Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

GEEHR
FAMILY

p. 952

Surnames: GEEHR, BAST, CROLL, HUNTER, OUTERBRIDGE, CRUMRINE,
DEISHER, LEVAN, KUTZ, HURST, GETTICH, von SCHMULL, LE VAN, PAULI,
GRIM, KLINE, ROSS, THOMPSON, HOCH, KIRBY, BEECHER, YOUNG, MILLER

The Geehr family of Kutztown, Berks county. is
one of the old and very prominent families of this section of
Pennsylvania, the ancestry being easily traced is far back as
Conrad Geehr, of Germantown. Pa., whose children were: Philip;
Balzer; Hannah, born in 1743, m. DeWalt Bast; Margaret married
Michael Croll; and Samuel.

Balzer Geehr was born at Germantown, Pa., Jan.
22, 1740, and when a young man removed to Amity township, Berks
county. In 1767 he was living in Oley township, where he married
Catherine, daughter of Anthony Hunter, and sister of Col. Daniel
Hunter, of Revolutionary fame. In 1771 he purchased a large
plantation of 500 acres in Bern township, several miles south of
the Blue Mountains, and moved upon it in 1772. When the war of the
Revolution began he was a man of large influence, in the northern
section of the county, and upon the selection of a standing
committee in 1774, for a proper guidance of a popular sentiment in
its behalf, he was naturally chosen to represent that section in
this important committee. In the formation of the Associators of
Pennsylvania, Balzer Geehr was one of the five delegates who
attended the meeting at Philadelphia in August, 1775. These
delegates were known as “The Colonels of the Associated
Battalions.” He also took an active part in the county militia. In
1775 and 1776 he was lieutenant Colonel of the fourth battalion,
and in September, 1776, his battalion participated in the campaign
about Yew York. He officiated continuously as a judge of the county
courts from 1775 to 1784. and represented the county in the General
Assembly for the years 1782 and 1786, and from 1792 to 1799. Balzer
Geehr carried on farming extensively on the Bern plantation until
1796, when he removed to a farm of 231 acres, in Maxatawny
township, several miles north of Kutztown, which he had purchased
shortly before. He died June 19, 1801, and his remains were
interred in a private burial ground on his last mentioned
plantation. By his decease without a last will, and the decease of
two sons, John and Jacob, also, and his two granddaughters, the
children of Jacob dying intestate without issue, the Maxatawny farm
became involved in a very tedious and costly ejectment litigation,
covering a period of fifteen years. One of the cases involving the
trial is reported in Outerbridge report (Pennsylvania State), Vol.
9, page 577, 1884, and another in Crumrine report (Pennsylvania
State), Vol. 28, page 311, 1891. The trials excited general
interest in the legal profession, and the cases reported are
regarded as leading cases on the subject to title of land by
descent.

Philip Geehr, son of Conrad, was born in
Germantown, Pa., and died in 1817 in Kutztown. He attended the
schools of Philadelphia, later taught school for two or three years
in Maxatawny, and also served as justice of the peace in Kutztown.
Philip Geehr married Catherine Levan, widow of Jacob Levan, who
already had these children: John, Jacob, Daniel and Maria (m. a
Deisher), To Philip and Catherine Geehr were born: Benjamin,
Susannah (m. Jacob Kutz), Hannah (m. Joseph Hurst) and Kittie (m.
John Gettich).

Benjamin Geehr was born in Maxatawny, Oct. 22,
1785, and died in 1847. He was active in public affairs and served
as justice of the peace. He was organist of the old Union Church of
Kutztown, which position was also filled by his sons Jacob and
James, the family having musical gifts, He married, Nov. 25, 1813,
Catherine von Schmull, born in North Whitehall township,
Northampton Co., Pa., March 13, 1793, died April 19, 1865, daughter
of George and Susanna (Le Van) von Schmull. She is represented as
having been a woman of energy and ambition, and of infusing the
same spirit into those with whom she came in contact. Her brothers
and sisters were: Peter, born Oct. 11, 1794; Maria, Aug. 18, 1796
(Sept. 20, 1813); John, May 27, 1798 (m. Harriet Pauli, and died
Aug. 20, 1841); Charles, Feb. 3, 1800; Susanna, May 21, 1802;
Lydia, Dec. 3. 1803; Sarah, Sept. 19, 1805; Thomas, Aug. 20, 1806;
George, Sept. 11, 1808; and Joanna, Dec. 5, 1810.

The father of this family, George von Schmull,
or to give him his proper title, George, Count von Schmull, was
born July 22, 1764, at the ancient country seat of the family, near
Yodesburg, on the Rhine. To escape religious persecution in the Old
World he came to America at the close of the Revolutionary war. His
estate, bearing the title of Von Plosh, was confiscated by the
Government, and the castle was converted into a convent. Von
Schmull settled near Germantown, Pa., where he was married June 22,
1792, to Susanna Le Van, born March 12, 1770, died Aug. 18, 1826,
daughter of Abraham and Catherine Le Van, a Huguenot family. He
died Oct. 5, 1815, at Germantown, and was there buried.

