Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
p. 527
Surnames: MAUGER, LORAH, SHINGLE, BAER, ROTHERMEL, GORRELL,
BECHTEL, KNABB
David F. Mauger. Being descended through his father from a line of
Palatinate German ancestry, and through his mother from the French
Huguenots, David F. Mauger has the admixture of blood which stands
for the highest type of citizenship in Pennsylvania. He is the son
of the late David B. Mauger, and his wife, Amanda Lorah.
David B.
Mauger, who died April 2, 1906, at the age of eighty-four years,
was a man of great usefulness to his community in his generation.
For a period of fifty-five years, he served continuously in the
office of justice of the peace. He has a thorough knowledge of the
law relating to the administration of his office, and he probably
filled the English idea of the country squire and gentleman more
nearly than any local justice of his time. He was an expert
surveyor and his surveys and drafts on disputed boundaries and land
titles have so effectively settled questions of that character in
Lower Berks, that the courts of law are seldom invoked to give
judgment upon them. He was identified with many local interests and
corporations, and served his community faithfully in a manifold way
as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee and in many another
fiduciary capacity. He reared his family in the Reformed Church,
and gave to each of his children a liberal education. His eldest
son, D. Lorah Mauger, is now the assistant passenger agent of the
Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, with offices at
Reading; the youngest son, Henry S. Mauger, is a successful
druggist in the City of Philadelphia. His only daughter, Sallie, is
the wife of Dr. S. H. Shingle, of Philadelphia, and the remaining
son, David F. Mauger, is the subject of this sketch.
David Franklin Mauger is a graduate of Franklin
and Marshall College of Lancaster. At this institution, he became a
member of the Phi Kappa Psi College Fraternity and the Goethean
Literary Society. He was graduated with high honors in 1886 which
entitled him to an election in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Upon
leaving college, he became principal of the high school in Center
Hall, Pennsylvania, which position he filled with credit for two
terms. He then entered, as a student, the law office of George F.
Baer, Esq., now the president of the Philadelphia & Reading
Railway Company, and was admitted to the Bar at Reading in 1889.
Upon his admission to the Bar, he entered into a partnership with
his college friend, Abraham H. Rothermel, under the name of
Rothermel & Mauger, with which firm he is still associated.
This co-partnership is one of the well-established firms of lawyers
in the City of Reading, enjoying a large and lucrative practice in
all the Courts. Me. Mauger has served for a term of three years as
the county solicitor and for a like term as Assistant district
attorney. He is affiliated with the Democratic party.
As an adviser and counselor Mr. Mauger is able
and sound, and as a practitioner before the courts and juries, he
is skillful and persuasive.
Mr. Mauger is happily married to Miss Mary
Gorrell, daughter of the late Robert Gorrell, of Douglassville,
formerly an extensive operator in anthracite coal in Schuylkill and
Columbia counties. Their marriage has been blessed with two
daughters Dorothy and Marion. He resides at Douglassville,
Pennsylvania.
His grandfather was David Mauger, a farmer of
Douglass township. He died in 1875, aged seventy-eight years. He
was married to Sarah Bechtel, a daughter of George Bechtel, of
Pottsgrove township, Montgomery county. She died in 1881, aged
seventy-nine years.
His great-grandfather was Henry Mauger, who
emigrated from the Palatinate about 1762, and settled in Douglass
township.
His mother, who was eighty-four years of age on
the 25th day of April, 1909, was the daughter of Daniel Lorah, of
Amity township, and granddaughter of George Lorah, also of Amity
township. Her mother was Hannah Knabb, of Oley township. George
Lorah was a son of John Lorah, who emigrated from France in 1710,
during the time of persecution of the Huguenots, and settled in
Amity township.
p., 1678
Surnames: MAUGER, BAKER, BALSER, NAGEL, MORRIS, SCHULTZ, GEIGER,
RHOADS, FISHER, KEISER, LEVENGOOD, BECHTEL
Samuel B. Mauger, general merchant at Glendale, Douglass township,
Berks county, was born in that township July 27, 1853, son of Jacob
N. and Rebecca (Baker) Mauger.
Heinrich Mauger emigrated from Germany in or
about the year 1762, being then about twelve years of age, and
settled on a farm on Rattle Snake Hill, in Montgomery county, near
the Berks county line. His wife was Mary Balser, and they had
children: John; Henry; Frederick; Jacob; David; William (who died
aged eighty-four years, the last of his family) and Elizabeth. All
the children married, and all lived to between seventy-eight and
eighty-four years.
