Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

STECKLER, DAVID H.

p.
1044

Surnames: STECKLER, HAUSER, CHRIST

David H. Steckler (deceased), who was for many years a prominent
business man of Reading, was born in Allegheny county, Pa., and
accompanied his parents to York county, where a portion of his
education was received. When about seventeen years of age he went
to Philadelphia, where he remained a few years as clerk in Green’s
restaurant, coming to Reading in 1874. He engaged in the dairy and
farm produce business, and at one time operated a large milk route,
employing three wagons to distribute the product of his dairy. In
connection with this he also operated a grocery store on Sixth
street, at the present site of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart’s new
building, and there he continued until 1878. In January of the
latter year he engaged in the greenhouse business which had been
established by his father-in-law, Michael Hauser, and in this line
he continued until 1903, when he was compelled to retire from
active work on account of ill health. Mr. Steckler died in that
year, and the business is now conducted by his sons, Bertram D. and
Leo G.

On Sept. 25, 1877, Mr. Steckler married Theresa
Hauser, daughter of Michael and Barbara (Christ) Hauser, and to
this union were born five children: George (deceased), Bertram D.,
Irene, Leo G. and Loretto. In religious belief the family are
Catholics, attending St. Paul’s German Catholic Church. Mr.
Steckler was a stanch Republican in political matters.

STECKLINE, GEORGE
LAURENCE

p.1106

Surnames: STECKLINE, ZIEGLER, MACHMER, BODY, BILLMAN, EISENHART,
GOODMAN, GRUND, LICHTY, KOCH, HADLEY, LIBKA, PFANTZ, SHOEMAKER,
LONSBERGER

George Laurence Steckline, a lifelong resident of the city of
Reading, Pa., where for many years he was engaged in an extensive
baking business, died at his home, No. 419 Maple street, Oct. 9,
1896. He was born in Reading, Dec. 22, 1859, son of John C. and
Catherine (Ziegler) Steckline.

John C. Steckline was born in 1837, in Germany,
and died Nov. 28, 1891, in Philadelphia, being buried in the
Fernwood cemetery of the latter place, while his wife was interred
in the German Lutheran cemetery, Reading. In his native country he
had learned the shoemaker’s trade, and this he followed in
Philadelphia during all of his residence there. In 1858 he married
Catherine Ziegler, daughter of George and Catherine Ziegler, and
she died in 1872, aged thirty-six years. Six children were born to
Mr. And Mrs. Steckline, as follows: George L.; Charles m. Alice
Machmer; Julia m. Allen Body; John m. Ida Billman; Kate m. James
Eisenhart; William m. Alice Goodman, deceased.

George L. Steckline attended the public schools
of Reading, and in 1883 engaged in the baking business at No. 1041
Cotton street, where he lived for some years, then removing to No.
417 Maple street, where he made his home until his death, at which
time he was in comfortable circumstances, owning the residence at
No. 417 Maple street, and the building at No. 419 corner of Culvert
street, in the latter of which Mrs. Steckline now resides. He was a
good business man, and his bakery goods were well known for their
excellence and purity, finding a ready sale throughout Reading and
the surrounding country. In politics he was a Democrat, and his
fraternal connections were with Germania Lodge, I. O. O. F.;
Charity Lodge No. 34, Jr. A. P. A.; Knights of Honor, and
Friendship Fire Company. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran
Church.

In 1883, Mr. Steckline, married Miss Mary
Catharine Grund, born ____ 15, 1867, and to them were born six
children, as follows: Annie C., born Oct. 7, 1883 m. Herbert
Lichty, and has one son, Charles G.; Laura M., born Feb. 21, 1885;
Gertrude E., born Dec. 11, 1887; George L., born April 12, 1889,
died Feb. 20, 1890; Helen M., born July 9, 1893; and Emily C., born
July 29, 1896.

Johann Christian Frederick Grund, father of Mrs.
Steckline, was born Sept. 17, 1836, in Wittenburg, Germany, son of
Johann and Barbara Grund. In 1857 Mr. Grund came to America, and
from that time until his death followed moulding in Reading. He. m.
Catharine Koch, born Dec. 31, 1840, in Wittenburg, and to them were
born seven children: Johannes, born March 27, 1861 m. Mary Hadley,
deceased; Heinrich, born Feb. 13, 1865, m. Amelia Libka; Mary
Catharine, born ____15, 1867; Barbara, born April 17, 1872, m. John
Pfantz, a baker of Reading; Frederick W., born June 19, 1874, m.
Emma Shoemaker; Annie C., born Nov. 23, 1876, m. John Lonsberger,
of Reading; and Karl C., born March 18, 1879, died at the age of
eleven years.

STEFFE, C. GILBERT

p. 532

Surnames: STEFFE, UNGER, HILL

C. Gilbert Steffe, late of Reading was in the service of the
Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for over fifty years
before his retirement, in 1904. For a number of years previously he
acted as general road foreman for the company. He was an expert in
his line and recognized as such in railroad circles all over the
country.