The children of Benjamin and Catherine (von
Schmull) Geehr were: Mary Ann, born Dec. 24, 1815, m. Jonathan
Grim,, and died Sept. 27, 1836; Samuel Philip. born Dec. 25, 1817,
m. Letitia Kline; John Balzer, born in Kutztown, Jan. 18, 1820, m.
Lizzie Ross; Jacob Conrad, born March 25, 1822; Charles Herman,
born June 8, 1824, m. Martha Thompson; and James Monroe, born Oct.
22, 1826, m. Mary Le Van. All this family have passed away.

Jacob Conrad Geehr, late of Kutztown, was born
there March 25, 1822, and died Sept. 4, 1896. He was a man of fine
personal appearance, extraordinary memory and agreeable manner.
During the progress of the Civil war he spent a time in the army.
He was one of the principal figures of the famous Kitty Geehr law
suit, which occupied the attention of the people some years ago. On
July 8, 1849, he married Mary Elizabeth Hoch, daughter of David and
Leah Hoch, who was noted for her warmhearted hospitality. Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth (Hoch) Geehr was born in Maxatawny township, Nov. 19,
1832, and died at Kutztown, March 2, 1905. She was of retiring
manner in the presence of strangers, but with her own kindred she
was particularly pleasant and cordial, and was admired for her wit
and humor. During the whole of her long life she was an earnest
Christian, and was ever ready to comfort the distressed, on many
occasions offering a prayer or singing a hymn in a manner which
invariably moved the hearts of the listeners. The children of this
marriage were as follows: Titus E., Mary Martha, Thomas Benjamin,
Florence Mabel and Katie L.

Titus E. Geehr was born July 20, 1850, at
Kutztown, and died Dec. 24, 1901. At the age of fourteen he
enlisted in the Civil war, surviving to return, and he had the
unusual record of never having touched a cent of the money so
hardly earned in his country’s service, generously giving it all to
his mother, to whom he was intensely devoted. During his whole life
it has been said he never entertained a selfish thought, living
only for others. It seemed as if all his ambition was that he might
bring happiness into the lives of those that were near to him. He
graduated from Eastman Business College, and subsequently went into
the hide and leather trade, in which he continued until his fatal
illness. Those who were his associates in business had this to say
of him: “Whose many good qualities of mind and heart endeared him
to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Possessing a happy
and always cheerful disposition, his presence was welcome, and
invariably left a pleasant remembrance. In business matters
integrity was his motto, and no one enjoyed a greater degree of
respect among his associates. His long illness was endured with
that fortitude which comes to those whose abiding faith is placed
in the promises of our Saviour.”

Mary Martha Geehr was born at Kutztown, and like
her brother is of a sunny disposition, unselfish, devoted, generous
and self-sacrificing. She was married Dec. 1, 1896, to Stanly J.
Kirby, of Maiden-creek.

Thomas Benjamin Geehr was born at Kutztown, Nov.
15, 1866, and died Sept. 6, 1870.

Florence Mabel Geehr was born at Brooklyn, N.
Y., Nov. 20, 1875. She was baptized, May 4, 1876, by Henry Ward
Beecher. At the age of sixteen she graduated from the Keystone
State Normal School, and taught school for two years. On Feb. 25,
1897, she married Edward Young Miller, of Bloomington, Ill. Mr.
Miller is a man of unusual mental equipment, and has made a
distinguished name for himself in military life. During the Cuban
campaign, he served as captain of the 30th Inf., N. G., entering
the regular army at the close of his former service. He was
commissioned first lieutenant of the 29th Infantry, at Fort
Sheridan, Ill. From this military post his regiment was ordered to
the Philippines, and later he was appointed to his present position
of governor of the province of Palawan. Mrs. Miller has accompanied
her husband throughout the whole of his military career. They have
one son, Gordon Geehr, born Sept. 29, 1898.

Katie L. Geehr was born at Kutztown, where she
completed the public school course, later continuing her studies at
Brooklyn, N. Y. Subsequently she took a special course in music and
literature at the Keystone State Normal school. For several years
she was an acceptable teacher. Miss Geehr is a very talented lady,
an ardent student, and a gifted writer, and occupies a very high
social position at Kutztown. She is a devoted Christian,
conscientiously discharging her duties in all departments of church
work.

GEHMAN
FAMILY

p. 1023

Surnames: GEHMAN, HORNING, KACHEL, KRAMER, BEHLER, ZIEGLER, MILLER,
KIEFFER, BRENDEL, GERHARD, GAYMAN, GEEMAN, BOWMAN, MOSEMAN,
MESSNER, LEINBACH, EBERLY, GOOD, KOHL, LONGNECKER, MARTIN,
DONEHOWER, KISSINGER

The Gehman family, one of the earliest in this part of the State,
is well represented in the present generation by Peter B. and
Samuel B. Gehman, brothers, both of whom are engaged in farming and
trucking and are highly esteemed as honorable business men and
useful citizens.