Henry Mauger, grandfather of Samuel B., was an
early resident of Douglass township, where he was engaged as a
flint-lock maker, and a maker of guns. He lived on Rattle Snake
Hill, and owned land there. He also worked as a stone mason;
following his trade in the season. He is buried at Pottstown. He
was twice married. By his first wife Hannah Nagel, he had children:
Anna m. Samuel Morris, and lived in Ohio; Jacob N.; Jesse, a
boatman on the canal, was drowned (unmarried); Jeremiah lived in
Fairfield county, Ohio; and John N. lived in Pottstown. Mr. Mauger
married (second) a Miss Schultz, and two sons, William and Peter,
were born to this union.
Jacob N. Mauger, son of Henry, was born in
Douglass township in 1809, and died in 1884; he is buried at
Pottstown. He was a carpenter and stone mason. For twenty years he
followed undertaking, and during that time lived on Rattle Snake
Hill. In politics he was a Democrat, and served his township as
school director, auditor and supervisor. He married Rebecca Baker,
daughter of John Baker, of Douglass township. She died in 1892.
Their children were: Reuben, a school teacher in Douglass township:
Isaac, who was engaged in the furniture business in Philadelphia;
John, a shoemaker by trade, who was killed in the Civil war; Jacob,
a carpenter; Henry, who lived in Montgomery county; William, a
furniture dealer at Pottstown: Samuel B.; Catharine, m. Edmond
Geiger; George, of Stow, Pa.; and Philip, of York. Pennsylvania.
Samuel B. Mauger received his education in the
township schools when the school term did not exceed four months.
At the age of nineteen he learned his present trade (the
carpenter's) under his father, Jacob N. He worked at Pottstown, in
the coal regions, and in Douglass township and surrounding
districts. He had small contracts at times, and worked as gang
foreman while in the coal regions. On Nov. 15, 1895, he began his
career as a merchant, and now runs a general store in addition to
his work at his trade. He also conducts the coal yards at the
Manatawny Station.
On Sept. 6, 1879, Mr. Mauger married Mary
Rhoads, daughter of Daniel M. and Rebecca U. (Fisher) Rhoads, of
Douglass township, and they had one son, Daniel R. Mauger, born
Feb. 24, 1886. The family attend the Amityville Lutheran Church.
Daniel R. Mauger, son of Samuel B. and Mary (Rhoads) Mauger, was
born at Pine Iron Works, and was educated in the township schools
and the Pottstown Business College, graduating in the class of
1902. He then became stenographer for the Morris Beef Company at
Philadelphia, and served in that position one year, when he became
head nurse at the Chester County Hospital for the Insane, located
at Embreeville, and served in this position two years. He then
cared for his mother for fifteen weeks before her death, Feb. 12,
1907. She is buried at Amityville. Since then he has been assisting
his father in the store. He is a musician of much ability and
during 1909 was band leader for a large circus company.
Jacob Mauger, son of the emigrant Heinrich,
lived on Fox Hill, and operated a grist mill, known as Mauger's
mill. He married Elizabeth Keiser and they had children, as
follows: Charles; Henry; George; Joseph; Levi; Sarah; Rachel and
Catharine.
Charles Mauger, son of Jacob, was a farmer in
Amity township, and is buried at Amityville. He married Catharine
Levengood, and their children were: Mahlon; Mary Ann; Irwin; Sarah
Ann; Wellington L.; Mathias L.; Franklin and Annie.
David Mauger, Sr., son of Heinrich, was born
Feb. 12, 1797, in Douglass township, Berks county, on the Mauger
farm, of which in 1826 he became the owner. This farm comprised 168
acres of excellent land, located near the railroad, the Schuylkill
river and the canal. Its buildings are of the colonial style of
architecture, and are substantial and in good repair. He married
Sarah Bechtel, daughter of George Bechtel.
David B. Mauger, son of David and Sarah
(Bechtel), was born Aug. 12, 1822. He was a man of rare judgment
and high attainments, and was enterprising and influential in the
community. He served as justice of the peace, school teacher, and
in many ways was a useful member of society. He married Mary A.
Lorah, and their children were: Sallie, who graduated with first
honors from the Allentown Female College in 1876; Daniel L., who
was educated in the Keystone State Normal School, and for many
years was railroad agent at Franklin street, Reading; David L., who
attended the Keystone State Normal School, graduated from Franklin
and Marshall College in 1887, and who is now (1909) a member of the
Berks County Bar (he was assistant district attorney); and Henry
S., who attended the Keystone State Normal School, and is a
graduate of the College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia.
p.