Mr. Steffe was a native of Lancaster county,
Pa., born in Earl township, Jan. 26, 1834, son of Frederick and
Annie (Unger) Steffe, who were farming people. Somewhat late in
life his father went to Ohio, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits and remained to the close of his days.

Mr. Steffe spent his boyhood and youth in the
public schools of Earl township, helping his father at farming. At
the age of eighteen he came to Reading, where he became an
apprentice in the machine shop of the Philadelphia & Reading
Company. He remained in the shops there three years, for he had
determined even then to learn the business of practical railroading
from the very beginning. In 1855 he began on the road as brakeman
and later was fireman on both passenger and freight engines, all of
which at that time burned wood. During the years 1853-54 he was on
the Williamsport branch with Reading engines, in 1855 returning to
Reading, and becoming fireman for passenger trains on the well
known “Mohawk” and other engines then quite famous. He was made
fireman for the “Illinois,” the first engine in the United States
to burn anthracite coal.

In 1858 Mr. Steffe was promoted to the position
of engineer, running trains on the main line. When the Civil war
broke out he and others connected with the motive department of the
road, evinced a desire to enlist in the service of the Union, but
the superintendent requested them to stand by the railroad, arguing
that they were needed there as badly as at the front. The
superintendent then went to Washington, D. C., and after an
interview with Lincoln and Stanton secured exemption papers for Mr.
Steffe and others whose services he wished to retain. During the
battle of Gettysburg, Mr. Steffe was under orders to hold a train
at Harrisburg, ready to take all the valuable documents there to
Philadelphia in case of Lee’s victory. In 1866 he was appointed
engine examiner, to take charge of the engines as they came out of
the shops, and he remained in that position until 1871. In that
year he was sent with efficient help to install what was known as
the “pop valves” over the whole system. His mind was constantly on
the alert for a solution of the various problems of his work, and
in 1876 he assisted in the arrangement of a means of improving
engines so that they could burn all kinds of fuel, and especially
fine anthracite coal.

Through all these years Mr. Steffe was steadily
gaining recognition as an expert in his line, and when, in March,
1878, the great engine”412″ was made in the Reading shops, to be
sent to the Paris Exposition, he oversaw its packing and shipment,
and then went over to France to install it in its place. Returning
in July of that year, he spent some time in experimental work on
the New England railroads in the interest of the Philadelphia &
Reading Railway Company, and in October, 1878, made a second trip
to Paris to install “412” on the road. During the winter of 1878
and spring of 1879, prior to the opening of the exposition he
traveled through France operating the engine on the different
railroads in that country, and thence went to Switzerland, Germany,
and Italy, running his engine in each of these countries. In
November, 1879, he returned to America with his engine, on his
arrival in America being appointed road foreman of engines with
headquarters in Philadelphia. There he remained until transferred
to Reading in 1888, as general road foreman, a position he was
still holding when put on the company’s retired list, March 2,
1904, after a faithful service of just fifty-two years. When Mr.
Steffe entered the employ of the Reading Company they had only
between fifty-five and sixty engines, and at the time of his
retirement the equipment included eleven hundred. Though all of
this large number were under his charge he was able to locate any
engine and day of the year, a feat considered remarkable even among
railroad men. During his career he had many experiences not
included in the duties of the average railroad man, and was called
upon to exercise his resourcefulness in various unusual
circumstances. While at Milan, competing with the French, English
and Italian engine builders, he had some exciting as well as
enjoyable experiences. It was necessary for him to be constantly on
his guard against the Italians, who made every conceivable effort
to create the impression that the American engine was not equal to
theirs, especially as regarded consumption of fuel. But Mr. Steffe
was ready at every turn, and succeeded in convincing the judges
that the Americans were not only the best builders but also capable
of caring for their own interests.

Mr. Steffe enjoyed nearly half a century of
happy married life. Wedded in June, 1858, to Esther, daughter of
John Hill, their union was unbroken until March 25, 1905 when Mrs.
Steffe passed from this world. She left no children. Mr. Steffe
continued to reside at No. 106 North Ninth street, during the
remainder of his life. Mr. Steffe was a member of a number of
organizations, principally of fraternal character, and he was an
enthusiastic Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.;
Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 9; and
Philadelphia Consistory. On Sept. 19, 1893, the Thirty-third degree
was conferred upon him in Chicago, and he was enrolled as an
Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United
States of America, and on the same date was made a member of the
Royal Order of Scotland. Mr. Steffe was also a member of the
Philadelphia Veteran Association. In May, 1907, Mr. Steffe attended
the Masonic gathering at Los Angeles, Cal., and was on his way home
in the train wrecked in Honda, Cal., May 11th, meeting his death in
that frightful accident.

Mr. Steffe was a man of real achievement,
actively concerned in the forwarding of our country’s material
advancement, and his work won the unstinted respect of all informed
on the general subject of railroading.