The Gehmans are of Swiss origin. On Aug. 11,
1732, the good ship “Samuel” from Rotterdam, Holland, brought to
Philadelphia one hundred and two natives of Switzerland, and of
these a large number settled in what is now Brecknock township,
Berks county, formerly a part of Lancaster. Among these emigrants
were the ancestors of many of the well-known Berks county families,
namely: the Gehmans, Hornings, Kachels. Kramers, Behlers, Zieglers,
Millers, Kieffers, Brendels, Gerhards and others. Tradition says
that three Gehman brothers (also spelled Gayman and Geeman) came to
America together. and that their names were Christian, Benedict (or
Bentz) and Hans. The Pennsylvania archives record the names of but
two: “Christian, aged twenty-four years; and Benedict (Bentz), aged
twenty years.” Mention is also made of “Anna Geeman. aged
twenty-three years.”

It is further stated that Bentz or Benedict
Gehman (born in 1711-12) settled in Brecknock township, in the
vicinity of the present location of Gehman’s Meeting House, and
there took up land, and there to this day are found many of his
descendants. Christian settled in Montgomery county, and there
today is a large Gehman settlement. The oldest members now living
recall hearing their parents and grandparents talk of the
relationship through the original emigrants.

Daniel Gehman, the great-grandfather of Peter B.
and Samuel B., was a son of the emigrant Benedict. He lived near
Adamstown, at German’s Meeting House (so named in his honor), which
was built on his land. He owned considerable property, which is now
cut up into a number of farms, some of which are still in the
family. On the farm of Solomon Gehman is the old private burying
ground of the family. Daniel Gehman had four sons, namely: (1)
Christian, born July 20, 1775, died March 26, 1856, the father of
five children: Samuel, who had a daughter Salome; Daniel, who went
West; John, who died unmarried; Elias, who reared a large family,
in which was a son John; and Christian, born Sept. 17, 1817, who
had a family of four children. Reuben, Samuel, Elijah and Anna. (2)
Daniel married a Bowman, and had eleven children: Benjamin, born
Feb. 15, 1808, died Sept. 5, 1882, had eleven children, Lovina,
Solomon (born Jan. 15, 1835, m. in 1861, Barbara, daughter of
Bishop Jacob Moseman, a native of Germany. and had children, Jacob,
Samuel, Manno, Isaac and Amos), Fannie, Lydia, Maria, Israel
(1836-1862), Joseph, Elizabeth, Benjamin, John and Noah; Joseph,
born June 10, 1810, died Nov. 17, 1894, had three children, Henry,
Lydia and Annie; Samuel, born Aug. 25, 1812, m. Elizabeth Messner,
and died Dec. 23, 1891, the father of five children. Hannah, Eliza,
Sarah. Daniel, (born Nov. 5, 1845, has five Sons and two daughters)
and Richard; Judith m. Isaac Bowman; Lydia m. Jonas Bowman; Leah m.
Isaac Bowman; Mary died unmarried; Susan m. Jacob Leinbach; Nancy
m. Henry Eberly; Hettie m. Jonas Leinbach and they moved to
Michigan; and Elizabeth died unmarried. (3) Johan, born 1783, m.
Betsy Brendel, and died in 1838. They had no children. (4) Samuel
became the grandfather of Samuel B. and Peter B., and is mentioned
below.

Samuel Gehman, son of Daniel, was born near
Adamstown, and he died at the advanced age of eighty-four years,
eight months and twenty-six days. He was a wheelwright by trade,
and carried on that occupation at his home near Adamstown, together
with the cultivation of his small farm, and also did some work at
carpentering. He was active in the Mennonite Church, and is buried
at Allegheny Meeting House. His wife, Fannie Bowman, died aged
seventy-two years, three months, twenty-six days. Of their children
the first two were twins, one of whom died in infancy, and the
other, Lydia m. Jonathan Good; and John was the third child.

John Gehman, son of Samuel, was born near
Adamstown, Lancaster county, Jan. 6, 1821, and he died Nov. 29,
1885, in his sixty-fifth year. He made his home in the vicinity of
his birthplace until 1852, when he bought the old Simon Kohl farm
in Cumru township. This property is now in the possession of his
son, Peter B. John Gehman devoted his entire life to farming, and
prospered greatly in his undertakings. He was honest and
industrious, and was esteemed by all. In his religious faith he was
a Mennonite. He married Lydia A. Bowman, who was born Nov. 10,
1821, daughter of John Bowman. She died March 25, 1895, in the
seventy-fourth year of her age. Ten children were born to them, as
follows: Joshua; born March 15, 1847, is unmarried, and lives with
his brother; Abraham, a minister of the Mennonite Church, m.
(first) Nancy Bowman, and (second) Elizabeth Leinbach; Miss Susan
lives with her brothers; Fannie died in childhood; Peter B.;
Jonathan, a minister at the old Wissler Mennonite Church, died in
Michigan, where he had a large family; Hannah m. Noah Gehman, and
lives in Lancaster county; Samuel B.; John, a mute, died aged
nineteen years; and Lydia died in youth.

Peter B. Gehman, son of John, was born July 19,
1853. His education was obtained in the township schools, and he
was early trained to the duties of the farm On this farm he has
spent his entire life with the exception of about five years, four
of which he worked on a farm in Lancaster county, and one for a
relative in Canada. In 1879 he came into possession of the
homestead, which consists of 120 acres including woodland. He pays
especial attention to trucking, and attends the Reading market,
having had stands Nos. 219-220 at the Bingaman street market house
since 1879. He is very successful in his work, being thorough in
all that he undertakes. In politics Mr. Gehman is strictly
independent, and in 1892 he was elected a school director of Cumru
township, serving in the office with credit three years, and being
president of the board for one year. He and his family are members
of the Mennonite congregation located in Brecknock township.