923 Surnames:
MAURER, LORAH, DRY, HARTMAN, BECK, MISSIMER, SHOEMAKER, BEAVER,
WARTMAN, MECK, SUNDAY
Charles Ammon Maurer, a well known citizen of Hamburg borough,
Berks Co., Pa., engaged in the baking and catering business, was
born Sept. 28, 1859, near Lewisburg, Union Co., Pa., son of James
D. and Sarah (Lorah) Maurer.
David Maurer, great-grandfather of Charles A.,
built the "Black Bear Inn," and later conducted a hotel at the
southwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets, Reading. He was twice
married, and had a son by each marriage, the son of his first wife
being Dr. George Maurer.
Dr. George Maurer was born in Reading in 1809,
and died in 1841, in New Jerusalem, Berks county, where he had
enjoyed a large practice. He was married to Julia Dry, of Rockland
township, a lineal descendant of the Henry Hartman family of
Orwigsburg, of Indian massacre and abduction fame. They had
children as follows: Jacob, Allen, Charles and James D., the latter
being the father of Charles A., of Hamburg.
James D. Maurer was born Feb. 14, 1839, in
Longswamp township, and was a cobbler by trade. For several years
he was engaged in huckstering, and lived in Topton, but later
became a messenger for the Philadelphia & Reading Ry. Co.,
running between Reading and Philadelphia. He died in Reading April
14, 1871. His wife was Sarah Lorah, daughter of George and Leah
(Beck) Lorah, and their children were: Charles A.; James H.; and
Harry E. James H. Maurer, who was born April 15, 1864, was wedded
on his birthday, and both of his children, a son and a daughter,
were born on April 15th, although in different years. His wife is
Mary J. (Missimer) Maurer. Mr. Maurer was unanimously nominated for
Governor on the Pennsylvania Socialist ticket, May 21, 1906. He
toured the State and made one hundred speeches.
Charles Ammon Maurer was taken by his parents to
Topton, Berks county, when two years of age, his father engaging in
the produce business at that place, and in 1864 removing to
Reading, where young Maurer's education was secured. He attended
Mrs. Shoemaker's private school, and later the public schools until
twelve years of age, at which time his father died. When but ten
years of age Mr. Maurer was a Reading Eagle carrier, and had the
largest route in the city, serving more people with the newspaper
than had any boy before or since that time. After his father's
death he entered the employ of Hendel Bros., hat manufacturers, and
he continued with this firm for twenty-five years. In 1886 he
joined the Wool Hatters' Local Assembly No. 6287, K. of L., and was
elected treasurer the first night. One year later he was elected
delegate to D. A. No. 130, K. of L. He was elected the following
year Master Workman of District No. 130, placing him at the head of
7,000 workmen. Mr. Maurer was chairman of an independent movement
which sprung up in 1890 to elect two men to the legislature over
the regular nominees of the two large parties, their candidates not
being successful, however, although they received over 1,400 votes.
In 1892 Mr. Maurer was elected county chairman of the People's
Party, an office which he held for five years. In 1896 he
represented his congressional district at the national convention
of the Populist party, St. Louis, Mo., as delegate. He was later
delegate to numerous county and State conventions. He was active in
politics for many years and was offered the nomination for
Congressman-at-large of Pennsylvania, but refused to accept. He is
intimately acquainted with the great labor leaders of the country.
In 1908 he stumped Berks, Schuylkill and Lebanon counties for
Eugene V. Debs, candidate for President on the Socialist ticket.
On Aug. 20, 1881, Mr. Maurer was married to Mary
J., daughter of Jonathan and Judith (Beaver) Wartman, and to this
union there have been born these children: Charles J. m. Evelyn
Meck; Mary G. m. Harry Sunday, deceased; James P., Warren L. and
Harry W.
p 663
Surnames: SCHWARTZENTEUBER, SWOPE, DEEMER, WAGNER, WHITE,
WAGENBLAST
Dominic Maurer, one of the leading business men of Reading, Pa.,
who is engaged in cement contracting, with office at No. 234 North
Eleventh street, and yard at Moss and Green streets, was born in
Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, in 1862, son of Anthony Maurer.
Anthony Maurer was a farmer in Germany, and came
to America after the death of his wife, in 1882, on the ship
"Canada," of a French line of steamers. Bringing a part of his
family with him he landed at New York, May 4th, and came at once to
Reading, where he worked as a laborer until his death, in May,
1901. He was married in his native country to Anna
Schwartzenteuber, who died at the age of fifty-two years. They had
children as follows: Joseph, of Altoona, Pa.; Anthony, a farmer,
still residing in Germany, being burgomaster of the town of Albach,
where he is very popular; Eugene, a carpenter in Reading; Margaret,
m. to Peter Swope, of Reading; Dominic; Jacob, of Reading, employed
with his brother, Dominic. The two eldest of this family served in
the German army.
