Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

HENDEL,
JOHN

p. 648

Surnames: HENDEL, STIEFF, BOAS, GUENTHER, FICHTHORN, BOLLMAN,
LAUSCH, HUMBERT, WILL, SPANG, AUMAN, BACHMAN, BARNDT, FABER, MILLER

John Hendel’s sons. The hat business has constituted a prominent
feature of the industrial life of Reading from the beginning of the
place, and of all the numerous successful plants which have been
carried on here during the past 160 years none has surpassed that
which was established by John Hendel and his brother in 1871 on
Fifth street below Laurel, and which has been owned and operated by
John Hendel’s sons in an equally successful manner since 1895.

In 1860, fifty years ago, Levi Hendel and two of
his sons, John and George, embarked in the business of
manufacturing wool hats at Adamstown, in Lancaster county (ten
miles southwest from Reading), under the firm name of Levi Hendel
& Sons, and there they carried on their factory for four years.
The sons retiring from the firm, they then established a factory at
St. Lawrence, in Exeter township, Berks county, a short distance
beyond the Black Bear Inn, and after operating it three years moved
to Reading, where they erected a more commodious plant on Maple
street south of Chestnut. They carried on business there
successfully for three years, when they sold the plant and
dissolved the partnership. John Hendel then secured a hat factory
at the corner of Eleventh and Spruce streets but he remained there
only a year when he and his brothers, George and Henry B., trading
as John Hendel & Bros., purchased the large “Wyomissing Woolen
Mills” on South Fifth below Laurel, and equipped it with the most
improved machinery, making it at that time (1871) one of the
largest wool hat establishments in Pennsylvania.

Notwithstanding the growing uncertain conditions
of the hat trade then, their enterprising spirit nevertheless
asserted itself and they developed their business into larger
proportions and carried on their plant with a greater number of
employees. In 1879 (Jan. 1) the senior partner, John Hendel,
admitted three of his sons (Levi H., Daniel J., and James M.) as
partners, and the firm name was then changed to Hendel Brothers
& Sons. Subsequently other partners were admitted at different
times, and the business was carried on extensively until 1895 when
the founders retired, and the firm was reorganized by three of John
Hendel’s sons (Daniel J., Edwin F., and Harrison P.), who purchased
the plant and began to trade under the name of John Hendel’s Sons.

In December, 1897, the firm determined to
discontinue the further manufacture of wool hats and after
re-constructing the large factory and equipping it with the latest
improved machinery for the production of soft fur hats, medium
grade, embarked in the new business, and since then they have
manufactured large quantities of fur hats, which are sold at New
York City through their own sales agents and shipped to jobbers in
all parts of the United States and Canada. They began with 225
hands, but gradually increased their production until they came to
employ 400 hands. Harrison P. Hendel, the youngest partner, whilst
on a pilgrimage with the “Shrine” to the Pacific coast in 1907, was
accidentally killed with many other Shriners from Reading at Honda,
Cal., on May 11, and his interest in the firm was purchased
immediately afterward by his two brothers, the surviving partners,
who have continued the business under the name of John Hendel’s
Sons, keeping up the superior reputation and credit of the
establishment which their enterprising father had created. He was
born at Reading Sept 12, 1867, and acquired his education in the
local schools and at Hackettstown, N. J. He then entered the office
of his father’s factory as a clerk, and filled this position in a
most faithful manner until 1895, when he became on of the firm of
John Hendel’s Sons.

John Hendel was prominently engaged in the
manufacture of wool hats for thirty-five years, and came to be
identified with different financial institutions at Reading, more
especially the First National Bank and the Reading Trust Company,
of which he was a director for many years until his decease in
March, 1905. He was very highly esteemed for his superior character
as a man; and he had an exceptional career as one of the leading
successful manufacturers at Reading for twenty-five years, having
operated his large establishment in a most remarkable manner
through all the costly fluctuations of that trying period. He was
an earnest advocate of Republican principles and appreciated the
great importance of supporting the doctrine of protection to home
industries. He was a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. and A.
M., and of DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He took an active
interest in matters relating to the development of the Evangelical
Church in this section of the State, and served for many years as a
class-leader, steward and trustee.

