p. 1637
Surnames: HOFFMASTER, LOTT, KNAUER
Henry Hoffmaster, formerly a resident of Reading, Pa., now living retired, was born Dec. 14, 1833, in Exeter township, Berks county, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lott) Hoffmaster.
Isaac Hoffmaster was engaged as a laborer throughout his life and also drove tams between Pittsburg and Reading and Philadelphia and Reading during the days of the stage-coach. He died in 1869, aged sixty-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1882, when seventy-seven years of age. They were the parents of these children: Daniel, who died in infancy; Lewis; James; Mary; Henry; and Susan. In religious belief the father was a Lutheran, while the mother was a member of the German Reformed Church. They are both buried in Aulenbach county. In political matters he was a Democrat. Mr. Hoffmaster had brothers, George; Christian; John and Samuel; and a sister, Kate, who died unmarried. Henry Hoffmaster was educated in the schools of Exeter township, Spring township and Reading, and when a young man learned the milling business. On account of the confinement attached to the milling trade, Mr. Hoffmaster was obliged to abandon it, and for three years was engaged in boat-building. In 1861 he became employed on the Schuylkill Canal, first as carpenter and later as engineer of a tug-boat, working on the canal altogether forty-three years until 1904, when he retired.
Mr. Hoffmaster was married in 1856 to Caroline Knauer, and to this union there have been born six children: Clara, deceased; an infant, twin of Clara, deceased; Laura, deceased; Charles Henry, deceased; George, deceased; and Ida K., a school teacher of Reading. Mr. Hoffmaster is a Republican in politics. He was a member of Salome Lodge, I. O. O. F. until its disbandment, and was a member of the Brotherhood of the Union. He was also connected with the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, and was very active therein in his younger days.
p. 1517
Surnames: HOLL, SAYLOR, DETURK, GOODHART
Among the business men and public officials of Reading, Pa., was the late Henry Holl, for many years an alderman of the city and later clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Berks county. Mr. Holl was born in 1843 in Reading, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Saylor) Holl.
Henry Holl received his education in the schools of his native city, and when a young man clerked in several dry goods and notion establishments. For two years he was in the grocery business and then was appointed deputy clerk of Quarter Sessions, in which capacity he served faithfully for nine years. At the end of this time Mr. Holl was elected clerk, and he had served one year and three months when his death occurred, in the spring of 1894. In 1867 Mr. Holl was married to Miss Esther DeTurk, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Goodhart) DeTurk, whose other children were: Frederick, Catherine, Mary, Benjamin, Jacob, Joshua, Samuel and William.
Mr. Holl was a member of Lodge No. 62, F. A. &. M. of Reading. In his religious belief he was connected with the Reformed Church, which his widow attends. They had no children. Mr. Holl was a Republican in political belief, but such was his fairness and integrity that he had hosts of friends in both parties. He was a good and useful citizen, and in his death the city of Reading lost one of its representative, public-spirited men.
p. 1159
Surnames: HOLL, SPATZ, HASSLER, RUTH, MOYER, FREDERICK, TREXLER, HAINS, MONTELLO, HAIN, GLASS, DIPPERY, KEENER, DUNDORE, ALEXANDER, ZIEBACH
Mark Davis Holl, of Reading, Pa., was born near Wernersville, Berks Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1876, son of Benjamin and Mary (Hain) Holl, of No. 303 Chestnut street, West Reading, and grandson of Peter and Catherine (Spatz) Holl.
Peter Holl, great-grandfather of Mark D. Holl, was born in Cumru township, Berks county, and was a farmer by occupation. He and his wife, whose name is not known, were the parents of these children: Samuel, Jacob, Benjamin, Peter, Mary, and Julia Ann.
