Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

HERB, HIRAM

p. 1486

Surnames: HERB, ROTHENBERGER, MILLER, WIEANT, DELLICKER, NEWKIRK, SEIDEL, DELP, LEITHEISER, FULMER, SHALTER, BALTHASER, BETZ, ALBERT, MARTIN, FISHER, THOMPSON, REBER, GOODHART, KASUGA, HARTMAN, ANGSTADT, SCHWEITZER, MOYER, CLARK

Hiram Herb, of Muhlenberg township, Berks county, near Leisz' Bridge, was born on the old Herb homestead in Muhlenberg township, near his present farm Dec. 27, 1856, son of Joshua and Maria (Rothenberger) Herb.

Abraham Herb, the great-grandfather of Hiram, was in class 2 and his brother Frederick in class 4, in Captain Miller's Company, from Hereford township, in 1783, during the Revolutionary war, but beyond that fact and that he and his wife, Caroline (Wieant) Herb, had a son John, little is definitely known of him.

John Herb was born March 9, 1786, and was baptized in the same year by Rev. Mr. Dellicker. He was married to Judith Newkirk, and they became the parents of eight children: Judith, who married Henry Seidel, resided in Alsace township, and survived her husband many years, dying at the age of eighty-nine years. Polly (Mary), who married David Delp, resided in Maiden-creek township, and there died aged eighty-four years. Benjamin was a miller of Alsace and Muhlenberg townships, from 1868 until 1880, later residing in Reading until his death, which occurred in his seventieth year; he married (first) Magdelena Rothenberger, and (second) Sarah Leitheiser. Joshua is the father of Hiram. Elias, a millwright, died aged about seventy-six years. Levi, who was a farmer and laborer of Muhlenberg township, where he owned a tract of land, was never married, and Jeremiah, who is also unmarried, resides in Reading, hale and hearty at the age of eighty-six years. Sarah, who married David Fulmer, died young, leaving three children ? James, Daniel and Mary Ann.

Joshua Herb, father of Hiram, was born July 5, 1814, and early in life learned the carpenter trade, which he followed through nearly all of his active period, his latter days being spent on a small farm. He was married to Miss Maria Rothenberger, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Shalter) Rothenberger, and seven children were born to this union: (1) William, a carpenter of Muhlenberg township m. Mary Balthaser, and they had two children, Henry and Jeremiah. (2) Peter, who died in Bern township, m. Hannah Betz, and they had four children, Mary (m. Jonas Albert). John (m. Kate Martin), Annie (m. John Fisher), and Wellington. (3) John, a retired blacksmith of Reading, m. (first) Ellen Thompson and (second) Mary Reber. (4) Josiah died aged two years. (5) Nathan m. Clara Goodhart and had five children, Musa (m. Charles Kasuga, who died and left her a son, Raymond), Charles, Edward, Robert (deceased), and one child which died quite young. (6) Susan m. Peter Hartman, and has six children, Lucetta (who is married and has two children), Harrison (m. Miss Angstadt, and has three children), Sallie (m. Jerre Schweitzer, and has one child), twins (who died in infancy) and Eugenie. (7) Hiram.

Hiram Herb was reared on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools of his district. Except for a short time spent at the carpenter trade and also a period when he was engaged in driving an oil team, Mr. Herb has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he now owns an excellent tract of land near Leisz' Bridge in Muhlenberg township. Like all the rest of the family, Mr. Herb is a Democrat in politics, but he has never sought public preferment. The family are of the Reformed faith and with few exceptions attend Alsace Reformed Church.

On Oct. 21, 1882, Mr. Herb was married to Miss Kate C. Moyer, daughter of Xavier and Rachel (Clark) Moyer, and six children were born to this union, one of whom is deceased. The five living are: James, Nov. 7, 1884; Emma Rachel, March 7, 1887; Xavier M., Sept. 1, 1890; Katie M., July 30, 1895; and Edward Hiram, May 22, 1899. The children all reside at home with their parents.

HERB, WILLOUGHBY H.

p. 1710

Surnames: HERB, HERP, HEYDT, HAWK, DERR, WEISER, FRAUNHEISER, WELLER, FREY, DRUMHELLER, DEBENGOOD, ROHRBACH, HOUCK, SCHEALER, MOYER, NESTER, REITENAUER, SHAVER, ENGEL, ROTHENBERGER, GEHRIS, PETERS, SAYLOR

Willoughby H. Herb, carpenter and builder of Boyertown and New Berlinville, Pa., was born in District township, Berks county, Feb. 18, 1862, son of Daniel and Lavina (Heydt) Herb, and a descendant of Jacob Herp, an early settler in this county.

