p. 906
Surnames: MOYER, PAINTER, ULRICH, BOYER, HOSSLER, BURKHOLDER, KEPLEY, MARDARNESS. WORTLUFT, DEPPEN, HOOVER, FOX
Frederick Moyer, , a prominent agriculturist of Heidelberg township, Berks County, who is also engaged in operating a saw mill in the South Mountains, above Robesonia, Pa., was born at Millcreek, Lebanon Co., Pa., Oct. 20, 1855, son of Daniel U. and Sarah (Painter) Moyer.
Frederick Moyer, grandfather of Frederick, was but nine years old when his father, who was a Revolutionary soldier of the Hessian forces, sent here by England to fight against the Colonists, died. Frederick Moyer was born about 1796, and died near Robesonia, in his eighty-second year, and was buried at the Corner Church, of which he was a Lutheran member. He was reared in Millcreek, Lebanon county, and when a young man located at the South Mountains, where he built a home and barn and cultivated a tract of eighty acres of land until his death. Mr. Moyer married Katie Ulrich, daughter of George Ulrich, and to them were born these children: Jonathan (a farmer near Robesonia); Catherine and Rebecca (died unmarried); Daniel U.; Susanna (m. Peter Boyer); John (died unmarried); and Mary and Peter (died young).
Daniel U. Moyer was born March 14, 1831, and on the Moyer homestead in Millcreek, Lebanon county, and died Jan. 25, 1875, having been a farmer and iron worker all of his life. He was also interred at the Corner Church. Mr. Moyer married Sarah Painter, who was born Sept. 29, 1834, and now lives with her son, David, at Robesonia. She is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Hossler) Painter, of Heidelberg township. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer these children were born: Mary, m. Charles Burkholder of Sheridan, Pa.; Frederick; Rebecca, m. the late Frank Kepley, and resides near Robesonia; Daniel lives at Richland, Pa.; Susan m. Samuel Mardarness, of Robesonia; Jacob died young; Urias is of Robesonia; Sallie m. Samuel Wortluft, of Wyomissing; Katie died aged eight years; Amanda m. John Deppen of Womelsdorf; and David is of Robesonia.
Frederick Moyer was reared to farming, and when nineteen years of age commenced working in the furnace at Robesonia. This work he was compelled to give up after twenty-one years on account of ill health, and he then purchased his sawmill property in the South Mountains, a tract of nine acres. He soon began to prosper, and by earnest effort and strict attention to business was able to purchase the old Putt homestead near his sawmill, a property of sixty-two acres of fertile land, furnished with good, substantial buildings, that barn having been erected in 1897. In 1901 he purchased another sawmill, which he has operated to the present time, employing from five to ten men, and in addition he owns several dwellings in Robesonia, which he has rented.
Mr. Moyer married, Sept. 19, 1885, Annie Hoover, daughter of Benjamin and Emma (Fox) Hoover, and to them eight children were born: Harvey D., born July 10, 1886; Calvin L., April 29, 1888 (died Oct. 8, 1889); Frederick A., Jan. 18, 1889; Benjamin F., Sept. 23, 1892; Charles W., Nov. 25, 1894; Emma M., Feb. 8, 1900; an infant daughter; and Virgie S., Jan. 3, 1903. Mrs. Moyer died March 28, 1908. Mr. Moyer is a well known Lutheran member of St. Daniel's Church, near Robesonia, to which Mrs. Moyer also belonged.
p. 1514
Surnames: MOYER, STAMM, ECK, STRASSER, CASPER, HECKMAN, KERCHER, HART
George B. Moyer, of Reading, was born Jan. 10, 1863, at Schuylkill Haven, Pa., a son of George and Mary (Stamm) Moyer.
Isaac Moyer, grandfather of George B., lived and died at Schuylkill Haven. He had the following children: Jacob, of Fairmount Locks, Philadelphia, Pa.; Henry, of near Hamburg, Pa.; Adam, deceased, formerly of Schuylkill Haven; George, father of George B.; Ellen, deceased, wife of David Eck, Reading; Clementine, wife of a Mr. Strasser, near Milton, Pa.; Adaline, wife of Jacob Casper, of Hamburg, Pa.; and Emma, wife of Henry Casper, of Hamburg.