STEFFY, BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN

p. 1049

Surnames: STEFFY, RUFFNER, KEFFER, HATT, HARDING, ROLLMAN,
KAUFFMAN, MILLER, LEININGER, REMP

Benjamin Franklin Steffy, a representative citizen of Cumru
township, who has for some years been Steffy family of Berks
county, and was born Feb. 1, 1868, engaged in piano tuning, is a
member of the well-known at Adamstown, Lancaster county, son of
Benjamin K. and Catherine (Ruffner) Steffy.

Benjamin K. Steffy was born Dec. 20, 1834, on
the Steffy homestead, and for upward of forty years conducted a
smithy at Adamstown, where he also owned a farm and grew fruit.
Since 1899 he has lived retired at Mohnton. Mr. Steffy and his
family attend Allegheny Church, and fraternally he is connected
with the Sr. O. U. A. M., at Adamstown. He married Catherine
Ruffner, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Keffer) Ruffner, of
Angelica, and they had these children: Rosa m. Frank Hatt, of
Adamstown; Sarah m. Abner Harding, of Edison; Wayne died Jan. 13,
1908; B. Franklin; Lydia, born Jan. 7, 1871, m. John Rollman, of
Adamstown, and died Nov. 27, 1891; Maggie, born June 12, 1874, died
Jan. 17, 1895; Mary, born April 2, 1877, died Feb. 15, 1898; and
Edwin, born Aug. 7, 1880, died Jan. 31, 1898.

B. Franklin Steffy spent his school days at
Adamstown and then assisted his father on the farm and in the fruit
growing business. Later he engaged with his father for some years
in the manufacture of cigars, a trade he had learned from his
father when a mere lad. Mr. Steffy is an accomplished musician,
showing his talent when but ten years of age. He was a teacher and
instructor of bands in various parts of Berks county when but
sixteen years of age, being especially accomplished on the piano,
violin and clarionet, and he now has many pupils in Reading and all
over the southwestern portion of Berks county. In 1906 Professor
Steffy took a special course in the Boston School of Piano Tuning,
and on New Year’s Day, 1907, he associated himself with the
well-known O. F. Kauffman Music House, No. 48 North Eighth street,
Reading. Professor Steffy was located for a time in Mohnton, but
since 1906 he has made his home at No. 623 Weiser street, Reading.
In the spring of 1903 Mr. Steffy, with Dr. M. L. Miller and William
G. Leininger, organized the Steffy Furniture Company of which he
was made president, and this enterprise was successful from the
start and now does a large business, being now conducted by Dr.
Miller, who purchased his partners’ interests. Fraternally Mr.
Steffy is connected with Mohnton Lodge No. 485, Knights of Pythias,
and he and his family are members of Grace United Evangelical
Church, Sixth and Elm streets, Reading.

On March 4, 1886, Professor Steffy was married
to Ella F. Remp, daughter of Henry Remp, a complete sketch of whose
life will be found elsewhere. Six children have been born to this
union: Mazie R., Emma M., James L., Alta, Arthur L., and one that
died in infancy.

STEFFY,
JOSEPH K.

p. 1012

Surnames: STEFFY, KOHL, REMP, HARDING, EPLER, SPANGLER, RUTH,
SHILLING, BLANKENBILLER, RUFFNER, HILL, WHITE, TROSTLE, LONG,
SEIBERT, TRAGO, KESSLER, SCHLABACH

Among the well-known residents of Cumru township, Berks county, may
be mentioned Joseph K. Steffy, a retired agriculturist, who is
living on his fine tract of fifty-seven and one-half acres. He was
born Nov. 14, 1838, across the line in Brecknock township, son of
Joseph and Anna (Kohl) Steffy.

Abraham Steffy, grandfather of Joseph K., was a
lifelong resident of Cumru township, where he was engaged in
laboring and in farming in a small way. He married a Miss Remp, and
their children were: Benjamin; Samuel; Joseph, and Abraham. Of
these Abraham married Sarah Harding, daughter of Christil Harding,
owner of a small farm in Cumru township. His eleven children were:
Christil, Samuel, Henry, Benjamin, John, William, Moses, Reuben,
Elizabeth (m. Jonathan Epler), Sarah (m Levi Kohl) and Rachel (died
single aged twenty-six). Christil, Samuel, Henry, Benjamin and John
of this family served in the union army during the Civil war, the
latter being but eighteen years of age at the time of his
enlistment. Samuel Steffy, second son of Abraham, J., was born Jan.
8, 1836, and is now a retired hatter, living on his eight-acre
tract in Mohnton. He has an honorable Civil war record. He married
Mrs. Rebecca (Spangler) Ruth, and their only child, Sarah E., now
deceased, was the wife of John Shilling.

Joseph Steffy, father of Joseph K., was born in
Brecknock township, March 6, 1809, and died April 13, 1879. He was
the owner of a tract of fifty acres of land in Brecknock township,
and engaged in farming and charcoal burning all of his life, and
was regarded as a substantial man and good citizen. He and his
family attended Allegheny Church, of which he was an elder for some
years. Mr. Steffy married Anna Kohl, of Gouglersville, and to them
were born eight children, as follows: Samuel died in 1899, aged
seventy-one years; Lydia m. Jonathan Blankenbiller; Benjamin m.
Catherine Ruffner, and died in 1908; Daniel m. Amelia Hill; Joseph
K.; Peter m. Kate White; Annie m. Jacob Trostle; Susan m. Henry
Long.