In 1790 Jacob Herp is recorded in the Federal census as the head of a family of seven persons, consisting of himself and wife, two sons ? one above and one under sixteen years of age ? and three daughters. The names of the daughters are not known, but the sons were Jacob and Abraham. Tradition says that Jacob Herp was of foreign birth, and that he and his brother Abraham came to the New World, locating in Berks county, Pa. Abraham settled in Hereford township, and died there in 1813, leaving 200 pounds in money for his wife Ann, who survived him, and a large estate for his children: Peter; Elizabeth, m. to Peter Hawk; Ann, m. to Henry Derr; Mary; and Sarah.

Jacob Herb, son of Jacob Herp, lived in Washington township, Berks county, and there died some years after the close of the Civil war, when nearly seventy years of age. His wife died long before him, and both are buried at Hill church. He was a laborer. His children were: Jacob, who lived in District township; Daniel, mentioned below; Abraham, who lived in District township; Samuel, who also lived in District township and who was killed in a stone-quarry; and Mrs. Lewis Weiser.

Daniel Herb, son of Jacob and grandfather of Willoughby H., was a resident of Pike township. He was a laborer and charcoal-burner. He was born Feb. 28, 1816, and died Sept. 8, 1879, and is buried at Hill Church, of which he was a member. His wife, Elizabeth Fraunheiser, was born April 2, 1817, and died Feb. 9, 1863. They had children as follows: Daniel, who lived and died in District township; Catherine, m. to Ismal Weller; John, who died in Earl township; Adam, who lived and died in Pike township; Samuel, who died in Colebrookdale township; Henry F.; Nathan; and Sarah and Lizzie, who both died small. Of these children Henry F., born Jan. 6, 1856, is a farmer and has a nice tract of twenty-eight acres in Oley near the Yellow House. In 1875 he m. Priscilla Frey, who died May 19, 1905, Mrs. Rebecca Drumheller, widow of William Drumheller, and daughter of Jeremiah Debengood. His children, all born to his first marriage, are: Oscar, Civilla, Annie, Jennie, Lottie and Daniel.

Daniel Herb, son of Daniel and Elizabeth, was born in District township, Dec. 26, 1837, and died near Landis Store in May, 1882, and is buried at Hill Church, of which he was a member. He was a carpenter and followed that trade all his life, making his home in District township. In politics he was a Republican, and was school director of the township. He married Lavina Heydt, daughter of Benjamin Heydt. She is still living, and is now sixty-five years old. They had eight children: Sarah m. (first) Alexander Rohrbach, and (second) Peter Rohrbach; Willoughby H.; Helena m. Jeremiah Rohrbach; Nathan was accidentally burned at Copley Cement Mill; Benneville lives near Sassamansville and is a carpenter, working for his brother Willoughby H.; Ambrose is a carpenter and lives at New Berlinville; Oswin was also burned at Copley Cement Mill in 1905; and Daniel died young.

Willoughby H. Herb attended the public schools of his native township until fifteen years old, when he began carpentering, learning the trade from his father Daniel. He worked for his father until twenty years old, and then worked for Philip Houck of New Berlinville. Later he entered the employ of John G. Schealer of Boyertown, with whom he remained twelve years, working as his foreman. In 1900 he engaged in contracting and building for himself at Boyertown, and now employs an average of six or seven men. He built the Unger, Strunk, Ackerman and Gilbert homes, all of Boyertown. These are all modern up-to-date buildings. Mr. Herb is a successful builder and is highly respected in his district, and has had all the leading work the last four or five years. He resides in a modern residence near New Berlinville on the road leading from Boyertown to Bechtelsville. In 1907 he built eighteen dwellings in Boyertown. He is a very busy man and has added an automobile to his equipment, and is thoroughly up-to-date in his work. He has been a member of Boyertown Lodge No. 708, I. O. O. F., since its organization. He and his family are Lutheran members of St. John's Church, Boyertown. In politics he is a Republican.

On May 13, 1882, Mr. Herb married Sarah Weller, daughter of Emanuel and Sarah (Moyer) Weller, of Pike township, and they have two children: Alice W. and Clara W.

Jacob Herb, who died in October, 1806, in District township, was a pioneer of that district. On the list of taxables of 1759 he paid a federal tax of four pounds. He was a farmer. His last will and testament was made March 9, 1805, and was probated Nov. 3, 1806. (See Will Book A, p. 520) His sons Frederick and Peter were the executors. By his wife Catherine, who survived him, he had the following children: Maria Catharine m. Andrew Nester; Frederick; John; Solomon; Daniel; Peter; Barbara was the second wife of Andrew Nester; Salome m. Daniel Reitenauer; Jonathan; and Elizabeth, deceased.

