Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
p. 349
Surnames: SELTZER, EVANS, STULB, SHEETZ, MECK, SMITH, ZEBLEY,
MOORE, THOMAS, KUNTZ, KUHN
Dr. Charles Meck Seltzer, physician at Philadelphia for thirty
years, was born at Philadelphia March 1857. He received his
preliminary education in private schools and in the Eastburn
Academy, which he attended until 1875, when he took up the study of
medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, graduating and
receiving his diploma in 1878. He traveled abroad for a year,
attending the hospitals in England, France, Italy and Germany, and
upon his return was appointed resident physician of the Episcopal
Hospital, which position he filled successfully for two years;
afterward he attended the hospital as visiting surgeon from 1881 to
1887. In his private practice he was associated with Dr. Horace Y.
Evans from 1883 to 1885, but since 1885 has been actively engaged
in practice by himself. For fifteen years he lectured on Anatomy,
Physiology and Hygiene in the Eastburn Academy and during the year
1894 he filled the position of professor of Hygiene in the
Medico-Chirurgical College. During his first ten years of private
practice he was visiting physician and surgeon to numerous
institutions, including the Charity Hospital, Northern Home, Odd
Fellows Home, Angora Home, and several others. Since 1895 he has
been acting as the supervising medical examiner of the Travelers
Insurance Company of Hartford, at Philadelphia, with many
physicians under him. Of late years Dr. Seltzer has gradually been
withdrawing from active practice of medicine and devoting his time
and energies to matters of hygiene--especially to the production of
pure milk and scientific agriculture, also to the disposal of the
waste of large cities, particularly garbage and its reduction, to
sanitary by-products.
In 1885 he was married to Emily Stulb, daughter
of Joseph Stulb, of Philadelphia, and they have a daughter, Mary
Louise. His father was Franklin Peter Seltzer (cousin of Jonathan
F. Seltzer, whose sketch appears in this publication), born at
Womelsdorf in 1823. When he was a boy six years old his parents
removed West, driving all the way and settling at Crestline, in
Ohio, where they were among the first settlers. He was educated
there and remained in that vicinity at farming until 1845, when he
went to Philadelphia and entered a wholesale grocery store as a
clerk, where he continued until 1847. He then formed a partnership
with his cousin, Jacob Sheetz, for conducting a wholesale grocery
and liquor business, and they were partners for fifteen years.
Their store was at Third and Callowhill streets. In 1862 he became
the sole owner and he continued at the same stand with increasing
success until 1873, when he removed to a larger and more central
property, No. 1017 Market street, which he had purchased. At this
stand he became still more successful, with his trading relations
extending throughout Pennsylvania and into the adjoining States;
and he continued actively engaged until his decease in 1886, having
been identified with the mercantile life of Philadelphia for forty
years. He was largely interested for twenty years, in the
"Continental Hotel," then the leading hotel of Philadelphia, and at
his decease he was succeeded by his son Charles, who became
president of the board of managers and officiated until 1903. He
was married to Louisa Meck, a daughter of Isaac Meck, of Liverpool,
in Perry county, Pa., and they had eleven children: Charles M.;
Anna Maria, married to Dr. Henry A. Smith; Alice Louise; Susan May,
married to John H. Zebley; Henry Fister, married to Margaret Moore;
Ralph Edgar, married to Helen Thomas; Elizabeth Maud; Walter
Harold, who died in 1905, aged twenty-six years; and three who died
in infancy.
Dr. Seltzer's grandfather was David Seltzer,
born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, at Womelsdorf, and he
assisted his father at farming until 1829, when he moved with his
family to Ohio. He was married to Elizabeth Sheetz, while at home,
and they had five children, including a son Franklin Peter. Upon
his first wife's death he married Margaret Kuntz, by whom he had
two children, and after her decease he married a third wife, whose
name was Kuhn. [For antecedents see sketch of J. R. Seltzer, in
this publication.]
p.
824
Surnames: SELTZER, SMITH, KLAHR, HINES, FORESMAN, WOLFORD,
WILFORD, KILLIAN, RUTH, MILLER, KRICK, BOWER, SAYLOR, KAUFFMAN, VAN
REED, WEISER, SHEETZ, HASSINGER, HAIN, SEE, HIESTER, TRYON, SPANG,
DEWEES, REED
Jonathan R. Seltzer, a prosperous hardware merchant at
Philadelphia for fifty years, was born in 
Lower Heidelberg township, near Sinking Spring, in
Berks county, on May 12, 1834. He was educated in the township
schools and reared on a farm until he was fourteen years if age,
when he went to Philadelphia and entered the hardware store of
Conrad & Roberts, at No. 123 North Third street, as a clerk,
and he continued with them for nine years. Having in this time
become thoroughly acquainted with the business, he then (1857)
formed a partnership with Jacob K. Smith, and under the name of
Smith, Seltzer & Co., at No. 409 North Third street, traded
successfully until 1879, when they remover their store to the
northeast corner of Sixth and Market streets, where they continued
until 1880. The partnership was then dissolved by the retirement of
Mr. Smith and his son and the substitution of Lewis V. Klahr (Mr.
Seltzer's nephew, also from Berks county), and under the name of
the Seltzer-Klahr Company they have conducted a very successful
business until the present time, at the same location, and their
trade has been developed to extend throughout Pennsylvania and
adjoining States.
In 1858, Mr. Seltzer was married to Eveline R.
Hines, daughter of Albert Hines, of Philadelphia, and by her he had
three children: Albert died single ; William Irwin married Ann
Foresman, of Williamsport; and Evelyn married Edward B. Wolford,
manufacturer at Philadelphia. His wife dying in 1879, he in 1890
married Mrs. Julia C. Wilford, daughter of Dr. Martin Killian (who
emigrated from Germany in 1845 and settled at Hamburg, Berks
county, where he practised his profession for several years).
