Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
p. 1518
Surnames: BOBST, ERNST, HELFROTH, GNAU, HAUCK, SCHULTZ, BINGAMAN,
KEMP, SPANGLER, SCHELL
One of the early settlers of Alsace township, Berks county, was
John Bobst, a large landowner and farmer there, and the family has
been represented in the county ever since. John Bobst married
Lizzie Ernest, and they both lived to reach the advanced age of
eighty-two years, both dying in Maryland. In religious belief they
were Lutherans, while in politics Mr. Bobst was a Democrat. Their
children were: Yetta, wife of Daniel Helfroth; Lizzie, who died
young; Samuel; and Daniel.
Samuel Bobst, elder son of John, was born in
Alsace township, and as he inherited the home farm his life was
spent on the old homestead, which he operated most successfully. He
married Lydia Helfroth, who bore him eleven children, namely:
Catherine and Emma both died young; Lizzie m. George Gnau; John;
Ellen, deceased, m. John Hauck; Samuel; Daniel M.; one died in
infancy; Harry is deceased; and two others died in infancy. In this
generation the family also adhered to the Lutheran faith, and Mr.
Bobst sustained the family tradition politically as a loyal
Democrat.
Samuel Bobst (2) was born on the homestead in
Alsace township, April 17, 1860, and during his boyhood attended
the public schools of that section. He remained on the farm till
his father's death in 1874, at which time he moved with his mother
to East Reading. For a time he did general work, till he secured a
place in the Philadelphia & Reading foundry, and he remained
there quite a while resigning finally to accept a place as driver
and street car conductor on the horse car line. Under the present
United Traction Company, he has been employed as a general
contractor and builder, during 1903 and 1904, and during the latter
year built seven and a half miles of the nine mile Birdsboro
branch. In 1905 he put up seven residences on South Eighteenth
street and is still actively engaged in general contracting work in
Reading, where he bears a reputation as a capable builder.
Mr. Bobst married Sarah, daughter of Samuel and
Catherine (Schultz) Bingaman, of Reading. To this union six
children have been born, namely: Gertrude m. George Kemp; Sallie m.
Simon Spangler; Charles m. Miss Bertha Schell; Florence; Kate; and
Samuel died aged eighteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Bobst are members of
the Lutheran Church. Mr. Bobst is affiliated with several fraternal
organizations, and he belongs to Camp No. 663, P. O. S., of A., and
to the Bavarians, while he is also a member of the Union Fire
Company and a trustee of that association.
p. 1368
Surnames: BOBST, BRUMBACH, HENDEL, ERMENTROUT, CLARK, HIESTER,
ROMIG, ROTZ, SMITH, SHIVELY, HOUPT, HEFFELFINGER, SWOYER, SCHMECK,
SCHOEDLER, DIENER, SWENK, BROBST
William Jacob Bobst, proprietor of a hosiery mill at Reading, was
born in Maxatawny township, near
Kutztown, Jan. 14, 1838, and died at Reading April
8, 1909. Mr. Bobst received a limited education in the public
schools near his home. While still a boy he began to work out on a
farm for his board and clothing, but his industry and perseverance
so won the esteem of his employer that he was soon paid two dollars
a month extra, which, at that time, was regarded as very much, and
evidenced the satisfactory performance of his duties. After working
on a farm until he was seventeen years old, he manifested a
preference for machinery and manufactures, and securing employment
in the woolen mills of William Brumbach in Exeter township, three
miles below Reading, he worked there for several years. Then he
sought a position in a hosiery mill at Lockport, N. Y., for the
purpose of familiarizing himself with the manufacture of hosiery,
and he remained there for a year. With this experience he located
at Reading, finding employment in the large wool hat factor of the
Hendel Brothers. After working for this firm about ten years, he
was invited to become a partner on account of his skill and steady
character, and he retained his interest in this great local
enterprise for nearly thirty years, retiring in 1893.
In 1889, while in the hat business, he started a
factory for the manufacture of hosiery, with his son William as the
manager. Guided by his long experience as a manufacturer, he made
this venture a success from the start, and the increasing orders
from different parts of the country coming to require all of his
time, he was obliged to withdraw from the firm of Hendel Bros., in
1893; and from that time he devoted his attention to the
manufacture of men's half hose. In 1895 he erected a substantial
two-story mill on Pearl street below Chestnut and equipped it with
the best machinery. He employed upward of one hundred hands, and
kept the plant running constantly, shipments being made direct to
all parts of the United States.
From his early manhood Mr. Bobst took an earnest
interest in religious affairs and identified himself with the
Evangelical Association, the church of his parents, becoming a
member of the Salem congregation at Eighth and Court streets. His
zeal and devotion won the high regard of the members, and he quite
naturally was selected to fill various positions in carrying on its
affairs, both in the Sunday-school and in the church; and his
successful efforts were evidenced by his acting as class-leader,
exhorter, and president of the trustee board for the management of
the financial affairs of the congregation, and also as president of
the steward board for the management of its ministerial affairs;
and though constantly active in the work for upward for fifty
years, he continued to be devoted to the welfare of the
congregation to the end of his life.
In 1875, when thirty-seven years old, Mr. Bobst
imbibed the commendable principles of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and became a charter member in the institution of a new
lodge, called Mt. Penn, and he kept up his membership in this lodge
until his death. In 1868 he was initiated into the mysteries of
Freemasonry by becoming a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, and he
was advanced into Excelsior Chapter and Reading Commandery of the
Knights Templars; in all of these bodies he continued an active
membership.
Notwithstanding his devotion to the church and
secret societies outside of his business, Mr. Bobst felt it his
duty as a citizen of a prosperous city like Reading to show an
active interest in the educational and municipal affairs of the
community; accordingly he was elected to serve as a common
councilman from the First ward for two terms from 1880 to 1884; and
also as a school controller from the Fourth ward for two terms from
1891 to 1899, acting as chairman of the Teachers' committee for six
years. He also officiated as president of the Aulenbach Cemetery
Company of Reading, and from that time serving the corporation in
its management.
When Mr. Bobst became of age he cast his first
ballot for Abraham Lincoln as President, and he ever after held
firmly to the Republican party. When the Civil war broke out in
1861, he espoused the great cause of Lincoln's administration, and
in 1863 when a call for special troops was made to defend the State
from the invading enemy, he enlisted in the company of independent
artillery from Reading, commanded by Capt. William C. Ermentrout,
and served a term of three months from July 3, 1863.
In 1858 Mr. Bobst married Sarah Clark, daughter
of William and Susan (Hiester) Clark, of Exeter township, and by
her he had three children: William Clark; Emma, m. to William H.
Romig; and Laura, m. to Warren Rotz.
Charles Bobst, father of William J., of
Maxatawny township, near Kutztown, was born in 1808 and learned the
trade of a weaver, which he carried on in connection with farming
for many years until shortly before his death in 1871. He was
married to Mary Smith, of the same township; and by her he had six
children: Catharine m. John Shively; William J., above; Lucy m.