Daniel Herb, grandfather of Henry G., lived two miles north of Bechtelsville, where he was engaged as a cooper. He was past seventy years of age, when he died, and he is buried at Hill Church. Of his children: John was the father of Henry G.; Hanna m. Jonathan Engle; Angeline m. Fred Shaver; Rebecca died unmarried; Polly died unmarried; Sallie m. Marks Rothenberger.

John Herb, son of Daniel, was born in Washington township in 1827, and died in 1908, and is buried at Hill Church. He was a tailor and carpenter, following the latter trade the major part of his life. He owned a ten-acre tract and home in Washington township, where he lived all his life. He was active in the Democratic party, and served his township, and was a tax collector. He was a Reformed member at Hill Church, in which he was a deacon. He married Matilda Gehris, daughter of David Gehris, and she survives him. They had nine children: Henry G.; David, of Iowa; Jonathan, of Mount Penn, Pa.; Dianah, m. to James Reitenauer; Susan m. to Nathan Heydt, of Reading; Mary Ann; Matilda, m. to Mr. Peters; Malinda; and Emeline, who died in childhood of diphtheria.

Henry G. Herb, proprietor of the hotel at Greshville, was born in Washington township, Berks county, Aug. 10, 1861. He attended the local schools of Washington township, and was reared upon the farm. He began working in the iron mines when sixteen years old at Siesholtzville and Red Lion, continuing at that work seven years. He tended bar at the "Union House," in Boyertown, one year. On Aug. 16, 1884, he m. Susan Saylor, daughter of Samuel Saylor, and they have one daughter, Birdie, now the wife of Jacob Herb, and living near Stonersville.

HERBEIN, CHARLES G.

p. 1205

Surnames: HERBEIN, GERNAND, MERKEL, DETURK, EISENHART

Charles G. Herbein, a well known citizen of the Oley line, Exeter township, Berks county, who has for a number of years been engaged in looking after his several properties, was born Oct. 25, 1839, on the Herbein homestead in Oley township, son of John and Sarah (Gernand) Herbein.

Mr. Herbein was educated in the public schools, and reared on the old homestead, where he remained until thirty years of age. After his marriage he settled on a farm of 112 acres in Oley township, which he had inherited, and this he operated for two years, then removing to Friedensburg, at which place he lived retired for eighteen months. At the end of this time Mr. Herbein built his present place on the Oley line in Exeter township, where he has since resided, engaged in looking after the management of his farms.

On Feb. 3, 1872, Mr. Herbein was married to Sarah Merkel, born July 30, 1852, in Maxatawny township, daughter of Levi S. and Keziah (DeTurk) Merkel, and to this union there were born three children: Etta G., at home; Herbert J., who is conducting the Oley farm, and m. to Laura Eisenhart; and Annie K., at home. The family are all members of Schwartzwald Reformed Church.

HERBEIN FAMILY

p. 1412

Surnames: HERBEIN, HARBEIN, HARBYN, HARPINE, HERBINE, HIGH, SPYKER, SCHNEIDER, KINSEY, KNABB, ROTHERMEL, SNYDER, GERNAND, FIES, SCHLEGEL, HOCH, DETURK, BRUMBACH, SCHOLLENBERGER, HOLDER, FISHER, BAER, MELOT, REIDER, ENOCH, BOWER, HEFFNER, DRY, MINKER, ADOLPH, CONRATH, ANGSTADT, KLINE, REBER, HERR, RIDENOUR, BOYD, GRIMES, GEST, SMITH, CALENDER, SHEARER, WINTERS, RHEIN

The Herbein (or Harbein family is one of the old and honored families of Berks county, and has its seat in Oley township. The first of this name here was (I) Peter Harbyn (also spelled Harpine), whose wife's name was Margaret. They emigrated on the ship "Pink, " landing at Philadelphia Oct. 7, 1732. It is probable that soon after coming to America they settled in Oley township, which was the first settled district of Berks county. In 1754 the Harbine women appear as communicants of the Hill Church. When the county was organized in 1752 Peter Harbine was a taxable in Oley township, where he owned a large tract of land. He had a brother in Berks county by the name of Jacob Harbein, who witnessed his (Peter's) will, made March 15, 1795, and probated April 4, 1795. The other witnesses were Samuel High and Benjamin Spyker. When Peter died he was a yeoman of Oley township. His first wife, Margaret, who had accompanied him across the ocean, had apparently died, as his will mentions his wife, Elizabeth, probably his second wife. His children were: Peter, who obtained the homestead; Samuel; David; Maria; Esther, who married Benjamin Schneider; Sabra, who married Christian Kinsey; and Susanna, who married Peter Knabb. Of these, Peter and Samuel were the executors of their father's will. Elizabeth Harbein, widow of Peter, Sr., died in 1802. Her will is on record in Will Book A, page 461. Her sons Peter and Samuel were the executors.