Peter Holl, son of Peter, was born in Cumru township, and when a boy learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for about twenty years, his latter years being given to agricultural pursuits. He was a very powerfully built man, and was noted for his great strength. Mr. Holl died at the age of sixty-six years, and he and his wife had children as follows: Sarah m. Isaac Hassler; Mary m. Isaac Ruth; Elizabeth died young; Lovina also died young; Emma m. Louis Frederick; Annie m. William Moyer; Matilda m. William Frederick; John; and Benjamin. In religious belief the family were Reformers. Benjamin Holl was educated in the schools of Heidelberg, and as a boy worked on a farm. Until 1891 he was engaged as a laborer, and in this year removed to West Reading, where he engaged in the hotel business for one year, then engaging in work at George Trexler's brick yard. After ten seasons here he engaged in teaming for Abram Hains, who conducted a coal yard, but two years later began driving a bakery wagon for Oscar Holl. In 1905 Mr. Holl became an employe (sic) of the Montello Brick Company. Mr. Holl was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Hain, daughter of Bennewell and Susan Hain, and to this union there were born eight children: Oscar, a baker of West Reading, m. to Ida Glass; Lillian, an expert spectacle operator; Mark D., m. to Annie L. Dippery James, m. to Estella Keener Cora, m. to Rev. Paul Dundore, pastor of Trinity Reformed Church of Palmyra; Emma, and Herbert. Mr. Holl is a member of the Reformed Church of West Reading. He is a Democrat in politics, and is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Reading.
Mark Davis Holl attended the district schools of the place of his nativity, and in 1888 came to Reading, where he was first employed at the Alexander Stocking Company's factory. He later entered the hat factory of the same firm, and is now employed in the starting department.
Mr. Holl was married in 1900 to Miss Annie L. Dippery, daughter of the late Nathaniel S. and Salesa (Ziebach) Dippery, and they have had two children: Ruth Lugorah, who died May 5, 1907, aged eighteen months; and Naomi Margaret. Mr. Holl is a member of the Reformed Church of West Reading. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, serving as District Grand Chief of Berks county; to the Grand Fraternity of the Golden Eagles; to the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and to the Knights of Malta.
p. 1523
Surnames: HOLL, SAYLER, BANSHAW, ESSER, ENGLE, DEEN, DUMN
Peter S. Holl, the efficient clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and for many years holding important official relation to the city of Reading and the county of Berks, is a native of Reading.
Of Swiss ancestry originally, the Holl family have been in Berks county for many generations. Grandfather Peter Holl was a prominent citizen of Cumru township. Peter S. Holl is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sayler) Holl, the father being a cooper by trade. He died about 1869, at the age of fifty-three years. The mother was a daughter of Peter Sayler, a farmer residing in the northeastern section of the county. To them were born eight children: Two died in childhood; Henry, clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions died in the spring of 1894, at the age of fifty-one years; and Emma died at the age of fifty-five. Those now living are: Samuel S., molder, Reading; Hattie, wife of Richard Engle, Reading; Catherine, widow of Thomas Deen, Chicago; and Peter S.
Peter S. Holl was born Feb. 23, 1859, in Reading. With a common school education, he began life as a clerk in a grocery store. After three years he spent a period in a lock works, then learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for a number of years in Reading and Birdsboro. He then decided to change his occupation and took up the real estate business in Reading, at the same time collecting city taxes. This occupied him for several years. In 1894 he for the first time became connected with the Quarter Sessions court as deputy clerk. In 1896 he was appointed chief deputy under Henry Dumn, and again filled the place of Deputy under Daniel O. Banshaw. Again in 1902 he received the appointment from Jacob B. Esser, and 1904 was elected to fill the clerkship; making a continuous record in the office of eleven years.
Mr. Holl has always won the confidence of the public. Beginning at the age of twenty-one, he has held various offices, and has served as a member of the select council for eight years. At one time he was president of the select council, at the same time holding three other important offices. He is at the present time one of the trustees of the Public Library of Reading. He is a Democrat in politics; and a member of the Reformed Church.
Mr. Holl is a member of several of the best fraternities. He belongs to all the best branches of Masonry; is an Odd Fellow; and holds membership in the P. O. S. of A. organization; and has also been a member of the Washington Fire Company for over twenty years.
p. 1684
Surnames: HOLL, SETLEY, ORIE, SHADELL
Samuel Holl, who died in Reading, Pa., in 1886, in his sixty-ninth year was for many years a well-known business man and honored resident of the city. He was born in 1817, in Cumru township, Berks county, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Setley) Holl, residents of that section.