John Clark; Samuel m. Leah Houpt; James m. Alice Heffelfinger; and
Jacob died unmarried.
Philip Bobst, grandfather of William J., was of
Kutztown, where he conducted a popular inn for many years, which
was largely patronized in the days of stage-coaches traveling daily
on the great thoroughfare from Reading to Easton. He was married to
Rebecca Swoyer, of the same township and a descendant of the
prominent family of that name, and by her he had six children:
Michael married a Schmeck; John married a lady whose Christian name
was Elizabeth; Samuel m. a Schoedler; Charles above; David m. Leah
Diener; and Lucy m. John Swenk. He died in 1851, aged seventy-three
years, and his wife died in 1855, aged eighty years. The family
name was formerly Brobst. The Maxatawny branch migrated from Albany
township before 1800.
p. 742
Surnames: BODEY, MENGEL, MCGRATH, LUDEN, TRUMBORE
Andrew N. Bodey, the efficient and capable manager of Luden's Candy
Factory, Reading, Pa., is one of that city's prominent and
enterprising business men. He is a son of Nelson P. Bodey, a dealer
in fruits and provisions, who died in February, 1905, ages
fifty-nine years. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, in
Company E, 151st Pa. V. I., serving nine months, and was wounded
during the second days' fighting at Gettysburg, being shot in both
legs. He suffered greatly from these wounds all the rest of his
life. Andrew N. Bodey's mother, Isabella (Mengel) Bodey, died when
he was three years old, he having been the only child born to this
union. Nelson P. Bodey's second wife, Clara, bore him five
children, two of whom are now living: Norman, and Addie, the wife
of Harry McGrath.
Andrew Nelson Bodey was born Nov. 30, 1866, and
was educated in the public schools of Reading. His first business
was as a cabinet finisher, and he continued at this for about ten
months, after which he engaged with W. H. Luden, the manufacturing
confectioner. He learned the business, and, step by step, worked
himself up, until he now holds the responsible position of manager,
being at the head of 450 people.
Mr. Body was married, Jan. 11, 1890 to Sallie
Trumbore, daughter of Andrew and Diana Trumbore, of Reading. Four
children have been born to this union: Harry, who died when one and
one-half years old; and Norman, Walter and Carl, all at school. Mr.
Bodey belongs to the Sons of Veterans, the P. O. S. of A., and the
Knights of Friendship. He is a member of Zion's German Reformed
Church. Mr. Body is independent in politics. He makes his home at
No. 126 Windsor Street.
p. 1025
Surnames: BODEY, KOENIG, LEIZE, EPLER, TOBIAS, DUNKELBERGER,
MOSER, LEINBACH, ALTHOUSE, FISHER, ROTHENBERGER, DUNKELBERGER
Benton K. Bodey is the owner of a valuable tract of fifty-five
acres in Bern township, Berks county, and is engaged successfully
in its cultivation. He was born in Muhlenberg township, same
county, May 8, 1859, son of Nathan and Ann (Koenig) Bodey. Henry K.
Bodey, grandfather of Benton K., was a son of Heinrich Bodey, a
native of Germany. He became a successful farmer in Muhlenberg
township, owning two farms there, of sixty acres each, near Leize's
Bridge, and close to Bodey's school-house. The latter was so named
because of the large number of the name attending there. Mr. Bodey
was born Nov. 27, 1800, and died Sept. 8, 1861, and is buried at
Epler's Church. His wife, Elizabeth Tobias, whom he married Jan.
11,
1824, was born Dec. 20, 1803, and died May 24,
1845. Their children were: John, born Aug. 27, 1828, lived on the
homestead, and died Jan. 3, 1894; Nathan is mentioned below; Henry,
born Jan. 1, 1839, lived on his father's other farm, and died April
11, 1882; Matilda m. Samuel Dunkelberger; and Eliza m. Frank Moser,
of Muhlenberg. Nathan Bodey, son of Henry K., was born in
Muhlenberg township, July 8, 1836, and became a farmer in Bern
township, owning ninety-seven acres of land now the property of
Wellington Leinbach. He died Dec. 29, 1893, and was buried at
Epler's Church, of which both he and his wife were members, and in
which he served as a deacon. He married Ann Koenig, daughter of
Christil Koenig, a farmer of Bern township. Their children were:
Benton K. and John H. K., the latter of Reading. Benton K. Bodey
was reared to farm work, and on reaching maturity adopted it as his
life work. He began for himself in 1892, farming the Cyrus Althouse
farm in Bern township, and continuing there for eleven years. In
the spring of 1904 he came into possession of the William Fisher
homestead, on which are good substantial buildings, and the whole
place is in excellent condition. In 1905 Mr. Bodey erected an
addition to the barn of 36 x 58 feet. He keeps four horses and
seven head of cattle. Mr. Bodey gives his ballot in support of the
men and measures of the Democratic party. He and his family are
Reformed members of Epler's church. On Aug. 13, 1881, Mr. Bodey was
married to Ellen R. Fisher, daughter of William and Catharine
(Rothenberger) Fisher, of the oldest families in the district. Two
children have been born to this union, namely: Katie R.
Dunkelberger and Annie R.
p. 861
Surnames: BODY, BRUNNER, ERMENTROUT, ESTERLY, GAUL, GEIGER,
GERNANT, HERBEIN, HORNBERGER, LASH, MATZ, REESER, SCHEARER,
SCHWEITZER, SHEARER, SMITH, TITLOW
Augustus G. BODY, a prominent citizen of Shillington, Pa., who is
now living retired after many years spent in the hotel business in
Cumru township, was born Jan. 13, 1847, in this township, son of
John and Mary (Gaul) Body.
Johannes Peter Body, the grandfather of Augustus
G., lived in Alsace Township, where he was a lifelong farmer, and
where he is buried at the Gernant's cemetery. He was born in
Holland, and when seven years of age came with his parents to this
country, owning a farm in Alsace (now Muhlenberg) Township. He was
married three times, and his children were
as follows: Henry (who died on the old homestead
in Muhlenberg Township in 1848, the father of George, Esther,
Polly, Catherine and Sarah), Mr. John Titlow (of Reading, who went
to San Francisco, and there died three days
later), Mrs. Shearer, Mrs. Herbein, and John
(father of Augustus G.), all by the first wife, and the following
by the second wife: Abraham; Daniel (who had a son Andrew); George;
Peter, who lived in Muhlenberg Township, where he owned land and
sold the same in 1813 to Henry Body; and two daughters, whose names
are unknown.
John Body, father of Augustus G., was born in
1810, and was a well-known farmer in Cumru Township, where he had a
145 acre farm of excellent land, a part of which is now embraced in
the town of Edison. He died July 27, 1878, a well-known and highly
esteemed citizen. He served in various township offices, including
that of supervisor, and was a member of the Reformed denomination
of Sinking Spring Church. He married Mary Gaul, daughter of Peter,
and to this union there were born children as follows: Henry, born
Dec. 25, 1834, died April 27, 1907, was a farmer in Cumru Township,
and a hatter by trade; Kate m. Enoch Gaul, a farmer of North
Heidelberg Township; Richard m. Ellen Schweitzer, and is a farmer
and well-known politician of Berks County; John G., and Augustus G.
