p. 747
Surnames: POHLIG, BOHLMAN
Louis Pohlig, a well-known resident of Reading, who is engaged in the Deppen Brewing Company of this city, as brewmaster, is a native of Germany, born in Saxony, July 4, 1865, both of his parents dying in that country.
Mr. Pohlig received his education in the place of his nativity, and came to America in 1885, settling in Reading. He attended a school of instruction on brewing in New York City, then going to Reading, where he was second brewmaster for three years. Returning to Reading Nov. 1, 1901, he engaged as brewmaster with the Deppen Brewing Company, and has continued to act in that position to the present time, brewing porter, lager beer, etc. In religious belief Mr. Pohlig is a German Lutheran. He is a member of the Turnverein, president of the German Central American Society, and of the American and Philadelphia Brewmasters Association. In his political faith Mr. Pohlig is a Democrat.
Mr. Pohlig was married to Marie Bohlman, a native of Germany, and to them there have been born two children,---Elsie and Marguerite.
p. 1636
Surnames: POOLE, DECKEN, NIST
Ernest J. Poole, of Reading, superintendent of the Carpenter Steel Works, was born in Butler, N. J., son of Judson and Julia (Decken) Poole.
Judson Poole, who was a blacksmith by trade, later became a machinist and served as master mechanic in a large plant at Sterling, N. Y. In his later years, however, he again took up blacksmithing in Paterson, N. J. he married Julia Decken, whose father owned valuable iron ore mines in New Jersey, the property still being in the possession of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Poole were born two sons: George N., in the United States Navy, stationed at China, and Ernest J.; and four daughters.
After receiving his education in the public schools of his native locality, Mr. Ernest J. Poole learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, and later became a machinist. He became a foreman in an old established works, and later accepted the position of master mechanic with the Spalding & Jennings Company, of Jersey City, N. J., which company was absorbed by the trust in 1900. Mr. Poole then came to Reading, and was made superintendent of the Carpenter Steel Works, this company, which has 900 men in its employ, manufacturing high grade steel tools, automobile parts, etc. It is one of the largest industries of Reading, and under Mr. Pole's able superintendency the business has assumed large proportions. Mr. Poole is a man of decided executive ability, a skilled mechanic, and one who is capable of managing the great force of employees, with whom he is very popular. He is a member of Reading Lodge No. 547, F. & A. M.; Foresters of America, at Jersey City; and the Royal Arcanum.
In 1891 Mr. Poole was married to Catherine Nist, and to them were born three children: Lillian M., Florence L. and Ernest J., Jr.
p. 356
Surnames: PORTER, DECHERT
Robert Porter was the third President Judge of Berks county. He was the eldest son of Gen. Andrew Porter, and was born at Philadelphia Jan. 10, 1768. When only eight years old, the Revolution had begun in earnest and his father had enlisted to serve the United Colonies. Toward the close of the war, his father was colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery, and Judge Porter, when only thirteen years of age, was enlisted in one of the companies under the command of his father. At the conclusion of the war, he resumed his studies at Philadelphia, and selecting the law as his profession was admitted to practice May 15, 1789. After being engaged in a successful practice for twenty years at Philadelphia, he in 1810 was appointed president judge of the Third Judicial District, which comprised the counties of Berks, Northampton and Wayne. He filled this honorable position for twenty-two years, and then, resigning his commission, retired to private life. He resided at Reading, on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets, during his term of office. He died June 23, 1842, at Brookville, Pa., aged seventy-four years. He was a man of profound learning and superior legal attainments. Henry M. Dechert, Esq., of Philadelphia, whose sketch and portrait appear in this publication, is a grandson.
p. 1469
Surnames: POTT, MILLER, POTTS, SCHROEDER, WANNER, HEVERLING, REIMERT, GOOD, DENTRICH, BINGAMAN, KNODERER, DAVIS, SEYFRIT, POTTEIGER, KITTELMAN, HORNBERGER, GRIMES, FREEMAN
William Pott, a retired citizen of Spring township, Berks county, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, is a native of Berks county, born April 19, 1834, son of Jacob and Catherine (Miller) Pott.