Samuel Holl received a common school education, and for a number of years was engaged in the wheel-wright business on Walnut street, Reading, where the Junior Fire Engine House now stands. He was later employed by Seyfert, McManus & Co., manufacturers of Reading, remaining with that firm for several years, but finally resumed his business in the rear of his residence, No. 342 North Sixth street. Mr. Holl married Miss Louisa Orie, who died in 1882, daughter of John Orie, a native of France, who was a member of the army of Napoleon, being one of that great general's body-guards. Mr. Orie came to America about 1821, locating at New Holland, Lancaster county, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Holl are both buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. In politics, a Democrat, Mr. Holl served on the election board of Reading. He was a member of the First Reformed Church, being an elder and trustee thereof. The children of Samuel and Louisa (Orie) Holl were: Julia, the widow of Reuben Shadell, living at No. 531 Buttonwood street, Reading; Jacob, who was educated in the public schools of Reading and a private school, and who began business life clerking in some of the leading houses in Reading, for several years being head clerk for the Reading Hardware Company, resigning this position to become the first cashier of the Keystone National Bank, Jan. 8, 1890; Anna M.; William O., a molder of Reading; Elizabeth, a teacher in the Reading high school; and Louisa, who was also engaged in teaching for some time. Anna M., Louisa, and Elizabeth reside at the old home of their father, No. 342 North Sixth street, Reading.
p. 1405
Surnames: HOLLENBACH, HUGHES, RHODE, JONES, DIETRICH, SIEGER
Benjamin F. Hollenbach, senior member of the firm of Hollenbach, Dietrich & Company, wholesale dealers in wines and liquors, No. 805 Penn street, Reading, Pa., was born Jan. 31, 1871, at Slatington, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Hollenbach received his education in the public schools of the place of his nativity, and on Oct. 23, 1888, came to Reading, being employed as a driver by George W. Hughes, then proprietor of the business now owned by our subject and partners, it having been established in 1869 by Hughes & Rhode. Mr. Hughes took charge of it in May, 1877, and continued until his death in 1890, when his son-in-law R. H. Jones took over the business. Mr. Jones died shortly afterward and his widow continued it, with Mr. Hollenbach in charge of affairs, from April 1, 1896, to June 10, 1900, when the present owners bought her out. The firm of Hollenbach, Dietrich & Co., do a large business, handling nothing but the finest of wines and whiskies, and they are the sole proprietors of the well known "Social Rye" handled by the trade all over the country.
Mr. Hollenbach married Carrie Sieger, of Shoemakersville, Berks county, and one daughter, Florence M., has been born to them. Mr. Hollenbach has a comfortable residence at No. 125 South Eight street. He and his family attend the Lutheran Church. Fraternally he is a member of Reading Lodge No. 115, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Sons of Veterans, the Eagles (F. O. E.), the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Malta. He is well known in business and social circles.
Surnames: HOLLENBACH, WERT, PHILLIPS, TROUTMAN, LAMM, WAGNER, WEBBER Charles M. Hollenbach, a carpenter in Reading, residing at No. 1032 Walnut street, was born in Centre township, Berks county, Aug. 25, 1867, and belonged to a family which for several generations, had made its home in this county.
Daniel Hollenbach, grandfather of Charles M., was a native of Upper Bern(now Tilden) township, and spent most of his life there engaged in work as a blacksmith. A few years before his death he moved to Penn township and lived there in retirement until he passed away at the age of seventy-three in 1886. His wife, Luzetta Wert, had died some years previously, at the age of sixty years, survived by four children, viz.: John W.; William(deceased); Sarah, who lives in Reading, unmarried; and Lizzie. John W. Hollenbach, born on his father's place, received his education in the Upper Bern schools, and on attaining manhood made carpentry his trade. In 1868 he moved his family to Reading and there worked as a carpenter till 1877, when he turned his attention to farming instead and settled in Penn township. He passed away in 1891, near Bernville, at the age of fifty-five years. He married Catherine Phillips, of Reading, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Troutman) Phillips, of Centre township. To this union were born five children, three of whom are living, namely: James, an undertaker in Bernville, who died in 1906, aged forty-five years; Elmira (m. Levi Lamm of Reading); and Charles M.