John G. Body was born on his father's farm in
Cumru Township, July 6, 1844, and for the past forty-five years has
been working as a boss carpenter, erecting many buildings in Lower
Berks County, and in Schuylkill County, he having lived at Ashland
for eight years. He was assistant steward of the Berks County Alms
House from 1875 until 1878, and he then engaged in the hotel
business at Womelsdorf, continuing there for two years, in 1888
returning to Shillington, where he has since made his home, being
engaged at his trade. He has been prominent in politics for some
years, being postmaster of Shillington for four years during
Cleveland's second administration, and in 1907 he was elected
township supervisor of Cumru. Mr. Body was twice married, his first
wife being Sarah Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, of Wernersville,
and they had these children: Harry, Maggie L., and Annie, who died
in infancy; Eva, who lives in Reading; Adam S., who was associated
with the Reading Eagle for some years and also taught school in
Cumru Township; and Jennie, who resides in Shillington. Mr. Body's
second marriage was to Emeline Matz, Sept. 5, 1896. One son, John,
was born to this union.
Augustus G. Body was reared upon the farm of his
father, for whom he worked until starting out in life on his own
account. He obtained his education in the public schools of Cumru
Township, Prof. D. B. Brunner's Business College on North Fifth
Street, Reading, and the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown,
which latter institution he attended under the principalship of
Prof. John S. Ermentrout. He began teaching at the Cedar Top School
in Cumru Township, being only seventeen years of age at the time,
and after two years there taught one year at White's and three at
the Five Mile House, having secured his license from Judge James N.
Ermentrout, President Judge of the Berks County Courts. In 1873 Mr.
Body engaged in the hotel business at the Five Mile House in Cumru
Township, which he conducted for two years, spending a like period
in farming the Joseph Hornberger property. In 1877 he removed to
the Yellow House, in Amity Township, where he remained for thirty
consecutive years, gaining a reputation for honesty and integrity
throughout this section of the state, his intimate friends
including the leading business and professional men of
Pennsylvania. Kindly and genial, quick to make friends and slow to
lose them, Mr. Body made an ideal host, and his hostelry was one of
the best known and most popular in the county. It was frequented by
the best class of people, among whom Mr. Body's famous chicken and
waffle suppers, enlivened by good music furnished by Mr. Body's
daughters, were great favorites. In the spring of 1907, Mr. Body
sold out his business to John M. Schearer and retired to
Shillington, where he erected a handsome brick residence on New
Holland Avenue, near Lancaster Avenue. Mr. Body is a Reformed
member of St. John's Church at Sinking Spring, the rest of the
family being identified with St. Paul's Amity Church. In politics
he is a Democrat, and has been active in the ranks of his party,
serving on numerous occasions as delegate to county conventions.
On Dec. 27, 1872, Augustus G. Body married
Rebecca G. Lash, daughter of William and Maria Lash, of Spring
Township, and to this union there have been born nine children, as
follows: Mary m. William Reeser, a merchant at Yellow House;
Howard, a dairyman at the Yellow House m. Alice Esterly; George
died in infancy; John W. H., also a dairyman at the Yellow House,
m. Bertha Herbein; Alice, an accomplished musician, is engaged in
music teaching and resides at home with her parents; Dora, a school
teacher at Locust Dale, Pa., m. Chester Geiger; Laura is also a
music teacher; and Cleveland and Daniel died in infancy.
p. 1673
Surnames: BOHN, KRICK, WOOMER, FIDLER, GRETH, GRUBER, MOYER, KLINE,
LENGEL, DUNDORE, MILLER
ADAM K. BOHN, a retired farmer of North Heidelberg township, Berks
county, was born Nov. 27, 1852, son of Adam and Hannah (Krick)
Bohn.
The first of the Bohn family in America was John
Jacob Bohn, who arrived at Philadelphia from Rotterdam, Sept. 21,
1742.
Frederick Bohn, son of John Jacob, married a
Miss Woomer, Frederick Bohn lived in Heidelberg township. He made
his will April 14, 1814, and he died that same year. His executors
were George, David and Frederick Bohn; and the witnesses, Philip
Fidler and Joseph Greth. The children mentioned in this will were;
George; Frederick; David; Philip; John; Elizabeth; Adam (taxable in
Bern township in 1759); and Christina.
George Bohn, son of Frederick, is buried at the
Bern Church. His children were: Adam, Susan, Amos, and a daughter
who married a Gruber.
Adam Bohn, son of George, was born in Bern
township, where he remained until 1840, when he moved to North
Heidelberg, there to pass the remainder of his life engaged in
farming. He married Hannah Krick, of Spring township, and they had
eight children; One who died in infancy unnamed; Edward K.;
Matilda, who died young; Mary Ann; Amelia, deceased; Sarah C.;
Rebecca, who married Frank Moyer, engaged in the cold storage
business in Philadelphia; and Adam K., who is mentioned below. Adam
Bohn, the father, died March 17, 1893, and the mother passed away
June 16, 1892. They are both buried at Hain's Church.
Adam K. Bohn was reared to manhood upon his
father's farm, and gave his services to his parents until he was of
age. He then purchased the Frederick Kline estate of twenty-five
acres of good land, in the eastern end of the township, one mile
from the Corner church. There he has since made his home. He has
also become the owner of a tract of seven acres on which is a set
of buildings. He has been industrious and thrifty, has become well
to do, and is looked upon as one of the substantial men of his
community. He is a Democrat, but beyond taking a good citizen's
interest in public affairs has never been active in politics. He is
a Reformed member of Hain's Church, and his wife is a Lutheran
member of the Corner Church. He has served as deacon and also as
elder.
On Oct. 8, 1873, Mr. Bohn married Otillia E.
Lengel, daughter of Levi and Catharine (Dundore) Lengel, and
granddaughter of Jacob and Susanna (Miller) Lengel and of Adam
Dundore. To this union has been born one son, Nathaniel Oscar, born
Oct. 9, 1874, who resides at home, and whose children are Earl S.
and Annie M.
p. 864
Surnames: BOHN, KRICK, WOOMER, FIDLER, GRETH, GRUBER, MOYER,
LENGEL, WARNES, WINCKLEPLECK, BRIEL, AKE, RITTENHOUSE, LAMM,
WARTMAN, HILL, SNYDER, MILLER, BENDER
EDWARD K BOHN, a representative farmer of Berks county, now living
retired in the enjoyment of the competence won by years of patient
industry, was born in Spring township, this county, May 4, 1835,
son of Adam and Hannah (Krick) Bohn.
The first of the Bohn family in America was John
Jacob Bohn, who arrived at Philadelphia from Rotterdam, Sept 21,
1742.
