p. 1022
Surnames: UBIL, GABRIEL, WISE, WILLSON, KOCH, MILLER, MANING, ROEHRICH, SANDERS, BARBEY, EVANS
James G. Ubil. Among the well known contractors and builders and representative citizens of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned James G. Ubil, a native of the city, born Aug. 7, 1854, and now residing at No. 251 South Tenth street. His parents, William B. and Jane (Gabriel) Ubil, came from Chester county to Reading when young people, and here the father followed ore mining for many years, dying in 1888, aged seventy-one. His widow is still living. Their children were: Joseph; Oliver and James G., twins; Daniel; and Mary Ellen and Hannah M., single. In religious belief the family are Presbyterians. William B. Ubil was a Republican in politics. Fraternally he belonged to the I. O. O. F.
James G. Ubil was educated in the schools of Reading, and until sixteen years of age worked in the ore mines with his father during the summer months. After leaving school he apprenticed himself to Fink & Eisenhower for three years, spending some time as a journeyman laborer with various contractors. In 1880 he went to St. Louis, Mo., working there at his trade for one year, when he returned East and with Joshua Wise built the Thomas Willson mansion, at the corner of Fourth and Washington streets, Reading. The partnership continued for several years, during which time they built the Manhattan Hardware Works, where Wilhelm's paint works are now located, in Riverside, and did much work about the city of Reading, building the Woodvale Athletic Club, the first on the mountain. After Mr. Wise's death Mr. Ubil continued alone for some time, but in 1889 accepted a position with Joshua Koch. This connection continued until, in 1890, when Mr. Ubil went into the wood pulley business with a Mr. Fister. During the time he was with the latter gentleman Mohn's Hat Factory was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Ubil equipped the new plant with these pulleys. Since that time he has engaged in contracting and building, and has erected many of Reading's finest dwellings. He built the first apartment house in the city and has erected two more apartment houses for the same man, Daniel Miller; the janitor's residence of the English Reformed Church; the Pennsylvania Optical Company's plant on South Fifth street; the Oberly building at No. 19 North Ninth street; the Kauffman block on North Eighth street; an addition to the "Black Horse Hotel" at Kutztown and hotel on Madison avenue, for Franklin B. Maning, of Brooklyn, New York; a hotel for the Lauer Brewing Co. at Auburn; a plant at Schuylkill Haven; built and remodeled a large block for McClosky at Pottsville; John Roehrich's ice plant on Third near Buttonwood street; Obediah Sanders' modern residence at Wyomissing; the Prutzman building on Pine street; the large apartment house called Palmer House, in 1907; and many other buildings and residences throughout the city. In 1903 Mr. Ubil's son, Ralph, was admitted as a partner, the firm now being known as Ubil & Son. They are now erecting a hotel at Reinhold's Station for John Barbey, at a cost of $8,000.
In 1876 Mr. Ubil married Ellen Evans, a niece of Mayor Evans, and to this union have been born eleven children, Lizzie, Ray, Clara, Helen, Ralph, Carl, Harry, David, Marie, Jennie and George W., the last two being deceased. In religious belief the family are Lutherans. In politics a Republican, Mr. Ubil was for two years city carpenter. He is a member of the F. O. E.; Wyomissing Council, Royal Arcanum; Twentieth Century Quakers; the Friendship Fire Company; the Washington Firemen's Association and the Veteran Firemen's Association.
p. 353
Surnames: UDREE, WINEY
Col. Daniel Udree was born in Philadelphia Aug. 5, 1751. Removing to Berks county, he settled in Oley township, where he became extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron. He operated the Oley Furnace and Rockland Forges very successfully for over thirty years, owning, in connection with those industries, several thousand acres of land. He was established in business by his uncle, Jacob Winey, a prominent capitalist and merchant of Philadelphia.
Colonel Udree was enlisted in the Revolutionary war for several years, commanding a regiment at the battle of Brandywine where his horse was shot under him. He took an active part in the local militia for many years, and served as a major-general for one term of seven years about 1815. He represented Berks county in the General Assembly from 1799 to 1803, and also for the year 1805, and while there showed an earnest interest in legislation relative to public internal improvements in the State. He was the representative in Congress for the Berks District for two terms, from 1813 to 1815, and from 1823 to 1825. It was while he was at Washington, during his last term in Congress, that John Quincy Adams was elected president. He, however, was one of Jackson's supporters. He died July 15, 1828, leaving a large estate. He was the last really prominent and representative man who lived in Oley, and one of the few Congressmen selected from the country districts of the county. He was a well-developed man, rather below the medium height, and his conversational manner was quick and nervous.
p. 1118
Surnames: ULLE, THIEME, ROSENBAUM, KNABE, SCHUMACHER
Francis A. Ulle was born in Reading in 1862, of German parentage, son of Zachariah and Elizabeth J. (Thieme) Ulle, natives of Erfuhrt, Saxony. Zachariah Ulle was born in 1811. He served the required period in the German Army, then learned the barber's trade, and came to America to follow it under the freer auspices offered in this country. He and his wife landed in New York City in October, 1853, and proceeded thence to Reading, where they settled. Mr. Ulle was first located at the corner of Fifth and Washington streets, in the old jail building, for four years, and then moved to Seventh and Penn streets, on the present site of the Rosenbaum building, where he remained twelve years. The next five years he was on Eighth street, and then for seven more at No. 44, South Sixth street. He was very skillful in his work, and enjoyed a large and regular patronage. He departed this life at the home of his son, Francis A., Feb. 28, 1885, aged seventy-three years. His wife is still living, and resides in her son's home. Their children wee: Gustave, a barber in New York City; Albert H., a hotel keeper in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Francis A.; and Emma C. married Wilson O. Knabe, a barber located in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Francis A. Ulle was sent to the public schools of Reading, and after finishing his studies he learned cigar making with his brother. He worked at that trade for two years, but then felt that the compensation was unsatisfactory, and so decided to learn the barber's trade. He went to Philadelphia to learn it and at different periods spent five years there in the work. He also lived in Chicago for some nine months. In 1883 Mr. Ulle established himself in business in Reading, at No. 619 Chestnut street, but after three years there he moved to his present location No. 129 South Ninth street. He does a large business, with four chairs in his shop, and he gives the best of service to every patron.