William Seltzer, his father, was born in 1794 at
Womelsdorf, and brought up there. When a young man he engaged in
farming in Lower Heidelberg township along the Cacoosing creek,
near Sinking Spring, and he continued at that calling until his
decease in 1872. He was married to Catharine Ruth, daughter of
Daniel Ruth and Elizabeth Miller his wife, by whom he had eleven
children, those besides Jonathan R. being: Mary Ann married Peter
Klahr; Sarah married Jacob B. Krick; Hannah married William Bower;
Daniel married Mary Krick; Susan A. married Benjamin Saylor;
Elizabeth died single; four others died in their youth.
His grandfather was Jacob Seltzer, born in 1764
at Womelsdorf, where he carried on farming and kept hotel until his
decease in 1825. He was married to Catharine Kauffman, daughter of
Jacob, of Oley; she was born in 1766 and died in 1842; and by her
he had eight children: William, above; John married Mary Van Reed;
Daniel married a Weiser; David married Eliza O. Sheetz and moved to
Ohio; Jacob married a Hassinger; Michael married Catherine Hain;
Anna remained single; and Elizabeth married George See.
His great-grandfather was Jacob Seltzer, who
emigrated in 1752 from the Upper Rhein, near Coblentz, in the
vicinity of the famous "Seltzer Springs" in Germany, where he was
born in 1732. He settled in Heidelberg township (where afterward
Womelsdorf was laid out) and became a naturalized citizen in 1765.
Several years before (1762) he established a hotel in the village,
which has been known until the present time as the "Seltzer House."
He died in 1788. He was married to Maria Catharine Hiester, of Bern
township; she was born in 1735 and died in 1817. By her he had six
children: Jacob above; Michael, who enlisted in the Revolution
while still a boy and died of fever shortly before the end of his
term of service; Elizabeth, who married Dr. Michael Tryon, a
prominent physician of Tulpehocken; Mary, who married Jacob Spang,
a prominent iron-master of Oley; Catharine, married to David
Dewees; and a daughter who married Christopher Reed.
p. 1402
Surnames: SEMBOWER, KNOWLTON, GRIEST, ORR, O'REILLY
C. H. Sembower, president of the well-known firm of Orr &
Sembower, boiler manufacturers, at Reading, Pa., is one of the
city's prominent men, and is identified with a number of its
important enterprises. Mr. Sembower was born at Altoona, Pa., Jan.
18, 1863, son of Rev. A. H. and Helena (Knowlton) Sembower.
The Rev. A. H. Sembower is a minister in the
Baptist Church, now retired from active service, and hence the son,
C. H., was educated in the schools at the points where the father
was in charge. In 1872 the family was located at Reading, and our
subject then entered the high school for which he was abundantly
prepared, graduating in 1876 at the age of seventeen years. Prior
to going out on the road in the interests of a shoe firm, he had
served a short apprenticeship with B. W. Griest. In 1884 Mr.
Sembower, in association with Harry Orr, started the present boiler
manufacturing business, with C. H. Sembower as president, Harry Orr
as treasurer, Jesse Orr as secretary and James O'Reilly, Esq., as
solicitor.
When the business was started the plant was
located at Pine and Mifflin street, where the first boiler was
built in 1884. The plant consisted at that time of a building 60 x
80 feet in dimensions, and gave employment to five men. The full
capacity of the plant was three engines a week. The company owned
no foundry then, purchasing its castings at Myerstown, Lebanon
county. No change was made in the location of the plant until 1890,
when removal was made to Millmont where four and a half acres of
land were secured from the Reading Land & Improvement Company.
The company at once set to work breaking ground for its new machine
and boiler shops. By 1892 these shops were completed and in 1894
the foundry was completed. At the date of this writing engines are
built at this plant in seventy-five different styles and their line
includes vertical, horizontal, marine and hoisting, and the boilers
are vertical, horizontal and locomotive. The company gives constant
employment to 250 skilled workmen and have a corps of seven office
people. The pay roll is one of the largest in any of the city's
industries of a like nature.
This plant in its equipment is one of the finest
and most complete in the United States. It is operated by a battery
of 750-horse power boilers. The drawings are kept in a fire-proof
vault, and the pattern storage room is equipped with a system of
water works, so that, in case of fire, there is not a point in the
apartment but that can be reached by a stream of water. The trade
territory extends all over the world where the excellence of the
goods serve as their own advertisement.
On Jan. 29, 1884, Mr. Sembower was married to E.
Lou Orr, daughter of Jesse Orr, and three children have been born
to this union, viz.: Cora L., Anna O. and Guy K. The family is
prominent in the city's social life. They are members of the
Baptist Church. Mr. Sembower is prominent in Masonry, being .a
member of Chandler Lodge No. 227 F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter;
Commandery at Philadelphia; Consistory, 32nd degree and Rajah
Temple. He belongs also to the B. P. O. E., of Reading, and to
Vigilance Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is a stockholder in the First
National Bank of Reading, and also in the American Casualty
Company.
p. 645
Surnames: SHAABER, CALDWELL, JOHNSTON, JONES, SEYFERT, CORN,
DEASER, ADAMS, SHERMAN
Daniel Shaaber, a retired foundryman of Reading, Pa., is a native
of that city, born at the corner of Ninth and Franklin streets,
Dec. 19, 1832, son of John and Mary (Caldwell) Shaaber.
Mr. Shaaber was left an orphan at the age of
eleven years, his father having died five years before, and he went
to live with Adam Johnston, with whom he remained until twenty-five
years old. Mr. Johnston being in the foundry business, young
Shaaber soon mastered the details of the business, and when Mr.
Johnston met with financial reverses Mr. Shaaber and Mr. Johnson's
clerk, a Mr. Jones, took the business, this being in April, 1858.