John Pott (or Potts, as the name was then), who had settled in Amity township prior to 1754, was the great-grandfather of William Pott. In 1754 he paid a federal tax in Amity township, of fifteen pounds, which is evidence of the fact that he was a large land owner. At the same time John Potts' brother, Thomas Potts, lived in Colebrookdale township, where he paid a tax of forty-five pounds. It is traditional that these brothers emigrated together from Breisen (Preussen), Germany, but this is uncertain, as it is also claimed they are Welsh. One of the sons of these brothers in later years settled across the Blue Mountains, now Schuylkill county, and became the founder of Pottsville, the county seat and prominent mining town of the anthracite coal district. Pottstown, a flourishing city of Montgomery county, near Amity township, was also founded by a member of this family, who were prominent in Berks and surrounding counties during the latter part of the eighteenth century.
Johannes Pott, the grandfather of William, was a native of Amity township, and died there, being buried at Amity Church. His wife was a Schroeder, and they had these children; Daniel, who was a bachelor, was drowned in the Tulpehocken, and buried at Sinking Spring; Jacob was the father of William.
Jacob Pott was born in Amity township, March 12, 1804, and died April 1, 1883, aged seventy-nine years, nineteen days. He is buried at Spies' Church. He married Catherine Miller, born Sept. 11, 1803, who died Nov. 23, 1873, daughter of John Adam Miller, and to them were born these children: (1) Jacob m. Amelia Wanner, by whom he had, -- James, Jacob, George, Miranda, Valentine and Edward. (2) John, deceased, m. Elizabeth Heverling and had these children, -- Sarah, Kate and Thomas, all deceased, and Lizzie. (3) Isaac, deceased, m. Priscilla Miller of Spring township, and they had these children, -- Charles, Rebecca and Kate. (4) Mary m. Henry Reimert, of Greenwich township. (5) Catherine m. Peter Good, of Alsace township. (6) William. (7) Charles M. m. Catherine Dentrich, of Alsace township, and resides in Reading. (8) Daniel m. Hannah Bingaman, and has these children, -- George, Samuel, Daniel, Irvin, Charles and Sarah (deceased).
William Pott was reared upon the farm and as a youth learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for some years. Oct. 26, 1862, he enlisted from Berks county for nine months service in Capt. H. H. Miller's Co. E, 167th Regt., under command of Col. C. A. Knoderer and DePuy Davis. The command was assigned to the 1st Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and proceeded to Suffolk, Va., engaging in guard duty on the fortifications, and in an expedition to the Black Water. They were also in action at Deserted House, Jan. 30, 1863; at the Siege of Suffolk, Va., from April 12, to May 4, 1863; and joined in pursuing Lee, retreating from Gettysburg to the Rappahannock. Comrade Pott shared the fortunes of the regiment in all of its movements and engagements and was honorably discharged Aug. 12, 1863, at Reading Pa., by reason of expiration of his term. After the war he was incapacitated for several years because of sickness contracted in the war. In 1877 he purchased a tract of somewhat more than an acre of land, where he has since resided. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family are Reformed members of St. John's Church at Sinking Spring.
Mr. Pott was married April 4, 1858, to Mary Seyfrit, born Oct. 22, 1837, daughter of John Seyfrit, of Spring township. Mrs. Pott died May 20, 1907, aged sixty-nine years, six months, twenty-eight days, the mother of these children: Albert m. Maria Potteiger; Adeline m. Allen Kittelman; Charles; Catherine m. John Hornberger; William died young; Mary m. George Grimes; Robert died young; Eddie is single and lives at home; Ella m. George Freeman, deceased; and four others died young.