Mr. Ulle was married in 1886 to Miss Wilhelmina Schumacher, daughter of August Schumacher, of Reading, and five children have been born to them, Augustus H., Elizabeth W., Frederick F., Paul T. and Maria A. Mr. Ulle is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and is an active worker in its various departments.
p. 1220
Surnames: ULRICH, MOSER, CROCO, WEIDNER, MILLER, BRINER, STAUDT, STERNER, YEICH, BLATT, SCHELLY, MARKS, GUNDRUM, AMMARELL
Morris J. Ulrich, a well-known business man of Reading, and a representative of one of Berks county's earliest families, was born near Leinbachs, Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 10, 1865, son of Daniel and Mary (Moser) Ulrich.
Peter Ulrich, great-great-grandfather of Morris J., was a farmer in Berks county, where he died in 1837. His will, made Jan. 9, 1836, and probated Oct. 15, 1837, is on record in Will Book No. 8, page 180. His son, John Ulrich, and his son-in-law John Croco, were the executors. His children were: Mary m. John Croco; Peter; John lived in Ohio where he became a man of prominence; Hannah; Isaac received his father's property at Danville, Pa.; Michael is said to have lived in Lancaster county; and Jacob is mentioned below. Among other relatives may be mentioned George Jacob Ulrich, who lived and died at Pinegrove, then in Schuylkill, now in Berks county. His will, made in 1786 and entered in the following year, is on record in Will Book A, page 146. He left a large estate, making ample provision for his wife Mary, who survived him and for his sister, Margaret Ulrich. Some of his children were young when he died, and he provided for their education; and his son Valentine was to pay a certain sum to his mother and sisters, Eva Barbara, Catharine, Margareta, Elizabeth and Christina. Valentine Ulrich died in Berks county in 1837. His children were named: George, Magdalena, Susanna, Rosanna, Elizabeth, Barbara and Hannah.
Jacob Ulrich, great-grandfather of Morris J., was foreman in the old paper mill in Maiden-creek township, where he also owned a valuable farm. He is buried in a private cemetery on the farm where rest many of his family. He was thrice married, and among his children were: Abraham; Jacob, who settled in the west; Peter, of Frush Valley; Joseph, who died in middle life; Eliza, a cripple, who died unmarried; Mrs. Jeremiah Weidner; and Susanna.
Abraham Ulrich, grandfather of Morris J., resided in Ontelaunee township, Berks county, where he was a laborer. His burial was in Cumru township. He married Nettie Miller, daughter of Daniel Miller, of Bern township, and they had five children, namely: Adaline m. Hiram Briner, and resides at Janesville, Iowa; Rufus died in 1905, aged sixty-eight years; Eliza, m. Henry Staudt, and died on her birthday, Jan. 13, 1907; Daniel; and Ellen m. Frank Sterner, of Lehigh county.
Daniel Ulrich, father of Morris J., was born June 30, 1838, in Maiden-creek township, Berks county. He became a lime and coal merchant in Bern township, back of Leinbachs, where he conducted a large business until 1896, when he retired, and since then has made his home with his son Morris J. He was also boss of a gang of men working for William Yeich and Samuel Blatt, contractors at Reading. He married Mary Moser, daughter of John Moser, of Bern township. She died Jan. 31, 1906, aged fifty-four years, and was buried at Epler's Church. The following children were born to Daniel Ulrich and wife: Morris J., John, of West Reading; Daniel and William, who both died young; Lizzie, m. to Elmer Schelly, of Reading; Mary m. to Joseph Marks, of Riverside, Reading; George, of Reading; Sallie, m. to William Gundrum, of Riverside, Reading; Charles, of Spring Valley; Harry, of Reading; and Katie, who lives with her sister, Mrs. Gundrum.
Morris J. Ulrich attended the public schools until he was sixteen years of age, and then spent two spring terms at the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. Following this he taught one term of school in Bern township and one term at Rehrersburg, Pa. Then he engaged in a butchering business at Reading which he continued for nine years. In 1895 he began to work for the Atlantic Refining Company, selling oil on the street through Reading, and in the following four years he did a large business selling oil at Topton, Pa. In April, 1906, he became the janitor of the Buttonwood Street Market House, and he also manages the stable attached to the market house. He is a busy man and is one who enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens on account of his faithful performance of duty.
On May 5, 1888, Mr. Ulrich married Amelia M. Ammarell, a daughter of Charles Ammarell, and they have had seven children, namely; Frank, who died in infancy; Calvin, born Jan. 20, 1890; Jeremiah, born Sept. 5, 1893; Esther; Clara; Paul, born Nov. 2, 1904; and Martha. Mr. Ulrich and family belong to St. Mark's Reformed Church of Reading. He has been very active for years in church work, and has served as deacon, elder and for four years has been church treasurer. He is also one of the efficient teachers in the Sunday-school.
p. 818
Surnames: UMBENHAUER, SPANG, REBER, POTTEIGER
Isaac S. Umbenhauer, senior member of the firm of Umbenhauer & Wanner, real estate and insurance, is of German descent, and was born on his father's farm Jan. 5, 1858, son of William and Susanna (Spang) Umbenhauer.
Thomas Umbenhauer, great-grandfather of Isaac S., was the founder of the present thriving borough of Bernville. He lived on the farm now occupied by Isaac S., as did his brothers, Henry S. and Daniel S. This farm has been in the family since 1737, and has descended from one generation to another.
Peter Umbenhauer, son of Thomas, married Sarah, daughter of John Reber, of Penn township, and they had two children: William and Mary. William Umbenhauer, son of Peter and father of Isaac S., married Susanna Spang, daughter of Peter Spang, of North Heidelberg township. Their children were: Peter S., Thomas S., Sarah S., Adam S., Henry S., William S., Isaac S., Milton S., Kate C., John S., Daniel S. and Samuel S.