Joseph K. Steffy attended the old pay schools of
his day for a few months during the winter, and when but fifteen
years of age began chopping wood during the winter months, while
the summer seasons were spent on the farm. When he was eighteen
years of age he began burning charcoal during the six warmer
months, while the rest of the year was spent shoemaking. In about
1868 Mr. Steffy located on his farm in Cumru township, which he had
purchased in 1862, and which he still owns, it being rented to his
son-in-law, John S. Long. The tract of fifty-seven and one-half
acres on which he now resides was purchased by him in 1898, and has
been furnished with good, substantial buildings. In politics Mr.
Steffy is a Democrat, and he is fraternally connected with the Sr.
O. U. A. M., Council No. 91, Angelica, Pa. He and his family are
Reformed members of Allegheny Union Church, of which he was a
deacon and elder for more than twenty years.

On Dec. 24, 1863, Mr. Steffy married Catherine
Blankenbiller, born in 1840 and died Dec. 18, 1899, daughter of
George and Elizabeth (Seibert) Blankenbiller. The following
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Steffy: Henry, born Jan. 27,
1868, died aged fifteen days; Daniel, born June 22, 1869, died Dec.
16, 1890; Nelson, born Aug. 5, 1871, died Jan. 7, 1873; Emma
Elizabeth, born June 23, 1873, m. John s. Long, and has had
children, Charley (deceased), William (deceased), Viola, Victor,
Lester and Margie; Maggie Ann, born July 11, 1875, m. William
Trago; Joseph born Aug. 12, 1878, m. Alice Kessler, and has a son
Morris Wayne; and Katie Alice, born July 30, 1881, m. Charles
Schlabach.

STEFFY, JOHN
H.

p. 1545

Surnames: STEFFY, REMP, HARDING, EPLER, KOHL, FISHER, ULRICH, WHITE

John H. Steffy, a truck farmer and butcher of Lower Heidelberg
township, is a native of Cumru township, Berks county, born Feb.
9,1845.

(I) Abraham Steffy, grandfather of John H., passed all his life in
Cumru township, where he worked as a laborer and carried on farming
in a small way. He married a Miss Remp, and they had four children,
Benjamin, Samuel, Joseph and Abraham.

(II) Abraham Steffy, son of Abraham, owned small farm in Cumru
township. He married Sarah Harding, daughter of Christil Harding,
and their eleven children were: Christil, Samuel, Henry, Benjamin,
John H., William, Moses, Reuben, Elizabeth (m. Jonathan Epler),
Sarah (m. Levi Kohl), and Rachel (who died unmarried at the age of
twenty-six). Five sons of family fought in the Union army during
the Rebellion, Christil, Samuel, Henry, Benjamin and John H.

(III) John H. Steffy was reared on the parental farm, and worked at
home until his enlistment for service in the Union army. He was
mustered in Feb. 23, 1864, at Reading, becoming a member of Co. B,
55th P. V. I., which was attached to the 4th Brigade, 1st Division,
24th Army Corps. Mr. Steffy saw active service at the battles of
Cold Harbor and Petersburg and throughout the Richmond campaign,
and was honorably discharged at Petersburg, Va., August 31, 1865.

After his return from the army, Mr. Steffy
worked at stone quarrying as well as farming, and in 1873 purchased
the tract of land upon which he has since lived, eleven acres at
the foot of Cushion Hill (upon which Wenrich’s observatory is
located), in Lower Heidelberg township. The place is especially
suited truck farming, and Mr. Steffy raises all kinds of garden
stuff, which he disposes of at the Bingaman Street Market House in
Reading, having stand No.195. He has attended this market for the
past thirty-five years, in winter selling meat which he butchers
himself. He has prospered in his work and has all the most modern
appliances for carrying it on, including a gasoline engine of
approved make. In 1889 he built the house he now occupies, and the
barn upon his property put up in 1898.

Mr. Steffy has been twice married; His first
wife, Lavina Fisher, born Jan. 21, 1842, daughter of William Fisher
of Lower Heidelberg township, died May 17, 1898 in her
fifty-seventh year. There were no children by union. Mr. Steffy
married for his second wife Emma Ulrich, daughter of Samuel and
Sarah (White) Ulrich, of Spring township, and they have had five
children namely: Sarah S., John William, Franklin Pierce, Harry
Edwin and Maggie M. Mr. Steffy is a Lutheran and attends the Hain’s
Church. He is a Republican in political sentiment.

STEFFY,
PIERCE K.

p. 1385

Surnames: STEFFY, LUFT, RUTH, KLINE, GRIMES, BUCHER, GRING,
HORNBERGER,YENLAND, NOLDE, SMITH, BARRY

Pierce K. Steffy, a cigar manufacturer and active citizen of
Sinking Spring, Berks county, was born here, in Spring township,
Nov. 23, 1864, and is a member of a family which has been numerous
in this section for several generations.