Mr. Hendel was born at Adamstown, Lancaster
county, Dec. 7, 1833, and, after receiving a limited education
learned the trade of hatter under his father, an experienced hat
manufacturer, and he was engaged at his trade at that place until
1860, when he formed a co-partnership with his father and his
brother George. [For his subsequent career in the wool hat
business, see previous sketch of John Hendel’s Sons.] He married in
1853 Catharine Stieff, daughter of William Stieff, of Adamstown,
and by her he had eleven children: Levi H., Daniel J., James M.,
John O., Mary A., (m. Walter A. Boas), George W., Charles W., Edwin
F., Harrison P., Harvey H. and Catharine A. (m. George G.
Guenther). John, George and Harvey died in their youth. James ably
represented the firm for a number of years at New York City in the
sale of their hats, and died in 1889, at the age of thirty-two
years.

Levi Hendel was the father of John Hendel. He
was born in Brecknock township, Lancaster county, in 1809, and
having been left an orphan at the age of four years, was indentured
to a neighboring farmer until his fourteenth year, when he was
apprenticed to the hatter’s trade under Philip Fichthorn, of
Adamstown, the brother of his sister Theresa’s husband, William
Fichthorn. After becoming a proficient workman, he engaged in the
business of manufacturing wool hats at Adamstown and he followed it
until he died, in 1868. He married Susan Bollman, a daughter of
Jacob Bollman, farmer of Cumru (afterward Spring) township, Berks
county, and they had six children: John, George, Kate (m. Isaac
Lausch), Henry, Louisa (m. William Humbert) and William. After the
decease of his first wife, in 1862, he married Susan Will, a
daughter of Henry Will, a coach-maker of Cumru township, and by her
he had two children, Emma (m. Isaac Y. Spang) and Howard (who died
in infancy). And his grandfather was John Hendel, who settled in
Lancaster county, at Adamstown, where he carried on the business of
cabinet-making. He married Catharine Auman, and they had three
children; Levi, John and Theresa (m. William Fichthorn).

Daniel Jacob Hendel, the senior partner of John
Hendel’s Sons, manufacturers of hats at Reading since 1895, was
born at Adamstown, Lancaster county, July 8, 1855. He received his
preliminary education at Adamstown and Reading, and then took a
course of advanced studies in Millersville State Normal School, for
several years, until he was sixteen years of age. he then entered
his father’s hat factory at Reading for the purpose of learning the
business in all its branches, and after serving a regular
apprenticeship and working as a journeyman until he became of age
he was appointed foreman of the finishing department, which imposed
upon him as a young man a large share of responsibility. He managed
this department for several years until 1879, when he was admitted
as a partner, evidencing the skillful manner in which he had
discharged his duties. Mr. Hendel continued with the firm until
1895, attending strictly to business and gradually assuming more
and more responsibilities, when the firm was reorganized by the
senior partner’s three sons ( Daniel, Edwin and Harrison), who
purchased the plant and took upon themselves its management, for
which they had been gradually prepared by their father, and in
which they have since been very successful, trading under the name
of John Hendel’s Sons. [See sketch of this firm.] He was made a
Freemason in St. John’s Lodge No. 435, F. and A. M., at Reading, in
1883, and was advanced to the thirty-second degree in the
Philadelphia Consistory in 1891. He has also been identified with
the Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, of which he
officiated as eminent commander, in 1894. Since 1906, he has served
as a director of the First National Bank, of which his father had
been one of the directors from 1879 to 1902.

In 1880 Mr. Hendel married Amanda M. Bachman,
daughter of Charles S. Bachman (a successful merchant-tailor for
many years at Reading) and Sarah F. Barndt, his wife, by whom he
had three sons: George Stanley, Frederick Bachman and Harry
Bachman–the last two having been twins, who died in youth.

Edwin Franklin Hendel, junior partner of John
Hendel’s Sons, was born at St. Lawrence, near Reading, March 30,
1866, and was an infant when his parents removed to Reading. He
acquired his early education in the schools at Reading, and then
attended an advanced school at Hackettstown, N. J. He learned the
trade of hatter in his father’s large establishment, where he was
employed until 1895; then he and his two brother, Daniel and
Harrison, formed a co-partnership of John Hendel’s Sons and
purchased the hat factory of Hendel Brothers, Sons & Co.,
including its extensive trade; and since then this co-partnership
has carried on the business in a very successful manner. Mr. Hendel
was made a Freemason in St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, in 1903; and in
June of that year he was advanced to the thirty-second degree in
the Philadelphia Consistory.

In 1887 Mr. Hendel married Mary A. Faber,
daughter of John T. Faber and Savilla Miller, his wife, of Reading,
and they have two children: Raymond Harrison and Catharine Marie.