p. 644
Surnames: POTTEIGER, SHALTERS, SCHAEFFER, KISSINGER, HAAK, WOBENSMITH, BEIDLER, RUTH, FOX, FISHER, AHRENS, REBER, ENGEL, PFATTEICHER, SEIDEL, KIESZLING, GRING, GICKER, SCHMECK, YOST, PARVIN, MILLER, BIRCH, BAER
Amos W. Potteiger, successful merchant and public-spirited citizen at Reading for fifty years, was born Nov. 23, 1823, on a farm in Bern township along the Tulpehocken creek, several miles from Reading. He was educated in private schools at Reading and the Unionville Seminary (situated along the Schuylkill river near the Chester county line). After leaving school he worked on the homestead farm until he became twenty-one years old, when he entered the general store of Francis B. Shalters, at reading (Fifth and Washington streets), as a clerk, where he remained one year and then returned to the farm. While on the farm he taught school, acted as a surveyor, and officiated as a justice of the peace until 1848, when he went to Reading to engage in the mercantile business with John B. Schaeffer. Their store was situated on the north side of Penn street, below Third (now No.251). After they had traded together for a number of years, Mr. Potteiger became the sole owner of the business, which he continued at that place until 1866. Shortly before this time he had purchased a large property on the south side of Penn street, above Third (now Nos. 310-312), where he erected a large three-story brick building, which was the most modern business at that time in Reading west of Fourth street. The plate glass for the show windows was imported from France, and their size attracted great public attention, they having been the largest at Reading up to that time. For several years before his death, Aug. 12, 1897, Mr. Potteiger was the oldest surviving merchant at Reading. He was elected to common council from the Northwest ward for two terms, from 1861 to 1864. While in council he gave much attention to the topographical survey of the city which was then being made; and he encouraged systematic numbering of the houses throughout the city. Upon the removal of the public market-houses on Penn Square, in 1871, he cooperated heartily with other enterprising men in the western part of Reading for establishing a private market-house to accommodate the patrons as well as the farmers, which resulted in the erection of the large and commodious market-house and the Grand Opera House on the south side of Penn street, west of Fourth, and he officiated as president of the corporation until he died. He and his son also erected the large annex known as the Potteiger market-house in 1895. In the establishment of a new post-office building at Reading by the national government, 1887 to 1889, he acted as one of the commissioners. In politics he was identified with the Democratic party, in which he always took an active interest, but was never a candidate for office.
Immediately after locating at Reading, Mr. Potteiger became a member of the Trinity Lutheran congregation, and he continued a very active member until he died. He officiated as deacon, elder and trustee for nearly forty years, and during this time also took great interest in the Sunday-school, teaching a class the greater part of the time. When Muhlenberg College, at Allentown, was established, he was a liberal contributor. He officiated as a trustee until he died, and his son, Samuel N., became his successor. For many years he was the largest single contributor toward the maintenance of this institution.
In 1849 Mr. Potteiger married Louisa Seidel Kissinger. They had four children: Clara Amanda (m. to George E. Haak); Samuel Newton; Emma (died when eighteen years of age); and Luther (died in infancy). Mrs. Potteiger died Dec. 5, 1907, aged seventy-nine years. Mrs. Haak took much active interest in church and charitable work, having had official connections with the Reading Hospital and Widows' Home for many years. She died in 1905.
Mr. Potteiger's father was John Potteiger, of Bern township, who was engaged in farming and also dealt extensively in cattle. He took an active interest in politics and officiated as sheriff of the county from 1850 to 1853. When he entered upon the duties of this office he moved to Reading, of which he continued to be a citizen from that time until his decease. He was born in 1803, and died in 1865. He married Sarah Wobensmith of Reading, born in 1807, died in 1869. They had nine children: Amos Wobensmith; Levi (m. to Barbara Beidler); William (m. to Elizabeth Ruth); John (died in youth); Mary Ann (m. to Benjamin S. Fox); Rebecca (m. to Henry B. Fisher); Catharine (m. to William Ahrens); Sarah (m. to James T. Reber); and Amelia (m. to Daniel Engel).
He was a lineal descendant of Martin Pfatteicher, who emigrated from Germany in 1737, settled in the upper section of Bern township (about two miles north of Bernville), where he secured a large quantity of land, and carried on farming until his decease, in 1791.
Mrs. Amos W. Potteiger's father was Abraham Kissinger, a farmer, born in 1792, died in 1864; he married Susanna Seidel, born in 1795, died in 1875. Their homestead was located in Bern township, opposite Reading and overlooking the Schuylkill river. Her grandfather, also named Abraham, a farmer of the same township, was born in 1750 and died in 1833. He was married to Maria Angenisz Kieszling, born in 1752, died in 1838. Mrs. Potteiger's parents had nine children: Abraham S. (m. to Lydia Gring); Rebecca (m. to Jonathan Gicker); Mary (m. to Benjamin Schmeck); Elizabeth (m. to Samuel Kissinger); Louisa S. (m. to Amos W. Potteiger); Washington S. (m. to Elizabeth Yost); Susan (m. to William Parvin); Amanda (m. to James L. Miller); and Sarah (m. to Charles S. Birch).