The partnership continued until 1860, when Mr. Jones sold his
interests to Mr. Shaaber, and in this our subject continued alone
until 1868, when Adam Johnston and his son, Henry, were admitted to
the firm, it then being Shaaber & Johnston until 1877. In this
year Mr. Shaaber withdrew from the firm and engaged in the cold
storage business at Fifth Street and the Lebanon Valley railway
until the railroad company erected their bridge at that point, and
as the plant was on railroad property it was forced to move. Since
this time Mr. Shaaber has lived retired.
Mr. Shaaber was married Nov. 24, 1850, to
Asenath Johnston, daughter of Adam Johnston. In politics Mr.
Shaaber is a Republican, and served in the Second ward as a member
of the school board. Mr. Shaaber had the following brothers and
sisters: Catherine, m. to Amos Seyfert; Elizabeth., m. to a Mr.
Corn; Margaret, m. to Frederick Deaser; Mary, m. to Peter Adams;
John; George; Sarah; Peter; Rebecca, m. to Jackson Sherman; Jacob,
twin of Daniel; and Henry W., deceased.
p. 1563
Surnames: SHAABER, BROWN, CALDWELL, HOOKER, HORINE, KNERR, MAICKS,
MOYER, SAUERBIER, SCHABER, SHISSLER, WUNDER
Harry C. Shaaber, manager of the Chantrell Hardware & Tool
Co., was born at Reading, July 24, 1870, educated in the local
schools and was graduated from the high-school with the class of
1887. Two days after his graduation, he secured employment as a
clerk in the hardware establishment of Bright & Lerch, and he
continued in their employment until 1896, gradually advancing from
clerk to chief bookkeeper and then treasurer, which last
responsible position he filled for four years. He then became the
chief book-keeper of the Penn Hardware Company, and remained with
this company until 1902, when he took charge of the sales
department of the Chantrell Hardware & Tool Company. After
filling this position for one year, the company appointed him
manager of its large and growing establishment, which position he
has since filled in a most satisfactory manner.
In 1896, Mr. Shaaber was married to Emma F.
Moyer, daughter of Matthias Moyer, a prominent dealer in leather
and shoe findings and manufacturer of building brick at Reading for
many years; and they have two sons: Matthias and Harry.
Mr. Shaaber's father is Adam Johnson Shaaber,
who was born at Reading and learned the trade of blacksmith which
he followed for 30 years, having been connected with the Reading
Industrial Works from 1872 to 1902. Since 1903, he has had
supervision of one of the departments of the Chantrell Hardware
& Tool Company. He was married to Sallie E. Maicks, daughter of
Christopher and Lavina (Wunder) Maicks of Reading; and they had
three children: Harry; May (married to Percy G. Horine, who died in
1906); and Charles (married to Anna Moyer). His wife died in 1896,
aged 47 years.
Mr. Shaaber's grandfather was John C. Shaaber, a
blacksmith, employed for many years in the foundry of Adam Johnson
& Son. He was married to Elizabeth Shissler, who died in 1905,
aged 76 years (daughter of Andrew Shissler, of Heidelberg township,
in Lehigh county), and they had five children: Mahlon (married to
Mary Hooker); Adam; Maria (single); Ellen (married to L. Frank
Knerr); John (married to Ida M. Brown). He died in 1891, aged 71
years. He identified himself with the Republican party from its
rise in the country and supported it earnestly until his death.
His great-grandfather was John Shaaber, also of
Reading, who died in 1839, aged 50 years. He was married to Mary
Caldwell, daughter of Newland Caldwell, a prominent family of
Lancaster county, by whom he had twelve children. He was a son of
Andrew Schaber (who was married to Elizabeth Sauerbier of Reading);
and a grandson of Andrew Schaber, who emigrated from Germany in
1754 and settled in Reading shortly afterward, by which it appears
that this family has been identified with Reading for 150 years.
p. 964
Surnames: SHAABER, CALDWELL, DEASE, HOOKER, KENNY, KNERR, LEMMER,
RHEIN, SAUERBIER, SCHISLER
Mahlon Shaaber, of Reading, who has been living retired since
1900, was born in Reading April 12, 1844, son of John C. and
Elizabeth (Schisler) Shaaber.
The Shaaber family is of German descent and was
founded in America by Andrew, who located in Reading in 1754. His
son, Andrew Jr., was born in that place and is shown by the records
to have been a taxpayer in 1775. He married Elizabeth Sauerbier,
and their son, John, grandfather of Mahlon, was born in Reading
March 5, 1790. He was the owner of the old family homestead at
Ninth and Franklin streets, and followed the calling of a hatter
all his life. On Oct. 11, 1810, he married Miss Mary Caldwell, born
in Berks county May 14, 1791. He died Nov. 11, 1839, and his wife
March 11, 1844. Their children were: Catherine; Elizabeth;
Margaret, Mrs. Frederick Dease; Mary; John C.; George; Sarah;
Peter; Rebecca; Daniel and Jacob, twins; and Henry W.
John C. Shaaber, father of Mahlon, was born Oct.
30, 1820. He was a natural mechanic and became a blacksmith by
trade. He was quite prominent in local affairs, was originally a
Whig, but when the Republican party was formed he joined that. He
married Miss Elizabeth Schisler, of Lehigh county, and a family of
seven children were born to them, namely: Maria, deceased, a music
teacher; Ella, Mrs. Frank Knerr; Susan and Elizabeth, who both died
young; Adam J., a veteran of the Civil war; John, a mail carrier in
Reading; and Mahlon.
Mahlon Shaaber received little regular education
as his health did not permit of steady attendance. He was only 17
when the war broke out, and in October, 1861, he enlisted in
Company B, 93d Pa. V.I. A severe wound received in the battle of
Fair Oaks May 31, 1862, compelled him to leave the service for a
time, but he later re- enlisted in the 42d regiment P. V. M., for
three months, with the rank of corporal. At the end of that time he
again enlisted in the 196th Regt., 5th Union League, becoming first
lieutenant, and served three months more. The wound which he had
received never healed, and still gives him much trouble, severely
handicapping him.