Isaac S. Umbenhauer was educated in the district schools and the Keystone State Normal School. In 1883 he left the farm, and, coming to Reading, clerked for three years. He then entered a mercantile business, and continued in that line for twelve years. On Aug. 10, 1898, he began the real estate and insurance business as a member of the firm of Umbenhauer & Wanner. They are one of the leading firms in the city, and have charge of large estates, in connection with real estate, and they sell all kinds of securities, with fire, life and casualty insurance. Mr. Umbenhauer's ability and upright character have frequently caused his services to be in demand as executor, administrator, guardian and assignee. He is a director of the Windsor Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berks county, Pa. He is public spirited and ready to assist in all kinds of enterprises he deems of benefit to the community. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a stanch upholder of his party's principles.
He was a great admirer of President Cleveland. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at Reading.
On Dec. 4, 1886, Mr. Umbenhauer married Annie Laura Potteiger, daughter of Jacob Potteiger, of Spring township. Their children were: LeRoy P., a student at Dickinson College of Law at Carlisle; and Lillian E., deceased.
p. 533
Surnames: UMBLE, DICKINSON, BRENEISER
Joseph D. C. Umble. One of the familiar figures in the public life of Reading is Joseph D. C. Umble, proprietor of the "Mansion House," a hotel favorably known throughout the East. Since 1893 Mr. Umble has in some way, or in some capacity, been identified with the "Mansion." He is the son of Capt. Joseph and Phoebe (Dickinson) Umble, the former a prominent figure in the political and business life of Lancaster county, and one of the well-known veterans of the Civil war. He died in Reading,
March 1, 1905, at the age of seventy-seven years. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he was one of the first to interest himself in his country's defense, raised a company, went at once to the front, participating in all the privations that fall to the lot of the soldier. After the war he was prominent in civil life, being a justice of the peace for a number of years, and register of wills of Lancaster county during 1882-83-84. Mrs. Umble, mother of Joseph D. C., together with her two daughters, Anna Mary and Ida E., have their home at the "Mansion House," and assist in its management. Phoebe E., the third daughter, is the wife of R. M. Breneiser, a wholesale tobacconist of Reading. The father of Mrs. Umble was Henry Dickinson, one of the prominent husbandmen of Lancaster county.
Joseph D. C. Umble was born in Salisbury township, Lancaster Co., Pa., March 26, 1867. He passed the formative period of his life on the home farm, securing a good common school education in the village of Christiana, and in the Yeates Institute at Lancaster. When his father was elected to the office of register of wills, he entered the office as his clerk. This was in January, 1882. In 1885 he took a position with the Pennsylvania Steel Company, at Steelton, as clerk to the manager of their commissary department, and in the experience he secured in that line in the following four years, lies the secret of his success in the hotel business at a later period. Coming to Reading about this time, he was variously employed for several years, in different service for the railroads. The point to be noticed is that he was always "employed" and to this his advancement and prosperity may be ascribed. In the spring of 1904, he became proprietor of the "Mansion House," having previously served there as clerk and manager, and it is needless to add that these experiences well equipped him for the fuller responsibilities. It is but fair to state that under the present liberal regime the house has come into much favor. The hotel is complete in every detail, thoroughly accoutered, and spacious enough for the accommodation of 150 guests. Whether by endowment or acquisition, no matter, we find in Mr. Umble a man of pleasing manners and personality, to which no doubt his popularity is attributable. To the prince, pilgrim or peasant, the same welcome and hospitality meted to one, is measured to all, when within the doors where "Joe" Umble presides.
Mr. Umble is a prominent member of several of the most popular fraternal and club organizations of the city, among them being the Elks, the Masons, the Berkshire Country Club, Wyomissing Club, and he is quite active in the State Association of Hotel Men. He is a Republican in politics, though he takes little part in such matters, aside from casting his vote on election day.
p. 1216
Surnames: UNDERCUFFLER, BEIDERMAN, RHOADS, BUCK, REIGNER, SCHWENK, TEA, REDDIG, MOYER, BOYER, ANCONA, KREMP, JONES, WILLI, ZIMMERMAN, HULISER, NAGLE, BILLINGER, HAAS, BUCKWALTER, BRAHM
Harvey B. Undercuffler, proprietor of the hotel which stands at Ninth and Spring streets, Reading, was born Jan. 24, 1863, at Boyertown, Pa., a son of Zephaniah and Louisa (Beiderman) Undercuffler.
The Undercuffler family is one of several generations in this section of Pennsylvania. Isaac Undercuffler, grandfather of Harvey B., was born at Pottstown, Pa., where he lived to the age of seventy-five years, dying in 1880. He followed the business of pressing hay. He married Rebecca Rhoads, and they had children, as follows: Zephaniah; Edward, residing in New York; Isaac, who died unmarried; Kate, m. to William Buck; and Mary, m. to Henry Reigner.
Zephaniah Undercuffler, father of Harvey B., was born at Pottstown, Pa., and died at Ephrata, Lancaster Co., Pa., in October, 1892, aged fifty-eight years. For thirty years he engaged in hotel-keeping but lived retired for three years before his death. He married Louisa Beiderman, who died in October, 1903, aged sixty-nine years. They had five children, namely: Catherine died unmarried; Mary m. (first) Edward Schwenk, had two children, Harry (died aged two years) and George W. (m. Emily Tea), and (second) Peter L. Reddig; Frank, residing at Reading, m. Sallie Moyer, and had four children, Harry (died aged eleven weeks), Louisa (died aged eleven years, ten months), Reuben and Elsie; Harvey B.; and Techlamiah m. Jacob Reddig (deceased), and had one child, Harry (died aged six months).