Frederick Bohn, son of John Jacob married a Miss
Woomer. Frederick Bohn lived in Heidelberg township. He made his
will April 14, 1814, and he died that same year. His executors were
George, David and Frederick Bohn; and the witnesses, Philip Fidler
and Joseph Greth. The children mentioned in this will were: George;
Frederick; David; Philip; John; Elizabeth; Adam (taxable in Bern
township in 1759); and Christina.
George Bohn, son of Frederick is buried at Bern
church. His children were: Adam, Susan, Amos and Eva (who married
Michael Gruber).
Adam Bohn, son of George was born in Bern
township, and that place was his home until 1840, with the
exception of two years passed in Spring township, when he moved to
North Heidelberg, there to pass the remainder of his life engaged
in farming. He married Hannah Krick, of Spring township, and they
had eight children; one that died in infancy unnamed; Edward K.;
Matilda, Mary Ann, Amelia, and Sarah C. are all deceased; Rebecca
m. Frank Moyer, who is engaged the cold storage business in
Philadelphia; and Adam m. Otillia Lengel, and has a son Nathaniel.
Adam Bohn, the father, died March 17, 1893, and his wife passed
away June 16, 1892. They are buried at Hain's church.
Edward K. Bohn received his early education in
the township schools, supplementing this with a year at Washington
Hall, in Trappe, Montgomery county. After leaving school he
returned to the home farm, and for twenty-three years engaged in
its cultivation. In 1881 he bought a farm of seventy-three acres,
moving on it the following year, and in 1888 he bought the
adjoining farm of 114 acres, and this his son Daniel W. operates
also conducting a dairy. There is now one silo on it in operation,
and another is being contemplated. Mr. Bohn has retired from active
work now, and his only business is looking after his real estate
holdings.
On March 10, 1858, Mr. Bohn was married to
Catherine Warnes, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 15,
1845, daughter of George and Mary (Wincklepleck) Warnes; the
former, a farmer in Holmes county, Ohio, died in 1847. Mrs. Bohn
had one sister, Angeline, who became the wife of Henry Briel. To
Edward K. Bohn and wife were born nine children as follows: (1)
George W., born May 23, 1859, died Sept 8, 1873. (2) Milton, born
Sept. 7, 1860, graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1883, and
taught seven years in the Pennsylvania State College. He now is
engaged in slate roofing at Norfolk, Va., his business being
incorporated under the name of Bohn roofing and Cornice Company.
They employ from twenty to forty men. He married (first) Charlotte
Ake, who died in September 1900 leaving three children: Catherine
Mary, Richard Ake and Edward Howe. By his second wife, Hannah
Rittenhouse, he has a daughter, Anna. (3) Daniel, born Oct. 25,
1861, graduated from the Reading Business College in 1882. He
married Lizzie Lamm, and has had three children, Bertha C., who
died young; Henry E. and Catherine. (4) Henry W., D. .D. S. born
Sep. 25, 1865, was educated at Trappe College and the University of
Pennsylvania, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession
at Reading, his well appointed offices being at No. 34 North Ninth
street. He married Jennie Wartman. (5) Mary, born Feb 24, 1867,
married Frank N. Hill, of Chester county, Pa., and they have three
children; Milton, Lizzie and Ella May. (6) Wellington, born Sept.
1, 1868, graduated in the electrical engineering course from the
Pennsylvania State College in 1892, and is now in partnership with
his brother, Milton, at Norfolk Va., (7) Elizabeth, born Nov. 19,
1872, engaged in dressmaking until her marriage with Howard L.
Snyder, a farmer on his father-in-law's farm, and she has one
child, Myrtle. (8) Edward, D. D. S., born Sept. 18, 1875, graduated
from the University of Pennsylvania, June 9, 1897, and is engaged
in practice at No. 715 Washington street, Reading. He married
Jennie Miller, daughter of Adam Miller, and they have one daughter,
Dorothy, and one son, J. Russel. (9) Amelia, born Oct. 8, 1876, was
educated in the Keystone State Normal School. She married Daniel
Bender, of Annville, Pa., who was killed on the railroad in May,
1906 and had on son Harold. Mrs. Catherine (Warnes) Bohn died March
28, 1906, aged sixty-four years, eleven months, fourteen days, and
was buried at Hain's church. Mr. Bohn takes a very great interest
in public affairs, and for ten years served as school director. He
is a Democrat in principle, but on local issues is not bound by
party ties. He has always worked in the interest of the Granges,
organizing all but one in the county. He belongs to Welcome Home
Grange No. 551 in Robesonia. He is a member of the Reformed church,
as was also his wife, and he was deacon and elder for many years.
Mr. Bohn has many friends throughout the county.
p.
1581
Surnames: BOHN, WOOMER, FIDLER, GRETH, REEDY, RIEDE, BROSSMAN,
AHRENS, HINNERSHITZ, UNGER, BARR, BOYER, DREIBELBIS, BECKLEY
The Bohn family of Berks county, to which the late Jeremiah B.
Bohn, of Lower Heidelberg township, belonged, is descended from
John Jacob Bohn, who arrived at Philadelphia from Rotterdam, Sept.
21, 1742.
Frederick Bohn, son of John Jacob, married a
Miss Woomer. He lived in Heidelberg township. He made his will
April 14, 1814, and died that same year. His executors were George,
David, and Frederick Bohn, the witnesses Philip Fidler and Joseph
Greth. The children mentioned in this will were: George (who is
buried at Bern Church), Frederick, David, Philip, John, Elizabeth
(unmarried), Adam and Christina. There was an Adam Bohn who was a
taxable in Bern township in 1759.
Philip Bohn, son of Frederick, born March 24,
1781, died Aug. 11, 1861, aged eighty years, four months, seventeen
days. He was a well-known farmer in Lower Heidelberg township,
Berks county, where he died and he and his wife were buried at
Hain's Church. He married Elizabeth Reedy or Riede, born in 1794,
died in 1854, and they had the following named children; Isaac,
Polly, Lydia, Susan, Julian, Louisa, Sophia and Eveline.
Isaac Bohn, son of Philip was a farmer in Lower
Heidelberg township and owned a large quantity of land there. He
died at the age of seventy-seven years, and is buried at Hain's
Church. He was twice married, his first wife being a Brossman, his
second an Ahrens, and by the first union there were children as
follows: Amelia, Sarah, Mary (deceased), Franklin, Reiley, Thomas
and Jeremiah B. No children were born to the second marriage.
Jeremiah B. Bohn, son of Isaac, was born March
31, 1850 in Lower Heidelberg township and died July 18, 1902, aged
fifty-two years, three months, eighteen days. When a young man he
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years
before he commenced farming, which he carried on in both Lower
Heidelberg and North Heidelberg townships. He was the owner of two
fine farms, one located in each of the townships named, having a
total of 210 acres of valuable land. He died on his place in North
Heidelberg township. Mr. Bohn was a well-known and much esteemed
citizen, and at the time of his death was serving in the office of
township school director. He was a Democrat in political sentiment.