George Moyer, father of George B., lived and died at Schuylkill Haven. Like his father he was a boatman. He married Mary Stamm, daughter of David Stamm, and they had one son, George B.
George B. Moyer accompanied his parents to Reading when seven years of age and has been a resident of this city ever since. When nineteen years old he learned the painting trade from H. H. Heckman, following that trade exclusively until 1894 when he added paper hanging to his other line. In 1886 he formed a partnership with Albert S. Kercher under the firm name of Kercher & Moyer. This firm has its store and place of business at No. 526 West Ninth Street, where they have a complete and well selected stock of wall papers, paints and mouldings. They do a large business which covers the city and many of the surrounding towns, giving constant employment to from eight to fifteen men. The business reputation of the firm is excellent.
In 1882, Mr. Moyer was married to Mary J. Moyer, daughter of Thomas L., and Mary Ann (Hart) Moyer, of Shartlesville, and a granddaughter of Jacob Moyer. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer have had six children, namely: Virginia A., Stella A., G. Robert, Marion, Paul and Forest. G. Robert died aged seven years. The family belong to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Mr. Moyer is a member of the Senior American Mechanics Organization, No. 46, Reading.
p. 859
Surnames: MOYER, DECK, KOBLE, LONG, HOLTZMAN, ZEIBACH
Jacob Moyer, one of the old and highly esteemed residents of Bethel township, Berks county, who is engaged in horse dealing at Millersburg, Pa., was born March 12, 1832, in Bethel township, son of Michael and Catherine (Deck) Moyer.
Michael Moyer was born in Bethel township, and there passed his entire life, being one of the leading agriculturists of his day, as well as prominent in Democratic politics. He was a member of the Reformed Church, while his wife was a Lutheran. Michael Moyer died in 1843, at the age of forty-five years, and his wife, Catherine Deck, daughter of John Nicholas and Polly (Koble) Deck, in 1889, at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased, married Wendel Long, of White county, Ind.; Catherine, deceased, m. Johnathan Holtzman, of White county, Ind.; Levi resides at Brookson, White Co., Ind.; Lucetta m. Jacob Zeibach, of White county, Ind.; Jacob; John D. died at Millersburg, where he was a tailor; and Jonathan, deceased, who was a shoemaker by trade but was seldom employed thereat, served as constable.
Jacob Moyer was reared on the home farm and was educated in the common schools of Bethel township, after leaving which he learned the cabinet maker's trade at Millersburg, where he continued two or three years. He then engaged in the horse business, beginning in a modest way and gradually increasing his business, until he has become the heaviest dealer in northern Berks county. Mr. Moyer has owned over 30,000 horses, and has never gone into debt for one of them. He has bought horses in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania, and in Canada, and has disposed of them to the farmers and dealers in Berks county, and to the Eastern dealers. During the Civil war he furnished the Government with many animals. Mr. Moyer is still engaged in this business, and is considered one of the best judges of horse flesh in the State. Beginning life as a poor boy, with little but an ambitious spirit and the traits of thrift and economy, he has through good business ability and the faculty of recognizing an opportunity and grasping it, worked his way to the front ranks of the substantial men of Berks county. He is a staunch Democrat in politics, and he and his family are members of Salem Reformed Church.
Surnames: MOYER, DIEROLF, STOFFLET, BAER, MOSER, WEIDNER, DEYSHER, ROHRBACH
Jacob B. Moyer, who engaged in farming in Oley township, where he was born March 9, 1849, comes of an early settled German family.
John Moyer, his grandfather, was a resident of Pike township though at one time he lived in Colebrookdale township. He was a farmer by occupation, and he owned a small home at the time of his death. He was a Lutheran member of the Hill Church, where he is buried. His wife, whose maiden name was Dierolf, is also buried at Hill Church. Their children were: John, of Rockland township; Isaac D.; and Mrs. Herman Stofflet, who lived in Pike township.
Isaac D. Moyer, son of John and father of Jacob B., was a farmer in Pike township, but his death occurred in Washington township, in December, 1906, when he was aged eighty-three years. He was a farmer for many years, but later owned a small tract where he died. His remains were interred at Hill Church. He married Apollonia Baer, daughter of Jacob Baer, and their children were: Jacob B.; Henry (on the homestead in Pike township); Fianna (m. Jonathan Moser, and lives in Douglass township, this county); Augustus (living near Bally in Washington township).