Dominic Maurer received his education in the
public schools of his native country, and when a boy learned the
trade of making wooden shoes which he followed until coming to
America. Here his first employment was in the Scott works, Reading,
where he remained one and one-half years, and then went to learn
the cement business with his father-in-law, with whom he continued
until July 23, 1902, at which time he embarked in the business on
his own account, and has continued therein to the present time with
much success. He has erected some of the finest homes in and about
Reading, including the home of George Deemer of Stony Creek, John
Wagner of Reading, and Joseph White of Reading, and also built the
Textile Machine Works, and did work at Wernersville and at Mineral
Spring Park Hotel. He is a property owner of the Ninth ward, where
he has a fine residence. Mr. Maurer employs from thirty to forty
men in his business, which includes cement pavements, vitrified
brick pavements, cement steps, cement copings, concrete buildings,
fountains, reservoirs, driveways, stable floors, cellars, all kinds
of cement work with the latest process and in the most durable
manner. His work is its own recommendation.
In 1884 Mr. Maurer was married to Helen
Wagenblast, a daughter of Engelburg Wagenblast, of Wurtemberg,
Germany. She died March 30, 1909. Their children were: Joseph, a
clerk, lives in San Francisco, Cal.; John; Anthony and Dominic,
twins, deceased; George; Dominic; Mary; Aloysius; Robert, deceased;
Helen; Margaret, deceased; Janet, deceased; Janet (2); and
Ottiella.
Mr. Maurer is a member of St. Paul's Catholic
Church and is connected with the Holy Cross Knights of St. George,
and St. Boniface's Society.
p.1007
Surnames: MAURER, HARTRANFT, MOYER, LEITHEISER, BRIGHT, BROWN,
BATDORF, MILLER, ERMANTROUT, LEVAN, STOLTZ, DUMN, ALEXANDER,
BRIGHT, GOODHART
Berks county, Pennsylvania, is noted for the number of old families
within its confines, and perhaps of them all none has reason to be
prouder of its history than the Maurer family. The records of the
county show that (I) Andrew Maurer was born March 3, 1781, and died
Dec. 11, 1847, his remains being interred at Boyertown. In 1804 he
married Susanna Hartranft, born Oct. 21, 1786, daughter of Leonard
and Christiana (Moyer) Hartranft, and she died when ninety years of
age. He lived in Colebrookdale township, Berks county, and followed
tailoring. While digging a post hole he discovered iron ore, and
the Pottstown Iron Company leased his property during his natural
life. His children were: Henry, born Feb. 7, 1805; Tina, Feb. 14,
1807; Sarah, Jan. 14, 1810; Aaron, Dec. 27, 1812; Jeremiah, April
2, 1815; Maria, Oct. 27, 1818; Mahlon, June 8, 1822; Zacharias,
Jan. 20, 1825. The old family Bible is now in the possession of
Franklin O. Maurer, of Reading.
(II) Zacharias H. Maurer, son of Andrew, was born Jan. 20, 1825,
and died in February, 1892, aged sixty-seven years. He was a school
teacher for many years, but later was a clerk in the courthouse,
and still later was elected clerk of the Quarter Sessions. Having
filled these offices with such ability, he was made clerk of the
Orphan's Court. During the Civil war he served his country bravely
and when honorably discharged was a lieutenant. A public-spirited
man, he always took an active part in the politics of his vicinity
and belonged to the Democratic party. For many years he was a very
prominent figure in Reading where he made his home during the best
part of his life, and his many services to the city and county are
gratefully remembered. His remains lie in the Trinity Lutheran
Church graveyard, in Reading.
In 1844 Mr. Maurer married Rebecca Leitheiser,
born Oct. 4, 1824, in Muhlenberg township, daughter of George and
Anna Maria Leitheiser. She died Aug. 17, 1861, aged thirty-six
years, ten months and thirteen days. She bore her husband these
children: Franklin B.; Susan M., Sallie A. and Zacharias H., all
deceased; and Emma C., who died two days after her mother, and was
buried in the same grave. Mr. Maurer m. (second) Sarah Ann Bright,
and their children were: George B., Ellen (Brown), Bertha
(Batdorf), Gertrude (Miller), Wilmouth, May (Ermantrout) and Harry.