Harvey B. Undercuffler was educated in the public schools at Wernersville, in Berks county, and at Ephrata, in Lancaster county. He was practically brought up in the hotel business, his father having been engaged in the same at Boyertown, Treichlersville, Wernersville and Ephrata. In 1889, Mr. Undercuffler came to Reading, where he was employed in a livery business by Howard L. Boyer, after which he worked for three years as a teamster for Major S. E. Ancona and Joseph Kremp. In 1891, he embarked in a hotel business, locating at No. 1301 North Tenth street, where he was associated for one year with his brother, Frank B. After the partnership was dissolved, Harvey B. Undercuffler came to his present large hotel, taking charge September 15, 1892. He has here a commodious, well-appointed building, and included in it is Undercuffler's Hall, where many political and other meetings are held. He is a good business man and is numbered with the city's prosperous citizens.
In December, 1882, Mr.. Undercuffler married Annie J. Jones, who died in March, 1887. They had three children, namely: Walter and Warren, twins, born Aug. 8, 1883, of whom Warren died aged eleven months; and Annie J., born Jan. 12, 1885, died Oct. 20, 1891.
On Dec. 26, 1891, Mr. Undercuffler m. (second) Rosa M. Willi, daughter of John Willi, and three children were born of this marriage--Florence May, Effie Charlotte and Leroy Z. The Willi family is of Swiss extraction. Johann Willi was born about 1720, at Siglistorf, Switzerland, and probably died in 1757. About 1745 he married Katharine Willi, and they had two children: J. Heinrich (born about 1750, m. Verona Zimmerman), and Anna Mary (born in 1755, m. Andreas Huliser). J. Heinrich Willi was a man of importance, and was mayor of his home town. He had a son, Xavier, who was the father of Hans, or John. John Willi married Mary Willi, no relative, the name apparently being a common one in Switzerland. They had the following children: Albertina; Amelia died in Switzerland; Angelbert; Katharine lies buried in Switzerland; Hans, of Reading, m. Kate Nagle, and has two children, Mary and Heinrich; Amelia is the widow of Albert Billinger; Godfried lies buried at Reading; Mary m. John Haas; Catharine m. Heber Buckwalter; Fridolin died aged three years; Heinrich died aged nineteen years; Rosa M. m. Harvey B. Undercuffler; and Annie m. Adam Brahm, of Reading.
Mr. Undercuffler is a member of Reading Aerie, No. 66, F. O. E.; and a charter member of Court Victory, No. 123, Foresters of America, and is active in both organizations. He belongs to the Marion Fire Company, and is a member of the Berks County Liquor Dealers' Association, of which he has been treasurer since September, 1907.
p. 1528
Surnames: UNGER, SCHAPPEL, HEFFLEY, REESER, KEIM, HOLLENBACH, COLEMAN, SNYDER, WITMAN, BUNES, DEGLER, WEISE, ANNSBACH, CLOUSER, HETTINGER, RUTH, MURRAY, TEMBLER
Allen S. Unger has been a resident of Sinking Spring, Berks county, for forty years, and has been engaged in his present business there since 1874. He is a native of Perry township, this county, born at Shoemakersville, Sept. 22, 1847, and belongs to one of the old families of the county. The branch to which he is related was early settled in Windsor township. All the Ungers are noted for musical tastes and ability and a number have attained prominence as professional musicians, among these being Prof. C. H. Unger and his son, Solomon W. Unger, of Reading, well-known teachers of music.
Frederick Unger, of Leesport, Pa., the war correspondent, is also a member of this family.
(I) Christian Unger, the emigrant ancestor of the family, came to this country on the ship "Edinburgh," landing at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1752. In 1756 he was a taxable resident of Greenwich township, Berks county. He had these children: Michael, who was a taxable in Greenwich township in 1759; John, who settled in the vicinity of Shamokin, Pa.; Herman; one son (name unknown) who settled in the State of Maryland; Susanna, who married John Schappel; Elizabeth, who married George Heffley; and Mrs. Christian Reeser.
(II) Herman Unger was born in Greenwich township. He married Elizabeth Keim, and they had the following children: Daniel, who settled in Windsor township, and who had an only son Isaac; Samuel, who also settled in Windsor township; Jacob, who settled in Wabash county, Ind.; Abraham, who settled in Sandusky county, Ohio; Christina, who married John Hollenbach; and Mrs. Coleman.
(III) Samuel Unger, son of Herman, was born in Windsor township in October, 1793, and died July 6, 1843. He was a prominent citizen of his day, owning about five hundred acres of land in the vicinity of Shoemakersville, where he spent his entire life. He was married Dec. 25, 1819, to Elizabeth Snyder, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Snyder, and they had children as follows: Anna, born Nov. 24, 1820; John, born Aug. 2, 1822, who died in infancy; Samuel, born July 9, 1824; Daniel, born May 27, 1826; Elizabeth, born Dec. 24, 1828; Catherine, born Sept. 29, 1831, who married Abraham Witman, and died Sept. 27, 1902; Reuben, born April 3, 1834; and Maria, born Dec. 29, 1837.
(IV) Daniel Unger, born May 27, 1826, at Shoemakersville, lived near Bernville, where he died, aged seventy-five years. He is buried at the Blue Mountain Church. Mr. Unger was a farmer by occupation, and also carried on cigar-making. Outside of his own affairs his greatest interest was in the church, and he was a well and favorably known citizen. He married Rebecca Schappel, daughter of Brig.-Gen. Jeremiah Schappel, of Berks county, and to them was born a family of nine children, namely: Angelina married Isaac Bunes; Sassaman died unmarried; Emeline m. Aaron Degler; Annette died unmarried; Levi, who lives at Mt. Pleasant, Pa., m. Kate Weise; Allen S., is mentioned below; Hettie m. James Annsbach; Mary m. Charles Clouser; Daniel died young.