Jacob B. Moyer was early trained to farming pursuits. When he was yet a mere child his parents removed to Pike township. In 1885 he began farming for himself on his father's farm in Pike township, and there he continued until in the spring of 1898, when he moved to his present place, which he bought in 1897 from Samuel A. Weidner, son of John and grandson of Jacob Weidner. In 1899 he built a find brick residence, and in 1907 he remodeled the barn, and he has otherwise greatly improved the place. The farm contains 125 acres of fertile land, all now under cultivation. In politics Mr. Moyer is a Republican, and he and his family are Lutheran members of Hill Church.
In 1886, Mr. Moyer married Amanda Deysher, daughter of John Deysher and wife (whose maiden name was Rohrbach), and to this union have come four children: Charles, Lyman, and Amandus and Carrie.
p. 604
Surnames: MOYER, HONTZ, KENNEDY, MATTHEWS, WRIGHT, SIGMAN Joseph H. Moyer, who died in Reading in 1891, was one of the veterans of the Civil war and had been a resident of the city for the whole of his active business life. He was born in Spring township, Berks county, in 1835, son of John and Elizabeth (Hontz) Moyer.
Educated in the township schools, Mr. Moyer at first took up the vocation of a teacher, but after several years' successful experience, he decided to learn a trade and at one apprenticed himself to a harness maker. When he had completed his term, he established himself in business in that line in Reading, and thereafter made that city his home. When the Civil war broke out he at first continued in his usual routine and did some work on saddles for the government, but on Aug. 16, 1862, he responded to his country's call for more men, and was mustered in at Harrisburg in Company H, 128th Pa. V. I., under Capt. John Kennedy, and Col. J. A. Matthews. He proceeded with his regiment to Washington and thence to the front. He participated in the battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville, besides a number of minor skirmishes and at the expiration of his term of enlistment was honorably discharged at Harrisburg in May, 1863.
Returning to Reading, Mr. Moyer once more engaged in business as a harness maker, and established himself on Penn street, between Second and Third. He was a very good workman and commanded the very best prices, but despite his success he sold out his business after some years, moving to No. 8 North Ninth street, remaining there two years. He then moved to No. 208 Penn street where he retired and after five months he died. Invariable honest in all his dealings he commanded respect from all who had business dealings with him, while his genial personality made him well liked socially also. On political questions he was independent, voting always for the man he considered best fitted for the office regardless of party lines. In religion he was a devout member of the Universality Church, and socially he belonged to the I. O. O. F. and the American Mechanics, besides being a member of McClellan Post, No. 16, G. A. R., of Reading.
Mr. Moyer was married in 1862 to Miss Margaret C. Wright, and six children were born to them as follows: Lizzie; Annie, deceased; John and Susan, twins, the latter deceased; and Ella and Amy, both deceased.
Mrs. Margaret C. W. Moyer was a daughter of John K. and Elizabeth (Sigman) Wright. Her father was a blacksmith by trade, and a man whose name stood for thrift and honesty, was prominent in the local ranks of the Democratic party, and served efficiently as postmaster during President Jackson's administration. He died in 1848. A son, Charles E. Wright, was one of those who gave their lives for their country during the great Civil war. He enlisted June 7, 1861, in Company D, 3rd Pa V. I., and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, at the age of twenty-three years.
p. 814
Surnames: BAUER, ESHBACH, OBERHOLTZER, SHELLY, KINDIG, SHELLY, BECHTEL, WEIAND, HUNSBERGER, STAUFFER, EHST, YODER, BORNEMAN, STAUFFER, HERSTEIN, ROMIG
Joseph 0. Moyer, late of Washington township Berks county, was a grandson of Christian Moyer (0r Meyer), who was the ancestor of a large posterity.