An ardent Republican, Mr. Shaaber has served as
chief of police of Reading under Mayor Kenney. Socially he belongs
to McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R.; and Encampment No. 43, Union
Veteran Legion. His trade was that of machinist, and for much of
his life he followed that calling. On Feb. 1, 1898, however, he
purchased the Postoffice cigar store and pool room, and while he
was conducting it he made it a very popular place. His last
position was as superintendent of the car barn for the Reading
Street Railway Company, but since 1900 Mr. Shaaber has lived
retired, his residence being at No. 1215 Chestnut street.
Mahlon Shaaber married Miss Mary A. Hooker
daughter of Amos, a foreman in the railroad shops. To this union
children were born as follows: John E. and Arthur Osbeck, both
deceased; Minnie, wife of Charles H. Rhein, who is employed as
foreman by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company; Edward
Garfield, an engineer and machinist at Exeter Station, who married
Miss Mary Lemmer; and Stewart Logan, a stenographer and typewriter
in Reading. The youngest son is of unusual height, measuring 6'4"
when only 18 years old. His father, also of extraordinary height,
during the period of his military service owed to the fact of his
stature an incident of unusual interest, an account of which
follows, as given by himself:
"While the 93d Regiment was passing through
Washington and Georgetown, we passed in review on Pennsylvania
avenue, and among the thousands who lined the pavements was a small
group, among whom was a very tall gaunt man, with a pale looking
countenance, dressed in a black frock coat, clinging somewhat
indifferently to him, stooped shoulders, a black silk hat, with a
thoughtful and serious cast of face, who called out 'Bub!' 'Bub!'
Capt. Arthur heard him, and noticing that he was addressing me,
informed me of it and gave me permission to leave the ranks. I no
more thought when the tall, gaunt looking gentleman, with pleasing
friendliness of manner, grasped my hand and said, 'Excuse my
manners, it was jealousy on my part, that made me call you out to
size you up.' He said, 'How tall are you, and what is your age?' I
told him, 'I am 6 feet 6-1/2 inches, and in my 17th year, and weigh
140 pounds.' He forthwith drew out of his pocket a black covered
memorandum book, and with an ordinary stub pencil noted down my
answer. Then he introduced himself in this characteristic way: 'I
am old Abe!' I was startled, but felt honored; he next introduced
me to Vice-President Hamlin as 'My Son,' and I noticed Gen. Cameron
and Governor Curtin stood in the group. He noted our combined
heights in the memoranda, giving each full name as follows: Mahlon
Shaaber, B, 93d P. V. 6 ft. 6-1/2 in. Abraham Lincoln, President 6
ft. 4 in. Hannibal Hamlin, Vice-President 6 ft. 2-1/2 in. General
Cameron 6 ft. 1 in. Governor Curtin, Pennsylvania 6 ft. 2 in.
-----------Total 31 ft. 4 in.
"He said jokingly this incident, where so many
tall men have met, will not occur again. After quite a prolonged
conversation he volunteered good advice to me. He indicated what my
habits should be, my diet in camp, that I must eat no pastry, pies,
etc., and emphasized the precaution against the use of intoxicating
drinks. He told me when lying down to sleep I should always rest
the head lower than the chest to expand my lungs, and seriously
added 'I am afraid that you will not stand the service.' I essayed
to leave, but just then thinking of the orders about stragglers, I
asked him to give me a pass, as the patrolmen might gather me in to
the guard house. He at once reproduced his memorandum book, tore
out a blank, and wrote these words, 'Pass the soldier on his way to
camp, by request of, Abe Lincoln.' My knapsack was captured in
battle and the memento lost. When the grand old man bade me good
bye, he embraced me, virtually putting his arm around my neck, and
said with kindly emotion, 'Good-bye, my son. God bless you. Come
soon and dine with me.'
"At a subsequent time accompanied by Sergeant
Fritz, of Company B, I paid a visit to Washington to exchange
clothing drawn by me which were too short. On our return to camp we
called on the President at the White House. We were ushered into
the Blue Room by a colored attendant, where the President arose
from a chair where he was engaged in writing, and at once recalled
the former meeting and gave us a kindly welcome to the White House.
He showed us the spacious building, and presented us to the invited
guests of the day. Being invited to dine I lost courage and made up
my mind to decline. Mr. Lincoln insisted and said 'I will give you
a seat on my right as my particular guest.' I confessed that I was
afraid and ashamed to sit with such elegantly dressed company in my
shabby clothes, when the President characteristically replied:
'It's not the clothing that makes the man, my son, it's the heart.
I think more of a man dressed in blue for love of his country, than
of those gay visitors, whose chief business in these trying times
is simply to dress for receptions.' I, however, declined, stating
that I would enjoy my bean soup and hard tack better than the
reception dinner. The President took both hands in his and gave me
a parting blessing and dismissed me saying: 'If you lie around
Washington in the future call again.' It was always my great regret
in after life, that I did not dine with the President. [Signed]
Yours truly, Mahlon Shaaber."
At the National Encampment of the G. A. R., held
at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the week of Sept. 9, 1907, Mr. Shaaber
had the honor to be chosen as one of the grenadier guards, composed
of men from every Department of the Order, 45 in all, each over six
feet in height. He was the tallest by 3-1/2 inches, being 6 feet,
7-1/2 inches. It was the duty of these guards to bear a huge flag,
wide enough to cover the street, in the Grand Parade, and in spite
of the down pour of rain that drenched these veterans, they marched
proudly on with the same unconcern for the elements that they had
learned in bygone years.
p. 1026
Surnames: SHADE, FLECKENSTINE, LAUER, LENHARDT, McILVAINE,
ESTERLY, RIPPEL, GANTER
Ignatius Shade, who is now living retired at his beautiful home,
No. 1339 Mineral Spring Road, Reading, was for many years engaged
in various business enterprises in this city, and is an honored
veteran of the great Civil war. Mr. Shade was born in 1840, in
Bavaria, Germany, son of Anthony and Anna E. (Fleckenstine) Shade.
