887 on Samuel Z. Schweitzer's farm in Brecknock
township, where he still lives. In political faith he is a
Republican, but be takes little part in public affairs, being of a
quiet and retiring disposition. He is highly respected by all for
his sterling worth and his kindly disposition. He is a Lutheran,
and for six years was a deacon in the Allegheny Church.
On Sept. 19, 1881, Augustus S. Bixler married
Susan Hoschaur, daughter of Daniel and Amelia (Ziemer) Hoschaur.
Six children were born of this union: Lizzie married John Neathock,
of Brecknock; Samuel married Susan Schweitzer, and lives in
Brecknock township; Augustus lives at home; Stella married Clayton
Slouch, and they live with Samuel Z. Schweitzer, in Brecknock; Cora
keeps house for her father; Charles lives at home. Mrs. Bixler died
April 6, 1896.
p. 1636
Surnames: BLACHMAN, HAMEL, SCHLATTER
Paul H. Blachman, of Reading, Pa., engaged in the manufacture of
cigars at No. 116 North Ninth street, was born at Gorlitz, Germany,
Oct. 18, 1844, son of Wilhelm Blachman, an extensive cloth
manufacturer of that country. Of Wilhelm Blachman's large family of
children, but two survive, William, employed at Cramp's shipyards
in Philadelphia, but at one time located in Reading; and Paul H.
Paul H. Blachman received his education in the
schools of his native country, and prior to coming to the United
States, was engaged in bookkeeping. Mr. Blachman came to America
when twenty-three years old, landing at New York, June 14, 1867,
having made the journey in the "Cimbria." He came direct to
Reading, where his brother was then residing, but owing to the
unsettled times on account of the Civil war, he was unable to
secure work as a bookkeeper. In 1867, within six weeks time, Mr.
Blachman learned the cigar maker's trade when he engaged in
manufacturing of cigars, having continued that occupation to the
present time. In 1876 he located at Ninth and Elm streets, on the
present site of the Covenant Methodist Church, and lived there for
about seventeen years, but his place of business is now situated at
No. 116 North Ninth street, where he has resided since 1900.
In 1875 Mr. Blachman married Clara Louise
Hamel, daughter of Henry Hamel, of Saxony, Germany, and to this
union have been born: Arno Paul, a very talented musician, now
traveling all over the Western Hemisphere; Emily Emma m. to Herman
Schlatter, of Philadelphia; and Miss Helen, at home. Mr. Blachman
is a member of Teutonia Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M., having
joined that fraternity in 1888, and he has served as secretary
since 1889. He and his wife are consistent attendants of St. John's
Lutheran Church. Mrs. Blachman conducts a very complete wax floral
store at her residence, a business in which she has been
successfully engaged since 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Blachman are widely
known in their community, and are respected for their simple and
upright lives.