Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery
p. 1474
Surnames: WORLEY, PENNYPACKER, SCHNADER, HERRING, BITTING, DEEDS,
MOHN, WEBER, REGAN, DIETRICH, HERTZOG, DICKINSON, RUTH, MADEIRA,
TROSTLE, KREIDER, MOSSER, STAFFORD
The first member of the Worley family to settle in that part of
Cumru township which is now Mohnton was one Jesse Worley, who had
previously lived in Nazareth, Northampton county, in Philadelphia
and in Columbia, Lancaster county. At the time he came to Mohnton
it was called Mohnsville, and he worked there for William
Pennypacker, a gun-barrel manufacturer. Later on he bought a tract
of land about a mile southwest of the village where he built a
home. He then purchased in addition the farm now occupied by Frank
Schnader, built a dam and was preparing to enter upon the
manufacture of gun-barrels on his own account when he was suddenly
stricken with illness and died in 1838, aged fifty years. He was
buried in the Allegheny Church cemetery. A man of some means, Jesse
Worley was well known in his locality where he was highly
respected. By his wife, Mary, daughter of a Mr. Herring, he had
children as follows: John, an ax and gun-barrel maker; Samuel, a
stone mason; Caroline, who died unmarried when fifty-one years old;
William, a carpenter, who like his two elder brothers, settled in
Mifflin county, Pa.; Theophilus, a gun-barrel maker, working in
different places; Henry, who carried on the homestead; and
Elizabeth, wife of John Bitting.
Henry Worley was born in Cumru township, Feb.
21, 1833. Only five years old when his father died, his early years
were rather hand ones, for he tried faithfully to help his mother
and as soon as he was old enough, he worked out among the farmers
that the family might be able to keep together. He learned the
process of making gun-barrels from Henry Deeds, for whom he worked
three years, and then in 1857, he started in that business for
himself, on the site of the present Worley factory. He followed
this line of industry twenty-one years, and became comfortably well
off from it, but he finally gave it up and instead engaged in the
manufacture of hats. His plant was opened Dec. 2, 1878, and on the
nineteenth of the following March it was totally destroyed by fire.
Mr. Worley promptly rebuilt, however, and carried on the business
most successfully until his death, employing on an average some
twelve skilled workmen. He was a man of most upright character,
exceptional business ability and genuine devotion to his family.
His death occurred Aug. 30, 1890, in his fifty-eight year.
The helpmate chosen by Henry Worley was Miss
Isabella Mohn, to whom he was united Sept. 10, 1854. She was a
daughter of Benjamin and Harriet (Deeds) Mohn, the former the
founder of Mohnsville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Worley were members and
active workers in the Evangelical Church, of which Mr. Worley at
the time of his death had been a trustee for many years. There was
a large family, five sons and five daughters, as follows: (1) Henry
H.; (2) Mary, widow of William Weber; (3) Louisa, wife of John R.
Regan, a hatter in Mohnton; (4) Wesley M., who married Alice,
daughter of Charles Dietrich, of Reading and who has three
children, Edwin D., Nora D. and Harry D.; (5) William, who died in
infancy; (6) Ellis M., who married Miss Kate Hertzog and has a son,
D. Elmer; (7) Carrie, born in 1868, who married Nelson W.
Dickinson, a hatter of Mohnton; (8) Savilla, born in 1870, wife of
James G. Ruth, a cigar-manufacturer in Mohnton; (9) Amanda, born in
1872, who married Charles F. Madeira, a teacher in Mohnton; and
(10) Charles M., born March 30, 187 , who married Miss Maggie
Trostle and has three children, Minerva, Stanley and Helen.
Henry H. Worley was born on the Cumru farm, Dec.