(II) David Herbein, son of Peter the emigrant, died in the spring of 1790, leaving a large estate. His will, which was witnessed by one Johannes Herbein, who it is believed was a grandson, is one of the grandest documents on record in Berks county, and would serve as a model for fathers of later days. He was survived by his wife Catharine, and three sons: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

(III) Abraham Herbein, son of David, obtained the Oley plantation of 140 acres. He died in 1826. His wife's name was Susan, and the children who survived him were: Daniel, Abraham, Lydia and Levi.

(III) Isaac Herbein, son of David, was given another plantation in Oley, this one containing 101 acres.

(III) Jacob Herbein, son of David, was less than twenty-one when his father died. He received his father1s personal estate. He settled in Exeter township. His children were: Mrs. Susan Rothermel; Mrs. Gideon Snyder; Mrs. Daniel Snyder; and John (1804-1868), who married Sarah Gernand, and had children, Jacob, Mary Ann, George, Charles and Abner (who had Mary, Effinger and Ella).

(IV) Johannes Herbein, supposed to be a grandson of David, settled in Richmond township about 1798, in which year he purchased land there. In 1790 he built upon it a house which is still standing. Near it is a never failing spring of pure, clear water. He devoted his life to agriculture, and attained advanced years. His remains are buried in a private ground on the old Herbein property in Richmond township. He married Barbara Fies, and they had three children: John; Jonathan who married Kate Schlegel, and had one son William; and Sallie, who became the wife of Samuel L. Hoch.

Abraham Herbein, son of Abraham and Susanna, was born on the Herbein homestead Jan. 15, 1810, and he died Aug. 9, 1863. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned a farm of 102 acres besides other tracts. He was a man of great intelligence and possessed a remarkable memory. In appearance he was tall and commanding. He married Eliza Brumbach, who was born Nov. 6, 1825, daughter of David and Deborah (De Turk) Brumbach, and she died Oct. 6, 1879, aged fifty-three years, eleven months. Both she and her husband are buried at Oley Church. They had children as follows: Deborah, born March 6, 1850, married Solomon Schollenberger, of Pleasantville, Pa.; Hetty Ann, born Nov. 25, 1851, married Jacob Holder, of No. 28 South Eleventh street, Reading; Eliza A., born May 1, 1853, died young; Emma R., born July 13, 1854, married Ezra Holder, of Greenlane, Pa.; Amanda, born Feb. 14, 1856, died young; Mary A. G. and James B., twins, were born April 14, 1857, Mary A. G. dying young; Henrietta E., born May 9, 1859, died young; Olivia, born Oct. 26, 1861, married D. D. Fisher, of Oley, Pa.; and to his duties as a farmer. Removing to Reading in Oley.

James B. Herbein, son of Abraham and Eliza, born April 14, 1857, obtained his education in the public schools and in Oley Academy, under the instruction of Prof. S. A. Baer, Ph. D., later county superintendent of schools. He was licensed to teach in 1876, Centennial year, by Prof. Baer, and taught his first term at Reiff's school, in his native district. He taught two terms at this school and then for a like period was engaged at the Guldin school. In 1880 he began farming on the place that has since been his home. He has a valuable farm of 105 acres, and has good pasture land, making a specialty of dairying and having a regular trade for his butter. He has a great deal of fruit on his place, and he attends the Reading market three times a week. His buildings are fine and up-to-date, and with the neat lawn and cement walks his home presents a most attractive appearance. In his yard is a never failing spring.

In politics Mr. Herbein is a stanch Democrat, and he has served his township as constable and school director, serving in the latter office six years, four of which he was secretary and one president. He and his family are members of Frieden's Reformed Church, which for a number of years he served as deacon, and is now elder. For twenty years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school. During the first ten years of his administration the Sunday-school was Union, but the growth of both congregations necessitated a change and they were obliged to hold their Sunday-schools separately. He was president of the Ninth District Sunday-school Association of Berks county for eight years, this district comprising Oley, Earl and Alsace. He was obliged to resign these positions, however, on account of defective hearing. Mr. Herbein belongs to Oley Castle, No. 119, K. G. E., of which he is a charter member.

Mr. Herbein was married, Sept. 30, 1879, to Sallie Reider, daughter of Stephen and Mary (Melot) Reider of Oley, and they have two sons and two daughters: Grace, who married Moses Enoch, of Reading; Lloyd, who married Amelia Bower, and lives at Friedensburg; Florence, at home; and Elliott, a school teacher in Oley township, who graduated from a business college in 1908. In 1888 Mr. Herbein built a fine brick residence on his farm which has since been the family home.