Anthony Shade came to America first in 1844, and
for three years was engaged in business in Reading, but at the end
of that period returned to his native country, where until 1858 he
was engaged in the commission business. He then came to America
again, this time bringing his family, whom he settled in Reading,
he engaging in a saloon business, which he carried on until his
death in 1868, in his fifty-eight year. He and his wife were
members of the Catholic Church. They had these children: Ignatius,
Elizabeth, Michael A., Eva, John and Margaret.
Ignatius Shade's education was obtained in
Germany, and on coming to Reading in 1858, he engaged with
Frederick Lauer, with whom he remained three years, the next year
being spent with the Mellerts. In 1861 Mr. Shade enlisted in
Company A, 3d Pa. Reserves, under Captain Lenhardt, serving three
years and receiving his honorable discharge. He was wounded at the
battle of Fredericksburg and taken prisoner in 1862, being paroled
in February, 1863, after having been confined in Libby Prison for
two and one-half months. Upon his return to Reading, Mr. Shade
engaged in work at the William R. Mcllvaine rolling mill,
continuing there three years. At this time the Philadelphia &
Reading Company removed their plant to Ninth street, and Mr. Shade
contracted to unload and cut the iron rails, employing six men, and
being there engaged for three years. Mr. Shade's next venture was
in the hotel business, and he continued therein for twelve years as
proprietor of the "Lafayette," now the "Berkshire." He then engaged
in the drug business with his brother, Michael, at Seventh and Penn
streets, a partnership which continued for about twelve years, when
Ignatius sold his interest to his brother, and spent the next year
in retirement, re-engaging in the drug business with Herman Esterly
at Fifth and Court streets. He retired in 1902. In his political
belief, Mr. Shade is a Democrat. He is connected with the Loyal
Veteran Legion of Pennsylvania. His religious belief is that of the
Catholic Church.
Mr. Shade married Lavena Rippel, a native of
Germany, and to them were born eight children, two of whom survive:
Emma m. to Edward Ganter; and Rev. Joseph I., a priest of St.
Paul's Catholic Church, Reading, who was ordained at St. John's
Church, Rome, Italy.
p. 1323
Surnames: BOGLE, BRADFORD, LEINBACH, DRAYER, HOUP, KOCH, KUHLMAN,
RAPP, SHADLE, WAHL
John Shadle (deceased). Among the prominent business men of
Reading, Pa., was the late John Shadle, an extensive woolen
manufacturer, whose death occurred March 19, 1900. Mr. Shadle was
born March 9, 1827, near Bellefonte, Center Co., Pennsylvania.
In 1846, after having received his education in
the public schools of his native county, Mr. Shadle enlisted for
service in the Mexican war, and served throughout that struggle.
Upon receiving his discharge he came to Reading and entered the
Brumbach woolen mill, where he remained about fifteen years, then
removing to White Deer, Union county. He remained there for about
seven years and then returned to Berks county, engaging in the
woolen business on his own account at Leesport, in company with
Adleman & Levan, but later sold out his interest and located in
Reading, engaging with William Bradford on South Sixth Street, at
the present site of Hendel's hat factory. After continuing there
for some years, he spent some time at Morgantown and Cressona, and
then returned to Reading and became superintendent and one-fourth
owner with J.G. Leinbach in the woolen business. This was the
nucleus of the present Leinbach woolen mill. The business was
successful from the very start, Mr. Shadle being an expert in the
line, knowing every detail of the business from the duties of a
loom fixer to those of the finishing department, and not only could
he manage the different departments with efficiency, but could
weave the finest wool fabric. Mr. Shadle was the first to make a
nonfading brown in Reading. The partnership, which was a very
congenial one, continued until Mr. Shadle's death, March 19, 1900.
Mr. Shadle was married (first) to Mary Ann Houp,
by whom he had four children, as follows: Edwina, who married John
T. Drayer; Jennie, who married John Rapp; and Fannie and Irvin L.,
deceased. Mr. Shadle's second marriage was to Mary (Wahl) Bogle,
widow of John Bogle, who met an accidental death in Reading in
1872. Mrs. Shadle had one son by her first marriage: William Bogle,
who is married to Marie Eva Koch, daughter of J. Peter Koch and
Catharine (Kuhlman).
Mr. Shadle died in the faith of the Lutheran
Church, which his widow attends. In political matters he was a
stanch Republican.
p.
1154
Surnames: SHAFFER, LEADER, WADE, WALTERS, RUNYON, FISHER, EGGE,
EYRICH, GROFF, MORRIS, CANNON, RHOADS
Charles W. Shaffer, who was for many years a mail carrier in the
city of Reading, and an honored veteran of the great Civil war, was
born in 1841, in Reading, son of Henry and Betsy (Leader) Shaffer,
and died in 1902.
Henry Shaffer was born near Kutztown, Berks
county, in 1800, but early in life removed to near Tuckerton,
Muhlenberg township, and in 1838 to Reading. He had learned the
carpenter's trade in his youth, and this he followed with Adam Wade
until 1850, in which year Mr. Wade's property was destroyed by the
great floods. Mr. Shaffer then secured employment at Deisher's box
factory and lumber mill, and here he continued to work until his
death in 1869. His wife survived until 1891, and was eighty-four
years old at the time of her death. They were the parents of nine
children, as follows: George, m. Sadie Walters, and had three
children--Walter, Alvin and Charles; Mary m. Cyrus Runyon, lives in
Altoona, and has fourteen children; Eliza m. John L. Fisher, and
had fourteen children; Frank m. Caroline Eyrich, and had three
children; John H. m. Rose Ann Egge, and had five children, three of
whom are living; Lovina is single; Sophia m. Clinton Morris, and
had three children; Charles W.; and Susan died young. In their
religious belief Henry Shaffer and wife were Reformed, and they
were buried at Alsace Reformed cemetery. Mr. Shaffer was a Democrat
in politics, and held the office of constable. He was a member of
the Jr. O. U. A. M.