On Dec. 26, 1878, Peter B. Gehman married
Susanna Longnecker, born Nov. 28, 1850, daughter of John and Nancy
(Martin) Longnecker, of Lancaster county. They have become the
parents of seven children, namely: Lydia A.; Maria; Emma and John,
twins, of whom John died aged six months and eight days; David died
in childhood; Peter was born Oct. 22, 1887: Samuel died in infancy.

Samuel B. Gehman, son of John and brother of
Peter B., was born on his father’s farm in Cumru township Sept. 7,
1860. He was reared upon the farm, and began for himself in the
same line of work in 1887, on a farm be longing to his
mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Ann Good (widow of Jacob Good), and there
he has continued to make his home. He is progressive in his
methods, and as a truck farmer he has proved himself one of the
very best. He raises all kinds of vegetables, fruits and berries,
and attends the Reading market three times a week in the summer and
twice in the winter, having stands Nos. 19-20 in the Crystal Palace
market, and Nos. 114-115 at Kissinger’s market. His farm of
forty-seven acres has a rich, black sandy soil, well adapted for
profitable trucking. He has a large hot house in which he raises
his early vegetables. He and his family belong to the Mennonite
Church, attending the Allegheny Meeting House.

In 1886 Samuel B. Gehman was married to
Elizabeth Good, born June 1, 1867, daughter of Jacob B. and Mary
Ann (Donehower) Good. Four children have blessed this marriage,
namely: Edwin, born Aug. 6, 1888; Edith, born in 1904, died aged
twenty days; Marie, born April 8, 1905; and. Samuel, born March 21,
1907.

Jacob B. Good, father of Mrs. Gehman, was born
Sept. 10, 1817, and died May 19, 1879. aged sixty-one years, eight
months, nine days. He was a son of Jacob Good, a native of
Brecknock township, grandson of Jacob Good, Sr., and
great-great-grandson of Christal Good, a native of Switzerland.
Mrs. Mary Ann (Donehower) Good, mother of Mrs. Gehman, was born
July 30, 1837, and is still living making her home with Mrs.
Gehman, her only daughter.

GEHMAN FAMILY

p.
1039

Surnames: GEHMAN, GEEMAN, GEMAN, GEYMAN, GAYMAN, HORNING, MAURER,
GREISS, SHULER, STAUFFER, WEINBERGER, BECHTEL, KRIEBEL, TAYLOR,
SNYDER, ROMIG, MUSSELMAN, OBERHOLTZER, WENDLING, HOFFMAN, MENSCH,
MOYER, SCHANTZ

The early home of the Gehman family was in the Palatinate on the
Rhine. The early members of the family to come to America were
Christian and Benedict Geeman, and a brother who located in
Brecknock township, Lancaster county. They landed at Philadelphia
Aug. 11, 1732, like many others seeking the land of civil and
religious liberty. They were Mennonites in religious faith. One
Christopher Geeman (also spelled Gehman) settled in Hereford
township, Berks county, prior to 1737, and became the owner of 300
acres of land. This tract has since been divided into three farms,
all owned by his descendants. In 1759 Christopher Gehman paid a
federal tax of ten pounds in Hereford township. The Gehman who
located in Brecknock township in a part now belonging to Berks
county, was, without doubt, Christian Gehman, as his name appears
in the tax list of 1759. It seems that the one who located in
Hereford was Christopher, not Christian. The names are very near
alike, and the same abbreviation is often used for both. The name
Gehman is spelled on the records Geman, Geeman, Geyman, and in
Bucks county it appears Gayman. (I) The pioneer who located in
Hereford township had three Sons and several daughters. His eldest
son, Abraham, bought a farm near Telford, Bucks county, occupied by
the late Rev. Abel Horning.

(II) Rev. Johannes Gehman, second son of “Christ” of Hereford
township, was a Mennonite minister. In 1767 he purchased a tract of
land in Hereford, from Andrew Maurer, and this tract included the
present farms of the Jacob Greiss estate, John B: Gehman estate and
Sylvester Shuler (formerly Jacob Gehman) and eighty-six acres of
Joel M. Gehman. Rev. Johannes Gehman married Anna Stauffer, of
Colebrookdale township, and she died young. Both she and her
husband are buried at the Mennonite Meeting House at Zionsville,
Lehigh county. Their children were: David, of the Hosensack; Lydia.
m. to Samuel Weinberger; Elizabeth, m. to Jacob Stauffer; Heinrich
and Johannes.

(III) Heinrich Gehman, son of Rev. Johannes, was born in Hereford
township, and he became a farmer, owning an eighty-six acre tract
on which his father erected the present large barn in 1824. There
is also a small stone house, which is very old. Mr. Gehman was a
Mennonite, and is buried at the Meeting House in Upper Milford. He
married Elizabeth Bechtel, and their children were: Lydia m. Isaac
Oberholtzer; John B.; Susan m. (first) Joseph Kriebel, and (second)
Lewis Taylor Snyder); Elizabeth m. Joseph Romig; Bevvy died small;
and Cassie m. Abraham Musselman.