Christian Moyer lived in Springfield, Bucks Co., Pa., and married Anna L. Bauer, born in 1757, died in 1809. The date of their marriage is not known, neither do we know the date of birth of Christian Moyer, but he died between 1821 and 1827. On April 20, 1809, he conveyed two tracts of land, containing 182 acres and twenty-eight perches, to his sons Michael and Peter, for 2,000. After the death of Peter, June 21, 1848, the property was the cause of dispute among the heirs, and Michael eventually paid the appraised value, $13,048.75, on April 2, 1849; this ended the trouble. Christian Moyer had ten children, of whom we have the following record: (1) Fronica, born in 1777, died in 1838. She married Christian Eshbach (1766-1838) and had five children, Elizabeth, William, Henry, Annie and Jesse. (2) Michael, born Dec: 28, 1779, died Jan. 9, 1857. In 1806 he married Elizabeth Oberholtzer. (3) Peter, born Dec. 14, 1781, died June 21, 1848. In 1809 he married Eve Shelly, and they had seven children, Sarah, Lydia, Peter, Sophia, William, Jacob and Amos. He was a farmer by occupation, and he and his wife were Mennonites in religious belief. (4) William, born Jan. 3, 1784, died Oct. 11, 1846. He married Catharine Kindig (1787-1866), and they had seven children, Joseph, Abraham, Elizabeth, Mary, Jonas, Isaac and William. (5) Jacob B., born Nov. 22, 1788, died July 20, 1867, married in 1810 Annie Shelly (1790-1882), and they had seven children, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Joseph, Annie, Jacob, Christian and Aaron. (6) Anna married Abraham Bechtel. (7) Magdalena married Jacob Weiand. (8) Elizabeth, born in 1794, died in 1884. She married in 1814 Abraham Hunsberger (1795-1883). (9) Mary, born in 1798, died in 1880, married John Stauffer. (10) Susanna died when young.
Michael Moyer, son of Christian, born Dec. 28, 1779, died Jan. 9, 1857. He lived upon and owned the farm which is now the property of John M. Ehst, and followed farming. In 1806 he married Elizabeth Oberholtzer, born in 1781, who died in 1874 in the ninety-third year of her age. Five children were born to them: Henry, Joseph, Catharine, Susanna and Elizabeth.
Joseph 0. Moyer, born Sept. 6, 1812, died May 16, 1877 in his sixty-second year. He was a native of Hereford (now Washington) township, born where his son Joseph now lives, and followed carpenter work in early life, later engaging in farming. His farm consisted of fifty acres of fertile land, and the house now standing there was built in 1849, the barn being built in 1850. He was a Mennonite in religious faith, and his family also belong to that church. They are buried at the Hereford (Bally) meetinghouse. On Nov. 16, 1845, he married Esther Yoder, born Dec. 28, 1822, died Jan. 9, 1881, and they had a family of four children: Elizabeth, born June 26, 1847, died Sept. 6. 1864; Jacob, born Jan. 31, 1850, lives at Woodbury, N. J., and is a carpenter by occupation: Joseph Y. is mentioned below; Levi, born March 13, 1857, is a carpenter by trade but at present follows farming, living at Plumsteadville, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania.
Joseph Y. Moyer was born Nov. 2, 1853, on the Moyer homestead in Washington township, and there received his education in the common schools. He was reared upon the farm, and in 1878 began farming on part of the homestead tract on his own account. He has continued to live there, the place having come into his possession in the fall of 1877. It comprises thirty-six acres of arable land and fourteen acres of woodland, and the whole property is level and in good condition. The land is productive. Mr. Moyer keeps six or eight cattle and gives special attention to dairying, and he has a silo and other conveniences for model farming.
On Sept. 13, 1879, Mr. Moyer married Amanda S. Borneman, daughter of Joseph H. and Esther (Stauffer) Borneman. of Boyertown. and granddaughter of John and Barbara (Herstein) Borneman. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer have had five children: Samuel B., born May 10, 1882, has been the mail carrier between Barto and Palm since July, 1905 (he m. Rebecca Romig, daughter of William Romig and they have two children, Ruth A. and Warren Joseph); Edwin, born in 1885, died the same year; Olivia, born in 1886, died in 1887; Irwin, born in 1889, died in the same year; Emma B. born July 14, 1891, is at home with her parents. Mr. Moyer and his family are members of the Mennonite Church.
p. 1547
Surnames: MOYER, RICHARD, DETEMPLE, WICKLEIN, BROWN, MURRAY
Luther Moyer, a well known resident and property owner of Gibraltar, who is engaged as a heater at the Gibraltar Iron Works was born in Robeson township, Jan. 24, 1876, son of Evan and Elfreda (Richard) Moyer.