(V) Allen S. Unger was only two and a half years old when his parents moved to a location between Shartlesville and Bernville, where he was reared upon the farm and continued to live until 1864. In that year he went to Mahanoy City, Pa., where he worked in the coal mines for three years. He returned thence to Berks county, and on Nov. 16, 1869 came to Sinking Spring, where he has since made his home. Here he learned his trade of marble and stone cutter from Henry Hettinger, whom he succeeded in business in the fall of 1874. He has carried the establishment on ever since, making a specialty of monument work, and also dealing in marble and granite, and he has all the work he can attend to, his patronage being steady and lucrative. For some years he employed from three to five men. He is honest in all his relations with his fellow-men, and respected wherever known. Industry and economy enabled him to accumulate some property, and he still owns a house in Sinking Spring, but he disposed of considerable real estate which he formerly possessed in order to lessen his cares.
On Nov. 19, 1872, Mr. Unger was married to Amanda E. Ruth, born Aug. 23, 1844, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Ruth) Ruth, of Spring township. Mrs. Unger passed to her reward Feb. 5, 1905. Like her husband and family she was a devout member of St. John's Reformed Church at Sinking Spring, and was ever an active worker in the congregation and a teacher in the Sunday-school for many years. She was a member of the church choir from her youth until her death. Mr. Unger, also, has been prominent in the work of the church, and he was the choir leader from 1875 until 1889, beside taking part in other phases of its life. Since 1889 he has served as janitor of the church.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Unger, namely: Lottie M. married Dr. V. M. Murray, of Patton, Cambria Co., Pa., and has one child, John Allen; George I., an electrician, living at Newcastle, Del., married Fannie Tembler, and has one daughter, Edna Marie.
p. 1254
Surnames: UNGER, LOY, SCHAPPELL, HEFFLEY, REESER, KEIM, HOLLENBACH, COLEMAN, SNYDER, WITMAN, MARBURGER, BURKHART, STUMP, SUESS
Alue F. Unger, a highly esteemed resident of Shoemakersville, Berks county, Pa., who is now living retired from active business, was born Nov. 15, 1852, in Perry township, son of Samuel and Mary (Loy) Unger.
Christian Unger, the great-great-grandfather of Alue, came to this country on the ship Edinburgh, and landed at Philadelphia, Sept. 19, 1752. In 1756 he was a taxable resident of Greenwich township, Berks county. He had these children: Michael, who was a taxable in Greenwich township in 1759; John, who settled in the vicinity of Shamokin, Pa.; Herman; a son, whose name is unknown and who settled in Maryland; Susanna, m. John Schappell; Elizabeth, m. George Heffley; and Mrs. Christian Reeser.
Herman Unger was born in Greenwich township, and married Elizabeth Keim, having these children: Daniel, who settled in Windsor township and had an only son, Isaac; Samuel, who also settled in Windsor township; Jacob, who settled in Wabash county, O.; Christina, m. John Hollenbach; and Mrs. Coleman.
Samuel Unger, grandfather of Alue F., was born in Windsor township, in October, 1793, and his death occurred July 6, 1843. He was a prominent citizen of his day, owning about 500 acres of land in the vicinity of Shoemakersville, where he spent his entire life. Samuel was married Dec. 25, 1819, to Elizabeth Snyder, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Snyder, and they had these children: Anna, born Nov. 24, 1820; John, Aug. 2, 1822, died in infancy; Samuel; Daniel, May 27, 1826; Elizabeth, Dec. 24, 1828; Catherine, Sept. 29, 1831, m. Abraham Witman, and died Sept. 27, 1902; Reuben, April 3, 1834; and Maria, Dec. 29, 1837.
Samuel Unger, father of Alue F., was born July 9, 1824, in Windsor township on the old homestead, and was a well-to-do and prominent citizen, owning large tracts of valuable land, a great portion of which has been cut into building lots in Shoemakersville. He built the Mansion House and store in 1873, which he conducted for a number of years, and also owned the hotel which in later years was replaced by the Metropolitan House. He was for sixteen years justice-of-the-peace, dying in office, was a stanch Democrat, and served as school director for several years. Mr. Unger was a deacon, elder and trustee of the Lutheran Church, and in 1856 assisted in building the Shoemakersville Church. In 1851 he was married to Mary Loy, daughter of Michael Loy, and to this union there were born these children: Alue F.; George W., who died Oct. 6, 1882, aged twenty-eight years; Susannah, Jeremiah, Adam, Samuel and Mary, who all died in infancy; Emma, twin sister of Mary, m. John L. Marburger, who lives in Schuylkill county; and William, who is single and makes his home in Philadelphia.
Alue F. Unger obtained a good education in the schools of his district, and this was later supplemented by a course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he graduated April 15, 1872. He then became a clerk in his father's store in his native town, remaining until his father's death, after which event he took charge of the hotel, conducting it until 1886. At this time he removed to Reading and opened the Reading Horse Exchange, now known as Schitler's Horse Exchange, which he conducted for four years, then returning to Shoemakersville. He continued in this line, buying and selling, and shipping to Philadelphia, until a few years ago, when he retired from active business.
Mr. Unger is a Democrat in his political views. His religious connections are with the Lutheran Church. In the year 1879 he was married to Annie L. Burkhart, daughter of William F. and Caroline (Stump) Burkhart, and to this union were born children as follows: Frank F., Oct. 21, 1879, unmarried, as is Samuel E., born Dec. 4, 1880; George H., Oct. 28, 1882, m. Molly M. Suess, and has one son, Harry C.; Jennie L., Nov. 9, 1885, living at home, who is a graduate of Shoemakersville High School and of the Schuylkill Valley Seminary, and is highly accomplished; and Earl, July 22, 1889.
p. 1477
Surnames: UNGER, MENGEL, HEIMER, PAULUS, DE TURK, SPENGLER, HIESTER
Calvin A. Unger, of Strausstown, in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks county, teacher and justice of the peace, was born there June 15, 1876, a great-grandson of Michael Unger. The latter lived in Perry township, where he followed farming, and died upon his farm.