Charles M. Hollenbach passed his boyhood in Reading and was educated in the public schools there, but when his father moved into Penn township, the son went also and assisted in operating the farm for a while. He then decided to adopt his father's trade and went to Philadelphia to learn carpentry, returning five years later to locate in Reading. At first he worked for others, then was in business for himself for two years and afterward again took a place under another. He has been in the contracting and building business in Reading since 1902, and erected a number of substantial dwellings in different sections of the city.
In 1891 Mr. Hollenbach married Amelia Wagner. She was a daughter of William B. and Catharine (Webber) Wagner, of Upper Bern township. They have had four children: James, who is a member of the class of 1910, Reading High School, Charles Warren and Amelia. In politics Mr. Hollenbach always supports the Democratic party. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he is a deacon. He is connected by the ties of fraternal obligation with the Knights of Malta.
Mr. Hollenbach is a self made man. He was tax-collector of the 16th Ward, in 1908.
p. 1282
Surnames: HOLLENBACH, MOYER, STEIN, KISTLER, MOLL, LEWARS, GOODMAN, JACOBY, RUTH, BUTZ, REBER, KAUFFMAN, FREEMAN, ELTING, KOLLER, KERSHNER, TREXLER, LOOSE, SCHWOYER, SEIDERS, MILLER, DEYSHER, SEAMAN, KECK, DEYSHER
For over a century and a half members of this family have been actively interested in the agricultural, business and political affairs of Berks county, Pa. In this article, especial mention is made of the life and lineage of Jacob Hollenbach, a substantial citizen, director of the poor, farmer and cattle-dealer of Windsor township, and his nephew, William J. Hollenbach, representative citizen, party leader, and the present efficient steward of the Berks County Almshouse.
John George Hollenbach, the progenitor of the family in America, emigrated to this country on the ship "Neptune," which arrived in Philadelphia Sept. 24, 1754. In 1759 he was a citizen of Windsor township, Berks county. On the same ship on which he came, was one Michael Hollenbach, who, says tradition, was his brother, and who settled in Albany township, prior to 1759.
Heinrich Hollenbach, son of John George, married Elizabeth Moyer, and to them were born children as follows: Daniel, 1781-1866, m. Catherine Stein, 1784-1862. John m. a Kistler. Heinrich, 1791-1874, m. Marie Magdalena Moll, 1800-1871. Elizabeth, 1798-1883, m. William Lewars. Jacob, 1807-1871, is mentioned below. Maria m. Calvin Goodman. Eva, 1811-1871, m. Jeremiah Jacoby, 1811-1855. Catherine m. Samuel Ruth. Kate m. a Mr. Butz, of Genesee county, New York.
Jacob Hollenbach, son of Heinrich, was born Jan. 10, 1807, in Windsor township, and died March 15, 1871. When a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter, which occupation he followed for a number of years, but finally purchased the farm of 130 acres, in Perry township, which is now in the possession of his son, Jacob. He was a well-known and influential citizen of his day, and at the time of his death was in comfortable circumstances. On Jan. 2, 1830, Mr. Hollenbach was married to Rebecca Kistler, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Stein) Kistler, of Albany township, and to this union there were born children as follows: Henry m. Catherine Reber; Johannes died in his twenty-third year; Nicholas is mentioned below; Caroline m. Reuben Kauffman; Rebecca m. Levi Freeman; Lydia m. Moses Elting; Amelia m. Solomon Koller; Mesitta m. Aspin Kershner; and Jacob.