Michael Moyer, the grandfather of Luther, was a forgeman by trade, and also owned and operated a farm in Robeson township, where he spent his life. He was twice married and to the first marriage these children were born: Daniel; Evan, the father of Luther; and Mary, who married Joseph G. Detemple. The second wife was Margaret Wicklein. In religious belief the family were Lutherans. Mr. Moyer was a Democrat in politics.
Evan Moyer was born in 1850, and early in life entered the employ of the Gibraltar Iron Works, where he was employed for many years. At present, he is with the E. and G. Brooke Iron Company, of Birdsboro, Pa. He married Elfreda Richard and the following children were born to this union: Frederick m. Mary Moyer and has one child, Henry; Mary m. Harry Brown and has one child, Edna; and Luther. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Lutheran Church. Fraternally, he is connected with the P. O. S. of A., and politically he is a Democrat, having held the office of township clerk for many years.
Luther Moyer was educated in the schools of Robeson township, and at the age of twelve years he entered the mill department of Gibraltar Iron Works, where for a number of years he has been employed as heater. He is considered a good mechanic, and his services are highly valued by his employers, who have found him a steady, faithful workman.
In 1896, Mr. Moyer was married to Lizzie Murray, born in Robeson township, daughter of Jacob Murray. One child, Annie, has been born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer attend the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally is connected with the P. O. S. of A., and the K. G. E., the latter of Birsdboro. Mr. Moyer's present home, a two-story frame house, which he built in 1896, is one of the finest residence properties in Gibraltar.
p. 1027
Surnames: MOYER, MYERS. MAYER, WOLFF, STETLER, DEISSINGER, PEIFFER, HOLTZMAN, BOMBERGER, EDRIS, SALAM, KURTZ, BENTZ, HAAS, MACHMER
Peter Moyer, Sr., who after a long life devoted to agricultural pursuits in which line he won more than ordinary success, is now living retired at Womelsdorf, Pa., is a native of Berks county, born at Host, Feb. 15, 1838, a representative of a family that for over one hundred and fifty years has been located in this vicinity.
The progenitor of the American branch of the Moyer (also spelled Myers and Mayer) family was Johannes (John) Moyer, who was one of the German settlers from the Schoharie district in New York. With others he came through the forests into Upper Pennsylvania, and then on rafts down the Susquehanna river as far as Harris's Ferry (now Harrisburg). From there they came on foot through the Lebanon Valley into Heidelberg township, Berks county. There were different influxes of these people from the Schoharie district into Bethel, Heidelberg and Tulpehocken townships, some as early as 1719, others in 1723, 1728-1729 and later. Johannes Moyer was among the later comers and in 1759 he was a taxable in Heidelberg township. He owned land which is still today in the family name. On this he erected buildings, which were replaced in 1849 and 1850, by Peter Moyer, father of Peter Moyer, Sr. He died in 1765, in which year he had made his will, and this was probated Dec. 28, 1765. He was then a resident of Tulpehocken township. In his will he made ample provision for his wife Anna Maria, and the following children are mentioned: George to whom was bequeathed the homestead of 120 acres and the still house, but who was to pay his brothers and sisters two hundred pounds; Henry to whom was willed the mill and house and 128 acres of land (George and Henry were the executors of the will); Anna Barbara (m. George Wolff); Eva Catharine (m. a Stetler); Gideon; Catharine (m. a Deissinger); and Valentine. The testator's beloved son-in-law, George Wolff was made guardian over the children of Catharine Deissinger and Valentine Moyer.
George Moyer, son of one Johannes, was born in western Berks county, June 26, 1770, and he died April 29, 1847, and is buried at Host. He was a farmer by occupation, and owned the tract now owned by his great-grandson Samuel. He married Susanna Peiffer, born May 20, 1773, died Feb. 4, 1833. Their children were John, Michael, Peter, Heinrich, Jacob, Daniel, Mrs. John Holtzman, and Mrs. John Bomberger.