John Herbein, grandfather of Daniel M., was born on the old homestead in Richmond township, about one-half mile east of Fleetwood, Pa., in 1803, and died in 1859, after a life spent in agricultural pursuits. His wife was Susan Heffner, daughter of John Heffner, and they had issue: Benneville, Samuel and John.

Samuel Herbein, son of John, was born Feb. 8, 1829, on the Herbein homestead, which, on coming of age, he purchased, tilling its soil for many years. He was a lifelong resident of Richmond township, and died in 1907. He was an active Democrat, and well and favorably known, and for many years was supervisor of Richmond township. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, belonging to Mertz's Church in Rockland township. In 1849 he married (first) Rachel Dry, who bore him two daughters, Susan and Mary. He married (second) Sarah Ann Minker, daughter of Jacob and Judith (Adolph) Minker, in November, 1855, and this union was blessed with the following children: Amanda, who married John Hoch; Daniel M.; Oscar, who died in youth; Samuel, of Bowers, Pa.; Albert, at home; and Katie, also at home.

Daniel M. Herbein, son of Samuel, was born March 17, 1858, in Richmond township. He acquired his education in the public schools and the Keystone State Normal School, which he attended one term. His boyhood days were passed on his father's farm, on which he worked for sixteen years. In the spring of 1902 he sold his farm stock and removed to Reading, where he lived until the spring of 1904, then removing to Fleetwood to become the proprietor of the "Fleetwood House," which he has conducted with much success to the present time. He has the faculty of making friends and keeping them. And his good table has won for him and his wife a reputation far and wide. The traveling public especially patronize his house. In politics Mr. Herbein is a strong Democrat, and has been a delegate to many county conventions. In November, 1897, he was elected poor director for Berks county, a position in which he served with credit until 1900.

On Oct. 5, 1878, Mr. Herbein was married to Mary A. Conrath, daughter of Israel and Catherine (Angstadt) Conrath, of Rockland, and to them have been born these children: Susan, who married William Kline, of Fleetwood, and has one daughter, Minerva; Howard J.; Walter J.; and Warren D.

Daniel Herbein, born Feb. 12, 1780, died May 20, 1842, was probably a son of Abraham Herbein, of Oley township. He married Elizabeth Reber (1783-1857), and they lived at Clear Spring, Md., for some years before they died there. They had six children: John (1804-1873), of Alpha, Greene Co., Ohio, married Hetty Herr; Catharine (1809-1866) married (first) David Ridenour and (second) Samuel Boyd; Susan (1811-1890) married Dr. W. H. Grimes, of Atchison, Kans.; Mary (1817-1880) married Joseph E. Gest, of Greene county, Ohio; Col. Thomas (Dec. 15, 1820), of Tacoma, Wash., married Catharine A. Smith, who died in 1864, the mother of six children; and Eliza Jane (1824-1895) married Rev. S. N. Calender, D. D. (Reformed), of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

John Herbein (or Herbine), born in Oley township, later moved to Bern, where he owned land on which he died. He married (first) Maria Shearer, and they had four children: Dr. Jonathan S., born March 29, 1833, who married, in 1854, Elizabeth Winters, and died possessed of considerable wealth Sept. 14, 1900, the father of Wellington, Dr. Milton, Clara, Howard, Isaac, George, Mary and John; David and Dr. Isaac, twins, born Dec. 24, 1835, of whom the latter has a son, Oscar B.; and Gideon. Mr. Herbein married (second) a Miss Rhein, and had four children by this union, namely; William, Daniel, Adam and Henry.

HERBEIN, M. L.(REV.)

p. 984

Surnames: HERBEIN, HARPIN, ZACHARIAS, BAER, BUCKS, ROTHERMEL

Rev. M. L. Herbein, the genial and beloved pastor of Spiess, Trinity, Bern and Shalter's Reformed congregations, is a member of one of the oldest families in this section of the State. The Herbein family is of French origin, the name being originally spelled Harpin, and was founded in America in 1725 by two brothers, one of whom was named Peter, who came from Alsace-Lorraine and settled in Oley township, Berks county, on a farm near the township line. One of these brothers had a son, who settled near Leesport, Pa., and from this son the Herbeins of Reading are directly descended.

William Herbein, the grandfather of Rev. M. L., married Sarah Zacharias, and to them were born children as follows: John died Dec. 31, 1908; William was the father of Rev. M. L.; Thomas died April 30, 1907; Catherine married Percival Baer, who died Feb. 28, 1909; and Amelia, who died Dec. 18, 1904, was married to William R. Bucks, of Reading. In religious belief the family were adherents of the doctrines of the Reformed Church.