Samuel Newton Potteiger was born at Reading, and received his education in the city schools and in Muhlenberg College, from which he was graduated. Then he read law in the office of George F. Baer, Esq., and was admitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county and the State of Pennsylvania. Besides carrying on the practice of the law since then, he has given much successful attention to real estate and building operations at Reading, being one of its largest builders, having erected many rows of modern dwellings as well as the handsome stone-front Potteiger office building at Nos. 535-537 Court Street, built in 1904. He was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Valley Bank (adjoining the Potteiger store building) in 1890, and since then has served as one of its directors; and upon the death of his father, succeeded him as a director of the corporations with which he had been connected.
p. 1593
Surnames: POTTEIGER/PFATTEICHER/BATTEICHER/BATTEIGER, MILLER, MOUNTZ, HAAK, HAAG, NOLL, BABB, CONRAD, KAUFFMAN, SCHAEFFER, HUBER, SCHMEHL, KLOPP, HARNER, UNGER, DIETRICH, BERNHART, HERR, MOYER, MINNICH, BRIGHT, FILBERT, HAAG, BEIDLER, GRILL, LEINBACH, KOLP, HIGH, PEACOCK, YOCUM, HESS, SHIRK, GRING, SPOHN, REBER, YOST, SCHRACK, WEIDMAN, GAUL, GOCKLEY, MOHR, STEFFY, PHILLIPS, YODER, BODY, LEADER, AHRENS, SHANNEMAN, GABLE, BITTING, RUTH, BROBST, TYSON, POST, STIEFF, HODGE, SHERMAN, KERST, KOCHEL
The Potteiger--Pfatteicher, Batteicher-- family of Berks county, Pa., has been on record in this Commonwealth since Oct. 5, 1787, when the ship "Townshead," from the Fatherland, landed passengers at Philadelphia. Among these passengers was Martin Pfatteicher, who settled in Heidelberg township, Berks county. He died probably late in November or early in December, 1791, as his will, made Jan. 19, 1791, was admitted to probate Dec. 20, 1791. [Will Book A., page 209.] He had one son, Martin, and five daughters, namely: Maria Elizabeth, Maria Eva, Maria Catharine, Maria Eva Rosina, and Susanna Catharine, the last named being the youngest in the family.
Martin Pfatteicher (Potteicher, Batteicher or Batteiger), son of the emigrant Martin, was a farmer and owned a large tract of land. The names of his wife and children are not known.
In Will Book A, page 535, is the record of the last will and testament of Adam Pfatteicher, said by tradition, to have been a brother of Martin the emigrant. He was born Nov. 27, 1727, and died March 24, 1807, and is buried at Little Tulpehocken Church. His will, made May 10, 1804, was entered April 6, 1807, in it are mentioned his children: John Adam, John Michael, Conrad, Jacob (known as "Herrgodds" Jacob) and Samuel.
John Adam Potteicher, son of Adam, born June 30, 1755, died March 24, 1827. His wife, Barbara Pfatteicher (spelling of name taken from tombstone in Little Tulpehocken churchyard), born May 8, 1761, died Nov. 8, 1821. They were the parents of three children: Adam, who died young; John, mentioned below; and Catharine (born Jan. 12, 1780, died Sept. 10, 1847), who married Michael Miller (born Aug. 11, 1777, died July 23, 1830, after thirty-one years of married life), both being buried at Little Tulpehocken Church.
Herrgodds Jacob Botteiger, son of Adam, born in 1769, died in 1853. He married Barbara Mountz, and their son, Johannes, born April 5, 1795, who married Margaretha Haak (or Haag), became the father of eight children and died Aug. 27, 1858.
John Potteicher, son of John Adam, was born Aug. 30, 1783, and died April 25, 1858, aged seventy-four years, seven months, twenty-five days.