(IV) John B. Gehman, son of Heinrich, was born on his father’s farm
Dec. 18, 1829, and he died July 4. 1901, and is buried at Upper
Milford Mennonite Meeting House, of which he was- a member. He was
a farmer all of his life except for six years, which he spent in
partnership with his cousin, Solomon Gehman, in conducting
Kriebel’s mill in Hereford. In 1861 he married Mary Oberholtzer,
and they have had seven children: Alvin 0., of Coopersburg; Charles
J, of Allentown: Henry A., born Nov. 18, 1868. a carpenter at
Allentown (m. Rosa Wendling, and has children-John B., Anna M..
Arthur R., Bertha W., Willard F., Marie W., and Robert W.) ; Anna,
who died in her second year; John 0., of Pennsburg; Katie (m.
Francis Hoffman, of Reading); and Franklin B.

(V) FRANKLIN B. GEHMAN, son of John B., was born on the homestead
whereon he now lives Nov. 20, 1878. He married Annie Mensch, of
Hereford, and they have four children: Florence, Ada, Elsie and
Ralph.

(III) Johannes Gehman, son of Rev. Johannes, was a lifelong farmer
and distiller. He burned much applejack, which he hauled in barrels
in big Conestoga wagons to Philadelphia, where he received
twenty-five cents a gallon. The distillery on his farm was one of
the first in this part of the State, and the old building, which is
still standing, was erected long before the American Revolution. He
built the barn that stands on the present Joel M. Gehman farm in
1806, and the house before 1800. He was a Mennonite, and is buried
at Zionsville. He married Lydia Moyer, daughter of Conrad Moyer,
and they had twelve children: Sarah, Joel M., Solomon, Lydia.
Ambrose, William, David, Allen, Rebecca, Elmira, and Abraham and
John, who both died young.

(IV) Joel M. Gehman, son of Johannes, was born Dec. 15, 1834. He
lives on the old homestead, which came into his possession after
his father’s death in 1869. His whole life has been devoted to
farming. He is a trustee of the Mennonite church at Zionsville, In
1867 he married Hannah Schantz, and they have four children:
Theodore, Elenora, John and Mary.

GEHMAN,
WILLIAM (REV.)

p. 811

Surnames: GEHMAN, SCHWARTZ, LAHR, NEWHARD, MUSSELMAN

Rev. William Gehman, founder of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ,
though now living near Vera Cruz, in Lehigh county, Pa.. is a
native of Berks county, and has been such a factor in the
strengthening of the spiritual life of so many of this county’s
people, to say nothing of his belonging to one of the oldest
families, that this book would be incomplete without mention of
him. The Rev. Mr. Gehman was born in Hereford township, Berks
county, Jan. 22, 1827, son of George and Sarah (Schwartz) Gehman.

Three brothers named Gehman came from
Switzerland during the time of religious persecution in the Old
World, and on reaching Pennsylvania, one of them settled in
Lancaster county, one in Bucks county, and one in Berks county.
From the last named descended Jacob Gehman, grandfather of the Rev.
William, who married a Lahr. He became the father of four children,
two sons and two daughters, namely: George, Jacob, Mollie and
Katherine.

George Gehman, son of Jacob, married Sarah
Schwartz, and they became the parents of six children, five Sons
and one daughter, as follows: Nathan, Samuel, George, Rev. William,
Charles and Mary Anna, of whom George and Rev. William are the only
survivors.

Rev. William Gehman received a common school
education, and was brought up in the industrious habits that have
characterized his long and useful life. At the age of eighteen he
learned the trade of custom miller at the mill now owned and
conducted by Newhard Brothers, near Vera Cruz, but after completing
his apprenticeship he went to farming in the capacity of farm hand
for two years. At the end of that time his marriage took place, and
he moved to the farm that has since been his home. Though now well
past four score years he is strong and vigorous, and still takes
his place in the field in harvest time, putting to shame many a
young man by his strength and energy.

The Rev. Mr. Gehman has taken an active part in
advancing the cause of religion all his life. His early home
training turned his thoughts toward his own soul’s salvation, and
he consecrated his life to the Master’s cause. He began preaching
in October, 1849, and still preaches in various Mennonite churches.

On June 17, 1848, the Rev. William Gehman was
united in marriage with Anna Musselman, born in Lehigh county, only
daughter of Jacob Musselman. Nine children came to bless this
union, all of whom grew to maturity, married and had families.
These were: Manno, Henry, Francis, Allen, William, Amanda, Sarah,
Mary and Hannah. The mother’s death in 1904 was the first break in
this happy family, and since then Manno and Sarah have also entered
into life eternal.

GEHRET,
BENTON REIFF

p. 1341

Surnames: GEHRET, REIFF, HOFFMAN, WERTZ, NOLL, GIFT

Benton Reiff Gehret, a well known resident of Reading, Pa., who is
engaged in the paper hanging business at No. 1264 North Tenth
street, was born Jan. 28, 1862, in Alsace township, Berks county,
son of Israel and Malinda Reiff Gehret.