10, 1855. After finishing his education in the public schools, he
went to work in his father's gun-barrel factory, and later in his
hat factory, becoming thoroughly proficient in both lines. After
his father's death with his brothers, Wesley M. and Ellis M., he
formed the firm of Worley Brothers. They enlarged the plant,
employed about forty people, turning out a product of 125 dozen a
day, and continued the business very profitably till 1906, sending
their goods all over the country. But this was only one of the
interests of the firm. In 1901 they erected a factory for
manufacturing seamless hosiery, where they now employ thirty-five
hands, their products going not only all over the country and
Canada, but also to Amsterdam, Holland. In the spring of 1904,
Worley Brothers bought the good will and machinery of the Reading
Cotton Batting Company, located above Mohnton, which they operated
successfully till November, 1906, when the plant was entirely
destroyed by fire. Undismayed, they then purchased the water power
and the ground, rebuilt and in spite of heavy losses at first,
carried the enterprise to a more than satisfactory condition.
Meantime, in 1905, the firm had bought out A. R.
Kreider Brother, of Columbia, Pa., hosiery manufacturers, and
operated the plant from August, 1905, to July, 1906. They the
dismantled it and used the materials in erecting a new factory at
Reamstown, which seemed to offer a more promising field. Their new
building is 26 X 40 feet, two stories high, and the venture has
proved to be most successful. The firm is also half owner of the
Hope Hosiery Company, of Adamstown, which employs fifty hands.
Mr. Worley was joined in marriage April 24,
1880, to Miss Lydia S. Mosser, a daughter of Daniel and Caroline
(Stafford) Mosser. They have two surviving children, Jennie and
James E., the latter of whom was educated in the public schools and
at Albright College, Myerstown, and is now teaching in Mohton. A
third child, Harrison, died in infancy. Mr. Worley and his family
are consistent members of Zion United Evangelical Church of
Mohnton, and the church work is one of the deepest interests of Mr.
Worley's heart. Since 1883 he has been the assistant leader of
Class No. 1, besides serving frequently as a delegate to the annual
conferences of the denomination. His practical Christian life,
apparent in every department of his activity, has made him a
natural leader among his fellow members and has won him their warm
regard.
In politics Mr. Worley, like his brothers, is a
Republican, but one who can always be depended upon to support
whatever candidate he believes best fitted to the place. For twenty
years from 1885 to 1905, he served as justice of the peace for
Cumru township, and during all that time was virtually the
peacemaker of the community. Many trivial affairs between neighbors
he settled informally, while never once has he drawn upon the
county treasury because of discharged cases, believing such to be
an injustice and imposition. Mr. Worley ahs also done much to
promote the interests of the township educationally, and served
from 1897 to 1900 as school director.
Fraternally he is a member of the Senior O. U.
A. M., No. 86, of Mohnton; of the K. of P., No. 485, of Mohnton;
and of P. O. S. of A., no. 212, of Reading.
p. 683
Surnames: WORLEY, HEINSLING, DUNKLE, WITMAN, RUSH, SPOHN, FEGER,
MELLON, YEAGER, MILLER
Levi Worley (deceased), for many years one of Reading's prominent
business men, and a pioneer in the coal tar pavement business, was
born in Saegersville, a small town near Allentown, Lehigh Co., Pa.,
only child of Jacob Worley, a well known farmer of Lehigh county,
where he died.
Levi Worley learned the trade of shoemaking at
Allentown, but when a young man was employed on Dunkle's farm in
Berks county. He then went to Pottsville, Columbia and Lancaster,
following shoe making, and later to Lewistown, where he married
Elizabeth Heinsling, by whom two sons were born, of whom the
survivor is Dilman, messenger at the First National Bank, Reading.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Heinsling) Worley died at Lewistown. Mr. Worley
then came to Reading and worked at his trade for a number of years,
finally engaging in the coal tar pavement business with David
Witman as partner.
They were among the pioneers in this business,
and operated extensively throughout the city. For about twenty-five
years prior to his death, Mr. Worley lived retired, dying in May,
1902, aged eighty-six years, in the faith of the Lutheran church of
which he had been a member of the Vestry. In politics a Republican,
Mr. Worley served as school director from the Eighth ward for a
number of years.
Mr. Worley married (second) Mary M. Rush, born
Jan. 6, 1822, a few doors from where she now resides, No. 729
Washington street, Reading, daughter of Philip and Barbara (Spohn)
Rush, and these children were born to the union: Barbara; John P.