He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and good judgement, and was prominent in the public life of his day. For many years he was justice of the peace, and he served in the General Assembly in 1831-34 and 1842-44 and was State senator from 1847 to 1849. He married Catharine Noll, born Oct. 27, 1789, who died Dec. 30, 1852, aged sixty-three years, two months, three days. Eight children were born to them, as follows: (1) Daniel was reared in Upper Bern township, and became a prominent man, holding a number of county offices, serving as county surveyor, 1845-50; clerk of Orphan's court, 1854-57; clerk in Reading post-office, three years. He died in Reading and is buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. He married Maria Babb, and they had sixteen children, eight of whom died young, those surviving childhood being Dr. Jonathan B. (prominent man and noted surgeon of Hamburg, with an enviable Civil war record, who has a son, George, also a physician and surgeon), Alfred, Maria, Eli, Sarah, Catharine, Rebecca and Augustus. (2) John married Eliza Conrad, and had ten children: Hiram, Rancon, Lizzie, Catharine, Ellen, Emma, Calvin, John, Wilson and Sydney. (3) William N., born Nov. 15, 1821, died Sept. 5, 1894, aged seventy-two years, nine months, twenty days. For about six years he lived on the old John Adam Potteicher homestead in Jefferson township, and then purchased a part of it, on which he erected a set of fine buildings, and there made his home for some thirty-odd years, being a very successful and prominent farmer. He was an honored citizen and always active in public affairs, making a fine record as an official. For thirty years he served his township as justice of the peace; from 1862 to 1864 he was an Assemblyman. He retired in 1890, and moved to Reading, where he died four years later, his wife surviving but one year. He married Esther Kauffmen, born Aug. 16, 1830, died Nov. 14, 1895, aged sixty-five years, two months, twenty-eight days, and they became the parents of eleven children: Mary, who married Daniel Schaeffer; Clara, who married George Huber; John, unmarried; Alice, who married Edward T. Schmehl; Annie, who married Morgan Klopp; James, who married Maggie Harner; Thomas (1865-1882); Sallie M., who married William A. Dietrich (1866-1903); Nora E., who married James H. Unger (1869- 1898); Rosa, who married William Bernhart; and Ella, who married Dr. Walter Herr. (4) Samuel married Eliza Moyer, and they have five children: Ann Matilda, Kate, Frank, George and Madison. (5) Adam married Maria Schaeffer, and has two children, Wilson and John. (6) Elizabeth married Jacob Minnich, and they had two children, Adam and Ellen. (7) Catharine married Adam Bright. They had no children. (8) Sallie married John Filbert, and had three children: Heister; Frank, deceased; and Amelia.
Levi Potteiger, son of Sheriff John, was born near Kissinger's Church in Bern township, and he engaged in agricultural pursuits and cattle droving in Berks county all his life. He carried on an extensive business, and was known not alone all over his own county but as far as Philadelphia. He married Barbara Beidler, of Reading, and they had children: John; Abraham Lincoln; Alice, who married John Grill; Annie, who married Calvin Leinbach; Sallie, who married William Kolp; Nora, deceased; Irwin and Alvin.
Abraham Lincoln Potteiger, son of Levi and Barbara (Beidler), was born in Spring township April 19, 1861. He attended the district schools in Spring and Bern townships, and at the age of twenty-one began life for himself, first engaging in butchering, a trade which he followed successfully at West Reading and Shillington. In 1897 he located at Third and Walnut streets, Reading, to carry on the same line, and then went into the hotel business at Myerstown, Lebanon county, where he remained two years. From there Mr. Potteiger went to Kleinfeltersville, where he also spent two years. In 1902 he returned to Cumru township, taking charge of the "Green Tree Hotel," which he conducted with great profit for four years. In the spring of 1906 he removed to his father-in-law's farm of 100 acres, near the "Three Mile House," and there he is still actively engaged in farming. In politics Mr. Potteiger is a Democrat, and in religious faith he and his family are Reformed, belonging to the Shillington Church. He is a member of Reading Castle, No. 49, K. G. E., and of the Independent Order of Americans at Shillington.
In June, 1883, Mr. Potteiger married Hannah C.
High, daughter of William P. High, and to this union have been born
three children: Florence H., Helen H. and Ralph H., of whom the
last named died in infancy.
Henry Potteiger, son of Jacob and Christiana (Minnich), was born in Tulpehocken township March 15, 1828, and died March 20, 1896, aged sixty-eight years, five days. He was early trained to farm work, and when he started out for himself it was to engage in farming and droving.