M. L. Herbein was at home on the farm until eighteen years of age. He received his early education in the public schools of Spring and Bern townships, Berks county, and during this thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth years attended Professor Brunner1s Scientific Academy at Reading, Pa., for which attendance he seven miles mornings and evenings. He next entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown. After teaching for one term in Bern and four terms in Cumru township, and holding a teacher's permanent certificate, he prepared privately in the higher branches, and then entered the theological seminary of the Reformed Church at Franklin and Marshall College, located at Lancaster, Pa., being graduated therefrom May 13, 1897. He was licensed May28, 1897, to preach the Gospel, and on June 20th of that year was ordained, at the age of twenty-five, pastor of Spiess Reformed congregation. On July 11, 1897, he began conducting services in the public school-house at Dengler's, which resulted in the organization of Trinity Reformed Church at Mt. Penn. On April 1, 1900, he became chaplain of the Berks county almshouse. On Aug. 6, 1905, he was elected pastor of the Bern Reformed Church, where in his youth he was confirmed in this faith. On July 5, 1908, he was unanimously elected pastor of Shalter1s Reformed Church. His oratorical talent is very evident.

On Dec. 26, 1898, Rev. Mr. Herbein married Miss Sue Rothermel, daughter of John K. Rothermel, of near Fleetwood, Pa., whose sketch appears in this historical work. In politics he is a Democrat. He resides at No. 1818 Perkiomen avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania.

For some time Rev. Mr. Herbein was employed by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, of New Haven, Conn., who recognized his skill as a marksman, by which he has excelled professional shooters at different times. 133-984, Herbein, Rev. M. L.

HERBEIN, OSCAR B.

p. 385

Surnames: HERBEIN, REESER, EPLER, SHEARER, LEINBACH, BATTEIGER, GOODMAN, KURR, KEIM, MENGEL

Oscar B. Herbein, M. D., physician at Strausstown, has taken his father's place in that community, where the name has been identified with the practice of medicine for over forty years. The family is one of long standing in Bern township, this county, where it is still well represented.

One Peter Herbein in 1734 became the owner of 235 acres of fine land located along the Schuylkill, adjoining the lands of Henry Reeser, another early settler. He had two sons, Abraham and John, whose grandsons, John, Thomas and William Herbein, have represented the family there in recent years. Along the Schuylkill also are the old Herbein quarries, first opened by one William Herbein in 1855, at what is now Rickenbach Station. Near that station were also located the Herbein mill and distillery, where Abraham Herbein erected a small distillery about eighty years ago. Later the property passed into the hands of Reuben Herbein, who built the mill and distillery which he operated successfully for some years. The Herbeins were among the first families associated with the Eplers in the organization of what has since been known as the Epler Church (Lutheran and Reformed) in Bern township, one William Herbein being a member of the building committee.

John Herbein, grandfather of Dr. Oscar B. Herbein, lived in Bern township, where he followed farming, owning land there. He is buried at Epler Church. He was twice married, first to Mary Shearer, by whom he had four sons, Gideon, Jonathan, Isaac S. and David (twins), all now deceased. By his second wife he had three sons, William, Adam (now living at East Greenville, Pa.) and Daniel, of Allentown.

Isaac S. Herbein, M. D., father of Dr. Oscar B. Herbein, was born in 1835, and received his early education in the public schools of Bern township. He began to read medicine with Dr. James Y. Shearer, of Sinking Spring, Berks county, after which he was in the grocery business at Philadelphia with George A. Leinbach for two years, meantime continuing his professional studies at the Jefferson Medical College. He graduated from that institution in 1865, and in 1866 located in practice at Strausstown, where he remained to the close of his life. He built up a large practice, and was actively engaged in the duties of his profession until he died, Nov. 11, 1905, at the age of seventy years. Dr. Herbein is buried at the Zion's (Blue Mountain) Church. The Doctor was a man of active mind and progressive ideas, and took considerable interest in the life of the community in which he was an important figure for so many years. He served eight years as justice of the peace, and for twelve years was a school director. In political faith he was a Democrat.

Dr. Herbein married Catharine G. Batteiger, born Jan. 12, 1834, daughter of Jacob and Charlotte (Goodman) Batteiger, of Upper Tulpehocken township. Mrs. Herbein now makes her home with her son. She had two children: Deborah, who married George J. Kurr and died May 8, 1890; and Oscar B.

Oscar B. Herbein was born Feb 7, 1869, received his early education in the township schools, and later attended the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown and the Brunner Business Academy. He taught school in 1886-87-88-89, one term in Upper Tulpehocken township and two terms in Spring township, before entering the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he took his medical course. Graduating in 1896, he at once commenced practice with his father at Strausstown, where he has remained to the present. He enjoys high standing among his brother practitioners as well as with the people of his community, and attends faithfully to a large practice. Dr. Herbein is a member of the Berks County Medical Society.