Daniel Steffy, his great-grandfather, was born
in Cumru township and was engaged as a laborer in the vicinity of
Sinking Spring, where he is buried. Among his children were Daniel,
Lizzie, Penina and John.

John Steffy, son of Daniel, was born Jan. 14,
1800, and died Aug. 6, 1865. He is buried in the old graveyard at
Sinking Spring, close to where his father lies, and like his father
he was a laborer in that section. He married Lydia A. Luft, born
Aug. 28, 1805, daughter of Johannes Luft (born Aug. 15, 1777, died
Aug. 17, 1864, and his wife Magdalena (born Sept. 23, 1777, died
Oct. 27, 1865). Mrs. Steffy died Nov. 28, 1839, aged sixty-four
years, three months, and is buried beside her husband. They had a
family of twelve children, namely: Rebecca, John, Lydia, Jane,
Daniel, Isaac, Elizabeth, Maria, Molly, William (who died in
infancy), William and Benneville.

Isaac L. Steffy, a respected resident of Spring
township, living just above Fritztown, was born in that township,
near Sinking Spring April 28, 1841. When only five years old he
moved with his parents to Heidelberg township, where he lived for
fourteen years with the family of Adam Ruth, a farmer. After
leaving the Ruths he continued to do farm work for two years
longer, in 1863 beginning to work as a repairman on the Reading
& Columbia railroad, where he was employed for eight years as a
journeyman. For twenty-four years he was engaged as foreman of a
section, during this time having under his charge at different
times two to sixty men, with corresponding responsibilities. In the
spring of 1894 Mr. Steffy became the proprietor of the “Fanners
Hotel” at Fritztown, which he himself conducted for three and a
half years. Since 1900 he has been engaged in coal and fertilizer
business at that place, and he has prospered by thrift and good
management. He has his own home above Fritztown, a comfortable
dwelling with one acre of ground. Mr. Steffy is known to all as a
conscientious and honorable man, and he is highly esteemed in his
community. In 1860 he married Margaret Kline, daughter of William
and Mary (Ruth) Kline, and granddaughter of William Ruth. Eight
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Steffy, as follows: John
who lives at Lyons, Pa.; William, of Montello, this county; Pierce
K.; Ida, married to James Grimes, a shoemaker of Reynolds, Pa.;
Ellen, wife of Henry Bucher, a painter of Denver, Pa.; Mary, wife
of Harry R. Gring, a cigar manufacturer of Fritztown, Pa.; Rufus,
who died in infancy; and Maggie, married to Stephen Hornberger, a
cigar maker at Denver, Pa. Mr. Steffy and his family belong to the
church, which they attend, at Sinking Spring. He is a Democrat in
political opinion.

Pierce K. Steffy received his education in the
public schools of his native township, and learned his trade at
Lititz, Lancaster Co. Pa., from John Yenland. After following his
trade for six years at Lititz, Denver (Lancaster county) and other
points he became foreman for John S. Nolde, a cigar manufacturer at
Denver, continuing in that capacity for seven years, until he
started in business on his own account, at Denver, in 1891, as Mr.
Nolde’s successor. He carried that business on until 1896, in the
fall of which year he came to Sinking Spring, where he has since
been engaged in cigar manufacturing. He is established in a
two-story factory on Main street, 20 x 44 feet in dimensions, and
gives employment to about forty people. The product is confined to
high-grade cigars, which are disposed of through jobbing houses at
Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania cities, as well as in New
Jersey. Mr. Steffy has a lucrative business, and he owns his
factory and his home. In addition to cigar-making he runs a coal
yard at Fritztown, having a profitable patronage.

Mr. Steffy has taken an interest in the
administration of public affairs in the various communities in
which he has resided. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been
active in the local workings of the party. While a resident of
Lancaster county he was delegate to many county conventions, and
during President Cleveland’s second administration he served as
postmaster at Denver, that county. Since he became a resident of
Berks county he has served a term of three years as school director
of Spring township, was treasurer of the board, and at present
holds the office of supervisor, being president of the board of
roadmasters. He has done able work for the township, where his
efforts have been highly appreciated. In 1907 he was a delegate to
the Democratic State Convention.

Socially Mr. Steffy is well known, being a
member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., of Womelsdorf;
of Sinking Spring Lodge, No. 660, I. O. O. F.; of Lexington Lodge,
No. 155, K. of P.; and of Wyanet Tribe, No. 301, I. O. R. M., of
Reading. He is a leading member of Salem U. B. Church at Sinking
Spring, which he has served as trustee and steward. His family are
also identified with this church.

In October, 1896, Mr. Steffy married Miss Emma
Smith, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Barry) Smith, of Lancaster
county, and to this union have been born six children: Robert P.,
Charles S., and Alvin S., Martha, Russel and Luke.