(III) Franklin O. Maurer was born in Reading at the corner of
Seventh and Franklin streets, Jan. 18, 1846. His education was
acquired in the public schools of Reading. When about seventeen he
learned telegraphy, and was stationed at Allentown Junction, whence
he came to Reading. On Feb. 18, 1863, he responded to his country's
call and enlisted in Company E, 46th Pa. V. I., and served until
Feb. 5, 1865, when he was mustered out. On June 15, 1865, he
re-enlisted in Company D, 11th United States Infantry. He was in
Camp Grant, Richmond, Va., and from there the 11th regiment was
ordered to Granada, Miss., where it was consolidated with the 34th
United States Infantry, and he was promoted to duty sergeant, and
afterward to first sergeant, and honorably discharged Feb. 5, 1870.
While in the regular service, at Granada, Mr. Maurer had some
exciting experiences in assisting in capturing and ridding the
State of Mississippi of the Ku-Klux Klan.
At the close of his military life he returned to Reading, and
entered the employ of Levan & Metzer, queensware merchants, on
the present location of Koller's ice cream restaurant. There he
continued for two years, and then became a clerk in the
prothonotary's office in the courthouse under George K. Levan.
Later he was appointed chief clerk of the Orphan's recorder and
thus remained for fifteen years. Mr. Maurer was then made deputy
recorder under W. Benton Stoltz, now deceased. He was reappointed
deputy recorder under the late James F. Dumn, and when his term
expired he became a fur hatter with Beyer Bros., at Hamburg. After
four years with them he took a position under G. W. Alexander, of
West Reading, a hat manufacturer, and remained with him thirteen
years.
Some months after his return home, Aug. 6, 1870, Mr. Maurer married
Miss Amanda J. Bright, daughter of Wile and Margaret (Goodhart)
Bright of Reading. They have these children: Wellington Wile is
deceased; Milton B.; Edna M.; Laura R.; Paul B.; Franklin B.; Mary
A. died in infancy; and Harold B., Clare B., Edith M. and Walter
are all four deceased.
p. 763
Surnames: MAURER, BECKER, EISENMAN, KECH, TEXLER
Isaac Maurer, now living retired, was for a number of years
extensively engaged in contracting. Mr. Maurer was born in Lower
Heidelberg township, Berks Co., Pa., May 31, 1835, son of Daniel
and Hannah (Eisenman) Maurer.
John Maurer, grandfather of Isaac, was one of the early residents
of Lower Heidelberg township, and a representative farmer of that
section of the county. He and his wife were the parents of these
children: Daniel, Isaac, John, Samuel, and three daughters. The
family were members of the Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Maurer
was a Democrat.
Daniel Maurer was born in Spring township, and
early in life engaged in farming, also carrying on freighting
between Reading and Philadelphia, and in driving the old stage,
this being the only means of transportation between theses two
points at that time. His last days were spent in farming, and his
death occurred in Heidelberg township. His children were: Isaac,
Amanda (m. to Adam Becker), Hannah (m. to John Texler, deceased);
and Maria (m. to Michael Kech).
Isaac Maurer was educated in the common schools
of his native township, and he was reared to farm labor, after
three years of which he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's
trade and this he followed for several years. He next engaged in
millwrighting, and he followed this trade for a time, being
employed in the old Deisher planing mill. Later he engaged in
contracting and building to a considerable extent, and many
evidences of his skill as a builder may be found in this vicinity,
including his own handsome, modern residence, which is a model of
perfection and will stand as a monument to his memory.
Mr. Maurer married Anna Texter, and to this
union these children were born: Hannah, Abbe, Daniel (deceased),
Valeria, Emma, Ella (deceased), Mamie, Gertrude, Alice, Annie
(deceased) and Harry. In politics Mr. Maurer is independent, voting
rather for the man than the party. Honorable in all of his dealings
Mr. Maurer is considered an ideal citizen, and a worthy
representative of the community in which he resides.
p.593
Surnames: MAYER, CLARKSON, KEIM, HART, GEIGER, HUNTER
Samuel C. Mayer, for over fifty years a prominent citizen of
Reading, where he died at an advanced age, was prominent both in
the business life and administration of public affairs of that
city.
Mr. Mayer was a native of Lancaster, Pa., born
April 17, 1824, son of George Louis and Esther (Clarkson) Mayer. He
received his education in his native place, where he passed his
early boyhood, being sixteen years of age when he came to Reading.
His first business venture here was in the hardware line, in
association with his cousins, John and William Keim, and later he
entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, A. M. Hart, in
the dry-goods business. He was also interested in the West Reading
Roller Mill, which he served as secretary and treasurer, and in all
his enterprises he proved his right to the high standing he enjoyed
among business men wherever known.