On May 24, 1890, Dr. Herbein was married to Miss Lizzie S. Keim, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Mengel) Keim. They have no children. The Doctor is particularly active in local fraternal societies, belonging to Williamson Lodge No. 307, F. & A. M.; to Lodge No. 77, I. O. O. F., at Strausstown, of which he has been secretary for six years; to Camp No. 664, P. O. S. of A., which he organized in 1893 and of which he is a past president; and to Charlotte Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He was one of the organizers and early directors of the Blue Mountain Electrical Company, of which he is now serving as vice-president. He is a Democrat in politics, and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. In religious matters he is identified with the Reformed members of the Zion's (Blue Mountain) Church.

HERBINE, CHARLES W.

p. 506

Surnames: HERBINE, RAPP, QUACKENBOSS, GEHRIS, MATHIAS

Charles W. Herbine, a well-known business man of Reading, Pa., who was formerly superintendent of the Pennsylvania Knitting Mills, was born in Reading, in 1869, son of Charles and Catherine (Rapp) Herbine, natives of this city.

Charles Herbine was for many years engaged in the hotel and baking business in Reading, and became a substantial man. He died March 3, 1899, and his wife survives him. Of their seven children five are living, as follows: Emma; Oliver; Edward; Fannie (m. E. M. Quackenboss), and Charles W. The family as far as is known were members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Herbine was a Democrat in politics.

Charles W. Herbine was educated in the common schools of his native city, and early in life accepted a position with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, learning the machinist's trade. After a period of twelve years with this company, he severed his connection therewith to engage in the hosiery business. This he conducted in a very successful manner, but finally sold out to the Pennsylvania Knitting Mills Company, and from the incorporation of this concern he was its superintendent up to March 1, 1907, when he resigned and connected himself with the Gehris-Herbine Company. This enterprise, which employs about sixty hands, manufactures high-grade hosiery, and has a trade that extends to the leading cities of the country. It holds patents for its class of work on knitting machines and also dyeing machines. The officials of the company are: Charles W. Herbine, president and general manager; L. Howard Gehris, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Herbine is a member of a number of social and secret societies, in all of which he is popular, among them being the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Knights of Malta, as well as the Reading Hose Company. He is a Democrat in politics as was a candidate for councilman at the primaries in 1907.

Mr. Herbine married Mary Mathias, and to them there has been born one child, Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Herbine attend the Reformed Church.

HERBINE, EZRA H.

p. 722

Surnames: HERBINE, HERBEIN, HUNTER, ENDY, BRUMBACH, HERTZOG, DEETER, REPPLIER, BOYER, HIGH, ZACHARIAS, BAUM, ZACHARIAS, BEARD, FELIX, LUDWIG, MARQUETT

Ezra H. Herbine, now residing in Amity township, Berks county, is a native of Oley township, the early home of the Herbeins (Herbine) in Pennsylvania, the family having been planted here by Peter Herbein.

Levi Herbine, father of Ezra H., was born in Oley township April 5, 1812, and died there Oct. 14, 1891. In his earlier years he worked for neighboring farmers, and later for his brother Daniel for a number of years. He then bought a farm of ninety-six acres in the southwestern part of Oley, and there he made his home from 1851 or 1852 until 1885. He then retired from active work, and purchased a homestead in the same township -- formerly the John Hunter home -- and there he resided until his death. He was prominent in public affairs as a Democrat, and was at one time auditor of the township. He and his family are buried at Oley Churches. He married Sarah Herbine, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Endy) Herbine. She was born Aug. 20. 1815, and died May 22, 1891. Eleven children were born of this union: Susan m. James Brumbach, of Pleasantville; Levi lives on the homestead in Oley; Emma is unmarried and lives with her brother Levi; Sarah is the widow of Henry Hertzog; Mary is the widow of Abraham Deeter; Daniel lives at Birdsboro; Abraham lives at Friedensburg; and one was still-born.

Ezra H. Herbine was born Jan. 23, 1853, and attended the common schools and later Freeland Academy now Ursinus College, at Collegeville. He later took a course in Farr's Business College at Reading. For several years he was bookkeeper for J. L. Repplier, a wholesale and retail coal merchant at Reading, and then worked for his father on the farm in Oley from 1875 to 1881. In the spring of 1881 he began farming on one of his father's farms in Amity, on the Manatawny, between Yellowhouse and Earlville, and that was his home for twenty-eight years. From 1881 to 1891 he was a tenant, and then his father dying, he purchased the farm, which was known as the Jacob Boyer tract, and consisted originally of 160 acres, but when Mr. Herbine purchased it it contained sixty-seven acres, forty-seven perches. He sold this in the winter of 1909 to Augustus M. High, postmaster at Reading. Mr. Herbine is now living retired about one mile south of Amityville. He was very successful in all that he undertook, but he always found time to take a keen and active interest in the welfare of the Democratic party. For six years he was school director, for nine years township auditor, and a number of times delegate to county conventions. He was honest and upright, and has held ever the esteem of the good people in the community.