STEFFY,
RUDOLPH

p. 962

Surnames: STEFFY, ESHELMAN, HETRICH, HILL, BORKERT, KRICK, GEBHART,
BLANKENBILLER, SCHWEITZER, WITMAN, ZEIGLER, GEHMAN, DeTURK,
HOLLENBACH, LUDWIG

Rudolph Steffy, one of Berks county’s prominent citizens, who has
for many years been before the public in positions of trust and
responsibility, is now holding office of assessor of Brecknock
township. Mr. Steffy was born Feb. 23, 1849, in Alleghenyville,
Pa., son of John and Catherine (Eshelman) Steffy.

John Steffy was born April 2, 1827, in Brecknock
township, and died Dec. 24, 1892, after a long life spent in
agricultural pursuits, he being the owner of the farm which in
later years belonged to his son Rudolph. He was a charter member of
Allegheny Church, where he served as an official for many years,
and was a highly respected citizen. Mr. Steffy married Catherine
Eshelman, daughter of Martin Eshelman, and to this union there were
born ten children: Matilda, m. Benjamin Hetrich, of Spring
township; Lydia, m. William Hill, of Indiana; Levi a farmer of
Brecknock township, m. Caroline Borkert; William, who was county
auditor of Berks from 1860 to 1863, m. Catherine Krick, of
Delaware, where he died; Elizabeth, m. Jacob Gebhart, of Allegheny
Church; Richard, an artilleryman during the Civil war, m. Hannah
Hill, of Reading; Susannah m. William Blankenbiller, of Brecknock
township; Maria m. Adam Schweitzer, of Shillington; John m. Mary
Witman, of Plowville; and Rudolph.

Rudolph Steffy was reared upon his father’s
farm, his education was secured in the township schools, which he
attended until fifteen years of age, obtaining a fair education. In
1871 he started out in life for himself as a farmer in
Alleghenyville, having obtained this property from his brother
Levi, and here he continued for years, then selling out to purchase
the farm now owned by Harry Ziegler, where he lived for thirty-two
years. Since selling this farm Mr. Steffy has made his home with
Samuel B. Gehman, a well-known farmer and trucker in the Allegheny
Valley.

In politics Mr. Steffy is a Democrat, and when
twenty one years of age he was elected township clerk, an office in
which he served for some years, being then elected township
assessor, being the incumbent of that office three years. For many
years Mr. Steffy served as school director, and in 1898 he was
again elected township assessor, since which time he has been twice
elected. Mr. Steffy has always been an honest, fearless public
official and the long period of his holding office indicates his
ability and popularity. He and his family are members Allegheny
Union Church, and he is a member of the choir thereof.

In 1871, Mr. Steffy married Emma R. DeTurk, born
April 19, 1849, died in August, 1905, daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Hollenbach) De Turk, of Leesport. and to this union
there were born nine children, as follows: Miss Elizabeth; John,
who lives in Spring township; Annette, m. to Henry Ludwig, of
Lancaster county ; Henry of Montgomery county ; and five children
who died in youth.

STEHMAN, D.
W.

p 436

Surnames: STEHMAN, KENDALL, VAN REED, ADDAMS

D. W. Stehman, formerly a prominent business man of Reading,
particularly identified with banking interests, was born in 1837,
at Middletown, Dauphin Co., Pa., where he was reared and liberally
educated.

From 1869 to 1887 Mr. Stehman was cashier of the
Middletown National Bank. For many years he was treasurer of the
borough, was a member of the Middletown Market Company, and of the
cemetery association, served on the town council and held many
positions of trust and responsibility at that place. In 1887 Mr.
Stehman came to Reading and accepted the position of secretary of
the Pennsylvania Trust Company, which was unanimously tendered by
the board of directors, to which position he was re-elected in
1888, and made also assistant to the treasurer, H. T. Kendall. In
1892 he succeeded Mr. Kendall as treasurer, and held this position
until his death. He was a man of acknowledged business ability and
of the highest integrity. His loss was deeply felt by the company
with which he had been identified for so many years, and at a
meeting of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Trust
Company, held Feb. 9, 1904, the following resolutions were adopted:
RESOLVED, That we make this record of the feelings of the board of
directors upon the deeply regretted death of our late trust officer
and treasurer, D. W. Stehman, and this is followed by a statement
which showed the great trust and confidence reposed in him by his
fellow officials, as well as testimonials to the personal esteem in
which he was held by them.

Mr. Stehman was a member of the First
Presbyterian Church, of which he had been treasurer for a number of
years. He was notably charitable, liberally contributing to
benevolent enterprises. His death was a distinct loss to Reading.

In 1874 Mr. Stehman married Mary Van Reed,
daughter of John and Amelia (Addams) Van Reed. Two children
survive, John V. R. and Edith A.

STEIGER, SAMUEL S.

p. 962

Surnames: STEIGER, STRUNK, HILL, BREINER, LORAH, HAUPT, DEER, LUTZ,
SHILDT

Samuel S. Steiger, one of Mount Penn borough’s venerable citizens,
who for some years lived retired at his comfortable home, was a
native of Berks county, Pa., born in Exeter township, March 26,
1830, son of William and Susannah (Strunk) Steiger, and died June
2, 1907, aged seventy-seven years.