He bought his cattle in the neighboring counties, and many of them he shipped to Spring City, where he disposed of them at public sale. He was a very well-known man, and had friends wherever he went. About 1855 he came to Sinking Spring and purchased a farm of about ninety-six acres, upon which he made his home for twenty-eight years. This farm is now in the possession of his son, Albert. In his political faith he was a Republican, and in religious belief a Lutheran, for many years being an elder in St. John's Lutheran Church at Sinking Spring, and he is buried in the cemetery there. He married Eliza Ann Yocum, who was born March 16, 1832, daughter of Daniel Yocum; she died Feb. 9, 1896, when she was aged sixty-three years, ten months, twenty-three days. They had twelve children: (1) Daniel married Lizzie M. Spohn, and they live at Annville, Pa. He is one of the most extensive cattle dealers in Lebanon and adjoining counties. (2) Franklin married Sarah Reber, and lives in Spring township, where he conducts a large farm, paying great attention to dairy products. Their children are: William, Jennie, Hettie and Cora.
(3) Howard. (4) Albert, (5) Henry W. married Ida S. Leinbach, and they reside at No. 200 West Oley street, Reading. (6) Webster J. (7) Emma C. married Henry H. Yost, a farmer one and one-half miles north of Sinking Spring. (8) Charles E. (9) William died in infancy. (10) Samuel O. (11) Ellen E. married Charles Schrack, formerly a railroad employe, but later in the wheelwright business at Wernersville. (12) Agnes M. married Stephen Weidman, of Sinking Spring, where he conducts a butcher's stand.
In 1908, on the fifty-fifth birthday of the eldest son, Daniel, the sons and daughters of Henry and Eliza Ann (Yocum) Potteiger assembled at his home in Annville. Eleven of the twelve children are living, and these were all present. The family at that time included thirty grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Albert Potteiger, son of Henry, and a well-known farmer of Sinking Spring, was born in the township where he still resides Nov. 17, 1857. He was reared upon his father's farm, which as stated above, is now in his possession. For twelve years he lived at Wernersville, where he was employed at different occupations. In 1897 he became the owner of his present place of seventy-two acres, and has since devoted his entire time to its cultivation. He has all the latest improved machinery, and has some fine live stock. He sells his butter and cream in Sinking Spring and markets his fine fruit in Reading. In politics he is a Republican. Socially he is a member of Washington Camp, No. 99, P. O. S. of A., at Wernersville. On Oct. 18, 1883, Mr. Potteiger was married to Miss Kate Gaul, born July 28, 1861, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Gockley) Gaul. They have one child, Roy H., born Jan. 20, 1894.
Mrs. Potteiger's grandparents were Dietrich Gockley, born 1777, died 1845, and his wife, Eva Mohr, born 1784, died 1851. They are buried at Hain's Church.
Webster J. Potteiger, son of Henry, and a well-known farmer and dairyman residing at Sinking Spring, was born Dec. 9, 1861. He was brought up on the farm, and worked for his father until he was of age. He then worked for four years in the warehouse of Conrad D. Reber, of Sinking Spring, and at the end of that time entered the dairy business. He has conducted a daily milk route in Reading since 1897, and until the spring of 1904 purchased his milk from other farmers, but that year he purchased the Joel Steffy farm from Mrs. H. W. Potteiger, of Reading. His farm consists of 115 acres of the best land in Spring township. The buildings are of the very best, the barn is 46x108 feet in dimensions, and everything about the place reflects the greatest credit on the management. Mr. Potteiger has twenty head of cattle and some excellent horses. The most up-to-date and approved methods and machinery are used on his place. As a good Republican he is keenly interested in public affairs, although his own business leaves him no time for the holding of public position. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran congregation, and he served as deacon for a number of years.
On Oct. 30, 1887, Mr. Potteiger was married to Miss Sallie Y. Phillips, daughter of Reuben and Mary (Yoder) Phillips, farming people of Leesport. Eight children have blessed this union, namely: Herbert P., Reuben H., Clinton S., Grace E., Mary M., Mabel I., Granville Webster and Paul E. The members of this family are all highly respected and hold an enviable place in the community.