Peter Moyer, son of George, and father of Peter, Sr., was born in Tulpehocken township, on the old farm at Host, Aug. 11, 1796. His life was a successful one, his energies being wisely devoted to farming pursuits. IN 1849, he built a house on the homestead which he owned, and also the barn. His death occurred Sept. 8, 1859, when he was aged sixty-three years, and his remains, and those of his wife, are buried in the cemetery at Host. He married Catharine Edris, born March 1, 1798, died Dec. 19, 1859. They had eight children: John , who had four children, Levi, William, Rebecca and Emma; Michael, Peter, Sr.; Margaret; Mary; Sarah; Susanna; and one that died in childhood.
Peter Moyer, Sr. son of Peter and the subject proper of this sketch, received his education in the old pay schools near his home at Host. This school was held in a cellar room, and often after the holidays as many as eighty pupils would be gathered there. The old school master was John Salam. Young Moyer worked on the home farm as was customary with the farmers; sons at that time and when he started out for himself he naturally turned his attention to the same line of work. In 1860 he began farming on his father's farm, which consisted of eighty acres of fertile land, and this he purchased from his father, making it his home for many years. In 1899 he sold it to his son Samuel, and purchased a farm of 300 acres known as the old Jacob Kurtz farm in Caernarvon township. Upon this he lived for three years, and when he sold it at the end of that time, he moved to Womelsdorf, and has since lived retired. He also owns a large farm in Marion township. Mr. Moyer was a very practical farmer, and was quick to see the good in new methods, and equally quick to adopt them if fitted to his needs. His farms always bore a look of thrift and good management, and he was ever able to command good prices for his produce.
In his political principles Mr. Moyer is a Democrat. He and his family attend Host Union Church, of which they are Reformed members, and in which he has served as elder and deacon.
Mr. Moyer has been twice married. In 1859 he wedded Mary Bentz, daughter of John Bentz. She was born in 1838, and died in 1864, the mother of three children, Amelia, Frank and Mary Ann. Mr. Moyer married (second) Sarah Haas, born Nov. 12, 1843, daughter of Leonard and Hannah (Machmer) Haas, and to this union have been born twelve children as follows: Alice, Samuel, Rebecca, Charles (born Dec. 13, 1869, died Dec. 1, 1870), Peter, Jr., George, Aaron, Sarah (born Oct. 18, 1876, died Aug. 22, 1879), Thomas, Calvin, Anna (born Oct. 11, 1882, died July 11, 1888) and James.
p. 1404
Surnames: MOYER, GOSSERT, SPATZ, BOLLMAN
William Moyer, of Reading, Pa., engaged in the baking business at Nos. 530-532 Spruce street, was born in Bernville, Berks county, April 6, 1875, son of John L. and Mary (Gossert) Moyer, natives of Berks county, John L. Moyer, who was a contractor and builder, died Jan. 25, 1906, aged seventy-six years, and his wife passed away in 1888, aged fifty-four years. Ten children were born to them: John, Levi, Michael; Mary A.; Susan; Emma; Isabella; Rebecca; William and Anna.
William Moyer received his education in the schools of Bernville, Pa., and until seventeen years of age was employed upon the farm. He was then apprenticed to the baker's trade, which he completed March 29, 1896, and at this time succeeded George W. Bollman at Fifth and Laurel streets, where he remained about one year. In 1897 Mr. Moyer moved to his present place of business. He employs fourteen bakers, and operates four delivery wagons. His plant, which is 44-1/2X117-l/2, is equipped with the latest machinery.
In 1893 Mr. Moyer was married to Mary Spatz, daughter of Peter Spatz of Shartlesville, and four children have been born to this union: Ruth, Esther, Josephine and Forrest. The family are members of the First Reformed Church. Mr. Moyer votes independently in political matters.
Surnames: MOYER, STRUNK, BINGAMAN, YOCUM, ZEIGLER, ROLAND, JOHNSTON
William H. Moyer, of the firm of Strunk & Moyer, feed merchants, of Reading, Pa., was born July 17, 1859, at Reading, son of David and Mary (Bingaman) Moyer.
David Moyer, father of William H., born in 1819, was a carpenter at Reading, following his trade here during the greater part of his life. He died in 1878, and his wife, Mary Bingaman, died in 1865. They had three children: Clara, David A., and William H.