Israel Gehret, who was a wheelwright by trade,
followed that occupation practically all of his life in Alsace
township, where he died October 8th, 1900, at the age of
seventy-six years. He married Malinda Reiff who bore him twelve
children, nine of whom still survive: John, James, Daniel, Henry,
Samuel, Benton R., Eli, Augustus, Ellen, who married William
Hoffman. In religious belief the family are connected with the
Reformed Church. Mr. Gehret was a stanch Democrat.

Benton R. Gehret was educated in the common
schools of Alsace township, and until seventeen years of age worked
on a farm near his home. He then came to Reading, securing
employment in the old Reading Rail mill, and worked for the
Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for Live years. He then
learned the painter’s trade with Henry Wertz, of Reading, an
occupation which he followed from 1889 until 1904, in the latter
year adding paper hanging to his business. Mr. Gehret has one of
the best appointed places of business for this kind of work in the
city, and he commands Reading’s best trade. He also does graining,
decorating, etc., and employs from nine to fifteen skilled workmen.

December 17, 1881, Mr. Gehret was married to
Miss Ida Noll, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Gift) Noll,
representative Berks county people, and to this union there was
born one child: Debbie, who died at the age of five years. They
adopted two children, one of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Gehret
attend the Reformed Church. He is a member of the Knights of Malta,
the P. 0. S. of A., Wyomissing Council, Royal Arcanum, and the
Wyomissing Association, a beneficial Order. In politics he is a
Democrat. Mr. Gehret is widely known throughout his section of the
city, and his fairness in business matters has gained for him an
enviable reputation for honesty and integrity. He is
public-spirited in a high degree, and any movement, which has for
its object the welfare of the city, finds in him a staunch
supporter.

GEHRET,
JOHN

p. 1228

Surnames: GEHRET, REIFF, HOFFMAN, WEBER, MOHNING, GRESINGER,
PRINTZ, SAND, KUENDIG, RENLEY

John Gehret, who was for many years engaged in business enterprises
in Reading, Pa., and who since July, 1907, has been proprietor of
the well known Center Square Hotel in Muhlenberg township, Berks
county, was born Dec. 13, 1851, in Muhlenberg township, son of
Israel and Malinda (Reiff) Gehret.

Israel Gehret was born in 1824 in Muhlenberg
township, and received his education in the common schools, after
leaving which he learned the carpenter’s trade, an occupation which
he followed for several years. He then entered the employ of the
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, where for fifty-seven years he
was a faithful and trusted employe, dying while in the service of
that company in October, 1900. Israel Gehret married Malinda Reiff
born in 1828, who died Sept. 25, 1904, having been the mother of
twelve children, as follows: Henry (1), deceased; John; James;
Daniel; Israel; Samuel; Henry (2); Benton; William, deceased; Eli;
Augustus; and Ellen, m. to William Hoffman. In religious belief the
family was Reformed. Mr. Gehret was a Democrat in politics, and was
fraternally connected with the I. 0. 0. F. and the P. & R.
Relief Association.

John Gehret was educated in the schools of
Muhlenberg township and Reading, after leaving which he worked for
some time at Printz & Sands’ brick yard. At the age of nineteen
years, up to which time he had been engaged in common laboring, he
learned the butcher’s trade, which he followed for thirty-seven
years in Reading, and was very successful thereat. On July 10,
1907, he decided to enter the hotel field, and leased the Center
Square Hotel, which he has since been conducting.

On April 3, 1880, Mr. Gehret was married to
Annie C. Weber daughter of John and Annie E. (Mohning) Weber, the
former of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and the latter of Wurtemberg,
that country. To Mr. and Mrs. Gehret have been born these children:
Anna E., who married Thomas Gresinger and has two children — Helen
and John; Louisa C.; John W.; Anna Marie; and Paul W., who is
deceased.

Mr. Gehret owns a valuable property at No. 1260
North Tenth street, Reading. He is a member of the Reformed Church,
and was confirmed at the age of twenty in the Alsace church by Rev.
William Renley, while his wife and family are Lutherans, the former
confirmed March 24, 1872, by Rev. J. J. Kuenidig. Fraternally he is
connected with the K. G. E. and the American Protestants, while in
politics he is a Democrat, and was auditor of Muhlenberg township
for three years. He is a member of the Junior Fire Company, of
Reading.

GEHRIS,
JOSEPH LININGTON

p. 1597

Surnames: GEHRIS, MOYER, GARIS, HARTLINE, REIFSNYDER, HUMMA,
RISSMILLER, DAVIS, BRUNNER, HAHN

Joseph Linington Gehris, a leading citizen of Reading, PA., who is
now serving in the position of school controller of the Tenth ward
of the city, was born March 27, 1868, in Reading, son of James and
Martha (Moyer) Gehris.

James Gehris (Garis), father of Joseph L., was
born in 1826, in the Falkner Swamp, near Pottstown, Pa., and came
to Reading prior to the Civil war. When a young man he learned the
carpenter trade, and this occupation he followed the major portion
of his life in Berks and Schuylkill counties, residing at
Frackville from 1869 to 1892, and from the latter year until his
death in November, 1895, in the First ward, Reading. While a
resident of Frackville Mr. Gehris acted as foreman of bridge
construction for the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, was an
excellent mechanic, and taught many carpenters the trade. At the
outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Gehris went to the front in the
defense of his country, enlisting as a private in Company F, First
Pennsylvania Reserves. After the war Mr. Gehris took a great deal
of interest in Grand Army affairs, being a member of Shenandoah
Post until his death, and was also connected with the Union Veteran
Legion.