Charles E. Potteiger, son of Henry, is a farmer and drover at Sinking Spring, residing on the farm on which he was born Dec. 7, 1865. He acquired his education in the township schools, and assisted his parents on the home farm until he was twenty-one. For the following thirteen years he was employed as a lineman for the railroad company. In 1902 he began farming, and for two years continued this vocation in connection with droving. Since 1899 he has made his home in Sinking Spring. At the present time he is dealing extensively in cattle, which he buys on frequent Western trips by the carload, and disposes of at public sale in his village. He is very enterprising and progressive, and is looked upon as one of the successful men of Sinking Spring. Like all his family he is a stanch Republican in his political views. He is a member of Camp No. 282, P. O. S. of A., at Sinking Spring.
On May 24, 1890, Mr. Potteiger married to Miss Kate H. Yocum, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Yocum, of Sinking Spring. They have one daughter, Helen Y.
Samuel O. Potteiger, son of Henry, and now a popular rural mail carrier at Sinking Spring, was born in Spring township on his father's farm Aug. 16, 1868. He received a good common school education in his native township and worked on his father's farm. In 1887 he learned the hat finishing trade with the Hendels at Montello, this county, and this he followed until 1904, when he was appointed rural mail carrier from the Sinking Spring office. He was assigned to Route No. 2, which covers twenty and two-tenths miles per day. In politics he is a Republican, and has been active in public affairs, was a delegate to county convention, and in 1900 was the census enumerator of Spring township.
Mr., Potteiger resides in his own comfortable residence, which is on Lancaster avenue, and is surrounded by a beautiful lawn. He is a good citizen and has many friends. He is financial secretary of Camp No. 282, P. O. S. of A., a position he has held since 1896; and he is Sir Knight Marshal of Loyal Chamber, No. 43, Knights of Friendship, both lodges at Sinking Spring. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church, in which he has been deacon and (since 1901) a member of the choir. Prior to 1898 he was a teacher in the Sunday- school, that year becoming assistant superintendent, and he has also continued teaching a part of the time since.
On May 20, 1887, Mr. Potteiger was married to
Miss Emma I. Body, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Leader) Body,
farming people of Bern township. Two sons and two daughters have
come to this union: Harry E., chief clerk of the Reading Shale
Brick Company; Walter L.; Helen Margarite, and Esther May.
Charles W. Potteiger, son of Jacob and Sarah (Ahrens) Potteiger, was born in Bern township March 23, 1858, and is now engaged as a wholesale and retail tobacconist at Reading. He was educated in the common schools of Berks county, and at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, and for five years was engaged in teaching school in his native township. He then engaged in business with his father, purchasing cattle throughout the Western states, a business he later followed with John C. Potteiger, and still later alone until 1888, when he was appointed revenue collector for the First district of Pennsylvania. He served in that capacity until 1892, when he engaged in the jobbing and wholesaling of cigars, a business he has carried on to the present time with much success. He employs several salesmen in the conduct of his business, and his goods are known for their excellence and uniform quality. His factory is located at Sixth and Washington streets, Reading, with a branch store at No. 510 Penn street.
In 1881 Mr. Potteiger married Miss Ida Ruth,
daughter of Reuben Ruth, and they have three children: Clarence,
Edna and Adeline. In fraternal connection Mr. Potteiger is a member
of Reading Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter;
Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T.; Harrisburg Consistory; Reading
Lodge of Perfection; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Lexington
Lodge, K. of P. He and Mrs. Potteiger attend Trinity Lutheran
Church. Mr. Potteiger is a stanch Republican, and was on the board
of public works for eight years, and chairman of the Republican
committee, as well as a delegate to the convention at Chicago that
nominated President Roosevelt. He is a member of the Republican
State Central Committee, and in 1908 was a candidate on the
Republican ticket for county commissioner. He has always been a
public-spirited citizen, and any movements having for their object
the welfare of the city or its citizens have Mr. Potteiger's hearty
support.