HENDEL,
GEORGE

p. 564

Surnames: HENDEL, MOHN, GERNER

George Hendel, hat manufacturer at Reading for over thirty-five
years, was born in 1835, at Adamstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., where he
received his education in the local public schools and then learned
the hatter’s trade in his father’s factory. He continued in his
father’s employ until 1860, when the latter formed a co-partnership
with him and his brother John, and they traded together under the
name of Levi Hendel & Sons for four years. The partnership was
then dissolved, and he and his brother John located at St.
Lawrence, in Berks county, and there they carried on business until
January, 1867, when they removed to Reading, having erected a plant
on Maple street south of Chestnut. Here they traded for three years
and then dissolved the partnership. In 1871, he and his brothers,
John and Henry B., formed a co-partnership under the name of John
Hendel & Bros., and purchased the Wyomissing Woolen Mills,
situated on Fifth street below Laurel, which they remodeled and
supplied with superior machinery for manufacturing wool hats, and
he continued in the firm until 1895, when he sold his interest to
his brother John. In 1878, Mr. Hendel erected a wool hat factory
along the Wyomissing creek, near Shillington, and he and his
brother John carried on business there until 1895 as Hendel
Brothers; and in 1886, they erected another wool hat factory along
the Cacoosing creek at Montello, which they operated under the name
of Hendel Hat Company until 1895; then he purchased the interest of
his brother in the two plants. The former was converted into a fur
hat factory, and it has since been carried on by him and his two
sons, trading as George Hendel & Sons, employing about 225
hands. The wool hat business in the Montello factory was continued
by him and his two sons as the Hendel Hat Company until 1901, when
they dismantled the plant and removed the machinery to a factory at
Tenth and Spruce streets, Reading, and here they have continued the
manufacture of wool hats under the same name until the present
time, employing about one hundred hands.

Mr. Hendel was made a Free Mason in Chandler
Lodge, No. 227; and he is a member of DeMolay Commandery No. 9, K.
T. In politics he has been a Republican for fifty years; and in
religious matters identified with the Evangelical church since
1864. He was married to Catharine Mohn, daughter of William Mohn
and Polly Gerner his wife, by whom he has two sons; John R., and
William H. His wife died in 1902. Mr. Hendel’s father was Levi
Hendel, a hat manufacturer at Adamstown for many years. [See sketch
of his older brother John Hendel in this publication.]

HENDRICKS, JOHN S.

p 989

Surnames: HENDRICKS, SWARTZ, LICHTENTHAELER, KRONINGER, O’HARRA.

John S. Hendricks, retired, was the senior member of the well known
firm of Hendricks & Adams, manufacturers of “The Original
Pretzel,” of Reading. He was born Dec. 17, 1842, in Hilltown
township, Bucks county, son of Benjamin B. Hendricks, a farmer of
Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties, who spent the last few
years of his life with his son, John S., in Reading, and there died
when almost seventy-seven years of age. He married Elizabeth
Swartz, and she died when thirty-five years old. Their children
were: Barbara, Abraham, Isaac and John S.

John S. Hendricks received the greater part of
his education in the district schools of Chester county, Pa., which
he attended until seventeen years old. At the age of eighteen
years, he enlisted (Sept. 3, 1861) in Company H. 50th Pa. V. I.,
and after serving his tem re-enlisted, and served gallantly through
the following large engagements: the second battle of Bull Run,
Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Knoxville, Wilderness, and
Spottsylvania Court House, and was captured May 12, 1864, being
held prisoner at Andersonville and Charlestown for nine months and
fifteen days. He was discharged from the service Feb. 2, 1865, with
a gallant record, and returned to Chester county, Pa., where he
engaged at farm work until 1871. In that year he returned to
Reading, and entered the employ of the late Benjamin
Lichtenthaeler, where he remained for the term of twenty-one years
and three months, a record of which he may well feel proud. Few men
are better known in Berks and surrounding counties than is Mr.
Hendricks, and there is none more popular than he.

Mr. Hendricks married, Feb. 4, 1874, Miss Emma
Kroninger, daughter of the late David Kroninger, of Reading, and
their children were: Edward; Bessie, deceased; Lillian, wife of
Adam O’Harra; Sadie Maude, deceased; Paul, deceased in infancy;
Henry, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Aug. 31, 1905; Florence,
deceased; John W.; Warren, attending school; and Franklin, who died
when seven years old.