Mr. Gehris was married to Martha Moyer, daughter
of Michael and Catherine (Hartline) Moyer, the former a hotel
keeper of Reading. To Mr. and Mrs. Gehris were born these children:
Henry A., foreman of the Reading Brass Foundry, a department of the
Reading Railway, married Katie Reifsnyder; John, a machinist in the
employ of the Government at the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va., married
Lizzie Humma, who is now deceased; James, a machinist of Reading;
Joseph L.; George, who conducts a restaurant at Johnstown, Pa.;
Elizabeth, who married Noah Rissmiller of Sacramento, Cal.; and
Martha, who married E. Fred Davis, a merchant of Hampton, Va.

Joseph Linington Gehris was taken when one year
old to Frackville, Schuylkill county, by his parents, and there he
obtained his preliminary education, later attending the late Prof.
D. B. Brunner’s business college at Reading. After his school days
were over he worked in the coal mines for two years, and at the age
of seventeen years he learned the machinist’s trade with the
Philadelphia & Reading R. R. Co., serving a full apprenticeship
with this company. In 1891 he entered the employ of the Diamond
Drill & Machine Company, Birdsboro, where through industry and
ability he has worked his way to the position of master mechanic.
In politics Mr. Gehris is a Democrat, and in the spring of 1904 he
was elected a school controller of the Tenth ward, being interested
in educational matters, in the advancement of which he has been
very active. Mr. Gehris is a thirty-second degree Mason, served as
master of Lodge No. 62, of Reading, was later a charter member of
Isaac Hiester Lodge No. 660, and is a presiding officer, a charter
member of Reading Lodge of Perfection, of which he is orator, and a
member of Bloomsburg Consistory and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M.
S., of which he is High Priest. He is also a member of Camp No.
611, P. O. S. of A., and has been a contributing member of the
Ringgold Band for a number of years. Since the spring of 1905 Mr.
Gehris and his family have lived at No. 1216 Spruce street.

On Dec. 10, 1891, Mr. Gehris was married to
Elizabeth R. Hahn, born June 18, 1873, daughter of Ezra E. and
Annie (Moyer) Hahn and granddaughter of Daniel M. Hahn, and to this
union there have been born eight children, as follows: Annie E.,
born Dec. 18, 1892; Helen N., born Nov. 20, 1894, Florence J., born
Sept. 27, 1896, died March 26, 1898; Joseph L., Jr., born April 20,
1898; Martha C., born Dec. 30, 1900; Thomas P., born July 24, 1903,
died Sept. 27, 1903; John P., born Feb. 9, 1905; and Emma Jane,
born March 9, 1907. Mr. Gehris and family are members of St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Reading, Pa. He is a vestryman and treasurer at
the present time.

GEHRIS, L.
HOWARD

p. 537

Surnames: GEHRIS, SPANG, SAUSSER, LEINBACH,

L. Howard Gehris, an enterprising and energetic young business man
of Reading, Pa., was born in 1877, in Fleetwood, Berks county, son
of Nathan Henry and Mary A. (Spang) Gehris, a full sketch of whom
will be found elsewhere.

Mr. Gehris attended the common schools of his
native borough, and on coming to Reading, entered the Carroll
Institute, after leaving which he went to New York City. Here he
entered the law office of Alexander Thain, with whom he remained
three years, later taking a course at the New York University Night
School. On completing his studies, Mr. Gehris secured a position as
traveling representative for the New York house of The Purdue,
Frederick & Co., having his headquarters at Boston, and
covering the Eastern States. Later, he engaged with another large
New York house, traveling throughout the Middle Atlantic States,
after which he engaged with the well-known Mellin’s Food Co.,
being, representative.

At the end of this time Mr. Gehris embarked in
the stove business on Fulton street, New York, continuing there
until his return to Reading, when he engaged with A. B. Sausser in
the stove and tinning business, at No. 326 North Sixth street,
under the firm name of A. B. Sausser & Co., which partnership
continued from August 1, 1901, until March 30, 1906. After the
later date Mr. Gehris was in business on his own account until
April 15, 1907, when the Gehris-Herbine Company at Nos. 45-47 Reed
street was incorporated for the manufacture of fancy hosiery, of
which company Mr. Gehris is secretary and treasurer. He resides at
No. 216 North Sixth street, Reading.

Mr. Gehris married Edith V. R. Leinbach,
daughter of the late Joseph A. Leinbach, senior member of the
well-known firm of Leinbach & Bros., clothiers of Reading. Mr.
and Mrs. Gehris have two daughters, Madeline Louise and Mary Alice.
In politics Mr. Gehris is a member of the Republican party. At the
present time, he is representing his ward in the lower branch of
councils. His religious faith makes him a member of St. Paul’s
Memorial Reformed Church. Mr. Gehris’ rise in the business world
has been very rapid. He is honest and reliable and has the gift of
business ability that has made his success assured. He and his wife
are greatly esteemed in their community.