William Steiger was born and reared in Exeter
township, where his entire life was spent in weaving and farm
laboring. He died in October, 1855, being then upward of
sixty-three years of age. He married Susannah Strunk, born in Cumru
township, one of a large family all of whom attained advanced age,
and at her death, in. 1875, she was eighty-six years old. Mr. and
Mrs. Steiger were the parents of five children: Sarah, who died at
the age of ninety-two years, m. David H. Hill; Levi, who died, at
the age of seventy-seven years, m. Caroline Breiner; Catherine, who
died at the age of seventy-eight years, was unmarried; John, who
died when thirty years old, m. Hettie Lorah ; and Samuel S.

Samuel. S. Steiger was educated in the public
schools, and remained at home until twenty-four years old, when he
removed to Lower Alsace township. He worked in the woolen mills at
St. Lawrence for forty-two years, being loom boss for thirty-five
years of this time, and then engaged in shoemaking for six years,
after which time he lived retired. Mr. Steiger was well known in
his community He was interested in public matters, and was a
Democrat. For many years he was a member of Schwartzwald Church,
but later connected with Trinity Reformed Church of Mount Penn.

On May 14, 1854, Mr. Steiger married Miss
Catherine Haupt, daughter of John and Catherine (Deer) Haupt, born
Sept. 11, 1833, in Exeter township, who died Dec. 21, 1900. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Steiger; Telemachus, who died in
childhood; Alice E., born Sept. 8, 1861; and Ida E., who died when
twenty-six years of age. Alice E. Steiger ,was married Oct. 25,
1879, to Henry F. Lutz, son of David Lutz and wife (whose name was
Shildt), of Alsace township. Mr. Lutz was born March 28, 1858, and
at an early age learned the blacksmith trade, but for the past
fifteen years has been engaged in electrical work, now being in the
employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. He is a member
of the Lutheran Church, and is fraternally connected with the K. G.
E. and the P. O. S. of A., Reading.

STEIGERWALD, THOMAS

p.
1234

Surnames: STEIGERWALD, SEAMAN, WRIGHT, BOWER, SMITH, EILER,
SILBERMAN

Thomas Steigerwald, a prominent farmer and wine grower of Lower
Alsace township, whose fine residence is situated near the Gravity
Railroad, on Mount Penn, was born in 1831 on his father’s homestead
in Unter-Franken, Bavaria, Germany, son of Michael and Magdalena
(Seaman) Steigerwald.

Michael and Magdalena Steigerwald were both born
at Unter-Franken, and were the parents of eight children, two of
whom died young. Eva m. Martin Wright, and both died in Germany
leaving one son, who now resides in Reading. Adam, who emigrated to
America after serving his time in the army, m. Lucinda Bower, and
they resided for a time in Cincinnati, 0., but subsequently located
in Reading, where both died. John, who emigrated to America in 1847
with one of his sisters, m. Sarah Bower, and they reside in Lower
Alsace township. Thomas. Margarita, who came to America with Thomas
in 1849, m. Sebastian Smith, and resides at Chestnut and Maple
streets, in Reading, her husband having passed away twelve years
ago. Catherine, who came to America with her brother John in 1847,
m. John Eiler, and both are deceased.

Thomas Steigerwald came to America at the age of
eighteen years with his sister Margarita and brother Adam, and
settled near Reading. For some time he conducted a bakery at Fourth
and Penn streets, in that city, but subsequently embarked in
agricultural pursuits, and became one of the leading agriculturists
and wine growers of this section of Berks county. In politics Mr.
Steigerwald is a Democrat in the true sense of the word, always
voting for the candidate whom he deems best fitted to fill the
office. His first Presidential vote was cast in 1856, in favor of
James Buchanan. With his family he attends the Catholic Church.

Mr. Steigerwald was married to Barbara
Silberman, daughter of David and Margaretta Silberman. and to this
union there have been born four children: Anthony, who resides in
the West; Catherine, who is a Sister and a teacher in the Catholic
schools; Margaret, who is unmarried and resides at home; and Sarah,
who is also a Sister and teacher in the Catholic schools.

STEIN, JACOB
B.

p. 1475

Surnames: STEIN, ,MERKEL, DUNKEL, MILLER, PHILLIPS, SHEARER,
STRAUSS, WANNER, SCHLEGEL

Jacob D. Stein, of Richmond township, conducts the old Merkel grist
mill located about one mile east of Moselem. The first mill at this
place was built in 1749, and stood very near where the county
bridge crosses the creek, midway between Moselem and Moselem
Springs. That Mr. Stein’s mill is an old one is seen from the fact
that several stones in the front wall bear inscriptions, viz.: “C.
M. B. M. 1796; Old Mill. B. 1749,” and again “S. Merkel. His wife
D. A. Merkel, 1854.”