At the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Mayer
enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a member of
Company C, 42d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and he was a soldier until
the close of the conflict. It was after his return from the army
that he began to take an active interest in municipal affairs in
Reading. He was a stanch member of the Democratic party, and as its
candidate, in 1871, was elected mayor of the city by a majority of
451 votes, his Republican opponent being William Geiger. He served
one term in that responsible incumbency, giving thorough
satisfaction to his constituency and maintaining the high
reputation he had made in business life. In 1868-70 Mr. Mayer was a
member of the common council, representing the Seventh ward. Mr.
Mayer was in poor health for a number of years toward the close of
his life, suffering from a complication of ailments, but his last
illness, was comparatively brief. He died at his residence No. 144
North Fifth street, on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25, 1906, aged
eighty-two years, five months, eight days. He was a member of the
Episcopal Church.
Mr. Mayer married Miss Mary A. Hunter, whom he
survived a number of years, the only surviving member of his family
being Miss Mary H. Mayer, principal of the Girls' high school,
Reading.
p.1494
Surnames: MAYS , ROTHERMEL, KING
H. Robert Mays, a rising young attorney of the Berks county Bar,
who has already become prominent in public life, was born Nov. 12,
1882, at Womelsdorf Berks county, son of Henry J. Mays, a tanner.
H. Robert Mays attended the borough schools
until fourteen years of age, and then attended Albright College at
Myerstown for one year. He prepared at Franklin and Marshall
Academy, and in 1898 entered Franklin and Marshall College, where
he remained two years, finishing the sophomore year. In the fall of
1900 he entered Dickinson School of Law, and graduated in June.
1902, with the degree of LL. B. At this college he belonged to
Allison Law Society and made a record in athletics, and at Franklin
and Marshall was a member of the Goethian Literary and Nevonia
Clubs and played on the Varsity team. After Mr. Mays' graduation
from the law school he did practical office work and read law for
one year with Rothermel Brothers, the senior member of this firm,
Hon. John H. Rothermel. being now a member of Congress from this
district. Mr. Mays was the first member of the Berks county Bar to
be admitted under the new rules and regulations, which went into
effect Jan. 1, 1903. Prior to that date the local board examined
the applications, when, if successful, they were admitted to the
Berks and Supreme Courts on motion. Under the new rules the
applicants for admission to any Bar of the State must pass a severe
examination by the State Board of Law Examiners. Mr. Mays was one
of the four applicants from this county, who took this examination
Dec. 8 and 9, 1903, and was the only one that passed. On Feb. 20,
1904, he was admitted to practice at the Berks county Bar, being
the youngest member admitted to that date. Since beginning
practice, Mr. Mays has been interested in a number of important
cases, including that of the Commonwealth vs. Miles King, a colored
man indicted for murder in the first degree. Mr. Mays was one of
the attorneys for the defendant, for whom there seemed little hope
of escaping the gallows. After a trial of several days the jury
brought in a verdict, of murder in the second degree, a verdict
declared wrong by the district attorney. A local paper in an
editorial, under the caption: "Pretty Lucky," says: "At all events
Miles King can consider himself a mighty lucky man that he escapes
the gallows. He owes much to his attorneys." Mr. Mays was also an
attorney for the defense in the county almshouse cases.
In political matters Mr. Mays is a Democrat, is
the borough solicitor for Womelsdorf and the solicitor for the
Womelsdorf Bank, as well as its notary public since 1905. He is
county solicitor for Berks county, having taken up the duties of
that office Jan. 4, 1909. He is a member of Williamson Lodge, No.
307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf, and of Welcome Home Grange, of
Robesonia. His law office is situated at No. 541 Court street,
Reading.
p. 1110
Surnames: MAYES, DEPPEN, MACE, BASEOR, HOMAN MISSIMER, ACHE,
WASHINGTON, WENRICH, REIFSNYDER, BICKEL, SCHAFFNER
Jacob H. Mays, a prosperous young business man and influential
citizen of the borough of Womelsdorf, Berks County, which he has
been serving since 1904, as justice of the peace, was born Feb. 16,
1879, in Heidelberg township, son of Henry J. and Susan M. (Deppen)
Mayes.
Nicholas Mays (Mace), great-great-grandfather of
Jacob H., was a native of Germany, whither his parents had
emigrated from Switzerland, and in 1715 he came to America and
located in Lebanon (formerly lancaster) county, coming from New
York via Harris Ferry, where Harrisburg is now located. His
children were: Nicholas, Philip, George, John, Jacob, Valentine,
Henry, Benjamin, and Marguerite Elizabeth.