A prominent member of the Hain's Reformed Church, he served as
elder of same.
Mr. Bohn was twice married, first to Viola
Hinnershitz, by whom he had two children; Isaac C., a machinist, of
Brownsville; and Katie E., wife of William F. Unger, of
Brownsville. Mr. Bohn's second marriage in 1883 was to Mary A.
Barr, daughter of Isaac Barr, and to them were born four children,
three of whom survive: Morris C; Annie L. wife of Clement Boyer of
Wernersville, Pa.; and David F., unmarried, who resides at
Wernersville.
Morris C. Bohn, born Jan. 15, 1885, in Lower
Heidelberg township, attended the public schools and learned
farming under his father. In time he was put in charge of his
father's North Heidelberg farm, which he managed for three years,
after which he worked at the carpenter's trade a year. In the
spring of 1906 he engaged in the hotel business, buying his present
stand at Brownsville, in Lower Heidelberg township, from Moses K.
Balthaser. His establishment is known as the "Farmers Hotel," and
is an up-to-date place, beautifully located on a fine drive eight
miles from the city of Reading, and surrounded by a fine growth of
trees. Mr. Bohn knows the wants of the traveling public and is
conscientious in his desire to serve his patrons honorably, doing
everything possible for their comfort. He has eighteen acres of
valuable land in connection with the hotel property.
Mr. Bohn married Miss Elizabeth M. Dreibelbis,
daughter of Isaac and Ida (Beckley) Dreibelbis, and they have had
three children: Lloyd I., Howard J. and Rufus S. Mr. Bohn is a
Reformed member of the Hain's Church. In political opinion he is a
Democrat, but he is not active in party work.
p. 1396
Surnames: BOLICH, ARNOLD, KOHLER, FISHER, LEIDY, ALLSBACH, SECHLER,
KISTLER, WANAMAKER, SEIDEL, BAILEY, GERHARD, HENDRICK, YENSER,
TREXLER, HEILMAN, LEVAN
The Bolich family is an old one in Berks county, and was founded in
America by the great-great-grandfather of Reuben W. Bolich.
Andraes Bolich was a native of the German
Palatinate and crossed the ocean with 171 other passengers on the
ship "Neptune," which landed at Philadelphia Sept. 24, 1754. It is
not known where he spent the intervening time, but it is of record
that he settled in Greenwich township, Berks county, some time
after 1765. He was a tiller of the soil and a man of decided German
characteristics. His will, recorded in Book A, page 11, is of
record March 16, 1780, and he died the following month. To his son
Andrew (Andraes) were bequeathed the plantation and all the
implements, and he was to pay 300 sterling to his seven sisters in
installments. An item appears in the will which evidently shows the
favorite daughter, reading, "My daughter, Dorothea, shall have a
yearling heifer," so many pounds of flax, beef, etc. The will
contains as witnesses the names of Philip Arnold and Benedict
Kohler, who will be recognized as early pioneers of the county.
Andraes Bolich, son of the ancestor, lived in
Greenwich township, with his wife Margaretha, and among their
children, whose names do not appear, were Johan and Michael. The
latter settled in the vicinity of Ashland, Schuylkill country,
where he owned a large estate, and where his descendants now
reside, - Michael Bolich of Mount Carmel, being one of them.
The Federal Census Report of 1790 recorded
Andraes Bolich a resident of Greenwich township, and the head of a
family consisting of his wife, one son under sixteen, and four
daughters.
One Peter Bolich was a private in the
Revolution; was for fourteen days in Captain John Robinson's
Company, of Berks county, in October 1781.
John Bolich, the grandfather was born in
Greenwich township Feb. 4, 1784, son of Andreas (2). He passed his
life in East Brunswick township, Schuylkill country, where he died
1867. He also was of the agricultural class, clearing away the
forest for his large farm of 200 acres, this property having since
been divided in two. He was a man who took an active interest in
the public affairs of the district. He is buried at Friedens
Church, near New Ringgold. His wife was Catharine Fisher, born in
Greenwich township, Sept 27, 1789, "at eight o'clock in the
morning," her sponsors being Heinrich and Catharine Fisher, and she
was the daughter of Frederick and Anna Maria (Leidy ) Fisher, of
Greenwich township. Their marriage occurred Oct. 13, 1807, and they
had children born to them as follows: Susanna, born 1809 m. Joseph
Allsbach; Johannes, 1811, m. Hannah Sechler; Catharine, 1813;
Daniel, 1814; George, 1816; Samuel, 1817; Maria, 1819; William,
1820; Hannah, 1822; Christina, 1823 died 1841; Sarah, 1825;
Benjamin, 1826; Joseph, 1831.
George Bolich was born in East Brunswick,
Schuylkill country, Oct. 11, 1816. He died Jan. 29, 1902, and he is
buried with his wife at Bolich's churchyard in Eckville, Albany
township. This church was named after George Bolich, he having
donated the land on which it was built. George Bolich was one of
the industrious and prosperous farmers of his day. He was one of
the stalwart Republicans of the county, and though he never sought
office he was ever ready to stand for the principles he had
espoused. He was devoutly pious, having been the leading spirit in
the establishment of Bolich's church, contributing $1,000 toward
its erection, in addition to the ground on which it is built. His
whole religious life was wrapped up in his church, and he served it
with devotion. Mr. Bolich came to Albany township about 1849 from
East Penn township, Schuylkill country, where for five years he had
operated a grist-mill. He purchased the farm now cultivated by his
son Reuben, where he continued to reside until his demise. The wife
and mother was Priscilla Wanamaker, of Lynnport, Leigh country,
daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Kistler) Wanamaker. They reared
the following family: Samuel, the eldest son, died aged
forty-seven; Caroline m. Jacob Seidel; William resides at
Drehersville; John, Amadus, Priscilla and Sarah died young; George
is living at Drehersville; Alice m. Daniel Bailey; Jacob died aged
seventeen; Reuben W. is the youngest.
Reuben W. Bolich has spent his life in Albany
township, where he was born March 4, 1865. He was reared under the
parental roof. His education was such as could be secured in the
district schools of his day, but he has supplemented it with that
education which comes from careful reading and an observant mind;
and he is one of the substantial men of his community. He began
farming for himself in the spring of 1891, on the old homestead,
and has met with merited success. The old homestead contains now
220 acres. It was originally a "Gerhard" farm, and has somewhat of
a romantic history, dating from the French and Indian war. The
Gerhards lived on it at that time, and as this was on the frontier,
the Indian made it the scene of one of their murderous, predatory
raids. The house was burned, together with Jacob Gerhard and two of
his daughters. It is of interest to note that their site of this
house was where the present pig-sty now stands. This part of the
Gerhard farm was later known as the Michael Hendrick estate, from
which it was purchased in 1840 by George Bolich, it then consisting
of 243 acres. It came into the possession of its present owner in
1899 by purchase. It is fertile, and has good buildings. Mr. Bolich
plants from fifteen to twenty acres of potatoes, the specialty in
his section. The present residence was built in 1875 by his father.