In politics Mr. Hendricks is a Republican, but
has not been active in his party, his extensive business operations
having demanded his entire time and attention. He is a consistent
member of the First Baptist Church of Reading. In fraternal circles
Mr. Hendricks is connected with the Odd Fellows. He and his wife
reside at No. 313 Franklin street, and are highly esteemed and
respected by all.

HENDRICKS, WILLIAM H.

p.
1440

Surnames: HENDRICKS, KISTNER, LONG, LOOSE

William H. Hendricks, who has been engaged in the coal business in
Reading, Pa., at Nos. 332-334 Canal street, since the spring of
1906, was born Sept. 30, 1853, in the city of Reading, son of
Joseph and Sally (Kistner) Hendricks.

William H. Hendricks was educated in the schools
of Reading, and as a boy was employed as a mule driver on the old
Schuylkill Canal. From time to time he was promoted, finally
becoming a captain of a canal boat, and later leased boats, doing a
freighting business for several years form the coal mines to
Reading. In the spring of 1906 Mr. Hendricks purchased his present
coal yard, which is one of the finest in the city, and the capacity
of which is 3,000 tons. Mr. Hendricks continues to lease canal
boats, which bring his coal direct to his yards, he being the only
dealer in the city who gets his coal direct from the anthracite
fields.

On February 15, 1870, Mr. Hendricks was united
in marriage with Miss Lillie A. Long, daughter of Charles Long, and
to this union there have been born four children: Joseph and
William, deceased; Harry, who is his father’s assistant; and Sally,
who became the wife of Samuel Loose. Mr. Hendricks has become well
known in Reading where he bears a reputation for honesty and
integrity. He is independent in his political views.

HENNE
FAMILY

p. 605

Surnames: HENNE, HAAG, FOX, POTTEIGER, RITZMAN, STRAUSE, FEICK,
KERN, REBER, WAGNER, SMITH, LONG, SHEARER, BRICKER, FOREMAN, UNGER,
RESH

The members of the Henne family referred to in this sketch are
descended from Michael Henne, who passed his life in Berks county.
He was born near Bernville, followed farming in that locality, and
died there. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Haag,
are both buried at Bernville. Their children were John, Michael,
Daniel and Jared.

Jared Henne, son of Michael, was born July 2,
1831, and died Nov. 3, 1906, in Upper Tulpehocken township; he was
buried at the Blue Mountain Church. He was a carpenter, following
the trade most of his life. He married Sallie Fox, daughter of
Jacob and Catharine (Potteiger) Fox, and she still survives, making
her home at Strausstown. They became the parents of five children:
Aaron F.; Howard F.; Sallie, m. to Abraham Ritzman; Clara, m. to
Wilson W. Strause; and John, m. to Agnes Feick.

Aaron F. Henne, eldest son of Jared Henne, was
born Dec. 4, 1853, in Upper Tulpehocken township, learned the
carpenter’s trade with his father, and followed the same for twelve
years. For five years he was in the mercantile business at
Cross-kill Mills. For seven years he farmed on the Jacob Potteiger
farm and for eight years on the Aaron Kern farm, in 1906 buying the
old William Reber homestead, in Upper Tulpehocken township, near
Strausstown, upon which he has since resided. The place comprises
twenty-seven acres, to the cultivation of which he devotes his
time. He married Hannah Ritzman, daughter of Jacob and Sarah
(Wagner) Ritzman, and they have had two sons, Charles W. and
William J., the latter a barber at Strausstown.

Charles W. Henne, son of Aaron F., was born Feb
12, 1879, in Upper Tulpehocken township, and received his education
in the public schools. For three years after commencing to work he
was engaged at clerking in the general stores of J. A. Smith and L.
W. Ritzman at Strausstown, and Howard Long at Rehrersburg. On Aug.
1, 1899, he went to Reading, and learned the barber’s trade from
William Shearer, of No. 117 North Ninth Street. After completing
his trade he returned home and opened the Lincoln Barber Shop, of
which he is still proprietor, with his brother, William J., as his
foreman. At Strausstown he learned the cigar business with John
Bricker and Calvin Foreman, and in 1905 he opened the La Fama Cigar
Company, embarking in business on his own account with only one
employe. He now has from ten to fifteen men who turn out a high
grade of work. His most popular brands, with more than local fame,
are “La Fama 10,” “Carrie May,” “Henne Value,” “1910,” “Paddy’s
Delight,” “Little Pets,” “Dutch Charlie,” “Henne’s Reliable” and
“The Cyclone.”