Jacob Mays (Mace), son of Nicholas, ad
great-grand-father of Jacob H., was a native of Schaefferstown,
Lebanon county, and was a tailor by trade. He married Susan Baseor,
daughter of George Baseor, who was massacred by the Indians at what
was known as the "Baseor Hotel" in the Blue Mountains. These
children were born to Jacob Mays and his wife; John; William, who
died at Manheim; Henry, who died at Anderson, Ind.; Jacob who died
at Pottsville; Marguerite E, who died un married; and Daniel who
died at Scaefferstown.
John Mays, son of Jacob, and grandfather of
Jacob H. was born at Schaefferstown, Lebanon co., , in 1813, and
died May 26, 1898, age eighty-five years, having followed the trade
of hatter practically all of his life. He married Susan Missimer,
born in 1816, who died in September 1900, aged eighty-four years,
daughter of Jacob and Susan (Homan) Missimer, of Pottstown, Pa.
Five children were born to this union; George died young; Miss Anna
lives in Lebanon county; Kate died young; Jacob Henry married
catherine Eberling, and resides at Denver, Pa.; and Henry Jacob,
twin of Jacob Henry.
Henry Jacob Mays was born Aug. 5, 1838, at
schaefferstown, Lebanon county, and at the age of fourteen years
engaged i the tanning business there, working for William Miller.
In 1859 he went to Baltimore, were he learned the currier's trade
from F. Ache & Son, in the frame building where the great fire
broke out in 1904. At that place he remained until 1865, in which
ear e came to Womelsdorf and engaged in tanning unti 1888, when he
formed a partnership with his son, Jacob, as a partner, in the hide
business of which the son took entire charge in 1902. Mr. Mays in
now enjoying the comforts of a well-earned rest. His home in on the
very groundwhere General George Washington spent the night of Nov.
13, 1793, in the then "Seltzer Hotel." Mr. Mays is a staunch
Democrat, and he has always been active in party affairs. He is a
member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., and the Jr. O.
U. A. M., of Womelsdorf, and the Knights of Pythias, of Robesonia.
He was also an Odd Fellow, and helped to bury a Mr. Wilty, the
first Odd Fellow in the United States. Mr. Mays is a member of the
Reformed denomiination of Zion's Union Church.
On Feb. 8, 1866, Mr. Mays was married to Susan
M. Deppen, born Dec. 1841, daughter of Isaac P. and Susan (Wenrich)
Deppen, of Heidelberg township. The following children have been
born to this union; Annie m. Franklin Reifsnyder; Jacob H.; Esther
m. J. W. Herst, of Denver, Pa.; H. Robert E. and John Deppen.
Jacob H. Mays spent his boyhood days with his
parents, and acquired his education in the township schools, the
borough high school, Stoner's Business College at Reading, and
Albright College at Myerstown. In the spring of 1902 he engaged in
the leather, hide and tallow business at Womelsdorf, which he has
successfully continued to the present time. He buys hides in large
quantities all over Eastern Pennsylvania, and these he prepares for
the market, selling them through his New York broker. He has been
very successful in this line, and his business is rapidly growing
to mammoth proportions. In 1904 Mr. Mays was elected a justice of
the peace, since which time he has settled a number of estates, has
a nice clientage, and has also the support of his brother, H.
Robert Mays, a promising young attorney of No. 541 Court Street,
Reading, Pennsylvania and now county solicitor of Berks county.
Mr. Mays is an active Democrat, and has been
delegate to a number of county and State conventions. Socially hi
is connected with Williamson Lodge, No 307, F. & A. M.;
Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M.; Readng Commandery, No. 42, K.
T.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; K. G. E., Womelsdorf Castle;
I. O. O. F., of Womelsdorf; and the Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire
Company. He and his family are Reformed members of Zion's Union
Church, of which he is a trustee.
On Nov. 15, 1903, Mr. Mays was married to Minnie
M. Bickel, daughter of George and Lizzie (Schaffner) Bickel, of
Rehrersburg, Pa. Two daughters, Margret E. and Jeanette L. have
been born to this union. In 1906 Mr. Mays erected a beautiful
residence on High street, Womelsdorf, a Colonial mansion of three
stories, which is considered one of the finest homes in the
borough.
, page 1110
Surnames: MAYS, MACE, BASEOR, MISSIMER, SNYDER, YEINGST, SPANGLER,
EXELY, PHILLIPI, MILLER, KREIDER, STOVER, RUTH, SEITZINGER,
DUNDORE, ZELLER, BOHN, BAER, LABE, SUMMONS
William H. Mays, farmer and dairyman of West Reading, in Spring
township, was born July 18, 1848, near historic Schaefferstown, in
Heidelberg township, Lebanon Co., Pa. He is a son of the late
George W. Mays and Great-great-grandson of Nicholas Mays (or Mace),
who founded the family in America.