Jacob Hollenbach was born on the homestead in Windsor (now Perry) township, Sept. 9, 1847. He was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district schools of his native locality until he was eighteen years of age. As an occupation he chose farming and cattle-dealing, and he now owns the homestead, which is a good, fertile farm of 130 acres in Perry township. In politics Mr. Hollenbach is an uncompromising Democrat, and is a man of influence in public life. He served three years each as auditor and councilman of the borough of Hamburg, and in June, 1903, was elected director of the poor by the people of Berks county, with whom he has always been very popular. Through his extensive business dealings throughout the county, he became well-known to the people as an honest, upright citizen, and although his election was opposed by the political machine and bosses, he was triumphant in one of the hardest fought elections in the county's history. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church of Hamburg, where Mr. Hollenbach has resided since 1880. He owns a fine double residence of Denver stone at Third and Walnut streets, he having one part of the residence, while his daughter, Mrs. Trexler, has the other part.
In 1867 Mr. Hollenbach was married to Catherine Loose, daughter of Benneville and Polly (Schwoyer) Loose, and to this union there were born children as follows: Wilson, who died at the age of eight years; Maurice, who died when five years old; Laura, m. to Frank Trexler; and Carrie, m. to Harry Seiders.
Nicholas Hollenbach, son of Jacob and Rebecca (Kistler) and grandson of Heinrich and Elizabeth (Moyer), was born June 29, 1832, in Windsor township. He married Annabella Miller, a native of Berks county, and daughter of Jonathan Miller. Mr. Hollenbach is a prosperous farmer of Tilden township, where he owns valuable real estate and is one of the substantial citizens. In politics he is a Democrat. In religious belief the family are all members of the Lutheran Church.
William J. Hollenbach, son of Nicholas and Annabella (Miller), and a popular and influential political factor in Berks county, was born in Tilden township, Nov. 26, 1864, the only child of his parents. In his boyhood he was sent to the township schools, and after he had completed the studies offered there, went to the Hamburg high school. At the age of sixteen he was graduated there. In the spring of 1880 he was granted a provisional certificate to teach public school by Superintendent D. S. Keck. But his tastes did not lead to the teacher's profession, and after leaving school he learned the trade of a tin and sheet iron worker. He was thus engaged for sixteen years, but at the end of that time his father's farming interests were such as to demand more attention than he could give, and for ten years the son devoted nearly his entire time to looking after his father's property. He also represented several firms who manufactured harvesting machinery and farm implements, and gained considerable reputation as a salesman through Berks and the adjoining counties.
From an early age Mr. Hollenbach was interested in political matters, has been a zealous worker for the Democratic party, and now is regarded as one of the influential leaders in Berks county. He has held a number of responsible positions and has shown himself a practical and efficient man in each. When Tilden township was separated from Bern, Mr. Hollenbach was made the first registered assessor, and he has also served as school director for sometime. He has been several times chosen a delegate to county conventions, and he has served as Democratic county committeeman. He is now filling his second term as justice of the peace, for Tilden township, and during this time has been called upon to settle a number of estates. On April 7, 1905, he was elected steward of the Berks County Almshouse, which responsible position he is filling with high credit, and under his administration many improvements have been made at the country home.
In domestic as in public life Mr. Hollenbach has been fortunate. He was married, on Sept. 12, 1885, to Miss Kate Seaman, daughter of Elias and Angelina (Kauffman) Seaman, a farmer of Tilden township. They have an only son, Herbert S., born Nov. 17, 1886, who is a most promising young man. After graduation from the Hamburg high school he began teaching, and was successful. He has also taken a course in the Kerst Business College, learning stenography and shorthand, and is now stenographer and typewriter in the office of A. S. Deysher, of Reading. Mr. Hollenbach is also prominent in fraternal circles, and is an active and influential member of Symmetry Lodge, No. 100, Hamburg, I. O. O. F., in which he has held office.
p. 733
Surnames: HOLLENBACH, KLINE, MOYER, KISTLER, RUTH, KRESSLEY, FEATHER, RHEIN, KIRST, FAUST, STOUDT, KLOPP, NAFTZINGER, GREENAWALT
George K. Hollenbach. Among the successful business men of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned George K. Hollenbach, who is engaged in painting and paper-hanging, and in the sale of wall paper, paints and picture and room mouldings at No. 325 Elm street, Mr. Hollenbach was born Oct. 6, 1855, at Centreport, Berks Co., Pa., son of John G. and Esther (Kline) Hollenbach.