R.; Annie; Eleanor; Mary V., and one child which died in infancy.
Mrs. Worley's first husband was Conrad Feger,
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Mellon) Feger, and three children were
born to them: William; Barbara; and Sarah Jane (Jennie), widow of
George S. Yeager, who was connected with the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad, located at Ninth and Green streets, Philadelphia.
During 1876 Mr. Yeager was assistant master mechanic, and was later
transferred to Newton, Bucks county, where he died in 1887, being
buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Mrs. Yeager resides with her
mother, in Reading. Mrs. Worley is a member of Trinity Lutheran
Church, where she was christened by Dr. J. Miller.
p. 1243
Surnames: WORLEY, MOHN, GEHRET, DIETRICH
One of the prominent business enterprises of Mohnton, Pa., is the
manufacturing concern of Worley Brothers, of which W. M. Worley is
a member. Mr. Worley was born May 6, 1861, in Cumru township, Berks
county, where he attended the public schools.
As a youth Mr. Worley leaned the trade of gun
barrel maker with his father, and worked at this occupation for
about five years, then engaging in the hatting business, which he
continued until the home factory closed their business. Since that
time Mr. Worley has been a member of the hosiery manufacturing firm
of Worley Brothers, his department being the dye house, which has
been connected with the business since 1906. In February, 1907, the
firm of Worley Brothers purchased a very fertile tract of 145 acres
of land near Gouglersville, known as the Solomon Mohn Farm. Here
they erected a barn 102x45 feet, with an annex of 24x26 feet, and a
wagon shed 30x40 feet, and intend using the property as a stock
farm.
Mr. Worley was married May 14, 1887, to Miss
Alice G. Dietrich, daughter of Charles and Sophia (Gehret)
Dietrich, and three children have been born to this union: Edwin,
who is a machinist; Nora, at home; and Harry, who is attending
school.
Mr. Worley is a Republican in politics, but he
has never been an office seeker. In Zion's Evangelical Church at
Mohnton, he is serving as trustee, and since 1891 has been
treasurer of the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is connected with
the Knights of Pythias, No. 185; Camp No. 211, P. O. S. of A., and
the Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 86, being very popular in these
organizations.
p. 1522
Surnames: WREDE, LEISZ, DALLING, WILKE, TRICKEL, BAIN, HEINRICH
Christian Wrede, of Reading, Pa., whose baking establishment is
situated on No. 1355 North Tenth street, is a native of the city,
where he was work in 1866, son of Christian and Minnie (Liesz)
Wrede.
Christian Wrede, Sr., was a native of Germany,
and came to America when a young man, settling in Reading, where he
spent the rest of his life at laboring, accumulating a comfortable
property. He and his wife had three children, namely: Lizzie and
Annie, deceased, the latter of whom was a Sister of Mercy and was
known after taking the vow of Sisterhood as Sister Pencratia; and
Christian. By a previous marriage, to a Mr. Dalling, Mrs. Wrede had
six children: Emma, who married Augustus Wilke; Lena, deceased;
Matilda, known as Sister Italbirda; Charles, deceased; and Rosie,
deceased, who was the wife of William H. Bain. In religious belief
the family were Roman Catholics, and have always been prominent in
the work of the church and charitable institutions. Mr. Wrede was a
Democrat in his political views.
Christian Wrede received his education in the
schools of Reading, after leaving which he learned the baker's
trade, a business which he has followed ever since, a period of
twenty-eight years. He is well known in his line in Reading, and in
his home community his sterling traits of character and genial
manner have made him many friends. He is a member of the Roman
Catholic Church, and is connected with the Knights of St. John and
the Maccabees. Politically he is a Democrat.