Benneville Unger, born Oct. 23, 1815, son of Michael, was the grandfather of Calvin A. Unger. He took the farm in Perry township, but moved to Jefferson township in the fifties and bought a tract of 126 acres; he also owned a farm of sixty-two acres in the same township, where he died Oct. 1, 1892. He married Catharine Mengel, born in 1813, died in 1883, and both are buried at the Blue Mountain Church at Strausstown. They had children as follows: Ira, deceased; Joshua, who died in the spring of 1908; Alfred; Amelia, unmarried; Ellen, deceased, who married Samuel Heimer; Amanda, who married Jacob Paulus; and Frank and Cornelius, twins, the former living at Reading, Pa., the latter deceased when young.
Alfred Unger, son of Benneville, born Dec. 17, 1842, in Perry township, moved with his father to Jefferson township in his seventeenth year, and remained at home until he was twenty-one. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for eight years, after which he took up farming on his father-in-law's farm in Upper Tulpehocken township. He remained there for twelve years, at the end of which time he went to Evans City, in Lehigh county, Pa., where for five years he followed his trade again. Returning to Strausstown, he has since lived there, and since 1893 has led a retired life. He owns the old Unger homestead in Jefferson township. Mr. Unger married Esther De Turk, daughter of Abraham and Esther (Unger) De Turk, and to them were born three children: Jacob J., of Cumberland county, N. J., superintendent of schools of Vineland and Landis township; Katie, who died when one year, eight months old; and Calvin A.
Calvin A. Unger attended the public schools of upper Tulpehocken township and the high school at Evans City, Pa., from which he was graduated in April, 1892. After that he taught for three terms, the first term in Monroe county, and then two terms in Berks county, and then entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, graduating from that institution in 1896. He has ever since been engaged in teaching in the graded school at Strausstown, where his services have given him eminent satisfaction. In 1898 Mr. Unger was elected justice of the peace and has since held that office. He is a Democrat in political faith and has been active in the local workings of the party, having served as delegate to county conventions. He is an active Lutheran member of Zion's Blue Mountain Church, at Strausstown, of which he has been chorister since 1903, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school since 1898. He is a member of the P. O. S. of A., belonging to Camp No. 664, and of the I. O. O. F., belonging to Lodge No. 77, and to Charlotte Rebekah Lodge, No. 289.
In February, 1897, Mr. Unger married Miss Alice D. Spengler, daughter of Peter F. and Sarah (Hiester) Spengler, and they have had a family of four children: Helen M., Carrie A., Earl A. and Grace S. (who died aged eight months, three days).
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Surnames: UNGER, SCHAPPEL, HEFFLEY, REESER, KEIM, HOLLENBACH, COLEMAN, SMITH, WEIDMAN, DIETER, MOYER, SEIDEL, WOLF, KOENIG, OSCHMAN, DEPPEN, KERCHNER, MILLER, MORY, BEECHER, KERN
Charles W. Unger, a general merchant of Stouchsburg, Berks county, was born Aug. 27, 1861, on the Unger homestead near Shoemakersville, in Perry township. We give herewith something on the early history of the family in this country.
(I) Christian Unger, the first of the name in America, emigrated in the ship "Edinburgh," landing at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1752. In 1756 he was a taxable resident of Greenwich township, Berks county. He had these children: Michael, who was a taxable in Greenwich township in 1759; John, who settled in the vicinity of Shamokin, Pa.; Herman; one son (name unknown) who settled in Maryland; Susanna, who married John Schappel; Elizabeth, who married George Heffley; and Mrs. Christian Reeser.
(II) Herman Unger was born in Greenwich township. He married Elizabeth Keim, and they had the following children: Daniel, who settled in Windsor township; Samuel, who also settled in Windsor township; Jacob, who settled in Wabash county, Ind.; Abraham, who settled in Sandusky county, Ohio; Christina, who married John Hollenbach; and Mrs. Coleman.
(III) Daniel Unger, son of Herman, married Elizabeth Smith, and their only son was Isaac Unger, late of Windsor township.
(IV) Isaac Unger was born Jan. 22, 1829, and died Mar. 16, 1884. On Nov. 18, 1849, he married Syria Weidman, who was born in Windsor township April 17, 1828, and died March 28, 1907. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Unger resided on his farm, about one mile east of Shoemakersville, which consisted of 210 acres, and was considered one of the best farms in Perry township. Here they prospered and reared their family. Mr. Unger left his widow and children a large estate. He never held any political office, but was active in the church, for several terms serving as one of the trustees of the Lutheran congregation at Shoemakersville. He and his wife joined the Lutheran Church in 1850. They were the parents of the following children: John married Ella Dieter, and they have had three children, Gertrude and Grace, and one whose name is not known; Sarah died at the age of four years; Sylvester died at the age of two years; Catherine, who married Newton Moyer, died in 1900, aged forty-four years (she had four children, among them Ralph Abner); Laura is the wife of Franklin W. Seidel, M. D., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School and of the medical department of the University of Michigan, who practices his profession in Chester, Pa., and has two children, Roy and May; Annie, who married David Wolf, was a teacher and a highly accomplished woman, and died in 1902, aged thirty-nine years (she had four children, Ramon, Pearl, George and Charles); Charles W. married Sallie Koenig and Ann M. Oschman; George W., a prosperous business man and manufacturer of Boyertown, married Legora Deppen, daughter of Dr. D. D. Deppen, of Bernville, and has the following children, Earl, Laura, John and Daniel.
(V) Charles W. Unger passed his boyhood days upon the farm, and did farm work until he was twenty years old. He then became a clerk in the general store of J. W. Kerchner, at Lenhartsville, Berks county, where he remained one year. The next three years he was employed in J. B. Miller's general store at Bernville, after which he worked two years for Charles A. Mory, at Boyertown, in the dry goods and notions store. Mr. Mory then recommended him to L. & W. C. Beecher of Pottstown, in whose employ he remained four years, following with a year's experience in the large establishment of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, at Reading. Since leaving their employ Mr. Unger has been in business for himself at Stouchsburg, where he settled Oct. 15, 1893. He has carried on a general mercantile and hardware trade, and has found the venture profitable. During his first three years in Stouchsburg Mr. Unger was located in the old Fisher & Yocum building, in the eastern end of the town, and when the place was sold he erected in 1896 his present store, a frame building 25 x 60 feet in dimensions, three stories high, which has become one of the well-known business places of the town. Mr. Unger carries a full line of general merchandise, and he enjoys a high reputation for honesty and square dealing, especially among the country people, commanding a large share of their patronage. His annual business often amounts to more than $10,000. Two people are kept constantly busy in the store, which is justly popular in Stouchsburg.