Charles W. Shaffer was educated in the schools
of Reading, Pa., after leaving which he took up the trade of
carpenter, and worked at Deisher's planing mill. While thus
employed the Civil war broke out, and, fired with patriotism, young
Shaffer enlisted in Capt. Groff's Infantry, in which he served
three years and nine months, participating in some of the hardest
fought battles of the great war. He was a man of spirit and
bravery, and had a record of which any man might well feel proud.
After the end of his service to his country, Mr. Shaffer returned
to Deisher's factory, where he remained until the administration of
James Cannon as mayor, when Mr. Shaffer was appointed lamp repairer
at the City Hall lock-up, and later he passed the civil service
examination for letter carrier, a position which he held for about
eight years. This was practically his last work, as injuries
received during the war compelled his retirement in later years. He
died in 1902, the city of Reading losing one of its most highly
esteemed citizens.
Mr. Shaffer married Elizabeth Rhoads, who was
born in Reading, and they became the parents of three children:
Charles, Annie and Daniel. Although allied with no religious body,
Mr. Shaffer was one of Reading's truly good men. He was a member of
Liberty Fire Company. He was always a Republican, casting his first
Presidential vote during the Rebellion.
p. 907
Surnames: SHAFFNER, RICK
George W. Shaffner, postmaster at Host, Pa., where he is engaged
in a general mercantile business, is a representative citizen of
Berks county and belongs to one of the early established families
of Pennsylvania. Mr. Shaffner was born at Host, Berks county, Pa.,
March 5, 1851, son of William and Louisa (Rick) Shaffner, whose
other children were: Celesta, Mary, Ellen, Lizzie, Nora and John.
George W. Shaffner secured his education in the
public schools of his native township. Prior to 1866, he resided
for a time at Rehrersburg, Berks county, but in the above year he
became a member of the household of his uncle, the late Jacob
Shaffner, at Host. He worked as a clerk in his uncle's general
store until 1882, when he formed a copartnership with his uncle,
and this association lasted until November, 1907, when he purchased
the entire interest. Since then he has conducted the business
alone. Mr. Shaffner is unmarried, and for the past forty-one years
had made his home with his estimable aunt, Mr. Amelia Shaffner.
In politics Mr. Shaffner is affiliated with the
Democratic party, and he has frequently been a delegate to both
county and State conventions. Since 1898 he has been postmaster. He
is a director the Sinking Spring Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
p. 1228
Surnames: SHALTER, MAURER, FISHER, BEIDLER, FOX, KRICK, SWARTZ,
SAYLOR, JAMES
M. J. Shalter, one of the substantial men, prominent farmers and
large land owners of Berks county, residing on his finely improved
farm of 170 acres, at Temple, was born in 1852, in Ontelaunee
township, Berks county, son of Jonas and Rebecca (Maurer) Shalter,
and grandson of Michael and Susanna (Fisher) Shalter.
The progenitor of the Shalter family, Franz
Shalter, came to America at an early day and settled near Shalter
Church, which is situated on a portion of the Beidler farm. He
married a daughter of Mr. Beidler, and they had a large family of
children, among whom are remembered: Michael and Jacob.
Michael Shalter was born and reared in
Ontelaunee township, where he carried on farming and general
merchandising all of his life, and was a prominent and highly
esteemed citizen. He was a pillar of the Lutheran Church of his
vicinity, and in politics was a Democrat, being one of the
stanchest supporters of that party's principles in his township. He
and his wife were the parents of four children: Frank; George;
Jonas, the father of M. J.; and Sallie, m. to George Fox.
Jonas Shalter was educated in the common schools
of his native township, and on reaching his majority he became the
proprietor of the general merchandise business founded by his
father. In addition to this he engaged in farming and lime burning,
owning several farms and quarries, and became one of the most
prominent men of his section of Berks county. He died in 1896, aged
eighty years, his wife having passed away when thirty-five years of
age. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Shalter, namely:
Edwin, deceased, who was an attorney of Reading; James, a retired
merchant; Catherine, m. to William Krick; Emira, m. to Richard
Swartz; and M. J. Mr. Shalter was a deacon and elder in the
Lutheran Church, and took much interest in church and charitable
work. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a charter member of the
local Masonic body.
M. J. Shalter was educated in the schools of his
native place and the Keystone State Normal School, also attending
Lafayette College and Ursinus College. After his school days were
passed he read law in his brother's office for a short time, but
owing to ill health gave this profession up to take charge of his
father's farms. He continued for twenty-eight years in this
capacity, and then located permanently in Temple, where he has a
fine property of 170 acres, which he has platted out in building
lots in one of the handsomest sections of Temple.
Mr. Shalter married Emma Saylor, daughter of
Henry Saylor, and seven children have been born to this union:
Charles S., an attorney of Reading, m. to Lizzie James; Irvin, a
professor in Muhlenberg township; Florence; Mabel; Emily; Mary, and
one who died in infancy. Mr. Shalter is a Democrat and for fifteen
years was a school director of Muhlenberg township, where he was a
census enumerator in 1890. In religious belief he is a Lutheran,
and he has held all of the offices in that church. Fraternally he
is connected with the K. G. E., at Hyde Park.
p. 599
Surnames: SHALTER, GETZ, SCHALTER, BERNHARD, KISSINGER, KERSHNER,
ROTHENBERGER, HOFFA, HOFFMAN, SHEETZ, ALBRIGHT, ZACHARIAS, SPAYD,
MILLER, GULDIN, MOSSER, GRING, KNABB, WRIGHT, SCHMEHL, DELP, YOCUM
On the roster of the representative business men of the city of
Reading is to be found the name of Reuben G. Shalter, manager of
the Reading Lumber Company. He is a native of Berks county, where
the family was established at an early day, and was born in
Muhlenberg township, in 1842, son of Jacob and Henrietta (Getz)
Shalter, both of whom are deceased.