George Hollenbach, grandfather of George K., was a descendant, possibly a son, of Johan George Hollenbach, who was one of the ancestors of this German Palatinate family in America. He emigrated to this country in the ship "Neptune," which arrived at Philadelphia Sept. 24, 1754, on the same ship being one Michael Hollenbach, who, says tradition, was his brother and had settled in Albany township, Berks county, prior to 1759, in which year he was a taxable of that district. Johan George Hollenbach had a son, Heinrich, who lived and died in Windsor (now Perry) township, and who married Elizabeth Moyer, by whom he had these children: Daniel (1781-1866); John; Heinrich (1791-1874); Elizabeth (1798-1883); Jacob (1807-18710, married Rebecca Kistler, and had children, Henry, Johannes, Nicholas, Caroline, Rebecca, Lydia, Amelia, Mesitta and Jacob (ex-poor director of Berks county); Maria; Eva (1811-1871), and Catherine married Samuel Ruth.
George Hollenbach, the grandfather, was a resident of Mahantango township, Schuylkill county, where in 1802 he was assessed as the owner of property. The name of his wife is not known, but it is known that he had four children, one of his sons being John G. Hollenbach, the latter of whom was an uncle of Frank Hollenbach, of Mantz, Schuylkill county, who died in February, 1907, aged about sixty years. Frank Hollenbach married Catherine Kressley, who died in September, 1907, aged fifty-six years, and they had seven children, as follows: William, Barney, Ida, Tillie, Katie, Mame and Minnie.
John G. Hollenbach, father of George K., was born Sept. 8, 1827, in Schuylkill county, and when three years of age was brought to Berks county by his parents. He was a carpenter by trade, an occupation which he followed for many years. In later life he resided at West Reading with his son-in-law, Charles Feather, and there he died Jan. 23, 1909, aged eighty-one years. He was a member of Kissinger's Lutheran Church, where he and his wife are buried. Mr. Hollenbach married Esther Kline, born in 1830, who died aged fifty-three years, and to them were born four children, as follows: Franklin died in infancy; Menton died in 1901, aged forty-seven years; George K.; and Catherine married Charles Feather, of West Reading.
George K. Hollenbach was reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he learned the painter's trade from F. R. Kirst, at Bernville, now at Reading, for whom he worked for two years, the next twelve years being spent in the employ of John G. Rhein, of Reading. In 1888, Mr. Hollenbach formed a partnership with his employer, a connection that continued successfully for four years, and in 1892 he engaged in business on his own account. He carries a full and up-to-date line of everything pertaining to the painting and wall papering trades, and employs from ten to fifteen men.
Mr. Hollenbach is a Republican in politics, and takes a great deal of interest in public affairs. He and his family were members of St. Thomas Lutheran Evangelical Church, at Bernville, Pa., at which place the family resided for twenty-seven years. Mr. Hollenbach was a deacon in this church. He and his family are now members of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Reading. Mr. Hollenbach belongs to Bernville Camp, No. 113, P. O. S. of A.; the I. O. O. F., No. 122, of Bernville; Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 4, of Reading; and the Royal and Ridgely Protective Association.
On Feb. 26, 1876, Mr. Hollenbach was married at Bernville, to Isabella H. Faust, daughter of Jared and Leah (Stoudt) Faust, and granddaughter of John and Sarah (Klopp) Faust, of Western Berks county. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbach, namely: Mary L. m. Thomas C. Naftzinger, of Bethel township; Laura A. died in childhood; Sallie m. Maurice Greenawalt, of Bernville, deceased; John died at the age of eight years; William H.; Charles C.; Emma L., and Lizzie M.