Mr. Unger was married while a resident of Reading to Miss Sallie Koenig, daughter of John and Sydney (Kerchner) Koenig, and they had one son, John Leroy, born Nov. 7, 1894. Mrs. Unger died Oct. 5, 1906, at the age of forty-one years, nine months, twelve days, and sleeps her last sleep in the family lot in the Charles Evans cemetery. On June 11, 1908, Mr. Unger married (second) Anna Margurite Oschman, daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Kern) Oschman, who emigrated from Europe to this country in 1847, landing at New York City. After three years' residence in that city they removed to Reading, Pa., where Mr. Oschman has since been a resident and taxpayer.
Mr. Unger is a member of the Tulpehocken Reformed Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and though not particularly active in such matters takes a deep interest in the welfare of his party.
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Surnames: UNGER, SCHAPPEL, HEFFLEY, REESER, KEIM, HOLLENBACH, COLEMAN, SMITH, WEIDMAN, KAUFFMAN, TEETER, MOYER, SEIDEL, WOLFE, KOENIG, MILLER, MORY, DEPPEN
Isaac Unger, late of Windsor township, Berks county, was a great-grandson of Christopher Unger, the first of the name in this country, of whom we have the following record:
(I) Christian Unger emigrated to America on the ship "Edinburgh," landing at Philadelphia Sept. 19, 1752. In 1756 he was a taxable resident of Greenwich township, Berks county. He has these children: Michael, who was a taxable in Greenwich township in 1759; John, who settled in the vicinity of Shamokin, Pa.; Herman; one son (name unknown) who settled in Maryland; Susanna, m. to John Schappel; Elizabeth, m. to George Heffley; and Mrs. Christian Reeser.
(II) Herman Unger was born in Greenwich township. He married Elizabeth Keim, and they had the following children: Daniel, who settled in Windsor township; Samuel, who also settled in Windsor township; Jacob, who settled in Wabash county, Ind.; Abraham, who settled in Sandusky county, Ohio; Christina, who married John Hollenbach; and Mrs. Coleman.
(III) Daniel Unger, son of Herman, married Elizabeth Smith, and their only son was Isaac Unger, late of Windsor township.
(IV) Isaac Unger was born Jan. 22, 1829, and died March 16, 1884. On Nov. 18, 1849, he married Syria Weidman, who was born in Windsor township April 17, 1828. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Unger resided on his farm of 206 acres, about one mile east of Shoemakersville ? one of the best farms in Perry township. Here they prospered and reared their family. Mr. Unger left his widow and children a large estate. He never held any political office, but was active in the church, for several terms serving as one of the trustees of the Lutheran congregation at Shoemakersville.
Mrs. Syria Unger was the daughter of John and Magdalena (Kauffman) Weidman, and was educated in the schools of her district. She was conversant in both the English and German languages. She was reared in the Dunker faith, but in 1850 she and her husband became members of the Lutheran Church, to which faith she afterward adhered. After Mr. Unger's death she resided in the Unger home at Mill and Belleville streets, Shoemakersville. She was an intelligent, benevolent woman, and though she lived to an advanced age possessed a clear mind and a contented heart. She was the mother of children as follows: John married Ella Teeter; Sarah died at the age of four years; Sylvester died at the age of two years; Catherine, who married Newton Moyer and died in 1900, aged forty-four years; Laura, deceased, married Franklin W. Seidel, M. D., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School and of the medical department of the University of Michigan, who practised his profession in Chester, Pa., and who at his death left two children, Roy and May; Annie, who married David S. Wolfe, was a teacher and a highly accomplished woman, and died in 1902, aged thirty-nine years; Charles married Sallie Koenig; George W. is a prosperous business man and manufacturer of Boyertown.
(V) George W. Unger was born Nov. 10, 1865, in Perry township, Berks county, and was educated in the public schools of the home district. He was reared on the homestead, but he himself never followed farming. When fifteen years old he became a clerk in H. K. Miller's general store at Shoemakersville, where he remained one year, after which he was with J. B. Miller, at Bernville, for two years. He then worked about a year for Filbert & Brother, at Womelsdorf, and he has since been at Boyertown. His first employer in the borough was C. A. Mory, for whom he clerked a year in his large dry goods store. In the fall of 1888 he engaged in the grocery and shoe business on his own account, locating on North avenue, Reading, and he met with success in this venture, carrying on a retail business for seven years. In the fall of 1896 he commenced his present business, the manufacture of ladies' ribbed underwear, in which line he now employs from fifty to sixty hands the year round. He is established in a brick factory, 80 x 38 feet in dimensions, three stories in height, and the business has grown to such an extent that it is considered a factor in the commercial importance of Boyertown. In addition to this, his principal interest, Mr. Unger has been identified with others in enterprises affecting the advancement of the town, and he was one of the organizers and charter members of the Boyertown Electric Company, which was chartered in August, 1908, and is capitalized at $35,000. Mr. Unger is president of the company, which is to furnish light, heat and power to the borough, and which has a most promising future. He is a faithful worker for the interests of his community.
On Oct. 24, 1889, Mr. Unger was married to Miss L. Legora Deppen, daughter of Sr. Daniel D. and Isabella (Miller) Deppen, of Bernville, and four children have blessed this union, namely: Earl D., Laura I., John S. and Daniel H. The eldest son, Earl D. Unger, is a student at Mercersburg Academy, class of 1909, is already an expert bookkeeper, and is his father's chief assistant in the manufacturing business. He is a member of the Glee Club. The family reside in a beautiful mansion on Chestnut street, between Third and Philadelphia avenues, in Boyertown, one of the finest residences in the lower end of the county. Mr. Unger built his home in the summer of 1903. It is constructed of Pennsylvania blue marble from the quarries at King of Prussia, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Unger and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church at Boyertown.