It occupies the site of a log house which is said to have been
built as early as 1756, and which stood until 1875. The present
barn was built in 1896, by George Bolich.
Reubin W. Bolich married at Albany, Oct. 31,
1891, Miss Emma Yenser, daughter of Moses and Fietta (Trexler)
Yenser, and a granddaughter of George and Mary (Heilman) Yenser,
residents of Lenhartsville. One daughter was born to this
union,-Amelia Alice Bolich.
The Yensers are a German family of the county,
who have lived for many years in the vicinity of Wessnersville.
Besides, Mrs. Bolich, there were in the family; Sara (m. Albert D.
Levan); William died at the age of twenty-six and had one son,
George.
Mrs. Bolich is a lady of education and
refinement. Her early education was secured in the common schools.
Later she attended the Keystone State Normal at Kutztown. She then
taught school successfully for some five years. Since her marriage
she has interested herself in the intellectual life of the
community. Mr. Bolich is a member of the Evangelical Association,
at what is known as "Bolich" or "Eckville" church, of which he is a
class-leader and official. Mrs. Bolich is a Lutheran member of New
Bethel Church.
The annual reunions of the Bolich family are
largely attended, the last one, the fifth, being held at
Drehersville.
p. 1370
Surnames: BOLLMAN, FISHER, HENDEL, GAUL, CORDEMAN, LUFT, MAHNADER,
BEHM, SAND, MOYER
Lewis Bollman, one of the highly esteemed citizens of Hyde Park,
Berks county, who served three three-year terms as tax collector of
Muhlenberg township, was born Dec. 5, 1842 in Cumru township, Berks
county, son of John and Mary (Fisher) Bollman, and died there April
8, 1908.
Jacob Bollman, grandfather of Lewis, was a
native of Berks county, and owned and operated a farm near Sinking
Spring, in which locality he spent his life. He and his wife, whose
name is not remembered, were the parents of these children; George,
m. Sarah Fisher; Susan m. Levi Hendel; Barbara m. Absalom Fisher;
and John. In religious belief the family were Reformed. Politically
Mr. Bollman was a Whig.
John Bollman inherited the farm formerly owned
by his father, which is now known as the Reuben Gaul estate, and
here he spent a few years, but on account of bad management was
forced to give up his farm and engage in common laboring. He died
in 1863, when fifty-four years of age, his wife surviving until her
sixty-ninth year. Both were members of the Reformed church, and the
parents of these children: Sarah m. George Cordeman; Leonard, who
died single, was a soldier in the civil war; being a member of the
128th Reg., Durell's Battery; Catherine m. Benjamin Luft; Lewis;
Mary m. Isaac Behm; Emma m. William D. Sand; and Samuel died young.
Mr. Bollman was a Whig; but never was the holder of any public
office.
Lewis Bollman was educated in the schools of
Sinking Spring, which he attended winters, and in the summer
months, from the age of eight years he engaged at laboring for
$1.50 per month until 1862, when he enlisted as a substitute for
William Mahnader, in Co. E 167th P. V. Durell's Battery, in which
he continued to serve until the close of the war, having an
honorable and gallant record. On his return from the war, he became
the driver of a six-mule-team for the Clymer Iron Company, with
which firm he continued about two years, and then engaged with
Leisz and Schrack, lumbermen, who were operating in the Blue
Mountains. He remained with this concern for several years, and
then found employment in the Philadelphia and Reading rail mill, in
which he continued until Coffoth & Sailor took charge thereof,
and then with these gentlemen until they suspended business. He
then engaged in farming for himself for three years, but
subsequently engaged at Wilhelm's Bolt and Nut Works, and continued
with this company until it was closed in 1808. At this time Mr.
Bollman was elected tax collector of Muhlenberg township, and he
served his third three-year term in this office, while he was also
roadmaster by appointment of the board of supervisors. Mr. Bollman
was a Democrat in his political belief, being the only member of
his family to vote with that party.
Fraternally Mr. Bollman was connected with
Washington Camp No. 68 P. O. S. of A., and Nathan Hale Commandery
of that order; and with Lodge No. 372, K. G. E. He was also a
member of Durell's Battery Association. He was a member of Grace
Alsace Reformed church, in which he had been an elder.
Mr. Bollman married Rebecca Moyer, daughter of
Jacob Moyer.
p.
418
Surnames: BOND, STUMP, YENSER MOYER, BOYER, DIEHL, TAYLOR, STUMPFF,
GROVE, MANN, SCHUMUCKER, SCHMIDT, DUBBS, SCHAUM, MUHLENBERG,
STUMPF, FOCHT, TREXLER, LEIBY, MILLER, DIETRICH, YENSER, ECKERT,
CHRIST,NAGLE, CHRISTMAN, KAUFMAN, GREENAWALT, ZIEGLER, BAER, KECK,
BREHM, HAMAKER, HORINE, HORN, BERND, RAKER, HUMBERT, SNYDER, KREBS,
BIERY, GRUMBEIN, SMOLL, SCHANTZ
William Franklin Bond is of mixed English and Pennsylvania-German
blood, son of Edwin Bond and Catharine Anne (Stump). He was born
Oct. 31, 1861, the anniversary of the German Reformation, in
Greenwich township, Berks Co., Pa. Near Lenhartsville, a township
noted for teachers who have become ministers of the Lutheran and
Reformed Churches.
Edward Bond, his paternal grandfather, emigrated
to America with several older brothers, John and Thomas, from
Longington, on the Itching rivulet, a branch of the Avon river, in
Warwickshire, England, ten miles from Coventry and eight from
Warwick, near the place where Shakespeare was born. These three
brothers, with a number of other English emigrants sailed from
Liverpool in the vessel "Montezuma," landing in Philadelphia June
14, 1829. Being craftsmen in wood and iron industries, Grandfather
Bond and his brothers sought employment in Schuykill county, then
new territory, in which much construction work was going on, the
coal production being yet however, in its infancy -- though the
mining of the "black diamond" was the excitement of the country at
that time, attracting adventurous laborers from all over the world.
The older brothers, John and Thomas, having been married, later on
settled in Tamaqua, where Bond's drug store and Bond's blacksmith
shop are well known to this day. Grandfather Edward Bond came
across the Atlantic as a single young man and remained settled at
Port Clinton in the Schuykill Water Gap, the very "port" or mouth
of the anthracite coal region. There he married Miss Mary Magdalene
Yenser, reported to have been of German-French descent.
It was at Port Clinton that Edwin Bond, the
father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Feb. 22, 1839.