GEHRIS,
MAHLON E.

p. 1142

Surnames: GEHRIS, YERGER, HILL, YODER, LANDO, HINNERSHITZ, NIXON,
KLINE, KRAMER, WEBER

Mahlon E. Gehris, an enterprising young business man of Muhlenberg
township, Berks county, who is engaged in butchering and the
manufacture of smoked meats and sausages, was born in Muhlenberg
township, Oct. 4, 1878, son of Mahlon and Emma (Yerger) Gehris.

Mahlon Gehris, Sr., who is also a native of
Muhlenberg township, is a laborer and is employed at the Carpenter
Steel Co., Inc. He is a Democrat in politics, and is fraternally
connected with the P. 0. S. of A. His religious belief is that of
the Reformed Church. Mr. Gehris married (first), Emma Yerger, by
whom he had seven children: John m. Katie Hill: Charles m. Jennie
Yoder; William m. Ellen Lando; Mahlon E.; Edwin: Lizzie m. Irvin
Hinnershitz; and George. He m. (second) Laura Nixon, and one child,
Lillie (m. to Morris Kline), was born to this union.

Mahlon E. Gehris was educated in the schools of
Muhlenberg township, and until twenty-three years of age worked on
a farm, He then learned the butchering business with Rothermel
& Mercinger, with whom he remained three years, and in 1904 he
purchased the H. F. Kramer stand, where he has since successfully
continued to the present time, manufacturing bologna, summer and
fresh sausages, hams, etc. He kills on an average four steers,
eight hogs and nine calves per week. Since engaging in the business
he has attended the Tenth and Windsor market, occupying stalls Nos.
144 and 145.

In 1903 Mr. Gehris was married to Mary Weber,
daughter of Henry Weber, and two children, Clarence N. and Harry
Mahlon have been born to this union. Mr. Gehris is fraternally
connected with the K. G. E. and in political matters is a Democrat.
He and Mrs. Gehris attend the Reformed Church.

GEHRIS, OSCAR THOMPSON

p. 1541

Surnames: GEHRIS, SPANG, IMBODEN, THOMPSON, HAAS, HERB, SCHAEFFER,
MERKEL, ZECHMAN, DIXON, CUSHMAN

Dr. Oscar Thompson Gehris, a prominent medical practitioner of
Fleetwood, Pa., was born Aug. 24, 1870, near Lyons, in Richmond
township, Berks county, son of N. Henry and Mary (Spang) Gehris who
live retired in Fleetwood.

Peter Gehris, the grandfather of the Doctor, son
of Peter and Polly (Imboden) Gehris, of Hereford township, was a
resident of that section himself, and lived to be nearly ninety
years of age, dying a member of the Huff’s Reformed Church. His
remains were interred in the burial ground adjoining the church. He
Married Mary Herb, the widow of William Thompson, and to this
marriage were born: N. Henry; Peter H., a dentist of Reading; and
Daniel H., who lived on the old homestead near Lyons.

N. Henry Gehris was born Nov. 8, 1832, and was a
farmer for many years. He then became a salesman for Schaeffer,
Merkel & Company, implement dealers of Fleetwood, and he
remained in the employ of this firm until it went out of business,
when he retired from active work. Politically Mr. Gehris is a
Republican. He was married June 9, 1856, to Mary Spang, and these
children were born to them: Lou A.; Peter S., a druggist of
Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mary m. John Haas, of Lancaster, Pa.; Annie J.,
who taught school for seven terms and now holds the position of
assistant postmaster of Fleetwood; Dr. Oscar T,; and Lewis H., of
Reading. Mr. and Mrs. N. Henry Gehris celebrated their Golden
Wedding in June, 1906, at which all their children attended. The
family are members of the United Evangelical Church.

When Dr. Oscar T. Gehris was two years old his
parents removed to Fleetwood, and there his boyhood days were
spent. His last teacher in the schools was Professor William M.
Zechman, the well known ex-county superintendent of Berks county.
In the spring of 1885 Mr. Gehris began attending the Keystone State
Normal School at Kutztown, and prepared for college, entering
Williams College at Williamstown, Mass., in the fall of 1887,
taking the full course of study, and graduating “with praise” and
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1892. He located in
Brooklyn, L. I., and accepted a position as bookkeeper with Cushman
Brothers, New York, who were manufacturers’ agents. In the fall of
1893 he entered the medical department of the University of the
City of New York, where he studied for one year. During the summer
of 1894 he worked for a drug house, afterward doing detail work
among physicians and traveling until the fall of 1896. During this
time he traveled throughout the New England States, New York and
New Jersey. He then entered the second class of medical department
of Tufts University, of Boston, Mass., and graduated from that
institution in 1898. Owing to poor health, however, he did not
begin practice until 1902, when he chose the town of Fleetwood as
his field of practice, and there he has continued to the present
time. He is a successful young man, is very popular, and is an
exemplary citizen. He is an adherent of the principles of the
Republican party. Recently he was appointed by State Commission of
Health Dixon as registrar of Vital Statistics for the borough of
Fleetwood, and Maiden-creek and Ruscombmanor townships.