Mr. Henne married Kate Unger, daughter of
Abraham and Rebecca (Resh) Unger, and four children have been born
to them: A son that died in infancy; Hannah R., who died when three
years old; Carrie May, and Jacob A.

Mr. Henne is a Democrat in politics and
interested in local affairs, having served two terms as assessor of
Upper Tulpehocken township, being elected for the second term
without opposition, and receiving the highest vote on the ticket.
He is a member of Zion’s blue Mountain Church (Lutheran). Socially
he takes an active part in secret organizations, and is a member of
the Masons, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, P. O. S. of A. and P. O. of A.

Howard F. Henne, second son of Jared and Sallie
(Fox) Henne, was born Nov. 9, 1855, in Jefferson township, and
received his education in the public schools. When seventeen years
old he went to learn the shoemaker’s trade under J. A. Smith, at
Strausstown, remaining with him for seven years, after which he
went into business for himself at Strausstown, Upper Tulpehocken
township, where he has continued to make his home until the
present. He is kept busy doing fine custom work, having a large
patronage in that line. Mr. Henne has other business interests,
being treasurer of a building and loan association, and is a
well-known resident of his locality. He has served as delegate to a
number of county conventions, has been juryman several times, and
has acted twice as judge of election, being quite active in local
politics as a Democrat. He was formerly fire warden of upper Berks
county, having been appointed to that office by the county
commissioners; and has also served as school director of Upper
Tulpehocken township.

Mr. Henne married Emma Henne, daughter of Moses
and Leah (Feick) Henne, and they have had one son, Martyn R. Mr.
Henne is a Lutheran in religion, an active member of Zion’s Blue
Mountain Church, which he has served as deacon, elder and trustee.
He is active in fraternal circles, belonging to the P. O. S. of A.
and I. O. O. F., and is particularly interested in the latter
order, being a past grand of his home lodge, a member of the
Ridgely Protective Association and a member of the Rebekahs. He was
a representative to the Grand Lodge at Wilkes-Barre.

Martyn R. Henne, son of Howard F., was born Aug.
16, 1881, and received his early education in the public schools of
his home neighborhood. Later he attended the Palmer’s Business
College of Philadelphia, and then took a special course at the Y.
M. C. A., Philadelphia, in Advanced English, Business Law, etc.,
and also a series of lectures in Credits, and a course in Finance
at the University of Pennsylvania. He was employed with the Central
high school in Philadelphia for nine months, and for one year
following was with Dr. Ernest La Place, also in Philadelphia, at
the end of that time becoming connected with a plumbing supply
house, with which he remained nine months. He has since held his
present position, that of bookkeeper at the Northern National Bank
of Philadelphia, with which he became connected in November, 1899.
He is a director of the Pennsylvania Building and Loan Association,
No. 2, and of the West Somerset Building and Loan Association, both
of Philadelphia.

Mr. Henne is a thirty-second degree Mason and a
member of Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Philadelphia. He also
belongs to the P. O. S. of A., at Strausstown; Verita’s Lodge, No.
643, I. O. O. F., at Philadelphia; Palmer’s Business College
alumni; and to the American Institute of Banking, having been
engaged with the latter organization in numerous capacities for a
number of years.

HENNE, JACOB
W.

p. 1123

Surnames: HENNE, FEICK, GRASY, SEYFERT, SHADE, KEENER, REBER,
SCHAEFFER, POTTEIGER

Jacob W. Henne, a business man of Strausstown, Berks county, was
born there Feb. 11, 1858, son of Moses and Leah (Feick) Henne. The
family has long been settled in upper Berks county, his
great-grandfather, John Henne, having lived in that section.

George Henne, son of John, lived in what was
then Bern township, near Shartlesville, died there, and is buried
at St. Michael’s Church. He was a farmer and carpenter by
occupation. He married Mary Grasy, and to them were born six
children; Elias died at Shartlesville; Levi died in Schuykill
county; Joel died at Shartlesville; Moses is mentioned below; James
died in the West; Rachel married Solomon Seyfert.

Moses Henne, father of Jacob W., was born June
7, 1828, in Upper Bern township, died Sept. 3, 1901, and is buried
at the Blue Mountain Church, Strausstown. When a young man he
followed farming, but later he engaged in the hotel business at
Strausstown, continuing in that line for a period of thirty-seven
years, and he was very well known and much respected. He married
Leah Feick, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Shade) Feick, born
Oct. 10, 1828; Mrs. Henne is still living at Strausstown. To this
union were born children as follows: Sarah m. Wilson Keener, a
carpenter; Emma m. Howard F. Henne, a shoemaker; Cassie and Katie
are unmarried; Dianna m. C. V. Reber, an undertaker, of
Strausstown; Mary is unmarried; William died in 1899; Jacob W. is
in business at Strausstown.