The name Shalter is also spelled Schalter.
Frantz Shalter (1735-1813), of Maiden-creek township, left a will,
which is on record in Book D, page 173. Of this Michael Shalter was
the executor, and in it are mentioned his wife Elizabeth; son
Michael, who obtained the homestead; son Jacob, who obtained the
plantation in Alsace; and sons-in-law, Samuel Bernhard, Abraham
Kissinger, Daniel Kershner and Peter Rothenberger. The Federal
census of 1790 records that France Shalter, of Maiden-creek, had
two sons under sixteen years, and two daughters.
Jacob Shalter, son of Frantz, was born in 1777,
and died in 1853, and is buried at Gernand's Church, in Ontelaunee
township, as is also his wife Susanna, born in 1784, died 1841.
Jacob Shalter, son of Jacob and Susanna, and
father of Reuben G., followed the vocation of farming throughout
his entire life and was a resident of Northumberland county, this
State, at the time of his demise, which occurred in 1862. His wife,
Henrietta Getz, survived him many years, and died in 1888. Both
were zealous and consistent members of the Lutheran church. They
became the parents of twelve children, namely: Jonathan; Sarah A.;
a daughter died in infancy; Sarah C. m. Reuben Hoffa; Amanda m.
Jacob Hoffman; Elizabeth died at the age of thirteen years; Emma m.
John Sheetz; Otilia m. Franklin Albright; Henrietta died in
childhood; Reuben G. is mentioned below; Jacob; and James.
When Reuben G. Shalter was a child his parents
removed to Northumberland county, and in the public schools there
he received his early educational training, and continued to
maintain his home there for twenty years. Since then he has been a
resident of Reading. He remained on the home farm until he attained
his majority, and for several years was partly engaged at teaching
in the country schools, at somewhat irregular intervals. Upon
locating in Reading he identified himself with the lumber business,
in which he became associated with Reuben Hoffa, his
brother-in-law, continuing thus until 1886, when he became one of
the organizers of the Reading Lumber Company, and with this he has
since been identified owning a one-third interest. The enterprise
is one of broad scope, and the thriving business has been built up
largely through the effective efforts of Mr. Shalter, who is
manager of the concern.
Mr. Shalter is recognized as a liberal and
public-spirited citizen and substantial business man. In politics
he maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to the men
and measures which meet the approval of his judgment. He and his
wife are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and are active in the
various departments of church work.
In 1876 he married Miss Amanda R. Zacharias, who
was born and reared in Berks county, daughter of the late Daniel
Zacharias. To this union children were born as follows: Carrie, m.
to John Spayd; Charles G., who died in childhood; James E., in the
employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company; John Z., who
holds a clerical position in the postoffice at Chicago, Ill.;
Franklin, who is employed by the Reading Lumber Company; Charles
(2), deceased; and Florence R., at home.
Dietrich Shalter, a brother of Frantz of
Maiden-creek, was a pioneer in Alsace township, where he owned
land. The Federal census of 1790 records that "Didrich" Shalter was
the head of a family of three sons, one over sixteen years of age,
and one daughter.
Dieter Schalter (or Shalter), a son, was a
farmer in Alsace, and was married to a Miss Miller. Their children
were: Benjamin, Reuben, Magdalena (m. Levi Guldin); and Charles.
Benjamin Shalter, son of Dieter, became a
prominent man in Alsace township, where he was born in 1813. He
died in August, 1883. He married Louisa Mosser, and their six
children were: Amanda m. John Gring, of Temple, Pa.; Jeremius died
unmarried; Rebecca m. Albert Knabb, of Reading; Luzetta m. Penrose
Wright (deceased), and lived first in Maiden-creek, but later in
Red Lodge, Mont.; Kate m. (first) Jacob Schmehl, whose children
were, Lovina (m. Wash Guldin), Mary (m. Samuel Delp) and Augustus
(of Kutztown), and (second) Charles S. Yocum; and Appolonius is a
farmer on the Alsace homestead.
Benjamin Shalter donated a part of his land for
Shalter's church in Alsace, and on April 9, 1860, the corner stone
of the first church was laid. The building is a two-story stone
structure, plastered and painted in imitation of brick. It was
thoroughly renovated and newly carpeted in 1907, and, together with
a recently purchased addition to the cemetery, rededicated with
appropriate ceremonies. The farm surrounding the church yard is now
the property of Appolonius Shalter, a son of Benjamin.
p. 916
Surnames: SHALTER, KLINE, SCHWARTZ, KAUFFMAN, HUNTER, KALBACH,
WHITNER, FARR, KURTZ
William Kline Shalter, one of the substantial citizens of Cumru
township, Berks County, who is the owner of a fine 156-acre
property, and the secretary-treasurer and manager of the Mount Penn
Ice Company, organized in 1900, was born on the place which he is
now operating, Sept. 29, 1856, son of George and Eliza (Kline)
Shalter.
George Shalter was born Feb. 29, 1808, in
Maiden-creek township, Berks county, and died in Reading in 1890.
His home was in Maiden-creek township until he purchased the old
Schwartz estate in Cumru township in 1855, and there he was engaged
in farming and manufacturing charcoal iron until 1872. Mr. Shalter
was a successful business man and highly esteemed citizen, and at
the time of his death had accumulated a comfortable competency. On
May 29, 1833, Mr. Shalter was married to Eliza Kline, born April
3o, 1815, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Kline, and to this
union there were born children as follows: Isabella m. William M.