Albert S. Potteiger, son of Franklin and Susan, and proprietor of the Riverside Planing Mill, at Third and Bern streets, Reading, was born in Schuylkill county, Jan. 25, 1863. He attended the schools of Reading and Upper Bern township, at the latter place taking a two years' course in German. He then entered the business college of E. E. Post, Reading, after leaving which he engaged with the Penn Hardware Company., being employed in the drilling and riveting department. He next learned the hat making business with a Mr. Stieff, with whom he continued for some time, his next work being with the Reading Iron Company. At the end of two years he engaged in the planing-mill at Franklin and Carpenter streets, later known as the Penn Planing Mill, where he remained for eight years. He then took charge of the Reading Box Factory for a year, after which he assumed charge of the old planing-mills. In 1894 Mr. Potteiger associated himself with Joseph Hodge, Isaac Sherman and James W. Kerst, under the name of the Excelsior Planing Mill, Hodge & Co., for general mill planing work. They located at No. 133 Pearl street, and began with several hands. Mr. Potteiger was president and general manager of this company, with which he remained twelve years, at the end of which the business of the company had so grown as to necessitate the employment of sixty-eight hands. On March 14, 1896, M. Potteiger retired from this company, and on June 1, 1896, he began his present business, buying the building of the American Match Company, at Riverside, and in fourteen days had his plant operating and receiving orders. He has had a large and rapidly increasing trade throughout the State, employing thirty-five skilled mechanics. The factory is a large two-story building, 80x120 feet, and is fully equipped with the latest planing-mill machinery.
In 1906 Mr. Potteiger married Catharine Kochel, daughter of John A. Kochel, a well-known stone-mason who worked for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and the Wilmington & Northern Railroad Company. Mr. Potteiger is a member of the B. P. O. E., Lodge No. 115, Reading; the K. G. E., and the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and are active in its work. They reside at their pleasant home, No. 127 Spring street, where their many friends are always welcome. Mr. Potteiger is independent in political matters.
p. 1615
Surnames: POTTEIGER, WEIN, KALBACH, JAMES, SWOYER, HOFFA, MECK, BIEHL
Howard W. Potteiger, a coach builder and general blacksmith of Exeter township, who has been located in business at Jacksonwald since March, 1899, was born in Exeter township, Feb. 7, 1872, son of Cyrus and Anna (Wein) Potteiger.
Edwin Potteiger, the grandfather of Howard W., was a farmer of Spring and Exeter townships until his retirement, when he removed to Reading, and there his death occurred. He married Miss Sarah Kalbach, of Heidelberg township, and to them were born these children: Henry, of Glenmore, Chester county; Harrison, of Sparrow's Point, Md.,; Morgan, of Annhurst, Dauphin Co., Pa.; William, of Fort Washington, Pa.; Cyrus; James, of Victor Hill, N. J.; and Levi, who was last heard of in the U. S. Navy.
Cyrus Potteiger was born in Spring township, Berks county, and was twelve years old when his parents moved to Exeter township. There the rest of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits, his death occurring March 29, 195, at the age of forty-seven years.
Mr. Potteiger also gave a great deal of attention to veterinary work, practicing all over Berks county, and won quite a reputation in this line. He was a Republican in politics and served as supervisor of Exeter township for some years. He was a member of Schwartzwald Lutheran Church. His widow, who is still living, makes her home in St. Lawrence, Berks county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Potteiger, namely: Clayton H., a milk dealer of Reading; Emma m. Peter Meck, a machinist of Reading; and Howard W.
Howard W. Potteiger received his education in the public schools of Exeter township, and remained at home on the farm until nineteen years of age, at which time he went to Reading and entered the carriage establishment of George W. Biehl, to learn carriage making and blacksmithing. After three years of that work Mr. Potteiger went to Evan James to learn horse shoeing, and then in company with Frank Swoyer formed a partnership and opened a business at Black Bear, which continued for three years. Mr. Potteiger then sold out and went to Neversink, where he engaged in business alone for two years. In March, 1899, he came to Jacksonwald and built his present establishment, with blacksmithing, woodworking and painting departments. Mr. Potteiger is an excellent mechanic himself and he employs three skilled workmen. The high quality and fair prices of Mr. Potteiger's work have won him much trade, while his honesty and integrity have given him a solid standing in the business world. Mr. Potteiger owns his own home in Jacksonwald, a modern residence with all the latest improvements, which he bought in 1899. In politics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he is connected with Washington Camp No. 230, P. O. S. of A., and the K. G. E., St. Lawrence, No. 463.
In 1892 Mr. Potteiger was married to Miss Lillie E. Hoffa, daughter of Daniel Hoffa, of Exeter township, and to this union there have been born five children, as follows: Grace I., Eva E., Howard O., Erma M. and Myrtle V. The family are members of Schwartzwald Lutheran Church.