When he was only nine years old his mother died, and his father, a
carpenter, lost his life by accident, Aug 25, 1854, while working
on a bridge of the Little Schuykill railroad. He helped to
construct that road, which was at first laid with wooden rails,
covered with iron sheathing. The coal cars were moved originally
with horse-power. An interesting incident is remembered in this
connection, which shows that the Bonds early took an active
interest in public education. It is known that the adoption of the
public school system was originally submitted to the voters of the
various precincts. The cause had been several times before the
voters, but had been as often defeated in the Port Clinton
district. It so happened that a deep snow fell the night before
another election, when the matter was before the voters again, and
the anti-public school party not being on their guard, John Bond
one of the emigrant brothers, who furnished some half dozen or more
teams to haul coal down the Little Schuykill, on the morning of
election day said to his men: "Now, boys, this is our opportunity.
We can't haul coal today. Let's haul pro-school voters to the
polls." They did; and the result was that the public schools were
adopted in that precinct somewhat earlier than in the adjoining
districts, and it became a leader in the line of progress and
enterprise.
When yet a half orphan Edwin Bond was
temporarily placed by his father with James Moyer, a wholesale
cigar dealer and manufacturer of Hamburg, this county. When his
father so soon also died, he was given a more permanent home at his
own request by his maternal uncle, George Yenser, who lived in
Albany township, Berks county. Thus by a strange coincidence the
father of our subject, Edwin Bond, was confirmed in the Lutheran
faith in the same New Bethel Church of Albany in whose cemetery the
remains of his great-great-grandfather, Hans Georg Stump, were
resting. Later George Yenser moved to Greenwich township, near
Lenhartsville, where he became a prosperous farmer and was one of
the prime movers in the erection of the Friedens Evangelical
Lutheran and Reformed Church of that place.
Though early deprived of parental love and
influence, Edwin Bond did not forget, as Moses in Egypt did not,
the religion taught by his mother. He was of a pious and devoted
turn of heart and mind. Edwin's brother, John Bond, left the drug
store to his namesake in Tampaqua and moved to Kansas. A younger
brother, George, has lived for many years in Fort Wayne, Ind.,
where he invented a practical feature of the air-brake system.
There were three sisters: Ellen, who died a few years ago in
Pottsville, Katie, wife of Jacob Boyer, of Lewistown, and Sarah,
wife of Frank Diehl, of St. Clair, the latter two still living in
Schuykill county.
Whilst our subject is the third generation in
this country of paternal English descent, he is the fifth
generation as to his maternal German lineage. The first maternal
ancestor in America was John George Stump, who emigrated from
Germany, it is believed from Wurtenberg, between the years 1717 and
1720. Bayard Taylor, in his "History of Germany," states (pp.
437-444) that this was a trying period for many German citizens,
when the rude and arbitrary Frederick William I. Ruled over
Prussia. "The collective history of the German States-for we can
hardly say 'History of Germany,' when there really was no
Germany-at this time, is a continuous succession of wars and
diplomatic intrigues, which break out in one direction before they
are settled in another." The War of the Spanish Succession raging
along the Rhine kept the southern part of Germany in a state of
convulsion for some years. The luxury, jealousy and extravagance of
the petty princes made life hard for the common people. "In
Wutermberg the Duke Eberhard Ludwig so oppressed the people that
many of them emigrated to America between the years 1717 and 1720
and settled in Pennsylvania." This history well corresponds with
what our subject remembers related by his maternal grandparents
about the hardships the earlier ancestors endured in the mother
country; that they came to this "land of the free" as serfs, being
obliged to earn off their passage across the waters after they had
landed on these shores. But they prized their religious and
political liberty higher than their homes and landed possession
yonder, which by the ravages of war and cruel confiscations were to
them of little value. The Stumps came from Wurtemberg, Germany, is
further substantiated by an account found in "Thirty Thousand
Emigrants," which states that Philip Stumpff came across with 290
passengers on the ship "Jacob," Adolph D. Grove, captain, sailing
from Amsterdam, by way of Shields, England.
Family tradition says that John George Stump was
"bound" out in one of the lower sections of Pennsylvania, possibly
near New Hanover, Montgomery county, until he had earned his
freedom, when he moved with others from New Hanover to Albany
township, Berks Co., Pa. For it is stated by Rev. Prof. W. J. Mann,
D. D., and Rev B. M. Schumucker, D. D. in "Halle Reports" that
"Allegmaengel," as Albany township was first called, was largely
settled by people from New Hanover (Vol I, p. 415). The name
"Allemaengel" is said to be of German origin, and is supposed to
designate the poverty and misfortune of the first settlers, who
found a barren country where there was a "want of all good and
necessary things." But this idea is not sustained by others; for
the Rev. Dr. Schmidt, who was secretary of the Ministerium of
Pennsylvania in the year 1796, has added in the written minutes of
the Synod by way of explanation the word "Allemingao," showing that
the former name for "Albany" was of Indian origin, and likely meant
the very opposite of "wanting all good and necessary things."
Furthermore, the Rev. J. H. Dubbs, in his "History of the Lehigh
Valley" (p. 304), compares "Allemaengel" with "Egypt," as a section
of country at the southern slope of the Blue Mountains known for
its fertility. It is a fact established by research on the part of
our subject that the earliest Church Record and Constitution of the
New Bethel Lutheran and Reformed Church located in this very
"corner" of Albany township names the community as "Das Rosenthal,"
that is, "The Valley of Roses," and hence instead of being
"sterile" it was a land "flowing with milk and honey." Besides, why
would a barren country attract new settlers? The New Bethel Church
Record dates back to 1761, and John George Stump must then have
lived for some time in that community. At any rate, he was one of
the earliest members of record in the "Halle Reports" that the Rev.
Pastor Schaum, an associate and co-worker with the Rev. Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg, D.D., was married on Aug. 7, 1753, to a Miss
"Maria Dorothea Stumpf," who may have been a near relative, for the
name in the Albany Church Record is found sometimes with an "f" or
a second "p" added.
It is altogether possible than John George Stump
heard the pioneer pastor Muhlenberg preach; for it is reported in
the latter's "Diary" that he visited "Allemaengel" Church in March,
1747, which at that time must have been the "Red Church" near
Wessnersville, to which church the settlers of West "Corner" Albany
restored until the establishment of the New Bethel congregation in
1761 fourteen years later. Be that as it may, certain it is that
the pioneer Stump secured a large tract on the west side of Round
Top Mountain in Albany, the farm at present owned by James S.
Focht, who successfully operates a lucrative red paint mine near
Greenwalt's Station along the Berks & Lehigh Branch of the
Reading Railway, being a part of the original grant and the once
Stump homestead.
When the subject of our sketch was a boy of
about twelve years the late Amos Trexler, who then conducted a
tannery on these same premises, pointing to an immense willow tree
standing close by his pits, said: "There stands your
great-great-grandfather's riding whip!" Being asked for an
explanation, he said, that when long ago John George Stump was out
on business one day riding on horseback through Indian trails, he
brought home a little willow whip which he had used to drive his
steed, and which, as he arrived home, he flung into the streamlet
there. The riding whip developed roots and grew into a mighty tree,
standing as a silent witness to future generations of him who thus
inadvertently planted it, destined to be a more enduring monument
to his memory than the soft sandy tombstones quarried on his own
lands for his own sepulture in the New Bethel cemetery.