p. 608
Surnames: HOLLENBACH, HARTMAN, GEARHART, DETURCK, SCHAEFFER, MARKS, GERNANT, KRICK
Isaac Hollenbach, a well known citizen of Reading, engaged in the building business, who resides at No. 600 Schuylkill avenue, was born in 1852 in Ontelaunee township, Berks county, near Leesport, son of John and Mary (Hartman) Hollenbach, and grandson of John and Christiana Hollenbach. John Hollenbach, the grandfather, was a farmer near Leesport, Pa., where many years of his life were spent, and was a man noted for his thrift and enterprise, being held in high esteem in his locality. He and his wife Christiana became the parents of these children: Benjamin; Samuel; Daniel; Rebecca, m. to Adam Gearhart; Elithebes, m. to a Mr. DeTurck; John; and Kate, m. to a Mr. Schaeffer. In religious belief the family were Lutherans. Mr. Hollenbach was first a Whig in politics, and later became a Republican.
John Hollenbach, son of John, was educated in the district schools of Berks county, and as a boy engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, later engaging therein for himself, following farming all of his life. He died aged seventy-one years, while his widow still survives him, being the mother of five children: Catherine, m. to William Marks; Emma, who died single; Isaac; Sally, m. to Charles Gernant; and John, a retired farmer of Illinois.
Isaac Hollenbach's education was secured in the schools of Bern township, after which he came to Reading and pursued a course in the business college. He then returned to his native place and engaged in farming until 1891, in which year he came again to Reading and engaged in the butchering business, for one year, selling out to engage in the building business, at which he has since continued with much success. He has built many residences in the northwestern section of the city, among them sixteen on Gordon street, seven on West Green street, sixteen on West Greenwich street, and a row on Schuylkill avenue in the 600 block, in one of which he resides. Hollenbach street, of the prettiest residence thoroughfares in northwestern Reading, was named after Mr. Hollenbach, and here, in company with P. Monroe Krick, Mr. Hollenbach built forty-three houses. He is well and favorably known in his section of the city, serving as councilman of the Fifteenth ward, but declining a renomination on account of his varied business interests. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the Northeastern Republican League, and is fraternally connected with the Schuylkill Fire Company. In religious faith Mr. Hollenbach is a Lutheran.
Surnames: HOLLENBACK, SOBER, ELLIOTT, FRANCIS
William S. Hollenback, who has been known to the people of Reading as a professional musician and expert piano tuner for some years, was born in Shamokin, Pa., in 1866, son of Dr. Reuben and Dorcas (Sober) Hollenback.
Dr. Reuben Hollenback, father of William S., is one of the leading dental practitioners of Northumberland county, Pa., where he has been engaged in a general practice of his profession since 1864. To him and his wife, Dorcas Sober, were born, children as follows: William S.; Hudson S., D. D. S., of Mt. Carmel; Edwin E., D. D. S., of Shamokin, Pa.; and a son who died in infancy. In religious belief the family are connected with the Reformed Church, attending St. John's at Shamokin.
William S. Hollenback attended the schools of his native town and graduated from the Shamokin high school in 1884. He went to Boston in the fall of 1885, and entered the New England Conservatory of Music, not completing the course at this time, but he returned in 1887, and graduated from that well-known institution in the spring of 1888, in the tuning department. Soon afterward he located in Pottstown, but later transferred his attention to Reading, and since June, 1889, he has been successfully engaged in this city. He accepted the position of organist in St. Barnabas P. E. Church, and there continued for two and one-half years, spending a like term at St. John's Reformed Church as organist and director of music. In April, 1897, he was engaged as organist and choir-master at the Second Reformed Church, which position he still holds. As an expert piano tuner, his reputation is not merely local, as he is well and favorably known throughout Berks and adjoining counties. Since May, 1907, he has been engaged in the sale of reliable pianos, being senior member of the firm of William S. Hollenback & Co. Columbia graphophones and records were added in January. Mr. Hollenback was married in 1893 to Miss Ida M. Elliott, of Shamokin, Pa., daughter of James M. and Sarah (Francis) Elliott, and two children have been born to this union: Grace, now (1909) aged thirteen years, who has had favorable mention as a child pianist; and Elliott H., aged nine years.