Daniel Stein, the grandfather of Jacob D., came
from Lehigh county, and settled in Windsor township, near Hamburg,
Pa. He was buried at Zion’s church, in Perry township. Among his
children was Jacob Stein, who became an agriculturalist and land
owner of Windsor township. He married Elizabeth Dunkel, and they
had children as follows: Lizzie Ann, wife of Aaron Miller, of
Cressona, Schuylkill county; John, a farmer of Upper Bern township.
Berks county; Benneville, who owns and operates the Stein homestead
in Windsor township; Hettie, who married David Phillips of
Mohrsville, both being deceased; Elizabeth, widow of John Shearer,
who was a farmer of Windsor township; George, who died single, aged
fifty-two years; Beckie, who married Samuel Phillips of Reading,
Pa.; Jacob D.; William, of Ohio; and Sarah, who married James
Strauss, deceased, of Reading.

Jacob D. Stein has been a miller for the past
twenty-five years. Reared to hard work on the farm, his educational
advantages were few, consisting of about four terms at free school.
In 1884 Mr. Stein was married to Mary Wanner, daughter of Jacob and
Barbara (Schlegel) Wanner, of Richmond township, and Mr. Stein then
purchased the old Wanner homestead for $14,000. Here he and his
wife and children, Daniel, Charles, William, Alice and Irwin, have
since resided.

In addition to the following milling as an
occupation Mr. Stein has engaged extensively in farming, and has
become a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen. Politically like
his ancestors, he supports the Democratic ticket, but his time and
attention are demanded by his business interests, and he has never
accepted public office. He and his family are attendants of the New
St. Peter’s Church, of the Lutheran denomination.

STEINER,
FRANK P.

pg. 1146

Surnames: STEINER, ROBESON, WOLEVER, REBER, SMITH, MILLER, LAYSHER,
SLICHTER, LINDERMAN, HANDWORK, LEININGER, ZERBE

Frank P. Steiner, proprietor of the Reading Commission Company,
located at the southeast corner of Sixth and Franklin streets,
Reading, was born at Myerstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., Aug. 4, 1879, son
of Frank Steiner and grandson of Michael Steiner.

The Steiner family is of German origin, and was
located in Pennsylvania prior to the war of the Revolution. It has
had a reputation for honesty and industry. Michael Steiner was born
in Lebanon county, and he became the owner of land in Jackson
township, that county. He died on his farm there and is buried at
Myerstown. In political principle he was a Democrat, while his
religious connection was with the Reformed Church. He and his wife
had three children, namely : Moses died in Lebanon county ; Rebecca
married Daniel Robeson ; and Frank is mentioned below.

Frank Steiner, son of Michael, was born in
Jackson township, Lebanon county, and he followed farming on the
old homestead which he bought from his father. He died there in
1890, and is buried at Myerstown. He was a very well known man, and
was long active in the Democratic party. He was a member of the
Reformed Church. He married Susanna Wolever, daughter of Peter
Wolever, of Millersburg, Berks county, and she now resides on
Railroad street, in Myerstown. The five children born of this union
were: Selma m. Francis Reber, and lives in West Myerstown ; John M.
m. Mary Smith, and is a farmer at Myerstown ; Rebecca m. Jonathan
Miller, a farmer at Myerstown ; Frank P. ; and Emma m. Lloyd
Laysher, a cigar maker at Richland, Pennsylvania.

Frank P. Steiner attended the local schools in
the vicinity of his home and the Myerstown high school, graduating
from the latter in 1896. He then assisted his mother on the home
farm until he was nineteen years of age, when he engaged in the
milk business along Lebanon Valley Railroad at Myerstown,
Womelsdorf and Sheradin. He shipped the first milk to the Reading
Pure Milk Company, Reading, but later shipped mostly to
Philadelphia. The business he followed with great success for five
years, and then, Feb. 11, 1904, he came to Reading and became a
salesman for E. B. Slichter, then located at No. 25 South Sixth
street, in the commission business. At the end of one year and
seven months, in company with Warren F. Linderman and Seidel
Handwork, Mr. Steiner bought out Mr. Slichter and formed the
Reading Commission Company. Shortly afterward Mr. Linderman sold
out his interest to his partners, and the two carried on the
business for a year. Mr. Steiner then purchased Mr. Handwork’s
interest, Dec. 24, 1907, and since that time has been the sole
owner of this large and growing business. He deals in fish, clams,
oysters, produce, oranges, bananas, peanuts, doing both a wholesale
and retail business, and making a specialty of fish, oysters and
peanuts, being the largest dealer in these products in the State,
outside of Philadelphia. He has trade in five counties and keeps
four teams constantly busy, and employs six men. He is located at
the old place at Sixth and Franklin streets.

On Sept. 17, 1898, Mr. Steiner married Ida M.
Leininger, daughter of Cyrus and Malinda (Zerbe) Leininger, and
they have one son, Ralph C., who is in school. In politics Mr.
Steiner is a Democrat, but in local affairs is not bound by party
ties. Fraternally he belongs to Aerie No. 66, F. O. E. ; the
Reading Hose Company ; Ogalala Tribe, No. 186, I. O. R. M., in all
of which he is very popular. He bears an untarnished reputation in
the business world, and the success he has attained is well
merited.