The next in line of kinship was John Stump, who
seems to have moved farther south. His remains lie buried at the
Dunkel's Church in Greenwich township. The third was Samuel Stump,
born Oct. 16, 1794, and died March 4, 1864. He was married to Miss
Rachel Leiby, born April 15, 1801, died March 22, 1875. Both are
buried at the Friedens Church of Lenhartsville, which they helped
to erect. They lived on the southwest side of Round Top Mountain,
where our subject was born. They were the parents of the following
children: Nathan, of near Klinesville; Joel, of Liscum; Peter, of
Lenhartsville; Moses, Aaron, Samuel and Gideon, all deceased; Mary,
widow of Isaac Miller, of Oklahoma; Elizabeth, of Kempton, widow of
Nathan Dietrich, who died on the old George Yenser homestead in
Albany; and Catharine, the youngest daughter and mother of our
subject.
While growing up the Rev. Mr. Bond learned the
shoemaker's trade before the days of shoe factories when there was
a great demand for hand-made shoes. Early he learned to wield the
hammer and ply the awl. He continued to work at his father's trade
till his eighteenth year, when his parents "gave him free" out of
kindness to allow him an opportunity to prepare for the Gospel
ministry, as in fact they did all their surviving six sons and
three daughters. He began for himself as many ministers here and
elsewhere have done. In a newspaper article concerning Mr. Bond and
his work which appeared in a Berks county paper not long ago it was
said: "For many years the teaching profession in Berks county has
been a stepping-stone to the ministry, and ninety per cent of the
minister of this county of all denominations have been public
school teachers before they took up the preaching of the Gospel.
One of these prominent teachers, who gave up school life for the
pulpit, was Rev. William Franklin Bond, of Shamrock."
He obtained his common school education in the
Zettlemeyer's school, near Lenhartsville, which place has lately
been selected as a health resort by Banker Eckert of Reading, where
the financier has erected a beautiful and well equipped summer
home. The school was from 1867 to 1879 under the instruction of
Charles Christ, Peter Nagle, Percival Christman, Frank Kaufman,
each for one year, Moses S. Greenwalt for seven years, and George
W. Ziegler, M. D., now in Philadelphia, for one year. The adjoining
school in Albany township taught by Amos S. Greenawalt, being more
advanced, was attended for one term. Country schools then were only
open five months in a year, of which a month and more on an average
was omitted in fall on account of the busy harvest season in the
family trade.
In the fall of 1880 he attended seven weeks
select school at Henley's in Albany, taught by the now sainted
missionary, the Rev. Frank S. Dietrich, then a student in the
Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Our subject taught four
terms; one under Supt. Samuel A. Baer, the Miller-Clauser school in
Albany, in 1880-81; and there under Supt. David S. Keck -- the
Wagaman's or Independent district school in Greenwich, 1881-82; the
Lenhartsville school, 1882-83, just before that town incorporated
into a borough, and when seventy-two pupils were enrolled and sixty
averaged during the term; and the Neff's school in Maxatawny
township, 1883-84. Between public school terms he attended the
spring and fall sessions at the Keystone State Normal School at
Kutztown, from 1881-84. He entered Muhlenberg College, at Allentown
in 1884, and graduated in 1888. While at college he was a member of
the Euterpean Literary Society, which elected him to the associate
editorship of "The Muhlenberg" in 1888. At the end of the Sophomore
year he received a $15 prize for a contest essay entitled "The
Physical Basis of Musical Sound"; and honorable mention for
standing in class at graduation. He entered the Theological
Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia in
1888, and graduated in May, 1891. He was ordained to the office of
the ministry in the Lutheran Church by the Ministerium of
Pennsylvania in Emanuel's Church at Pottstown, Pa., May 26, 1891,
and immediately thereafter became pastor of the Lutheran Church at
Tower City, Schuykill Co., Pa.
Mr. Bond was married to Miss Amy H. Brehm,
originally of Lancaster county, later of Allentown, whose parents
-- Philip Wineland and Barbara (Hamaker) Brehm-are still living in
Chambersburg, Pa., Oct. 1, 1891. This union was blessed with two
sons and two daughters, Paul, John, Mary and Anna, all of whom
survive. Their mother died of blood poisoning July 30, 1901, aged
thirty-six years. Her remains rest in the Zion's Lutheran and
Reformed cemetery in Tower City, Pennsylvania.
During his first pastorate of over thirteen
years a debt resting upon St. Paul's Church of Tower City was paid,
a new and commodious parsonage was erected and St. Peter's Church
at Orwin, Pa., was renovated. While at Tower City he was secretary
of the Pottsville Conference of the Pennsylvania Ministerium for
some seven years. In August, 1904, he received a call to the
Bowers-Longswamp Parish, consisting of four thriving congregations
in southeastern Berks which he accepted when Rev. M. C. Horine, D.
D., was President of the Synod, and Rev. E T. Horn, D. D., LL. D.,
was President of the Reading Conference, and Rev. John H. Raker,
the second superintendent of the Lutheran Orphan's Home, at Topton,
Pa., conducting the installation services.
To quote again from the newspaper article
mentioned, Mr. Bond has since "answered the many calls to
ministerial duties of four thriving Berks county congregations . .
. one of the largest Berks county charges of the Lutheran
denomination, consisting of Bowers, Longswamp, New Jerusalem and
Huff's Churches, which for thirty years had been served by Rev. D.
K. Humbert. This is one of the charges in Berks county where a
minister must be of the most strenuous type. The congregations are
widely scattered in the mountainous sections, and they have a
membership of several thousand.
"In a service of seventeen years Rev. Bond
preached over 2,600 sermons, baptized nearly 1,200 children,
confirmed 700 members, wedded over 200 couples and conducted nearly
500 funerals, besides making hundreds of addresses at public
gatherings and collecting thousands of dollars for benevolent and
church purposes."
Mr. Bond was married again, on Oct. 20, 1904, in
Tower City, Pa., to Mrs. Katie Eva Snyder, a daughter of the late
Philip Krebs and wife Sarah (Grumbein), originally of Lebanon
county. Her mother still survives in Tower City, Pa. Mr. Bond with
his family now resides in the Uriah Biery homestead at Shamrock,
Longswamp township, this county.
Having been in humble circumstances, Mr. Bond
received aid from the Ministerium of Pennsylvania through the
recommendation of his pastor, the late Rev. B. S. Smoll, and the
Rev. F. J. F. Schantz, D.D. chairman of the then executive
committee, to complete his collegiate and theological training,
which aid, out of gratitude and love, and from a sense of bounden
duty, he has by strenuous efforts returned, that the same might be
used again and again to help worthy young men to prepare for the
Gospel Ministry. His beloved parents, to whom he owes a
never-to-be-paid debt of gratitude, are still living at
Lenhartsville, nearing the seventieth milestone of their toilsome
pilgrimage of life.