Jacob W. Henne attended the public schools of
his home locality, and after leaving school was first employed with
his father. He then learned cigar-making, which trade he followed
for a period of twenty-five years, during twenty of which he was
engaged as a manufacturer at Strausstown. In 1899, Mr. Henne
embarked in the carriage business, which he has continued, dealing
largely in buggies, carriages and harness, at Strausstown, and
since 1901 he has also conducted a general store there, having a
large and well stocked stock.

Mr. Henne married Rebecca Schaeffer, daughter of
Mr. Jacob Schaeffer and wife (whose maiden name was Potteiger) of
Jefferson township. He is a Lutheran member of Zion’s Blue Mountain
Church, Strausstown, Pa., and is a Republican in political
sentiment.

HENNE FAMILY

p.
466

Surnames: HENNE, NOLL, BOLTZ, LEMINGER, ZERBY, HIESTER, FITLER,
RENTSCHLER, HOUPT, DOUGHERTY, RICK, TYSON, BECKER

The Henne family was settled in Bucks county, Pa., in 1771 by
Samuel and Daniel Henne. In Berks county it dates back to Samuel
Henne, who was born in Tulpehocken, now Jefferson township. He is
buried at Blue Mountain church in Upper Bern township. By
occupation he was a farmer and carpenter, and owned a small farm of
fifteen acres, which he operated in addition to working at his
trade. A Democrat in politics, he served a period of two terms as
supervisor of the township, and was a member of the State militia.
He married Barbara Noll, daughter of Peter Noll, of Lebanon county.
Their children were: Samuel, a carpenter of Strausstown;
Willoughby, of Schuylkill Haven, a contractor and builder; Malinda
(m. Josiah Boltz, and died in 1907); Barbara (m. Albert Leminger, a
veteran of the Civil war who died in 1898 in Lebanon); John of
Williamsport, a carpenter; Ephraim; Adam, a carpenter of
Schaefferstown; Levi, a contracting plasterer of Hamburg.

Ephraim Henne, son of Samuel and father of
Oscar, was born in Jefferson township, July 8, 1853. He attended
the public school of his district, and when fifteen years old went
to Pittston, Pa., to learn the carpenter’s trade. In 1881 he and
his family moved to Schuylkill Haven, and there he followed his
trade until 1901 when he came to Reading, and now resides at No.
361 Schuylkill avenue, busily engaged in contracting and building.
He has been identified with many building operations at Reading and
throughout Berks county, being recognized as an excellent workman.
On May 23, 1873, Mr. Henne married Miss Kate Zerby, a daughter of
John Zerby (whose wife was a Hiester), of Upper Tulpehocken
township. Their children are: Oscar D.; James I. died in infancy;
Minerva m. Calvin Fitler; Sadie m. Dr. Harry Rentschler; Charles E.
died at the age of six; Beulah; Mary died in childhood; Elsie;
Herman; Martin. Mr. Henne is an independent voter, casting his
ballot for the man he believes best fitted for the place without
regard to party lines. He is a member of St. Matthews Lutheran
church, and he is a man widely known and universally respected.
Oscar D. Henne, building inspector of Reading and a man of high
standing in the community, was born in Upper Bern, Berks Co., Pa.,
March 9, 1874.

When only eight years of age his parents moved
to Schuylkill Haven, and there he attended excellent schools,
although he left school when quite young to learn the carpenter’s
trade under his father. In 1893 he went to Wilkes Barre, where he
was in the employ of M. B. Houpt & Son in their planing mill.
After a year, in 1894 he removed to Philadelphia, and worked for D.
Dougherty, a large contractor. In 1896 he left his employ and
traveled in Indiana and Minnesota, working at his trade until 1898,
and seeing much of the country. In the last named year, he returned
home and enlisted in Company F, of Pottsville Pa., 4th Reg.
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served throughout the entire Porto
Rico campaign. In Porto Rico he was promoted to the rank of
artificer, and when he was mustered out Nov. 17, 1898, he was so
recorded. In 1899 he came to Reading and engaged in contracting and
building, following these lines successfully until May 1, 1908,
when he was appointed by Hon. William Rick building inspector of
the city of Reading, which responsible position he now holds, his
practical knowledge of contracting and building making him an
excellent city official.