On Sept. 30, 1890, Mr. Wrede was united in
marriage with Miss Barbara Heinrich, and to them there were born
children as follows: Charles E.; Christian A., who died aged eight
years, one month, ten days; Annie M., who died aged two months,
twenty-eight days; Marie M., who died aged four months,
twenty-eight days; Edna M., who is at St. Joseph's parochial
school; Raymond L., who died aged three years, four months; and
Paul j., who died aged two months, five days.
p. 1326
Surnames: WREN, POWERS, MORTIMER, JOHNS, PASSMORE, ENGEL, KOONS,
STONE, ST. CLAIR, GABEL
William W. Wren, postmaster at Boyertown, senior member of the firm
of Wren & Koons, manufacturers of cigar boxes, is the third
generation of his family in America. He was born at Pottsville,
Pa., June 29, 1851, son of Major James Wren, and grandson of
William Wren.
William Wren, the grandfather, was a native of
Scotland, who, lured by the tales of wealth in the New World, came
over to America with his family in 1825, and located at Pottsville,
Pa. He found work as a miner, and continued to be so occupied as
long as he lived. He and his wife Jane are both buried in the
vicinity of Pottsville. Their children were: William; John, whose
son Christopher was formerly prothonotary of Luzern county, and now
lives in Plymouth, Pa.; Thomas; Major James; and Susan, who married
John P. Powers, of Pottsville, and had a son, Thomas. Major James
Wren was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 6, 1825, and was six
months old when brought by his parents to America. He grew to
manhood in Pottsville, receiving such education as was afforded by
the common schools. As his father was working in the mines, it was
natural that the son should acquire a knowledge of the same line of
work, but he was soon advanced, his mechanical ability developing
as the years passed, and he became a mechanical and mining engineer
of considerable note and experience. He learned his trade of
machinist at the Haywood & Snyder shops. With his brother, John
and Thomas, he became interested in the Eagle Foundry in 1850, and
shortly afterward established the Washington Iron Works, which were
located on the site of the old Philadelphia & Reading freight
station, at the end of Centre street. The first railroad bar iron
made in Schuylkill county was manufactured at these works, and was
used by Beemish & Co., at Fishback. In 1855 the machinery for
the Palo Alto rolling mill of Lee, Bright & Co., was made,
besides the more important mining machinery used in the coal
regions. In the early seventies Major Wren moved to Boyertown and
engaged in prospecting for iron ore in the hills along
Colebrookdale creek, a quest in which he was unsuccessful, and he
turned his attention to the operation of a woolen mill at
Colebrookdale, near which he erected a comfortable residence. Fire
destroyed the mill and Major Wren did not rebuild it. About fifteen
years before his death, he moved to Boyertown, and his last
business venture was garnet mining in Chelsea, Delaware Co., Pa.
His death, the result of an operation, occurred at the Jefferson
Hospital, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1901. The funeral was military
one, in charge of the Ga. A. R., and the faithful soldier was laid
to rest in Fairview cemetery as the last note of "Taps" was
sounded.
When on April 15, 1861, President Lincoln called
for 75,000 men, Major Wren, then captain of the Washington
Artillery, Pottsville, prepared for service. Two days before he had
offered his command to the governor, and this offer had been
accepted. They left Pottsville April 17th, without uniforms and
arms, arriving in Harrisburg that evening. There they joined the
Ringgold Artillery of Reading; the National Light Artillery of
Pottsville; the Logan Guards of Lewistown; and the Allen Guards of
Allentown, and all left for Washington, D. C. The entire party,
except for thirty-four old Springfield rifles and the pistols of
the officers, was unarmed. Their trip from Harrisburg through
Baltimore to Washington, and the attending riots, is a matter of
history and is well known to every student. On their arrival in
Washington, joined by troops from Massachusetts, they became known
as the "First Defenders." At the end of his three months' term of
enlistment, Capt. Wren returned home, and organized company B, of
the 48th Pa. V. I., of which he became captain, serving as such
until he became major. He had an honorable record, and was the
recipient of a gold medal from congress. His interest in military
affairs was unabated with advancing years, and he was ever an
ardent worker in the Grand Army of the Republic.
Major Wren was twice married. He married (first)
Sarah Mortimer, sister of S. M. Mortimer. Of the children of this
union, William W. and Andrew, both of Boyertown, survive. He
married (second) Clara Johns, sister of George W. Johns, of the
well-known St. Clair, Schuylkill family, and they had children:
Charles, of Boyertown; and George, Emma, James, Carrie and Norman.