Nicholas Mays was born in Germany, whither his
parents had emigrated from Switzerland. In 1715 he came to America,
locating in Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, Pa., making the journey
from New York by way of Harris Ferry, where Harrisburg is now
located. His children were: Nicholas, Philip, George, John, Jacob,
Valentine, Henry, Benjamin, and Marguerite Elizabeth.
Jacob Mays (Mace), son of Nicholas, was born at
Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, and was a tailor by trade. He
married Susan Bascor, daughter of George Bascor, who was massacred
by the Indians at what was known as the "Bascor Hotel" in the Blue
Mountains. These were born to Jacob and his wife: John married
Susan Missimer; William died at Manheim, Pa.; Henry died at
Anderson, Ind.; Jacob is mentioned below; Marguerite E. died
unmarried; Daniel died at Schaefferstown.
Jacob Mays, grandfather of William H. Mays and
son of Jacob Mays, lived in Heidelberg township, Lebanon Co., Pa.,
owning land which had formerly been the property of his father. He
helped to erect the Schaefferstown Church. His children were:
Henry, a farmer of Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, who had
children-John, Sarah and Amanda; George W.; Catharine, m. to
Abraham Snyder; and Sarah, m. to Henry Yeingst.
George W. Mays, born Oct. 18, 1822, in
Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, died Aug. 10, 1890, aged
sixty-seven years, nine months, twenty-two days. He owned a tract
of forty-three acres, which he cultivated, this being a part of the
old homestead in Heidelberg township, and he also acted as surveyor
in Lebanon and served many years as a justice of the peace. In
politics he was a Democrat, in religion a Reformed member of
Kimmerling's Church, where he is buried. His first wife, Sarah
Spangler, daughter of Henry Spangler, is buried at Schafferstown.
By her Mr. Mays had five children: Dr. Thomas, of Philadelphia;
William H.; Dr. Alfred, who died in California in 1907, at the age
of fifty-seven; Emma, deceased wife of William Exely, of
Philadelphia; and Jacob, who died unmarried By his second marriage,
to Malinda, daughter of Henry Phillipi, there were eight children;
Amelia, m. to David Miller, of Reading, Pa.; Alice (1815-1893), who
died unmarried; U. Grant, of Lebanon, Pa.; Agnes, who died young;
Sallie, m. to George W. Kreider; Mamie, who died young; Edith, who
died young; And Earl, who is the State agent at Hershey,
Pennsylvania. William H. Mays obtained his education in the common
schools, alternating his attendance with work on his father's farm
until he was thirteen years old, when he began hiring out among
farmers. In 1872 he began farming on his own account in North
Lebanon township, Lebanon county, near Avon, where he remained for
two years. In 1882 he removed to Berks county, settling on the
William Stover farm, of 200 acres, in Bern township, which he
cultivated for three years. The next fifteen years Mr. Mays worked
the well known George Ruth farm of eighty-three acres in Cumru
township, in 1900 moving upon the old Seitzinger farm in Spring
township, now embraced in the borough confines of West Reading and
Wyomissing. This property, which comprises over two hundred acres
of the best land in the county, is now owned by the Pennsylvania
Trust Company. Mr. Mays is now engaged as a farmer and dairyman at
West Reading, in Spring township, and he is successful and
up-to-date in his methods, having the most modern and approved
machinery and excellent live stock, including sixteen horses and
over forty head of cattle. His milk is shipped daily by team to
Reading, where it is retailed, the product consisting of about two
hundred quarts daily.
Mr. Mays was one of the first directors of West
Reading upon the incorporation of the town. He has served two years
as school director of Spring township, proving an able and
conscientious official, as he has always been a good citizen. He
supports the Democratic ticket.
On Dec. 23, 1871, Mr. Mays married Mary A.
Dundore, daughter of David and Lovina (Zeller) Dundore, and they
have had a family of eleven children: (1) Agnes E. A. (deceased) m.
William Bohn, of Shillington. (2) Annie m. Harry F. Baer, of Cumru.
(3) George D. m. Jennie Labe, and resides in Reading. (4) Mamie m.
Charles Becker, of West Reading. (5) Elsie m. John Miller, of
Shillington. (6) William J. m. Helen Summons, of Reading. (7)
Katie, (8) Edith, (9) Jennie, (10) Cora and (11) Hattie are all at
home. The family are members of St. John's Reformed Church of
Sinking Spring.