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Surnames: UNTERKOFLER, CHRIST, FOX, GRAYBILL, GUNDY, HEFFNER, PHILLIPS, RENTSCHLER, SCHLAPPICH, SERIG, SHAPPELL, ZWEITZER
Daniel Unterkofler (deceased), a lifelong resident of Centre township, Berks county, was born there in 1830, son of Daniel Unterkofler. His grandfather was a resident of Windsor township, this county. Daniel Unterkofler was well-known as a stone-mason, and many foundations of the old barns and houses in the vicinity were built by him. He died in Centre township, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Levi Rentschler, and is buried at Belleman's Church. He married Hannah Heffner, and they had children as follows: Daniel; Hannah, who m. Samuel Schlappich; Sallie, who m. Levi Rentschler; Susanna, who m. Levi Phillips.
Daniel Unterkofler, son of Daniel, was a farmer and carpenter by occupation. He owned his father's homestead in Centre township, this farm consisting of sixty acres of fine land near Mohrsville, which he cultivated profitably, and here he resided until his death, which occurred May 1, 1907; he is buried at Belleman's Church. Though advanced in years at the time of his decease he was noted for his excellent memory, and he was well-known and respected throughout his community. He was a Democrat in politics.
Mr. Unterkofler married Mary A. Gundy, daughter of George Gundy, of Clearfield county, Pa., and eight children were born to this union, namely: Ellen married Adam Zweitzer and is living in Ontelaunee township, Berks county; Nora married John Fox, also of Ontelaunee township; Lizzie is the wife of Christian Graybill and lives in Maiden-creek township; Henry, repair foreman in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railway Company, is living at Douglassville, this county; Daniel G., born Dec. 22, 1871, farms the old homestead, in winter engages in butchering among the local farmers, and also follows the carpenter's trade; Valeria married Jacob Christ and lives in Ontelaunee township: Jennie is the wife of Wilson Serig and resides in Temple, Berks county; Kate is the wife of Mahlon C. Shappell and they live on the Unterkofler homestead.
Surnames: URICH, PRICE, BEHNEY, SCHOLLY, BRIGHTBILL, DEPEW, GERBER, DAUB, DeHART, STOUDT, KLINE, DIEHL, MATTES, KLOPP, ACHEY, SHIRK, SCHAEFFER, POTTEIGER, KEENER,
Ellsworth Peter Urich, a prosperous business man of Rehrersburg, Berks Co., Pa., who carries on a large trade in saddle and harness making, was born June 10, 1864, at Myerstown, Lebanon county, son of John W. and Mary Ann (Price) Urich.
Christian Urich, grandfather of Ellsworth P., was a farmer and resided in Kutztown, He married Susannah Behney, and to this union there were born children as follows: John W.; Henry was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, during the Civil War; Isaac, who was wounded in the neck during the Civil War, m. Sallie Scholly, and they resided at Bluffton, Ind., where he died aged about sixty years; Amanda m. John Brightbill, resides near Myerstown and has two children; Elias, who also served through the Civil war. m. a daughter of John Depew, and they had three children, one of whom, William resides at Reading; Sarah, m. Moses Gerber, resides on a farm near Greble, Lebanon county, and has three children, one being deceased; Peter m. Alice Daub, daughter of William Daub, and had one child which died young; and Frank, who resides in Reading near Eleventh and Greenwood streets, m. Sallie DeHart (daughter of Louis DeHart), who died May, 1903, leaving two children.
John W. Urich, father of Ellsworth P., was reared near Myerstown, where his entire life was spent. By trade he was a cabinet maker, having learned that occupation with Peter Stoudt of Myerstown, and this he followed for many years, being later engineer in Loose's tannery at that place. He was married to Mary Ann Price, who was reared in the Stoudt family, where Mr. Urich learned his trade, and seven children were born to this union: Elizabeth, m. to George Kline, son of Jacob Kline, resides near the old homestead, and has two children, Paul and Herbert; Ellsworth Peter; Sallie, m. to Joseph Diehl, resides in Lebanon, and has two children, Joseph and Mazie; Harry C., a blacksmith and machinist, who is manager of the Reading Metal Body Manufacturing Company, m. Emma Mattes and resides in Fleetwood; Amanda, m. to James Klopp, resides near Myerstown, and had two children, one of whom, Harry survives; William died young; and Nettie m. Clement Achey, a farmer of near Myerstown, and has one child, John Leroy. The father of these children died at the old home aged fifty-eight years.
Ellsworth Peter Urich was educated in the public schools of his native locality and the high school of Myerstown and at the age of sixteen tears was apprenticed to John N. Shirk to learn the trade of saddler and harness-maker. After completing his trade, Mr. Urich continued to work for Mr. Shirk for some time, being in all about ten years in his employ, and he then engaged in business on his own account at Rehrersburg, where he has built up a fine, steady trade. On Aug. 4, 1883, Mr. Urich married Lillie P. Schaeffer, daughter of Adam H. and Sydney (Potteiger) Schaeffer. and to this union there have been born children as follows: one child died in infancy; Hattie Viola m. Thomas Keener, a shipping clerk, at Reading, and has one child, Lillian May; and Annie Laura, died April 16, 1904, just two days before her thirteenth birthday. The family are members of the Old Lutheran Church at Rehrersburg, in the work of which they are active. in politics Mr. Urich is a Republican, but he has never cared for public office. Fraternally he is connected with Myerstown Lodge No. 358, I. O. O. F., Camp No. 397, P.O.S. of A., of which he is a past officer, having been representative to the grand body, and with the Mortuary Benefit Fund on the P. O. S. of A.