William H. Moyer was educated in the Reading schools and began his business life as an employee of Aaron Yocum, in a flour mill, with whom he continued for three years. Then began his association with John M. Strunk, for whom he worked eleven years, and in 1889 he was taken into partnership, and the present firm name was adopted. The business was founded in 1868 by Mr. Strunk, and by him was so conducted that it became favorably known all over Berks county. The warehouse is located at No. 924 Franklin street. The scope of the business includes dealing in flour, feed, grain, hay, straw, potatoes and poultry supplies, and their trade connections enable them not only to do a good business for themselves but to make it of interest to their customers. Their claim to promptness in business transactions is well substantiated. They make a specialty of handling Nutriotone, a condition remedy for horses, cattle, sheep and swine. Their warehouse consists of four floors and the dimensions of the building are 24X24 feet.
Mr. Moyer was married to Louisa Zeigler, daughter of John and Louisa (Roland) Zeigler. of Reading, Pa, Mr. Zeigler died in 1892. For years he had been a valued employee at the Johnston foundry. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer have one daughter, Helen May, who is a pupil at the grammar school. In politics Mr. Moyer is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Knight of Malta; belongs to Camp No. 89, Patriotic Sons of America; and was secretary of the Rainbow Fire Company for some years. He is a member of the First Reformed Church at Reading.
p. 997
Surnames: ERNST, KLOPP, WENRICH, KNOLL, KINTZER, NOECKER, BEHNEY, BECHTEL, MILLER, FROELICH, RUTH, FISHER, SCHLENKER, FIDLER, FISTER, LEVENGOOD, WAGNER
Wilson E. Moyer, railroad station agent at Wernersville, was born at Robesonia, in Heidelberg, Feb. 4, 1873. He is a grandson of the late Daniel Moyer, of Heidelberg, who was a farmer. He married Katharine Ernst, daughter of Joseph Ernst and wife (whose maiden name was Klopp), and they had twelve children; Emanuel B. m. Clara Wenrich; Daniel J. m. Sarah Knoll, and after her decease Emma Kintzer; Mahlon A. m. Ella Noecker; Julius G. m. Isabella Behney; Amelia m. Isaac M. Bechtel; Sarah m. John Miller; Amanda m. William H. Froelich; and three died young.
John E. Moyer, of Robesonia, father of Wilson E. Moyer, was born in April, 1q845, in Heidelberg township. He served in the Civil war for three years, enlisting as a private and was mustered out as a sergeant, being promoted for bravery in rolling out an unexploded shell from entrenchments at Cold Harbor, Va. He carried on farming for over thirty years, but has been living in retirement since April, 1904. He married Amanda Ruth, daughter of Francis Ruth of Heidelberg, and by her he had twelve children: Wilson E. is mentioned below; Maggie C. and John M. both died after becoming of age; Minnie E. m. William E. Fisher, attorney-at-law at Reading; AlIen N., a boiler maker, m. Clara Schlenker; Harry F., a farmer, m. Maggie Fidler; Ezra J. is ticket clerk and baggage agent at the Pennsylvania Railroad depot at Reading; Irwin D., a blacksmith at Black Bear, Pa., m. Florence Fister; Samuel N., Susan A., May R. (public school teachers) and Sarah M. are all unmarried.
After a preliminary education in the local schools Wilson E. Moyer attended the York County Academy and also took a special business course in the Batcheldors Business ColIege at York, Pa. Upon returning home, he entered the general store of his uncle, Mahlon A. Moyer, as a clerk. He filled this position for several months, and served as student in telegraphy at the Womelsdorf railroad station in 1892, and as telegraph operator in the Western Union office at Womelsdorf in 1893. With this experience, in 1894 he was employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company as operator and assistant station agent at Richland station, and filled these positions satisfactorily for nine years, When he was transferred to the Wernersville station to become the agent there. This position he has held successfully until the present time.
In February, 1895, Mr. Moyer married Bessie Levengood, daughter of Gabriel Levengood and Mary Wagner, his wife of Myerstown, and by her he has two children, Mary and Elsie. Gabriel Levengood, father of Mrs. Moyer served three years in the Civil war, and was an aid to General Doubleday at Gettysburg. He was a son of the late Elias Levengood, who served his country on the frontier and went through both Mexican and Civil wars.