Mr. Henne resides in his own home at No 134 West
Greenwich street, Fifteenth ward, of Reading. He is a Republican in
politics, and is very prominent in the ranks of his party. He
belongs to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the
Reformed church.

On Nov. 21. 1903, Mr. Henne married Emily Tyson,
daughter of Irwin and Ellen (Becker) Tyson, of Schuylkill Haven,
and they have one son, Allen T. Naturally Mr. Henne is regarded as
one of the leading young men of Reading, whose business and
political future is very bright. He comes of good, solid stock,
originally German, but now thoroughly Americanized, and is a fair
example of vigorous, sturdy American manhood.

HENNINGER, HIRAM L.

p.
1018

Surnames: HENNINGER, MUHLENBERG, RAPP, YOUNG, RITTER, KREIDER,
SEIDEL, STROUP

Hiram L. Henninger, assistant superintendent of the Charles Evans
cemetery, of Reading, is a representative of a family that has
lived in Berks county for a century and a quarter, if not even
longer.

John Henninger, his paternal grandfather, was
born in Windsor township, Berks county, July 17, 1788. He was
married by Rev. Mr. Muhlenberg to Miss Sarah Rapp, and eight
children were born to them, viz.: William, April 25, 1815; Mary A.,
Sept. 18, 1816; Catherine, April 25, 1818, who married Jacob Young;
Frederick R., June 25, 1820; Sarah C., July 8, 1822; John R., Aug.
18, 1824; Hiram L., Dec. 11, 1826; and Charles B., Dec. 10, 1828.

Charles B. Henninger, father of Hiram L.,
claimed Kutztown as his place of birth. His education was acquired
in the public schools of Berks county, and he grew up on his
father’s farm, inured to farm labor. At the age of fourteen he came
to Reading to learn cabinet-making, and after finishing his
apprenticeship he worked for Jacob Ritter till 1857. Feeling able
by that time to start out for himself, he opened an undertaking
business, with an extensive furniture branch, locating at No. 716
Penn street. He carried on both branches of his business till 1860
when he closed out the furniture store and gave his whole attention
to the other part. In 1878 he took in his son F. Irwin as a
partner, but the latter died while still a young man, in 1892, and
the following year Mr. Henninger made his younger son, Hiram L.,
his associate. Five years later the father retired from business,
having amassed a comfortable competence and won for himself an
honored place among Reading’s business men. He married Miss Rebecca
Kreider, and their union was blessed with seven children as
follows: Theodore, deceased; Charles, deceased; F. Irwin, who died
in 1892, aged thirty-nine; Sarah A.; Emma L.; Mrs. Robert Seidel;
Lillian M.; Mrs. Herbert Stroup; and Hiram L. Mr. Henninger was a
Lutheran in religious belief, as was also his wife. In politics he
was well known in Reading, having served as a member of the common
council elected on the Republican ticket, and having shown himself
there a faithful servant of the people. At one time he was also
interested in fraternal work and belonged to ten lodges.

Hiram L. Henninger was born in Reading Nov. 19,
1855, and received his education in the city schools. He early
entered his father’s employ, and was thoroughly trained in his
work, so that he was well able to carry on his father’s work when
the latter retired. As stated above, he was in partnership with his
father some years, and then after 1897 conducted the business
alone. In July, 1902, he sold out his establishment to his cousin
Hunter Henninger, and has, since then, been appointed assistant
superintendent of the Charles Evans cemetery. He is a familiar
figure in lodge circles, being a member of the Knights of Malta,
Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Junior O. U. A. M.

Mr. Henninger is married and resides at present
at No. 1354 Perkiomen avenue.