Major Wren was a Mason, belonging to Pulaski Lodge, No. 216, F.
& A. M., of Pottsville. Mrs. Wren survived until December 10,
1903, when she died suddenly of apoplexy. She had been active in
the Boyertown Methodist Church, and had many warm friends. She has
been greatly missed, not alone in her home, but by the entire
community. Her remains were interred in Fairview cemetery.
William W. Wren was educated in the public
schools, and he also took a private course under the late Col. John
A. M. Passmore, then of Pottsville, and at the Westchester Myers
Classical Scientific Institute (Preparatory school). For some years
he was an assistant of his father in the iron business, and worked
in the draughting room. In 1870 he came to Boyertown, and
prospected in the surrounding country for iron ore for about five
years, at the end of that time engaging in the manufacture of cigar
boxes. This latter line he followed alone for about ten years and
then formed a partnership with Otto Engel, under the firm name of
Wren & Engel, and this continued for five years. He then
associated himself with his brother, Andrew, and continued the same
business for some years, when his brother withdrew, and William W.
carried it on alone. His present associate is Frederick S. Koons,
and the name of the firm, Wren & Koons. They have been very
successful, and the output of their factory is now about 5,000
boxes daily, giving employment to forty people. Their plant is a
four-story building, 32 X 100 feet, besides several additions, and
the whole is equipped with all modern machinery. Their product is
sold in Reading, Philadelphia and other eastern cities.
Mr. Wren is a prominent Republican, and he has
attended all the conventions of his party for a quarter of a
century. It is said he has nominated more men than any other one
man of the party. He was a delegate to the State convention when
the Hon. William A. Stone was nominated (later elected) Governor of
the State, and in that convention served on the committee on
Resolutions. He was first appointed postmaster under the
administration of President Harrison, second under President
McKinley and later re-appointed under President Roosevelt. This is
a third class office, with two rural routes and three stage routes
daily, of the latter, one being from Boyertown to Reading, a second
Boyertown to Limerick, and a third Boyertown to New Hanover. He has
always been active in his party's welfare, and in the public work
of his town. He was school director for several terms, and at the
present time is president of the school board, the borough having a
high school that is a credit to all this section of the county. Mr.
Wren is actively identified with Washington Camp. No. 104, P. O. S.
of A., in which he has held all the officers. He is a gifted
orator, and has frequently appeared on the platform. His voice is
powerful and magnetic, and his clear logical reasoning has
convinced many a doubter. He has made many inspiring addresses
under the auspices of the G. A. R. and kindred organizations.
On Nov. 25, 1875, Mr. wren was married to Clara
St. Clair, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Christian) St. Clair, of
Pottsville. They have two children: Edwin S., who graduated from
the Boyertown high school in 1899, and then assisted his father in
the post-office for a time, is now a student in the Dental
Department of the University of Pennsylvania; and Gertrud S., who
graduated from the Boyertown high school, married in 1908, Harry L.
Gabel, son of Henry G. Gabel, who formerly conducted a gristmill in
Colebrookdale, but who is now engaged in the milling business with
his son in Larned, Kansas. Mr. Wren and his family belong to
Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been trustee
and steward. For the past thirty-two consecutive years he has been
superintendent of the Sunday-school, and since 1884 he has been a
local preacher.
p.
1198
Surnames: WONDER, COOK, KAPP, BURKHART
William L. Wunder, a leading basket manufacturer of Reading,
although a native of Broome county, N. Y., born in 1860, has spent
nearly all his life in Pennsylvania, as his father moved to Reading
in the sixties.
Mr. Wunder's father was a tailor by trade and
during the Civil war w as under contract to furnish the government
with soldiers' clothing. He accumulated quite a fortune, as he was
eminently successful in the management of his business, but through
carelessness he lost it all again. He married Miss Elizabeth Cook,
daughter of Jacob Cook, who was a noted basket maker and
manufactured his goods on an extensive scale. Two children were
born to this union, the elder of whom died in infancy.