Kauffman; Richard M.; Sarah S. m. Cyrus J. Hunter; Eliza J., born
Oct. 21, 1841, died May 23, 1842; Emma K. m. John G. Kalbach;
Elmira, born Sept. 22, 1845, died Aug. 29, 1848; George, born Aug.
3, 1847, died Aug 18, 1848; Mary M. m. C. K. Whitner, the
well-known Reading merchant; and William K.
William K. Shalter obtained his education in the
township schools, the Reading high school and the old Chester N.
Farr Business College of Reading, after leaving which he worked for
Lerch & Bro., hardware dealers, and the Bard & Reber
Hardware Company of Reading for about ten years. In 1883 Mr.
Shalter began farming in West Point, Cuming Co., Nebr., but after
nearly three years returned to Cumru township and engaged in
farming his father's farm. This property he acquired in 1889, and
it now consists of 156 acres of some of the most highly cultivated
land of Cumru township. Mr. Shalter is also the owner of the old
Mount Penn Furnace property, on which was a well-known iron
industry during the early part of the nineteenth century and until
after the Civil war. He is secretary-treasurer and manager of the
Mount Penn Ice Company, organized in 1900, which employs five teams
regularly and houses 7,000 tons of ice annually, all of this being
sold in Reading. Mr. Shalter is a Republican in national affairs,
while in local matters he is independent, and for one term served
as auditor of the township. He and his family are Reformed members
of Yocum's (Christ) Union Church.
On March 20, 1881, Mr. Shalter was married to
Mary Ann Kurtz, born Dec. 9, 1856, daughter of Henry and Amanda
(Schwartz) Kurtz, and to them were born six children: Isabella K.;
Henry K.; Nora K., born Sept. 7, 1888, died March 21, 1891; William
G.; Carrie K. and Mary K.
p. 1539
Surnames: SHANE/SHEN/SHENE/SCHON, TROUT, MOSER, ROMICH, STAUFFER,
SNEIDER, CLAUSER, BIEHL, CHRISTMAN, HAAS, HARTMAN, DEYSHER,
GRIESEMER, BRUNNER, MOYER, MINNINGER, PRUTZMAN
William C., Shane, a substantial farmer and sawmill operator in
Earl township, was born in Oley township on the farm long the home
of Shane family, Nov. 24. 1854.
The Shane family is an old one in Berks county,
and had its seat in Colebrookdale township, where two brothers,
Thomas and Peter Shane, located prior to 1759. The name of the
family is said to have been originally Shen, or Shene. William
Shane, a son of one of the two brothers, died in Colebrookdale
township, in 1811. His wife Maria bore him nine children, but the
will mentions but eight, namely: Catherine, Mary, Sarah (m. John
Trout), Henry, Elizabeth, Esther, Susan and Hannah. In 1849 Thomas
and Samuel Shane were farmers in Colebrookdale township, and both
are supposed to have been descendants of the brother who first
settle there.
John Shane (or Schon), great-grandfather of
William C., of Earl township, was a resident of Earl township for a
number of years, and moved from there to Douglass township, whence
after some years engaged in farming he removed to Oley township,
and bought the farm now owned by his great-grandson, Irwin Shane.
John (Johannes) Schon was born Dec. 16, 1790, and died March 18,
1843. His wife Catharine Moser, born June 15, 1796, died April 27,
1869. Their daughter, Sarah, born 1828, died 1848.
Wellington Shane, son of John, born Dec. 16,
1826, was a farmer and died in Earl township, Aug. 13, 1882. To him
and his wife Anna were born: Morris; Amos; Sarah Ellen, m. to Henry
Romich; Mrs. Joseph Stauffer. In his will Mr. Shane bequeathed
seventy-five dollars to Sallie Ann Sneider, a grandchild.
John Shane, son of John and grandfather of
William C., was a farmer in Oley township, and then for several
years he lived in Douglass township. He owned considerable property
in Earl township, where he suddenly died of heart failure. Both he
and his wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Moser, are buried at
the Oley Churches. The only village and business center in Oley
township is named after John Shane, who owned the land on which
Shanesville was built in 1833 by Peter Clauser. John Shane's
children were: Harriet m. Abraham Biehl; William M.; Wellington;
and Tobias.
William M. Shane, son of John, was born in
Douglass township in 1827, and died in November 1896. He was a
farmer in Oley township, where he had a fine farm. He also owned a
farm in Earl township, now the property of his son William C. In
politics he was a Democrat, and he served as supervisor and school
director in Oley. He and his family belonged to Oley Churches, and
of this church he was deacon and elder, being in each office eight
years. The family burial plot is located here. He married Harriet
Christman, who died in 1899, aged seventy-three years. Their
children were: Sarah died unmarried; William C.; Hannah m. John
Haas, of Oley; Mandilla m. Frank Hartman, of Exeter; Irwin m. a
Miss Deysher, and lives in Oley; and Mary m. Bower Griesemer, Of
Oley.
William C. Shane attended the common schools of
Oley township, and also the select school taught by the late Prof.
D. B. Brunner, at Reading. He was reared to farming, and this he
has followed ever since. At the age of twenty-four he was married
and began farming near Shanesville in Earl township, and he has
been located at his present place since the spring of 1903. His
tract consists of ten acres. He owns three tracts in the township,
and is looked upon as one of the prosperous men of the township. In
politics he is a Democrat, and he was a delegate to several county
conventions, and for eighteen consecutive years was tax collector
of Earl township. Since 1905 he has not been in office. He has
always been interested in the school question, and served as
president of the school board for one term. He and his family are
Reformed members of Oley Churches, and he served four years each as
deacon and as elder.
In 1878 Mr. Shane married Rebecca Moyer,
daughter of Joseph Moyer, of Oley, and they have three children:
Calvin m. Mary Minninger; Harriet m. John Prutzman; and Miss Annie.