HENNINGER, HUNTER

p. 1191

Surnames: HENNINGER, BOYER, GERHART, WEBER, HUNTER, RAMSAY, RAPP,
KETTRA, LATIMER

Hunter Henninger, funeral director at Reading for upward of twenty
years, was born at Reading April 26, 1863. After receiving his
education in the local schools and Brunner’s Business College, he
entered the employ of his father for the purpose of learning the
business of conducting funerals, and he continued in his father’s
employ until 1885, when he became a partner. The business was then
conducted under the name of J. R. Henninger & Son until the
decease of the father in December, 1890, when the son became the
sole owner; and he has since carried it on in a very successful
manner. In July, 1902, he enlarged his business by purchasing the
undertaking establishment of Charles Henninger & Son, at No.
716 Penn street, and upon taking possession of this long
established stand he tore down the factory on the rear of the
premises and erected in its stead a modern undertaker’s plant with
the latest improvements for embalming and operating a morgue,
making it one of the most complete in the eastern Pennsylvania.
Being thoroughly experienced in the business, with an extended
acquaintance in the community, he has a large patronage. He is
frequently engaged to conduct funerals from Reading to distant
places where interment is made, and also to conduct them to Reading
from distant places to make interment here. His urbanity and
thoughtfulness in the performance of his delicate duties in the
hour of bereavement are highly appreciated.

Mr. Henninger has become prominently identified
with Free Masonry at Reading, being a past master of Reading Lodge
No. 549, a past high priest of Chapter No. 152, and a past
commander of De Molay Commandery No. 9, Knights Templar. He is also
a member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of the Royal Order of
Scotland, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights of Friendship, Royal
Arcanum and Progressive Americans.

Mr. Henninger was married in 1890 to Rebecca
Boyer, a daughter of B. Frank Boyer, Esq., of Reading, and she died
in 1893. In 1900 he was married to Gertrude C. Gerhart, a daughter
of Dr. Erasmus and Agnes (Weber) Gerhart, of Millersburg, in Bethel
township, Berks county, and by her has two children: Maryan Gerhart
and John Hunter. She attended the local schools of Reading and was
graduated from the Girls’ High School of Reading with distinction
in 1895; after which she taught school in Marion township for one
term and in Reading for four terms. Since her marriage she has
taken much active interest in the Daughters of the American
Revolution, being a member of that distinguished society at
Reading. Her lineage shows that she has six ancestors who were
enlisted in the Colonial army. Mr. Henninger and his family are
members of the Second Reformed Church.

Mr. Henninger’s father was John Rapp Henninger,
who was born at Kutztown. There he earned the trade of shoemaking,
which he followed at that place; also at Milton and at Reading,
locating at the last named place some time before 1860, and
embarking in the shoe business at No. 715 Penn street. During 1861
and 1862, he manufactured many thousand pairs of shoes for the
United States government. In 1863 he entered the employ of his
brother Charles, to assist in conducting funerals. He continued
with him until 1870, when he engaged in the business for himself,
locating at 1025 Penn street; and he continued until his decease in
December, 1890, dying at the age of sixty-seven years. He was
married to Maryan Latimer Hunter, daughter of John Hunter of
Ireland and Sarah Ramsay, his wife, of Scotland, they having
immigrated to Pennsylvania. The daughter was born and brought up in
the vicinity of Milton, Pa., moved to Reading, and died in 1891,
aged sixty-eight years. They had twelve children, four dying early
in life. The others were: Sarah, William, Mary, Nathaniel, Martha,
Annie, Hunter and Clara.

His grandparents were John Henninger and Sarah
Rapp, his wife; and his great-grandparents, Johannes Henninger and
Maria Dorothea Kettra.

HENNINGER, JOHN H.

p. 762

Surnames: HENNINGER, STOOP, BROWN, MILLER

John H. Henninger, who conducts a grocery and market at No. 122
Hamilton street, Reading, was born in 1862, in Bethel township,
Berks county, son of Isaac and Malinda (Stoop) Henninger, the
former of whom followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life
in Bethel township, where he died in the faith of the Lutheran
Church. The parents of John H. Henninger had three children,
Cyrenus W., John H. and Thomas M.

John H. Henninger received his educational
advantages in the schools of his native township, and his boyhood
was spent much the same as other Pennsylvania farmer lads. He
worked on his father’s farm until fifteen years of age, when he
hired out among the farmers in his vicinity, finally acquiring
enough to rent a farm. This he cultivated for fourteen years, and
then engaged in butchering, at which business he continued until
1903, and in this year came to Reading, establishing his present
business. He carries a full line of meats and fancy and staple
groceries, and from the start his business has been steadily
growing. He is an honest and upright business man, and deserves the
patronage of his community.

Mr. Henninger married, in 1882, Susan Brown, of
Brownsville, Pa., and to this union were born six children, four of
whom are deceased, two sons and two daughters. Those surviving are
Paul and Robert, the latter of whom married Annie Miller, of
Fleetwood, Pa. In his religious belief Mr. Henninger is a Lutheran.
In political matters he is a supporter of the principles of the
Democratic party.