During his boyhood William L. Wunder attended
the Reading public schools and afterward worked in Jackson's Rope
Walk for three years. Both his parents were adepts in basket
making, and the boy's natural interest therein was increased by
seeing the work of a band of gypsies from whom he, too, learned the
art. So proficient did he become under their tutelage that he went
to Philadelphia and opened a business there at Nineteenth and
Market streets. He continued for two years and did very well
indeed, considering the exceedingly limited capital at his
disposal. In 1879 he decided to return to Reading and establish
himself there instead. His beginning was humble, for at first he
rented only the basement of the store he now occupies, and he spent
many long, dreary months in those cramped quarters before he felt
justified in renting the store proper and extending his business.
He branched out into the manufacturing of baby carriages, in which
line he still has a monopoly in Reading, and later added fishing
tackle and toys. Today he conducts one of the most thriving
industries in the city, and is the only basket manufacturer there
doing business on the ground floor. His goods are of a superior
quality and make, and he has all the orders he can fill. His wife
helps him in the conduct of the store and renders him most able
assistance.
In 1885 Mr. Wunder married Miss Ellen Kapp,
their only son, Claude, m. Miss Irene Burkhart, and has a son,
William M. In politics Mr. Wunder maintains always an independent
stand, seeking to vote for the bast candidate regardless of party
lines. Himself a great lover of the rod and gun, he was the
originator of the petition now being circulated to secure the
repeal of the Sunday fishing law. His efforts in this are put forth
in the interests of the working man, who has no other opportunity
to indulge in that healthful and pleasing recreation. Mr. Wunder
has worked hard to attain his established position, and thoroughly
deserves the respect which his successful efforts have won for him
form Reading's business circles.
p. 1320
Surnames: WUNDER, SETLEY, MALTZBERGER, ADAMS
W. W. Wunder, a manufacturer of fire apparatus, of Reading, Pa.,
and proprietor of the only manufactory of its kind in the State of
Pennsylvania, was born in Reading, Pa., Jan. 17, 1850, son of Louis
and Susan (Setley) Wunder.
George Wunder, grandfather of W. W., was a
supply agent in the war of 1812. He was the father of children as
follows: Louis; William, a soldier in the Mexican war, who lost his
life at Vera Cruz; Levi; Charles; Lovina, and Margaret. In
religious belief the family were Lutherans.
Louis Wunder, father of W. W., was a tailor by
trade, and followed that occupation until he was appointed
assistant postmaster of Reading under President Franklin Pierce,
receiving appointment as Postmaster in President Buchanans
administration. In 1858 he was employed on the East Pennsylvania
railroad as baggagemaster, was later conductor and finally ticket
agent, at which latter he continued until his retirement. He served
in the Mexican war as orderly sergeant of Company A, Reading
Artillery, and in the Civil war as first lieutenant. His fraternal
connections were with Montgomery Lodge, I. O. O. F. In religious
belief he was a Lutheran. He married Susan Setley, and to them were
born these children: Emily E., W. W., George C., Sally and
Margaret.
W. W. Wunder secured his education in the
schools of Reading, and as a 
boy worked in
the sheet mills, and later for the Reading Iron Company, for a
number of years. He learned the cigar makers business at the old
Maltzberger stand, which he later purchased, remaining there until
1882, when he engaged in his present business. His fire apparatus,
which is considered the best made in the country, includes chemical
engines and fire trucks. He organized the Pennsylvania State
Firemens Association, being elected secretary, a position which he
has held for thirty years; is president of the Firemens Relief,
and has been a representative of Keystone Hook and Ladder Company,
No. 1, to the Firemens Union for thirty-four years. He is a
prominent member of the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, and has
always taken a great interest in the work of the organization. In
February, 1898, Mr. Wunder was elected a councilman, of the select
branch, and has been continuously re-elected since, his present
term expiring in 1910. Mrs. Wunder is an Episcopalian, while her
husband attends Trinity Lutheran Church, the brick for which his
maternal grandfather furnished gratis. He is a Republican in
politics.
In 1883 W. W. Wunder married Susan Adams, and to
this union there has been born one daughter, Emily E.