On Nov. 15, 1877, Mr. Herbine married Sarah Baum, of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Zacharias) Baum. Mr. Baum was a native of Berks county, but in 1865 moved to Wooster, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until his death, on a farm of 160 acres. Both he and Mrs. Baum are buried at Wooster. They had ten children, as follows: William, of Kansas City, Mo.; Daniel, of Sedalia Mo.; Mandilla, m. to Robert Beard, of Toledo, Ohio; Charles, who is buried at Wooster; Ammon, who died in 1909, at Indianapolis, Ind., and is buried at Wooster; Henry, of Jersey City, N. J.; Sarah, Mrs. Herbine; Maberry, deceased, and buried at Wooster; Emma, m. to Joseph Felix, of Toledo, Ohio; Kate, twin to Emma, unmarried, of Toledo. To Mr. and Mrs. Herbine have been born three children: (1) Edwinna graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1901, and taught school five terms, four at Locust Dale, in Amity township, and one at Royersford. She married Dr. J. H. Ludwig, of Boyertown, and they have one daughter, Miriam. (2) Estella B. graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in the class of 1902, and is engaged in teaching. She taught her first term in Douglass township, at Mauger's school, three terms at Monocacy, and in the spring of 1905 went to Spring City where she still is. (3) Henry L. is a farmer in Amity township. He m. Mamie Marquett. No children.

HERBINE, JOHN G.

p. 1051

Surnames: HERBINE, GEMART, YOUNG, KNABB, BLAND, SNYDER, CLEAVER, YERGER, FISHER

John G. Herbine, a well-known citizen residing at No. 824 Elm street, Reading, formerly first assistant clerk of the board of county commissioners of Berks county, Pa., was born June 5, 1865, in Oley township, Berks county, son of George G. and Sarah (Herbine) Herbine.

John Herbine, grandfather of John G., was a native of Exeter township, where he was a farmer and drover all of his life, dying well advanced in years at Yellow House, Berks county. He married Sarah Gemart, and to them were born these children: Jacob G., Mary Ann, Charles G., Abner G., John (who met an accidental death), George G. and Mary Ann. The family were members of the Reformed Church.

George G. Herbine was reared in Exeter township, but on reaching maturity removed to Oley township, where he owned and operated a property of 121 acres, and was engaged in the cattle business. There he died April 21, 1904, aged sixty-four years. He married Sarah Herbine, who is still living at Oley, and they had these children: Emma H m. Daniel K. Young, deceased; John G.; Howard H.; Ella H.; Katie H.; and Clara m. Mahlon H. Knabb. In religious belief the family were Reformed.

John G. Herbine attended the schools of Oley township and later studied at Amityville Seminary for two terms, and then worked for a time on the home farm, later clerking in a country store for about five years, and also engaging in butter making at the Oley line. In 1893 he came to Reading and engaged with Yocum's flour and feed store for about seven years, as their salesman, and on Jan 1, 1906, he was appointed first assistant clerk of the board of county commissioners for a term of three years. Personally Mr. Herbine is genial and courteous, and possesses the happy faculty of making friends. He is of striking appearance, standing five feet, ten inches, and weighing about 200 pounds, and except for accidents has never been sick a day in his life. He has always been active in the ranks of the Democratic party, casting his first vote for Grover Cleveland, and since 1894 has been a resident of the Ninth ward, where he wields much political influence. He was judge of election for seven years and on numerous occasions has been a delegate to State and county conventions, his entry into politics being as delegate from Oley township for Judge H. Willis Bland. He was assistant postmaster from 1888 to 1894 under Chas. S. Snyder, at Limekiln, and was county committeeman from Oley three terms. He is a member of the Northeastern Democratic Association, and has attended a number of city and county caucuses. He was a member of the city Executive Committee for three years. On Dec. 24, 1908, he was appointed by the retiring board of county commissioners to the office of mercantile appraiser for Berks county, having the full vote of the board consisting of Chester B. Cleaver, James M. Yerger, James F. Fisher. His work in this new and responsible position covers not only Reading but all Berks county.

In 1893 Mr. Herbine was married to Amanda Cleaver, daughter of Frank R. Cleaver, of Pleasantville, and to them have been born three children: Stanley C., Frederick W., and Sarah A. Mr. Herbine was a member of Schwartzwald Church until coming to Reading, when he united with St. Stephen's Reformed Church, being teacher and treasurer of the Sunday-school. He is fraternally connected with Oley Lodge No. 218, I. O. O. F., and Washington Camp. No. 221, P. O. S. of A.